WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORP
S-4, 1996-11-19
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 1996
                                                Registration No. 333-
===============================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM S-4
             Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933

                         WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

       Delaware                           6120                  81-0187794
 (State or other jurisdiction  (Primary Standard Industrial  (I.R.S. Employer
      of incorporation)           Classification Number)    Identification No.)


        LYLE R. GRIMES                                  DAVID W. JORGENSON
WesterFed Financial Corporation                          Security Bancorp
      100 East Broadway                                219 North 26th Street
 Missoula, Montana 59802-4511                         Billings, Montana 59101
        (406) 721-5254                                     (406) 238-4800
(Address,  including ZIP code, and telephone        (Name, address, including
number,  including area code, of registrant's    ZIP code, and telephone number,
     principal executive offices)                 including area code, of agent
                                                             for service)

                                   COPIES TO:

   CHRISTOPHER R. KELLY, P.C.                     STEPHEN M. KLEIN, ESQ.
   Beth A. Freedman, Esq.                         Graham & Dunn
   Silver, Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.                1420 Fifth Avenue
   1100 New York avenue, N.W.                     Suite 3300
   Washington, D.C.  20005                        Seattle, Washington  98101

         Approximate  date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to
the public:  As soon as practicable  after this  Registration  Statement becomes
effective.

         If the  securities  being  registered on this Form are being offered in
connection  with  formation of a holding  company and there is  compliance  with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]

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

         The Registrant hereby amends this  Registration  Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary  to delay its effective  date until the  Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically  states that this Registration
Statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities  Act of 1933 or until this  Registration  Statement  shall become
effective  on such  date  as the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         Calculation of Registration Fee
===============================================================================================================================
                                                               Proposed maximum        Proposed maximum           Amount
      Title of each class of              Amount to             offering price        aggregate offering            of
    securities to be registered         be registered             per share                  price            registration fee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                                <C>                            <C>                  <C>                     <C>  
   Common Stock, $.01 par value       $1,660,000 shares(1)           N/A                  $48,555,000             $14,714
===============================================================================================================================
<FN>

(1)    Represents the estimated  maximum  number of shares of common stock,  par
       value $.01 per share, of WesterFed Financial  Corporation  ("WesterFed"),
       expected to be issued in exchange  for up to  1,660,000  shares of common
       stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Security Bancorp ("Security"),  upon
       consummation of the merger of Security with and into WesterFed, described
       herein.
(2)    Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. The
       registration  fee has been computed  pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1) under the
       Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  based on the average of the bid and
       ask price  ($29.25) of shares of Security  Common  Stock on November  15,
       1996.
</FN>
</TABLE>
===============================================================================
<PAGE>
                  


                 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT

[WESTERFED LOGO]


                                                            February ____, 1997


Dear WesterFed Financial Stockholder:

On behalf of the Board of Directors and  management,  I cordially  invite you to
attend the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special  Meeting") of WesterFed
Financial  Corporation  ("WesterFed  Financial")  to be held at  __:__  _.m.  on
February    __,    1997    at    _____________________________     located    at
________________________, Missoula, Montana.

At this important  Special  Meeting,  stockholders  will be asked to approve and
adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which
Security Bancorp  ("Security") will merge with and into WesterFed Financial (the
"Merger"), with WesterFed Financial as the surviving corporation,  and WesterFed
Financial will pay cash and issue shares of its common stock to  stockholders of
Security.  Security is the holding company for Security Bank FSB, which operates
16 offices throughout Montana.

The terms of the proposed  Merger,  including the procedures for determining the
amount of cash and WesterFed Financial stock that may be issued as well as other
important information relating to WesterFed Financial, Security and the combined
company,  are explained in the  accompanying  Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.
Please give this document your prompt attention.

The Board of  Directors  of  WesterFed  Financial  has  carefully  reviewed  and
considered  the terms  and  conditions  of the  Merger  Agreement.  The Board of
Directors of WesterFed Financial has concluded that the Merger Agreement and the
proposed  Merger  are in the best  interest  of the  stockholders  of  WesterFed
Financial, and unanimously recommends that WesterFed Financial stockholders vote
"FOR" the Merger Agreement proposal.

Consummation  of  the  Merger  is  subject  to  certain  conditions,   including
regulatory  approvals and approval by the requisite votes of the stockholders of
both WesterFed Financial and Security.

At the  Special  Meeting,  you will also be asked to ratify the  adoption of the
Equity Incentive Plan.

I encourage you to attend the Special Meeting in person.  Whether or not you do,
I hope you will read the Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and then  complete,
sign  and  date  the  proxy  card and  return  it in the  enclosed  postage-paid
envelope.  This will save WesterFed  Financial  additional expense in soliciting
proxies and will ensure that your shares are  represented.  Please note that you
may vote in person at the Special Meeting even if you have  previously  returned
the proxy.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,


Lyle R. Grimes
Chairman of the Board

                                                                    

<PAGE>


                              [SECURITY LETTERHEAD]


                                                              February __, 1997


Dear Security Bancorp Stockholder:

         You are cordially  invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(the "Annual  Meeting") of Security Bancorp  ("Security")  which will be held on
________, 1997 at __:__ a.m., local time, at the
- ----------------------------------------, ------, -----.

         At the Annual  Meeting,  you will be asked to consider  and approve and
adopt among other things a proposal to approve an  Agreement  and Plan of Merger
(the  "Merger  Agreement")  pursuant  to  which  Security  will be  merged  (the
"Merger") with and into WesterFed Financial Corporation ("WesterFed Financial").
Upon consummation of the Merger, each Security  Stockholder may elect to receive
for each share of Security  common stock held either $30.00 in cash, a number of
shares of WesterFed  Financial  common stock equal to the "exchange  ratio" or a
combination of cash and stock,  subject to the stock  component being 40% to 45%
of the total  consideration.  The  "exchange  ratio" is  $30.00  divided  by the
average closing price of WesterFed Financial common stock for the twenty trading
days  commencing  thirty  trading  days prior to the  closing.  However,  if the
average WesterFed Financial stock price is (a) equal to or less than $13.05, the
exchange  ratio will be  2.2989,  (b) equal to or  greater  than  $15.55 but not
greater than  $17.50,  the  exchange  ratio will be 1.8809,  or (c) in excess of
$17.50, the exchange ratio will be (absent  extraordinary  circumstances) $32.91
divided by the average price.

         The proposed Merger has been approved by the Board of Directors of both
Security and WesterFed  Financial.  Your Board of Directors has determined  that
the  Merger  is in the best  interests  of  Security  and its  stockholders  and
recommends  that you vote FOR approval of the Merger  Agreement.  The investment
banking firm of  Montgomery  Securities  has issued its written  opinion to your
Board of Directors  regarding  the fairness of the  consideration  to be paid by
WesterFed  Financial  pursuant  to the Merger  Agreement  as of the date of such
opinion.

         Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions, including,
but not limited to,  approvals by the requisite vote of the stockholders of both
Security and WesterFed Financial and certain regulatory approvals.

         The   enclosed    Notice   of   Annual    Meeting   and   Joint   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  describe  the  Merger  and  provide  specific  information
regarding the Annual Meeting. Please read these materials carefully.

         At the Annual  Meeting you will also be asked to elect three  directors
to the Board of Directors and to ratify the appointment of accountants.

         It is very  important  that your shares are  represented  at the Annual
Meeting,  whether or not you plan to attend in person.  The affirmative  vote of
the  holders  of  two-thirds  of the  votes  that  may be cast  by all  Security
stockholders  entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for approval of
the Merger  Agreement.  A failure to vote for  approval of the Merger  Agreement
will have the same effect as a vote against the Merger Agreement.  Therefore,  I
urge you to complete,  sign, date and return the enclosed proxy appointment card
in the  enclosed  postage-paid  envelope as soon as possible to assure that your
shares  will be voted at the  Annual  Meeting.  You  should  also  complete  the
Election Form  accompanying  the  Prospectus/Joint  Proxy  Statement in order to
select your preference (within  specified  limitations) for WesterFed  Financial
common  stock or cash.  You should not send in  certificates  for your  Security
shares at this time.

         On behalf of the Board of  Directors,  I thank you for your support and
urge you to vote FOR approval of the Merger Agreement.


                                                   Sincerely,



                                                   -----------------------
                                                   David W. Jorgenson
                                                   President and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer

                                                                
                                        2

<PAGE>




                         WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                110 East Broadway
                             Missoula, Montana 59802


                    NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         To be Held on February __, 1997


         It is our  pleasure to invite you to a Special  Meeting  (the  "Special
Meeting")  of  holders  of the  common  stock,  par value  $.01 per  share  (the
"WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock") of  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation,  a
Delaware   corporation   ("WesterFed   Financial"),    to   be   held   at   the
_____________________________  located at __________________________,  Missoula,
Montana, on February __, 1997 at __:__ _.m., Missoula, Montana time.

         A proxy card and a Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  for the  Special
Meeting are enclosed.

         The Special Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:

                  1.       The approval and adoption of the  Agreement  and Plan
                           of Merger (the "Merger  Agreement"),  as of September
                           24,  1996,  by and between  WesterFed  Financial  and
                           Security   Bancorp   ("Security"),   as  more   fully
                           described   in   the    accompanying    Joint   Proxy
                           Statement/Prospectus.  A copy of the Merger Agreement
                           is set forth as Appendix I to the accompanying  Joint
                           Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and is  incorporated  by
                           reference herein.

                  2.       The  ratification  of  the  adoption  of  the  Equity
                           Incentive Plan.

                  3.       Such other  matters as may  properly  come before the
                           Special  Meeting  and any and  all  adjournments  and
                           postponements  thereof. The Board of Directors is not
                           aware  of any  other  business  to  come  before  the
                           Special Meeting.

         Any  action  may be taken on the  foregoing  proposals  at the  Special
Meeting on the date specified above or on any date or dates to which the Special
Meeting may be  adjourned  or  postponed.  Only  holders of record of  WesterFed
Financial  Common  Stock at the close of  business  on January  __, 1997 are the
stockholders  entitled to receive  notice of and to vote at the Special  Meeting
and any and all  adjournments  and  postponements  thereof.  A list of WesterFed
Financial stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be available
for  examination,  for  any  purpose  germane  to the  Special  Meeting,  at the
_____________________________  located at  _________________________,  Missoula,
Montana,  during  ordinary  business  hours for at least  ten days  prior to the
Special Meeting and for the duration of the Special Meeting itself.

         The  affirmative  vote of the holders of a majority of the  outstanding
shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock is required to approve the proposal
to adopt the Merger  Agreement.  The  ratification of the adoption of the Equity
Incentive  Plan  requires the  affirmative  vote of holders of a majority of the
shares actually voted on such proposal.

         You are  requested  to  complete,  sign and date the  enclosed  form of
proxy,  which is solicited on behalf of the Board of  Directors,  and to mail it
promptly in the enclosed  postage-paid  envelope.  The proxy will not be used if
you attend and vote at the Special Meeting in person.

         Remember,  if your  shares are held in the name of a broker,  only your
broker can vote your shares and only after receiving your  instructions.  Please
contact the person  responsible for your account and instruct him/her to execute
a proxy card on your behalf.



                                                                                
                                        3

<PAGE>



         If  you  have  any  questions  or  require   assistance,   please  call
_________________,  which is assisting  us in the  solicitation  of proxies,  at
(___) ___-____.



