PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORP
10-K, 1999-03-03
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
Previous: CLONTECH LABORATORIES INC, S-1/A, 1999-03-03
Next: PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORP, DEF 14A, 1999-03-03



<PAGE> 1

                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K


[X]  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934 
                    For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                       or
[ ]  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)of the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934
                            For the Transition Period

                         Commission File Number 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
Incorporation or Organization)                            Identification Number)

              114 EAST LEXINGTON STREET, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202
              ----------------------------------------------------
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

                                 (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 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 28, 1999 was $653,690,817.

At January 28, 1999, the Registrant had 24,289,436 shares of $1.00 par value
common stock outstanding.

<PAGE> 2


TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                            PAGE

PART I


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  5

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           25

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                           26

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting 
        and Financial Disclosure                                              59


PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant *                 60

Item 11. Executive Compensation *                                             60

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management *     60

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions *                     60


PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K      61

Signatures                                                                    62


* Incorporated by reference from Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 21, 1999, 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.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statements contained in this Form 10-K which are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to
risk and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially
from those projected. Such risk and uncertainties include potential changes in
interest rates, competitive factors in the financial services industry, general
economic conditions, the effect of new legislation and other risks detailed in
documents filed by the Company with the SEC from time to time.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       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, 1998, 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 22.

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 the Bank's loan customers and thereby enhances the Bank's
lending product lines. Provident Investment Center Inc., also a subsidiary of
the Bank, offers a variety of life insurance products and services.

EMPLOYEES

   At December 31, 1998, the Corporation and its subsidiaries had 1,414
full-time equivalent 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 six commercial banks based in Maryland with deposits in
excess of $1 billion. Additionally, there are five 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 the acquisition of banks by bank holding companies
nationwide. Further, federal and Maryland law permit interstate banking. 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.

                                       3

<PAGE> 4

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.

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 84 offices are located in the Baltimore/Washington
metropolitan area and southern Pennsylvania. The Bank owns 12 and leases 72 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 12 of Item 8.--"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" on
page 44.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   None.


                                       4

<PAGE> 5


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 1998
and 1997 is shown in Table 6--Consolidated Quarterly Results of Operations,
Market Prices and Dividends contained in Management's Discussion and Analysis
(Item 7). At January 28, 1999, there were approximately 3,200 holders of record
of the Corporation's common stock.

   For the year 1998, the Corporation declared and paid dividends of $.52 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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

TABLE 1
                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)    1998         1997(1)          1996          1995           1994
==================================================================================================================
<S>                                          <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>       
Interest Income (tax-equivalent)             $  319,240    $  280,167      $  248,311    $  224,236     $  172,351
Interest Expense                                187,509       156,718         137,354       122,819         82,254
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income (tax-equivalent)            131,731       123,449         110,957       101,417         90,097
Provision for Loan Losses                        12,027         9,953          10,011         1,517           (678)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income After Provision 
  for Loan Losses                               119,704       113,496         100,946        99,900         90,775
Non-Interest Income                              55,995        41,672          44,509        34,573         29,122
Net Securities Gains (Losses)                     6,749         2,337           5,556        (2,683)           695
Merger Related Expenses (1)                          --        10,047              --            --             --
Non-Interest Expense                            122,914       107,816         110,323        97,416         95,164
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Income Taxes                       59,534        39,642          40,688        34,374         25,428
Income Tax Expense (tax-equivalent)              20,504        14,683          14,500        12,242          9,263
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                   $   39,030    $   24,959      $   26,188    $   22,132     $   16,165
==================================================================================================================
Per Share Amounts:
  Net Income--Basic                          $     1.60    $     1.05      $     1.12    $      .97     $      .78
  Net Income--Diluted                              1.54          1.01            1.07            92            .73
==================================================================================================================
Cash Dividends Paid                          $      .52    $      .42      $      .33    $      .24     $      .17
==================================================================================================================
Tax-Equivalent Adjustment(2)                 $    1,133    $    1,055      $      832    $      754     $     .417
==================================================================================================================
Total Assets                                 $4,675,897    $3,926,739      $3,485,618    $3,170,390     $2,842,050
Total Stockholders' Equity                      296,077       270,182         238,798       223,048        184,358
Return on Average Assets                            .90%          .68%            .79%          .75%           .66%
Return on Average Equity                          13.99          9.91           11.41         10.88           9.55
Stockholders' Equity to Assets                     6.33          6.88            6.85          7.04           6.49
Average Equity to Average Assets                   6.41          6.89            6.91          6.85           6.95
Dividend Payout Ratio                             33.64         41.51           31.25         26.80          23.38
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(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 $1.41 and $1.36, respectively.

(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%.
</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, 1998.
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. Provident has offices in seven Maryland counties,
as well as Baltimore City and southern York County, Pa. The Bank offers related
financial services through its wholly owned subsidiaries, including mortgages
through Provident Mortgage Corp. (PMC), mutual funds, annuities and insurance
products through Provident Investment Center (PIC) and leases through Court
Square Leasing and Provident Lease Corp. During 1997, the Corporation acquired
First Citizens Financial Corporation and the acquisition was accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests. Accordingly, results for the reporting periods have been
restated.

   The Corporation recorded net income in 1998 of $39.0 million or $1.54 per
share/diluted, a 56% increase over 1997 before adjusting for merger related
costs. Adjusting for merger costs, 1997 would have shown net income of $33.6
million and $1.36 per share/diluted, giving 1998 an increase of $5.4 million in
net income and $.18 per share/diluted over the prior year. The growth in net
earnings was attributable to an $8.2 million rise in net interest income and
$18.7 million higher non-interest income offset in part by higher provision for
loan losses of $2.1 million and a $5.1 million increase in operating costs, net
of merger expenses. These variances are discussed in more detail beginning on
the following pages.

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. 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 1998 increased $8.3 million, or 6.7%,
from 1997 as average earning assets grew $682 million over the prior year. Net
interest margin fell by 37 basis points primarily caused by a lower interest
rate environment and leveraging of $40 million of trust preferred securities
issued during the second quarter of 1998. These securities constitute additional
capital for regulatory purposes and provide leveraging opportunities while not
increasing shares outstanding.

   Provident's interest income increased $39.1 million, or 13.9%, during the
year primarily due to the growth in average earning assets offset in part by a
35 basis point decrease in yield. The decrease in yield was mainly due to a
lower rate environment and the leveraging of the trust preferred securities
noted above. The increase in average earning assets resulted from a $443 million
increase in the loan portfolios, $164 million in investments and $77 million in
loans held for sale. Consumer loans grew $518 million while the commercial
business portfolio also experienced growth of $32 million. Residential and
commercial mortgage loans declined $80 million and $28 million, respectively,
due to sales of mortgage loans and prepayments of commercial mortgages. Interest
income earned on the loan portfolio increased $26 million reflecting higher loan
outstandings. The yield on investments and loans decreased 30 basis points and
37 basis points, respectively. Interest lost from non-accruing loans was $850
thousand compared to $523 thousand in 1997.

   Interest expense increased $30.8 million from 1997 resulting from a $593
million growth in average interest-bearing liabilities. The overall cost of
funds remained relatively flat as total interest-bearing liabilities increased 5
basis points mainly due to the use of brokered CDs to fund asset growth. The
offset was due to the increase in non-interest bearing liabilities. Excluding
the effect of off-balance sheet positions in each year, total costs of
interest-bearing liabilities would have increased 14 basis points. The average
rate paid on borrowed funds decreased 4 basis points during 1998.


                                       6

<PAGE> 7


   The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities reflects a $475 million
rise in interest-bearing deposits, $396 million of which is associated with
brokered deposits and $33 million with money market certificates of deposit.
Noninterest-bearing demand deposit accounts grew by $36 million or 20%. The
Corporation experienced a $119 million increase 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 22 for further discussion of
the impact of current trends on net interest income in 1998.

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
TABLE 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 1998/1997                                           1997/1996   
                           -------------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)                                    VARIANCE DUE TO CHANGE IN                          VARIANCE DUE CHANGE IN
                                             -------------------------------                      -----------------------------
(TAX-EQUIVALENT BASIS)      NET INCREASE/  AVERAGE    AVERAGE    AVERAGE       Net Increase/   Average   Average     Average
                             (DECREASE)     RATE      VOLUME    RATE/VOLUME     (Decrease)      Rate     Volume    Rate/Volume
===============================================================================================================================
INTEREST INCOME FROM:
<S>                           <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>   
Loans:
   Consumer                   $ 34,732   $  (5,252)  $ 41,924    $(1,940)        $28,447      $  195      $28,187    $   65
   Commercial Business           1,563      (1,146)     2,836       (127)          1,800        (354)       2,187       (33)
   Real Estate--Construction    (1,131)     (1,139)         9         (1)            394         293           99         2
   Real Estate--Mortgage        (9,216)       (687)    (8,647)       118           4,414         627        3,736        51
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale     5,161        (211)     5,801       (429)         (2,099)        206       (2,213)      (92)
Other Short-Term Investments       (28)         18        (43)        (3)           (175)        (47)        (143)       15
U.S. Treasury and Government 
  Agencies and Corporations     (3,134)        144     (3,206)       (72)           (995)        258       (1,211)      (42)
Mortgage-Backed Securities       9,827      (2,827)    13,234       (580)          1,127       2,227       (1,063)      (37)
Municipal Securities               285         (40)       334         (9)            514         (43)         582       (25)
Other Debt Securities            1,014        (230)     1,384       (140)         (1,287)        175       (1,394)      (68)
Equity Securities                   --          --         --         --            (284)         --         (284)       --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Interest Income        39,073     (12,498)    53,979     (2,408)         31,856       4,873       26,464       519
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST EXPENSE ON:

Demand/Money Market Deposits     2,429         625      1,710         94             338        (287)         642       (17)
Savings Deposits                (1,639)     (1,559)       (87)         7           3,350       3,407          (48)       (9)
Certificates of Deposit         20,494        (236)    20,802        (72)         14,424      (1,022)      15,747      (301)
Individual Retirement Accounts   3,027         105      2,874         48             156        (159)         323        (8)
Short-Term Borrowings          (11,289)       (943)   (10,697)       351            (865)        999       (1,803)      (61)
Long-Term Debt                  17,769        (498)    18,690       (423)          1,961         332        1,602        27
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Interest Expense       30,791       1,422     29,105        264          19,364       5,063       13,793       508
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income           $  8,282    $(13,920)  $ 24,874    $(2,672)        $12,492     $  (190)     $12,671    $   11
===============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

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.

                                       7

<PAGE> 8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries
TABLE 3

                                                     1998                               1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)               AVERAGE     INCOME/       YIELD/      Average      Income/      Yield/
(TAX-EQUIVALENT BASIS)               BALANCE     EXPENSE       RATE        Balance      Expense       Rate
===============================================================================================================
<S>                                 <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>  
ASSETS
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS:
Loans: (2)
   Consumer                         $1,920,378   $148,228      7.72%      $1,402,359     $113,496      8.09%
   Commercial Business                 325,209     27,170      8.35          292,788       25,607      8.75
   Real Estate--Construction           125,650     11,837      9.42          125,565       12,968     10.33
   Real Estate--Mortgage               517,068     41,011      7.93          624,604       50,227      8.04
                                    ----------   --------                 ----------      -------          
      Total Loans (1)                2,888,305    228,246      7.90        2,445,316      202,298      8.27
                                    ----------   --------                 ----------      -------          
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale           114,284      8,012      7.01           37,662        2,851      7.57
Federal Funds Sold and Securities
  Purchased Under Resale Agreements         --         --        --               --           --        --
Other Short-Term Investments             5,043        235      4.66            6,023          263      4.37
US Treasury and Government 
  Agencies and Corporations             45,526      3,303      7.26           90,709        6,437      7.10
Corporate Securities                        --         --        --               --           --        --
Mortgage-Backed Securities           1,101,684     74,358      6.75          914,196       64,531      7.06
Municipal Securities                    23,036      1,797      7.80           18,875        1,512      8.01
Other Debt Securities                   45,307      3,289      7.26           28,174        2,275      8.07
Equity Securities                           --         --        --               --           --        --
                                    ----------    -------                 ----------      -------          
     Total Investment Securities(2)  1,215,553     82,747      6.81        1,051,954       74,755      7.11
                                    ----------    -------                 ----------      -------          
     Total Interest-Earning Assets   4,223,185    319,240      7.56        3,540,955      280,167      7.91
                                    ----------    -------                 ----------      -------
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses        (38,831)                              (33,017)
Cash and Due From Banks                 60,562                                57,923
Other Assets                           105,659                                89,650
                                    ----------                            ----------
Total Assets                        $4,350,575                            $3,655,511
                                    ==========                            ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES:
Demand/Money Market Deposits        $  463,874     13,776      2.97       $  403,128       11,347      2.81
Savings Deposits                       617,643     18,811      3.05          620,267       20,450      3.30
Certificates of Deposit              1,559,985     88,411      5.67        1,194,202       67,917      5.69
Individual Retirement Accounts         162,088      9,317      5.75          111,252        6,290      5.65
Short-Term Borrowings                  317,424     17,448      5.50          505,640       28,737      5.68
Long-Term Debt                         667,752     39,746      5.95          360,862       21,977      6.09
                                    ----------    -------                 ----------      -------
     Total Interest-Bearing   
      Liabilities                    3,788,766    187,509      4.95        3,195,351      156,718      4.90
                                    ----------    -------                 ----------      -------
Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits    212,339                               176,645
Other Liabilities                       42,608                                31,555
Capital Securities                      27,873                                    --
Stockholders' Equity                   278,989                               251,960
                                    ----------                            ----------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' 
  Equity                            $4,350,575                            $3,655,511
                                    ==========                            ==========
Net Interest-Earning Assets         $  434,419                            $  345,604
                                    ==========                            ========== 
Net Interest Income (tax-equivalent)              131,731                                 123,449
Less: Tax-Equivalent Adjustment                    (1,133)                                 (1,055)
                                                 --------                                --------
Net Interest Income                              $130,598                                $122,394
                                                 ========                                ========
Net Yield on Interest-Earning 
  Assets (tax-equivalent)                                      3.12%                                   3.49%

(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%.
</TABLE>

                                       8

<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                1996                                    1995                                1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average      Income/     Yield/         Average      Income/     Yield/       Average      Income/      Yield/  
Balance      Expense      Rate          Balance      Expense     Rate         Balance      Expense      Rate
==================================================================================================================
<S>          <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
$1,053,279   $ 85,049     8.07%       $  678,734    $  56,566     8.33%      $  525,796    $  40,925     7.78%
   268,158     23,807     8.88           194,094       18,653     9.61          176,511       15,109     8.56
   124,584     12,574    10.09            85,277        9,297    10.90           91,299        8,430     9.23
   577,515     45,813     7.93           864,852       67,286     7.78          806,403       60,475     7.50
- ----------   --------                 ----------    ---------                ----------    ---------
 2,023,536    167,243     8.26         1,822,957      151,802     8.33        1,600,009      124,939     7.81
- ----------   --------                 ----------    ---------                ----------    ---------
    68,112      4,950     7.27            68,920        5,228     7.59           93,133        6,489     6.97

        --         --       --                --           --       --              565           18     3.19
     8,949        438     4.89             7,496          421     5.62              323           17     5.26
   108,368      7,432     6.86            80,488        5,280     6.56           67,555        4,292     6.35
        --         --       --                --            --      --           19,961        1,414     7.08
   929,786     63,404     6.82           753,963        52,502    6.96          534,685       34,914     6.53
    11,917        998     8.37             8,634           743    8.61            3,371          268     7.95
    46,277      3,562     7.70           109,308         8,260    7.56               --           --       --
     2,983        284     9.52                --            --      --               --           --       --
- ----------   --------                 ----------     ---------               ----------    ---------
 1,099,331     75,680     6.88           952,393        66,785    7.01          625,572       40,888     6.54
- ----------   --------                 ----------     ---------               ----------    ---------
 3,199,928    248,311     7.76         2,851,766       224,236    7.86        2,319,602      172,351     7.43
- ----------   --------                 ----------     ---------               ----------    ---------
   (27,985)                              (27,299)                               (28,753)
    55,568                                53,379                                 44,797
    92,621                                90,322                                 97,784
- ----------                            ----------                             ----------    
$3,320,132                            $2,968,168                             $2,433,430
==========                            ==========                             ==========
 
$  380,913     11,009     2.89        $  323,836        11,118    3.43       $  356,642       10,011     2.81
   621,995     17,100     2.75           636,908        15,442    2.42          646,063       18,618     2.88
   922,616     53,493     5.80           776,089        45,272    5.83          553,399       25,402     4.59
   105,680      6,134     5.80           106,370         6,384    6.00          103,671        5,655     5.45
   538,434     29,602     5.50           498,399        29,569    5.93          269,968       12,663     4.69
   334,120     20,016     5.99           261,295        15,034    5.75          205,795        9,905     4.81
- ----------   --------                 ----------     ---------                ----------    ---------
 2,903,758    137,354     4.73         2,602,897       122,819    4.72        2,135,538       82,254     3.85
- ----------   --------                 ----------     ---------                ----------    ---------
   158,635                               129,740                                107,112
    28,253                                32,064                                 21,549
        --                                    --                                     --
   229,486                               203,467                                169,231
- ----------                            ----------                             ----------
$3,320,132                            $2,968,168                             $2,433,430
==========                            ==========                             ==========
$  296,170                            $  248,869                             $  184,064
==========                            ==========                             ==========
              110,957                                  101,417                                90,097
                 (832)                                    (754)                                 (417)
             --------                                 --------                             ---------
             $110,125                                 $100,663                             $  89,680
             ========                                 ========                             =========
                          3.47%                                   3.56%                                  3.88%
</TABLE>

                                                  9

<PAGE> 10



PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

   The provision for loan losses, net of the merger related portion, increased
$4.7 million to $12.0 million in 1998. The increase in the provision was mainly
due to loan growth and to more fully provide for an adverse decision in a
lawsuit relating to a letter of credit (see Note 12). The Corporation continues
to emphasize quality underwriting as well as aggressive management of prior
charge-offs and potential problem loans.

