PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORP
10-K, 1998-03-19
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                                    FORM 10-K

                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

      For the fiscal year ended               Commission file number
          December 31, 1997                           0-16421

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

                        PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
                        --------------------------------

             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                MARYLAND                               52-1518642
      (State or other jurisdiction of     (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
      incorporation or organization)   

                           114 EAST LEXINGTON STREET
                          BALTIMORE, MARYLAND  21202
              (Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

                                 (410) 277-7000
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
                               Title of each class
                                      None

                    Name of each exchange on which registered
                                      None

           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
                     Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share

     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  and Exchange Act
of 1934  during the  preceding  12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                                Yes /X/  No / /

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.
                                Yes /X/  No / /

     The aggregate  market value of the voting stock held by  non-affiliates  of
the Registrant as of January 30, 1998 was $725,616,271.

     At January 30, 1998, the Registrant had 23,073,790 shares of $1.00 par
value common stock outstanding adjusted for a 2 for 1 stock split which occurred
on February 13, 1998 for stockholders of record at the close of business on
February 2, 1998.

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                                       1

<PAGE> 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.                                                             Page
                                                                    ----

Item 1.         Business                                              3
Item 2.         Properties                                            4      
Item 3.         Legal Proceedings                                     4      
Item 4.         Submission of Matters to a Vote of
                 Security Holders                                     4 
PART II.

Item 5.         Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
                 Related Stockholder Matters                          4      
Item 6.         Selected Financial Data                               5      
Item 7.         Management's Discussion and Analysis   
                 of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     6
Item 7A.        Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
                 About Market Risk                                    24 
Item 8.         Financial Statements and Supplementary Data           24     
Item 9.         Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
                 on Accounting and Financial Disclosure               47       

PART III.

Item 10.        Directors and Executive Officers of the
                 Registrant*                                          47
Item 11.        Executive Compensation*                               47
Item 12.        Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
                 Owners and Management*                               47
Item 13.        Certain Relationships and Related
                 Transactions*                                        47
PART IV.

Item 14.        Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
                 Reports on Form 8-K                                  47
                Signatures                                            48

*Incorporated by reference from Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 15, 1998, for which a Proxy
Statement will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year
covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                        
                                       2

<PAGE> 3

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

Provident Bankshares Corporation ("the Corporation"), a Maryland corporation,
was organized in 1987 by the management of Provident Bank of Maryland ("the
Bank"), and registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956. Through a reorganization dated December 22, 1987, the Corporation
became the sole stockholder of the Bank. The reorganization allowed the Bank to
convert from a Maryland chartered mutual savings bank, the form in which it had
operated since 1886, to a Maryland chartered stock commercial bank. At December
31, 1997, the Bank was the second largest commercial bank chartered under the
laws of the State of Maryland in terms of assets. For the discussion regarding
lending and investment activities as well as sources of funds of the
Corporation, see pages 13 through 19. 

MORTGAGE BANKING ACTIVITIES

Provident Mortgage Corp. ("PMC"), a subsidiary of the Bank, was formed in 1992
to offer a broad range of mortgage lending products to consumers and thereby
enhance the Corporation's mortgage banking operations.

BANKING SERVICES ACTIVITIES

Provident Investment Center, Inc. ("PIC"), a subsidiary of the Bank, provides
consumers a competitive range of banking products, such as purchased annuities
and mutual funds.

INSURANCE ACTIVITIES

BankSure Insurance Corporation ("BankSure"), a subsidiary of the Bank, offers
insurance products to its loan customers and thereby enhances the Bank's lending
product lines.

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES

The Bank owns approximately 49,000 square feet of real estate adjacent to the
Corporation's headquarters building. Management plans to utilize this real
estate to meet future space requirements of the Corporation.

EMPLOYEES

At December 31, 1997, the Corporation and its subsidiaries had 1,235 employees.
The Corporation currently maintains what management considers to be a
comprehensive, competitive employee benefits program. Employees are not
represented by a collective bargaining unit and management considers its
relationship with its employees to be good.

COMPETITION

The Corporation encounters substantial competition in all areas of its business.
There are three commercial banks based in Maryland with deposits in excess of $1
billion. Additionally, there are three banks with deposits in excess of $1
billion operating in Maryland which have headquarters in other states. The Bank
also faces competition from savings and loan associations, savings banks,
mortgage banking companies, credit unions, insurance companies, consumer finance
companies, money market and mutual funds and various other financial services
firms. 
     Current federal law allows acquisitions of bank holding companies
nationwide. Further, Maryland law in some instances allows acquisitions among
banks in Maryland with banks in other states, provided that the other
jurisdiction has approved reciprocal interstate banking legislation. As a
consequence of these developments, competition in the Bank's principal market
may increase, and a consolidation of financial institutions in Maryland may
occur. 

REGULATION

The Corporation is registered as a bank holding company, under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956. As such, the Corporation is subject to regulation and
examination by the Federal Reserve Board, and is required to file periodic
reports and any additional information that the Federal Reserve Board may
require. The Bank Holding Company Act imposes certain restrictions upon the
Corporation regarding the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of or
direct or indirect ownership or control of any bank of which it is not already
the majority owner; or, with certain exceptions, of any company engaged in
nonbanking activities. 
     The Bank is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Bank
Commissioner of the State of Maryland and the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation. Asset growth, deposits, reserves, investments, loans, consumer law
compliance, issuance of securities, payment of dividends, establishment of
branches, mergers and consolidations, changes in control, electronic funds
transfer, management practices and other aspects of operations are subject to
regulation by the appropriate federal and state supervisory authorities. The
Bank is also subject to various regulatory requirements of the Federal Reserve
Board applicable to FDIC insured depository institutions.

MONETARY POLICY 

The Corporation and the Bank are affected by fiscal and monetary
policies of the federal government, including those of the Federal Reserve
Board, which regulates the national money supply in order to mitigate
recessionary and inflationary pressures. Among the techniques available to the
Federal Reserve Board are engaging in open market transactions of U.S.
Government securities, changing the discount rate and changing reserve
requirements against bank deposits. These techniques are used in varying
combinations to influence the overall growth of bank loans, investments and
deposits. Their use may also affect interest rates charged on loans and paid on
deposits. The effect of governmental policies on the earnings of the Corporation
and the Bank cannot be predicted. 

                                       3
<PAGE> 4


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

In December 1990, the Bank sold its corporate headquarters located at 114 East
Lexington Street, Baltimore, Maryland, and simultaneously leased back these
facilities for an initial twelve year lease term. 
     The majority of the Bank's 81 offices are located in the
Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area and southern Pennsylvania. The Bank owns
12 and leases 69 of its offices. Most of these leases provide for the payment of
property taxes and other costs by the Bank and include one or more renewal
options ranging from five to ten years. Some of the leases also contain a
purchase option.
     In 1993, the Bank renewed a long-term agreement to lease a one-story
building large enough to consolidate operations and support functions. The Bank
currently leases all of the building's 80,000 square feet of space.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Refer to Note 13 of Item 8. -- "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" on
page 43.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 

None 

PART II.

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

The common stock of Provident Bankshares Corporation is traded over-the-counter
and is quoted in the NASDAQ Stock Market. Such over-the-counter market
quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or
commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The NASDAQ
symbol is PBKS. The trading range of Provident's common stock for the years 1997
and 1996 is shown in the table of Consolidated Quarterly Results of Operations,
Market Prices and Dividends contained on page 12 of Management's Discussion and
Analysis (Item 7). At January 30, 1998, there were approximately 3,300 holders
of record of the Corporation's common stock. 
     For the year 1997, the Corporation declared and paid dividends of $.44 per
share of common stock outstanding. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements of Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries for a
discussion of the effect of the liquidation account of the Bank on the ability
of the Corporation to pay dividends. Certain provisions of Maryland banking law
impose limitations on the amount of dividends payable by the Corporation, but
none is as restrictive as the liquidation account.


                                       4
<PAGE> 5


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Table 1

                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)                       1997          1996          1995          1994         1993
=================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>       
Interest Income (tax-equivalent)                              $  280,167    $  248,311    $  224,236    $  172,351   $  156,717
Interest Expense                                                 156,718       137,354       122,819        82,254       74,981
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income (tax-equivalent)                             123,449       110,957       101,417        90,097       81,736
Provision for Loan Losses                                          9,953        10,011         1,517          (678)       2,845
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses              113,496       100,946        99,900        90,775       78,891
Non-Interest Income                                               41,672        44,509        34,573        29,122       28,097
Net Securities Gains (Losses)                                      2,337         5,556        (2,683)          695        2,951
Merger Related Expenses (1)                                       10,047            --            --            --           --
Non-Interest Expense                                             107,816       110,323        97,416        95,164       89,843
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Taxes and Cumulative
  Effect of Change in Accounting Principle                        39,642        40,688        34,374        25,428       20,096
Income Tax Expense (tax-equivalent)                               14,683        14,500        12,242         9,263        6,863
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle (2)               --            --            --            --          777
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                                    $   24,959    $   26,188    $   22,132    $   16,165   $   14,010
=================================================================================================================================
Per Share Amounts:
  Net Income Before Cumulative Effect of
   Change in Accounting Principle                             $     1.10    $     1.18    $     1.02    $      .82   $      .69
  Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle (2)             --            --            --            --          .04
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income-- Basic                                          $     1.10    $     1.18    $     1.02    $      .82   $      .73
  Net Income-- Diluted                                              1.06          1.12           .97           .77          .69
=================================================================================================================================
  Cash Dividends Paid                                         $      .44    $      .35    $      .26    $      .18   $      .13
=================================================================================================================================
Tax-Equivalent Adjustment (3)                                 $    1,055    $      832    $      754    $      417   $      317
=================================================================================================================================
Total Assets                                                  $3,926,739    $3,485,618    $3,170,390    $2,842,050   $2,366,199
Total Stockholders' Equity                                       270,182       238,798       223,048       184,358      164,915
Return on Average Assets                                             .68%          .79%          .75%          .66%         .62%
Return on Average Equity                                            9.91         11.41         10.88          9.55         9.38
Stockholders' Equity to Assets                                      6.88          6.85          7.04          6.49         6.97
Average Equity to Average Assets                                    6.89          6.91          6.85          6.95         6.65
Dividend Payout Ratio                                              41.51         31.25         26.80         23.38        18.84
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Merger Related Expenses -- Exclusive of after tax merger related expenses incurred during 1997, net income would have been 
    $33.6 million. Return on average assets and return on average equity for 1997 would have been .92% and 13.34%, respectively. 
    Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share would have been $1.48 and $1.43, respectively.
(2) In 1993 the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle included an $1,510 ($.08 per share) income tax benefit and 
    a $733 ($.04 per share) cost of purchased mortgage servicing rights.
(3) Tax-advantaged income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using the combined statutory federal and state income tax 
    rate in effect of 39.55% in 1997-1994 and 38.62% in 1993.
</TABLE>
                                                     5

<PAGE> 6

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

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The principal objective of this Financial Review is to provide an overview of
the financial condition and results of operations of Provident Bankshares
Corporation and its subsidiaries for the three years ended December 31, 1997.
The outlook for the Corporation based upon current trends and actions taken
during the year is also included. This discussion and tabular presentations
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and
notes.
     Provident Bankshares Corporation ("the Corporation"), through its wholly
owned subsidiary, Provident Bank of Maryland ("the Bank"), offers consumer and
commercial banking services throughout central Maryland. The Bank offers related
financial services through its wholly owned subsidiaries, including mortgages
through Provident Mortgage Corp. (PMC), and mutual funds and annuities through
Provident Investment Center (PIC). During 1997, the Corporation acquired First
Citizens Financial Corporation and the acquisition was accounted for as a
pooling-of-interest, accordingly, results for the reporting periods have been
restated.
     Before merger related costs, the Corporation recorded operating results in
1997 of $33.6 million or $1.43 per share-diluted, a 27% increase over the $26.2
million or $1.12 (adjusted for the 1997 5% stock dividend and 2 for 1 stock
split in February 1998) per share-diluted earned in 1996. The growth in net
earnings was attributable to a $12.3 million rise in net interest income, lower
provision for loan losses and a $2.5 million decrease in operating costs, net of
merger expenses. These were partially offset by a $6.1 million decrease in
non-interest income. These variances are discussed in more detail beginning on
the following pages.

FINANCIAL TRENDS

The graphs below illustrate Provident's  performance during the past five years.
The amounts and ratios for 1997  exclude the $8.7  million  after-tax  impact of
merger related expenses.

                              [GRAPHS APPEAR HERE]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS

               <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C> 
               1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
               ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
               .62%       .66%       .75%       .79%       .92%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                           RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY

               <S>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C> 
               1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
               ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
               9.38%      9.55%     10.88%     11.41%     13.34%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                        AVERAGE ASSETS (in billions)

              <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C> 
               1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
               ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
              $2.25      $2.43      $2.97      $3.32      $3.66
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                         AVERAGE EQUITY (in millions)

              <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C> 
               1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
              ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
              $149.4     $169.2     $203.5     $229.5     $252.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                            NET INCOME (in millions)

              <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C> 
               1993       1994       1995       1996      1997
              -------    -------    -------    -------   ------- 
              $14.010    $16.165    $22.132    $26.188   $33.610
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
                      CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE (in dollars)

               <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C> 
               1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
               ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
               $.13       $.18       $.26       $.35       $.44

                           Cash Dividends Per Share 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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<CAPTION>
                         EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars)

               <S>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C> 
               1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
               ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
               $.69       $.77       $.97      $1.12      $1.43

                           Diluted Earnings Per Share
</TABLE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------

NET INTEREST INCOME
The Corporation's principal source of revenue is net interest income, the
difference between interest income on earning assets and interest expense on
deposits and borrowings. Interest income, for purposes of analysis, is presented
on a tax-equivalent basis to recognize associated tax benefits as this
presentation provides a basis for comparison of yields with taxable earning
assets. The discussion on net interest income should be read in conjunction with
Table 2 -- "Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income" and Table 3 --
"Consolidated Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense and Yields and
Rates."
     Tax-equivalent net interest income for 1997 increased $12.5 million or
11.3% from 1996 as average earning assets grew $341 million over the prior year.
Net interest margin grew by 2 basis points primarily caused by an $18 million
increase in non-interest bearing liabilities.
     Provident's interest income increased $31.9 million or 12.8% during the
year primarily due to the growth in average earning assets plus a 15 basis point
increase in yield. The increase in yield was mainly due to a continued shift out
of investments into higher yielding loans. The increase in average earning
assets resulted from a $422 million increase in the loan portfolios offset by a
decline of $50 million in investments and $30 million in loans held for sale.
Consumer loans grew $349 million while the commercial business and real estate
mortgage portfolios also experienced growth of $25 million and $47 million,
respectively. Interest income earned on the loan portfolio increased $35.1
million reflecting higher loan outstandings. The yield on investments and loans
increased 23 basis points and 1 basis point, respectively. Interest lost from
non-accruing loans was $523 thousand compared to $440 thousand in 1996.
     Interest expense increased $19.4 million from 1996 resulting from a $292
million growth in average interest bearing liabilities. The overall cost of
funds increased 14 basis points during 1997 as costs on total interest bearing
liabilities increased 17 basis points. Excluding the effect of off-balance sheet
positions in each year, total costs of interest bearing liabilities would have
increased 9 basis points. The average rate paid on borrowed funds increased 16
basis points during 1997.
     The increase in average interest bearing liabilities reflects a $298
million rise in interest bearing deposits, $201 million of which is associated
with matched maturity brokered deposits and $62 million with money market
certificates of deposit. Non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts grew by
$18 million or 11%. The Corporation experienced a $6 million drop in borrowed
funds.
     Future growth in net interest income will depend upon consumer and
commercial loan demand and the general level of interest rates. Please refer to
the section entitled "Interest Sensitivity Management" on page 21 for further
discussion of the impact of current trends on net interest income in 1997.


                                       6
<PAGE> 7

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
Table 2

                                              1997/1996                                   1996/1995
                              ------------------------------------------     -------------------------------------------
                                           Variance Due To Change In                   Variance Due To Change In
                                      ----------------------------------            ------------------------------------
(in thousands)                Net Increase/  Average  Average  Average       Net Increase/  Average  Average   Average
(tax-equivalent basis)         (Decrease)     Rate    Volume  Rate/Volume      (Decrease)    Rate    Volume  Rate/Volume
========================================================================================================================
<S>                              <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>   
INTEREST INCOME FROM:
Loans:
  Consumer                       $28,447   $   195    $28,187    $  65          $ 28,483   $(1,760)  $ 31,214   $(971)
  Commercial Business              1,800      (354)     2,187      (33)            5,154    (1,421)     7,117    (542)
  Real Estate - Construction         394       293         99        2             3,277      (690)     4,285    (318)
  Real Estate - Mortgage           4,414       627      3,736       51           (21,473)    1,321    (22,355)   (439)
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale      (2,099)      206     (2,213)     (92)             (278)     (220)       (61)      3
Other Short-Term Investments        (175)      (47)      (143)      15                17       (54)        81     (10)
U.S. Treasury and Government
  Agencies and Corporations         (995)      258     (1,211)     (42)            2,152       240      1,829      83
Mortgage-Backed Securities         1,127     2,227     (1,063)     (37)           10,902    (1,088)    12,244    (254)
Municipal Securities                 514       (43)       582      (25)              255       (20)       283      (8)
Other Debt Securities             (1,287)      175     (1,394)     (68)           (4,698)      154     (4,763)    (89)
Equity Securities                   (284)        -       (284)       -               284         -        284       -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Interest Income           31,856     4,873     26,464      519            24,075    (2,942)    27,376    (359)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST EXPENSE ON:
Demand/Money Market Deposits         338      (287)       642      (17)             (109)   (1,759)     1,960    (310)
Savings Deposits                   3,350     3,407        (48)      (9)            1,658     2,068       (362)    (48)
Certificates of Deposit           14,424    (1,022)    15,747     (301)            8,221      (275)     8,548     (52)
Individual Retirement Accounts       156      (159)       323       (8)             (250)     (210)       (41)      1
Short-Term Borrowings               (865)      999     (1,803)     (61)               33    (2,168)     2,375    (174)
Long-Term Debt                     1,961       332      1,602       27             4,982       619      4,190     173
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Interest Expense          19,364     5,063     13,793      508            14,535       304     14,196      35
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income              $12,492   $  (190)   $12,671    $  11          $  9,540   $(3,246)  $ 13,180   $(394)
========================================================================================================================

The table above  analyzes the reasons for the changes from  year-to-year  in the principal  elements that comprise net interest 
income.  The calculation of rate, volume and rate/volume variances is based upon a procedure established for banks by  the  
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission.  Rate,  volume  and  rate/volume variances presented for each component will not total to 
the variances presented on totals of  interest  income  and  interest  expense  because  of shifts  from year-to-year in the 
relative mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.
</TABLE>