                                       By Order of the Board of Directors


                                       -----------------------
                                       Lyle R. Grimes
                                       Chairman of the Board


Missoula, Montana
January __, 1997


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT:  THE  PROMPT  RETURN OF PROXIES  WILL SAVE  WESTERFED  FINANCIAL  THE
EXPENSE  OF  FURTHER  REQUESTS  FOR  PROXIES  TO ENSURE A QUORUM AT THE  SPECIAL
MEETING.  A PRE-ADDRESSED  RETURN ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.  NO
POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                
                                        4

<PAGE>



                              [SECURITY LETTERHEAD]

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         To Be Held on February __, 1997

         NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual  Meeting (the "Annual  Meeting")
of holders of the common stock,  par value $1.00 per share (the "Security Common
Stock"), of Security Bancorp, a Montana corporation ("Security") will be held at
Security  Bank,  located at 219 North 26th Street,  Billings,  Montana  59101 on
February __, 1997, at __:__ _.m., local time, for the following purposes:

                  1. To  consider  and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt
         an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  (the  "Merger  Agreement"),  as of
         September  24, 1996, by and between  Security and  WesterFed  Financial
         Corporation ("WesterFed Financial"), a copy of which is included in the
         accompanying  Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  as Appendix I. As more
         fully  described  in the Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  the Merger
         Agreement  provides for the merger (the  "Merger") of Security with and
         into  WesterFed  Financial,  with  WesterFed  Financial  surviving  the
         transaction.  Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement  and subject to certain
         exceptions,    as   more   fully   described   in   the   Joint   Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus.

                  2.  The election of three directors of Security Bancorp.

                  3. To  ratify  the  selection  of  KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP as
         independent  public accountants for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997
         and any interim periods.

                  4. To transact such other business as may properly come before
         the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

         Pursuant to Security's  Bylaws,  the Board of Directors has set January
__, 1997 as the record date for the  determination  of stockholders  entitled to
notice  of and to  vote  at  the  Annual  Meeting  and  at any  adjournments  or
postponements  thereof.  Only holders of record of Security  Common Stock at the
close of business on that date will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote
at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements  thereof.  A list of
Security  stockholders  entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available
for  examination,  for any purpose  germane to the Annual  Meeting,  at the Main
office of Security Bank, FSB, Billings,  Montana, during ordinary business hours
for the ten days prior to the Annual  Meeting and for the duration of the Annual
Meeting itself.

         Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. Each
stockholder,  even  though he or she may plan to attend the Annual  Meeting,  is
requested  to sign,  date and return the  enclosed  Proxy  without  delay in the
enclosed postage-paid  envelope.  You may revoke your Proxy at any time prior to
its  exercise.  Any  stockholder  present  at  the  Annual  Meeting  or  at  any
adjournments  or  postponements  thereof  may  revoke  his or her Proxy and vote
personally on each matter brought before the Annual Meeting.

         If you have any questions or require assistance,  please call D.F. King
& Co.,  Inc.,  which is assisting us in the  solicitation  of proxies,  at (212)
493-6920.

                                      By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                      Elaine F. Hine
                                      Secretary


February __, 1997
Billings, Montana


      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SECURITY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
            ABOVE PROPOSALS. PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY
                AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

                                                                                
                                        5

<PAGE>



                              JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
                                       OF
                         WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                       AND
                                SECURITY BANCORP
                              FOR MEETINGS OF THEIR
                             RESPECTIVE STOCKHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY __, 1997
                              AND FEBRUARY __, 1997

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

                                   PROSPECTUS
                                       OF
                         WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION

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


         This Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  relates to the proposed  merger
(the "Merger") of Security Bancorp, a Montana corporation ("Security"), with and
into  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation,   a  Delaware  corporation  ("WesterFed
Financial"),  as  contemplated  by the  Agreement  and  Plan  of  Merger,  as of
September  24,  1996 (the  "Merger  Agreement'),  by and  between  Security  and
WesterFed  Financial.  The  Merger  Agreement  is  included  as  Appendix  I and
incorporated herein by reference.

         This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the holders
of shares of common  stock,  par value $.01 per share,  of  WesterFed  Financial
("WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock") in connection  with the  solicitation  of
proxies by the Board of Directors of WesterFed  Financial for use at the Special
Meeting of Stockholders of WesterFed Financial (the "WesterFed Financial Special
Meeting")  to be held at  __:__  _.m.,  local  time,  on  February  __,  1997 at
______________________________,  located at __________________________,  ______,
________, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.

         This Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  is also being  furnished to the
stockholders of Security in connection  with the  solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors of Security for use at the Annual Meeting of  stockholders of
Security (the "Security  Annual  Meeting") to be held at _____ _.m., local time,
on February __, 1997 at the Main Office of Security  Bank,  located at 219 North
26th Street, Billings, Montana, and at any and all adjournments or postponements
thereof.

         This Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus also constitutes a prospectus of
WesterFed Financial, filed as part of the Registration Statement (defined below)
with respect to up to __________  shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock to
be issued upon  consummation  of the Merger  pursuant to the terms of the Merger
Agreement.

         Subject to the terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the Merger
Agreement,  each stockholder of Security Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
("Security  Common  Stock"),  may elect to receive  for each  share of  Security
common  stock  held  either  $30.00 in cash,  a number  of  shares of  WesterFed
Financial  Common Stock equal to the "exchange  ratio" or a combination  of cash
and  stock,  subject  to the  stock  component  being  40%  to 45% of the  total
consideration.  The "exchange ratio" (the "Exchange Ratio") is $30.00 divided by
the average closing price of WesterFed Financial Common Stock for the 20 trading
days commencing on and including the thirtieth  trading day prior to the date of
the closing (the  "Average  WesterFed  Stock  Price").  However,  if the Average
WesterFed  Financial  Stock  Price is (a)  equal  to or less  than  $13.05,  the
Exchange  Ratio will be  2.2989,  (b) equal to or  greater  than  $15.95 but not
greater than  $17.50,  the  Exchange  Ratio will be 1.8809,  or (c) in excess of
$17.50, the Exchange Ratio will be (absent  extraordinary  circumstances) $32.91
divided by the Average WesterFed Financial Stock Price.

         The outstanding shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock are, and the
shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock offered hereby will be, quoted on the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated

                                                                   
                                        i

<PAGE>



Quotations  National  Market System (the  "Nasdaq/NMS").  The last reported sale
price of the WesterFed  Financial Common Stock on the Nasdaq/NMS on January ___,
1997  was  $_____  per  share.  The  Security  Common  Stock  is  quoted  on the
Nasdaq/NMS.  The last  reported  sale price of the Security  Common Stock on the
Nasdaq/NMS on January ___, 1997 was $______ per share.

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


         NEITHER THIS  TRANSACTION  NOR THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED  BY THE  SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION,  THE OFFICE OF THRIFT
SUPERVISION,  ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY,
NOR  HAS  THE  SECURITIES  AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION,   THE  OFFICE  OF  THRIFT
SUPERVISION,  ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  OR ANY OTHER AGENCY PASSED UPON
THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  JOINT  PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.   ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

         THE SHARES OF WESTERFED  FINANCIAL  COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT
SAVINGS  ACCOUNTS,  DEPOSITS  OR  OTHER  OBLIGATIONS  OF  ANY  BANK  OR  SAVINGS
ASSOCIATION  AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT  INSURANCE  CORPORATION,
THE BANK  INSURANCE  FUND, THE SAVINGS  ASSOCIATION  INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.


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

         This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the accompanying notices and the
accompanying  forms of proxy are first being mailed to stockholders of WesterFed
Financial and Security on or about January __, 1997.


                                       ii

<PAGE>

                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         WesterFed  Financial  and  Security  are  subject to the  informational
reporting  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act") and, in accordance therewith, file reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Securities and Exchange  Commission (the "SEC"). Such
reports, proxy statements and other information filed by WesterFed Financial and
Security  can be  obtained,  upon payment of  prescribed  fees,  from the Public
Reference  Section  of the SEC at  Judiciary  Plaza,  450  Fifth  Street,  N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20549. In addition, such information can be inspected and copied
at the public reference facilities of the SEC located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Room 1024,  Washington,  D.C. 20549 and at the SEC's Regional Offices located at
Citicorp  Center,  Suite  1400,  500  West  Madison  Street,  Chicago,  Illinois
60661-2511 and 7 World Trade Center,  Suite 1300,  New York, New York 10048.  In
addition,  the SEC  maintains  a Web  site  that  contains  reports,  proxy  and
information statements and other information regarding WesterFed Financial's and
Security's electronic filings with the SEC. The address of the SEC's Web site is
"http://www.sec.gov."

         WesterFed Financial has filed with the SEC a registration  statement on
Form S-4 (together with all amendments,  schedules,  and exhibits  thereto,  the
"Registration  Statement")  under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended (the
"Securities  Act"),  with  respect to the shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common
Stock to be issued pursuant to and as contemplated by the Merger Agreement. This
Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth
in the  Registration  Statement,  certain  parts of which  have been  omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Registration Statement
is available for inspection and copying as set forth above. Statements contained
in this Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  or in any  document  incorporated  by
reference  in this Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  as to the  contents of any
contract or other document are not  necessarily  complete,  and in each instance
reference  is made to the copy of such  contract or other  document  filed as an
exhibit to the  Registration  Statement,  each such statement being qualified in
all respects by such reference.


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

         All information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus with
respect  to  WesterFed  Financial  and its  subsidiaries  has been  supplied  by
WesterFed  Financial,  and all  information  with  respect to  Security  and its
subsidiaries has been supplied by Security.

         No  person  is  authorized  to give  any  information  or to  make  any
representation  other than those  contained or incorporated by reference in this
Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  and if given or made,  such  information  or
representation  should not be relied upon as having been authorized.  This Joint
Proxy   Statement/Prospectus  does  not  constitute  an  offer  to  sell,  or  a
solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities offered by this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction, to or
from  any  person  to whom  or from  whom it is  unlawful  to make  such  offer,
solicitation of an offer or proxy solicitation in such jurisdiction. Neither the
delivery  of this  Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  nor any  distribution  of
securities  pursuant to this Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  shall, under any
circumstances,  create  an  implication  that  there  has been no  change in the
affairs  of  WesterFed   Financial  or  Security  or  any  of  their  respective
subsidiaries,  or in the  information  set forth herein,  since the date of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

         THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS  WITH RESPECT TO THE FINANCIAL  CONDITION,  RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
BUSINESS  OF  WESTERFED  FINANCIAL  FOLLOWING  THE  CONSUMMATION  OF THE MERGER,
INCLUDING  STATEMENTS RELATING TO THE COST SAVINGS AND REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS THAT
MAY BE REALIZED FROM THE MERGER. SEE "SUMMARY" AND "UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
FINANCIAL   STATEMENTS."  FACTORS  THAT  MAY  CAUSE  ACTUAL  RESULTS  TO  DIFFER
MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTEMPLATED BY SUCH  FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS INCLUDE,
AMONG OTHERS, THE FOLLOWING POSSIBILITIES:  (1) EXPECTED COST SAVINGS OR REVENUE
ENHANCEMENTS  FROM THE MERGER CANNOT BE FULLY REALIZED;  (2) DEPOSIT  ATTRITION,
CUSTOMER LOSS OR REVENUE LOSS FOLLOWING THE MERGER IS GREATER THAN EXPECTED; (3)
COMPETITIVE  PRESSURE IN THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL  SERVICES INDUSTRY  INCREASES
SIGNIFICANTLY;  (4) CHANGES IN THE INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT REDUCE MARGINS; AND
(5) GENERAL ECONOMIC  CONDITIONS,  EITHER NATIONALLY OR IN THE STATE OF MONTANA,
ARE LESS FAVORABLE THAN EXPECTED. -------------------