   Net charge-offs were $6.15 million in 1998 compared to $3.45 million in 1997.
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans was .21% in 1998 compared to
 .14% in 1997. Non-accrual loans ended the year at $11.5 million or .37% of loans
outstanding, an increase of $1.7 million from December 31, 1997. This rise is
associated with a $428 million increase in period end loan balances.

   A further discussion of the allowance for loan losses, net charge-offs and
non-performing assets appears on pages 16 and 19.

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 increased 42.6% to $62.7 million. Excluding net securities gains
(losses), non-interest income increased $14.3 million or 34.4%.

   Table 4 presents a comparative summary of the major components of
non-interest income.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-INTEREST INCOME SUMMARY
TABLE 4

(IN THOUSANDS)                             1998          1997         1996          1995        1994
=======================================================================================================
<S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>     
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts     $29,260       $24,432      $19,262       $13,685    $  8,734
Mortgage Banking Activities              11,485         6,845       14,895         9,806      14,696
Commissions and Fees                      4,209         3,705        3,229         2,101       3,223
Other Loan Fees                           5,104         2,147        1,872         1,208       1,261
Interest Income on Tax Refund                --            --           --         5,796          --
Other Non-Interest Income                 5,937         4,543        5,251         1,977       1,208
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Subtotal                               55,995        41,672       44,509        34,573      29,122
Net Securities Gains (Losses)             6,749         2,337        5,556        (2,683)        695
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Non-Interest Income             $62,744       $44,009      $50,065       $31,890     $29,817
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


   Deposit service charges rose 20% over the prior year due to a $4.1 million
increase in retail demand deposit service fees and a $439 thousand increase in
commercial deposit fees. Interest-bearing demand/money market deposits grew $96
million or 23% over last year while noninterest-bearing deposits increased $56
million or 28%. These increases are the result of continued promotion and sales
efforts of retail deposit products.

   Income from mortgage banking activities rose $4.6 million, $1.9 million due
to higher gains and $3.0 million from higher origination income offset in part
by $238 thousand in lower servicing income. Mortgage originations during the
year increased $659 million to $1.1 billion.

   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 1998, income associated with these products
increased by $145 thousand to $2.35 million. This increase is attributed to
continued sales efforts towards these products.

   Other non-interest income increased $4.4 million over 1997. This increase is
primarily due to commercial loan fees tied to an increase in loan volumes and
higher prepayment penalties. Cardholder income increased $915 thousand
associated with higher usage and gain on sale of fixed assets increased $471
thousand due to sale of a bank building.


                                       10


<PAGE> 11


NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

   Non-interest expense is composed primarily of costs associated with
employees' salaries and benefits, bank facilities and external data processing.
Provident's non-interest expense of $123 million represented a $15 million
increase from 1997 expenses adjusted for merger related items.

   Table 5 presents a comparative summary of the major components of
non-interest expense.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE SUMMARY
TABLE 5

(IN THOUSANDS)                             1998          1997         1996          1995        1994
======================================================================================================
<S>                                   <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>    
Salaries and Employee Benefits        $  61,649     $  54,107    $  55,406       $50,875     $51,149
Occupancy Expense, Net                   10,349        10,018        9,317         8,914       8,305
Furniture and Equipment                   8,123         7,354        7,036         6,625       5,486
External Processing Fees                 14,006        12,374       10,929         7,784       6,729
Advertising and Promotion                 7,171         5,678        5,986         5,562       5,042
Communication and Postage                 4,376         3,693        3,861         3,050       2,702
Printing and Supplies                     2,502         2,277        2,351         2,032       1,586
Federal Insurance Fund Recapitalization      --            --        3,029            --          --
Regulatory Fees                             939         1,016        1,699         3,095       4,357
Professional Services                     2,413         2,762        3,000         2,621       2,590
Merger Related Expenses                      --        10,047           --            --          --
Capital Securities Expenses               2,359            --           --            --          --
Other Non-Interest Expense                9,027         8,537        7,709         6,858       6,675
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Non-Interest Expense          $122,914      $117,863     $110,323       $97,416     $94,621
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


   Salaries and benefits increased $7.5 million during the year. Compensation
increased $6.5 million while benefits were up $1.0 million. The rise in these
categories is attributable to higher commissions and incentives of $1.3 million
related mainly to increased mortgage business. Regular salaries rose $5.2
million mainly attributable to merit increases, increased staffing and
recognition of expenses related to lending activities. Full-time equivalent
employees for the year were 1,414 compared to 1,235 last year. Occupancy costs
rose $331 thousand or 3.3% over last year. This increase is mainly due to
additional rent and leasehold improvements as the branch network increased to 68
branches in 1998. Total furniture and equipment expense increased $769 thousand
due to upgrading of technology in the Bank's office automation and branch
platform systems.

   External processing increased $1.6 million, or 13.2%, associated with 14.7%
increase in account volume. The year 1998 includes capital securities expense of
$2.4 million associated with the $40 million trust preferred securities offering
during the second quarter of 1998. All other non-interest expenses were up by
$2.5 million from 1997. This increase is connected to higher marketing expenses
of $1.5 million and communication and postage expenses of $684 thousand
resulting from the branch network acquired in the merger of First Citizens
Financial Corporation Savings Bank, and higher employment advertising costs of
$390 thousand.

IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE

   Management initiated the process of preparing computer systems and
applications for the Year 2000 in September 1996. 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 is currently in the testing phase using both internal and
external resources to test the software and hardware for Year 2000 compliance.
The Corporation plans to finish testing by June 30, 1999 and intends to
reprogram, or replace, software and hardware, to the extent necessary. Testing
to date has not led to any adverse events. The Corporation intends to be Year
2000 compliant by June 30, 1999.


                                       11

<PAGE> 12


   The Corporation relies on M & I Services, a third party processor for the
majority of its data processing requirements. Provident is working with all of
its significant data processing software and hardware suppliers, to make certain
they will be Year 2000 compliant. A due diligence approach is being used to
develop general risk control guidelines to assist in identifying material
customers, evaluating their preparedness, assessing Year 2000 customer risk and
implementing controls to manage the risk.

   The total costs associated with becoming Year 2000 compliant are expected to
be less than $1.0 million and are not expected to have a material effect on the
results of operations. As of December 31, 1998, the Corporation had spent
approximately $530 thousand to become Year 2000 compliant. Money to fund Year
2000 compliance will come from normal operating cash flow. Expenses associated
with Year 2000 compliance will directly reduce otherwise reported net income of
the Corporation in the period incurred.

   As a precaution, the Corporation has developed a contingency plan in case it
is not completely Year 2000 compliant after December 31, 1999. Management
believes the contingency plan will permit Provident, even if some of its systems
fail, to continue to operate until normal operations can be restored. These
plans include the capability to process off-line and transport the data to our
third party processor by the most effective and efficient means available. These
procedures could require changing schedules and hiring of temporary staff, which
would increase the cost of the operations. The most reasonably likely worst case
Year 2000 scenarios foreseeable at this time would include the Bank temporarily
not being able to process, in some combination, various types of customer
transactions. Despite Provident's efforts to date to remediate affected systems
and develop contingency plans for potential risks, management has not yet
completed all activities associated with resolving Year 2000 issues. Under the
unlikely scenario that required modifications or conversions are not made or are
not completed on a timely basis prior to the Year 2000, normal business
operations could be disrupted. In addition, noncompliance by third parties
(including loan customers) and disruptions to the economy in general resulting
from Year 2000 issues could also have a negative impact of undeterminable
magnitude on the Corporation.

   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 assurance that these estimates will be
achieved and actual results could differ 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 $19.4 million on pre-tax income of
$58.4 million for an effective tax rate of 33.2%. This compares with a 35.3%
effective tax rate for 1997. This decrease is related to permanent tax
differences associated with the merger of First Citizens Financial Corporation
during 1997.

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

   Provident recorded net income of $10.1 million, or $.40 per share on a
diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 1998, an increase of $1.1 million, or
12.1%, over the $9.0 million, or $.35 per share on a diluted basis, recorded in
the same period last year. The higher earnings are principally due to a 10.3%
increase in tax-equivalent net interest income and higher non-interest income. A
higher loan loss provision and a rise in operating expenses partially offset
these increases.

   Tax-equivalent net interest income in the fourth quarter rose $3.2 million to
$34.3 million as the net interest margin declined 40 basis points to 2.99% and
average earning assets grew $902 million to $4.55 billion. The decrease in the
net interest margin primarily reflected a flatter yield curve along with a lower
rate environment as yield on earning assets declined more than the drop in the
costs of funds.

   The Corporation recorded a provision for loan losses of $3.8 million during
the quarter to provide for loan growth in the portfolio as well as to more fully
provide for an adverse decision in a lawsuit relating to a letter of credit (see
Note 12).

   Non-interest income increased 49.1 percent to $18.0 million. The increase is
derived from fee-based services as a result of higher account volumes, increased
mortgage banking business, security gains and increased loan fees. Fee income
from deposit accounts increased $1.6 million and net security gains increased
$1.5 million. Mortgage banking income increased $1.6 million as originations
were $361 million compared to $142 million for the same period in 1997 and loan
fees increased $860 thousand.



                                       12

<PAGE> 13



   Non-interest expense increased $5.9 million to $33.0 million. Compensation
and benefits increased $3.4 million much of which is associated with increased
mortgage business. Furniture and equipment expense was $393 thousand higher due
to network expansion and upgrading of branch technology. External processing
fees increased $411 thousand which is associated with increased account volume.
Marketing expense and communication and postage expense rose $443 thousand
mainly related to market expansion associated with the merger in 1997. The
issuance of $40 million trust preferred securities during the second quarter of
1998 resulted in $830 thousand of expenses in the fourth quarter of 1998.

   Table 6 presents quarterly trend data for 1998 and 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS (UNAUDITED)
TABLE 6


                                                              1998                                         1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           FOURTH      THIRD      SECOND      FIRST       Fourth     Third      Second      First
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER    QUARTER      Quarter   Quarter(1)  Quarter    Quarter
===================================================================================================================================
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>    
Interest Income                           $83,649     $83,478     $77,284    $73,696      $72,043    $71,475     $69,106   $66,488
Interest Expense                           49,632      50,827      45,094     41,956       41,250     39,912      38,623    36,933
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income                        34,017      32,651      32,190     31,740       30,793     31,563      30,483    29,555
Provision for Loan Losses                   3,783       2,195       3,074      2,975        2,736      4,330       2,053       834
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income After 
  Provision for Loan Losses                30,234      30,456      29,116     28,765       28,057     27,233      28,430    28,721
Non-Interest Income                        14,810      14,360      15,266     11,559       10,328     10,479      10,598    10,267
Net Securities Gains                        3,228       1,587         725      1,209        1,769        230         267        71
Merger Related Expenses (1)                    --          --          --         --           --     10,047          --        --
Non-Interest Expense                       33,013      31,619      30,661     27,621       27,118     26,987      26,909    26,802
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Income Taxes                 15,259      14,784      14,446     13,912       13,036        908      12,386    12,257
Income Tax Expense                          5,159       4,884       4,721      4,607        4,026        882       4,392     4,328
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                $10,100    $  9,900    $  9,725   $  9,305     $  9,010    $    26    $  7,994   $ 7,929
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share Amounts: (1)
Net Income--Basic                         $   .41    $    .40    $    .40   $   .38      $    .38    $   .00    $    .34   $   .33
Net Income--Diluted                       $   .40    $    .39    $    .38   $   .37      $    .35    $   .00    $    .33   $   .32
Market Prices: High                         27.75       29.88       34.13     34.28         30.59      28.39       19.83     19.44
               Low                          20.00       22.06       28.88     28.33         22.86      19.70       16.19     17.45
Cash Dividends Paid                          .140        .135        .124      .119          .115       .110        .100      .095
===================================================================================================================================
(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. The third quarter basic and diluted earnings per share would have
     been $.36.
</TABLE>


FINANCIAL CONDITION

SOURCE AND USE OF FUNDS

DEPOSITS

   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 68 branch
banking locations. At December 31, 1998, core deposits represented 63% of total
deposits and 49% of total liabilities. Provident's future funding growth is
expected to be generated from deposit growth through strategies outlined below.

                                       13
                                   
<PAGE> 14


   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, 1998 had 50 traditional branch locations and
18 in-store branches. The Corporation has an agreement with Rich Food
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 five additional in-store branches and one new
traditional branch planned for 1999. Provident continues to attract increased
commercial and retail deposits. Interest-bearing demand/money market deposit
balances at December 31, 1998 were up $95.6 million, or 22.8%, compared to
year-end 1997. 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 one new center planned for
1999.

   The table below presents the average deposit balances and rates paid for the
five years ended December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

AVERAGE DEPOSITS
TABLE 7
                                       1998                1997               1996              1995                1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 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            $  212,339      --% $  176,645    --%  $  158,635     --%  $  129,740    --%  $  107,112    --%
Money Market/Demand               463,874    2.97     403,128  2.81      380,913   2.89      323,836  3.43      356,642  2.81
Savings                           617,643    3.05     620,267  3.30      621,995   2.75      636,908  2.42      646,063  2.88
Time:
 Certificates of Deposit        1,559,985    5.67   1,194,202  5.69      922,616   5.80      776,089  5.83      553,399  4.59
 Individual Retirement 
   Accounts                       162,088    5.75     111,252  5.65      105,680   5.80      106,370  6.00      103,671  5.45
                               ----------          ----------         ----------          ----------         ----------       
    Total Average Balance/Rate $3,015,929    4.32% $2,505,494  4.23%  $2,189,839   4.01%  $1,972,943  3.96%  $1,766,887  3.38%
                               ==========          ==========         ==========          ==========         ==========
    Total Year-End Balance     $3,419,557          $2,754,515         $2,286,144          $2,056,436         $1,905,584
                               ==========          ==========         ==========          ==========         ==========
</TABLE>
             

   As the table above indicates, Provident has a stable base of consumer savings
deposits. During 1998, average deposits grew $510 million, or 20.4%, compared to
1997. Average money market/demand deposits and noninterest-bearing deposits
increased $96.4 million or 16.6%. This growth reflects Provident's emphasis on
full banking relationships with its retail and commercial customers. Average
time deposits increased $417 million, or 32%, $396 million of which is
attributable to brokered deposits and $33 million in money market certificates
of deposit. Brokered deposits, often a cheaper source of funds compared to other
available sources of borrowed money such as Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and
repurchase agreements, are used to match fund investments and acquired loans.

   The table below presents information at December 31, 1998, with respect to
the maturity of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or more.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

DEPOSIT MATURITIES
TABLE 8

                                                     Maturities
                                 --------------------------------------------------
                                                 Over Three    Over Six 
                                  Three Months    Months to    Months to   Over 12
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)               or Less     Six Months    12 Months    Months   Total
============================================================================================
<S>                                  <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>      <C>     
Balance                              $82,248       $46,272      $41,377    $29,561  $199,458

Percent of Total                        41.2%         23.2%        20.8%      14.8%    100.0%

</TABLE>


                                          14

<PAGE> 15



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, 1998,
there were $5.1 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. Of the total
loans, $1.9 billion, or 60%, are secured by residential real estate including
first and second mortgages, and home equity loans.

   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 sell or securitize 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 1998 showed a
significant increase as originations totaled $1.1 billion in 1998 compared to
$376 million in 1997. During 1998, income from the sale of loans was $5.7
million. The mortgage servicing portfolio ended the year at $653 million. The
residential real estate mortgage loan balance at December 31, 1998 was $238
million compared to $362 million at the end of the prior year.

   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)              1998      %          1997      %          1996      %           1995      %         1994     %
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                           <C>          <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>            <C>    <C>          <C>     <C>        <C>  
Consumer                      $2,154,557    69.5%  $1,667,094    61.7%  $1,211,971     54.0%  $  852,605    48.6%  $  540,141  31.6%
Commercial Business              375,930    12.1      288,289    10.7      294,844     13.1      238,667    13.6      199,469  11.7
Real Estate--Construction:
   Residential                    89,777     2.9       99,926     3.7      112,072      5.0       76,092     4.3       61,104   3.6
   Commercial                     34,668     1.1       25,154      .9        9,470       .4       19,444     1.1       26,869   1.6
Real Estate--Mortgage:
   Residential                   238,282     7.7      362,012    13.4      355,566     15.8      332,940    19.1      655,052  38.3
   Commercial                    206,997     6.7      258,593     9.6      263,950     11.7      233,103    13.3      224,754  13.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Loans                   $3,100,211   100.0%  $2,701,068   100.0%  $2,247,873    100.0%  $1,752,851   100.0%  $1,707,389 100.0%
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       15

<PAGE> 16



   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 $522 million on average, ending the year at $1.36 billion, and is
predominately comprised of second mortgages.