                                                     7
<PAGE> 8

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE AND YIELDS AND RATES

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries
Table 3

                                                      1997                                   1996    
                                         -------------------------------     ------------------------------------
    (dollars in thousands)                Average    Yield/     Income/        Average      Yield/      Income/ 
    (tax-equivalent basis)                Balance     Rate      Expense        Balance       Rate       Expense  
=================================================================================================================
<S>                                    <C>           <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>        <C>     
ASSETS
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS:
Loans: (2)
  Consumer                             $1,402,359     8.09%    $113,496     $1,053,279       8.07%     $ 85,049
  Commercial Business                     292,788     8.75       25,607        268,158       8.88        23,807  
  Real Estate-- Construction              125,565    10.33       12,968        124,584      10.09        12,574   
  Real Estate-- Mortgage                  624,604     8.04       50,227        577,515       7.93        45,813  
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 -------- 
    Total Loans (1)                     2,445,316     8.27      202,298      2,023,536       8.26       167,243 
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 -------- 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale               37,662     7.57        2,851         68,112       7.27         4,950  
Federal Funds Sold and Securities 
 Purchased Under Resale Agreements             --       --           --             --         --            --     
Other Short-Term Investments                6,023     4.37          263          8,949       4.89           438     
U.S. Treasury and Government
 Agencies and Corporations                 90,709     7.10        6,437        108,368       6.86         7,432    
Corporate Securities                           --       --           --             --         --            --    
Mortgage-Backed Securities                914,196     7.06       64,531        929,786       6.82        63,404    
Municipal Securities                       18,875     8.01        1,512         11,917       8.37           998     
Other Debt Securities                      28,174     8.07        2,275         46,277       7.70         3,562   
Equity Securities                              --       --           --          2,983       9.52           284    
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 -------- 
  Total Investment Securities (2)       1,051,954     7.11       74,755      1,099,331       6.88        75,680  
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 --------
Trading Account Securities                     --       --           --             --         --            -- 
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 -------- 
  Total Interest-Earning Assets         3,540,955     7.91      280,167      3,199,928       7.76       248,311 
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 --------
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses           (33,017)                             (27,985)   
Cash and Due From Banks                    57,923                               55,568     
Other Assets                               89,650                               92,621     
                                       ----------                           ----------
Total Assets                           $3,655,511                           $3,320,132  
                                       ==========                           ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES:
Demand/Money Market Deposits           $  403,128     2.81       11,347     $  380,913       2.89        11,009  
Savings Deposits                          620,267     3.30       20,450        621,995       2.75        17,100  
Certificates of Deposit                 1,194,202     5.69       67,917        922,616       5.80        53,493  
Individual Retirement Accounts            111,252     5.65        6,290        105,680       5.80         6,134   
Short-Term Borrowings                     505,640     5.68       28,737        538,434       5.50        29,602  
Long-Term Debt                            360,862     6.09       21,977        334,120       5.99        20,016  
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 --------
  Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities    3,195,351     4.90      156,718      2,903,758       4.73       137,354 
                                       ----------              --------     ----------                 --------
Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits       176,645                              158,635 
Other Liabilities                          31,555                               28,253  
Stockholders' Equity                      251,960                              229,486   
                                       ----------                           ----------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' 
  Equity                               $3,655,511                           $3,320,132      
                                       ----------                           ----------
Net Interest-Earning Assets            $  345,604                           $  296,170 
                                       ----------                           ----------
Net Interest Income (tax-equivalent)                            123,449                                 110,957 
Less: Tax-Equivalent Adjustment                                  (1,055)                                   (832) 
                                                               --------                                --------
Net Interest Income                                            $122,394                                $110,125 
                                                               --------                                --------
Net Yield on Interest-Earning
 Assets (tax-equivalent)                              3.49%                                  3.47%             

(1) Average loan balances include non-accrual loans.
(2) Tax-advantaged income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using the combined statutory 
    federal and state income tax rate in effect of 39.55% in 1997 - 1994 and 38.62% in 1993.
</TABLE>

                                                 8
<PAGE> 9

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   1995                                   1994                                   1993
      -------------------------------     ------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
       Average    Yield/     Income/        Average      Yield/      Income/       Average     Yield/     Income/ 
       Balance     Rate      Expense        Balance       Rate       Expense       Balance     Rate       Expense  
===================================================================================================================
    <S>          <C>       <C>           <C>              <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>      <C>      
     $ 678,734    8.33%    $  56,566     $  525,796       7.78%     $ 40,925     $  442,822     8.00%    $  35,412
       194,094    9.61        18,653        176,511       8.56        15,109        163,974     7.75        12,706
        85,277   10.90         9,297         91,299       9.23         8,430        107,055     8.43         9,029
       864,852    7.78        67,286        806,403       7.50        60,475        518,754     7.92        41,067
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              ---------
     1,822,957    8.33       151,802      1,600,009       7.81       124,939      1,232,605     7.97        98,214
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              ---------
        68,920    7.59         5,228         93,133       6.97         6,489        122,311     6.74         8,248

            --      --            --            565       3.19            18            367     2.72            10
         7,496    5.62           421            323       5.26            17             --       --            --

        80,488    6.56         5,280         67,555       6.35         4,292         58,727     6.85         4,025
            --      --            --         19,961       7.08         1,414        123,692     5.36         6,631
       753,963    6.96        52,502        534,685       6.53        34,914        582,595     6.80        39,589
         8,634    8.61           743          3,371       7.95           268             --       --            --
       109,308    7.56         8,260             --         --            --             --       --            --
            --      --            --             --         --            --             --       --            --
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              ---------
       952,393    7.01        66,785        625,572       6.54        40,888        765,014     6.57        50,245 
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              ---------
            --      --            --             --         --            --         14,188       --            --
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              ---------
     2,851,766    7.86       224,236      2,319,602       7.43       172,351      2,134,485     7.34       156,717
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              ---------
       (27,299)                             (28,753)                                (28,984)
        53,379                               44,797                                  36,741
        90,322                               97,784                                 102,966
    ----------                           ----------                              ----------
    $2,968,168                           $2,433,430                              $2,245,208
    ==========                           ==========                              ==========


    $  323,836    3.43        11,118     $  356,642       2.81        10,011     $  334,848     2.82         9,426
       636,908    2.42        15,442        646,063       2.88        18,618        598,713     3.17        19,005
       776,089    5.83        45,272        553,399       4.59        25,402        555,084     4.71        26,118
       106,370    6.00         6,384        103,671       5.45         5,655        106,136     5.60         5,948
       498,399    5.93        29,569        269,968       4.69        12,663        290,521     3.60        10,454
       261,295    5.75        15,034        205,795       4.81         9,905         87,165     4.62         4,030
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              ---------
     2,602,897    4.72       122,819      2,135,538       3.85        82,254      1,972,467     3.80        74,981
    ----------             ---------     ----------                 --------     ----------              --------- 
       129,740                              107,112                                  93,342
        32,064                               21,549                                  30,013
       203,467                              169,231                                 149,386
    ----------                           ----------                              ----------
    $2,968,168                           $2,433,430                              $2,245,208
    ==========                           ==========                              ==========
    $  248,869                           $  184,064                              $  162,018
    ==========                           ==========                              ========== 
                             101,417                                  90,097                                81,736
                                (754)                                   (417)                                 (317)
                           ---------                                --------                             ---------
                           $ 100,663                                $ 89,680                             $  81,419
                           =========                                ========                             =========
                  3.56%                                   3.88%                                 3.83%

</TABLE>

                                                 9
<PAGE> 10

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses, net of the merger related portion, decreased $2.7
million to $7.4 million in 1997. During 1996 the Corporation incurred a $5
million write-off attributed to a single commercial credit. Without this
write-off, the provision in 1996 would have been approximately $5.0 million.
Total loans outstanding grew by $453 million. The Corporation continues to
emphasize quality underwriting as well as aggressive management of prior
charge-offs and potential problem loans. 
     Net charge-offs were $3.5 million in 1997 compared to $7.2 million in 1996.
The decrease is mainly associated with the single commercial credit in 1996
noted above. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans was .14% in 1997.
Non-accrual loans ended the year at $9.9 million, a decrease of $5.0 million
from December 31, 1996. This decrease is mainly associated with the change in
policy to no longer place consumer loans on non-accrual status but to charge-off
such loans at 120 days and 180 days delinquent for installment loans and
revolving credits, respectively. This change in policy was made to conform with
standard industry practice.
     A further discussion of the allowance for loan losses, net charge-offs and
non-performing assets appears on pages 15-18.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income is principally derived from fee-based services, mortgage
banking activities and gains on investment securities sales. Total non-interest
income decreased 12.1% to $44.0 million. Excluding net securities gains
(losses), non-interest income decreased $2.8 million or 6.4%. Table 4 presents a
comparative analysis of the major components of non-interest income.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-INTEREST INCOME SUMMARY
Table 4

(in thousands)                                 1997         1996        1995        1994        1993
=====================================================================================================
<S>                                         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>    
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts         $24,432      $19,262     $13,685     $ 8,734     $ 6,254
Mortgage Banking Activities                   6,845       14,895       9,806      14,696      11,763
Commissions and Fees                          3,705        3,229       2,101       3,223       1,738
Trading Account Profits                           -            -           -           -         416
Credit Card Fees                                  -            -           -           -         426
Other Loan Fees                               2,147        1,872       1,208       1,261       1,443
Interest Income on Tax Refund                     -            -       5,796           -           -
Gain on Sale of Credit Card Portfolio             -            -           -           -       4,389
Other Non-Interest Income                     4,543        5,251       1,977       1,208       1,668
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Subtotal                                   41,672       44,509      34,573      29,122      28,097
Net Securities Gains (Losses)                 2,337        5,556      (2,683)        695       2,951
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Non-Interest Income                 $44,009      $50,065     $31,890     $29,817     $31,048
=====================================================================================================
</TABLE>

     Deposit service charges rose 27% over the prior year due to a $3.3 million
increase in retail demand deposit service fees, $1.1 million increase in ATM
fees and a $588 thousand increase in commercial deposit fees. Interest-bearing
demand/money market deposits grew $27 million or 6.8% over last year while
noninterest-bearing deposits increased $27 million or 15.2%. These increases are
the result of continued promotion and sales efforts of retail deposit products.
     Income from mortgage banking activities decreased $8.0 million, $1.5
million due to lower gains on the sale of mortgage servicing rights, $3.0
million in lower gains from sale of mortgage loans and $2.0 million from lower
origination income. Mortgage originations during the year declined $68 million
to $396 million. The changes resulted primarily from the interruptions of
closing sales offices and shifting to a more indirect origination business.
     Provident Investment Center (PIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank
offers annuities and mutual funds through an affiliation with a securities
broker-dealer. For the year 1997, income associated with these products
increased by $384 thousand to $2.2 million. This increase is attributed to
concentrated sales efforts towards these products.
     Loan fees increased $275 thousand from 1996, all associated with retail
loan fees. This increase is tied to an increase in loan volume.
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 125/127 -- "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" which became
effective for the Corporation in 1997. The Statement provides accounting and
reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and
extinguishments of liabilities. This Statement did not have any material affect
on the results of the Corporation.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE 

Non-interest expense is composed primarily of costs associated with employees'
salaries and benefits, bank facilities, external data processing and regulatory
fees. Provident's non-interest expense of $108 million (net of merger expenses)
represented a 2% decrease from 1996. Table 5 presents a comparative summary of
the major components of non-interest expense.

                                       10
<PAGE> 11

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE SUMMARY
Table 5

(in thousands)                               1997         1996        1995        1994        1993
===================================================================================================
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>    
Salaries and Employee Benefits           $ 54,107     $ 55,406     $50,875     $51,149     $50,040
Occupancy Expense, Net                     10,018        9,317       8,914       8,305       7,877
Furniture & Equipment                       7,354        7,036       6,625       5,486       5,068
External Processing Fees                   12,374       10,929       7,784       6,729       5,152
Advertising and Promotion                   5,678        5,986       5,562       5,042       4,635
Communication & Postage                     3,693        3,861       3,050       2,702       2,051
Printing & Supplies                         2,277        2,351       2,032       1,586       1,552
Federal Insurance Fund Recapitalization         -        3,029           -           -           -
Regulatory Fees                             1,016        1,699       3,095       4,357       4,223
Professional Services                       2,762        3,000       2,621       2,590       2,287
Merger Related Expenses                    10,047            -           -           -           -
Other Non-Interest Expense                  8,537        7,709       6,858       6,675       6,958
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Non-Interest Expense             $117,863     $110,323     $97,416     $94,621     $89,843
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>
     Salaries and benefits decreased $1.3 million during the year. Compensation
decreased $729 thousand while benefits were down $570 thousand. The decline in
these categories is attributable to the change in the mortgage banking business
from predominately retail to wholesale and savings associated with the merger.
Full time equivalent employees for the year were 1,235 compared to 1,459 last
year. Occupancy costs grew $701 thousand or 7.5% over last year. This increase
is mainly due to additional rent and leasehold improvements as the branch
network increased to 66 branches in 1997, with five new in-store locations.
Total furniture and equipment expense increased $318 thousand due to upgrading
of technology in the Bank's office automation and branch platform systems.
External processing increased $1.4 million or 13%, associated with increased
account volume. Regulatory fees declined $3.9 million, mainly associated with a
one-time SAIF special assessment of $3.0 million paid by Citizens Saving Bank in
the third quarter of 1996.

IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE

The Year 2000 Issue is the result of computer programs using two digits rather
than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Corporation's computer
programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system failure
or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among other
things, a temporary inability to process transactions. 
     The Corporation utilizes a third party processor for the majority of its
data processing requirements. Provident is working with this servicer as well as
with all of the Corporation's other significant suppliers of data processing
software and hardware. The Corporation presently believes that timely
modifications to existing software and or hardware will neutralize the Year 2000
Issue.
     The Corporation will utilize both internal and external resources to
reprogram, or replace, and test the software for Year 2000 modifications. The
Corporation plans to complete the Year 2000 project by December 31, 1998. The
total cost of the Year 2000 project is not expected to exceed $1.0 million and
is not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations.
     The costs of the project and the date on which the Corporation plans to
complete the Year 2000 modifications are based on management's best estimates,
which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events including the
continued availability of certain resources, third party modification plans and
other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be
achieved and actual results could differ materially from those plans. Specific
factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited
to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to
locate and correct all relevant computer codes, and similar uncertainties.

INCOME TAXES 

Provident recorded income tax expense of $13.6 million on pre-tax income of
$38.6 million for an effective tax rate of 35.3%. This compares with a 34.3%
effective tax rate for 1996. This increase is related to permanent tax
differences associated with the merger of First Citizens Financial Corporation
offset in part by a lower effective state income tax rate.

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS 

Provident recorded net income of $9.0 million, or $.37 per share on a diluted
basis, in the fourth quarter of 1997, an increase of $1.4 million, or 18%, over
the $7.7 million, or $.33 per share on a diluted basis, recorded in the same
period last year. The higher earnings are principally due to a 7.5% increase in
net interest income, higher non-interest income and lower operating expenses. A
higher loan loss provision as a result of loan growth and a rise in the
effective tax rate partially offset these increases.
     Tax-equivalent net interest income in the fourth quarter rose $2.2 million
to $31.1 million as the net interest margin declined 6 basis points to 3.39% and
average earning assets grew $311 million to $3.64 billion. The decrease in the
net interest margin primarily

                                       11
<PAGE> 12


reflected a higher cost of borrowed funds as well as the effect of the
amortization of closed off-balance sheet transactions.
     The Corporation recorded a provision for loan losses of $2.7 million during
the quarter to provide for loan growth in the portfolio.
     Non-interest income increased 4.5 percent to $12.1 million. The increase is
derived from fee-based services as a result of higher account volumes, security
gains and increased fees and commissions. Fee income from deposit accounts
increased $1.2 million and net security gains increased $1.3 million. These
increases were partially offset by lower mortgage banking income and lower other
non-interest income mainly associated with the successful settlement of
litigation during the fourth quarter of 1996.
     Non-interest expense decreased $427 thousand to $27.1 million mainly
because of lower salaries and benefits expense of $664 thousand. External
processing costs rose $230 thousand due to increased account volume and
occupancy expense increased $289 thousand.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Table 6 presents quarterly trend data for 1997 and 1996.
CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS 
(UNAUDITED)
Table 6
                                                           1997                                      1996
                                           --------------------------------------      -----------------------------------
                                           Fourth    Third       Second    First       Fourth    Third    Second    First
(in thousands, except per share data)      Quarter  Quarter (1)  Quarter  Quarter      Quarter   Quarter  Quarter  Quarter
==========================================================================================================================
<S>                                        <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>    
Interest Income                            $72,043   $71,475     $69,106  $66,488      $65,263   $63,354  $60,459  $58,403
Interest Expense                            41,250    39,912      38,623   36,933       36,617    35,197   33,214   32,326
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income                         30,793    31,563      30,483   29,555       28,646    28,157   27,245   26,077
Provision for Loan Losses                    2,736     4,330       2,053      834        2,250     1,705      509    5,547
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income After Provision
 for Loan Losses                            28,057    27,233      28,430   28,721       26,396    26,452   26,736   20,530
Non-Interest Income                         10,328    10,479      10,598   10,267       11,094    12,363   10,729   10,323
Net Securities Gains (Losses)                1,769       230         267       71          478        42      (38)   5,074
Merger Related Expenses (1)                      -    10,047           -        -            -         -        -        -
Non-Interest Expense                        27,118    26,987      26,909   26,802       27,545    30,216   26,514   26,048
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Taxes                         13,036       908      12,386   12,257       10,423     8,641   10,913    9,879
Income Tax Expense                           4,026       882       4,392    4,328        2,772     3,241    4,161    3,494
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                 $ 9,010   $    26     $ 7,994  $ 7,929      $ 7,651   $ 5,400  $ 6,752  $ 6,385
==========================================================================================================================
Per Share Amounts: (1)
Net Income  -  Basic                       $   .39   $   .00     $   .35  $   .35      $   .34   $   .24  $   .30  $   .29
Net Income  -  Diluted                     $   .37   $   .00     $   .34  $   .34      $   .33   $   .23  $   .29  $   .28
Market Prices: High                          32.13     29.82       20.82    20.42        18.64     16.85    16.07    15.25
               Low                           24.00     20.69       17.00    18.34        16.05     15.12    14.74    12.53
Cash Dividends Paid                            .12       .11         .11      .10          .10       .09      .08      .08
==========================================================================================================================
(1) Merger Related Expenses - Exclusive of $8.6 million after-tax merger related expenses  incurred  during the third 
    quarter of 1997, net income would have been $8.7 million. Third quarter basic and diluted earnings per share would 
    have been $.38.
</TABLE>

                                                 12
<PAGE> 13

FINANCIAL CONDITION 
- -------------------

SOURCE AND USE OF FUNDS 

DEPOSITS 

This graph reflects the steady growth in deposits over the respective years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             DEPOSITS (in billions)

                <S>          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>   
                 1993         1994        1995       1996        1997
                 ----         ----        ----       ----        ----
                $1.72        $1.91       $2.06      $2.29       $2.75
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     A major portion of Provident's funding comes from core deposits which
consists of consumer and commercial transaction accounts and consumer savings
and time deposits. These deposits are generated through the Bank's 66 branch
banking locations. At December 31, 1997, core deposits represented 73% of total
deposits and 55% of total liabilities. Provident's future funding growth is
expected to be generated from deposit growth through strategies outlined below.
     The branch network strategy includes traditional full service branch
locations supplemented with in-store branches. In-store branch locations are
comprised of supermarket locations and national retail superstores. Provident
Bank of Maryland as of December 31, 1997 had 51 traditional branch locations and
15 in-store branches. The Corporation has an agreement with FOODARAMA
Corporation to operate branches in their Metro and Basic supermarkets in the
Baltimore metropolitan area. Provident will selectively look for additional
branch opportunities complementary to existing locations when the cost of entry
is reasonable. The Corporation has seven in-store branches planned for 1998.
Provident continues to attract increased commercial and retail deposits.
Interest bearing demand/money market deposit balances at December 31, 1997 were
up $26.7 million or 6.8% compared to year end 1996. The Bank also operates seven
Fast'n Friendly Check Cashing centers. The purpose of the check cashing centers
is to offer alternative banking services to a segment of our market place that
does not utilize traditional banking services. The Corporation has two new
centers planned for 1998.