                                       iii

<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                           Page
                                                                           ----
SUMMARY  ...............................................................      1
         The Parties to the Merger......................................      1
                  WesterFed Financial...................................      1
                  Security .............................................      1
         The Meetings...................................................      2
                  WesterFed Financial Special Meeting...................      2
                  Security Annual Meeting...............................      2
         The Merger.....................................................      3
                  General  .............................................      4
                  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards
                   of Directors.........................................      4
                  Merger Consideration..................................      4
                  Opinions of Financial Advisors........................      4
                  Effective Time and Closing Date.......................      5
                  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger............      5
                  Dissenters' Rights....................................      6
                  Conditions to the Merger..............................      6
                  Regulatory Approvals..................................      6
                  Waiver and Amendment; Termination.....................      7
                  Conduct of Business Pending the Merger................      7
                  Expenses .............................................      7
                  Accounting Treatment..................................      7
                  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
                   Merger...............................................      7
                  Effects of the Merger on Rights of Stockholders.......      8
                  Nasdaq Listing........................................      8
         Certain Related Transactions...................................      8
                  Stock Option Agreements...............................      8
COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION.......................      9
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL.........     11
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF SECURITY....................     12
COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA....................................     13
THE MEETINGS............................................................     14
         WesterFed Financial Special Meeting............................     14
         Security Annual Meeting........................................     16
THE MERGER..............................................................     18
         General  ......................................................     18
         Background of and Reasons for the Merger.......................     18
         Recommendations of the Boards of Directors.....................     21
         Merger Consideration...........................................     21
         Security Stockholder Election Procedures.......................     22
         Opinion of WesterFed Financial's Financial Advisor.............     22
         Opinion of Security's Financial Advisor........................     25
         Effective Time and Closing Date................................     29
         Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.....................     30
         Effect on Employees and Employee Benefit Plans of Security.....     33
         Dissenters' Rights.............................................     34
         Fractional Shares..............................................     35
         Exchange of Certificates.......................................     36
         Representations and Warranties.................................     37
         Conditions to the Merger.......................................     37
         Regulatory Approvals...........................................     38
         Waiver and Amendment; Termination..............................     38
         Conduct of Business Pending the Merger.........................     39
         Expenses ......................................................     40
         Accounting Treatment...........................................     41
         Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger..........     41
         Nasdaq Listing.................................................     43
CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS............................................     44

                                                                                
                                       iv

<PAGE>

         Stock Option Agreements........................................     45
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION......................     46
MANAGEMENT OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL.......................................     53
         Directors and Executive Officers...............................     53
         Executive Compensation.........................................     54
         Employment Agreements..........................................     55
         Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................     60
BUSINESS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL.........................................     61
         Market Areas...................................................     61
         Lending Activities.............................................     62
         One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending............     66
         Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending................     67
         Consumer Lending...............................................     67
         Construction Lending...........................................     68
         Originations, Purchases and Sales of Loans and
          Mortgage-Backed Securities....................................     69
         Non-Accruing Loans and Delinquencies...........................     71
         Investment Activities..........................................     78
         Sources of Funds...............................................     83
         Regulation.....................................................     87
         Impact of New Accounting Standards.............................     96
         Competition....................................................     96
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL.......................     98
         GENERAL  ......................................................     98
         Changes in Financial Condition, June 30, 1995 to
          June 30, 1996.................................................     98
         Results of Operations..........................................    102
         Rate/Volume Analysis...........................................    105
         Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended
          June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995...............................    107
         Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended
          June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994...............................    111
         Interest Rate Risk Management..................................    113
         Liquidity and Capital Resources................................    116
         Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices........................    118
BUSINESS OF SECURITY....................................................    120
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 AND RESULTS OF OPERATION OF SECURITY...................................    151
DESCRIPTION OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL COMMON STOCK.........................    161
         Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws........................    162
         Federal Law....................................................    166
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL AND SECURITY
 STOCKHOLDERS...........................................................    167
         General  ......................................................    167
RATIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE WATERFED EQUITY INVESTMENT PLAN.....    170
ELECTION OF SECURITY DIRECTORS..........................................    173
RATIFICATION OF ACCOUNTANTS.............................................    183
LEGAL MATTERS...........................................................    184
EXPERTS  ...............................................................    184
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS...................................................    184
OTHER MATTERS...........................................................    184
WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...........   WF-0
SECURITY BANCORP INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..........................   SB-0
APPENDIX I   --AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
APPENDIX II  --OPINION OF ALEX. BROWN & SONS INCORPORATED
APPENDIX III --OPINION OF MONTGOMERY SECURITIES, INC.
APPENDIX IV  --STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT #1
APPENDIX V   --STOCK OPTION APGREEMENT #2
APPENDIX VI  --SECTION 35-1-827 OF THE MONTANA BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
APPENDIX VII --WESTERFED FINANCIAL EQUITY INVESTMENT PLAN

                                        v

<PAGE>



                                     SUMMARY

         The  following  is a brief  summary  of certain  information  contained
elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Certain  capitalized  terms used in this  summary are defined  elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.  This summary is not intended to be a complete
description of all material facts regarding  WesterFed  Financial,  Security and
the matters to be  considered  at the  meetings and is qualified in its entirety
by, and reference is made to, the more detailed information  contained elsewhere
in this Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  the accompanying  Appendices and the
documents referred to and incorporated herein by reference.

                            The Parties to the Merger

WesterFed Financial

         WesterFed Financial, a Delaware corporation, is the holding company for
Western Federal Savings Bank of Montana ("Western Bank"). With $566.1 million in
consolidated  total assets at September  30,  1996,  WesterFed  Financial is the
largest   Montana-based   thrift   institution.   WesterFed  Financial  conducts
operations  through 19 branch  offices  serving  the  communities  of  Missoula,
Billings,   Helena,  East  Helena,  Great  Falls,  Bozeman,   Hamilton,  Conrad,
Lewistown,  Miles City and Hardin,  Montana.  At September  30, 1996,  WesterFed
Financial  had  deposits  of $343.0  million and  stockholders'  equity of $78.3
million, and Western Bank had a tangible capital to assets ratio of 13.83% and a
non-performing  assets  to total  assets  ratio of  0.23%.  WesterFed  Financial
reported net income of $4.6 million for the year ended June 30, 1996.

         WesterFed   Financial's   business  consists  primarily  of  attracting
deposits  from the  general  public  and using  those  deposits,  together  with
borrowings  and other  funds,  to  originate  real  estate  loans and to acquire
mortgage-backed  securities.  The  principal  elements of WesterFed  Financial's
operating  strategy  are to (i)  concentrate  lending  efforts on  single-family
residential  loans;  (ii) focus on retail  deposits as a primary funding source;
and (iii)  control  exposure to interest  rate risk.  See "Business of WesterFed
Financial."

         The  executive  offices of WesterFed  Financial are located at 110 East
Broadway,  Missoula,  Montana 59802.  WesterFed  Financial's telephone number at
that address is (406) 721-5254.

Security

         Security Bancorp, a Montana corporation ("Security"),  is a savings and
loan holding company registered under the Home Owner's Loan Act, as amended. The
business of Security consists  primarily of holding 100% of the capital stock of
Security Bank, FSB ("Security Bank"), a federally  chartered stock savings bank.
Security Bank operates 16 full service offices in Montana,  with its main office
and two  branches  located in  Billings.  The  remaining  13 branch  offices are
located in various Montana  communities,  including  Missoula,  Glasgow,  Havre,
Kalispell,  Laurel,  Bozeman,  Butte,  Anaconda,  Lewistown,  Malta,  Sidney and
Plentywood.

         Security Bank's business consists primarily of attracting deposits from
the  general  public and using those  deposits,  together  with other  available
funds,  to make mortgage loans secured by  residential  and other real property,
and to make consumer and other loans. In recent years,  Security Bank has used a
substantial   portion  of  its  available  funds  to  purchase   mortgage-backed
securities and expand  commercial and agricultural  lending.  In 1984,  Security
Bank formed a subsidiary service corporation,  S.F.S. Industries,  Inc. ("SFS").
SFS engages in real estate rental and securities brokerage services.

         The  principal  executive  office of Security is located at 219 N. 26th
Street,  Billings,  Montana 59101. The telephone number at that address is (406)
238-4800.

         At September 30, 1996,  Security and its  subsidiaries had total assets
of approximately $382.3 million, total deposits of approximately $289.3 million,
and stockholders' equity of approximately $30.9 million. Security had a tangible
capital to assets  ratio of 7.07% and a  non-performing  assets to total  assets
ratio of 0.18%. Security

                                                                                
                                        1

<PAGE>



reported net income of $40,162 for the three months ended September 30, 1996 and
$2.5 million for the year ended June 30, 1996. See "Summary Historical Financial
Information of Security," "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial  Information,"
and  "Supplemental   Historical  and  Pro  Forma  Combined   Regulatory  Capital
Information."


                                  The Meetings

WesterFed Financial Special Meeting

         Meeting Date. The WesterFed  Financial  Special Meeting will be held on
February   __,   1997,   at  the   _____________________________,   located   at
__________________________,  Missoula,  Montana,  at __:__ a.m., local time, and
any and all adjournments or postponements thereof. See "The  Meetings--WesterFed
Financial Special Meeting."

         Record Date.  Only  holders of record of shares of WesterFed  Financial
Common  Stock  at the  close of  business  on  ________,  1997  (the  "WesterFed
Financial  Record  Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the WesterFed
Financial  Special  Meeting.  See  "The  Meetings--WesterFed  Financial  Special
Meeting."

         Matters to be Considered.  At the WesterFed  Financial Special Meeting,
holders of shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock will vote on a proposal
(the "WesterFed  Financial  Proposal") to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger of Security with
and into  WesterFed  Financial and the issuance by WesterFed  Financial of up to
___________  shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock.  WesterFed  Financial
stockholders  will also  consider and vote upon the  ratification  of the Equity
Incentive  Plan and such other  matters as may  properly  be brought  before the
WesterFed  Financial  Special Meeting.  See "The  Meetings--WesterFed  Financial
Special Meeting."

         Vote Required. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock is required for approval
of the  Merger  Agreement.  The  ratification  of  the  adoption  of the  Equity
Incentive  Plan  requires the  affirmative  vote of holders of a majority of the
shares  actually voted on such proposal.  As of the WesterFed  Financial  Record
Date, there were _____ shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock entitled to be
voted at the WesterFed Financial Special Meeting.

         With a quorum,  or in the absence of such,  the  affirmative  vote of a
majority of the shares  represented at the WesterFed  Financial  Special Meeting
may authorize the adjournment of the meeting.

         Approval  of the Merger  Proposal,  by the  stockholders  of  WesterFed
Financial is a condition to, and required for,  consummation of the Merger.  See
"The Merger--Conditions to the Merger."