   Consumer loan balances through credits originated by Provident decreased $4
million on average during 1998, ending the year with a balance of $798 million.
Most of the automobile loans are made through a network of auto dealerships in
Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Auto loans made through this
network of dealerships ended the year at $306 million. Marine loan balances
ended 1998 with $179 million, and were produced primarily through correspondent
brokers. Home equity lines of credit totaled $189 million at the end of 1998
while direct second mortgage loans ended the year at $78 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 decreased $28
million or 10.6% while average commercial construction loans increased $10.9
million or 77%. Average residential construction loans decreased $10.9 million
or 9.7% to end the year at $90 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 $32 million, or 11.1%,
ending the year at $376 million. Provident has minimal exposure to highly
leveraged transactions ("HLTs"). HLTs are loans to borrowers for the purpose of
purchasing or recapitalizing a business in which the loans represent a majority
of the borrower's liabilities. HLTs totaled $53.7 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. The Corporation does not place
consumer loans on non-accrual status as delinquent consumer loan outstandings
and any uncollected interest are generally charged-off at the time they would be
placed on non-accrual status. 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 increased $1.7 million, mainly in the
residential construction portfolio. The increase in past due consumer loans is a
result of a $487 million, or 29%, growth in the consumer loan portfolio, the
majority of which is secured by residential real estate. As of December 31,
1998, non-performing assets and past due loans ended the year at $16.4 million
and $28.0 million, respectively. (See the discussion under Loans.) The $8.8
million in past due residential mortgage loans are guaranteed or insured by an
agency of the United States government and no significant loss is anticipated.
The ratio of total non-performing loans to year-end loans remained relatively
flat as 1998 ended at .37% compared to .36% at the end of 1997.

   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, 1998
       =================================================================================
       <S>                                                                   <C>
       Gross interest income that would have been recorded 
         had such loans been paid in accordance with original terms          $1,158
       Interest income actually recorded                                        308

</TABLE>

                                       16

<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS AND PAST DUE LOANS
TABLE 10

                                                          December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                    1998        1997       1996        1995        1994
===============================================================================================
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>    
Non-Accrual Loans:
  Consumer(1)                           $    --    $    --    $ 9,809     $ 4,868     $ 1,533
  Commercial Business                     3,550      2,917        539         246       1,450  
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                           1,570         --         37          --          --
    Commercial                               --         --         --          80       9,349
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                           6,397      6,937      4,372       3,785       4,054
    Commercial                               --         --        125       1,327          --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Non-Accrual Loans                11,517      9,854     14,882      10,306      16,386
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renegotiated Loans:
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                              --         --         --          --          --
    Commercial                               --         --         --       2,575          --
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                              --         --         --          --          --
    Commercial                               --         --      3,942       2,900       2,813
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Renegotiated Loans                   --         --      3,942       5,475       2,813
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Non-Performing Assets:
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                             454        454        132       6,580      11,824
    Commercial                               --         --      9,571       7,122       4,223
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                           2,554      2,367        903         246         116
    Commercial                            1,900         --         --         939         177
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Other Non-Performing Assets      4,908      2,821     10,606      14,887      16,340
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Non-Performing Assets             $16,425    $12,675    $29,430     $30,668     $35,539
===============================================================================================
Past Due Loans:
  Consumer(1)                           $19,187    $14,371    $   237     $   559     $   270
  Commercial Business                        --        126         --          --          --
  Real Estate -- Construction:
    Residential                              --        133         --          --          --
    Commercial                               --         --         --          --          --
  Real Estate -- Mortgage:
    Residential                           8,806     10,646      7,823       5,072         424 
    Commercial                               --         --         --          --          --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Past Due Loans                  $27,993    $25,276    $ 8,060     $ 5,631     $   694
===============================================================================================
Ratios:
  Total Non-Performing
   Loans to Year-End Loans                  .37%       .36%       .84%        .90%       1.12%
  Total Non-Performing Assets
   to Year-End Assets                       .35        .32        .84         .97        1.25
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Prior to 1997, consumer loans were generally placed into non-accrual status
    at 90 days past due and subsequently charged off. 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.
</TABLE>

                                       17

<PAGE> 18

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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
TABLE 11

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                   1998           1997          1996          1995            1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>      
Balance at Beginning of Year       $   36,861     $   30,361    $   27,524    $   27,137      $   29,825
Provision for Loan Losses              12,027          9,953        10,011         1,517            (678)
Loans Charged-off:
   Consumer                             4,550          3,641         2,888         1,642           1,485
   Commercial Business                  1,031            143         5,170           310             204
   Real Estate--Construction:
      Residential                         593            305            37            33              --
      Commercial                           25             37             8            --           1,167 
   Real Estate--Mortgage:
      Residential                         258            289           360            73              53
      Commercial                        1,281            798           399            76           1,088
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Charge-offs                    7,738          5,213         8,862         2,134           3,997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recoveries:
   Consumer                               970            871           826           917           1,225
   Commercial Business                    109            882           801            72             376
   Real Estate--Construction:
      Residential                          68             --            --            --              --
      Commercial                           16              1            16            --             385
   Real Estate--Mortgage:
      Residential                          11              1            45            13               1
      Commercial                          415              5            --             2              --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Recoveries                     1,589          1,760         1,688         1,004           1,987
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Loans Charged-off                   6,149          3,453         7,174         1,130           2,010
==========================================================================================================
Balance at End of Year             $   42,739     $   36,861    $   30,361    $   27,524      $   27,137
==========================================================================================================
Balances:
   Loans--Year-End                 $3,100,211     $2,701,068    $2,247,873    $1,752,851      $1,707,389
   Loans--Average                   2,888,305      2,445,316     2,023,536     1,822,957       1,600,009
Ratios:
   Net Loans Charged-off to Average 
    Loans                                 .21%           .14%          .35%          .06%            .13%
   Allowance for Loan Losses to 
     Year-End Loans                      1.38           1.36          1.35          1.57            1.59
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       18


<PAGE> 19


   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, loan loss 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, 1998, and
expected losses have been provided for in the allowance for loan losses. During
1998, the loan loss allowance increased $5.9 million to $42.7 million at
year-end. The allowance as a percentage of total loans was 1.38% at December 31,
1998 compared to 1.36% at December 31, 1997. 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 in 1989 was entered against Provident in the
amount of $5.2 million, exclusive of post-judgment interest. This decision
reversed an earlier court holding in favor of Provident. The Bank appealed the
decision. During the fourth quarter of 1998, the appellate court upheld the
lower court decision. Payment was made in January 1999. If this payment had been
made by December 31, 1998, this ratio would have been 1.21%. The allowance for
loan losses as a percentage of non-accrual loans was 371% at December 31, 1998,
compared to 374% the prior year. 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.

   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 as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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

(IN THOUSANDS)                      1998           1997          1996          1995            1994
=======================================================================================================
<S>                               <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>      
Consumer                           $  6,057      $  3,390      $  4,572      $  1,995        $   708
Commercial Business                  11,042         8,376         3,120         2,527          2,579
Real Estate--Construction:
  Residential                         1,638         1,585         1,408         2,697          2,305
  Commercial                            439           384           883           545          3,143
Real Estate--Mortgage:
  Residential                           634           592           998         1,390          1,048
  Commercial                          1,863         2,486         2,704         3,803          3,054
Unallocated                          21,066        20,048        16,676        14,567         14,300
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Allowance for Loan Losses  $ 42,739      $ 36,861      $ 30,361      $ 27,524        $27,137
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


INVESTMENT SECURITIES

   Provident's investment activities include management of the $1.2 billion
investment securities portfolio. The investment securities portfolio includes
mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government securities, municipal securities and
other debt 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.


                                       19


<PAGE> 20
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

INVESTMENT SECURITIES SUMMARY
TABLE 13

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)            1998        %          1997      %          1996      %           1995      %         1994     %
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>          <C>    <C>        <C>  
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
  U.S. Treasury and Government
    Agencies and Corporations   $   42,293    3.5%     $ 55,576    5.7%  $   71,882      6.8%  $   67,833     5.8% $ 33,156     3.5%
  Mortgage-Backed Securities       992,089   82.8       885,491   90.0      847,194     80.4      939,382    80.4   296,382    31.2
  Municipal Securities              27,732    2.3        19,391    2.0       19,091      1.8       11,981     1.0        --      --
  Other Debt Securities            136,397   11.4        22,783    2.3       29,987      2.8       76,073     6.5   100,531    10.6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Securities 
      Available for Sale         1,198,511  100.0       983,241  100.0      968,154     91.8    1,095,269    93.7   430,069    45.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY
  U.S. Treasury and Government 
    Agencies and Corporations           --     --            --     --       32,395      3.1       13,397     1.2    34,569     3.6
  Mortgage-Backed Securities            --     --            --     --       53,842      5.1       60,106     5.1   477,886    50.3
  Municipal Securities                  --     --            --     --           --       --           --      --     7,186      .8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Securities Held to 
      Maturity                          --     --            --     --       86,237      8.2       73,503     6.3   519,641    54.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Investment 
     Securities Portfolio       $1,198,511  100.0%     $983,241  100.0%  $1,054,391    100.0%  $1,168,772   100.0% $949,710   100.0%
====================================================================================================================================
Total Portfolio Yield                  6.6%                 7.0%                6.9%                  6.9%              6.7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   During 1998, 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 1998 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 increased $215 million during 1998 as a result of
leveraging $40 million of trust preferred securities issued during the second
quarter of 1998.

   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 through accumulated other
comprehensive income. Trading securities must be measured at fair value and
changes included in income for the period. As of December 31, 1998, 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 Financial
Corporation. As a result of these transactions, all of the Corporation's
investment securities have been classified as available for sale. Additionally,
all future purchases of securities will be classified as available for sale in
the foreseeable future. At December 31, 1998, the available for sale portfolio
included net unrealized gains of approximately $8.8 million, compared to net
unrealized gains of $7.8 million at December 31, 1997.

   In addition to unrealized gains and losses, Provident realized $7.5 million
in gains and $710 thousand in losses from the sale of securities from the
available for sale portfolio in 1998. These sales were the result of
management's continuous monitoring of the investment securities portfolio in
terms of both credit quality and interest sensitivity.


                                       20

<PAGE> 21


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 sources of liquidity at December 31, 1998 were loans held for
sale and investment securities available for sale, which totaled $1.4 billion.
This represents 33% of total liabilities compared to 29% at December 31, 1997.
Maturities of investment securities, as Table 14 indicates, is expected to
generate $228 million in funds in 1998 and $701 million, or 59%, 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, 1998.

<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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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       $  5,002   6.2% $     --      --%   $     --      --%   $ 37,265  7.3%  $   26 $   42,293   7.2%
  Mortgage-Backed Securities         215,037   6.6   463,669     6.6     183,706      6.6    123,867  6.6    5,810    992,089   6.5
  Municipal Securities                   151   8.6     9,517     7.4      14,121      7.8      2,998  7.5      945     27,732   7.4
  Other Debt Securities                7,433   7.7       400     6.3          --       --    126,565  7.3    1,999    136,397   7.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Securities 
  Portfolio                         $227,623   6.6% $473,586     6.6%   $197,827      6.6%  $290,695  7.0%  $8,780 $1,198,511   6.6%
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



                                             21
<PAGE> 22


   Another source of liquidity is scheduled loan repayments, which within one
year totaled $626 million, or 20%, of loans. Table 15 presents contractual loan
maturities and interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 1998. The cash flow
from loans is expected to significantly exceed contractual maturities due to
refinances and early payoffs.

<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      Percentage
==================================================================================================================
<S>                                         <C>            <C>                <C>         <C>           <C>  
Loan Maturities:
Consumer                                    $502,784       $  986,437         $665,336    $2,154,557     69.5%
Commercial Business                           27,205          287,650           61,075       375,930     12.1
Real Estate--Construction:
   Residential                                71,479           18,298               --        89,777      2.9
   Commercial                                  6,210           27,714              744        34,668      1.1
Real Estate--Mortgage:
   Residential                                 5,994           21,004          211,284       238,282      7.7
   Commercial                                 12,747          157,613           36,637       206,997      6.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Loans                                 $626,419       $1,498,716         $975,076    $3,100,211    100.0%
==================================================================================================================
Rate Sensitivity:
   Predetermined Rate                       $479,301       $1,093,865         $644,112    $2,217,278     71.5%
   Variable or Adjustable Rate               147,118          404,851          330,964       882,933     28.5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Loans                                 $626,419       $1,498,716         $975,076    $3,100,211    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 $2.2 billion, or 49%, of total
liabilities and 46% of total assets.

   An important element in liquidity management is the availability of borrowed
funds. At December 31, 1998, short-term borrowings totaled $145 million, or 3%,
of liabilities in contrast to $347 million, or 9.5%, of liabilities at December
31, 1997. This decrease was the result of greater utilization of the broker CD
market and the money market CD product to match fund assets. Brokered CDs at
December 31, 1998 amounted to $1.1 billion, a $469 million increase from the
same period last year. Money market CDs totaled $127 million at December 31,
1998, a $33 million increase from the prior year-end. The average maturity of
short-term borrowings at the end of the current year was 18 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 $735 million as
of December 31, 1998. It is anticipated that Provident will continue to have
access to the repurchase market and fed fund lines as well as short and
long-term variable and fixed-rate funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank. During
the second quarter of 1998, the Corporation issued $40 million of trust
preferred securities with a maturity of 30 years, callable at the end of the
tenth year. The rate on the trust preferred securities is 8.29%.

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.


                                       22

<PAGE> 23


   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, 1998, Provident's interest sensitive liabilities exceeded
interest sensitive assets within a one year period by $1.45 billion, or 31% 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 1998, 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 of off-balance sheet transactions undertaken to
insulate the Bank from interest rate risks, interest income increased by $761
thousand and interest expense decreased by $668 thousand, for a total increase
of $1.4 million in net interest income for the year ending December 31, 1998.
Included in this net interest income increase was the amortization of closed
positions which reduced interest income by $217 thousand and increased interest
expense by $1.5 million (a net decrease of $1.7 million) for the quarter.
Without the amortization of closed positions, off-balance sheet positions
increased net interest income $3.1 million for the year.

   Management was assuming for planning purposes as of December 31, 1998, that
short-term rates will decrease by 10 basis points and long-term rates will
increase by 15 basis points over the next twelve months. The Corporation's
analysis indicates that if management does not adjust its December 31, 1998
off-balance sheet positions and the forward yield curve assumptions occur,
off-balance sheet positions, including amortization of closed positions, would
increase net interest income by $1.4 million over the next twelve months. This
compares to an increase of $2.5 million should interest rates remain unchanged.
Amortization of closed positions will increase net interest income by $1.0
million over the next twelve months. Thus, without amortization of closed
positions, net interest income would increase $400 thousand over the next twelve
months if the forward yield curve assumptions occur and $1.5 million if rates
remain unchanged.

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. Provident is well capitalized, exceeding all
regulatory requirements as of December 31, 1998, see Note 18 - Regulatory
Capital. At December 31, 1998, total stockholders' equity was $296 million, a
$26 million increase over the prior year. In addition to the ordinary
adjustments to stockholders' equity of net income and dividends paid, additional
capital of $724 thousand was raised through the dividend reinvestment plan ,
$5.5 million from the exercise of stock options, while capital increased by $575
thousand during 1998 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. An additional component of regulatory capital are the capital
securities issued in 1998. These securities are treated as Tier I capital even
though they are not included in stockholders' equity in the Consolidated
Statement of Condition. During 1998, the Corporation also repurchased 297,700
shares totaling $7.3 million. In the second quarter of 1998, the Corporation
issued a 5% stock dividend and all earnin gs per share figures have been
adjusted for this dividend and the 2 for 1 stock split in February 1998.


                                       23

<PAGE> 24



   Provident exceeds all regulatory capital requirements as of December 31,
1998. 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, 1998, Provident's total capital ratio
was 10.26% 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 9.21%.

   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 7.05% at December 31, 1998 was well in excess of this
requirement.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CAPITAL COMPONENTS AND RATIOS
TABLE 16
 
                                             December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                1998               1997
===================================================================
QUALIFYING CAPITAL
<S>                               <C>                 <C>       
Tier 1 Capital                    $  330,461          $  265,199
Total Capital                        368,000             302,060
Risk-Weighted Assets               3,586,808           2,949,890
Quarterly Average Assets           4,688,197           3,756,348

RATIOS

Leverage Capital                        7.05%               7.06%
Tier 1 Capital                          9.21                8.99
Total Capital                          10.26               10.24
</TABLE>

FINANCIAL REVIEW 1997/1996

   For the year ended December 31, 1997, Provident recorded net income of $25.0
million or $1.01 per share/diluted (net of merger related costs, net income was
$33.6 million or $1.36 per share/diluted basis), compared to $26.2 million or
$1.07 per share/diluted basis in 1996. The per share amounts have been adjusted
for stock dividends and a 2 for 1 stock split in February 1998. This improvement
in 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.

   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 noninterest-bearing liabilities.

   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.


                                       24

<PAGE> 25



   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%,
primarily due to lower mortgage banking income. Deposit service charges rose 27%
over 1996 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 1996 while noninterest-bearing deposits increased $27 million or
15.2%.

   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 1997 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.

   Income associated with products sold through Provident Investment Center
increased by $384 thousand to $2.2 million. Loan fees increased $275 thousand
from 1996, all associated with retail loan fees. This increase is tied to an
increase in loan volume.

   Provident's non-interest expense of $108 million (net of merger expenses)
represented a 2% decrease from 1996. Salaries and benefits decreased $1.3
million during 1997. 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. Occupancy costs grew $701 thousand, or
7.5%, during 1997. This increase is mainly due to additional rent and leasehold
improvements as the branch network increased to 66 branches in 1997. 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 First Citizens
Financial Corporation in the third quarter of 1996.