This table  presents  the average  deposit  balances and rates paid for the five
years ended December 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

AVERAGE DEPOSITS
Table 7

                                          1997                1996               1995                 1994               1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Average  Average    Average  Average   Average  Average     Average  Average   Average  Average
(dollars in thousands)              Balance   Rate      Balance   Rate     Balance   Rate       Balance    Rate    Balance   Rate
===================================================================================================================================
<S>                              <C>          <C>     <C>          <C>   <C>          <C>     <C>          <C>   <C>          <C>
Noninterest-Bearing              $  176,645     __%   $  158,635     __% $  129,740     __%   $  107,112     __% $   93,342     __%
Money Market/Demand                 403,128   2.81       380,913   2.89     323,836   3.43       356,642   2.81     334,848   2.82
Savings                             620,267   3.30       621,995   2.75     636,908   2.42       646,063   2.88     598,713   3.17
Time:
  Certificates of Deposit         1,194,202   5.69       922,616   5.80     776,089   5.83       553,399   4.59     555,084   4.71
  Individual Retirement Accounts    111,252   5.65       105,680   5.80     106,370   6.00       103,671   5.45     106,136   5.60
                                 ----------           ----------         ----------            ---------         ----------     
Total Average Balance/Rate       $2,505,494   4.23%   $2,189,839   4.01% $1,972,943   3.96%   $1,766,887   3.38% $1,688,123   3.58%
                                 ==========           ==========         ==========           ==========         ==========
Total Year-End Balance           $2,754,515           $2,286,144         $2,056,436           $1,905,584         $1,719,148
                                 ==========           ==========         ==========           ==========         ==========
</TABLE>

     As the table above indicates, Provident has a stable base of consumer
savings deposits. During 1997, average deposits grew $316 million or 14.4%
compared to 1996. Average money market/demand deposits and non-interest bearing
deposits increased $40.2 million or 7.5%. This growth reflects Provident's
emphasis on full banking relationships with its retail and commercial customers.
Average time deposits increased $277 million or 27%, $201 million of which is
attributable to matched maturity brokered deposits and $62 million in money
market certificates of deposit. Brokered deposits are utilized as a cheaper
source of funds compared to other available sources of borrowed money.

<PAGE>

The table below presents  information at December 31, 1997,  with respect to the
maturity of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or more.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

DEPOSIT MATURITIES
Table 8

                                                          Maturities
                           ------------------------------------------------------------
                           Three Months   Over Three Months   Over Six Months   Over 12
(dollars in thousands)       or Less        to Six Months       to 12 Months    Months        Total
======================================================================================================
<S>                          <C>               <C>                 <C>         <C>          <C>     
Balance                      $53,980           $26,308             $34,297     $41,842      $156,427
Percent of Total                34.5%             16.8%               21.9%       26.8%        100.0%

</TABLE>


                                              13
<PAGE> 14

CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT 

Much of the fundamental business of Provident is based upon understanding,
measuring and controlling credit risk. Credit risk entails both general risk,
which is inherent in the process of lending, and risk specific to individual
borrowers. Each consumer and residential lending product has a generally
predictable level of credit loss. For example, loans with generally low credit
loss experience include home mortgage and home equity loans. Loans with medium
credit loss experience are primarily secured products such as auto and marine
loans. The category with high credit loss experience includes unsecured products
such as personal revolving credit. In commercial lending, losses as a percentage
of outstanding loans can vary widely from period to period and are particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions. The evaluation of specific risk is a
basic function of underwriting and loan administration, involving analysis of
the borrower's ability to service debt as well as the value of pledged
collateral.
     Policies and procedures have been developed which specify the appropriate
credit approval and monitoring for the various types of credit offered. The Bank
employs prudent lending practices and adheres to regulatory requirements
including loan to value ratios and legal lending limits. These procedures are
modified periodically in order to reflect changing conditions and new products.
The Bank's lending and loan administration staffs are charged with reviewing the
loan portfolio, identifying changes in the economy or in a borrower's
circumstances which may affect the ability to repay debt or the value of pledged
collateral. In order to assess and monitor the degree of risk in the loan
portfolio, credit risk identification and review processes are utilized. Credit
risk analysis assigns a grade to each commercial loan based upon an assessment
of the borrower's financial capacity to service the debt and the presence and
value of collateral for the loan. An independent loan review function tests risk
assessment and determines the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
     Financial Accounting Standards require creditors to evaluate the
collectibility of contractually due principal and interest on commercial credits
to assess the need for providing for losses. The Corporation's credit procedures
require monitoring of commercial credits to determine the collectibility of such
credits. If a loan is identified as impaired, it will be placed on non-accrual
status and recorded according to accounting guidelines. As of December 31, 1997,
there were $2.9 million in commercial loans considered to be impaired.

LOANS 

Provident offers a diversified mix of residential and commercial real estate,
business and consumer loans. As shown in table 9, the mix of loans outstanding
has shifted to more consumer orientation over the past five years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              LOANS (in billions)

                <S>          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>   
                 1993         1994        1995       1996        1997
                 ----         ----        ----       ----        ----
                $1.52        $1.71       $1.75      $2.25       $2.70

</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Provident's residential mortgage lending includes the origination, sale and
servicing of fixed and variable rate mortgage loans. Loans are originated
through the loan production offices of Provident Mortgage Corp. Financial
Accounting Standards for mortgage banking enterprises that acquire mortgage
servicing rights, and sells or securitizes those loans with servicing retained,
require the allocation of the cost of the mortgage loans to the mortgage
servicing rights and the loans. Mortgage origination activity in 1997 showed a
slightly lower volume as originations totaled $376 million in 1997 compared to
$413 million in 1996. In 1998, originations are projected to exceed 1997's
production as more emphasis is being placed on the wholesale segment of the
business. During 1997, income from the sale of loans was $3.2 million while $3.8
million was recognized from the sale of servicing assets. The mortgage servicing
portfolio ended the year at $656 million. The residential real estate mortgage
loan balance at December 31, 1997 was $362 million compared to $356 million at
the end of the prior year.

<PAGE>

The following table sets forth information  concerning the Bank's loan portfolio
by type of loan at December 31.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

LOAN PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
Table 9

(dollars in thousands)                 1997      %          1996       %          1995     %          1994     %         1993    %
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                              <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>    <C>        <C>  
Consumer                         $1,667,094    61.7%  $1,211,971     54.0%  $  852,605   48.6%  $  540,141   31.6% $  516,356  33.9%
Commercial Business                 288,289    10.7      294,844     13.1      238,667   13.6      199,469   11.7     155,101  10.2
Real Estate -- Construction:
  Residential                        99,926     3.7      112,072      5.0       76,092    4.3       61,104    3.6      53,090   3.5
  Commercial                         25,154      .9        9,470       .4       19,444    1.1       26,869    1.6      52,491   3.4
Real Estate -- Mortgage:
  Residential                       362,012    13.4      355,566     15.8      332,940   19.1      655,052   38.3     529,367  34.7
  Commercial                        258,593     9.6      263,950     11.7      233,103   13.3      224,754   13.2     218,455  14.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Loans                    $2,701,068   100.0%  $2,247,873    100.0%  $1,752,851  100.0%  $1,707,389  100.0% $1,524,860 100.0%
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       14


<PAGE> 15

     Provident offers a wide range of loans to consumers including installment
loans, home equity loans, and personal lines of credit. In addition, the Bank
may purchase portfolios of quality consumer loans from other financial
institutions. All purchased portfolios go through a thorough due diligence
process prior to a purchase commitment. Provident's portfolio of acquired loans
increased $245 million on average, ending the year at $861 million, and is
predominately comprised of second mortgages.
     Consumer credit originated by Provident increased $104 million on average
during 1997, ending the year with a balance of $806 million. The majority of the
increase is from automobile and marine loans. Most of the automobile loans are
made through a network of auto dealerships in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania
and Virginia. Average auto loans made through this network of dealerships grew
$60 million ending the year at $306 million. Average marine loan balances grew
$21 million during 1997 totaling $172 million at year-end, and were produced
primarily through correspondent brokers. Average home equity lines of credit
increased $13 million during the year and totaled $210 million at the end of
1997 while average direct second mortgage loans increased $13 million and ended
the year at $69 million.
     Provident's focus in commercial real estate lending has been on financing
commercial and residential construction, as well as on intermediate-term
commercial mortgages. Properties securing the loans include office buildings,
shopping centers, apartment complexes, warehouses, residential building lots and
developments. Average commercial real estate mortgage loans increased $27
million or 11.4% while average commercial construction loans decreased $6
million or 31%. Average residential construction loans increased $7 million or
7% to end the year at $100 million.
     Provident's commercial loan portfolio consists of general business loans,
including asset-based loans, primarily to small and medium sized businesses in
the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. The Bank
stresses the importance of asset quality as well as the development of new
marketing programs. Average commercial loans grew by $25 million or 9% ending
the year at $288 million. Provident has minimal exposure to highly leveraged
transactions. HLTs totaled $33.3 million as of year-end, and all are performing
in accordance with their contractual terms.

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS AND PAST DUE LOANS 

Non-performing assets include loans on which interest is no longer accrued,
renegotiated loans and real estate and other assets that have been acquired
through foreclosure or repossession. Past due loans are loans that are 90 days
or more past due as of December 31 and still accruing interest because they are
well secured and in the process of collection. Beginning in 1997, the
Corporation no longer places consumer loans on non-accrual status to better
conform to standard industry practice. Delinquent consumer loan outstandings and
any uncollected interest are generally charged-off at 120 days and 180 days,
respectively. Information with respect to non-performing assets and past due
loans is presented in Table 10 for the years indicated. As shown in the table,
total non-accrual loans decreased $5.0 million, mainly in the consumer loan
portfolio due to the change in policy as noted above, partially offset by
increases of $2.4 million and $2.6 million in the commercial business and
residential mortgage portfolios, respectively. The increase in past due consumer
loans is a result of a $455 million or 38% growth in the consumer loan
portfolio. As of December 31, 1997, non-performing assets and past due loans
ended the year at $12.7 million and $25.3 million, respectively. (See the
discussion under Loans) The $10.6 million in past due residential mortgage loans
are guaranteed or insured by an agency of United States government and no
significant loss is anticipated. The increase in non-performing commercial loans
was primarily the result of one commercial credit.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           NON-PERFORMING LOANS (as a percentage of period-end loans)

                              Non-Performing Loans
                       -----------------------------------

                 <S>          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C> 
                 1993         1994        1995       1996        1997
                 ----         ----        ----       ----        ----
                 2.28%        1.12%       .90%       .84%        .36%

                            Allowance for Loan Losses
                       -----------------------------------
                 1993         1994        1995       1996        1997
                 ----         ----        ----       ----        ----
                 1.96%        1.59%       1.57%      1.35%       1.36%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The ratio of total non-performing loans to year-end loans declined from
 .84% to .36% at the end of 1997. The decrease is mainly attributable to the
change in the consumer loan non-accrual policy.
     Presented below is interest income that would have been recorded on all
non-accrual loans if such loans had been paid in accordance with their original
terms and the interest income on such loans that was actually collected for the
year.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Year Ended 
(in thousands)                                              December 31, 1997 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C> 
Gross interest income that would have been
  recorded had such loans been paid in
  accordance with original terms                                    $685
Interest income actually recorded                                    162
</TABLE>

                                       15
<PAGE> 16

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS AND PAST DUE LOANS
Table 10

                                                          December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                    1997        1996       1995        1994        1993
===============================================================================================
<S>                                    <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>    
Non-Accrual Loans:
  Consumer                             $    --     $ 9,809    $ 4,868     $ 1,533     $ 1,300
  Commercial Business                    2,917         539        246       1,450         194
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                             --          37         --          --       2,069
    Commercial                              --          --         80       9,349       7,700
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                          6,937       4,372      3,785       4,054       3,714
    Commercial                              --         125      1,327          --          --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Non-Accrual Loans                9,854      14,882     10,306      16,386      14,977
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renegotiated Loans:
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                             --          --         --          --       1,452
    Commercial                              --          --      2,575          --       9,182
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                             --          --         --          --       2,198
    Commercial                              --       3,942      2,900       2,813       7,008
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Renegotiated Loans                  --       3,942      5,475       2,813      19,840
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Non-Performing Assets:
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                            454         132      6,580      11,824      16,322
    Commercial                              --       9,571      7,122       4,223       3,862
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                          2,367         903        246         116       2,017
    Commercial                              --          --        939         177       5,797
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Other Non-Performing Assets     2,821      10,606     14,887      16,340      27,998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Non-Performing Assets            $12,675     $29,430    $30,668     $35,539     $62,815
===============================================================================================
Past Due Loans:
  Consumer                             $14,371     $   237    $   559     $   270     $   121
  Commercial Business                      126          --         --          --          --
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                            133          --         --          --          --
    Commercial                              --          --         --          --          --
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                         10,646       7,823      5,072         424         368
    Commercial                              --          --         --          --       3,087
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Past Due Loans                 $25,276     $ 8,060    $ 5,631     $   694     $ 3,576
===============================================================================================
Ratios:
  Total Non-Performing
   Loans to Year-End Loans                 .36%        .84%       .90%       1.12%       2.28%
  Total Non-Performing Assets
   to Year-End Assets                      .32%        .84%       .97%       1.25%       2.65%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                            16
<PAGE> 17

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Provident maintains an allowance for loan losses which is available to absorb
potential losses. The allowance is reduced by actual credit losses and is
increased by the provision for loan losses and recoveries of previous losses.
Determination of the adequacy of the allowance, which is performed quarterly, is
accomplished by assigning specific reserves to individually identified problem
credits and general reserves, based on historic and anticipated loss experience,
to all other loans.

     The following table reflects the allowance for possible loan losses and the
activity during each of the respective years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

Table 11

(dollars in thousands)                      1997          1996          1995          1994            1993
=============================================================================================================
<S>                                    <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>       
Balance at Beginning of Year           $   30,361   $   27,524    $   27,137    $   29,825      $   28,210
Provision for Loan Losses                   9,953       10,011         1,517          (678)          2,845
Loans Charged-Off:
  Consumer                                  3,641        2,888         1,642         1,485           3,064
  Commercial Business                         143        5,170           310           204             325
  Real Estate - Construction:
    Residential                               305           37            33             -               -
    Commercial                                 37            8             -         1,167               -
  Real Estate - Mortgage:
    Residential                               289          360            73            53              15
    Commercial                                798          399            76         1,088           1,001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Charge-Offs                         5,213        8,862         2,134         3,997           4,405
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recoveries:
  Consumer                                    871          826           917         1,225           1,556
  Commercial Business                         882          801            72           376           1,214
  Real Estate - Construction:
    Residential                                 -            -             -             -              96
    Commercial                                  1           16             -           385             277
  Real Estate - Mortgage:
    Residential                                 1           45            13             1               -
    Commercial                                  5            -             2             -              32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Recoveries                          1,760        1,688         1,004         1,987           3,175
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Loans Charged-Off                       3,453        7,174         1,130         2,010           1,230
=============================================================================================================
  Balance at End of Year               $   36,861   $   30,361    $   27,524    $   27,137      $   29,825
=============================================================================================================
Balances:
  Loans - Year-End                     $2,701,068   $2,247,873    $1,752,851    $1,707,389      $1,524,860
  Loans - Average                       2,445,316    2,023,536     1,822,957     1,600,009       1,232,605
Ratios:
  Net Loans Charged-Off to Average Loans      .14%         .35%          .06%          .13%            .10%
  Allowance for Loan Losses
    to Year-End Loans                        1.36         1.35          1.57          1.59            1.96
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     The continued emphasis on loan quality and close monitoring of potential
problem credits has resulted in a strong credit portfolio. Senior managers meet
at least monthly to review the credit quality of the loan portfolios and at
least quarterly with executive management to review the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses. The allowance is determined by management's
evaluation of the composition and risk characteristics of the loan portfolio.
Based upon the evaluation of credit risk, provisions, in the form of charges to
operations, are made to bring the allowance up to a level management believes is
adequate.
     An analysis of the loan portfolio was performed at December 31, 1997, and
expected losses have been provided for in the allowance for loan losses. During
1997 the loan loss allowance increased $6.5 million to $36.9 million at
year-end. The allowance as a percentage of total loans was 1.36% at December 31,
1997 compared to 1.35% at December 31, 1996. The allowance for loan losses as a
percentage of non-accrual loans was 374% at December 31, 1997, compared to 204%
the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to the change in the
consumer loan accrual policy offset partially by increases in non-accrual loans
for commercial business and residential mortgage. The portion of the allowance
which is allocated to non-accrual loans is determined by estimating the
potential loss on each credit after giving consideration to the value of
underlying collateral.

                                       17
<PAGE> 18

     Provident maintains a loan classification and review system to identify
those loans with a higher than normal risk of uncollectibility. Estimated
potential losses from internally criticized loans have been provided for in
determining the allowance for loan losses.
     Table 12 reflects the allocation of the allowance for loan losses to the
various loan categories. The entire allowance for loan losses is available to
absorb losses from any type of loan.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Table 12

                                                          December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                    1997        1996       1995        1994        1993
===============================================================================================
<S>                                    <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>    
Consumer                               $ 3,390     $ 4,572    $ 1,995     $   708     $ 1,770
Commercial Business                      8,376       3,120      2,527       2,579       2,693
Real Estate - Construction:
  Residential                            1,585       1,408      2,697       2,305       2,867
  Commercial                               384         883        545       3,143       5,479
Real Estate - Mortgage:
  Residential                              592         998      1,390       1,048       1,258
Commercial                               2,486       2,704      3,803       3,054       2,905
Unallocated                             20,048      16,676     14,567      14,300      12,853
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Allowance for Loan Losses        $36,861     $30,361    $27,524     $27,137     $29,825
===============================================================================================
</TABLE>

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Provident's investment activities include management of the $983 million
investment securities portfolio. The investment securities portfolio includes
mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government securities, municipal securities and
asset-backed securities. In addition to investment securities, the Corporation
invests in federal funds sold, reverse repos, mortgage loans held for sale and
other short-term investments (referred to in total as the investment portfolio).
The strategies employed in the management of these portfolios depend upon the
liquidity, interest sensitivity and capital objectives and requirements of the
Corporation. The Treasury Division executes these strategies.

The following table sets forth information concerning the Bank's investment
securities portfolio at December 31.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

INVESTMENT SECURITIES SUMMARY
Table 13

(dollars in thousands)                 1997      %          1996       %          1995     %         1994     %         1993    %
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                <C>         <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>        <C> 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
  U.S. Treasury and Government
   Agencies and Corporations       $ 55,576     5.7%   $   71,882    6.8%   $   67,833   5.8%    $ 33,156    3.5%   $ 39,783   7.2%
  Corporate Notes                        --      --            --     --            --    --           --     --      54,907   9.9
  Mortgage-Backed Securities        885,491    90.0       847,194   80.4       939,382  80.4      296,382   31.2     383,762  69.2
  Municipal Securities               19,391     2.0        19,091    1.8        11,981   1.0           --     --          --    --
  Other Debt Securities              22,783     2.3        29,987    2.8        76,073   6.5      100,531   10.6          --    --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Securities Available
     for Sale                       983,241   100.0       968,154   91.8     1,095,269  93.7      430,069   45.3     478,452  86.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY
  U.S. Treasury and Government
   Agencies and Corporations             --      --        32,395    3.1       13,397    1.2       34,569    3.6       8,679   1.6
  Mortgage-Backed Securities             --      --        53,842    5.1       60,106    5.1      477,886   50.3      67,201  12.1
  Municipal Securities                   --      --            --     --           --     --        7,186     .8          --    --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Securities Held to Maturity     --      --        86,237    8.2       73,503    6.3      519,641   54.7      75,880  13.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Investment
    Securities Portfolio           $983,241   100.0%   $1,054,391  100.0%  $1,168,772  100.0%    $949,710  100.0%   $554,332 100.0%
====================================================================================================================================
Total Portfolio Yield                   7.0%                  6.9%                6.9%                6.7%               6.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                            18
<PAGE> 19


     During 1997, Provident continued to enjoy a strong capital position, a high
degree of liquidity, and a substantial level of core deposits. Management's
principal objectives for the investment portfolio during 1997 were to maintain
an appropriate level of quality, to ensure sufficient liquidity in various
interest rate environments while maximizing yield and to increase net income by
utilizing excess capital. To successfully achieve these objectives, the
Corporation employs off-balance sheet and on balance sheet strategies. Total
investment securities decreased $71 million during 1997 as a result of shifting
funds into higher yielding loan portfolios.
     The Corporation applies the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 115 which requires investment securities to be segregated into
three categories: 1) held to maturity, 2) trading, and 3) available for sale.
All securities in the available for sale category must be measured at fair
market value. The resulting gain or loss is excluded from revenue but is
reflected as a change in stockholders' equity. Trading securities must be
measured at fair value and changes included in income for the period. As of
December 31, 1997, the Corporation had no investments classified as trading
securities. Securities designated as held to maturity are carried at amortized
cost. Subsequent to the merger of First Citizens Financial Corporation,
Provident disposed of certain securities classified as held to maturity by First
Citizens. As a result of these transactions, all of the Corporation's investment
securities portfolio has been classified as available for sale. Additionally,
all future purchases of securities will be classified as available for sale in
the forseeable future. At December 31, 1997, the available for sale portfolio
included net unrealized gains of approximately $7.8 million, compared to net
unrealized losses of $2.2 million at December 31, 1996.
     In addition to unrealized gains and losses, Provident realized $3.45
million in gains and $1.11 million in losses from the sale of securities from
the available for sale portfolio in 1997. These sales were the result of
management's continuous monitoring of the investment securities portfolio in
terms of both credit quality and interest sensitivity.