         Common Stock Ownership. As of January __, 1997, directors and executive
officers of WesterFed  Financial and their affiliates were beneficial  owners of
164,372 shares, or 10.57% of the then outstanding shares, of WesterFed Financial
Common Stock. The directors and executive  officers of WesterFed  Financial have
indicated  that they intend to vote such shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common
Stock for  approval  and  adoption of the  WesterFed  Financial  Proposal at the
WesterFed  Financial  Special  Meeting.  As of January ___, 1997,  directors and
executive  officers of Security and their affiliates were not beneficial  owners
of any  shares  of  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock  with the  exception  of
directors  Jorgenson and Dimich and principal  stockholder McCann who own 3,000,
1,000 and 3,000 shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock, respectively.

Security Annual Meeting

         Meeting Date. The Security Annual Meeting will be held on February ___,
1997 at Security  Bank,  located at 219 N. 26th Street,  Billings,  Montana,  at
__:__ a.m., local time, and any and all  adjournments or postponements  thereof.
See "The Meetings--Security Annual Meeting."


                                                                                
                                        2

<PAGE>

         Record  Date.  Only  holders of record of Security  Common Stock at the
close of business on January __, 1997 (the "Security  Record Date") are entitled
to  notice  of  and  to  vote  at  the  Security   Annual   Meeting.   See  "The
Meetings--Security Annual Meeting."

         Matters to be Considered.  At the Security Annual  Meeting,  holders of
shares  of  Common  Stock of  Security  will vote on  proposals  (the  "Security
Proposals") to (i) approve and adopt the Merger  Agreement and the  transactions
contemplated  thereby (the  "Merger  Proposal");  (ii) elect three  directors of
Security (the "Election of Directors"); and (iii) ratify the appointment of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP as  independent  public  accountants  for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1997, and any interim periods ("Ratification of Accountants"). Security
stockholders will also consider and vote upon such other matters as may properly
be brought before the Security Annual Meeting.
See "The Meetings--Security Annual Meeting."

         Vote Required. The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the
outstanding  shares of Security  Common  Stock is required  for  approval of the
Merger  Proposal.  The Election of Directors  and  Ratification  of  Accountants
requires a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented
by proxy and entitled to vote on the Election of  Directors.  As of the Security
Record  Date,  there were _____ shares of Security  Common Stock  entitled to be
voted at the  Security  Annual  Meeting.  Each share of  Security  Common  Stock
outstanding  on the Record Date is entitled to one vote on each matter  properly
submitted  at the  Meeting  except  that  cumulative  voting  is  authorized  in
connection  with the  election  of  directors.  Cumulative  voting  permits  the
stockholder entitled to vote in person or by proxy the number of shares owned by
him or her for as many  persons  as  there  are  directors  to be  elected  to a
particular class or to accumulate votes by giving one candidate as many votes as
the number of such  directors to be elected  multiplied  by the number of shares
owned shall equal, or by distributing such votes on the same principle among any
number of candidates.

         Election  Form.  Security  stockholders  will  also  receive  a form of
election  (the  'Election  Form').  Pursuant  to  the  Election  Form,  security
stockholders  will indicate  their  preference  for receiving  cash or WesterFed
Financial  Common Stock or a combination  of both in exchange for their Security
Common Stock subject to the stock component being 40% to 45% of the total Merger
Consideration.

         With a quorum,  or in the absence of such,  the  affirmative  vote of a
majority of the shares  represented at the Security Annual Meeting may authorize
the adjournment of the meeting.

         Approval of the  Security  Proposal to approve the Merger  Agreement by
the  stockholders of Security is a condition to, and required for,  consummation
of the Merger. See "The Merger--Conditions to the Merger."

         Common  Stock  Ownership.  As  of  January  ___,  1997,  directors  and
executive  officers of Security and their  affiliates were beneficial  owners of
164,372 shares of Security Common Stock outstanding or 10.57% of Security Common
Stock entitled to vote at the Security Annual  Meeting.  As of January __, 1997,
directors and  executive  officers of WesterFed  Financial and their  affiliates
were  beneficial  owners of ___ shares of Security  Common Stock, or ___% of the
then  outstanding  shares  of  Security  Common  Stock  entitled  to vote at the
Security  Annual Meeting.  Such directors and executive  officers have indicated
that they intend to vote such shares of Security  Common  Stock for approval and
adoption of the Security Proposals.

                                   The Merger

         The following  summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of the Merger  Agreement,  which is attached  hereto as Appendix I and
incorporated by reference herein.

General

         The stockholders of WesterFed Financial and Security, respectively, are
each being asked to consider and vote upon,  among other  things,  a proposal to
approve  and adopt the Merger  Agreement,  pursuant  to which  Security  will be
merged with and into WesterFed  Financial,  with WesterFed  Financial  being the
surviving entity. The name of the surviving corporation  following  consummation
of  the   Merger   will  be   "WesterFed   Financial   Corporation."   See  "The
Merger--General."

                                        
                                        3
<PAGE>



Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards of Directors

         WesterFed  Financial.  The WesterFed  Financial Board of Directors (the
"WesterFed  Financial  Board") has  unanimously  adopted and approved the Merger
Agreement and the transactions  contemplated thereby and has determined that the
Merger  and the  issuance  of the shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock
pursuant thereto are fair to, and in the best interests of, WesterFed  Financial
and its stockholders.  The WesterFed Financial Board therefore recommends a vote
FOR  approval  of the  matters  presented  at the  WesterFed  Financial  Special
Meeting.

         For a discussion of the factors  considered by the WesterFed  Financial
Board  in  reaching  its  decision  to  approve  the  Merger  Agreement  and the
transactions  contemplated  thereby, see "The  Merger--Background of and Reasons
for the Merger--WesterFed Financial's Reasons for the Merger."

         Security.  The Security Board of Directors  (the "Security  Board") has
approved  and adopted the Merger  Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated
thereby and has determined that the Merger is fair to, and in the best interests
of, Security and its  stockholders.  The Security Board  therefore  recommends a
vote FOR approval of the matters  presented at the Security Annual Meeting.  One
director,  Mr.  Stephen  C.  Sandels,  voted  against  approval  of  the  Merger
Agreement,  see 'The  Merger--Recommendations of the Boards of Directors.'

         For a discussion  of the factors  considered  by the Security  Board in
reaching  its  decision to approve  the Merger  Agreement  and the  transactions
contemplated  thereby,  see  "The  Merger--Background  of and  Reasons  for  the
Merger--Security's Reasons for the Merger."

Merger Consideration

         Subject to the terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the Merger
Agreement, Security stockholders may elect to receive for each share of Security
Common  Stock  held  either  $30.00 in cash,  a number  of  shares of  WesterFed
Financial  Common Stock equal to the "Exchange  Ratio" or a combination  of cash
and  stock,  subject  to the  stock  component  being  40%  to 45% of the  total
consideration. The Exchange Ratio is $30.00 divided by the average closing price
of  WesterFed  Financial  common  stock  for  the 20  consecutive  trading  days
commencing  30  trading  days  prior to the  closing.  However,  if the  average
WesterFed  Financial  stock  price is (a)  equal  to or less  than  $13.05,  the
exchange  ratio will be  2.2989,  (b) equal to or  greater  than  $15.95 but not
greater than  $17.50,  the  exchange  ratio will be 1.8809,  or (c) in excess of
$17.50, the exchange ratio will be (absent  extraordinary  circumstances) $32.91
divided by the average  price.  Security  may  terminate  the  agreement  if the
average  WesterFed  Financial  stock  price is less than  $11.75  and  WesterFed
Financial  does not agree to an exchange  ratio that  produces a value of $27.01
per share for the stock  component  of the merger  consideration.  Each share of
WesterFed  Financial Common Stock issued and outstanding at the "Effective Time"
(as defined  herein) will remain  outstanding  and  unchanged as a result of the
Merger.

Opinions of Financial Advisors

         WesterFed  Financial.  WesterFed  Financial has retained Alex.  Brown &
Sons  Incorporated  ("Alex.  Brown") as its financial advisor in connection with
the  transactions  contemplated  by the Merger  Agreement  and to  evaluate  the
financial terms of the Merger.  See "The  Merger--Background  of and Reasons for
the Merger."

         Alex.  Brown has delivered an opinion to the WesterFed  Financial Board
that  the  exchange  ratio  in  the  Merger  is  fair  to  WesterFed   Financial
stockholders  from a  financial  point of view.  A copy of the  opinion of Alex.
Brown is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix II and is
incorporated  by  reference  herein.  See  "The   Merger--Opinion  of  WesterFed
Financial's Financial Advisor."


                                                                                
                                        4

<PAGE>



         Security. Security has retained Montgomery Securities ("Montgomery") as
its financial  advisor in connection with the  transactions  contemplated by the
Merger  Agreement  and to evaluate the financial  terms of the Merger.  See "The
Merger--Background of and Reasons for the Merger."

         Montgomery  has  delivered  an opinion to the  Security  Board that the
Merger  Consideration  is fair,  from a  financial  point of view,  to  Security
stockholders.  A copy of the  opinion of  Montgomery  is  attached to this Joint
Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  as Appendix  III and is  incorporated  by reference
herein. See "The Merger-Opinion of Security's Financial Advisor."

Effective Time and Closing Date

         The Merger shall become effective at the time and on the date specified
in the  certificate  and  articles of merger to be filed with the  Secretary  of
States of Delaware and Montana (the  "Effective  Time").  Such filing will occur
only after the receipt of all requisite  regulatory  approvals,  approval of the
Merger  Agreement by the requisite vote of WesterFed  Financial's and Security's
respective  stockholders  and the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions
to the Merger.  The closing of the Merger will occur on a date  mutually  agreed
upon by WesterFed Financial and Security. In the absence of such agreement,  the
closing  shall occur on the tenth  business  day after the last to occur of: (i)
the receipt of all  requisite  regulatory  approvals  and the  expiration of all
applicable  statutory  waiting periods;  and (ii) the requisite  approval of the
Merger by stockholders of Security and WesterFed Financial.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

         Certain members of Security's  management and the Security Board may be
deemed to have certain interests in the Merger in addition to their interests as
stockholders  of Security  generally.  These  interests  include,  among others,
rights under the Merger Agreement  relating to  indemnification,  maintenance of
director and officer liability  insurance,  severance benefits,  appointments to
the WesterFed Financial Board, and employment  agreements.  The Merger Agreement
provides that for the six-year period following the Merger,  WesterFed Financial
will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the directors,  officers and employees
of Security and Security  Bank against  certain  liabilities  to the extent that
such persons were entitled to indemnification under Montana law and the Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws of Security.  Subject to certain  restrictions,  the
Merger  Agreement  also  provides  that  directors  and officers of Security and
Security  Bank  will  be  covered  by the  directors'  and  officers'  liability
insurance  policies of  WesterFed  Financial  or Western  Bank for the  six-year
period following the Merger.

         WesterFed  Financial has agreed to appoint two directors of Security to
WesterFed Financial's Board of Directors.  WesterFed Financial also will appoint
one  officer  of  Security  to serve as an officer of  WesterFed  Financial.  In
addition,  Western Bank has entered into employment agreements with Mr. David W.
Jorgenson and three Senior Vice  Presidents of Security Bank: Ms. Elaine F. Hine
and  Messrs.  Stanley  R. Hill and Scott W.  Sanders.  Each of these  employment
agreements becomes effective upon consummation of the Merger. Under the terms of
Mr. Jorgenson's agreement,  he will serve as Executive Vice President of Western
Bank for a term of three years following the Merger. Mr. Jorgenson's annual base
salary  under the  agreement  will be  $160,200.  Under the terms of Ms.  Hine's
agreement,  she will serve as a Senior Vice President of Western Bank for a term
of two years  following  the Merger.  Ms.  Hine's  annual base salary  under the
agreement  will be $76,648.  Mr. Hill and Mr.  Sanders will serve as Senior Vice
Presidents and Commercial Lending Officers of WesterFed  Financial for a term of
two years following the Merger, with an annual base salary of $71,500.