   Provident recorded income tax expense in 1997 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.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   See "Interest Sensitivity Management" on page 22 and Note 12 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements herein.


                                       25

<PAGE> 26



ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subsidiaries

                                                                      Page

Report of Independent Accountants                                      27
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
   Consolidated Statement of Income                                    28
   Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity           30
   Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                                31
   Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income                      32
Consolidated Statement of Condition at December 31, 1998 and 1997      29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                          33-59



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, 1998, 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 on Form 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, 1998. 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, 1998.

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, 1998.


                                       26

<PAGE> 27



REPORT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP, INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Provident Bankshares Corporation

   In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial
condition and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and
changes in stockholders' equity present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of Provident Bankshares Corporation and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We did not audit the consolidated financial statements of First
Citizens Financial Corporation, acquired during 1997 in a pooling of interests,
as of December 31, 1996 and for the year then ended which statements reflect
total interest income constituting 19% of the related consolidated totals. Those
statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us,
and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for First
Citizens Financial Corporation, is based solely on the report of the other
auditors. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which 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,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Baltimore, Maryland 
January 20, 1999


ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP, REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

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

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

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

   In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash
flows of First Citizens Financial Corporation and subsidiary for the year ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Arthur Andersen LLP 
Washington, D.C.
January 22, 1997

                                       27

<PAGE> 28
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subidiaries

                                                            Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                  1998             1997          1996
============================================================================================
<S>                                                <C>              <C>           <C>     
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and Fees on Loans                         $234,926         $203,899      $171,267
Interest on Securities                               80,184           68,294        73,186
Tax-Advantaged Interest                               2,762            6,656         2,588
Interest on Short-Term Investments                      235              263           438
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL INTEREST INCOME                           318,107          279,112       247,479
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest on Deposits                                130,315          106,004        87,736
Interest on Short-Term Borrowings                    17,448           28,737        29,602
Interest on Long-Term Debt                           39,746           21,977        20,016
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                          187,509          156,718       137,354
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   NET INTEREST INCOME                              130,598          122,394       110,125
Less: Provision for Loan Losses                      12,027            9,953        10,011
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR 
    LOAN LOSSES                                     118,571          112,441       100,114
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts                  29,260           24,432        19,262
Mortgage Banking Activities                          11,485            6,845        14,895
Commissions and Fees                                  4,209            3,705         3,229
Net Securities Gains                                  6,749            2,337         5,556
Other Non-Interest Income                            11,041            6,690         7,123
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME                         62,744           44,009        50,065
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and Employee Benefits                       61,649           54,107        55,406
Occupancy Expense, Net                               10,349           10,018         9,317
Furniture and Equipment Expense                       8,123            7,354         7,036
External Processing Fees                             14,006           12,374        10,929
Merger Related Expenses                                  --           10,047            --
Federal Deposit Insurance Assessment                     --               --         3,029
Capital Securities Expense                            2,359               --            --
Other Non-Interest Expense                           26,428           23,963        24,606
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                       122,914          117,863       110,323
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                           58,401           38,587        39,856
Income Tax Expense                                   19,371           13,628        13,668
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                         $ 39,030         $ 24,959      $ 26,188
============================================================================================
PER SHARE AMOUNTS:
   Net Income--Basic                               $   1.60         $   1.05      $   1.12
   Net Income--Diluted                                 1.54             1.01          1.07
============================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                       28

<PAGE> 29
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONDITION
Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subidiaries

                                                            December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                  1998             1997
================================================================================
<S>                                               <C>               <C>      
ASSETS
Cash and Due From Banks                           $   74,365        $   68,580
Short-Term Investments                                   198               350
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale                         224,707            66,925
Securities Available for Sale                      1,198,511           983,241
Loans:
  Consumer                                         2,154,557         1,667,094
  Commercial Business                                375,930           288,289
  Real Estate--Construction                          124,445           125,080
  Real Estate--Mortgage                              445,279           620,605
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total Loans                                   3,100,211         2,701,068
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses                       42,739            36,861
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Net Loans                                     3,057,472         2,664,207
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premises and Equipment, Net                           40,459            37,402
Accrued Interest Receivable                           40,466            31,032
Other Assets                                          39,719            75,002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                      $4,675,897        $3,926,739
================================================================================

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
   Noninterest-Bearing                            $  252,024        $  196,178
   Interest-Bearing                                3,167,533         2,558,337
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TOTAL DEPOSITS                               3,419,557         2,754,515
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Borrowings                                145,363           347,291
Long-Term Debt                                       735,239           469,077
Other Liabilities                                     40,423            85,674
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES                              4,340,582         3,656,557
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable 
   Capital Securities                                 39,238                --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock (Par Value $1.00) Authorized 100,000,000
 Shares, Issued 24,811,256 and 23,284,896 Shares; 
 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively          24,811            23,285
Capital Surplus                                      172,239           131,191
Retained Earnings                                    103,496           113,463
Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income             5,308             4,733
Treasury Stock at Cost--525,766 Shares at
 December 31, 1998 and 228,066 Shares at 
 December 31, 1997                                    (9,777)           (2,490)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                       296,077           270,182
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        $4,675,897        $3,926,739
================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>


                                       29
<PAGE> 30
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subidiaries
                                                                                Accumulated
                                                                                   Other      Treasury                    Total 
                                                 Common    Capital   Retained  Comprehensive   Stock    Comprehensive  Stockholders'
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)            Stock     Surplus   Earnings     Income       at Cost      Income         Equity
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                             <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>     
Balance at January 1, 1996                      $20,056   $ 89,341   $109,002     $ 7,139      $(2,490)                   $223,048
  Net Income--1996                                   --         --     26,188          --           --      $26,188         26,188
  Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
    Unrealized Gain on Debt Securities, Net 
    of Reclassification Adjustment (see Note 16)                                   (8,512)                   (8,512)        (8,512)
                                                                                                            --------
Comprehensive Income                                                                                        $17,676
                                                                                                            ========
Dividends Paid ($.35 per share)                      --         --     (6,281)         --           --                      (6,281)
Exercise of Stock Options (346,896 shares)          347      2,495         --          --           --                       2,842
Stock Dividend (1,200,432)                        1,200     16,095    (17,295)         --           --                          --
Common Stock Issued under 
 Dividend Reinvestment Plan (83,496 shares)          84      1,429         --          --           --                       1,513
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1996                    $21,687   $109,360   $111,614     $(1,373)     $(2,490)                   $238,798
  Net Income--1997                                   --         --     24,959          --           --      $24,959         24,959
  Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
    Unrealized Gain on Debt Securities, Net of
    Reclassification Adjustment (see Note 16)                                       6,106                     6,106          6,106
                                                                                                            -------  
Comprehensive Income                                                                                        $31,065
                                                                                                            ======= 
Dividends Paid ($.44 per share)                      --         --     (8,505)         --           --                      (8,505)
Exercise of Stock Options (720,638 shares)          720      7,661         --          --           --                       8,381
Stock Dividend (858,376 shares)                     858     13,747    (14,605)         --           --                          --
Common Stock Issued under 
 Dividend Reinvestment Plan (20,312 shares)          20        423         --          --           --                         443
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997                    $23,285   $131,191   $113,463     $ 4,733      $(2,490)                   $270,182
  Net Income--1998                                   --         --     39,030          --           --      $39,030         39,030
  Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
    Unrealized Gain on Debt Securities, Net of
    Reclassification Adjustment (see Note 16)                                         575                       575            575
                                                                                                            -------
Comprehensive Income                                                                                        $39,605
                                                                                                            =======
Dividends Paid ($.518 per share)                     --         --    (12,648)         --           --                     (12,648)
Exercise of Stock Options (337,498 shares)          337      5,164         --          --           --                       5,501
Stock Dividend (1,165,433 shares)                 1,165     35,184    (36,349)         --           --                          --
Purchase of Treasury Shares (297,700 shares)                                                    (7,287)                     (7,287)
Common Stock Issued under Dividend 
  Reinvestment Plan (24,179 shares)                  24        700         --          --           --                         724
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998                    $24,811   $172,239   $103,496     $ 5,308      $(9,777)                   $296,077
====================================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                       30

<PAGE> 31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subidiaries

                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998            1997         1996
=====================================================================================================
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>          <C>      
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Income                                               $   39,030      $   24,959    $  26,188
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash 
     Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
       Depreciation and Amortization                           28,200           8,235        6,308
       Provision for Loan Losses                               12,027           9,953       10,011
       Provision for Deferred Income Tax (Benefit)             (2,941)         (5,139)         750
       Realized Net Securities Gains                           (6,749)         (2,337)      (5,556)
       Loans Originated or Acquired and Held for Sale        (993,474)       (344,587)    (559,717)
       Proceeds from Sales of Loans                           841,538         315,650      649,363
       Gain on Sales of Loans                                  (5,846)         (2,632)      (5,681)
       Other Operating Activities                             (23,551)          8,930       (6,796)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Adjustments                                          (150,796)        (11,927)      88,682
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES             (111,766)         13,032      114,870
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Principal Collections and Maturities of Securities 
   Available for Sale                                         251,725         169,288      196,039
  Principal Collections and Maturities of Securities 
   Held to Maturity                                                --          13,130       13,353
  Proceeds on Sales of Securities Available for Sale          947,030         395,803      297,336
  Purchases of Securities Held to Maturity                         --         (15,259)     (26,108)
  Purchases of Securities Available for Sale               (1,405,328)       (481,343)    (375,667)
  Loan Originations and Purchases Less Principal
   Collections                                               (420,763)       (454,026)    (495,697)
  Purchases of Premises and Equipment                         (10,069)         (7,299)      (6,282)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES                        (637,405)       (379,706)    (397,026)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Increase in Deposits                                    665,042         468,371      248,686
  Net Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Borrowings           (201,928)       (255,144)      60,570
  Proceeds from Long-Term Debt                                475,380         194,000      308,650
  Payments and Maturities of Long-Term Debt                  (209,218)        (53,440)    (320,638)
  Proceeds from Capital Securities                             39,238              --           --
  Issuance of Common Stock                                      6,225           8,824        4,355
  Purchase of Treasury Stock                                   (7,287)             --           --
  Cash Dividends on Common Stock                              (12,648)         (8,505)      (6,281)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                     754,804         354,106      295,342
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                5,633         (12,568)      13,186
  Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year               68,930          81,498       68,312
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                   $   74,563      $   68,930    $  81,498
=====================================================================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Paid, Net of Amount Capitalized                   $  111,775      $   71,711    $  70,337
Income Taxes Paid                                              18,301          13,114       15,374
Stock Dividend                                                 36,349          14,605       17,295
Transfer of Securities Held to Maturity to 
 Securities Available for Sale                                     --          88,318           --

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

                                       31

<PAGE> 32
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Provident Bankshares Corporation and Subidiaries


                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998            1997         1996
=====================================================================================================
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>          <C>    
Net Income                                                    $39,030         $24,959      $26,188
   Net Other Comprehensive Income:
     Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Debt Securities              4,655           7,519       (5,153)
     Less: Reclassification Adjustment for Gains Included 
      in Net Income                                             4,080           1,413        3,359
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Comprehensive Income                                        575           6,106       (8,512)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income                                          $39,605         $31,065      $17,676
=====================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


                                          32
</TABLE>

<PAGE> 33


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"). Product offerings include deposit
products, cash management services, commercial and consumer loans and personal
investment products. These services are provided through a network of 84 offices
and 113 ATMs located primarily 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 inter-company
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


   Financial statements prior to 1997 have been restated to include the accounts
and results of operations for the acquisition of First Citizens Financial
Corporation which was accounted for using the pooling-of-interest accounting
method--see Note 2.


   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

   Investment portfolios are to be divided among three categories: securities
available for sale, and if applicable, securities held to maturity and trading
account securities. 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 net accumulated other comprehensive income, which is reflected net of
applicable taxes, and therefore, has 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. Any securities that the Corporation has the intent and
ability to hold to maturity would be included in securities held to maturity
and, accordingly, carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and
accretion of discounts using the interest method.

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.



                                        33
<PAGE> 34


   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.

   The Corporation defers and amortizes certain loan fees and costs over the
life of the loan using the interest method. Net amortization of these 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, 1998 and 1997 was
not material with respect to the respective financial statements.

   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, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

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.

MORTGAGE SERVICE RIGHTS

   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.

   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"). The adoption of SFAS No. 125 had no significant impact on the earnings or
financial condition of the Corporation. The Corporation carries any retained
interest in a transferred asset on the Statement of Condition as a servicing
asset. 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.


                                      34

<PAGE> 35

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 Statementof 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 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.



                                        35

<PAGE> 36


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.

NOTE 2--ACQUISITION

   On August 22, 1997, the Corporation completed its acquisition of First
Citizens Financial Corporation ("First Citizens"), a savings bank 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 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 of a share
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 have been $33.6 million on a
pre-merger basis for the year ended December 31, 1997. The majority of the
charges incurred included severance pay and benefits for terminated employees,
professional fees which included investment banking, accounting and legal fees,
write-downs of real estate owned properties, write-downs 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 year
ended December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
            ==============================================
            <S>                                  <C> 
            Net Interest Income:
              Provident                          $ 91,287
              First Citizens                       18,838
            ----------------------------------------------
                Combined                         $110,125
            ==============================================
            Net Income:
              Provident                          $ 23,020
              First Citizens                        3,168
            ----------------------------------------------
                Combined                         $ 26,188
            ==============================================
            Diluted Net Income Per Share:
              Provident                          $   1.19
              First Citizens                          .50
            ----------------------------------------------
                Combined                         $   1.07
            ==============================================

</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.


                                       36


<PAGE> 37


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 $23.7
million and $18.6 million during the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

   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 1998 and 1997,
the Corporation maintained average compensating balances of approximately $4.5
million and $2.5 million, respectively. In addition, the Corporation paid fees
totaling $389 thousand in 1998, $311 thousand in 1997 and $397 thousand in 1996
in lieu of maintaining compensating balances.

NOTE 4--INVESTMENT SECURITIES

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             1998                               1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       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             $   42,267    $    26   $   --   $   42,293     $ 55,624     $   36    $   84    $ 55,576
Mortgage-Backed Securities                 986,279      6,270      460      992,089      877,962      8,870     1,341     885,491 
Municipal Securities                        26,787        945       --       27,732       18,868        523        --      19,391
Other Debt Securities                      134,398      2,785      786      136,397       22,958         --       175      22,783
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Securities Available for Sale   $1,189,731    $10,026   $1,246   $1,198,511     $975,412     $9,429    $1,600    $983,241  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   The aggregate amortized cost and market values of the investment securities 
portfolio by contractual maturity at December 31, 1998 and 1997, are shown
below. Expected maturities on mortgage-backed securities may differ from the 
contractual maturities as  orrowers have the right to prepay the obligation
without prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            1998                                 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              AMORTIZED             MARKET           Amortized           Market
(IN THOUSANDS)                                                   COST                VALUE              Cost              Value
===================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>               <C>     
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
   In One Year or Less                                        $    5,153          $    5,182          $    550          $    514
   After One Year Through Five Years                               9,917              10,179            16,975            16,737
   After Five Years Through Ten Years                             14,120              14,743            24,762            25,081
   Over Ten Years                                                174,262             176,318            55,163            55,418    
   Mortgage-Backed Securities                                    986,279             992,089           877,962           885,491
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Securities Available for Sale                        $1,189,731          $1,198,511          $975,412          $983,241
===================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>







                                                                 37

<PAGE> 38

   Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during 1998 were $947.0
million resulting in the realization of gross gains of $7.4 million and gross
losses of $.7 million on such sales. For 1997, sales of securities yielded
proceeds of $395.8 million which resulted in gross realized gains of $3.4
million and gross losses of $1.1 million. Securities sold in 1996 produced
proceeds of $297.3 million resulting in gross gains of $6.1 million and gross
losses of $525 thousand.

   In conjunction with the acquisition of First Citizens Financial Corporation
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 part of net accumulated other comprehensive income. As a result of 
the transfer, all securities will be classified as available for sale in the 
foreseeable future.

   At December 31, 1998, a net unrealized gain of $5.3 million on the securities
portfolio was reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity as part
of net accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of
Condition as compared to a net unrealized gain of $4.7 million at December 31,
1997.


   The aggregate book and estimated market values of investment securities by
issuer which exceed ten percent of capital at December 31, 1998, are indicated
below. All of these securities represent senior debt securities with AAA bond
ratings.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Estimated
                                               Book         Market
      (IN THOUSANDS)                           Value        Value
      ---------------------------------------------------------------
      <S>                                      <C>         <C>    
      Issuer:
      Mortgage-Backed Securities:
        Residential Funding Corporation        $29,931     $30,441
        Indy Mac, Inc.                          52,466      52,905
      ===============================================================
</TABLE>

   Securities with a market value of $789.7 million and $611.2 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, 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

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      (IN THOUSANDS)                                               1998           1997           1996
      ===================================================================================================
      <S>                                                        <C>            <C>            <C>
      Balance at Beginning of the Year                           $36,861        $30,361        $27,524
        Provision for Loan Losses                                 12,027          9,953         10,011
        Loans Charged-off                                         (7,738)        (5,213)       (8,862)
        Less: Recoveries of Loans
          Previously Charged-off                                   1,589          1,760         1,688
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Net Loans Charged-off                                     (6,149)        (3,453)       (7,174)
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Balance at End of the Year                                 $42,739        $36,861       $30,361
      ===================================================================================================

</TABLE>

                                                    38



<PAGE> 39



   At December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the recorded investment in loans which
are in non-accrual status and therefore considered impaired totaled $5.1
million, $2.9 million and $4.6 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 $696 thousand in 1998, $178 thousand in 1997 and $603 thousand in 1996 would
have been recorded. During 1998 and 1997, no interest income was recognized on
these loans. During 1996, interest income of $411 thousand was recognized on
these loans. The average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately
$6.8 million in 1998 and $2.1 million in 1997.