LIQUIDITY AND SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATES
- -------------------------------------------

LIQUIDITY 

An important component of the Bank's asset/liability structure is the level of
liquidity available to meet the needs of customers and creditors. Traditional
sources of bank liquidity include deposit growth, loan repayments, investment
maturities, asset sales, borrowings and interest received.
     Provident's Asset/Liability Management Committee has established general
guidelines for the maintenance of prudent levels of liquidity. The committee
continually monitors the amount and source of available liquidity, the time
required to obtain it and its cost. Management believes the Bank has sufficient
liquidity to meet funding needs in the foreseeable future.
     The primary source of liquidity at December 31, 1997 was loans held for
sale and investment securities available for sale, which totaled $1.05 billion.
This represents 29% of total liabilities compared to 31% at December 31, 1996.
Maturities of investment securities, as table 14 indicates, is expected to
generate $159 million in funds in 1998 and $678 million, or 69%, of the
portfolio within the next five years.

The following  table presents the expected cash flows and interest yields of the
Bank's investment securities portfolio at December 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

MATURITIES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO

Table 14

                                          In One Year     After One Year      After Five Years      Over      Unrealized
                                            or Less     Through Five Years   Through Ten Years    Ten Years   Gain (Loss)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                  Amount  Yield    Amount     Yield    Amount    Yield   Amount  Yield   Amount   Total  Yield
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                  <C>         <C>    <C>          <C>   <C>          <C>   <C>       <C>   <C>     <C>       <C> 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
  U.S. Treasury and Government
   Agencies and Corporations         $  1,677    6.2%   $ 26,258     6.4%  $  2,056     6.1%  $ 25,633  7.2%  $  (48) $ 55,576  6.8%
  Mortgage-Backed Securities          148,607    7.0     473,593     7.0    149,211     7.0    106,551  7.0    7,529   885,491  7.0
  Municipal Securities                     --     --       5,121     7.8     12,564     8.0      1,183  8.1      523    19,391  8.0
  Other Debt Securities                 8,732    7.9      14,226     7.9         --      --         --   --     (175)   22,783  7.9
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Investment
     Securities Portfolio            $159,016    7.0%   $519,198     7.0%  $163,831     7.1%  $133,367  7.0%  $7,829  $983,241  7.0%
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                            19
<PAGE> 20


     Another source of liquidity is scheduled loan repayments within one year,
which totaled $436 million or 16% of loans.
     Table 15 presents contractual loan maturities and interest rate sensitivity
at December 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

LOAN MATURITIES AND RATE SENSITIVITY

Table 15

                                   In One Year     After One Year     After Five
(dollars in thousands)               or Less     Through Five Years      Years      Total     Percent
======================================================================================================
<S>                                 <C>               <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>  
Consumer                            $178,036          $602,466       $  886,592  $1,667,094    61.7%
Commercial Business                   86,026           139,605           62,658     288,289    10.7
Real Estate - Construction:
  Residential                         77,876            20,775            1,275      99,926     3.7
  Commercial                          11,227             7,049            6,878      25,154      .9
Real Estate - Mortgage:
  Residential                         32,305            74,569          255,138     362,012    13.4
  Commercial                          50,157           126,822           81,614     258,593     9.6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Loans                     $435,627          $971,286       $1,294,155  $2,701,068   100.0%
======================================================================================================
Rate Sensitivity:
  Fixed Rate                        $260,050          $594,078       $  912,849  $1,766,977    65.4%
  Variable or Adjustable Rate        175,577           377,208          381,306     934,091    34.6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Loans                     $435,627          $971,286       $1,294,155  $2,701,068   100.0%
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

     Core deposits are valuable in assessing liquidity needs because they tend
to be stable with little net short or intermediate-term withdrawal demands by
customers. At year-end, core deposits represented $2.0 billion, or 55%, of total
liabilities and 52% of total assets.
     An important element in liquidity management is the availability of
borrowed funds. At December 31, 1997, short-term borrowings totaled $347
million, or 9.5%, of liabilities in contrast to $602 million, or 18.6%, of
liabilities at December 31, 1996. This decrease was the result of greater
utilization of the broker CD market and the implementation of the money market
CD product to match fund assets. Brokered CDs at December 31, 1997 amounted to
$660 million, a $338 million increase from the same period last year. Money
market CDs totaled $94 million at December 31, 1997. The average maturity of
short-term borrowings at the end of the current year was 48 days. These
borrowings are fully collateralized by U.S. Government or mortgage-backed
securities owned by the Bank. Long-term borrowings consisted of variable and
fixed-rate advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and totaled $469 million as
of December 31, 1997. It is anticipated that Provident will continue to have
access to the repurchase market and federal fund lines as well as short and
long-term variable and fixed-rate funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

                                       20

<PAGE> 21

INTEREST SENSITIVITY MANAGEMENT

The nature of the banking business, which involves paying interest on deposits
at varying rates and terms and charging interest on loans at other rates and
terms, creates interest rate risk. As a result, earnings are subject to
fluctuations which arise due to changes in the level and directions of interest
rates. Management's objective is to minimize this risk.
     Measuring and managing interest rate risk is a dynamic process which is
performed regularly as an important component of management's analysis of the
impact of changes in asset and liability portfolios. Control of Provident's
interest sensitivity position is accomplished through the structuring of the
investment and funding portfolios, securitizing loans for possible sale, the use
of variable rate loan products and off-balance sheet derivatives.
     Management does not try to anticipate changes in interest rates. Its
principal objective is to maintain interest margins in periods of both rising
and falling rates. Traditional interest sensitivity gap analyses alone do not
adequately measure an institution's exposure to changes in interest rates
because gap models are not sensitive to changes in the relationship between
interest rates charged or paid and do not incorporate balance sheet trends and
management actions. Each of these factors can affect an institution's earnings.
Accordingly, in addition to performing gap analysis, management also evaluates
the impact of differing interest rates on net interest income using an earnings
simulation model. The model incorporates the factors not captured by gap
analysis by projecting income over a twelve month horizon under a variety of
interest rate scenarios.
     As of December 31, 1997, Provident's interest sensitive liabilities
exceeded interest sensitive assets within a one year period by $747 million or
20% of assets. The Bank's savings products are structured to give management the
ability to reset the rates paid on a monthly basis. This causes the Bank to
become more liability sensitive. If interest rates rise, the rate paid on
savings deposits may follow, and the Corporation's net interest margin may
decline. Management continues to take steps to protect the Bank from possible
increases in interest rates. In 1997 these steps included lengthening the
maturities on purchased funds and certificates of deposits and shortening asset
maturities with interest rate swaps and caps. Management monitors the interest
rate environment and employs appropriate off-balance sheet strategies to address
potential changes in interest rates. These strategies lower the net interest
margin but are designed to maintain an acceptable margin in a changing rate
environment. As a result, interest income has been decreased by $13 thousand and
interest expense has been increased by $2.4 million, for a total decrease of
$2.4 million in net interest income for the year ending December 31, 1997.
Included in this net interest income decrease was the amortization of closed
positions which reduced interest income by $402 thousand and increased interest
expense by $3.0 million (a net decrease of $3.39 million in net interest income)
for the year ending December 31, 1997. Without this, off-balance sheet positions
increased net interest income $965 thousand for the year. The forward yield
curve indicates that short-term and long-term rates will each increase 5 basis
points over the next twelve months. The Corporation's analysis indicates that if
management does not adjust its December 31, 1997 off-balance sheet positions and
the forward yield curve assumptions occur, off-balance sheet positions would
increase net interest income by $820 thousand over the next twelve months. This
compares to an increase in net interest income of $908 thousand should interest
rates remain unchanged. Amortization of closed positions will reduce net
interest income $2.4 million over the next twelve months. Thus, without
amortization of closed positions, net interest income would increase $3.2
million over the next twelve months if the forward yield curve assumptions occur
and $3.3 million if rates remain unchanged as a result of these off-balance
sheet positions.

                                       21
<PAGE> 22

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------

It is necessary for banks to maintain a sufficient level of capital in order to
sustain growth, absorb unforeseen losses and meet regulatory requirements. In
addition, the current economic and regulatory climate places an increased
emphasis on capital strength. In this environment, Provident continues to
maintain a strong capital position. At December 31, 1997 total stockholders'
equity was $270 million, a $31 million increase over the prior year. In addition
to the ordinary adjustments to stockholders' equity of net income and dividends
paid, additional capital was raised through the dividend reinvestment plan of
$443 thousand, $8.4 million from the exercise of stock options, while capital
increased by $6.1 million during 1997 as a result of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115. This statement requires changes in market value,
net of applicable income taxes, of the available for sale investment portfolio
to be accounted for through equity. During the second quarter of 1997, the
Corporation issued a 5% stock dividend and all earnings per share figures have
been adjusted for this dividend and the 2 for 1 stock split in February 1998.
     Provident exceeds all regulatory capital requirements as of December 31,
1997. The standards used by federal bank regulators to evaluate capital adequacy
are the risk-based capital and leverage ratio guidelines. Equity for regulatory
purposes does not include market value adjustments as required by SFAS No. 115.
Risk-based capital ratios measure core and total stockholders' equity against
risk-weighted assets. Provident's core capital is equal to its common stock,
capital surplus and retained earnings less treasury stock. The calculation of
Provident's total stockholders' equity, for these purposes, is equal to the
above plus the allowance for loan losses subject to certain limitations.
Risk-weighted assets are determined by applying a weighting to asset categories
and certain off-balance sheet commitments based on the level of credit risk
inherent in the assets. At December 31, 1997, Provident's total capital ratio
was 10.24% compared to the minimum regulatory guideline of 8%. In addition, core
common stockholders' equity (Tier 1 Capital) must be at least 4% of
risk-weighted assets. At year-end, Provident's Tier 1 Capital ratio was 8.99%.
     The leverage ratio represents core capital, as defined above, divided by
average total assets. Guidelines for the leverage ratio require the ratio of
core stockholders' equity to average total assets to be 100 to 200 basis points
above a 3% minimum, depending on risk profiles and other factors. Provident's
leverage ratio of 7.06% at December 31, 1997 was well in excess of this
requirement.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CAPITAL COMPONENTS AND RATIOS 

Table 16

                                           December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                1997              1996
====================================================================
<S>                             <C>               <C>       
QUALIFYING CAPITAL
Tier 1 Capital                  $  265,199        $  240,077
Total Capital                      302,060           270,438
Risk-Weighted Assets             2,949,890         2,584,260
Quarterly Average Assets         3,756,348         3,449,616

RATIOS
Leverage Capital                      7.06%             6.96%
Tier 1 Capital                        8.99              9.29
Total Capital                        10.24             10.46

</TABLE>

                                       22
<PAGE> 23

FINANCIAL REVIEW 1996/1995
- --------------------------

For the year ended December 31, 1996, Provident recorded net income of $26.2
million or $1.12 per share-diluted basis, compared to $22.1 million or $.97 per
share-diluted basis in 1995. The per share amounts have been adjusted for stock
dividends and the 2 for 1 stock split in February. This improvement in earnings
was attributable to a $9.5 million rise in tax-equivalent net interest income
and a $9.9 million increase in non-interest income net of securities gains.
These increases more than offset a $12.9 million increase in operating expense.
     Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for 1996 increased $9.5
million or 9.4% from 1995 as average earning assets grew $348 million over the
prior year. Net interest margin dropped by 9 basis points primarily caused by
lower yields on interest earning assets.
     The provision for loan losses increased $8.5 million to $10.0 million in
1996. The increase was the result of overall loan growth in the loan portfolios
of $495 million as total average loans outstanding grew by $201 million.
     Non-interest income increased 57% to $50.1 million. Excluding net
securities gains (losses) and interest income on the tax refund, non-interest
income increased $15.7 million or 55%. Deposit service charges rose 45% over the
prior year to $19.3 million, mortgage banking activities were up $5.1 million to
$14.9 million, and commissions and fees were up 54% to $3.2 million.
     Provident's non-interest expense rose 13.2% in 1996 over 1995. Salaries and
employee benefits increased $4.5 million attributable to merit increases, new
branches and staffing of our new Fast `n Friendly Check Cashing centers.
Commissions were up associated with increased activity within Provident
Investment Center, Inc. while maintaining Saturday hours at most of our branches
also contributed to increased compensation expense. Occupancy costs grew $403
thousand or 4.5% over 1995. Much of this increase was due to additional mortgage
and supermarket branches as well as additional space requirements at our
headquarters and operations buildings. Total furniture and equipment expense
increased $411 thousand due to upgrading of technology in the Bank's office
automation and branch platform systems. External processing increased $3.1
million due to increased account volumes. Regulatory fees increased $1.6 million
mainly associated with a special one-time assessment on SAIF deposits held by
Citizens Savings Bank as of March 31, 1995.
     Provident recorded an income tax expense of $13.7 million in 1996 based on
pre-tax income of $39.9 million, which represented an effective tax rate of
34.3%. This compares with a 34.2% effective tax rate for 1995.

                                       23
<PAGE> 24

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See "Interest Sensitivity Management" and Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements herein.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Page

Report of Independent Accountants                                             25
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
  Consolidated Statement of Income                                            26
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity                   28
  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                                        29
  Consolidated Statement of Condition at December 31, 1997 and 1996           27
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                 30-46
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FINANCIAL REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Provident Bankshares Corporation (the "Corporation") is responsible for the
preparation, integrity and fair presentation of its published consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 1997, and the year then ended. The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and, as such, include amounts, some of
which are based on judgments and estimates of management.

INTERNAL CONTROL STRUCTURE OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting,
including controls over safeguarding of assets against unauthorized acquisition,
use or disposition which is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the
Corporation's management and board of directors regarding the preparation of
reliable published financial statements and such asset safeguarding. The system
contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct
deficiencies as they are identified. This system encompasses activities that
control the preparation of the Corporation's Annual Report/10-K financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
     There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of
internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention
or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control
system can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement
preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of an
internal control system may vary over time.
     Management assessed its internal control structure over financial reporting
as of December 31, 1997. This assessment was based on criteria for effective
internal control over financial reporting described in "Internal
Control--Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management
believes that Provident Bankshares Corporation maintained an effective internal
control structure over financial reporting as of December 31, 1997.

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Management is also responsible for compliance with the federal and state laws
and regulations concerning dividend restrictions and federal laws and
regulations concerning loans to insiders designated by the FDIC as safety and
soundness laws and regulations. 
     Management assessed its compliance with the designated laws and regulations
relating to safety and soundness. Based on this assessment, management believes
that Provident Bank of Maryland, the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident
Bankshares Corporation complied, in all significant respects, with the
designated laws and regulations related to safety and soundness for the year
ended December 31, 1997.
                                       



                                       24
<PAGE> 25


REPORT OF COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.,
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors
Provident Bankshares Corporation
Baltimore, Maryland

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Provident
Bankshares Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and 1996 and
the related consolidated statement of income, cash flows and changes in
stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the consolidated
financial statements of First Citizens Financial Corporation, acquired during
1997 in a pooling of interests, as of December 31, 1996 and for each of the two
years in the period then ended which statements reflect total assets
constituting 20% of the related consolidated totals at December 31, 1996, and
total interest income constituting 19% in 1996 and 19% in 1995 of the related
consolidated totals. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose
report has been furnished to us, and in our opinion, insofar as it relates to
the amounts included for First Citizens Financial Corporation, is based solely
on the report of other auditors.
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
     In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditors,
the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Provident Bankshares Corporation
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Baltimore, Maryland
January 21, 1998





                                       25



<PAGE> 25a


                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



                   Report of Independent Public Accountants


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
First Citizens Financial Corporation
Gaithersburg, Maryland


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition
of First Citizens Financial Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiary
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years then ended.
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Citizens
Financial Corporation and subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As disclosed in Note 1, effective January 1, 1995, the Company changed its
method of accounting for impaired loans.



                                         /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Washington, D.C.
January 22, 1997, except with respect
Note 19 as to which the date is March 10, 1997






<PAGE> 26

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries

                                                                     Year Ended December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share data)                        1997            1996             1995
===================================================================================================
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>              <C>     
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and Fees on Loans                               $203,899        $171,267         $155,686
Interest on Securities                                     68,294          73,186           65,762
Tax-Advantaged Interest                                     6,656           2,588            1,613
Interest on Short-Term Investments                            263             438              421
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Interest Income                                 279,112         247,479          223,482
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest on Deposits                                      106,004          87,736           78,216
Interest on Short-Term Borrowings                          28,737          29,602           29,569
Interest on Long-Term Debt                                 21,977          20,016           15,034
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                                156,718         137,354          122,819
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INTEREST INCOME                                     122,394         110,125          100,663
Less: Provision for Loan Losses                             9,953          10,011            1,517
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES     112,441         100,114           99,146
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts                        24,432          19,262           13,685
Mortgage Banking Activities                                 6,845          14,895            9,806
Commissions and Fees                                        3,705           3,229            2,101
Net Securities Gains (Losses)                               2,337           5,556           (2,683)
Other Non-Interest Income                                   6,690           7,123            8,981
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME                              44,009          50,065           31,890
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and Employee Benefits                             54,107          55,406           50,875
Occupancy Expense, Net                                     10,018           9,317            8,914
Furniture and Equipment Expense                             7,354           7,036            6,625
External Processing Fees                                   12,374          10,929            7,784
Federal Deposit Insurance Assessment                           --           3,029               --
Merger Related Expenses                                    10,047              --               --
Other Non-Interest Expense                                 23,963          24,606           23,218
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                            117,863         110,323           97,416
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Taxes                                        38,587          39,856           33,620
Income Tax Expense                                         13,628          13,668           11,488
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                               $ 24,959        $ 26,188         $ 22,132
===================================================================================================
Per Share Amounts:
Net Income -- Basic                                        $ 1.10          $ 1.18         $   1.02 
Net Income -- Diluted                                      $ 1.06          $ 1.12         $    .97 
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                          26
<PAGE> 27

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONDITION

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries

                                                                                               December 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                                                                   1997              1996
==================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                <C>               <C>       
ASSETS
Cash and Due From Banks                                                            $   68,580        $   70,132
Short-Term Investments                                                                    350            11,366
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale                                                           66,925            35,356
Securities Available for Sale                                                         983,241           968,154
Securities Held to Maturity (Market Value $86,464 at December 31, 1996)                    --            86,237
Loans:
  Consumer                                                                          1,667,094         1,211,971
  Commercial Business                                                                 288,289           294,844
  Real Estate -- Construction                                                         125,080           121,542
  Real Estate -- Mortgage                                                             620,605           619,516
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Loans                                                                     2,701,068         2,247,873
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses                                                        36,861            30,361
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net Loans                                                                       2,664,207         2,217,512
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premises and Equipment, Net                                                            37,402            36,481
Accrued Interest Receivable                                                            31,032            23,485
Other Assets                                                                           75,002            36,895
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets                                                                       $3,926,739        $3,485,618
==================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  Noninterest-Bearing                                                              $  196,178        $  169,000
  Interest-Bearing                                                                  2,558,337         2,117,144
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Deposits                                                                  2,754,515         2,286,144
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Borrowings                                                                 347,291           602,435
Long-Term Debt                                                                        469,077           328,517
Other Liabilities                                                                      85,674            29,724
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Liabilities                                                                 3,656,557         3,246,820
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock (Par Value $1.00) Authorized 30,000,000 Shares,
 Issued 1997 - 23,512,962 Shares; 1996 - 21,914,530 Shares                             23,513            21,915
Capital Surplus                                                                       130,963           109,132
Retained Earnings                                                                     113,463           111,614
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Debt Securities                                           4,733            (1,373)
Treasury Stock at Cost -- 456,132 Shares                                               (2,490)           (2,490)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                          270,182           238,798
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                         $3,926,739        $3,485,618 
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                           27