         Western Bank also has entered into employment  agreements with Mr. Mark
L. Bauer,  an  agricultural  and  commercial  loan officer of Security Bank, and
James M. Pieters,  a branch  manager of Security Bank.  Under these  agreements,
each of which will become effective upon  consummation of the Merger,  Mr. Bauer
will serve as a Vice President of Western Bank for a term of two years,  with an
annual base salary of $52,000,  and Mr.  Pieters will serve as a Vice  President
and branch manager of Western Bank for a term of two years,  with an annual base
salary of  $67,118.  Although  Western  Bank also has  offered  to enter into an
employment agreement with Ms. Karen S. Engelhaupt,  a Vice President of Security
Bank,  Ms.  Engelhaupt has not signed the agreement as of the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.


                                                                                
                                        5

<PAGE>



         Under the terms of existing  employment  agreements  with  Security and
Security  Bank,  Security  Bank  will pay  severance  benefits  to Mr.  David W.
Jorgenson,  the President and Chief  Executive  Officer of Security and Security
Bank, and Ms. Elaine F. Hine, a Senior Vice President of Security Bank.  Subject
to certain  limitations,  Mr. Jorgenson will receive a single cash payment in an
amount equal to three times his annual salary. Under the severance provisions of
Ms.  Hine's  existing  employment  agreement,  she will  continue to receive her
annual  salary for a 24-month  period  following  the  Merger.  For  purposes of
severance,  the  current  annual  salaries  for Mr.  Jorgenson  and Ms. Hine are
$210,000 and $76,648, respectively. In the event that Ms. Karen S. Engelhaupt, a
Vice  President of Security  Bank,  does not enter into an employment  agreement
with Western Bank, she will be entitled, pursuant to the severance provisions of
her existing employment agreement,  to continue to receive her annual salary for
a 24-month period following the Merger. Ms.  Engelhaupt's  current annual salary
is $37,013.  See "Election of Security  Directors - Executive  Compensation" and
"-Employment  Contracts".  See "The  Merger-Interests  of Certain Persons in the
Merger."

Dissenters' Rights

         The Montana Business Corporation statute provides that a stockholder of
a Montana corporation (such as Security) is generally entitled to demand payment
of the fair value of his or her stock if such stockholder dissents from a merger
or  consolidation.  The value  determined in such demand could be more than, the
same as, or less than the value of the  consideration  to be received  under the
Merger Agreement by holders of Security Common Stock who do not dissent from the
Merger.  A holder of Security  Common Stock who returns an executed  proxy which
does not  indicate  either a vote  against the Merger or an  abstention  will be
deemed to have voted in favor of the Merger and  therefore  will have waived his
or her dissenters' rights. See "The Merger--Dissenters'  Rights" and Appendix VI
to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

Conditions to the Merger

         The respective  obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger are
subject to the  fulfillment  or waiver of certain  conditions  specified  in the
Merger Agreement,  including,  among other things,  the receipt of the requisite
regulatory and stockholder  approvals,  the accuracy of the  representations and
warranties  contained  therein,  the  performance  of  all  obligations  imposed
thereby,  the receipt by  WesterFed  Financial  and  Security of certain tax and
legal opinions and certain other  conditions  customary in  transactions of this
nature. See "The Merger--Conditions to the Merger."

Regulatory Approvals

         The  Merger  is  subject  to the  approval  of  the  Office  of  Thrift
Supervision (the "OTS").  WesterFed  Financial filed an application for approval
of the Merger with the OTS, and anticipates obtaining the approval of the OTS in
the first  quarter of 1997.  There can be no  assurance as to the timing of such
approval or that the OTS will approve the Merger.

         It is a condition to the  consummation  of the Merger that Security and
WesterFed Financial shall have received all applicable  regulatory approvals and
consents to consummate the Merger Agreement. There can be no assurance that such
approvals or consents will not contain terms,  conditions or requirements  which
cause such approval to fail to satisfy such  conditions to the  consummation  of
the Merger.

         In  addition,  under  federal  law,  a period  of 30 days  (subject  to
reduction  to 15 days) must expire  following  approval by the OTS within  which
period the United States Department of Justice (the "Department of Justice") may
file  objections to the Merger under the federal  antitrust laws. The Department
of Justice could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary
or  desirable  in the public  interest,  including  seeking to enjoin the Merger
unless  divestiture  of an  acceptable  number of  branches  to a  competitively
suitable  purchaser could be made. While WesterFed  Financial  believes that the
likelihood  of such action by the  Department of Justice is remote in this case,
there can be no assurance  that the Department of Justice will not initiate such
a  proceeding.  See "The Merger-  -Conditions  to the Merger" and  "--Regulatory
Approvals."


                                                                                
                                        6

<PAGE>



Waiver and Amendment; Termination

         Prior to the  Effective  Time,  the  WesterFed  Financial  and Security
Boards may extend the time for performance of any  obligations  under the Merger
Agreement,   waive  any  inaccuracies  in  the  representations  and  warranties
contained in the Merger  Agreement and waive  compliance  with any agreements or
conditions of the Merger Agreement.

         Subject  to  applicable  law,  the Merger  Agreement  may be amended by
action of the  WesterFed  Financial  and  Security  Boards at any time before or
after  approval  of the  Merger  Agreement  by  the  stockholders  of  WesterFed
Financial and Security.  However,  the Merger Agreement may not be amended after
stockholder approval which changes the form of consideration or the value of the
consideration  to be  received  by the  stockholders  of  Security  without  the
approval of the stockholders of Security. See "The Merger--Waiver and Amendment;
Termination."

         The  Merger  Agreement  may be  terminated  at any  time  prior  to the
Effective  Time: (i) by the mutual written  consent of the Board of Directors of
WesterFed  and  Security;  (ii) at any time  prior  to the  Effective  Time,  by
WesterFed  Financial  or  Security if there is a final  judicial  or  regulatory
determination  that any material  provision of the Merger  Agreement is illegal,
invalid or unenforceable  or denying any regulatory  application the approval of
which is a concern  precedent to WesterFed  Financial or Security's  obligations
under the Merger Agreement (iii) if the conditions  precedent to the obligations
of the other party are rendered impossible to be satisfied or fulfilled; (iv) if
the stockholders of WesterFed  Financial or Security fail to approve the Merger;
(v) the other  party  has  materially  breached  any  representation,  warranty,
covenant or  agreement  set forth in the Merger  Agreement  and has failed to or
cannot in a timely manner rectify such breach after receiving  written notice of
such breach; (vi) if the Merger is not consummated by the 270th day (360 days if
there is a CRA protest); or (vii) by Security if the average WesterFed Financial
Stock Price is less than $11.75;  and the Board of WesterFed  Financial does not
increase the exchange ratio such that  stockholders of Security who are entitled
to exchange  their shares for  WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock will receive a
stock  distribution  equal to $27.01 per share based upon the Average  WesterFed
Financial Stock Price. See "The Merger--Waiver and Amendment; Termination."

Conduct of Business Pending the Merger

         Each of  WesterFed  Financial  and  Security  has agreed to conduct its
business prior to the Effective Time in accordance  with certain  guidelines set
forth in the Merger Agreement.  See "The Merger--Conduct of Business Pending the
Merger."

Expenses

         All expenses  incurred in connection with the Merger  Agreement and the
transactions  contemplated  thereby are to be paid by the party  incurring  such
expenses,  except that  WesterFed  Financial and Security shall bear equally all
printing and mailing  expenses and filing fees associated with the  Registration
Statement and this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

Accounting Treatment

         The Merger is expected to qualify as a "purchase"  for  accounting  and
financial reporting purposes. See "The Merger-Accounting Treatment."

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

         It is a condition to consummate the Merger that WesterFed Financial and
Security shall have received an opinion of WesterFed  Financial's counsel to the
effect that the Merger will be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section  368(a) of the Code and for federal  income tax purposes no gain or loss
will be recognized by Security as a result of the Merger and,  accordingly,  for
federal income tax purposes,  no gain or loss will be recognized by any Security
stockholder upon receipt solely of WesterFed Financial Common Stock, pursuant to
the Merger  (except with respect to cash received by a Security  stockholder  in
lieu of stock or in combination with stock

                                                                                
                                        7

<PAGE>



or in lieu of a fractional share interest in WesterFed  Financial Common Stock).
Each of these  conditions  is  waivable  at the option of the party  entitled to
receipt of the requisite  opinion.  Security  stockholders  are urged to consult
their tax  advisors  concerning  the specific  tax  consequences  to them of the
Merger,  including  the  applicability  and effect of various  state,  local and
foreign tax laws. See "The  Merger--Certain  Federal Income Tax  Consequences of
the Merger" and "--Conditions to the Merger."

Effects of the Merger on Rights of Stockholders

         As a result of the Merger, holders of Security Common Stock who receive
shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock will become stockholders of WesterFed
Financial.  For a comparison  of the charter and bylaw  provisions  of WesterFed
Financial and Security governing the rights of WesterFed  Financial and Security
stockholders,  see  "Comparison  of Rights of WesterFed  Financial  and Security
Stockholders."

Nasdaq Listing

         Both  WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock and Security  Common Stock are
currently  included for  quotation on the  Nasdaq/NMS  (symbols:  WSTR and SFBM,
respectively).  It is a  condition  to  consummation  of  the  Merger  that  the
WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock to be issued to the  stockholders of Security
pursuant  to  the  Merger  Agreement  will  be  included  for  quotation  on the
Nasdaq/NMS. See "The Merger--Conditions to the Merger."

                          Certain Related Transactions

Stock Option Agreements

         As  a  condition  to  entering  into  the  Merger  Agreement  WesterFed
Financial  required that it be granted two stock  options to purchase  shares of
Security  Common  Stock  representing  approximately  19.9%  of the  issued  and
outstanding  shares of Security Common Stock under Stock Option Agreement #1 and
5.98% of the issued and outstanding  shares of Security Common Stock under Stock
Option  Agreement #2. The options may only be exercised  upon the  occurrence of
certain  events (none of which has occurred as of the date hereof).  Pursuant to
Stock Option  Agreement  #1, dated as of September  24, 1996 (the "Stock  Option
Agreement #1"), Security granted to WesterFed Financial an option to purchase up
to 390,642  shares of Security  Common Stock at an exercise  price of $26.00 per
share,  subject to the terms and conditions  set forth therein.  Pursuant to the
Stock Option  Agreement  #2, dated as of September  24, 1996 (the "Stock  Option
Agreement #2" and together with the Stock Option Agreement #1, the "Stock Option
Agreements"),  Security granted to WesterFed  Financial an additional  option to
purchase up to 100,000  shares of Security  Common Stock at an exercise price of
$24.00 per share,  subject to the terms and conditions  set forth  therein.  See
"Certain Related Transactions--Stock Option Agreements."

         The Stock Option  Agreements  are  intended to increase the  likelihood
that the Merger will be consummated  in accordance  with the terms of the Merger
Agreement. Consequently, certain aspects of the Stock Option Agreements may have
the effect of discouraging  persons who might now or prior to the Effective Time
be  interested  in  acquiring  all or a  significant  interest in Security  from
considering or proposing such an acquisition, even if such persons were prepared
to pay a higher  price per share for  Security  Common  Stock than the price per
share implicit in the Common Stock Consideration.