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)                                       1998           1997
    ==========================================================================
    <S>                                               <C>            <C>    
    Land                                              $ 1,014        $   851
    Buildings and Leasehold Improvements               22,869         23,227
    Furniture & Equipment                              42,308         37,921
    Property Held for Future Expansion                  7,184          7,177
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Premises & Equipment                         73,375         69,176
    Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization    32,916         31,774
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net Premises and Equipment                      $40,459        $37,402
    ==========================================================================

</TABLE>

   Property held for future expansion represents 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 an unrelated third party which
then leased the building back to the Corporation. The lease has four 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, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Real Property  Sublease    Equipment
    (IN THOUSANDS)            Leases       Income      Leases      Total
    =========================================================================
    <S>                      <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>    
    1999                     $ 6,388       $ 77       $  380      $ 6,691
    2000                       5,627         39          289        5,877
    2001                       4,737         19          233        4,951
    2002                       4,260         19          139        4,380
    2003                       1,985          5           81        2,061
    2004 and Thereafter        4,539         --           --        4,539
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                  $27,536       $159       $1,122      $28,499
    ========================================================================
</TABLE>

   Rental expense for premises and equipment was $6.8 million in 1998, $6.6
million in 1997 and $6.3 million in 1996.


                                        39

<PAGE> 40


NOTE 7--MORTGAGE BANKING ACTIVITIES

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                      December 31,
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (IN THOUSANDS)                           1998        1997        1996
    ========================================================================
    <S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>    
    Balance at Beginning of the Year       $ 1,984     $ 2,155     $   981
    Additions                               15,767       1,785       3,338
    Amortization                              (355)       (359)       (458)
    Sales of Servicing Assets              (14,788)     (1,597)     (1,706)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Balance at the End of the Year         $ 2,608     $ 1,984     $ 2,155
    ========================================================================

</TABLE>

   At December 31, 1998, a valuation allowance of $19 thousand was required on
the servicing assets. Unpaid principal balances of loans serviced for others not
included in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Condition were $181
million and $229 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.


NOTE 8--SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

          (IN THOUSANDS)                                       1998         1997
          ========================================================================
          <S>                                               <C>          <C>     
          Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements
           and Federal Funds Purchased                      $143,367     $345,430
          Other Short-Term Borrowings                          1,996        1,861
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total                                           $145,363     $347,291
          ========================================================================
</TABLE>


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                   1998          1997         1996
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
          <S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>                           
          Balance at December 31                 $143,367     $345,430     $568,592
          Average Balance During the Year         310,504      464,662      496,117
          Maximum Month-End Balance               496,506      515,937      583,499
          Weighted Average Rate During the Year      5.50%        5.68%        5.59%
          Weighted Average Rate at December 31       4.77%        5.72%        5.73%
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


   Securities sold under repurchase agreements at December 31, 1998, are 
detailed below by due date:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Less than
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                        Overnight     30 days      30-90 days    Over 90 days      Demand           Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>    
  Mortgage-Backed Securities:
    Securities Sold:
       Carrying Value                            $--          $--           $--           $11,687          $--           $11,687
       Market Value                               --           --            --            11,840           --            11,840
    Repurchase Borrowings                         --           --            --             9,680           --             9,680
    Average Borrowing Interest Rate               --%          --%           --%             6.13%          --%             6.13%
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



                                                                 40
<PAGE> 41


NOTE 9--LONG-TERM DEBT

   Long-term debt consisted of Federal Home Loan Bank Advances of $735.2 million
and $469.1 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The principal
maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1998, are presented below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


            (IN THOUSANDS)
            ------------------------------------
            <S>                       <C>     
            1999                      $118,677
            2000                       223,575
            2001                       125,000
            2002                       166,000
            2003                        54,412
            After 2003                  47,575
            ------------------------------------
              Total                   $735,239
            ====================================
</TABLE>
               
   The Federal Home Loan Bank Advances to the Bank mature in varying amounts 
through 2016. These advances are composed of $265.2 million fixed rate advances
with an average interest rate of 6.43% and $470.0 million variable rate advances
with an average rate of 5.28%. These advances are collateralized by investment 
securities and certain real estate loans with carrying values of $599.7 million
and $159.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 1998.


NOTE 10--CORPORATION-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CAPITAL SECURITIES

   During the second quarter of 1998, the Corporation formed a new wholly owned
statutory business trust, Provident Trust I (the "Trust"), which issued $40.0
million of 8.29% capital securities to outside third parties. The sole purpose
of the Trust is to invest the proceeds in an equivalent amount of junior
subordinated debt securities of the Corporation which bears the same interest
rates as the capital securities. These subordinated debentures, which are the
sole assets of the Trust, are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all
present and future senior and subordinated indebtedness and certain other
financial obligations of Bankshares. The Corporation fully and unconditionally
guarantees the Trust's capital securities obligations. Additionally the Trust
issued $1.5 million in common securities to the Corporation. For financial 
reporting purposes, the trust is treated as a subsidiary of the Corporation and
consolidated in the corporate financial statements. The capital securities are
presented net of issuance costs as a separate line item on the Consolidated
Statement of Condition as corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital
securities. The capital securities are not included as a component of total
stockholders' equity on the consolidated balance sheet. The capital securities
are, however, accorded Tier I capital status by the Federal Reserve. The
treatment of the capital securities as Tier I capital in addition to the ability
to deduct the expense of the subordinated debentures for income tax purposes
provides the Corporation with a cost-effective method to raise capital. The
proceeds of the capital securities were used for general corporate growth.

   The capital securities pay cash distributions semiannually at a rate of 8.29%
of the liquidation preference. Distributions to the holders of the capital
securities are included in non-interest expense. Under the provisions of the
subordinated debt, the Corporation has the right to defer payment of interest on
the subordinated debentures at any time, or from time to time, for periods not
exceeding five years. If interest payments on the subordinated debentures are
deferred, the distributions on the capital securities are also deferred.
Interest on the subordinated debentures is cumulative.

   The securities, the assets of the Trust and the common securities issued by
the Trust are redeemable in whole or in part on or after April 15, 2008, or at
any time in whole but not in part from the date of issuance on the occurrence of
certain events.

                                         41

<PAGE> 42



NOTE 11--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   During 1998 and 1997, the Corporation declared five percent stock dividends
for each year to the stockholders of record as of April 27, 1998 and April 28,
1997, respectively. The 1998 stock dividend was paid on May 8, 1998, resulting
in the distribution of 1,165,433 common shares with a par value of $1.00 per
share. Accordingly, $1.2 million and $35.2 million were transferred from
retained earnings to common stock and capital surplus, respectively. The 1997
stock dividend was paid May 9, 1997 with the distribution of 858,376 common
shares with a $1.00 par value per share. This dividend resulted in the transfer
of $858 thousand to common stock and $13.7 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.

   During 1998, the Corporation approved a stock repurchase program for up to 
5% of its outstanding stock. These purchases may occur in the open market from
time to time and on an ongoing basis, depending upon market conditions. The
Corporation repurchased 297,700 shares of common stock at a cost of $7.3
million during 1998.

   The Corporation's Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") covers a maximum of
5.2 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. The Corporation 
has 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 1998 through 1996.

   The Option Plan provides for the granting of non-qualified 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 the options occurred
immediately in 50% of the options granted with the remainder vesting in the 
subsequent year. A minority of options have vesting provisions which may be 
accelerated on the attainment of specific benchmarks related to the
Corporation's performance. Beginning in 1998, options granted have a five-year
vesting schedule. Regardless of the vesting schedule all options vest
immediately upon a change in control.

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 1998                          1997                           1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           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,                  1,788,494       $  8.98       2,376,795       $ 6.57        2,219,866       $ 4.41
Granted                                    309,150         31.78         175,138        18.86          539,862        14.43
Exercised                                 (350,236)         5.56        (756,670)        3.60         (364,241)        4.89
Canceled or Expired                             --            --          (6,769)       16.07          (18,692)        8.41
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding, December 31,                1,747,408       $ 13.70       1,788,494       $ 8.98        2,376,795       $ 6.57
==================================================================================================================================
Options Exercisable at Year-end          1,129,676                     1,337,154                     1,314,293
Weighted Average Fair Value
 of Options Granted During the Year                      $   .39                       $ 2.70                        $ 4.05
Options Available for Granting 
 under the Option Plan                   1,092,467                       292,223                     1,567,404
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                                            42


<PAGE> 43


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


   The table below provides information on the stock options outstanding at December 31, 1998:

                                                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>                <C> 
 $  .00 - $ 6.67                      456,936           $ 3.22             3.8                     456,935          $  3.22
   6.68 -  10.01                      313,070             8.72             5.9                     313,070             8.72
  10.02 -  16.70                      501,510            13.65             7.2                     161,259            12.13
  16.71 -  20.03                      150,362            17.89             8.1                     137,132            17.93
  20.04 -  26.71                       14,280            21.81             8.6                      14,280            21.81
  20.72 -  33.39                      311,250            31.76             9.2                      47,000            30.81
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    1,747,408           $13.70             6.5                   1,129,676           $ 9.19
================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

   The weighted average fair value of all of the options granted during the
period 1996 through 1998 has been estimated using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               1998        1997        1996
            =================================================================================
            <S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>  
            Dividend Growth Rate                              17.37%      38.47%      14.64%
            Weighted Average Risk-free Interest Rate           4.59        5.72        6.31
            Weighted Average Expected Volatility              24.68       22.18       21.18
            Weighted Average Expected Life in Years               7           7           7
            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


   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:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)            1998         1997        1996
            ==================================================================================
            <S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C> 
            Net Income:
              As Reported                                   $39,030     $24,959     $26,188
              Pro forma                                      38,959      24,473      25,361
            Basic Earnings Per Share:
              As Reported                                   $  1.60     $  1.05     $  1.12
              Pro forma                                     $  1.60     $  1.03     $  1.09
            Diluted Earnings Per Share:
              As Reported                                   $  1.54     $  1.01     $  1.07
              Pro forma                                     $  1.53     $   .99     $  1.04
            ==================================================================================
</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, 1998, the balance of the
liquidation account was $10 million.


                                        43
<PAGE> 44

NOTE 12--OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK


CREDIT 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 $574.0 million and $467.7 million at December 31, 1998 and
1997, 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 $8.6
million and $13.3 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, 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 $24.8 million in
1998 and $32.9 million in 1997. The credit risk of issuing letters of credit is
essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

   A judgment relating to a 1989 event was entered against Provident Bank of
Maryland in April of 1997 in the amount of $5.2 million, exclusive of
post-judgment interest. This judgment, which Provident appealed, reversed an
earlier court holding in favor of Provident. The judgment stems from a lawsuit
alleging that the Bank had failed to fully honor a letter of credit. During the
fourth quarter of 1998, the appellate court upheld the lower court decision.
Payment was made in January, 1999. This payment, which was fully reserved,
resulted in a charge-off, thereby reducing the allowance for loan losses.


CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

   Construction and mortgage loan receivables from real estate developers
represent $283.0 million and $321.9 million of the total loan portfolio at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, 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.

   The Corporation's investment portfolio contains mortgage-backed securities
amounting to $992.1 million and $885.5 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
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.


INTEREST RATE RISK

   The Bank enters into agreements for the delivery of securitized mortgage
pools or for the purchases of consumer loan portfolios at a future date at a
specified price or yield. Movements in interest rates impose basis and interest
rate risk on the Bank between the dates of commitment and the dates of
settlement. Forward contracts aggregated $276.4 million and $89.3 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

                                        44

<PAGE> 45

   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 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 $4.7 million at December 31, 1998, and $523 thousand at December 31, 1997.

   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, 1998 and 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       Notional  Maturity               Average Interest Rate/Fee                        Market
                                            ---------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)  Amount     Date              Paid                    Received                    Value
==================================================================================================================
                        <S>        <C>       <C>                       <C>                               <C>  
1998
INTEREST RATE SWAPS:
                        $10,000    1999      3 MONTH LIBOR (5.52%)             6.00%                     $  2
                         10,000    1999      3 MONTH LIBOR (5.53%)             6.10%                        3
                         10,000    1999      3 MONTH LIBOR (5.51%)             6.00%                       14
                         10,000    1999      3 MONTH LIBOR (5.38%)             6.05%                       19
                         10,000    1999      3 MONTH LIBOR (5.72%)             6.00%                       23
                         15,000    2000              7.08%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.28%)             (372)
                          9,000    2000              7.19%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.31%)             (283)
                         15,000    2001              5.73%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.22%)             (212)
                         16,000    2001              5.08%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.35%)               60
                          7,600    2001              5.17%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.34%)                9
                          8,000    2002              5.73%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.22%)             (139)
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.34%)              5.57%                      244
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.34%)              5.59%                      275
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.34%)              5.60%                      358
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.34%)              5.58%                      272
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.47%)              5.67%                      304
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.46%)              5.70%                      262
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.45%)              5.72%                      348
                         50,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.75%)              5.68%                      354
                         25,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.56%)              5.79%                      197
                         25,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.47%)              5.67%                      155
                         25,000    2002       10 YEAR CMS (5.48%)              5.69%                      164
                         15,000    2003              5.75%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.22%)             (354)
                         22,917    2003       10 YEAR CMT (4.85%)              5.49%                      330
                         29,450    2003       10 YEAR CMT (4.81%)              5.06%                      (61)
                         17,000    2003       10 YEAR CMS (5.51%)              5.75%                      164
                         17,000    2003       10 YEAR CMT (4.55%)              4.84%                       62

</TABLE>
                                                           45

<PAGE> 46
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                        Notional  Maturity              Average Interest Rate/Fee                        Market
                                            --------------------------------------------------    
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)   Amount    Date              Paid                    Received                    Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        <S>        <C>        <C>                      <C>               <C>            <C> 
                        $19,167    2004              5.81%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.37%)            $(314)
                         39,549    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.53%)              5.61%                      821
                          9,306    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.58%)              5.60%                      189
                         23,264    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.81%)              5.57%                      445
                         19,167    2004              5.81%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.22%)             (342)
                         23,611    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.60%)              5.56%                      456
                         33,056    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.61%)              5.58%                      651
                         23,611    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.62%)              5.56%                      382
                         14,167    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.45%)              5.52%                      141
                         34,500    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.74%)              5.55%                      375
                          9,583    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.59%)              5.52%                       96
                         17,250    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.62%)              5.50%                      162
                         15,333    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.81%)              5.26%                       33
                         20,124    2004       10 YEAR CMT (4.86%)              4.98%                     (120)
                         23,214    2005              5.79%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.28%)             (388)
                         23,214    2005              5.79%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.28%)             (388)
                         23,214    2005              5.77%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.31%)             (370)
                         46,429    2005              5.76%             3 MONTH LIBOR (5.28%)             (808)
                         12,602    2005       10 YEAR CMT (4.67%)              5.53%                      255
                         15,048    2005       10 YEAR CMT (4.70%)              5.58%                      334
INTEREST RATE CAP ARRANGEMENTS:
                        $22,917    2003            $ 22               10 YEAR CMT (7.25%)               $  36
                         29,450    2003             218               10 YEAR CMT (5.40%)                 224
                         39,549    2004              59               10 YEAR CMT (7.50%)                  80
                          9,306    2004              29               10 YEAR CMT (7.00%)                  27
                         23,264    2004              57               10 YEAR CMT (7.00%)                  68
                         23,611    2004              70               10 YEAR CMT (6.75%)                  83
                         33,056    2004             105               10 YEAR CMT (6.75%)                 117
                         23,611    2004             100               10 YEAR CMT (6.50%)                 101
                         14,167    2004             102               10 YEAR CMT (6.00%)                  91
                         17,250    2004             127               10 YEAR CMT (6.09%)                 107
                         17,250    2004              52               10 YEAR CMT (7.09%)                  52
                          9,583    2004              22               10 YEAR CMT (7.09%)                  29
                         17,250    2004             121               10 YEAR CMT (6.09%)                 108
                         15,333    2004             137               10 YEAR CMT (5.57%)                 137
                         20,125    2004             192               10 YEAR CMT (5.29%)                 225
                         12,602    2005              27               10 YEAR CMT (7.43%)                  38
                         15,048    2005              34               10 YEAR CMT (7.46%)                  46
INTEREST RATE CORRIDOR ARRANGEMENTS:
                       $100,000    1999            $ 31                3 MONTH LIBOR (5.22%)> 6.63%,    $  --
                                                                                CAPPED AT 8.63%
INTEREST RATE FLOOR ARRANGEMENTS:
                       $100,000   1999             $ --                4 YEAR TREASURY NOTES (4.70%),   $  --     
                                                                             STRIKE PRICE OF 6.8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                                            46
<PAGE> 47

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                       Notional  Maturity               Average Interest Rate/Fee                        Market
                                               --------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)  Amount     Date              Paid                    Received                    Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
Interest Rate Swaps:
                        <S>        <C>               <C>               <C>                             <C>
                        $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 Corridor Arrangements:
                        $50,000    1998             $  80              3 month LIBOR (5.81%)> 6.63%,   $   14
                                                                               capped at 8.63%
                        100,000    1999               260              3 month LIBOR (5.81%)> 6.63%        95
                                                                               capped at 8.63%

Interest Rate Floor Arrangements:
                       $100,000    1999             $ 182              4 year Treasury Notes (5.80%),  $1,080
                                                                             Strike Price of 6.8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

CMS--Constant Maturity Swap
CMT--Constant Maturity Treasury
LIBOR--London Interbank Offered Rate


                                                              47

<PAGE> 48


   For the year ended December 31, 1998, $24.0 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 $192.4 million and $926.0 million were utilized to hedge the
interest rate risk inherent in short-term borrowings and 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, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Notional Amount
                                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                                                         Interest Rate
                                                       Interest Rate    Floor/Cap/Corridor
            (IN THOUSANDS)                                 Swaps          Arrangements
            ============================================================================
            <S>                                         <C>                <C>  
            Balance, January 1, 1996                    $  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
            NEW CONTRACTS                                1,718,800           343,372
            EXPIRED CONTRACTS                             (147,723)          (50,000)
            TERMINATED CONTRACTS                          (892,353)               --
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
            BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998                  $1,142,376         $ 543,372
            ============================================================================
</TABLE>


   At December 31, 1998, the Corporation had deferred gains of $2.8 million and
deferred losses of $2.3 million related to terminated contracts. These deferred
gains and losses will be amortized over 1.4 and 2.5 years, respectively. The
Corporation had deferred gains of $1.4 million and deferred losses of $2.8
million related to terminated contracts which were amortized as a yield
adjustment over 3.3 and 1.5 years, respectively, at December 31, 1997.