<PAGE> 28

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries

                                                                                    Unrealized       Treasury        Total
                                                      Common   Capital  Retained  Gain (Loss) on      Stock      Stockholders'
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)         Stock    Surplus  Earnings  Debt Securities    at Cost        Equity
==============================================================================================================================
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>       <C>         <C>              <C>           <C>     
Balance at January 1, 1995                           $18,628  $ 73,398  $103,321    $ (8,499)        $(2,490)      $184,358
  Net Income -- 1995                                      --        --    22,132          --              --         22,132
  Dividends Paid ($.26 per share)                         --        --    (4,301)         --              --         (4,301)
  Adjustment for 1994 Private Offering                    --       114        --          --              --            114
  Exercise of Stock Options (324,060 shares)             324     1,543        --          --              --          1,867
  Common Stock Issued under Dividend
   Reinvestment Plan (234,290 shares)                    234     3,006        --          --              --          3,240
  Unrealized Gain on Debt Securities                      --        --        --      15,638              --         15,638
  Stock Dividend (1,098,210 shares)                    1,098    11,052   (12,150)         --              --             --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995                          20,284    89,113   109,002       7,139          (2,490)       223,048
  Net Income -- 1996                                      --        --    26,188          --              --         26,188
  Dividends Paid ($.35 per share)                         --        --    (6,281)         --              --         (6,281)
  Exercise of Stock Options (346,896 shares)             347     2,495        --          --              --          2,842
  Common Stock Issued under Dividend
   Reinvestment Plan (83,496 shares)                      84     1,429        --          --              --          1,513
  Unrealized Loss on Debt Securities                      --        --        --      (8,512)             --         (8,512)
  Stock Dividend (1,200,432 shares)                    1,200    16,095   (17,295)         --              --             --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1996                          21,915   109,132   111,614      (1,373)         (2,490)       238,798
  Net Income -- 1997                                      --        --    24,959          --              --         24,959
  Dividends Paid ($.44 per share)                         --        --    (8,505)         --              --         (8,505)
  Exercise of Stock Options (720,638 shares)             720     7,661        --          --              --          8,381
  Common Stock Issued under Dividend
   Reinvestment Plan (20,312 shares)                      20       423        --          --              --            443
  Unrealized Gain on Debt Securities                      --        --        --       6,106              --          6,106
  Stock Dividend (858,376 shares)                        858    13,747   (14,605)         --              --             --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997                         $23,513  $130,963  $113,463     $ 4,733         $(2,490)      $270,182
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                            28
<PAGE> 29

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries

                                                                                      Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                                                                1997            1996             1995
====================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                      <C>             <C>              <C>      
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Income                                                             $  24,959       $  26,188        $  22,132
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash
   Provided by Operating Activities:
     Depreciation and Amortization                                           8,235           6,308            4,849
     Provision for Loan Losses                                               9,953          10,011            1,517
     Provision for Deferred Income Tax (Benefit)                            (5,139)           (750)           6,787
     Realized Net Securities (Gains) Losses                                 (2,337)         (5,556)           2,683
     Loans Originated or Acquired and Held for Sale                       (344,587)       (559,717)        (419,493)
     Proceeds from Sales of Loans                                          315,650         649,363          378,591
     Gain on Sales of Loans                                                 (2,632)         (5,681)            (295)
     Other Operating Activities                                              8,930          (5,296)           4,161
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Adjustments                                                        (11,927)         88,682          (21,200)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                   13,032         114,870              932
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Principal Collections and Maturities of Securities Available for Sale    169,288         196,039          110,340
  Principal Collections and Maturities of Securities Held to Maturity       13,130          13,353           67,583
  Proceeds on Sales of Securities Available for Sale                       395,803         297,336          208,202
  Purchases of Securities Held to Maturity                                 (15,259)        (26,108)        (31,526)
  Purchases of Securities Available for Sale                              (481,343)       (375,667)       (269,915)
  Loan Originations and Purchases Less Principal Collections              (454,026)       (495,697)       (349,569)
  Purchases of Premises and Equipment                                       (7,299)         (6,282)         (8,615)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                     (379,706)       (397,026)       (273,500)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Increase in Deposits                                                 468,371         248,686         150,852
  Net Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Borrowings                        (255,144)         60,570          38,391
  Proceeds from Long-Term Debt                                             194,000         308,650         300,490
  Payments and Maturities of Long-Term Debt                                (53,440)       (320,638)       (204,975)
  Issuance of Common Stock                                                   8,824           4,355           5,221
  Cash Dividends on Common Stock                                            (8,505)         (6,281)         (4,301)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                  354,106         295,342         285,678
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                           (12,568)         13,186          13,110
  Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year                            81,498          68,312          55,202
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                                 $  68,930       $  81,498       $  68,312
====================================================================================================================

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Paid, Net of Amount Capitalized                                   $71,711       $  70,337       $ 61,184
Income Taxes Paid (Received)                                                13,114          15,374           (370)
Stock Dividend                                                              14,605          17,295         12,150
Transfer of Securities Held to Maturity to Securities Available for Sale    88,318              --        419,821
Mortgage Loans Securitized in Investment Portfolio                              --              --        281,246
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                            29

<PAGE> 30


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTE 1 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
          ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Provident Bankshares Corporation ("the Corporation") offers a wide range of
banking services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Bank of Maryland
and its subsidiaries ("the Bank") including various types of deposit accounts,
commercial and personal investment products. These services are provided through
a network of 81 offices and 80 ATMs located in the greater Baltimore/ Washington
metropolitan area and southern Pennsylvania.
     The following summary of significant accounting policies of the Corporation
is presented to assist the reader in understanding the financial and other data
presented in this report.
     The accounting and reporting policies of the Corporation are in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and conform to general practice
within the banking industry. Certain prior years' amounts in the Consolidated
Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform with the presentation
used for the current year. These reclassifications have no effect on
stockholders' equity or net income as previously reported.

CONSOLIDATION POLICIES

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Provident
Bankshares Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Bank of
Maryland (the "Bank") and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 
     Prior period financial statements have been restated to include the
accounts and results of operations for the acquisition of First Citizens
Financial Corporation during 1997 which was accounted for using the
pooling-of-interest accounting method.
     In preparation of financial statements, management is required to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements and accompanying notes
and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting periods.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The Corporation divides the investment portfolio among three categories:
securities held to maturity, securities available for sale and, if applicable,
trading account securities. Securities that the Corporation has the intent and
ability to hold to maturity are included in securities held to maturity and,
accordingly, are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and
accretion of discounts using the interest method. Securities available for sale
are securities the Corporation does not have the intent and ability to hold to
maturity nor does it intend to trade actively as part of any trading account
activity. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value with any
unrealized appreciation or depreciation in value reported directly as a separate
component of stockholders' equity as unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities
which is reflected net of applicable taxes, and therefore, have had no effect on
the reported earnings of the Corporation. Gains and losses from sales of
securities available for sale are recognized by the specific identification
method and are reported in non-interest income.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Interest on loans is accrued at the contractual rate and credited to income
based upon the principal amount outstanding. It is the policy of management to
place a loan in non-accrual status and discontinue the accrual of interest and
reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest when the quality of a commercial
credit has deteriorated to the extent that collectibility of all interest and/or
principal cannot be reasonably expected or when it is 90 days past due unless
the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Beginning in 1997,
consumer loans are not placed in non-accrual status but are generally
charged-off at 120 days past due for installment loans and 180 days for
revolving loans. This was done to conform to standard industry practice. Prior
to 1997, consumer loans were generally placed into non-accrual status at 90 days
past due and subsequently charged off.
     The Corporation adopted the provisions of Statements of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 114/118 "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
Loan" ("SFAS No. 114/118") on January 1, 1995. Under SFAS No. 114/118, the
Corporation considers a loan impaired when, based on available information, it
is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect principal and
interest when due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan
agreement. All non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructurings are considered
impaired loans. The measurement of impaired loans may be based on the present
value of expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective
interest rate or based on the fair value of the underlying collateral.
Impairment criteria are applied to the loan portfolio exclusive of smaller
balance homogeneous loans such as residential mortgage and consumer loans which
are evaluated collectively for impairment. Restructured loans are considered
impaired in the year of restructuring. In subsequent years each restructured
loan is evaluated for impairment. The allowance for loan losses includes
reserves for these loans. Collections of interest and principal on loans in
non-accrual status and considered impaired are generally applied as a reduction
to the outstanding principal. Once future collectibility has been established,
interest income may be recognized on a cash basis.
<PAGE>
     The Corporation defers and amortizes loan origination fees and related
costs over the life of the loan using the interest method. Net amortization of
fees and costs are recognized in interest income as a yield adjustment and are,
accordingly, reported as Interest and Fees on Loans in the Consolidated
Statement of Income. Unearned income on loans at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was
not material with respect to the respective financial statements.

                                       30

<PAGE> 31

     The Corporation's allowance for loan losses is based upon management's
continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio and is intended to
maintain an allowance adequate to absorb potential losses on loans outstanding.
The level of the allowance is based on an evaluation of the risk characteristics
of the loan portfolio and considers such factors as past and expected future
loan loss experience, the financial condition of the borrower, current economic
conditions and other relevant factors.
     Adjustments to the allowance due to changes in measurement of impaired
loans are incorporated in the provision for loan losses. The adoption of SFAS
No. 114/118 has not resulted in any additional provision for loan losses for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT 

Premises, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are
computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets or, for leasehold improvements, the lives of the related leases, if
shorter. Major improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are
charged to expense as incurred.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

During 1997 and 1996, the Corporation declared five percent stock dividends for
each year to the stockholders of record as of April 28, 1997 and April 29, 1996,
respectively. The 1997 stock dividend was paid on May 9, 1997 resulting in the
distribution of 858,376 common shares with a par value of $1.00 per share.
Accordingly, $858 thousand and $13.7 million was transferred from retained
earnings to common stock and capital surplus, respectively. The 1996 stock
dividend was paid May 10, 1996 with the distribution of 1,200,432 common shares
with a $1.00 par value per share. This dividend resulted in the transfer of $1.2
million to common stock and $16.1 million to capital surplus from retained
earnings. The cumulative impact of these stock dividends has been reflected in
the restatement of earnings and dividends per share and stock option data in the
financial statements and accompanying notes.
     Subsequent to December 31, 1997, the Corporation declared a two for one
stock split. The split occurred after the dividend payment on February 13, 1998
for stockholders of record at the close of business on February 2, 1998. All
earnings per share and common stock related information has been given
retroactive effect to this transaction at December 31, 1997.

INCOME TAXES 

The Corporation uses the liability method to determine deferred tax amounts and
the related income tax expense or benefit. Using this method, deferred taxes are
calculated by applying enacted statutory tax rates to temporary differences
consisting of items of income and expense that are accounted for in financial
reporting periods which differ from income tax reporting periods. The resultant
deferred tax assets and liabilities represent future taxes to be recovered or
remitted when the related assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. The
deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance for that portion of the
tax deferred assets which are unlikely to be realized.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The Corporation uses a variety of derivative financial instruments as part of
its interest rate risk management strategy and the Corporation does not hold or
issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The derivative
products used are interest rate swaps and caps or floors, used separately or in
combination to suit the hedge objective. All are currently classified as hedges.
To qualify as a hedge, 1) the asset or liability to be hedged exposes the
Corporation to interest rate risk, 2) the derivatives act to move the
Corporation to a rate insensitive position should interest rates change, and 3)
the derivative is designated and is effective as a hedge of a balance sheet
item.
     Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties which agree to
exchange fixed and floating rates on a notional principal amount without the
actual exchange of principal for a specified period of time. The notional
amounts are not reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Condition because
they are merely a unit of measure to determine the effect of the swap. Income
and expense on interest rate swaps associated with designated balance sheet
items is recognized using the accrual method over the life of the agreement(s)
as an adjustment to the income or expense on the designated balance sheet item.
Premiums associated with interest rate floor/cap/corridor arrangements are
reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Condition and amortized over their
life using the straight-line method and included as an adjustment to interest
income/expense associated with the balance sheet item. Payments due to or from
counterparties under these agreements are accrued as an adjustment to interest
income or expense associated with the designated balance sheet item.
     The Corporation continually monitors each derivative position to ensure the
proper relationship such as risk reduction, correlation or effectiveness between
the designated balance sheet item hedged and the derivative position. Any
significant divergence between this relationship which results in interest
income or expense exceeding projected parameters results in the hedge being
marked-to-market with the resultant gain or loss included in earnings.
Terminated derivative positions with the designated assets or liabilities
retained have the resulting gain or loss deferred and amortized over the
estimated remaining life of the hedge into interest income/expense associated
with the balance sheet item. Derivatives associated with liquidated hedged
assets or liabilities are marked-to-market and have subsequent changes in their
fair value reflected in earnings as the derivative is considered speculative in
nature.
     Accounting treatment of derivative positions is consistent with the
accounting treatment of the underlying asset or liability. Interest rate swaps
used to hedge available for sale debt securities have their fair value included
in stockholders' equity which is

                                       31
<PAGE> 32

consistent with the fair value treatment of the available for sale securities.
Interest accruals associated with the swap are included as an adjustment to
interest income on the associated securities. Derivative products terminated
prior to the sale of the related security have the respective gain or loss
deferred and amortized into interest income as yield adjustments to the
designated asset over the shorter of the remaining life of the agreement or the
designated asset. Upon sale of the security, the deferred gain or loss on the
derivative is reflected in income at the time of sale.

PENSION PLAN 

The Corporation has a defined benefit pension plan which covers substantially
all employees. The cost of this noncontributory pension plan was computed and
accrued using the projected unit credit method.
     Prior service cost is amortized on a straight-line method over the average
remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the
plan. Annual contributions are made to the plan in an amount at least to equal
the maximum requirements and no greater than the maximum allowed by regulatory
authorities.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash equivalents are composed of cash and
due from banks and short-term investments.

FUTURE ACCOUNTING DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("SFAS No. 130"), "Reporting
Comprehensive Income." The statement establishes requirements for the disclosure
and presentation of comprehensive income and its components in full sets of
financial statements. Comprehensive income is defined as transactions and other
occurrences which are the result of nonowner changes in equity. Nonowner equity
changes, such as unrealized gains or losses on debt securities for example, will
be accumulated with net income in determining comprehensive income. This
statement will not impact the historical financial results of the Corporation's
operations. This statement is effective for years beginning after December 15,
1997 and reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods provided
for comparative purposes is required.
     The FASB also issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131
("SFAS No. 131"), "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information" during June 1997 which becomes effective for all periods beginning
after December 15, 1997. This statement provides standards for reporting
information on the operating segments of public businesses in their annual and
interim reports to shareholders. SFAS No. 131 requires that selected financial
information be provided for segments meeting specific criteria. This statement
will not impact the presentation of the Corporation's financial results as no
segments meet the specific reporting criteria.

NOTE 2 -- ACQUISITION 

On August 22, 1997, the Corporation completed its acquisition of First Citizens
Financial Corporation ("First Citizens"), a savings and holding company based in
Montgomery County, Maryland. This acquisition was accounted for as a
pooling-of-interest business combination. Historical financial information for
years prior to the acquisition have been restated to reflect the combined
results of Provident Bankshares Corporation and First Citizens Financial
Corporation for those periods. Provident issued approximately 4,522,000 shares
of common stock to the former stockholders of First Citizens at an exchange
ratio of .7665 shares of Provident for each share of First Citizens. At the date
of acquisition, First Citizens had total assets of $674 million.
     Exclusive of $8.6 million in post-tax merger related charges incurred by
both entities, net income of the combined entities would be $33.6 million on a
pre-merger basis for the year ended December 31, 1997. The majority of these
charges incurred include severance pay and benefits for terminated employees,
professional fees which include investment banking, accounting and legal fees,
write-down of real estate owned properties, writedowns for facilities which were
consolidated and asset write-offs for unusable equipment. These charges included
only identified direct and incremental cost associated with the acquisition.
     Presented below are the combined results of operations based on the audited
consolidated financial statements of Provident and First Citizens for the two
years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)    1996           1995
======================================================================
<S>                                          <C>            <C>     
Net Interest Income:
  Provident                                  $ 91,287       $ 82,940
  First Citizens                               18,838         17,723
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Combined                                   $110,125       $100,663
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income:
  Provident                                  $ 23,020       $ 18,025
  First Citizens                                3,168          4,107
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
   Combined                                  $ 26,188       $ 22,132
======================================================================
Diluted Net Income Per Share:
  Provident                                  $   1.25       $   1.00
  First Citizens                                  .50            .65
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
   Combined                                  $   1.12       $    .97
======================================================================
</TABLE>

     The combined results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the
results that would have occurred had the acquisition been consummated prior to
1997 or that may be achieved in the future.

NOTE 3 -- RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS 

The Federal Reserve requires banks to maintain cash reserves against certain
categories of deposit liabilities. Such reserves averaged approximately $18.6
million and $18.5 million during the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

                                       32
<PAGE> 33


     In order to cover the costs of services provided by correspondent banks,
the Corporation maintains compensating balance arrangements at these
correspondent banks or elects to pay a fee in lieu of such arrangements. During
1997 and 1996, the Corporation maintained average compensating balances of
approximately $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. In addition, the
Corporation paid fees totaling $311 thousand in 1997, $397 thousand in 1996 and
$317 thousand in 1995 in lieu of maintaining compensating balances.