         Copies of the Stock Option  Agreements are attached to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  as Appendix IV and Appendix V. For additional  information
regarding the Stock Option Agreements, see "Certain Related  Transactions--Stock
Option Agreements."



                                                                                
                                        8

<PAGE>



                COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

         WesterFed Financial Common Stock and Security Common Stock are included
for quotation in the Nasdaq/NMS (symbols: WSTR and SFBM, respectively).

         The  following  table sets forth the reported high and low sales prices
of shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock and Security  Common  Stock,  as
reported in the Nasdaq/NMS, and the quarterly cash dividends per share declared,
for the periods  indicated.  The stock  prices do not include  retail  mark-ups,
mark-downs or commissions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              WesterFed Financial                          Security
                                                                 Common Stock                            Common Stock
                                                       ---------------------------------       ----------------------------------
                                                        High         Low       Dividends       High           Low       Dividends
                                                        ----         ---       ---------       ----           ---       ---------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>            <C>        <C> 
Year Ended June 30, 1995
   First Quarter.....................................  $14.63      $13.25      $.055           $19.75         $18.00     $0.185
   Second Quarter....................................   14.00       11.38       .060            20.50          18.25      0.137
   Third Quarter.....................................   13.63       12.38       .065            19.75          17.25      0.14
   Fourth Quarter....................................   15.38       12.44       .070            20.38          18.25      0.145

Year Ended June 30, 1996
   First Quarter.....................................   17.13       15.00       .075            21.25          19.75      0.1975
   Second Quarter....................................   17.13       15.50       .080            21.25          20.00      0.1525
   Third Quarter.....................................   16.75       14.75       .085            21.25          20.00      0.1575
   Fourth Quarter....................................   14.88       14.00       .123(1)         21.25          20.25      0.16

Year Ended June 30, 1997
  First Quarter......................................   16.13       13.88       .095            29.38          20.25      0.215
  Second Quarter.....................................
<FN>
_______________
  (1)  Amount includes a special dividend of $0.033 per share.
</FN>
</TABLE>



                                        9

<PAGE>




         As of January __, 1997, WesterFed  Financial's _____ outstanding shares
of  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock were held by  approximately  ____ record
owners and Security's ___________ outstanding shares of Security Common Stock by
approximately _____ record owners.

         The timing and amount of the future  dividends of  WesterFed  Financial
will depend upon earnings,  cash requirements,  WesterFed  Financial's financial
condition and other factors deemed  relevant by the WesterFed  Financial  Board.
Dividends may also be limited by certain regulatory restrictions.

         WesterFed  Financial  is a legal  entity  separate  and  distinct  from
Western Bank and its  revenues  are  comprised  principally  of  dividends  from
Western  Bank.  Western  Bank's  ability to pay  dividends or make other capital
distributions to WesterFed Financial is governed by OTS regulations. Under these
regulations, "capital distributions" include cash or in-kind dividends, payments
by a savings  association  to  repurchase  or otherwise  acquire its own shares,
payments  other than stock to  stockholders  of another  institution in order to
acquire that institution,  and other  distributions  charged against capital. An
institution  that has not been  notified that it "is in need of more than normal
supervision," is a Tier 1 institution. Western Bank, as a Tier 1 institution, is
permitted,  after prior notice to (and no objection by) the OTS, to make capital
distributions  during a calendar  year up to the  greater of (i) 100% of its net
income to date during the  calendar  year plus the amount  that would  reduce by
one-half its surplus capital ratio at the beginning of the calendar year, or 75%
of its net income over the most recent four-quarter period. The OTS may prohibit
any  capital  distribution  if it  determines  that  the  distribution  would be
inconsistent  with the safe and sound operation of Western Bank. As of September
30, 1996,  Western  Bank's  capital  exceeded its tangible,  core and risk-based
capital  requirements by  approximately  $53.5 million,  $45.3 million and $39.3
million,  respectively.  As of September 30, 1996,  Western Bank would have been
permitted under these  regulations to make capital  distributions of up to $21.1
million.

         WesterFed  Financial  is also  subject  to  Delaware  law which  limits
dividends  to an amount equal to the excess of a  corporation's  net assets over
paid-in  capital  or, if there is no excess,  to its net profits for the current
and immediately preceding fiscal years.


                                                                                
                                       10

<PAGE>



         SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL

         The following table shows, for the periods  indicated,  certain summary
historical  data for WesterFed  Financial.  This  information is derived in part
from, and should be read in conjunction with, the separate financial  statements
and related notes included  elsewhere  herein (dollars in thousands except share
and per share data).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     September 30,                            At June 30,
                                                ---------------------    --------------------------------------------------
                                                   1996       1995        1996     1995       1994         1993      1992
                                                   ----       ----        ----     ----       ----         ----      ---- 
<S>                                            <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Selected Financial Condition Data:
- ---------------------------------
Total assets................................... $566,109    $568,680   $563,931  $563,285   $515,675    $404,117   $389,395
Loans receivable, net and loans held for sale..  371,228     327,410    368,193   313,121    274,840     233,148    238,281
Mortgage-backed securities, net................  100,409     135,199    104,947   143,825    145,025      87,534     53,169
Investment Securities, FHLB stock and other
   interest-earning assets.....................   69,049      81,861     64,108    82,375     74,168      62,941     74,206
Deposits.......................................  342,986     349,678    350,212   344,155    349,121     351,447    346,160
Borrowed funds.................................  130,351     130,468    125,838   134,704     85,087      15,541      9,265
Stockholders' equity...........................   78,289      75,960     78,607    75,146     74,168      29,024     24,503
Book value per common share....................    17.81       17.28      17.88     17.09      16.03         N/A        N/A


                                                  Three Months Ended
                                                     September 30,                     Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
                                                -----------------------   -------------------------------------------------
                                                   1996        1995       1996      1995      1994        1993      1992
                                                   ----        ----       ----      ----      ----        ----      ----
Selected Operations Data:
- ------------------------
Total interest income..........................  $10,593     $10,406   $ 42,544  $ 37,783   $ 31,933    $ 30,365  $ 33,883
Total interest expense.........................    5,950       6,158     24,737    20,984     16,391      16,931    22,237
                                                 ---------    --------  --------  -------    --------   ---------   ------
  Net interest income...........................   4,643       4,248     17,807    16,799     15,542      13,434    11,646
Provision for loan losses.......................     (15)        ---        ---       ---        ---         ---       (53)
Non-interest income.............................     835       1,089      3,882     3,207      3,511       4,731     4,301
Non-interest expense............................  (5,731)     (3,599)   (14,574)  (13,405)   (11,938)    (10,691)  (10,379)
                                                  --------   ---------  --------  --------   --------   ---------  --------
  Income before income taxes, extraordinary
    item and cumulative effect of change in
    accounting for income taxes.................    (268)      1,738      7,115     6,601      7,115       7,474     5,515
Income taxes....................................      89        (670)    (2,556)   (2,473)    (2,681)     (2,952)   (1,935)
                                                  ---------  ----------  -------  --------   --------   ---------  --------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item and
   cumulative effect of change in accounting
   for income taxes.............................    (179)       1,068     4,559     4,128      4,434       4,522     3,580
Extraordinary loss, net of tax benefit of $188..      ---         ---       ---       ---        ---         ---      (350)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
  income taxes..................................      ---         ---       ---       ---        795         ---       ---
                                                  ---------  ----------  ------- ---------   --------  ----------  --------
  Net income (loss).............................   $(179)      $1,068    $4,559    $4,128     $5,229      $4,522    $3,230
                                                   ========   =========  =======   =======    =======    ========    ======
Net income (loss) per share:
  Income before cumulative effect of change in
   accounting for income taxes..................  $(0.04)      $ 0.25    $ 1.07    $ 0.96     $ 1.01      $  N/A    $  N/A
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
   income taxes.................................      ---         ---       ---       ---       0.18         ---       ---
                                                  ---------  ----------  -------  --------   --------     -------   -------
Net income (loss) per share.....................  $(0.04)      $ 0.25    $ 1.07    $ 0.96(1)  $ 1.19(1)   $  N/A    $  N/A
                                                   ========   =========  =======   =======   ========     ========   ======
Dividends per share.............................  $0.095       $0.075    $ 0.36    $ 0.30     $ 0.05      $  N/A    $  N/A
                                                   ========   =========  =======   =======   ========     ========   ======
Dividend payout ratio(2)........................      N/A       30.00%    33.64%    31.25%      4.20%        N/A       N/A

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:
Return on assets (ratio of net income to average
  total assets).................................   (0.13)%       0.75%     0.79%     0.76%      1.14%       1.14%     0.83%
Return on assets before cumulative effect
 of change in accounting for income taxes.......   (0.13)        0.75      0.79      0.76       0.96        1.14      0.83
Return on equity (ratio of net income to
 average equity.................................   (0.91)        5.64      5.90      5.54      10.07       16.90     14.11
Return on equity before cumulative effect
 of change in accounting for income taxes.......   (0.91)        5.64      5.90      5.54       8.54       16.90     14.11
Interest rate spread at end of period...........    2.70         2.44      2.67      2.38       2.80        3.49      3.29
Net interest margin(3)..........................    3.43         3.12      3.23      3.23       3.54        3.60      3.15
Ratio of non-interest expense to average total
 assets.........................................    4.04         2.54      2.53      2.47       2.60        2.69      2.67
Non-performing assets to total assets, at
 end of period..................................    0.23         0.06      0.13      0.10       0.16        0.21      1.10
Total allowance for loan losses to total non-
  performing assets.............................  157.19       552.47     280.42   350.35     238.82      242.98     49.14
Stockholders' equity to total assets, at end
 of period......................................   13.83        13.36     13.94     13.34      14.38        7.18      6.29
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
 to average interest-bearing liabilities........  113.82       113.43    113.58    113.51     110.16      104.04    102.64
Number of offices...............................      19           18        19        18         18          18        18
<FN>

- ----------------
(1) Restated
(2) Dividends declared per share divided by net income per share.
(3) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
</FN>
</TABLE>


                                       11

<PAGE>
                    SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                   OF SECURITY

         The  following  table sets forth,  for the periods  indicated,  certain
summary financial data of Security.  This summary information is derived in part
from, and should be read in conjunction with the separate  financial  statements
and related notes included  elsewhere  herein (dollars in thousands,  except for
per share amounts).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    September 30,                            June 30,
                                                --------------------   ---------------------------------------------------
                                                 1996(1)    1995(1)    1996(1)     1995(1)   1994(1)    1993      1992
                                                 ----       ----       ----        ----      ----       ----      ----
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Selected Financial Condition Data:
- ---------------------------------
Total assets ................................   $382,309   $367,369   $372,239   $352,595   $348,065   $270,353   $250,912       
Loans receivable, net and loans held for sale    207,054    152,432    187,591    147,180    117,105     78,672     64,406
Mortgage-backed securities, net .............    122,688    157,392    131,256    145,615    180,395    153,339    148,418
Investment securities, FHLB stock and other
 interest-earning assets ....................     26,423     33,562     26,681     33,641     29,487     27,348     24,231
Deposits ....................................    289,336    294,209    289,219    290,933    293,877    212,715    218,801
Borrowed funds ..............................     51,381     36,935     44,756     26,088     14,792     26,542      3,500
Stockholders' equity ........................     30,930     31,061     30,704     30,884     28,274     26,966     25,170
Book value per common share .................      20.83      21.00      21.00      20.88      19.17      18.36      17.20