   The notional maturities of the interest rate swaps and interest rate
floor/cap/corridor arrangements at December 31, 1998, are presented below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Notional Amount
                                                --------------------------------------
                                                                    Interest Rate
                                                  Interest Rate   Floor/Cap/Corridor
            (IN THOUSANDS)                             Swaps         Arrangements
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                                    <C>                <C>     
            1999                                   $   50,000         $200,000
            2000                                       24,000               --
            2001                                       38,600               --
            2002                                      483,000               --
            2003                                      101,367           52,367
            2004                                      301,688          263,355
            2005                                      143,721           27,650
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total                                $1,142,376         $543,372
            ==========================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       48

<PAGE> 49

NOTE 13--OTHER NON-INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

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

            (IN THOUSANDS)                                    1998          1997           1996
            ========================================================================================
            <S>                                             <C>           <C>            <C>
            Other Non-Interest Income:
              Other Loan Fees                               $ 5,104       $ 2,147        $ 1,872
              Other Non-Interest Income                       5,937         4,543          5,251
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total Other Non-Interest Income                 $11,041       $ 6,690        $ 7,123
            ========================================================================================
            Other Non-Interest Expense:
              Advertising and Promotion                     $ 7,171       $ 5,678        $ 5,986
              Communication and Postage                       4,376         3,693          3,861
              Printing and Supplies                           2,502         2,277          2,351
              Regulatory Fees                                   939         1,016          1,699
              Professional Services                           2,413         2,762          3,000
              Other Non-Interest Expense                      9,027         8,537          7,709
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total Other Non-Interest Expense                $26,428       $23,963        $24,606
            ========================================================================================
</TABLE>



NOTE 14--INCOME TAXES


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

            (IN THOUSANDS)                                1998              1997             1996
            ==========================================================================================
            <S>                                         <C>               <C>              <C>
            Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit):
              Federal                                   $22,422           $19,121          $12,527
              State                                        (110)             (354)             391
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Total Current                            22,312            18,767           12,918
            Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)        (2,941)           (5,139)             750
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total Income Tax Expense                    $19,371           $13,628          $13,668
            ==========================================================================================
</TABLE>

   Tax expense associated with investment securities gains was $2.7 million in
1998, $927 thousand in 1997 and $2.2 million in 1996.












                                                  49
<PAGE> 50


   The primary sources of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax asset and liability at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
are presented below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Deferred             Deferred
            (IN THOUSANDS)                                             Assets             Liabilities
            =================================================================================================
            <S>                                                       <C>                   <C>
            1998:
            LOAN LOSS RESERVE RECAPTURE                               $    --               $ 9,411
            RESERVE FOR LOAN LOSS                                      14,959                    --
            WRITE-DOWN OF PROPERTY HELD FOR SALE                        1,453                    --
            EMPLOYEE BENEFITS                                           2,868                    --
            DEFERRED GAIN ON SALE/LEASEBACK                               359                    --
            DEFERRED STATE TAX RECEIVABLE                               4,800                    --
            DEPRECIATION                                                   --                   837
            DEFERRED FEDERAL TAX LIABILITY FOR STATE RECEIVABLE            --                 1,680
            DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY ON UNREALIZED
              GAINS IN DEBT SECURITIES                                     --                 3,448
            MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS                                      --                   596
            CAPITALIZED REAL ESTATE OWNED COSTS                           384                    --
            DEFERRED LOAN FEES                                             --                 1,434
            ALL OTHER                                                     615                 2,698
           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL                                                   $25,438               $20,104
           ==========================================================================================
            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
            ==========================================================================================
</TABLE>

   At December 31, 1998 and 1997, no valuation allowance was required with
respect to deferred tax assets.





                                                  50

<PAGE> 51


   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:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998               1997            1996
        =============================================================================================
        <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              (.8)                --             2.4
           Tax Benefit of State Refund Claim                 --                 --            (1.3)
           Tax-Advantaged Income                           (1.2)              (1.6)           (1.2)
           Disallowed Interest Expense                       .2                 --              --
           Employee Benefits                                (.1)               (.4)            (.1)
           Non-Deductible Merger Expenses                    --                2.3              --
           Credit for Community Development
             Corporation Contribution                       (.2)                --              --
           Other                                             .3                 --             (.5)
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Combined Effective Tax Rate                  33.2%              35.3%           34.3%
        =============================================================================================
</TABLE>


NOTE 15--EARNINGS PER SHARE

   The Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128--
"Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128") on December 31, 1997. Under the provisions
of the 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. All
prior period data has also been restated to provide for the effects of the 
stock dividend issued in May, 1998, the 2-for-1 stock split in February 1998,
and the acquisition consummated during 1997.

   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)       1998              1997             1996
            ==============================================================================================
            <S>                                               <C>               <C>              <C>    
            Qualifying Net Income                             $39,030           $24,959          $26,188
            Basic EPS Shares                                   24,389            23,829           23,353
            Basic EPS                                         $  1.60           $  1.05          $  1.12
            Dilutive Shares                                     1,016               906            1,140
            Diluted EPS Shares                                 25,405            24,735           24,493
            Diluted EPS                                       $  1.54           $  1.01          $  1.07
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                                                51
<PAGE> 52


NOTE 16--OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("SFAS No. 130"), "Reporting
Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes requirements for the disclosure
of comprehensive income in financial statements. Comprehensive income is
defined as net income plus transactions and other occurrences which are the 
result of nonowner changes in equity. For financial statements presented for
the Corporation, nonowner equity changes are only comprised of unrealized gains 
or losses on available for sale debt securities that will be accumulated with
net income in operations and is effective for years beginning after December
15, 1997. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods provided 
for comparative purposes is required. Adoption of this standard did not have an
impact on the Corporation's results of operations. Changes in the balance of
Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the Stockholders' Equity section 
of the Statement of Condition are the direct result of changes in the unrealized
gains (losses) on available for sale debt securities.

   Below are the components of Other Comprehensive Income and the related tax
effects allocated to each component:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Year Ended December 31,
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998                 1997              1996
            ================================================================================================================
            <S>                                                             <C>                 <C>               <C>
            Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses)
              Arising During the Year                                       $7,701              $12,411           $(8,362)
            Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable to Unrealized 
              Holding Gains (Losses) Arising During the Year                 3,046                5,381            (3,209)
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Net Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses)                            4,655                7,030            (5,153)
            Less: Reclassification Adjustment
              Gains Realized in Net Income                                   6,749                2,337             5,556
                Tax Expense on Realized Gains
                  Included in Net Income                                     2,669                1,413             2,197
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Net Reclassification Adjustment                                  4,080                  924             3,359
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                               $  575              $ 6,106           $(8,512)
           =================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



NOTE 17--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


PENSION PLAN

   Effective December 31, 1997, the Corporation adopted the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132--"Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits." The standard revises
employers' disclosure about pension and other postretirement benefits plans and,
accordingly, had no impact on earnings or financial condition of the
Corporation.

   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. 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.


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, 1998 and 1997, this plan is unfunded.




                                             52
<PAGE> 53


   The following tables set forth the activity for each benefit plan's projected
benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status at January 1.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                              Pension Plan                 Postretirement Benefits
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998             1997           1998           1997
            =======================================================================================================================
            <S>                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>
            Actuarial Present Value of Accumulated
              Benefit Obligation                                          $25,518          $20,729        $ 1,363        $ 1,060
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Projected Benefit Obligation at January 1,                    $21,965          $19,439        $ 1,060           $992
            Service Cost                                                      840              839             72             51
            Interest Cost                                                   1,771            1,502             88             75
            Benefit Payments                                               (1,493)          (1,484)          (111)          (109)
            Actuarial Loss                                                  3,531            1,669            254             51
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Projected Benefit Obligation at December 31,                  $26,614          $21,965        $ 1,363        $ 1,060
            =======================================================================================================================

            (IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998             1997           1998           1997
            =======================================================================================================================
            Plan Assets Fair Value at January 1,                          $26,826          $23,492        $    --        $    --
            Employer Contributions                                             --              152             --             --
            Benefit Payments                                               (1,493)          (1,484)            --             --
            Actual Return on Plan Assets                                    1,732            4,666             --             --
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Plan Assets Fair Market Value at December 31,                 $27,065          $26,826        $    --        $    --
            =======================================================================================================================

            (IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998             1997           1998           1997
            =======================================================================================================================
            Plan Assets in Excess of Projected
             Benefit Obligation                                           $   451          $ 4,861        $(1,363)       $(1,060)
            Unrecognized Net Loss (Gain) from Past
             Experience Different from that Assumed                           928           (3,547)          (142)          (317)
            Unrecognized Prior Service Cost                                (1,596)          (1,713)            83             --
            Unrecognized Net Assets Arising
             at Transition at January 1,                                     (559)            (695)           757            811
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Accrued Pension Cost Included
             in Other Liabilities                                         $  (776)         $(1,094)       $  (665)       $  (566)
            =======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


   The actuarially estimated net benefit cost for the year ended December 31
includes the following components:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


            (IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998             1997           1998           1997
            =======================================================================================================================
            <S>                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>  
            Service Cost--Benefits Earned During the Year                 $  840           $   839        $    72        $    51
            Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation                  1,771             1,502             88             75
            Expected Return on Plan Assets                                (2,599)           (2,260)            --             --
            Net Amortization and Deferral of Loss (Gain)                    (331)             (419)            50             37
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Net Pension Cost (Benefit) Included
             in Employee Benefit Expense                                  $ (319)          $  (338)       $   210        $   163
            =======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>








                                                                 53

<PAGE> 54


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   Pension Plan            Postretirement Benefits
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               1998            1997           1998          1997
            =======================================================================================================================
            <S>                                                                <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>
            Rates Used in Determining Actuarial Present
              Value of Projected Benefit Obligation:
               Weighted Average Discount Rate                                   7.0%            7.5%          7.0%          7.5%
               Expected Rate of Increase in Future Compensation                 4.0%            4.0%
            Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets                   10.0%           10.0%
            =======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

   The contribution to the Corporation's postretirement benefit plan has been
capped at a growth rate of 4% in 1998 and 1997 and is expected to remain at that
level in the future.

   The assumed health care cost trend rates could have a significant effect on
the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in
assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            (IN THOUSANDS)                                                                            1% Increase      1% Decrease
            ======================================================================================================================
            <S>                                                                                         <C>               <C>
            Effect on Total of Service and Interest Cost Components                                     $  18             $(15)
            Effect on Postretirement Benefit Obligation                                                   113              (96)
</TABLE>



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
$1.3 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.


NOTE 18--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 capital
securities (see Note 10), 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, 1998 and 1997, the Corporation exceeded 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.



                                       54

<PAGE> 55



   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)                                     1998                      1997
            =============================================================================================
            <S>                                                  <C>                       <C>   
            QUALIFYING CAPITAL

            Tier 1 Capital                                       $  330,461                $  265,199
            Total Capital                                           368,000                   302,060
            Risk-Weighted Assets                                  3,586,808                 2,949,890
            Quarterly Average Assets                              4,688,197                 3,756,348

            RATIOS
            Leverage Capital                                           7.05%                     7.06%
            Tier 1 Capital                                             9.21                      8.99
            Total Capital                                             10.26                     10.24

</TABLE>



NOTE 19--FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

   Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 "Disclosure about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" ("SFAS No. 107") 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

   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.



                                   55

<PAGE> 56


DEPOSIT LIABILITIES


   Fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits was
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.


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.

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

                                                                1998                                      1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Carrying           Fair                Carrying               Fair
(IN THOUSANDS)                                        Amount            Value                Amount                Value
==============================================================================================================================
<S>                                               <C>                <C>                  <C>                    <C>       
Assets:
  Cash and Due From Banks                         $   74,365         $   74,365           $   68,580             $   68,580
  Short-Term Investments                                 198                198                  350                    350
  Mortgage Loans Held for Sale                       224,707            225,860               66,925                 67,024
  Securities Available for Sale                    1,198,511          1,198,511              983,241                983,241
  Loans, Net of Allowance                          3,057,472          3,147,070            2,664,207              2,764,821
Liabilities:
  Deposits                                        $3,419,557         $3,434,359           $2,754,515             $2,761,008
  Short-Term Borrowings                              145,363            145,559              347,291                347,511
  Long-Term Debt                                     735,239            745,435              469,077                471,406
Recognized Derivative Financial Instruments:
  Interest Rate Floors                            $       --         $       --           $      182             $    1,080
  Interest Rate Corridors                                 31                 --                  340                    109
  Interest Rate Caps                                   1,474              1,569           $       --             $       --
Unrecognized Derivative Financial Instruments:
  Interest Rate Swaps                             $       --         $    3,808           $       --             $    1,366
  Commitments to Extend Credit                            --                 --                   --                     41
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



   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, 1998 and 1997. 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.



                                                               56

<PAGE> 57



NOTE 20--PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


   STATEMENT OF INCOME

                                                                              Year Ended December 31,
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   (IN THOUSANDS)                                            1998                      1997                   1996
   ====================================================================================================================
   <S>                                                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>   
   Interest Income From Bank Subsidiary                    $   242                   $   225                 $   81
   Dividend Income From Subsidiaries                        13,951                     8,460                  6,060
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total Income                                           14,193                     8,685                  6,141
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Interest Expense                                          2,412                       --                      --
   Operating Expenses                                          489                    2,863                    .505
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Income Before Income Taxes and Equity
    in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries                 11,292                    5,822                   5,636
   Income Tax Benefit                                       (1,038)                     (43)                   (144)
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            12,330                    5,865                   5,780
   Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries           26,700                   19,094                  20,408
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net Income                                              $39,030                  $24,959                 $26,188
   ====================================================================================================================

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


   STATEMENT OF CONDITION


                                                                                         December 31,
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (IN THOUSANDS)                                                                   1998            1997
    ====================================================================================================================
    <S>                                                                            <C>             <C> 
    ASSETS
    Interest Bearing Deposit with Bank Subsidiary                                  $    900        $    254
    Investment in Bank Subsidiary                                                   336,485         266,071
    Other Assets                                                                        682           4,325
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Assets                                                                 $338,067        $270,650
    ====================================================================================================================
    LIABILITIES
    Other Liabilities                                                              $    752        $    468
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Liabilities                                                                 752             468
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Corporate-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Capital Securities                    41,238              --
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Common Stock                                                                     24,811          23,285
    Capital Surplus                                                                 172,239         131,191
    Retained Earnings                                                               103,496         113,463
    Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of Bank Subsidiary                     5,308           4,733
    Treasury Stock at Cost                                                           (9,777)         (2,490)
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Stockholder's Equity                                                    296,077         270,182
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                                     $338,067        $270,650
    ====================================================================================================================

</TABLE>





                                                           57

<PAGE> 58

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


              STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                                                                                        Year Ended December 31,
               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (IN THOUSANDS)                                                   1998             1997            1996
               ===========================================================================================================
               <S>                                                            <C>              <C>             <C> 
               Operating Activities:
                 Net Income                                                   $ 39,030         $ 24,959        $ 26,188
                 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash
                   Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
                       Equity in Undistributed Income from Subsidiaries        (26,700)         (19,094)        (20,408)
                       Other Operating Activities                                3,926           (3,583)              7
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Total Adjustments                                         (22,774)         (22,677)        (20,401)
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                      16,256            2,282           5,787
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Investing Activities:
                 Investment in Bank Subsidiary                                 (41,900)          (4,500)         (4,000)
                 Investment in Trust Subsidiary                                 (1,238)              --              --
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Net Cash Used by Investing Activities                         (43,138)          (4,500)         (4,000)
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Financing Activities:
                 Issuance of Common Stock                                        6,225            8,824           4,355
                 Purchase of Treasury Stock                                     (7,287)              --              --
                 Cash Dividends on Common Stock                                (12,648)          (8,505)         (6,281)
                 Issuance of Corporation-Obligated
                   Mandatorily Redeemable Capital Securities                    41,238               --              --
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities               27,528              319          (1,926)
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                    646           (1,899)           (139)
               Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year                      254            2,153           2,292
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year                       $    900         $    254        $  2,153

               Supplemental Disclosures
               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Income Taxes Paid (Received)                                   $    748         $    187        $  (158)
               Stock Dividend                                                   36,349           14,605         17,295

</TABLE>


                                                           58
<PAGE> 59

   NOTE 21--FUTURE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

   In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"). The statement becomes
effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999 and will not be applied
retroactively. The statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments and hedging activity. Under the standard, all derivatives
must be measured at fair value and recognized as either assets or liabilities in
the financial statements.