NOTE 4 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The aggregate amortized cost and market values of the investment securities
portfolio at December 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997                                               1996
                                       -------------------------------------------       -------------------------------------------
                                                    Gross        Gross                                Gross       Gross
                                       Amortized  Unrealized   Unrealized   Market       Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized    Market
(in thousands)                           Cost       Gains        Losses     Value          Cost       Gains       Losses      Value
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                   <C>          <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>       
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
 U.S. Treasury and Government
  Agencies and Corporations           $ 55,624     $   36       $   84    $ 55,576     $   72,363   $   60      $  541    $   71,882
Mortgage-Backed Securities             877,962      8,870        1,341     885,491        849,126    4,893       6,825       847,194
Municipal Securities                    18,868        523            -      19,391         18,881      327         117        19,091
Other Debt Securities                   22,958          -          175      22,783         30,029       77         119        29,987
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Securities Available for Sale  975,412      9,429        1,600     983,241        970,399    5,357       7,602       968,154
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY
 U.S. Treasury and Government
  Agencies and Corporations                                                                32,395      257           -        32,652
Mortgage-Backed Securities                                                                 53,842      542         572        53,812
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Securities Held to Maturity          -          -            -           -         86,237      799         572        86,464
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Securities Portfolio $975,412     $9,429       $1,600    $983,241     $1,056,636   $6,156      $8,174    $1,054,618
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

     The aggregate amortized cost and market values of the investment securities
portfolio by contractual maturity at December 31, 1997 and 1996, are shown
below. Expected maturities on mortgage-backed securities may differ from the
contractual maturities as borrowers have the right to prepay the obligation
without prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   1997                     1996
                                         ----------------------    ----------------------
                                         Amortized      Market     Amortized      Market
(in thousands)                             Cost         Value        Cost         Value
=========================================================================================
<S>                                    <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>       
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
  In One Year or Less                  $    550      $    514    $    5,010    $    5,065
  After One Year Through Five Years      16,975        16,737        29,183        29,145
  After Five Years Through Ten Years     24,762        25,081        48,118        47,944
  Over Ten Years                         55,163        55,418        38,962        38,806
  Mortgage-Backed Securities            877,962       885,491       849,126       847,194
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Securities Available for Sale   975,412       983,241       970,399       968,154
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY
  In One Year or Less                         -             -             -             -
  After One Year Through Five Years           -             -         2,964         3,025
  After Five Years Through Ten Years          -             -        15,120        15,316
  Over Ten Years                              -             -        14,311        14,311
  Mortgage-Backed Securities                  -             -        53,842        53,812
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Securities Held to Maturity           -             -        86,237        86,464
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Securities Portfolio  $975,412      $983,241    $1,056,636    $1,054,618
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       33
<PAGE> 34


Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during 1997 were $395.8
million resulting in the realization of gross gains of $3.4 million and gross
losses of $1.1 million on such sales. For 1996, sales of securities yielded
proceeds of $297.3 million which resulted in gross realized gains of $6.1
million and gross losses of $525 thousand. Securities sold in 1995 produced
proceeds of $208.2 million resulting in gross gains of $846 thousand and gross
losses of $3.5 million.
     In conjunction with the acquisition of First Citizens in 1997, the
Corporation reclassified $88.3 million in held to maturity securities of the
combined entity to the available for sale portfolio. These securities were
transferred by the Corporation to provide additional liquidity and financial
flexibility. All securities were transferred at fair value. Unrealized gains of
$355 thousand were recognized separately in stockholders' equity. As a result of
the transfer, all securities will be classified as available for sale in the
foreseeable future.
     During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a special
report on SFAS No. 115 which provided an opportunity to reclassify from
securities held to maturity to securities available for sale. The permitted
reclassification resulting from this one-time assessment does not call into
question the intent of the Corporation's future investment classifications. On
December 31, 1995, the Corporation transferred $419.8 million of securities from
Securities Held to Maturity to Securities Available for Sale. The transfer was
the result of management's intention to maximize its flexibility to take
advantage of future business opportunities. These securities were transferred at
fair value and the respective holding gains of $7.4 million were recognized as a
separate component of stockholders' equity.
     At December 31, 1997, a net unrealized gain of $4.7 million on the
securities portfolio was reflected as a separate component of stockholders'
equity in the Consolidated Statement of Condition as compared to a net
unrealized loss of $1.4 million at December 31, 1996. 
     The aggregate book and estimated market values of investment securities by
issuer which exceed ten percent of capital at December 31, 1997, are indicated
below. All of these securities represent senior debt securities with AAA bond
ratings.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        Estimated
(in thousands)                          Book Value      Market Value
=======================================================================
<S>                                       <C>              <C>    
Issuer:
Mortgage-Backed Securities:
  Residential Funding Corporation         $39,927          $40,223
  Headlands Mortgage Securities, Inc.      43,265           43,313
  Indy Mac, Inc.                           70,393           70,634
=======================================================================
</TABLE>

     Securities with a market value of $611.2 million and $827.1 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public
funds, certain short-term borrowings and for other purposes required by law.

NOTE 5 - ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three years
ended December 31 is presented below:

(in thousands)                              1997        1996        1995
=========================================================================
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>    
Balance at Beginning of the Year         $30,361     $27,524     $27,137
  Provision for Loan Losses                9,953      10,011       1,517
  Loans Charged-Off                       (5,213)     (8,862)     (2,134)
  Less: Recoveries of Loans
        Previously Charged-Off             1,760       1,688       1,004
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net Loans Charged-Off                 (3,453)     (7,174)     (1,130)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at End of the Year               $36,861     $30,361     $27,524
=========================================================================
</TABLE>

     At December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the recorded investment in loans which
are in non-accrual status and therefore considered impaired totaled $2.9
million, $4.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively. There was no additional
allowance required for these loans under the provisions of SFAS No. 114/118. Had
these loans performed in accordance with their original terms, interest income
of $178 thousand in 1997, $603 thousand in 1996 and $1.0 million in 1995 would
have been recorded. During 1997 no interest income was recognized on these
loans, but during 1996 and 1995 interest income of $411 and $477, respectively
was recognized on these loans. The average recorded investment in impaired loans
was approximately $2.1 million in 1997 and $3.1 million in 1996.

<PAGE>

NOTE 6 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Real estate and equipment holdings at December 31 are presented in the table
below. Real estate owned and used by the Corporation consists of twelve branches
and other facilities in the Baltimore/ Washington metropolitan area which are
used primarily for the operations of the Bank.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(in thousands)                                      1997            1996  
========================================================================
<S>                                              <C>             <C>    
Land                                             $   851         $   851
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements              23,227          21,453
Furniture and Equipment                           37,921          34,586
Property Held for Future Expansion                 7,177           7,143
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Premises and Equipment                      69,176          64,033
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
      and Amortization                            31,774          27,552
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Premises and Equipment                     $37,402         $36,481
========================================================================
</TABLE>


     Property Held for Future Expansion represents approximately 49,000 square
feet of real estate adjacent to the Corporation's headquarters building which is
currently being used for employee and public parking. Following an assessment of
occupancy requirements, management determined that this property would be
necessary to meet the Corporation's growing office and parking requirements.
     In December 1990, the Corporation entered into a sale and leaseback
agreement whereby its headquarters building was sold to

                                       34
<PAGE> 35

an unrelated third party which then leased the building back to the Corporation.
In association with the sale, the Corporation financed $6.0 million of this
arrangement with a market rate note which has recourse to other assets of the
acquiror. The lease has five years remaining on the term. The remaining
associated deferred gain of $1.3 million from the sale will be recognized in
proportion to the gross rental expense incurred over the outstanding term of the
lease. The associated lease payments and sublease rental income are included in
the table below.
     The Corporation also maintains non-cancelable operating leases associated
with Bank premises. Most of these leases provide for the payment of property
taxes and other costs by the Bank and include one or more renewal options
ranging up to ten years. Some of the leases also contain purchase options at
market value. Annual rental commitments under all long-term non-cancelable
operating lease agreements consisted of the following at December 31, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        Real
                      Property     Sublease      Equipment
(in thousands)         Leases       Income        Leases       Total
====================================================================
<S>                   <C>            <C>           <C>       <C>    
1998                  $ 5,749        $ 93          $551      $ 6,207
1999                    5,168          56           234        5,346
2000                    4,485          19            25        4,491
2001                    3,680          19            10        3,671
2002                    3,269          18             -        3,251
2002 and Thereafter     2,961           5             -        2,956
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total               $25,312        $210          $820      $25,922
====================================================================
</TABLE>

     Rental expense for premises and equipment was $6.6 million in 1997, $6.3
million in 1996 and $5.7 million in 1995.

NOTE 7 - MORTGAGE BANKING ACTIVITIES

The Corporation engages in sales of mortgage loans, which are originated
internally or purchased from third parties. Mortgage loans held for sale are
carried at the aggregate lower of cost or market value. Gains or losses on sales
of these mortgage loans are recorded as a component of Non-Interest Income in
the Consolidated Statement of Income.
     Unpaid principal balances of loans serviced for others not included in the
accompanying Consolidated Statement of Condition were $229 million and $419
million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
     Effective January 1, 1997, the Corporation adopted the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125 - "Accounting for Transfers
and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("SFAS No.
125"). This new statement supersedes SFAS No. 122 - "Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights," which was adopted on January 1 of the prior year. The
adoption of SFAS No. 125 has had no significant impact on the earnings or
financial condition of the Corporation. SFAS No. 125 requires the Corporation to
carry any retained interest in a transferred asset on the Statement of Condition
as a servicing asset. In the case of the Corporation, the servicing assets
represent the fair value of the servicing contracts associated with the purchase
or origination and subsequent securitization of the mortgage loans. Servicing
assets are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net
servicing income. Servicing assets are evaluated periodically for impairment
based on their fair value and impairment, if any, is recognized through a
valuation allowance and a charge to operations. At December 31, 1997 no
valuation allowance was required.

     The following is an analysis of servicing asset balance, net of accumulated
amortization, during each of the respective years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                              1997       1996         1995
==========================================================================
<S>                                      <C>        <C>           <C>   
Balance at the Beginning 
   of the Year                           $ 2,155    $   981       $1,597
  Additions                                1,785      3,338           93
  Amortization                              (359)      (458)        (360)
  Sales of Servicing Rights               (1,597)    (1,706)        (349)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at the End of the Year           $ 1,984    $ 2,155       $  981
==========================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

NOTE 8 - SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

At December 31, short-term borrowings were as follows:

(in thousands)                             1997          1996
==============================================================
<S>                                    <C>           <C>     
Securities Sold Under  
  Repurchase Agreements 
   and Federal Funds Purchased         $345,430      $568,592
Other Short-Term Borrowings               1,861        33,843
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                $347,291      $602,435
==============================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The following table sets forth various data on securities sold under
repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased.

(dollars in thousands)             1997        1996        1995
================================================================
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>     
Balance at December 31         $345,430    $568,592    $525,240
Average Balance During 
  the Year                      464,662     496,117     450,243
Maximum Month-End Balance       515,937     583,499     531,788
Weighted Average Rate 
  During the Year                  5.68%       5.59%       5.62%
Weighted Average Rate 
  at December 31                   5.72%       5.73%       5.19%
================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       35
<PAGE> 36

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Securities sold under repurchase agreements at December 31, 1997, are detailed
below by due date:

(dollars in thousands)                  Overnight  Less than 30 days  30-90 days  Over 90 days  Demand     Total
=================================================================================================================
<S>                                       <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>    <C>     
  Mortgage-Backed Securities:
    Securities Sold:
      Carrying Value                      $68,153       $91,250        $112,965     $14,480      $  -   $286,848
      Market Value                         69,119        92,064         113,469      14,602         -    289,254
    Repurchase Borrowings                  69,094        89,553         107,603      14,680         -    280,930
    Average Borrowing Interest Rate          4.97%         5.87%           5.78%       6.15%        -%      5.63%
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

NOTE 9 -LONG-TERM DEBT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Long-term debt consisted of Federal Home Loan Bank Advances of $469.1 million
and $328.5 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The principal
maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1997, are presented below.

(in thousands)
=========================================
<S>                              <C>     
1998                             $163,500
1999                               93,950
2000                               49,250
2001                               24,000
2002                               61,000
After 2002                         77,377
- -----------------------------------------
  Total                          $469,077
=========================================
</TABLE>

     The Federal Home Loan Bank Advances to the Bank mature in varying amounts
through 2016. These advances are composed of $319.1 million fixed rate advances
with an average interest rate of 6.35% and $150.0 million variable rate advances
with an average rate of 5.78%. These advances are collateralized by investment
securities and certain real estate loans with carrying values of $257.2 million
and $246.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 1997.

NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

The components of income tax expense and the sources of deferred income taxes
for the three years ended December 31 are presented below.

(in thousands)                              1997       1996       1995
=======================================================================
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>    
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit):
  Federal                                $19,121    $12,527    $ 2,627
  State                                     (354)       391      2,074
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Current                         18,767     12,918      4,701
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     (5,139)       750      6,787
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income Tax Expense                 $13,628    $13,668    $11,488
=======================================================================
</TABLE>

     Tax expense (benefit) associated with investment securities gains/(losses)
was $927 thousand in 1997, $2.2 million in 1996 and $(1.1) million in 1995.
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The primary sources of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax asset and liability at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
are presented below.

                                            Deferred        Deferred
(in thousands)                               Assets        Liabilities
=======================================================================
<S>                                          <C>              <C>    
1997:
Loan Loss Reserve Recapture                  $     -          $ 9,877
Reserve for Loan Loss                         12,901                -
Write-down of Property Held for Sale           1,453                -
Employee Benefits                              2,289                -
Deferred Gain on Sale/Leaseback                  437                -
Deferred State Tax Receivable                  2,820                -
Depreciation                                       -              113
Deferred Federal Tax Liability for 
 State Receivable                                  -              987
Deferred Tax Liability on Unrealized 
 Gains in Debt Securities                          -            3,096
Deferred Tax Liability on 
 Security Transactions                             -              768
Mortgage Servicing Rights                          -              549
Capitalized Real Estate Owned Costs              516                -
Deferred Loan Fees                                 -            1,154
All Other                                        682            1,807
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                        $21,098          $18,351
=======================================================================
1996:
Loan Loss Reserve Recapture                  $     -          $ 9,998
Reserve for Loan Loss                         10,626                -
Write-down of Property Held for Sale           1,371                -
Employee Benefits                              2,373                -
Deferred Gain on Sale/Leaseback                  512                -
Deferred State Tax Receivable                  2,148                -
Depreciation                                       -              301
Deferred Federal Tax Liability for 
 State Receivable                                  -              750
Deferred Tax Asset on Unrealized 
 Losses in Debt Securities                       896                -
Deferred Tax Liability on 
 Security Transactions                             -            1,933
Mortgage Servicing Rights                          -              491
Capitalized Real Estate Owned Costs              137                -
Deferred Loan Fees                                 -            1,237
All Other                                        513            2,220
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                        $18,576          $16,930
=======================================================================
</TABLE>

      At December 31, 1997 and 1996, no valuation allowance was required with
respect to deferred tax assets. 

                                       36
<PAGE> 37

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      The combined federal and state effective tax rate for each year is
different than the statutory federal income tax rate. The reasons for these
differences are set forth below:

                                        1997    1996    1995
=============================================================
<S>                                    <C>     <C>     <C>  
Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate       35.0%   35.0%   35.0%
Increases (Decreases) in Tax Rate
  Resulting from:
  State and Local Income Taxes, Net
   of Federal Income Tax Benefit           -     2.4     3.8
  Tax Benefit of State Refund Claim        -    (1.3)      - 
  Tax-Advantaged Income                 (1.6)   (1.2)   (1.4)
  Resolution of State Tax Issue            -       -    (1.3)
  Federal Benefit Due to Change 
   in Deferred Tax Rate                    -       -     (.7)
  Disallowed Interest Expense              -       -      .1
  Employee Benefits                      (.4)    (.1)    (.1)
  Non-Deductible Merger Expenses         2.3       -       -
  Other                                    -     (.5)   (1.2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Total Combined Effective Tax Rate       35.3%   34.3%   34.2%
=============================================================
</TABLE>

NOTE 11 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Corporation's Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") covers a maximum of 2.6
million shares of common stock that has been reserved for issuance under the
Option Plan described below. Under the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123 - "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS
No. 123"), the Corporation had the option of accruing a compensation expense for
stock options granted to employees, or applying the provisions of APB Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No. 25") which does not
require compensation expense to be recognized. In 1996, the Corporation elected
to continue to apply APB No. 25 to account for the Option Plan. Under the Option
Plan, stock options are granted at an exercise price not less than the market
value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of the grant, as
such, the Option Plan is classified as a fixed stock option plan. Accordingly,
no compensation expense has been recognized from 1997 through 1995.
     The Option Plan provides for the granting of nonqualified stock options to
certain key employees and directors of Bankshares and the Bank, as designated by
the Corporation's board of directors. All options have a maximum duration of ten
years from the date of grant. Vesting in the majority of options usually occurs
immediately in 50% of the options granted with the remainder vesting in the
subsequent year. The vesting provisions on the remaining options may be
accelerated on the attainment of specific benchmarks related to the
Corporation's performance.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      The following table presents a summarization of the activity related to
the options for the periods indicated:

                                                                1997                   1996                      1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Common   Weighted Avg.   Common  Weighted Avg.    Common   Weighted Avg.
                                                        Shares  Exercise Price   Shares  Exercise Price   Shares  Exercise Price
==================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>       <C>          <C>   
Outstanding, January 1,                               2,263,614     $ 6.90      2,114,158     $ 4.63    2,191,798    $ 3.69
Granted                                                 166,798      19.81        514,154      15.16      248,624     11.08
Exercised                                              (720,638)      3.78       (346,896)      5.13     (324,060)     3.17
Cancelled or Expired                                     (6,446)     16.86        (17,802)      8.83       (2,204)     9.47
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding, December 31,                             1,703,328     $ 9.43      2,263,614     $ 6.90    2,114,158    $ 4.63
==================================================================================================================================
Options Exercisable at Year-end                       1,273,480                 1,251,708               1,402,646
Weighted Average Fair Value of Options Granted 
 During the Year                                                    $ 2.83                    $ 4.25                 $ 3.42
Options Available for Granting under the Option Plan    278,308                 1,492,766               1,894,860
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
          
                                                 37
<PAGE> 38

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

The table below provides information on the stock options outstanding at
December 31, 1997: 

                               Options Outstanding                         Options Exercisable 
                      -----------------------------------------     -------------------------------
                                 Weighted      Weighted Average                     Weighted 
Exercise Price       Common       Average        Remaining           Common          Average
    Range            Shares    Exercise Price  Contractual Life      Shares       Exercise Price
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>             <C>                <C>           <C>               <C>   
$ 1.72 - $ 9.68     616,006       $ 2.84             4.4             606,860         $ 2.72
 12.19 -  20.87     389,802         8.79             6.9             389,802           8.81
 21.12 -  25.93     136,174        12.05             8.4             136,174          12.13
 26.09 -  30.38     335,346        15.02             8.2               7,244          13.48
 31.66 -  38.51     210,400        18.23             9.0             126,400          17.89
 43.94 -  61.63      15,600        23.91             9.6               7,000          23.74
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  1,703,328       $ 9.43             6.6           1,273,480         $ 7.27
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The weighted average fair value of all of the options granted during 1997,
1996 and 1995 has been estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
with the following weighted average assumptions:

                                                1997    1996    1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>     <C>     <C>   
Dividend Yield                                 38.47%  14.64%  14.64%
Weighted Average Risk-free Interest Rate        5.72    6.31    5.47
Weighted Average Expected Volatility           22.18   21.18   21.18
Weighted Average Expected Life in Years            7       7       7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The provisions of SFAS No. 123 require pro forma disclosure of compensation
expense for the Corporation based on the fair value of the awards at the date of
grant. Under those provisions, the Corporation's net income and earnings per
share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts below:

(in thousands, except per share data)         1997       1996       1995
=========================================================================
<S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>    
Net Income:
  As Reported                              $24,959    $26,188    $22,132
  Pro forma                                 24,473     25,361     21,541
Basic Earnings Per Share:
  As Reported                              $  1.10    $  1.18    $  1.02 
  Pro forma                                   1.08       1.15       1.00 
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
  As Reported                              $  1.06    $  1.12    $   .97 
  Pro forma                                   1.04       1.09        .94
=========================================================================
</TABLE>

      At the time of the Corporation's reorganization, a liquidation account was
established by the Bank for the benefit of all eligible deposit account holders
as of December 31, 1986 who maintain their accounts in the Bank subsequent to
the reorganization. The liquidation account provides these deposit account
holders with an interest in the retained earnings of the Bank prior to any
distribution to stockholders in the sole event of a complete liquidation. The
deposit account holders' interest in the liquidation account decreases as the
related deposit account decreases and will never increase. The liquidation
account does not restrict the use or application of stockholders' equity of the
Bank except that the Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on, or
repurchase any of its capital stock if, as the result of such dividend or
repurchase, the Bank's stockholders' equity would be less than the amount then
required for the liquidation account. At December 31, 1997, the balance of the
liquidation account was $11.2 million.

NOTE 12 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

PENSION PLAN

The Corporation's non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covers
substantially all full-time employees with at least one year of service and
provides monthly benefits upon retirement to participants based on average
career earnings and length of service. During 1996 the Plan was amended
effective January 1, 1996 to change the Plan into a Cash Balance Plan. Accrued
benefits were converted to cash balances as of January 1, 1996 for the Plan
participants. This change resulted in a reduction in the Plan expense during
1997 and 1996. The pension liability decreased accordingly at December 31, 1997
and 1996 as a result of the Plan change. The Corporation's policy is to
contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding
requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended, plus such additional amounts as the Corporation deems appropriate.
During 1996, the Corporation contributed $1.3 million to the plan assets.