                                                 Three Months Ended
                                                    September 30,                  Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
                                                 -------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                   1996(1)    1995(1)   1996(1)    1995(1)    1994(1)    1993       1992
                                                   ----       ----      ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
Selected Operations Data:
- ------------------------
Total interest income ......................     $ 6,838    $ 6,400   $ 25,342    $24,284    $17,792   $ 17,640    $19,372
Total interest expense .....................       3,771      3,807     14,912     12,951      9,369      9,933     13,219
                                                 -------    -------   --------   --------    -------   --------    -------
  Net interest income ......................       3,067      2,593     10,430     11,333      8,423      7,707      6,153
Provision for loan losses ..................        (150)       (30)      (120)       (30)       (80)       (11)      (118)
Non-interest income ........................       1,272        866      4,014      2,228      2,258      1,323      1,260
Non-interest expense .......................      (4,125)    (2,452)   (10,358)    (9,225)    (5,884)    (5,026)    (4,455)

  Income before income taxes ...............          64        977      3,966      4,306      4,717      3,993      2,840
Income taxes ...............................         (24)      (352)    (1,422)    (1,558)    (1,962)    (1,515)      (994)
                                                  ------    -------   --------    -------     ------   --------    -------
Net income .................................      $   40     $  625    $ 2,544     $2,748     $2,755    $ 2,478     $1,846
                                                  ======    =======   ========    =======     ======   ========    =======
Net Income per share .......................      $ 0.03     $ 0.41    $  1.68     $ 1.80     $ 1.82    $  1.64     $ 1.25
Dividends per share ........................      $ 0.215    $ 0.1975  $  0.6675   $ 0.6075   $ 0.5525  $  0.4800   $ 0.4050
Dividend payout ratio(2) ...................         NM       48.17       39.73     33.75      30.36      29.27      32.40

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:
- ----------------------------------------
Return on assets (ratio of net income to
  average total assets .....................        0.04%      0.68%       0.70%     0.77%      0.99%      0.97%      0.74%
Return on equity (ratio of net income to
  average equity) ..........................        0.52       8.07        8.26      9.33       9.92       9.51       7.60
Interest rate spread at end of period ......        2.99       2.55        2.58      3.07       2.91       2.83       2.14
Net interest margin(3) .....................        3.47       3.02        3.11      3.37       3.19       3.17       2.80
Ratio of non-interest expense to average
  total assets..............................        4.32       2.67        3.09      2.74       2.20       2.07       1.85
Non-performing assets to total assets at
  end of period ............................        0.18       0.03        0.18      0.12       0.24       0.72       1.30
Total allowance for loan losses to total
  non-performing assets ....................      181.86   1,155.88      176.80    272.00     135.11      29.16      17.01
Stockholders equity to total assets, at
  end of period.............................        8.09       8.45        8.25      8.76       8.12       9.97      10.10
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
  to average interest-bearing liabilities...      111.00     110.72      111.76    111.05     107.92     108.14     107.80
Number of offices ..........................          16         15          16        15         14         11         11
<FN>
- --------------
(1)  Reflects the acquisition of three branch offices in May 1994.
(2)  Dividends declared per share divided by net income per share.
(3)  Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       12

<PAGE>



                      COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA

         The  following  table shows  unaudited  comparative  per share data for
WesterFed  Financial and Security Common Stock on an historical  basis,  and pro
forma combined  comparative per share data for WesterFed  Financial and Security
giving effect to the Merger. The Merger is a business combination  accounted for
under the purchase method of accounting.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          Pro Forma
                                                                          ---------
                                                Historical            WesterFed Financial/
                                           --------------------             Security
                                           WesterFed                  --------------------
                                           Financial     Security           Combined
                                           ---------     --------           --------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>             <C> 
Book value per share at:
    September 30, 1996..................      $17.81       $20.83          $17.23(1)
    June 30, 1996.......................       17.88        21.00              NM

Cash dividends declared per share for:
   Three months ended September
      30, 1996(1).......................      0.0950       0.2150          0.1273
    June 30, 1996(1)....................      0.3600       0.6675          0.4463


Income (loss) per share for:
   Three months ended September
      30, 1996(1)..... .................       (0.04)        0.03           (0.11)
   Year ended June 30, 1996(1)..........        1.07         1.68            0.92

<FN>
- ---------------  

(1)  Based on the  combined  stockholders'  equity of  WesterFed  Financial  and
     Security,  including  the  effect of pro forma  adjustments.  The pro forma
     combined  adjusted amounts are divided by the number of shares of WesterFed
     Financial Common Stock  outstanding for the periods  indicated plus the pro
     forma number of shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock  assumed to be
     issued as a result of the  Merger.
</FN>
</TABLE>


         The  information  shown above  should be read in  conjunction  with the
historical consolidated financial statements of WesterFed Financial and Security
and related notes  thereto,  which are elsewhere  herein,  and the unaudited pro
forma  financial  data  included  herein.  See  "Unaudited  Pro  Forma  Combined
Financial Information" for a description of the assumptions and adjustments used
in preparing the unaudited pro forma financial  data. The pro forma  comparative
per share data has been  included  for  comparative  purposes  only and does not
purport to be indicative of the results of operations  that actually  would have
been obtained if the Merger had been effected on the dates indicated or of those
results that may be obtained in the future.

                                                                                
                                       13

<PAGE>



                                  THE MEETINGS


WesterFed Financial Special Meeting

         Place,  Time  and  Date.  The  Special  Meeting  of  Stockholders  (the
"WesterFed  Financial  Special  Meeting")  of  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation
("WesterFed Financial") will be held at  ___________________________  located at
______________________ at _____ _:m., local time, on _________, 199_. This Joint
Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  is being sent to holders of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of WesterFed Financial  ("WesterFed Financial Common Stock") and
accompanies  a form of proxy (the  "WesterFed  Financial  Proxy") which is being
solicited  by  the  WesterFed  Financial  Board  of  Directors  (the  "WesterFed
Financial Board") for use at the WesterFed  Financial Special Meeting and at any
and all adjournments or postponements thereof.

         Matters to Be Considered.  At the WesterFed  Financial Special Meeting,
holders of shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock will vote upon a proposal
to  approve  the  adoption  of  the  Merger   Agreement  and  the   transactions
contemplated  thereby,  including the merger of Security with and into WesterFed
Financial  and the  issuance by WesterFed  Financial of up to _______  shares of
WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock in connection with the Merger (the "WesterFed
Financial Proposal"). See "The Merger."

         WesterFed  Financial  stockholders will also consider and vote upon the
ratification of the adoption of the Equity Incentive Plan and such other matters
as may properly be brought before the WesterFed Financial Special Meeting. As of
the date hereof, the WesterFed Financial Board knows of no business that will be
presented for  consideration  at the WesterFed  Financial  Special Meeting other
than the matters described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

         WesterFed Financial Record Date; Vote Required. The WesterFed Financial
Board has fixed  the close of  business  on  January  __,  1997 (the  "WesterFed
Financial  Record  Date")  as the  date for  determining  holders  of  WesterFed
Financial  Common  Stock who will be  entitled  to notice of, and to vote at the
WesterFed  Financial  Special  Meeting.  Only  holders  of record  of  WesterFed
Financial  Common  Stock at the close of  business  on the  WesterFed  Financial
Record Date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the WesterFed Financial
Special  Meeting.  As  of  the  WesterFed  Financial  Record  Date,  there  were
outstanding  and entitled to vote at the  WesterFed  Financial  Special  Meeting
___________ shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock.

         Each holder of record of shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock on
the WesterFed  Financial Record Date will be entitled to cast one vote per share
for each of the WesterFed Financial Proposals at the WesterFed Financial Special
Meeting. Such vote may be exercised in person or by properly executed proxy. The
presence,  in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding  shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock entitled to vote
at the WesterFed  Financial Special Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum.
With a quorum,  or in the absence of such, the affirmative  vote of the majority
of shares  represented at the WesterFed  Financial Special Meeting may authorize
adjournment  of the meeting.  Abstentions  and broker non- votes (i.e.,  proxies
from  brokers  or  nominees  indicating  that  such  persons  have not  received
instructions from the beneficial owners or other persons as to certain proposals
on which such beneficial owners or persons are entitled to vote their shares but
with  respect to which the brokers or nominees  have no  discretionary  power to
vote  without  such  instructions)  will be  treated  as shares  present  at the
WesterFed  Financial Special Meeting for purposes of determining the presence of
a quorum.

         The  affirmative  vote of the holders of a majority of the  outstanding
shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock is required  for  approval of the
Merger  Proposal.  The ratification of the adoption of the Equity Incentive Plan
requires  the  affirmative  vote of the  holders  of a  majority  of the  shares
actually voted on such proposal.  Therefore,  abstentions  and broker  non-votes
will have the same effect as votes against approval of the Merger Proposal.


                                                                                
                                       14

<PAGE>



         Approval  of the  Merger  Proposal  by the  stockholders  of  WesterFed
Financial is a condition to, and required for,  consummation of the Merger.  See
"The Merger--Conditions to the Merger."

         As of January  ___,  1997,  the  directors  and  executive  officers of
WesterFed Financial and their affiliates beneficially owned in the aggregate ___
shares  (including  shares  which may be acquired  upon the  exercise of options
within 60 days of  ________,  1997) of  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock,  or
approximately __% of the then outstanding  shares of WesterFed  Financial Common
Stock entitled to vote at the WesterFed Financial Special Meeting. The directors
and executive officers of WesterFed  Financial have indicated their intention to
vote such shares for the WesterFed Financial Proposal at the WesterFed Financial
Special Meeting. As of such date, neither Security and its subsidiaries, nor the
directors and executive officers of Security and their affiliates,  beneficially
owned any  outstanding  shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock except for
directors  Jorgenson and Dimich and principal  stockholder McCann who own 3,000,
1,000 and 3,000 shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock, respectively.  As of
that date, Security subsidiaries,  acting as fiduciaries,  custodians or agents,
did not have sole or shared power over any shares of WesterFed  Financial Common
Stock.

         Proxies.  Shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock  represented  by
properly  executed  proxies  received  prior  to or at the  WesterFed  Financial
Special  Meeting will,  unless such proxies have been  revoked,  be voted at the
WesterFed  Financial  Special  Meeting  and any  adjournments  or  postponements
thereof,  in accordance with the  instructions  indicated in the proxies.  If no
instructions are indicated on a properly executed WesterFed Financial Proxy, the
shares will be voted FOR the WesterFed Financial Proposals.

         Any WesterFed  Financial  Proxy given pursuant to this  solicitation or
otherwise  may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before it is voted
either  by  delivering  to the  Secretary  of  WesterFed  Financial  at 110 East
Broadway,  Missoula,  Montana  59802 on or before  the taking of the vote at the
WesterFed  Financial Special Meeting,  a written notice of revocation  bearing a
later date than the date of the proxy or a later  dated  proxy  relating  to the
same shares or by attending the WesterFed  Financial  Special Meeting and voting
in person.  Attendance at the WesterFed  Financial  Special  Meeting will not in
itself constitute the revocation of a proxy.

         If any other matters are properly presented at the WesterFed  Financial
Special Meeting for consideration,  the persons named in the WesterFed Financial
Proxy or acting  thereunder  will have  discretion  to vote on such  matters  in
accordance  with their  best  judgment.  As of the date  hereof,  the  WesterFed
Financial Board knows of no such other matters.