   The accounting for changes in fair value (gains and losses) of a derivative 
is dependent on the intended use of the derivative and its designation.
Derivatives may be used to: 1) hedge exposure to change the fair value of a
recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment, referred to as a fair value
hedge, 2) hedge exposure to variable cash flow of forecasted transactions,
referred to as a cash flow hedge, or 3) hedge foreign currency exposure.

   The Corporation only engages in fair value and cash flow hedges. In both
types of hedges, the effective portions of the hedges, if included in earnings,
would not affect corporate net income. Ineffective portions of hedges are
reported in and affect net earnings immediately. Derivatives not designed as a
hedging instrument have the changes in their fair value recognized in earnings
in the period of change. Management is currently assessing the potential impact
of SFAS No. 133 on future corporate operations.

   The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 134,
"Accounting for Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the Securitization of
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise" ("SFAS No. 134")
during October 1998, which becomes effective for all periods beginning after
December 15, 1998. SFAS No. 134 conforms the accounting by mortgage banking
enterprises for mortgage-backed securities subsequent to securitization of
other types of assets by non-mortgage banking enterprises.  This statement
should not have a material impact on the Corporation's results of operations.


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

   None.


                                        59

<PAGE> 60


PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

   The text and tables under "Election of Directors" in the Corporation's 1999
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 1999 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 1999 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
1999 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.





                                        60
<PAGE> 61


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)  Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Provident Bankshares
              Corporation. (6)
       (4.1)  Amendment No. 1 to Stockholder Protection Rights 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)
       (10.6) Deferred  Compensation Plan for Outside Directors.(7)
       (10.7) Provident  Bankshares Corporation Non-Employee Directors'
              Severance Plan.(7)
       (11)   Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.(7)
       (21)   Subsidiaries of Provident Bankshares Corporation.(7)
       (23)   Consents of Independent Accountants.(7)
       (24)   Power of Attorney.(7)
       (27)   Financial Data Schedule.(7)
(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Corporation in the last quarter of
    1998.
(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) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
    for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, filed with the Commission on 
    November 13, 1998.
(7) Filed herewith.














                                         61


<PAGE> 62


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 29, 1999 BY               /s/Peter M. Martin
                                  ------------------
                                  Peter M. Martin
                                  Chairman of the Board, President 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 29, 1999 BY               /s/Peter M. Martin
                                  ------------------
                                  Peter M. Martin
                                  Chairman of the Board, President and Chief 
                                  Executive Officer


                                  Principal Financial Officer:
January 29, 1999 BY               /s/James R. Wallis
                                  ------------------
                                  James R. Wallis
                                  Executive Vice President


                                  Principal Accounting Officer:
January 29, 1999 BY               /s/R. Wayne Hall
                                  ----------------
                                  R. Wayne Hall
                                  Treasurer


                                  A Majority of the Board of Directors*
                                  Robert B. Barnhill, Jr., Melvin A. Bilal,
                                  Thomas S. Bozzuto, 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 29, 1999 *BY              /s/R. Wayne Hall
                                  ----------------
                                  R. Wayne Hall
                                  Attorney-in-fact







                                         62

<PAGE> 1

 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

                                    FORM OF

                          PROVIDENT BANK OF MARYLAND

               DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS
               ------------------------------------------------


      THIS AGREEMENT made this ______ day of _________, 199__ by and between 

Provident Bank of Maryland (the "Corporation") and _______________________ (the

"Director").

      WHEREAS, the Corporation values the efforts, abilities and accomplishments

of the Director and values his future services, the Corporation hereby

establishes and maintains the Provident Bank of Maryland Deferred Compensation

Plan for Outside Directors (the "Plan") under which Directors of the Corporation

who are not full-time employees of the Corporation may elect at the beginning of

any calendar quarter or other such date as administratively determined by the

Corporation to defer all or part of the compensation payable to them for

services rendered as a director. A deferral shall apply to compensation that is

payable to the Director for services rendered after the completion and effective

date of this deferral agreement.

      NOW THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed that the Director hereby agrees to

defer percentage (___%) from his compensation as a Director. The Director

further requests that payment of the Deferred Cash Benefit to which he may be

entitled commence in accordance with ARTICLE 1 of the Plan.

                                    ARTICLE 1

A. AMOUNT OF BENEFITS. In the event the Director ceases to be a director of the
   ------------------

Corporation on or after attaining the retirement age of 65 or upon the

occurrence of a Change in Control as defined in ARTICLE 10, he shall be entitled

to receive from the Corporation a benefit equal to


<PAGE> 2



that amount which will be accumulated on the date of the Director's change in

status as a Director in a bookkeeping account established by the Corporation and

which is based on the assumption that the amount the Director deferred will earn

interest at the Prime rate as specified below. 


B. INTEREST RATE. The interest rate for each month will be set at the Prime rate
   -------------

of interest in effect as of the first day of the calendar month. As of each

Valuation Date (Valuation Date is described as monthly) the account of each

Director shall be credited to reflect the amount of this interest. 


C. BENEFIT SCHEDULE. The benefit set forth in ARTICLE 1(A) shall be paid to the
   ----------------

Director by the Corporation either in a lump sum or in approximately equal

monthly installments beginning not later than one month after retirement for a

period of fifteen (15) years (or in such other manner or over such other period

as the Corporation in its sole discretion may determine, following the date of

such retirement). However, as the election of the given participant, all

monetary payments within a given tax year can be accelerated into a single

payment within that tax year.

      The amount of any installment payments payable to the Director shall be

adjusted annually to reflect appreciation or depreciation of assets held in the

bookkeeping account, plus interest

                                    ARTICLE 2

A. DEATH AFTER RETIREMENT. If the Director should die after retirement and
   ----------------------

during the 15-year payment period (or during such other period as the

Corporation may determine to pay this benefit), THE Corporation shall continue

to pay such monthly installments until the expiration of


                                        2

<PAGE> 3



said 15-year period, or other period initially determined by the Corporation, to

the individual or individuals the Director has designated in writing filed with

the Corporation or, in the absence of such designation, to the estate of the

Director. Payments shall not continue beyond the expiration of said period. 


B. DEATH BEFORE RETIREMENT. If the Director dies while a Director of the
   -----------------------

Corporation, the Corporation shall pay to the individual or individuals the

Director has designated in writing filed with the Corporation or, in the absence

of such designation, to the estate of the Director a benefit calculated and paid

in the same manner as set forth in ARTICLE 1(A), and assuming the Director's

date of death was his retirement date. This benefit shall be paid by the

Corporation in a lump sum, or in such other manner or over such other period as

the Corporation in its sole discretion may determine.

                                   ARTICLE 3

                               CHANGE IN STATUS
                               ----------------

      In the event the Director ceases being a Director for reasons other than

death or retirement, he shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation a

severance benefit calculated in the same manner as set forth in ARTICLE 1(A),

and assuming his change in status date is his retirement date. Such benefit

shall be paid by the Corporation in a lump sum one (1) month after the Director

ceases performing services as a Director, or in such other manner, including

approximately equal monthly installments, beginning not later than one (1) month

after his severance, for a period of fifteen (15) years, following the date of

change in status, or until his death, whichever first occurs. At death, the

balance remaining in the bookkeeping account shall be paid as provided in

ARTICLE 2(A).

                                        3

<PAGE> 4




                                   ARTICLE 4

                    AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
                    --------------------------------------

      Either the Director or the Corporation may elect to terminate this

Agreement with respect to fees for services not already earned by providing

thirty (30) days written notice of intent to terminate.


      Upon such termination, no further amounts shall be credited to the

Director's bookkeeping account. The Director upon such termination shall be

entitled to receive a benefit equal only to the severance benefit set forth in

ARTICLE 3. The Corporation shall determine the time and manner of payment of

this benefit in its sole discretion, but commencement of payment of this benefit

shall not be delayed beyond one (1) month after the Director ceases to perform

services as a director.

                                    ARTICLE 5

                                CLAIMS PROCEDURE
                                ----------------

      If any benefits become payable under this Agreement, the Director (or

designated beneficiary in the case of the Director's death) shall file a claim

for benefits by notifying the Corporation in writing. If the claim is wholly or

partially denied, the Corporation shall provide a written notice within ninety

(90) days specifying the reason for the denial, the plan provisions on which the

denial is based and additional material or information necessary to receive

benefits, if any. Also, such written notice shall indicate the steps to be taken

if a review of the denial is desired.

      If a claim is denied and a review is desired, the Director (or designated

beneficiary in the

                                        4

<PAGE> 5



case of the Director's death) shall notify the Corporation in writing within

sixty (60) days. In requesting a review, the Director of beneficiary may review

plan documents and submit any written issues and comments he or she feels are

appropriate. The Corporation shall then review the claim and provide a written

decision within sixty (60) days. This decision shall state the specific

provisions on which the decision is based.


                                   ARTICLE 6

                              HARDSHIP WITHDRAWAL
                              -------------------

      In the event that the Director suffers an immediate and heavy financial

need which cannot reasonably be met from other sources, the Director shall be

permitted to withdraw from the bookkeeping account established on his behalf an

amount equal to the amount needed to meet the immediate and heavy financial

need. The Director must first submit a written withdrawal request to the

Corporation explaining the nature of the hardship and the amount required to

meet the financial need. The Director must certify that the need cannot be

reasonably met from other sources, as specified by the Internal Revenue

Service in Regulations applicable to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue

Code. The determination of hardship and lack of availability of funds from other

sources to meet the hardship will be made by the Corporation in a

non-discriminatory manner pursuant to the rules for granting hardship

withdrawals from time-to-time under the Corporation's qualified Plan.

                                   ARTICLE 7

                             NONASSIGNABLE RIGHTS
                             --------------------

      Neither the Director nor any designated beneficiary shall have any right

to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise convey the right to receive any payment

hereunder. Any attempt to sell,


                                      5

<PAGE> 6



assign, transfer or other convey any payment shall result in the forfeiture of

that payment.

                                   ARTICLE 8

                           INDEPENDENCE OF BENEFITS
                           ------------------------

      Any payments under this Plan shall be independent of, and in addition to,

those under any other plan, program or agreement which may be in effect between

the parties hereto, or any other compensation payable to the Director or the

Director's designated beneficiary by the Corporation. This Agreement shall not

be construed as a contract of employment, nor does it restrict the right of the

Corporation to discharge the Director for proper cause or the right of the

Director to cease providing services as a director.

                                   ARTICLE 9

                              NONSECURED PROMISE
                              ------------------

      The rights of the Director, any designated beneficiary(ies) of the

Director or any other person claiming through the Director under the Plan, shall

be solely those of an unsecured general creditor of the Corporation. The

Director, or the designated beneficiary(ies) of the Director, shall have the

right to receive those payments specified under the Plan only from the

Corporation, and has no right to look at any general or specific asset or assets

of the Corporation, or any specific or special property separate from the

Corporation, to satisfy a claim for benefit payments.

      The Director agrees that he, his designated recipient(s) or any other

person claiming through the Director, shall have no rights or beneficial

ownership interest whatsoever in any general asset or assets the Corporation may

acquire to use to help support its financial obligations under the Plan. Any

such general asset or assets used or acquired by the Corporation in


                                      6

<PAGE> 7



connection with the liabilities it has assumed under the Plan shall not be

deemed to be held under any trust for the benefit of the Director or his

designated beneficiary(ies). Nor shall any such general asset or assets be

considered security for the performance of the obligations of the Corporation.

Any such asset or assets shall remain general, unpledged and unrestricted assets

oif the Corporation.

      The Director also understands and agrees that his participation in the

acquisition of any such general asset for the Corporation shall not constitute a

representation to the Director, his designated beneficiary(ies) or any person

claiming through or under the Director that any of them has a special or

beneficial interest in such general asset or assets.

      The Corporation shall be under no obligation whatever to purchase or

maintain any contract, account, policy or other asset to provide the benefits

under this Agreement, and any reference to a contract, account or other asset is

made solely for the purpose of computing the value of benefits.

                                  ARTICLE 10

                               CHANGE IN CONTROL
                               -----------------

      The Director may make a one time irrevocable election, on a form provided

by Provident, to receive a lump sum benefit equal to the amount of benefits due

under this Plan if such benefits become due following a Change in Control.


      If benefits due under this Plan are wrongfully denied following a Change

of Control, Provident or its successor shall pay to Director or his beneficiary

an amount equal to the court costs and reasonable attorney's fees expended to

recover such benefits.

      For purposes of this Plan, a "Change of Control" of the Corporation or

Provident

                                      7

<PAGE> 8



Bankshares Corporation (the "Holding Company") shall mean an event of a nature

that: (i) would be required to be reported in response to Item 1(a) of the

current report on Form 8-K, as in effect on the date hereof, pursuant to Section

13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"); or (ii)

results in a Change in Control of the Corporation or the Holding Company within

the meaning of the Change in Bank Control Act and the Rules and Regulations

promulgated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") at 12 C.F.R.

Section 303.4(a) with respect to the Corporation, and the Board of Governors of

the Federal Reserve System ("FRB") at 12 C.F.R. Section 225.41(b) with respect

to the Holding Company, as in effect on the date hereof; or (iii) without

limitation such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred at such

time as (A) any "person" (as the term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the

Exchange Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3

under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the

Corporation or the Holding Company representing 10% or more of the Corporation's

or the Holding Company's outstanding securities except for any securities of the

Corporation purchased by the Holding Company or any securities of the

Corporation or the Holding Company purchased by any employee benefit plan of the

Corporation or the Holding Company, or (B) individuals who constitute the Board

on the date hereof (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at

least a majority thereof, provided that any person becoming a director

subsequent to the date hereof whose election was approved by a vote of at least

75% of the Directors comprising the Incumbent Board, or whose nomination for

election by the Holding Company's stockholders was approved by the same

Nominating Committee serving under an Incumbent Board, shall be, for purposes of

this clause (B), considered as though he were a member of the Incumbent Board,

or (C) a plan of

                                      8

<PAGE> 9



reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all the

assets of the Corporation or Holding Company or similar transaction occurs in

which the Corporation or Holding Company is not the resulting entity, or (D) a

solicitation of stockholders of the Holding Company, by someone other than the

current management of the Holding Company, seeking stockholder approval of a

plan of reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Holding Company or

Corporation with one or more corporations, a result of which the outstanding

shares of the class of securities then subject to such plan or transaction are

exchanged for or converted into cash or property or securities not issued by the

Corporation or the Holding Company, or (E) a tender offer is made for 20% or

more of the voting securities of the Corporation or Holding Company then

outstanding.

                                  ARTICLE 11

                            CORPORATION'S AGREEMENT
                            -----------------------

      The Corporation agrees that it will not merge, consolidate or combine with

any other business entity unless and until the succeeding or continuing

corporation or business entity expressly assumes and confirms in writing the

obligations of the Corporation under this Agreement.

      This Agreement may not be altered, amended or revoked except by a written

agreement signed by the Corporation and the Director.


                                   ARTICLE 12

                               PLAN ADMINISTRATION
                               -------------------

      The Plan shall be administered by the Corporation. The Corporation shall

establish the forms and procedures by which a Director may make deferral

elections under this Plan, and the


                                      9

<PAGE> 10



Corporation shall have the complete authority and discretion according to its

determination of what is in the best interests of both the Corporation and the

Directors. No Director shall have any power to direct how the Corporation shall

exercise its discretion. All decisions of the Corporation concerning the

administration and interpretation of this Plan shall be final, conclusive and

binding.

                                  ARTICLE 13

                                    GENDER
                                    ------

      Where appropriate in this Agreement, words used in the singular shall

include the plural and words used in the masculine shall include the feminine.


                                  ARTICLE 14

                                EFFECTIVE DATE
                                --------------

      This Agreement shall be effective as of the date written above and is in

substitution and replacement of any previous agreement between the parties. This

Agreement shall be binding upon the Corporation and its successors, and upon the

Director, his widow, his heirs and designated beneficiaries and their executors.

This Agreement shall be effective until modified or terminated.

                                  ARTICLE 15

                                 CONSTRUCTION
                                 ------------

      This Plan is created, adopted and maintained pursuant to and in accordance

with the laws of the State of Maryland, except to the extent that those laws are

superseded by, or in conflict with, the laws of the United States of America.

The headings and captions appearing in this document are only for convenience

and are not intended to have substantive meaning. If a

                                      10

<PAGE> 11


provision of this Plan is at any time determined by a court of law having

jurisdiction to be unenforceable, such unenforceability shall not affect any

other provision of the Plan.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the

day and year first hereinabove written.