                                       38
<PAGE> 39

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The following  table sets forth the defined benefit plan's funded status at
January 1:

(in thousands)                                1998       1997       1996
=========================================================================
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>      
Actuarial Present Value of Benefit 
 Obligations:
  Accumulated Benefit Obligation,
   Including Vested Benefits of 
   $18,321 - 1998; $16,268 - 1997; 
   $15,391 - 1996                         $(20,729)  $(18,903)  $(17,610)
=========================================================================
Projected Benefit Obligation for
 Service Rendered to Date                 $(21,965)  $(19,861)  $(20,119)
Plan Assets at Fair Value                   26,825     23,353     19,560
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan Assets in Excess of (Less than) 
 Projected Benefit Obligation                4,860      3,492       (559)
Unrecognized Net Gain from 
 Past Experience Different from 
 that Assumed                               (3,547)    (2,340)      (695)
Unrecognized Net Asset Arising at 
 Transition at January 1, 1988                (695)      (835)    (1,516)
Unrecognized Prior Service Cost             (1,713)    (1,902)      (248)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued Pension Cost Included in 
 Other Liabilities                        $ (1,095)  $ (1,585)  $ (3,018)
=========================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The  actuarially  estimated net pension cost for the year ended December 31
includes the following components:

(in thousands)                              1997       1996        1995
=========================================================================
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>      
Service Cost - Benefits Earned
 During the Year                          $  839     $  650     $ 1,115
Interest Cost on Projected Benefit
 Obligation                                1,502      1,447       1,407
Actual Return on Plan Assets              (4,666)    (3,693)     (4,529)
Net Amortization and 
 Deferral of Loss                          1,987      1,492       2,825
  Net Pension Cost (Benefit) Included 
   in Employee Benefits Expense           $ (338)    $ (104)    $   818
=========================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The Corporation revises the rates applied in the determination of the
actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation to reflect the
anticipated performance of the plan and changes in compensation levels.

                                               1998       1997      1996
=========================================================================
<S>                                            <C>        <C>       <C> 
Rates Used in Determining
 Actuarial Present Value of Projected
 Benefit Obligation:
  Weighted Average Discount Rate                7.5%       8.0%      8.0%
  Expected Rate of Increase in 
   Future Compensation Levels                   4.0%       4.0%      4.0%
Expected Long-Term Rate of Return
 on Plan Assets                                10.0%      10.0%     10.0%
=========================================================================
</TABLE>

     Plan assets are primarily comprised of equity securities, and short-term
and long-term debt securities. The unrecognized net asset arising at transition
is being amortized over 15.6 years. The plan held no shares of the Corporation's
common stock at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

The Retirement Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan which is qualified
under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The plan generally
allows all employees who complete 500 hours of employment during a six month
period and elect to participate, to receive matching funds from the Corporation
for pre-tax retirement contributions made by the employee. The annual
contribution to this plan is at the discretion of and determined by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation. During 1996, the Corporation raised the maximum
contribution of 50% of an employee's contribution up to 2% of the individual's
salary to 75% and 4.5%, respectively. Contributions to this plan amounted to
$1.1 million, $1.2 million and $548 thousand for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Corporation provides certain
health care and life insurance benefits to retired employees. Substantially all
employees of the Corporation that reach retirement age may become eligible for
these benefits, generally contingent upon the completion of twenty years of
service. The health care plan is contributory where the retiree is responsible
for all premiums in excess of the Corporation's contribution. The Corporation's
contribution is capped at a growth rate of 4% per year. Under the prospective
transition approach, the transition obligation is amortized over a twenty-year
period. The cost of life insurance benefits provided to the retiree is borne by
the Corporation. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, this plan is unfunded.

                                       39
<PAGE> 40

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The following tables set forth the plan's funded status reconciled with
amounts reported in the Corporation's financial statements at December 31:

(in thousands)                                       1997           1996
=========================================================================
<S>                                               <C>            <C>     
Actuarial Present Value of Benefit 
  Obligations (APBO):
  Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation:
   Retirees                                       $  (642)       $  (761)
   Fully Eligible Active Plan Participants            (50)          (103)
   Other Active Plan Participants                    (368)          (338)
=========================================================================
    Total (APBO)                                   (1,060)        (1,202)
Plan Assets at Fair Value                               -              -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Postretirement Benefit
 Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets               (1,060)        (1,202)
Unrecognized Net Gain                                (317)          (129)
Less: Unrecognized Transition Obligation              811            864
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued Postretirement Benefit Liability          $  (566)       $  (467)
=========================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     The actuarially estimated net postretirement benefit cost for the year
ended December 31:

(dollars in thousands)                            1997       1996       1995
=============================================================================
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C> 
Service Cost-Benefits Earned During Year          $ 51       $ 58       $ 42
Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation       75         88         85
Amortization of Transition Obligation               54         55         53
Amortization of Unrecognized Gain                  (17)         -         (8)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Postretirement Benefit Cost 
 Included in Employee Benefit Expense             $163       $201       $172
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount Rate Used in Determining the 
 Actual Present Value of Accumulated 
 Postretirement Benefit Obligation                 8.0%       8.0%       8.0%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

NOTE 13 - OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

In the normal course of business, the Bank offers various financial products to
its customers to meet their credit and liquidity needs. These instruments
involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk which may exceed
any amount recognized in the financial statements. Risks that are inherent in
normal banking services also exist in some of these financial instruments.
Contract amounts of the instruments indicate the maximum exposure the Bank has
in each class of financial instruments discussed in the following paragraphs.
These commitments and contingencies are not reflected in the accompanying
financial statements. Unless noted otherwise, the Bank does not require
collateral or other securities to support financial instruments with credit
risk.
     Subject to its normal credit standards and risk monitoring procedures, the
Bank makes contractual commitments to extend credit. Commitments to extend
credit in the form of consumer, commercial real estate and commercial business
loans amounted to $467.7 million and $396.1 million at December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Commitments typically have fixed expiration dates or other
termination clauses. The total of commitments does not necessarily represent
future cash requirements as many commitments may expire without being exercised.
Collateral and amounts thereof are obtained, if necessary, based upon
management's evaluation of each borrower's financial condition. Required
collateral may be in the form of cash, accounts receivable, inventory, property,
plant and equipment and income generating commercial properties and residential
properties.
     The Bank is obligated under various recourse provisions related to sales of
residential mortgage loans. The maximum potential recourse obligation was $13.3
million and $20.5 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. No losses
have been incurred under these recourse provisions. Conditional commitments are
issued by the Bank in the form of performance stand-by letters of credit which
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These letters of
credit are typically included in the amount of funds committed by the Bank to
complete associated construction projects. At December 31, commitments under
outstanding performance stand-by letters of credit aggregated $32.9 million in
1997 and $38.7 million in 1996. The credit risk of issuing letters of credit is
essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.
     The Bank enters into agreements for the delivery of securitized mortgage
pools at a future date at a specified price or yield. The inability of
counterparties to meet the terms of these contracts and movements in the value
of securities and interest rates imposes risk on the Bank. Forward contracts
aggregated $89.3 million and $46.4 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. However management does not feel that any significant amounts are
at risk with regard to these contracts.
     The Bank enters into various derivative financial instruments to manage its
interest rate risk exposure (see Note 1). The two major types used are interest
rate swaps and interest rate floor/cap/ corridor arrangements. These derivative
financial instruments use notional amounts to represent a unit of measure but
not the amount subject to accounting loss, which is much smaller. Risks in these
transactions involve nonperformance by counterparties under the terms of the
contract (counterparty credit risk) and, for interest rate swaps, the
possibility that interest rate movements or general market volatility could
result in losses on open off-balance sheet positions (market risk). Credit risk
is controlled by dealing with

                                       40
<PAGE> 41


well-established brokers which are highly rated by independent sources. Market
risk on interest rate swaps is minimized by using these instruments as hedges,
actively managing interest rate risk and by continually monitoring these
positions. Market risk associated with the interest rate floor/cap/corridor
arrangements only exist when premiums are amortized into interest expense
without receiving any compensation from third parties. Unamortized premiums paid
and outstanding for floor/cap/corridor arrangements were $523 thousand at
December 31, 1997, and $1.3 million at December 31, 1996.

     Notional amounts of interest rate swaps and interest rate
floor/cap/corridor arrangements are detailed below by amounts outstanding,
average interest rates/fees and market values at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Average Interest Rate/Fee          
                           Notional   Maturity    -------------------------------------                               Market
(dollars in thousands)      Amount      Date       Paid                Received                                       Value
=============================================================================================================================
<S>     <C>                <C>           <C>      <C>           <C>                                                    <C>   
1997
Interest Rate Swaps:
                           $ 20,000      1998      5.29%        3 month LIBOR (5.77%)                                  $   25
                             15,000      1998      6.96%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                     (39)
                             20,000      1998      6.47%        3 month LIBOR (5.75%)                                     131
                             12,000      1998      6.49%        3 month LIBOR (5.75%)                                      87
                             20,000      1999      6.52%        3 month LIBOR (5.75%)                                     160
                             20,000      1999      6.52%        3 month LIBOR (5.75%)                                     168
                              9,583      1999      5.34%        3 month LIBOR (5.88%)                                      36
                             20,000      1999      6.58%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                     172
                              9,167      1999      5.78%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                       6
                              5,250      1999      6.84%        3 month LIBOR (5.81%)                                     (46)
                             20,000      1999      6.60%        3 month LIBOR (5.78%)                                     221
                             20,000      1999      6.61%        3 month LIBOR (5.78%)                                     234
                             20,000      1999      6.62%        3 month LIBOR (5.72%)                                     268
                             12,385      1999      6.01%        3 month LIBOR (5.81%)                                     (20)
                             20,000      1999      6.65%        3 month LIBOR (5.88%)                                     262
                             12,385      1999      6.14%        3 month LIBOR (5.88%)                                     (33)
                             20,000      1999      6.68%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                     270
                              9,962      1999      6.35%        3 month LIBOR (5.78%)                                     (65)
                             20,000      1999      6.68%        3 month LIBOR (5.78%)                                     317
                              9,846      1999      6.45%        3 month LIBOR (5.78%)                                     (65)
                             11,076      1999      6.21%        3 month LIBOR (5.88%)                                     (40)
                             11,076      1999      6.31%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                     (52)
                             20,000      1999      6.70%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                     302
                             12,461      2000      6.01%        3 month LIBOR (5.72%)                                     (27)
                             10,385      2000      5.83%        3 month LIBOR (5.75%)                                       3
                              7,615      2000      5.95%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                      (6)
                             15,000      2000      7.08%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                     (371)
                              9,000      2000      7.19%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                     (278)
                              8,461      2000      6.17%        3 month LIBOR (5.72%)                                      (36)
                              8,000      2002      6.08%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                      (32)
                             15,000      2002      6.03%        3 month LIBOR (5.91%)                                      (31)
                             10,000      2002      6.25%        3 month LIBOR (5.90%)                                      (67)
                             10,000      2002      6.30%        3 month LIBOR (5.90%)                                      (88)

Interest Rate Floor/Cap/Corridor Arrangements:
        Corridor           $ 50,000      1998     $  80         3 month LIBOR (5.81%)> 6.63%, capped at 8.63%          $    14
        Corridor            100,000      1999       260         3 month LIBOR (5.81%)> 6.63%, capped at 8.63%               95
        Floor               100,000      1999       182         4 year Treasury Notes (5.80%), Strike Price of 6.8%      1,080
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                                 41

<PAGE> 42

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Average Interest Rate/Fee          
                           Notional   Maturity    -------------------------------------                               Market
(dollars in thousands)      Amount      Date       Paid                Received                                       Value
=============================================================================================================================
<S>     <C>                <C>           <C>      <C>           <C>                                                    <C>   
1996
Interest Rate Swaps:

                           $ 8,000       1998     5.38%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                  $  33
                             8,000       1998     6.47%         3 month LIBOR (5.62%)                                    (93)
                            15,000       1998     6.96%         3 month LIBOR (5.62%)                                   (216)
                            20,000       1998     5.29%         3 month LIBOR (5.62%)                                     96
                             8,750       1999     6.84%         3 month LIBOR (5.53%)                                   (121)
                            14,769       1999     6.45%         3 month LIBOR (5.53%)                                   (131)
                            15,654       1999     6.35%         3 month LIBOR (5.62%)                                   (131)
                            16,501       1999     5.42%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                     75
                            16,501       1999     5.78%         3 month LIBOR (5.94%)                                     12
                            16,615       1999     6.21%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                    (79)
                            16,615       1999     6.31%         3 month LIBOR (5.94%)                                    (96)
                            17,249       1999     5.34%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                     95
                            19,462       1999     6.01%         3 month LIBOR (5.53%)                                    (49)
                            19,462       1999     6.14%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                    (79)
                             7,000       2000     5.90%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                      6
                             9,000       2000     7.19%         3 month LIBOR (5.62%)                                   (310)
                            11,000       2000     5.95%         3 month LIBOR (5.62%)                                     19
                            15,000       2000     7.08%         3 month LIBOR (5.59%)                                   (408)
                            15,000       2000     6.45%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                   (138)
                            15,000       2000     5.83%         3 month LIBOR (5.53%)                                     20
                            18,000       2000     6.01%         3 month LIBOR (5.63%)                                    (34)
                            10,000       2000     6.56%         3 month LIBOR (5.50%)                                   (105)
Interest Rate Floor/Cap/Corridor Arrangements:
        Corridor          $ 50,000       1997     $850          3 month LIBOR (5.50%)> 4%, capped at 6%               $  129
        Corridor            50,000       1997      760          3 month LIBOR (5.59%)> 4%, capped at 6%                  192
        Corridor            50,000       1998      315          3 month LIBOR (5.63%)> 6.62%, capped at 8.62%            138
        Corridor           100,000       1999      768          3 month LIBOR (5.63%)> 6.62%, capped at 8.62%            437
        Floor              100,000       1997      390          4 year Treasury Notes (6.03%), Strike Price of 6.8%      649
        Floor              100,000       1999      780          4 year Treasury Notes (6.03%), Strike Price of 6.8%    1,410
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     For the year ended December 31, 1997, $39.0 million of the interest rate
swaps hedged the exposure that the securities available for sale had to
declining market values as a result of increasing interest rates. Additionally,
remaining swaps of $149.7 million and $275.0 million were utilized to hedge the
interest rate risk inherent in short-term borrowings and callable brokered
certificates of deposit, respectively. The interest rate corridors protect the
net interest margin from the impact of increases in savings deposit rates during
periods of rising interest rates. The interest rate floors were purchased to
hedge the impact of loan repricing on net interest income in future years.

     The following is an analysis of the activity with regards to interest rate
swaps and interest rate floor/cap/corridor arrangements for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Notional Amount
                                    -------------------------------------
                                                        Interest Rate
                                     Interest Rate   Floor/Cap/Corridor
(in thousands)                           Swaps          Arrangements
====================================================================
<S>                                   <C>               <C>      
Balance, January 1, 1995              $ 184,000         $ 490,000
New Contracts                           134,500           150,000
Expired Contracts                        (1,750)         (100,000)
Terminated Contracts                   (161,500)                -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995              155,250           540,000
New Contracts                           295,500                 -
Expired Contracts                      (104,172)          (90,000)
Terminated Contracts                    (34,000)                -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996              312,578           450,000
New Contracts                           748,500                 -
Expired Contracts                       (72,759)         (200,000)
Terminated Contracts                   (524,667)                -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997            $ 463,652         $ 250,000
====================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       42

<PAGE> 43


     At December 31, 1997, the Corporation had deferred gains of $1.4 million
and deferred losses of $2.8 million related to terminated contracts. These
deferred gains and losses will be amortized over 3.3 and 1.5 years,
respectively.
     The Corporation had deferred gains of $324 thousand and deferred losses of
$6.0 million related to terminated contracts which were amortized as a yield
adjustment over .3 and 1.6 years, respectively, at December 31, 1996.
     The notional maturities of the interest rate swaps and interest rate
floor/cap/corridor arrangements at December 31, 1997, are presented below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            Notional Amount
                                  -----------------------------------
                                                    Interest Rate
                                  Interest Rate   Floor/Cap/Corridor
(in thousands)                        Swaps         Arrangements
======================================================================
<S>                                 <C>              <C>     
1998                                $ 67,000         $ 50,000
1999                                 290,730          200,000
2000                                  62,922                -
2001                                       -                -
2002                                  43,000                -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                              $463,652         $250,000
=======================================================================
</TABLE>

     In April of 1997, a judgment stemming from a lawsuit alleging that
Provident Bank of Maryland had failed to fully honor a letter of credit was
entered against Provident in the amount of $5.2 million. This decision reversed
an earlier court holding in favor of Provident. The Bank has appealed the
decision. Management, in consultation with legal counsel, is of the opinion that
there exists a significant possibility that the award will be reversed or
substantially altered at the appellate level. The ultimate outcome of the case
will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial
statements.

NOTE 14 - CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

The Corporation's investment portfolio contains mortgage-backed securities
amounting to $885.5 million and $901.0 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The underlying collateral for these securities is in the form of
pools of mortgages on residential properties. The majority of the securities are
either directly or indirectly guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or
corporations. Management is of the opinion that credit risk is minimal.
     Construction and mortgage loan receivables from real estate developers
represent $321.9 million and $398.8 million of the total loan portfolio at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Substantially all loans are
collateralized by real property or other assets. These loans are expected to be
repaid from the proceeds received by the borrowers from the retail sales or
rentals of these properties to third parties.

NOTE 15 - OTHER NON-INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

The components of other non-interest income and other non-interest expense for
the three years ended December 31 were as follows:

(in thousands)                                1997      1996       1995
=======================================================================
<S>                                        <C>       <C>        <C>    
Other Non-Interest Income:
  Other Loan Fees                          $ 2,147   $ 1,872    $ 1,208
  Interest Income on Tax Refund                  -         -      5,796
  Other Non-Interest Income                  4,543     5,251      1,977
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Other Non-Interest Income        $ 6,690   $ 7,123    $ 8,981
=======================================================================
Other Non-Interest Expense:
  Advertising and Promotion                $ 5,678   $ 5,986    $ 5,562
  Communication and Postage                  3,693     3,861      3,050
  Printing and Supplies                      2,277     2,351      2,032
  Regulatory Fees                            1,016     1,699      3,095
  Professional Services                      2,762     3,000      2,621
  Other Non-Interest Expense                 8,537     7,709      6,858
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Other Non-Interest Expense       $23,963   $24,606    $23,218
=======================================================================
</TABLE>

NOTE 16 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 -
"Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128") on December 31, 1997. SFAS No. 128
requires the Corporation to change the method of computing, presenting and
disclosing earnings per share information. Accordingly, all prior period data
presented has been restated to conform to the provisions of SFAS No. 128. Under
the revised provisions of the new standard, primary earnings per share has been
replaced with basic earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is computed by
dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
for the period. Basic earnings per share does not include the effect of any
potentially dilutive transactions or conversions. Additionally, under the
standard, diluted earnings per share replaces fully diluted earnings per share
from prior years. This computation reflects the potential dilution of earnings
per share under the treasury stock method which could occur if contracts to
issue common stock were exercised, such as stock options, and shared in
corporate earnings. In addition to the data being restated to conform to the
provisions of SFAS No. 128, all prior period data has also been restated to
provide for the effects of the stock dividend issued and the 2 for 1 stock
split, the acquisition consummated during 1997 and the split in February, 1998.
     The following table presents a summary of per share data and amounts for
the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Qualifying      Basic      Basic   Dilutive    Diluted      Diluted
Year Ended December 31,          Net Income    EPS Shares    EPS     Shares    EPS Shares      EPS
======================================================================================================
<S>                               <C>            <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>          <C>  
1995                              $22,132        21,670     $1.02    1,186       22,856       $0.97
1996                              $26,188        22,188     $1.18    1,140       23,328       $1.12
1997                              $24,959        22,664     $1.10      906       23,570       $1.06
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

     
                                            43
<PAGE> 44


NOTE 17 - REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Corporation is subject to various capital adequacy guidelines imposed by
federal and state regulatory agencies. Under these guidelines, the Corporation
must meet specific capital adequacy requirements which are quantitative measures
of the Corporation's assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items
calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Additionally, the
Corporation's capital amounts and classifications are subject to qualitative
judgments by these agencies about components, risk weightings and other factors.
The quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require the Corporation to maintain amounts and ratios of total and tier 1
capital to risk-weighted assets and tier 1 capital to average assets, known as
the leverage ratio. The Corporation's tier 1 capital is equal to its common
stock, capital surplus and retained earnings less treasury stock. Equity for
regulatory purposes does not include market value adjustments for available for
sale securities. The calculation of the Corporation's total capital is equal to
tier 1 capital plus the allowance for loan losses subject to certain
limitations. Risk-weighted assets are determined by applying weighting to asset
categories and certain off-balance sheet commitments based on the level of
credit risk inherent in the assets. At December 31, 1997, the Corporation
exceeds all regulatory capital requirements. The most recent notification from
the Corporation's primary regulators categorized the Corporation as well
capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There
are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes
have changed the Corporation's category. If the Corporation is unable to comply
with the minimum capital requirements, it would result in regulatory actions
which could have a material impact on the Corporation.
     The minimum regulatory guidelines for total capital and tier 1 capital to
risk-weighted assets are 8% and 4%, respectively. Guidelines for the leverage
ratio require the ratio of tier 1 capital to average assets to be 100 to 200
basis points above a 3% minimum, depending on risk profiles and other factors.
The table below presents the various components used to calculate the capital
adequacy ratios.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)               1997           1996
=========================================================
<S>                            <C>            <C>       
Qualifying Capital
Tier 1 Capital                 $  265,199     $  240,077
Total Capital                     302,060        270,438
Risk-Weighted Assets            2,949,890      2,584,260
Quarterly Average Assets        3,756,348      3,449,616

RATIOS

Leverage Capital                     7.06%          6.96%
Tier 1 Capital                       8.99           9.29
Total Capital                       10.24          10.46

</TABLE>

NOTE 18 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosure about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments," requires all entities to disclose the fair
value of recognized and unrecognized financial instruments on a prospective
basis, where practicable, in an effort to provide financial statement users with
information in making rational investment and credit decisions. 
     To  estimate  the fair  value of each  class of  financial  instrument  the
Corporation applied the following methods using the indicated assumptions:

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS AND
 SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

Carrying amount of those investments is used to estimate fair value.

MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR SALE

Fair value for mortgage loans held for trading or sale was determined using
forward contract commitment pricing for the majority of these loans. Loans not
specifically allocated to a forward commitment have been priced using quoted
prices for commitments into which these mortgages would be placed in the future.

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND SECURITIES
 HELD TO MATURITY

The fair values of the securities are based on quoted market prices or dealer
quotes for those investments.

LOANS

Fair value of loans which have homogeneous characteristics, such as residential
mortgages and installment loans, was estimated using discounted cash flows. All
other loans were valued using discount rates which reflected credit risks of the
borrower, types of collateral and remaining maturities.

DEPOSIT LIABILITIES

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

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Rates currently available to the Corporation for borrowings and debt with
similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of the
existing debt.

                                       44
<PAGE> 45


INTEREST RATE ARRANGEMENTS

The fair value of interest rate swaps and floor/cap/corridor arrangements, which
the Corporation uses for hedging purposes, is the estimated amount the
Corporation would receive or pay to terminate the arrangements at the reporting
date, taking into account the current interest rates and the current credit
worthiness of the counterparties.

COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT

The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to
enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the
agreements and the credit worthiness of the borrowers. Fixed-rate loan
commitments also take into account the difference between current levels of
interest rates and committed rates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

The estimated fair values of the Corporation's financial instruments at December
31 are as follows:

                                                        1997                        1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Carrying        Fair          Carrying      Fair
(in thousands)                                 Amount         Value          Amount       Value
==================================================================================================
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>       
Assets:
  Cash and Due From Banks                   $   68,580     $   68,580     $   70,132  $   70,132
  Short-Term Investments                           350            350         11,366      11,366
  Mortgage Loans Held for Sale                  66,925         67,024         35,356      35,378
  Securities Available for Sale                983,241        983,241        968,154     968,154
  Securities Held to Maturity                                                 86,237      86,464
  Loans, Net of Allowance                    2,664,207      2,764,821      2,217,512   2,260,124
Liabilities:
  Deposits                                  $2,754,515     $2,761,008     $2,286,144  $2,295,814
  Short-Term Borrowings                        347,291        347,511        602,435     602,957
  Long-Term Debt                               469,077        471,406        328,517     330,809
Recognized Derivative Financial Instruments:
  Interest Rate Floors                      $      182     $    1,080     $      483  $    2,059
  Interest Rate Corridors                          340            109            768         896
Unrecognized Financial Instruments:
  Interest Rate Swaps                               --          1,366             --      (1,634)
  Commitments to Extend Credit              $       --     $       41     $       --  $      175
==================================================================================================
These fair value disclosures are made solely to comply with the requirements of SFAS No. 107. 
The calculations represent estimates and do not represent the underlying value of the Corporation. 
The information presented is based on fair value calculations and market quotes as of December 31, 
1997 and 1996. These amounts are based on the relative economic environment at the respective 
year-ends, therefore, the valuations may have been affected by economic movements since year-end.
</TABLE>

                                            45
<PAGE> 46


NOTE 19 -- PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

The condensed statements of income, financial condition and cash flows for
Provident Bankshares Corporation (parent only) are presented below.

STATEMENT OF INCOME

                                          Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                         1997       1996        1995
====================================================================
<S>                                 <C>        <C>         <C>    
Interest Income From
 Bank Subsidiary                    $   225    $    81     $   105
Dividend Income From
 Bank Subsidiary                      8,460      6,060       4,410
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Income                        8,685      6,141       4,515
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses                    2,863        505         970
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Income Taxes
 and Equity in Undistributed
 Income of Bank Subsidiary            5,822      5,636       3,545
Income Tax Benefit                      (43)      (144)       (297)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      5,865      5,780       3,842
Equity in Undistributed Income
 of Bank Subsidiary                  19,094     20,408      18,290
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                          $24,959    $26,188     $22,132
====================================================================
</TABLE>

STATEMENT OF CONDITION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                                         1997                1996
================================================================================
<S>                                                <C>                 <C>     
ASSETS
Interest-Bearing Deposit with Bank Subsidiary      $    254            $  2,153
Investment in Bank Subsidiary                       266,071             236,372
Other Assets                                          4,325                 716
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Assets                                     $270,650            $239,241
================================================================================

LIABILITIES
Other Liabilities                                  $    468            $    443
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Liabilities                                     468                 443
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock                                         23,513              21,915
Capital Surplus                                     130,963             109,132
Retained Earnings                                   113,463             111,614
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Debt Securities
 of Bank Subsidiary                                   4,733              (1,373)
Treasury Stock at Cost                               (2,490)             (2,490)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Stockholders' Equity                        270,182             238,798
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity         $270,650            $239,241
================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                               1997       1996        1995
==========================================================================
<S>                                      <C>        <C>         <C>     
Operating Activities:
  Net Income                             $ 24,959   $ 26,188    $ 22,132
  Adjustments to Reconcile
   Net Income to Net Cash
   Provided (Used) by
   Operating Activities:
      Equity in Undistributed
        Income from
        Bank Subsidiary                   (19,094)   (20,408)    (18,290)
      Other Operating Activities           (3,583)         7        (316)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Adjustments                     (22,677)   (20,401)    (18,606)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Cash Provided by
   Operating Activities                     2,282      5,787       3,526
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities:
  Investment in Bank Subsidiary            (4,500)    (4,000)     (3,800)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Cash Used by
   Investing Activities                    (4,500)    (4,000)     (3,800)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities:
  Issuance of Common Stock                  8,824      4,355       5,221
  Cash Dividends on Common Stock           (8,505)    (6,281)     (4,301)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Cash Provided (Used) by
   Financing Activities                       319     (1,926)        920
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
 and Cash Equivalents                      (1,899)      (139)        646
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
   at Beginning of Year                     2,153      2,292       1,646
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  at End of Year                          $   254   $  2,153    $  2,292
==========================================================================
Supplemental Disclosures
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Taxes Paid (Received)              $   187   $   (158)   $   (209)
Stock Dividend                             14,605     17,295      12,150
</TABLE>

                                       46

<PAGE> 47


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

None 

PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 

The text and tables under "Election of Directors" in the Corporation's 1998
Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The text and tables under "Compensation of Officers and Directors" in the
Corporation's 1998 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 

The text and tables under "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof" and
"Election of Directors" in the Corporation's 1998 Proxy Statement are
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS 

The text under "Certain Transactions with Management" in the Corporation's 1998
Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

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

(a) (1) The Consolidated Financial Statements of Provident 
        Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries are included
        in Item 8.
(a) (2) Financial statement schedules--none applicable
        or required.
(a) (3) Exhibits
            The following is an index of the exhibits included in this report:
            (3.1)   Articles of Incorporation of Provident Bankshares 
                    Corporation.(1)
            (3.2)   By-Laws of Provident Bankshares Corporation, as amended.(3)
            (4.1)   Stockholder Protection Right Agreement.(3)
            (10.1)  1994 Supplemental Executive Incentive Plan of Provident 
                    Bank of Maryland.(3)
            (10.2)  Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan of Provident 
                    Bank of Maryland.(4)
            (10.3)  Amended and restated Stock Option and Appreciation Rights
                    Plan of Provident Bankshares Corporation.(5) 
            (10.4)  Form of Change in Control Agreement between Provident 
                    Bankshares Corporation and Certain Executive Officers.(2)
            (10.5)  Form of Change in Control Agreement between Provident Bank
                    of Maryland and Certain Executive Officers.(2) 
            (11)    Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.(6)
            (21)    Subsidiaries of Provident Bankshares Corporation.(6) 
            (23)    Consents of Independent Accountants.(6) 
            (24)    Power of Attorney.(6)
            (27)    Financial Data Schedule.(6)
(b)     No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Corporation in the last quarter
        of 1997.
(1) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 
    S-3 (File No. 33-73162) filed with the Commission on August 18, 1994.
(2) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's 1995 Form 10-K (File No. 
    0-16421) filed with the Commission on March 18, 1996. 
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's 1994 Annual Report on Form
    10-K (File No. 0-16421) filed with the Commission on February 17, 1995.
(4) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's 1993 Form 10-K (File No. 
    0-16421) filed with the Commission on March 14, 1994.
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's definitive 1995 Proxy
    Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 19, 1995.
(6) Filed herewith.

                                       47

<PAGE> 48

                                   SIGNATURES

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

                                      PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
                                      (Registrant)

January 30, 1998                      BY:  /s/Carl W. Stearn
                                         -----------------------------------
                                         Carl W. Stearn
                                         Chairman of the Board and
                                         Chief Executive Officer


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


                                      Principal Executive Officer:

January 30, 1998                      BY:/s/Carl W. Stearn
                                         -----------------------------------
                                         Carl W. Stearn
                                         Chairman of the Board and
                                         Chief Executive Officer


                                      Principal Financial Officer:

January 30, 1998                      BY:/s/James R. Wallis
                                         -----------------------------------
                                         James R. Wallis
                                         Executive Vice President


January 30, 1998                      Principal Accounting Officer

                                      BY: /s/ R. Wayne Hall
                                          ----------------------------------
                                          R. Wayne Hall
                                          Treasurer

                                 A Majority of the Board of Directors*
                                 Robert B. Barnhill, Jr., Melvin A. Bilal,
                                 Dr. Calvin W. Burnett, Ward B. Coe, III,
                                 Charles W. Cole, Jr., M. Jenkins Cromwell, Jr.,
                                 Pierce B. Dunn, Enos K. Fry,
                                 Herbert W. Jorgensen, Mark K. Joseph,
                                 Barbara B. Lucas, Peter M. Martin,
                                 Frederick W. Meier, Jr.,
                                 Sister Rosemarie Nassif, Francis G. Riggs, 
                                 Sheila K. Riggs, Carl W. Stearn

January 30, 1998                      *BY /s/ R. Wayne Hall
                                          ----------------------------------
                                          R. Wayne Hall
                                          Attorney-in-fact

                                       48

<PAGE> 1

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


          EXHIBIT 11 - STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                                           DECEMBER 31
(in thousands, except per share data)             1997       1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic:
- -----
<S>                                             <C>          <C>        <C>   
Average shares outstanding                      11,332       11,094     10,835
                                               =======      =======    =======
Net Income                                     $24,959      $26,188    $22,132
                                               =======      =======    =======
Per Share Amount                               $  2.20      $  2.36    $  2.04
                                               =======      =======    =======

Diluted:
- -------

Average shares outstanding                      11,332       11,094     10,835
Net effect of dilutive stock options based
  on the treasury stock method using the
  average market price or quarter end price,
  whichever is greater                             453          570        593
                                               -------      -------    -------
                   Total Shares Outstanding     11,785       11,664     11,428
                                               =======      =======    =======
Net Income                                     $24,959      $26,188    $22,132
                                               =======      =======    =======
Per Share Amount                               $  2.12      $  2.25    $  1.94
                                               =======      =======    =======
</TABLE>

Note:  All amounts have been restated for the stock split declared on January
21, 1998, effective February 13, 1998, as mandated by SAB 4C and SFAS No. 128
para. 54.  Additionally, amounts for 1996 and 1995, have been restated for the
5% stock dividends paid during 1997 and 1996, as applicable.


<PAGE> 1


                SUBSIDIARIES OF PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
                ------------------------------------------------


Provident Bank of Maryland
Provident Mortgage Corp.
Provident Financial Services, Inc.
Provident Investment Center, Inc.
Banksure Insurance Corporation
PB Investment Corporation
Provident Lease Corp., Inc.
Lexington Properties Management, Inc.
LPM Sub  1, Inc.
LPM Sub  2, Inc.
LPM Sub  3, Inc.
LPM Sub  4, Inc.
LPM Sub  5, Inc.
LPM Sub  6, Inc.
LPM Sub  7, Inc.
LPM Sub  8, Inc.
LPM Sub  9, Inc.
LPM Sub 10, Inc.
First Citizens Development Corporation
First Citizens Corporation


<PAGE> 1


                                   EXHIBIT 23

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



         We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement
Number 33-19352 on Form S-8 dated December 29, 1987, Registration Statement
Number 33-22552 on Form S-8 dated June 15, 1988, Registration Number 33-37502 on
Form S-8 dated October 31, 1990, Registration Statement Number 33-51462 on Form
S-8 dated August 31, 1992, and Registration Statement Number 33-73162 on Form
S-3 dated March 7, 1994 and amended thereto August 18, 1994, Registration
Statement Number 33-62859 on Form S-3 dated September 22, 1995, Registration
Statement Number 333-34409 on Form S-8 dated August 27, 1997 and Registration
Statement Number 333-45651 on Form S-8 dated February 5, 1998 of our report
dated January 22, 1998 on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of
Provident Bankshares Corporation as of December 31, 1997 amd 1996 and for the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which report is included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



                                             /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                             COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Baltimore, Maryland
March 16, 1998


<PAGE> 2



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



The Board of Directors
Provident Bankshares Corporation


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated January 22, 1997, except with respect to Note 19 as to which the date is
March 10, 1997 included in Provident Bankshares Corporation annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and to all references to our
Firm included in this Form 10-K. It should be noted that we have not audited any
financial statements of First Citizens Financial Corporation subsequent to
December 31, 1996 or performed any audit procedures subsequent to the date of
our report.

                                                       /s/Arthur Andersen LLP


Washington, D.C.
March 16, 1998





<PAGE> 1


                        PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY



     Each of the  undersigned  persons,  in his or her capacity as an officer or
director, or both, of Provident Bankshares  Corporation (the "Company"),  hereby
appoints  Carl W. Stearn,  James R. Wallis and R. Wayne Hall,  and each of them,
with full power of substitution and  resubstitution  and with full power in each
to act  without  the  others,  his  or her  attorney-in-fact  and  agent for the
following purposes:

     1.   To sign  for him or her, in his or her name and in his or her capacity
as an officer or director,  or both,  of the Company,  an Annual  Report on Form
10-K for the Company  pursuant to Section 13 of the  Securities  Exchange Act of
1934,  and any amendments  thereto (such report,  together with all exhibits and
documents therein and all such amendments, the "Form 10-K").

     2.   To file or cause  to be  filed the  Form 10-K with the  Securities and
Exchange Commission;

     3.   To  take all  such  other action  as any such attorney-in-fact, or his
substitute, may deem necessary or desirable in connection with Form 10-K.

<PAGE> 2


     This power of  attorney  shall  continue  in full  force and  effect  until
revoked by the undersigned in a writing filed with the Secretary of the Company.


/s/ Carl W. Stearn                               December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Carl W. Stern


/s/ Peter M. Martin                              December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Peter M. Martin


/s/ James R. Wallis                              December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
James R. Wallis


/s/ R. Wayne Hall                                December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
R. Wayne Hall


/s/ Robert B. Barnhill, Jr.                      December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Robert B. Barnhill, Jr.


/s/ Melvin A. Bilal                              December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Melvin A. Bilal


/s/ Dr. Calvin W. Burnett                        December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Dr. Calvin W. Burnett

<PAGE> 3


/s/ Ward B. Coe, III                             December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Ward B. Coe, III


/s/ Charles W. Cole                              December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Charles W. Cole


/s/ M. Jenkins Cromwell, Jr.                     December 17, 1997
- ----------------------------
M. Jenkins Cromwell, Jr.


/s/ Pierce B. Dunn                               December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Pierce B. Dunn


/s/ Enos K. Fry                                  December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Enos K. Fry


/s/ Herbert W. Jorgensen                         December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Herbert W. Jorgensen


/s/ Mark K. Joseph                               December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Mark K. Joseph


/s/ Barbara B. Lucas                             December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Barbara B. Lucas


/s/ Frederick W. Meier, Jr.                      December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Frederick W. Meier, Jr.

<PAGE> 4


/s/ Sister Rosemarie Nassif                      December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Sister Rosemarie Nassif


/s/ Francis G. Riggs                             December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Francis G. Riggs


/s/ Sheila K. Riggs                              December 17, 1997
- ---------------------------
Sheila K. Riggs


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                                            9
<LEGEND>
     This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the 
Form 10-K and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial 
statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0000818969
<NAME>                        Provident Bankshares Corporation
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1
<CURRENCY>                                     U.S. Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   DEC-31-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1
<CASH>                                              68,580
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                                   0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                         0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                         0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                        983,241
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                                   0
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                                     0
<LOANS>                                          2,701,068
<ALLOWANCE>                                         36,861
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   3,926,739
<DEPOSITS>                                       2,754,515
<SHORT-TERM>                                       347,291
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                                 85,674
<LONG-TERM>                                        469,077
                                    0
                                              0
<COMMON>                                            23,513
<OTHER-SE>                                         246,669
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                   3,926,739
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                    203,899
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                   75,213
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                         0
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                   279,112
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                                 106,004
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 156,718
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                              122,394
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                        9,953
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                   2,337
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                     76,191
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                     38,587
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                          38,587
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                          0
<CHANGES>                                                0
<NET-INCOME>                                        24,959
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                         1.10
<EPS-DILUTED>                                         1.06
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                        3.49
<LOANS-NON>                                          9,854
<LOANS-PAST>                                        25,276
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                         0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                          0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                    30,361
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                        5,213
<RECOVERIES>                                         1,760
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                   36,861
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                                36,861
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                                  0
        


</TABLE>


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