ATTEST:                                   PROVIDENT BANK OF MARYLAND


                                          BY: 
- --------------------------                    ----------------------------

WITNESS:


                                                                         (SEAL)
- ---------------------------                   ---------------------------
                                              DIRECTOR


                                      11

<PAGE> 1


                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.7





                        PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
                     NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' SEVERANCE PLAN


<PAGE> 2



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----


PREAMBLE...................................................................  1

                                    ARTICLE I
                      ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

      Section 1.1       Establishment of Plan..............................  1
      Section 1.2       Applicability of Plan..............................  1
      Section 1.3       Contractual Right to Benefits......................  1

                                   ARTICLE II
                          DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

      Section 2.1       Definitions........................................  2
      Section 2.2       Usage       .......................................  3

                                  ARTICLE III
                          ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

      Section 3.1       Participation......................................  3
      Section 3.2       Duration of Participation..........................  4

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                SEVERANCE BENEFIT

      Section 4.1       Right to Severance Benefit.........................  4
      Section 4.2       Severance Benefit..................................  4
      Section 4.4       Time and Method of Payment.........................  4

                                    ARTICLE V
                     OTHER RIGHTS AND BENEFITS NOT AFFECTED

      Section 5.1       Other Benefits.....................................  5
      Section 5.2       Director Status....................................  5

                                   ARTICLE VI
                        SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK..............................  5

      Section 6.1       Successor's Obligations............................  5



<PAGE> 3



                                   ARTICLE VII
                       DURATION, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

      Section 7.1       Amendment and Termination..........................  5
      Section 7.2       Form of Amendment..................................  6

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 8.1       No Attachment......................................  6
      Section 8.2       Expenses...........................................  6
      Section 8.3       Applicable Law.....................................  6
      Section 8.4       Severability.......................................  6
      Section 8.5       Unfunded Status......................................6



                                      (ii)

<PAGE> 4




                        PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
                     NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' SEVERANCE PLAN


                                    PREAMBLE


WHEREAS, Provident Bankshares Corporation (the "Corporation") wishes to
recognize the value of the services provided by the members of its Board of
Directors who are not employees of the Corporation ("Eligible Directors"); and

WHEREAS, the Corporation wishes to provide its Eligible Directors with severance
benefits in the event of a change in control of the Corporation; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation has determined that the implementation of a plan to
provide severance benefits to its Eligible Directors in the event of a change in
control will best serve its interests in attracting and retaining valued
Eligible Directors.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Corporation hereby establishes a plan, to be known as the
Provident Bankshares Corporation Non-Employee Directors' Severance Plan, as set
forth herein:


                                    ARTICLE I
                      ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

SECTION 1.1       ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN
                  ---------------------

As of the Effective Date (as defined in Section 2.1), the Corporation hereby
establishes a severance benefit plan to be known as the "Provident Bankshares
Corporation Non-Employee Directors' Severance Plan" (the "Plan"). The purpose of
the Plan is to provide Eligible Directors with severance benefits upon a Change
of Control (as defined in Section 2.1) of the Corporation.

SECTION 1.2       APPLICABILITY OF PLAN
                  ---------------------

The benefits provided by this Plan shall be available only to Eligible Directors
of the Corporation.

SECTION 1.3       CONTRACTUAL RIGHT TO BENEFITS
                  -----------------------------

This Plan establishes and vests in each Eligible Director a contractual right to
the benefits to which each Eligible Director is entitled hereunder, enforceable
by the Eligible Director against the Corporation.



<PAGE> 5


                                   ARTICLE II
                          DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 2.1       DEFINITIONS
                  -----------

Whenever used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth
below.

"Bank" means Provident Bank of Maryland.
 ----

"Beneficiary" means the person(s) designated by the Participant on the
 -----------
Beneficiary Designation Form to receive benefits, if any, to which the
Participant was entitled at the time of the Participant's death.

"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
 -----

"Change in Control" means an event of a nature that: (i) would be required to be
 -----------------
reported in response to Item 1(a) of the current report on Form 8-K, as in
effect on the date hereof, pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"); or (ii) results in a
Change in Control of the Bank or the Corporation within the meaning of the
Change in Bank Control Act and the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") at 12 C.F.R. ss. 303.4(a) with
respect to the Bank, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
("FRB") at 12 C.F.R. ss. 225.41(b) with respect to the Corporation, as in effect
on the date hereof; or (iii) without limitation such a Change in Control shall
be deemed to have occurred at such time as (A) any "person" (as the term is used
in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Bank or the Corporation representing 10% or
more of the Bank's or the Corporation's outstanding securities except for any
securities of the Bank purchased by the Corporation or any securities of the
Bank or the Corporation purchased by any employee benefit plan of the Bank or
the Corporation, or (B) individuals who constitute the Board on the date hereof
(the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
thereof, provided that any person becoming a Director subsequent to the date
hereof whose election was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the Directors
comprising the Incumbent Board, or whose nomination for election by the
Corporation stockholders was approved by the same nominating committee serving
under an Incumbent Board, shall be, for purposes of this clause (B), considered
as though he were a member of the Incumbent Board, or (C) a plan of
reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all the
assets of the Bank or the Corporation or similar transaction occurs in which the
Bank or Corporation is not the resulting entity, or (D) a solicitation of
stockholders of the Corporation, by someone other than the current management of
the Corporation, seeking stockholder approval of a plan of reorganization,
merger or consolidation of the Corporation or Bank with one or more
corporations, a result of which the outstanding shares of the class of
securities then subject to such plan or transaction are exchanged for or
converted into cash or property or securities not 


                                       2

<PAGE> 6


issued by the Bank or the Corporation, or (E) a tender offer is made for 20% or
more of the voting securities of the Bank or Corporation then outstanding.

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time,
 ----
and any successor thereto.

"Corporation" means Provident Bankshares Corporation.
 -----------

"Director" means a member of the Board.
 --------

"Eligible Director" means a member of the Board who is not an employee of the
 -----------------
Corporation, its subsidiaries, or any corporation or business organization that
is under common control with the Corporation, as determined under Sections
414(b) and 414(c) of the Code.

"Effective Date" means January 1, 1997.
 --------------

"Participant" means an Eligible Director who participates under this Plan
 -----------
pursuant to Section 3.1.

"Plan" means the Provident Bankshares Corporation Non-Employee Directors'
 ----
Severance Plan.

"Retainer Fee" means the annual fee paid by the Corporation to an individual for
 ------------
serving as a Director.

"Retirement Age" means age sixty-eight (68).
 --------------

"Severance Benefit" means the benefit payable to a Participant pursuant to
 -----------------
Sections 4.1 and 4.2.

"Successor Organization" means the organization succeeding the Corporation
 ----------------------
immediately following a Change in Control.

SECTION 2.2       USAGE
                  -----

Except where otherwise clearly indicated by the context, any masculine
terminology used herein shall include the feminine and vice versa and the
definition of any term herein in the singular shall include the plural and vice
versa.

                                   ARTICLE III
                          ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

SECTION 3.1       PARTICIPATION
                  -------------

All Eligible Directors shall participate in this Plan.


                                       3


<PAGE> 7



SECTION 3.2       DURATION OF PARTICIPATION
                  -------------------------

An Eligible Director shall become a Participant in this Plan immediately upon
becoming an Eligible Director. A Participant shall cease to be a Participant in
the Plan immediately upon ceasing to be an Eligible Director, unless his status
as an Eligible Director terminates as a result of a Change in Control. An
individual's status as an Eligible Director shall be deemed to have terminated
as a result of a Change in Control if he is not appointed or elected to the
board of directors of the Successor Organization within thirty (30) days of the
Change in Control or if his services as a director are terminated, other than
reason of attaining Retirement Age, by the Corporation on the Successor
Organization within one (1) year following the Change in Control.


                                   ARTICLE IV
                                SEVERANCE BENEFIT

SECTION 4.1       RIGHT TO SEVERANCE BENEFIT
                  --------------------------

A Participant shall be entitled to receive a Severance Benefit from the
Corporation upon a Change in Control; providing, however, that such Severance
Benefit will be reduced or eliminated pursuant to Sections 4.2(b) and 4.2(c) if
the Participant has attained Retirement Age or continues to serve as a director
for the Corporation or the Successor Organization immediately following the
Change in Control.

SECTION 4.2       SEVERANCE BENEFIT
                  -----------------

      (a) Following a Change in Control, a Participant shall be entitled to a
      Severance Benefit equal to five (5) times the Corporation's Retainer Fee
      for such Participant in effect immediately preceding the Change in
      Control.

      (b) Notwithstanding Section 4.2(a), if a Participant continues to director
      for the Corporation or the Successor Organization immediately following
      the Change in Control, and if his retainer fee received for the
      Corporation or Successor Organization following the Change in Control is
      less than his Retainer Fee immediately before the Change in Control, and,
      provided further, if his services as a director are terminated by either
      the Corporation or the Successor Organization within one (1) year
      following the Change in Control, his Severance Benefit shall be equal to
      his Severance Benefit under Section 4.2(a), less the retainer fee paid by
      the Corporation or Successor Organization following the Change in Control.

SECTION 4.4       TIME AND METHOD OF PAYMENT
                  --------------------------

The Payment to which a Participant is entitled shall be paid to the Participant
by the Corporation or the Successor Organization, in cash and in full, as soon
as practicable following the date of the Change in Control and not later than
thirty (30) days following such date. If any Participant should die after
termination of his services but before all amounts have been paid, such unpaid
amounts shall be paid to the Participant's named Beneficiary, if 

                                       4

<PAGE> 8


living, otherwise to the personal representative on behalf of or for the benefit
of the Participant's estate.


                                    ARTICLE V
                     OTHER RIGHTS AND BENEFITS NOT AFFECTED

SECTION 5.1       OTHER BENEFITS
                  --------------

Neither the provisions of this Plan nor the Severance Benefit provided for under
Section 4.2 shall reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish
the Participant's rights as an Eligible Director of the Corporation, whether
existing now or hereafter, under any benefit, incentive, retirement, deferrred
compensation, stock option, stock bonus, stock ownership or any service
agreement or other plan or arrangement.

SECTION 5.2       DIRECTOR STATUS
                  ---------------

The adoption of this Plan does not confer upon any Participant any right to
continue to serve as an Eligible Director nor shall it interfere in any way with
the right of the Corporation to terminate its relationship with any of its
directors at any time.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                              SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK

SECTION 6.1       SUCCESSOR'S OBLIGATIONS
                  -----------------------

The Corporation shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or
indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or
substantially all the business or assets of the Corporation, expressly and
unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Corporation's obligations
under this Plan.


                                   ARTICLE VII
                       DURATION, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

SECTION 7.1       AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
                  -------------------------

The Plan may be terminated or amended in any respect and at any time by
resolution adopted by a majority of the Board, unless a Change in Control has
previously occurred. If a Change in Control occurs, the Plan no longer shall be
subject to amendment, change, substitution, deletion, revocation or termination
in any respect whatsoever, until such date as all Participants who became
entitled to Severance Benefits under the Plan shall have received such benefits
in full.

                                       5

<PAGE> 9



SECTION 7.2       FORM OF AMENDMENT
                  -----------------

The form of any proper amendment or termination of the Plan shall be a written
instrument signed by a duly authorized officer or officers of the Corporation,
certifying that the amendment or termination has been approved by the Board. A
proper amendment of the Plan automatically shall effect a corresponding
amendment to each Participant's rights hereunder. A proper termination of the
Plan automatically shall effect a termination of all Participants' rights and
benefits hereunder.



                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 8.1       NO ATTACHMENT
                  -------------

      (a) Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this
      Plan shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale,
      assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation, or to
      execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation
      of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to affect such action
      shall be null, void, and of no effect.

      (b) This Plan shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Eligible
      Directors and the Corporation and their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 8.2       EXPENSES
                  --------

All reasonable legal fees and other expenses paid or incurred by a Participant
pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Plan
shall be paid or reimbursed by the Corporation or the Successor Organization if
the Participant is successful on the merits pursuant to legal judgment,
arbitration or settlement.

SECTION 8.3       APPLICABLE LAW
                  --------------

The laws of the State of Maryland shall be the controlling law in all matters
relating to the Plan to the extent not preempted by Federal law.

SECTION 8.4       SEVERABILITY
                  ------------

If a provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid, the illegality or
invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan and the Plan shall
be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been
included.

SECTION 8.5       UNFUNDED STATUS
                  ---------------

The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for the payment of
severance benefits. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant,
nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are
greater than those of a general creditor of the 


                                        6



<PAGE> 10



Corporation. In its sole discretion, the Board may authorize the creation of
trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan,
provided, however, that, unless the Board otherwise determines with the consent
of the affected Participant, the existence of such trusts or other arrangements
is inconsistent with the unfunded status of the Plan.

Having been adopted by its Board of Directors on February 19, 1997, this Plan is
executed by its duly authorized officers this 19th day of February, 1997.

Attest:



/s/ Robert L. Davis                     By: /s/ Robert L. Davis
- -----------------------------------         ------------------------
Secretary


EXHIBIT 11 -- STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     Twelve Months Ended
                                                         December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)         1998          1997           1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic:
- -----
<S>                                        <C>            <C>           <C>   
Average shares outstanding                     24,389        23,829          23,353
                                           ==========     =========     ===========

Net Income                                 $   39,030     $  24,959     $    26,188
                                           ==========     =========     ===========
Per Share Amount                           $     1.60     $    1.05     $      1.12
                                           ==========     =========     ===========

Diluted:
- -------

Average shares outstanding                     24,389        23,829          23,353

Net effective of dilutive stock options                                          
 based on the treasury stock method using
 the average market price                       1,016           906           1,140
                                           ----------     ---------     -----------
       Total Shares Outstanding                25,405        24,735          24,493
                                           ==========     =========     ===========
Net Income                                 $   39,030     $  24,959     $    26,188
                                           ==========     =========     ===========
Per Share Amount                           $     1.54     $    1.01     $      1.07
                                           ==========     =========     ===========
</TABLE>

EXHIBIT 21 -- 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.
Court Square Leasing Corporation

<PAGE> 1



EXHIBIT 23 -- CONSENTS OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


<PAGE> 2


                [LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP APPEARS HERE]



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To Board of Directors
Provident Bankshares Corporation

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated January 22, 1999, included in Provident Bankshares Corporation annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 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
                                        ---------------------------
                                        Arthur Andersen LLP

Washington, D.C.
March 3, 1999

<PAGE> 3


             [LETTERHEAD OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP APPEARS HERE]




CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

The Board of Directors
Provident Bankshares Corporation

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, Registration Statement Number 33-73162 on Form S-8 dated
March 7, 1994 and amended thereto August 18, 1994, Registration Statement Number
33-62859 on Form S-8 dated September 22, 1995, Registration Statement Number
333-34409 on Form S-8 dated August 27, 1997, Registration Statement Number
333-45651 on Form S-8 dated February 5, 1998, and Registration Statement Number
333-58881 on Form S-8 dated July 10, 1998 of our report dated January 20, 1999
on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Provident Bankshares
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, which report is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.

                                        /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                                        --------------------------------
                                        PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Baltimore, Maryland
March 3, 1999

<PAGE> 1


EXHIBIT 24 - POWER OF ATTORNEY


                        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  Peter M. Martin,  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
Exhcange 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/ Peter M. Martin                              December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Peter M. Martin


/s/ James R. Wallis                              December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
James R. Wallis


/s/ R. Wayne Hall                                December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
R. Wayne Hall


/s/ Robert B. Barnhill, Jr.                      December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Robert B. Barnhill, Jr.


/s/ Melvin A. Bilal                              December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Melvin A. Bilal


/s/ Thomas S. Bozzuto                            December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Thomas S. Bozzuto


/s/ Dr. Calvin W. Burnett                        December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Dr. Calvin W. Burnett

<PAGE> 3


/s/ Ward B. Coe, III                             December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Ward B. Coe, III


/s/ Charles W. Cole                              December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Charles W. Cole


/s/ M. Jenkins Cromwell, Jr.                     December 16, 1998
- ----------------------------
M. Jenkins Cromwell, Jr.


/s/ Pierce B. Dunn                               December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Pierce B. Dunn


/s/ Enos K. Fry                                  December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Enos K. Fry


/s/ Herbert W. Jorgensen                         December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Herbert W. Jorgensen


/s/ Mark K. Joseph                               December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Mark K. Joseph


/s/ Barbara B. Lucas                             December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Barbara B. Lucas


/s/ Frederick W. Meier, Jr.                      December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Frederick W. Meier, Jr.


<PAGE> 4


/s/ Sister Rosemarie Nassif                      December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Sister Rosemarie Nassif


/s/ Francis G. Riggs                             December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Francis G. Riggs


/s/ Sheila K. Riggs                              December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Sheila K. Riggs


/s/ Carl W. Stearn                               December 16, 1998
- ---------------------------
Carl W. Stearn


<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>                                   1,000
<CURRENCY>                                     U.S. Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                   DEC-31-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                          1
<CASH>                                              74,365
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                                   0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                         0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                         0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                      1,198,511
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                                   0
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                                     0
<LOANS>                                          3,100,211
<ALLOWANCE>                                         42,739
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   4,675,897
<DEPOSITS>                                       3,419,557
<SHORT-TERM>                                       145,363
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                                 40,423
<LONG-TERM>                                        735,239
                               39,238
                                              0
<COMMON>                                            24,811
<OTHER-SE>                                         271,266
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                   4,675,897
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                    234,926
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                   80,184
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                     2,997
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                   318,107
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                                 130,315
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 187,509
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                              130,598
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                       12,027
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                   6,749
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                     66,919
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                     58,401
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                          58,401
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                          0
<CHANGES>                                                0
<NET-INCOME>                                        39,030
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                         1.60
<EPS-DILUTED>                                         1.54
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                        3.12
<LOANS-NON>                                         11,517
<LOANS-PAST>                                        27,993
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                         0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                          0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                    36,861
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                        7,738
<RECOVERIES>                                         1,589
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                   42,739
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                                42,739
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                                  0
        

</TABLE>


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