         In addition to solicitation by mail, directors,  officers and employees
of  WesterFed  Financial,  who will  not be  specifically  compensated  for such
services,  may solicit  proxies from the  stockholders  of WesterFed  Financial,
personally or by telephone, telegram or other forms of communication.  Brokerage
houses, nominees,  fiduciaries and other custodians will be requested to forward
soliciting  materials  to  beneficial  owners and will be  reimbursed  for their
reasonable  expenses incurred in sending proxy material to beneficial owners. In
addition,  WesterFed Financial has engaged  ____________  ("______________")  to
assist WesterFed Financial in distributing proxy materials and contacting record
and beneficial owners of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock.  WesterFed Financial
has agreed to pay ________  approximately  $________ plus out-of-pocket expenses
for its  services  to be rendered on behalf of  WesterFed  Financial.  WesterFed
Financial  will bear its own expenses in  connection  with the  solicitation  of
proxies for the WesterFed Financial Special Meeting. See "The Merger--Expenses."


                                                                                
                                       15

<PAGE>



         HOLDERS OF WESTERFED  FINANCIAL COMMON STOCK ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE,
DATE AND SIGN THE  ACCOMPANYING  PROXY  AND  RETURN  IT  PROMPTLY  TO  WESTERFED
FINANCIAL IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.

Security Annual Meeting

         Place,  Time and Date.  The  Security  Annual  Meeting  will be held at
Security  located at 219 North 26th  Street,  Billings,  Montana at _____  _.m.,
local time, on February ____,  1997.  This Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  is
being sent to holders of Security  common stock (the "Security  Common  Stock"),
and accompanies a form of proxy (the "Security  Proxy") which is being solicited
by the Security Board for use at the Security  Annual Meeting and at any and all
adjournments or postponements thereof.

         Matters to Be Considered.  At the Security Annual  Meeting,  holders of
Security  Common  Stock will vote on the  following  proposals:  (i) approve and
adopt the  Merger  Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated  thereby  (the
"Merger  Proposal");  (ii) the  election of three  directors  of  Security  (the
"Election of  Directors");  and (iii) the  ratification of the selection of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP as  independent  public  accountants  for the fiscal year ended
June 30,  1997 and any  interim  periods.  See "The  Merger"  and  "Election  of
Security Directors."

         Holders  of Voting  Securities  will also  consider  and vote upon such
other matters as may properly be brought before the Security Annual Meeting.  As
of the date  hereof,  the  Security  Board  knows of no  business  that  will be
presented  for  consideration  at the Security  Annual  Meeting,  other than the
matters described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

         Security Record Date;  Vote Required.  The Security Board has fixed the
close of business on ________,  1997 (the "Security  Record Date"),  as the date
for determining  holders of Security Common Stock who will be entitled to notice
of, and to vote at,  the  Security  Annual  Meeting.  Only  holders of record of
Security  Common Stock at the close of business on the Security Record Date will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Security Annual  Meeting.  As of the
Security  Record  Date,  there  were  outstanding  and  entitled  to vote at the
Security Annual Meeting _____ shares of Security Common Stock.

         Each holder of Security  Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share
except that  cumulative  voting is authorized in connection with the election of
directors.  Cumulative voting permits the stockholder entitled to vote in person
or by proxy  the  number of shares  owned by him or her for as many  persons  as
there are directors to be elected to a particular  class or to accumulate  votes
by giving one  candidate  as many votes as the  number of such  directors  to be
elected multiplied by the number of shares owned shall equal, or by distributing
such votes on the same principle  among any number of candidates.  The presence,
in person or by  properly  executed  proxy,  of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding  shares of Security  Common  Stock  entitled to vote at the Security
Annual  Meeting is necessary to  constitute a quorum.  With a quorum,  or in the
absence of such, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at
the  Security  Annual  Meeting may  authorize  the  adjournment  of the meeting.
Abstentions  and  broker  non-votes  will be  treated  as shares  present at the
Security Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum.

         The  affirmative  vote of the holders of two-thirds of the  outstanding
shares of Security Common Stock is required for approval of the Merger Proposal.
The Election of Directors and  Ratification of Accountants  requires a plurality
of the  votes of the  shares  present  in  person  or  represented  by proxy and
entitled to vote.

         As of January  __,  1997,  the  directors  and  executive  officers  of
Security and their affiliates beneficially owned in the aggregate 164,372 shares
(including  shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options  within 60
days of January __, 1997) of Security  Common  Stock,  or 10.57% of the Security
Common Stock  entitled to vote at the Security  Annual  Meeting.  The  directors
(except for Stephen C.  Sandels who owns 100 shares) and  executive  officers of
Security  have  indicated  their  intention to vote such shares for the Security
Proposals at the Security Annual Meeting. As of January __, 1997, the directors

                                                                                
                                       16

<PAGE>



and executive officers of WesterFed Financial and their affiliates  beneficially
owned in the aggregate ____ shares of Security  Common Stock,  or _____ % of the
Security  Common Stock  entitled to vote at the  Security  Annual  Meeting.  The
directors and executive  officers of WesterFed  Financial have  indicated  their
intention to vote such shares for the Security  Proposals at the Security Annual
Meeting.

         Proxies. Security Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies
received prior to or at the Security  Annual  Meeting will,  unless such proxies
have been revoked,  be voted at the Security Annual Meeting and any adjournments
or postponements  thereof in accordance with the  instructions  indicated in the
proxies. If no instructions are indicated on a properly executed Security Proxy,
the shares will be voted FOR the Security Proposals.

         Any Security Proxy given pursuant to this solicitation or otherwise may
be revoked by the person  giving it at any time before it is voted by delivering
to the Secretary of Security at 219 North 26th Street,  Billings,  Montana 59101
on or before the taking of the vote at the Security  Annual  Meeting,  a written
notice of revocation  bearing a later date than the proxy or a later dated proxy
relating  to the same  shares  of  Security  Common  Stock or by  attending  the
Security Annual Meeting and voting in person.  Attendance at the Security Annual
Meeting will not in itself constitute the revocation of a proxy.

         If any other  matters are properly  presented  at the  Security  Annual
Meeting for  consideration,  the persons  named in the Security  Proxy or acting
thereunder will have discretion to vote on such matters in accordance with their
best judgment.  As of the date hereof, the Security Board knows of no such other
matters.

         In addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers, and employees
of Security,  who will not be specifically  compensated  for such services,  may
solicit proxies from the  stockholders of Security,  personally or by telephone,
telegram  or  other  forms  of  communication.   Brokerage   houses,   nominees,
fiduciaries  and  other  custodians  will be  requested  to  forward  soliciting
materials  to  beneficial  owners and will be  reimbursed  for their  reasonable
expenses  incurred in sending proxy material to beneficial  owners. In addition,
Security has engaged D.F.  King & Co., Inc. to assist  Security in  distributing
proxy materials and contacting  record and beneficial  owners of Security Common
Stock.  Security has agreed to pay $4,000 plus $3 for each Security  stockholder
contacted by D.F. King & Co., Inc. and  out-of-pocket  expenses for its services
to be rendered on behalf of Security.

         HOLDERS OF SECURITY  COMMON STOCK ARE  REQUESTED TO COMPLETE,  DATE AND
SIGN THE  ACCOMPANYING  PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY TO SECURITY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.

         HOLDERS OF SECURITY COMMON STOCK SHOULD NOT FORWARD STOCK  CERTIFICATES
WITH THEIR PROXY CARDS.


                                                                                
                                       17

<PAGE>



                                   THE MERGER

         The information in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus concerning the
terms of the Merger is  qualified  in its entirety by reference to the full text
of the Merger Agreement, which is attached hereto as Appendix I and incorporated
herein by reference.  All stockholders are urged to read the Merger Agreement in
its entirety.

General

         Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Security will be merged with and into
WesterFed  Financial,  with WesterFed  Financial being the surviving entity (the
"Merger").  As soon as possible  after the  conditions  to  consummation  of the
Merger  described  below have been  satisfied  or waived,  and unless the Merger
Agreement  has been  terminated  as  provided  below,  WesterFed  Financial  and
Security  will file  certificate  and  articles of merger with the  Secretary of
States of Delaware and Montana,  respectively,  for the Merger.  The Merger will
become  effective at the time the  certificate  and articles of merger are filed
with the Secretary of States of Delaware and Montana,  respectively. The time at
which the Merger  becomes  effective  is  referred  to herein as the  "Effective
Time." It is presently  contemplated  that the Effective Time will be as soon as
practical  following the  fulfillment or waiver of each of the conditions to the
Merger.

         Upon consummation of the Merger,  the stockholders of Security shall be
entitled to receive the Merger  Consideration in consideration  for their shares
of Security  Common Stock held and thereupon  shall cease to be  stockholders of
Security,  and the separate  existence  and corporate  organization  of Security
shall cease. WesterFed Financial shall succeed to all the rights and property of
Security.  The members of the Board of Directors of WesterFed  Financial and two
directors of Security  mutually  acceptable to WesterFed  Financial and Security
immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time shall be the  members of the Board of
Directors of WesterFed Financial  immediately after the Effective Time. See also
"--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."

Background of and Reasons for the Merger

         Background of the Merger. In recognition of the rapid changes occurring
in the financial  services  industry,  for the last several years,  Security has
been on a path of  expanding  its business  into  commercial  banking.  Security
believes that the benefits of this strategy are being realized.

         WesterFed  Financial  has been  interested  in  expanding  its  banking
franchise as well as employing  its strong  capital  position.  Toward that end,
WesterFed  Financial  retained  Alex.  Brown in May 1995 to help  achieve  these
goals.  Consistent with these goals, Alex. Brown assisted WesterFed Financial in
identifying  certain  acquisition  opportunities,  including the  possibility of
combining with Security.

         In March 1996, Lyle R. Grimes, President and CEO of WesterFed Financial
called  David W.  Jorgenson,  President  and CEO of Security,  advising  that he
intended to forward a letter  proposing a merger between the two companies.  The
letter  from  WesterFed  Financial,   dated  March  22,  1996,  was  immediately
distributed  to the Security  Board of Directors  at their  regularly  scheduled
meeting.  Based on the strong  interest shown in the letter,  the Security Board
approved  pursuing  preliminary   discussions  with  WesterFed   Financial.   To
facilitate such discussions, a special board committee (the "Special Committee")
was  appointed  by the  Security  Board on June 24,  1996  composed  of  outside
directors  William  M.  Leslie,  George R.  Pierce  and  Harold S.  Hanson,  was
appointed by the Security Board, with Mr. Harold Hanson serving as chairman.

         In April 1996,  Mr.  Jorgenson  and William M. Dimich,  Chairman of the
Security  Board,  met with Mr. Grimes and Robert Burke,  a director of WesterFed
Financial  to  discuss  general  business  and  operating  issues.  There was no
discussion of price at that  meeting.  On April 15, 1996,  the parties  signed a
Joint  Confidentiality  Agreement  concerning the possible  combination  and the
related exchange of information.


                                                                                
                                       18

<PAGE>



         On May 2, 1996,  the Security  Board  received a letter from  WesterFed
Financial proposing a price range for a stock exchange between the companies and
the mix of cash  and  WesterFed  Financial  stock  to  accomplish  the  proposed
combination.  The Special  Committee met shortly  thereafter  and authorized Mr.
Jorgenson to contact  certain  investment  advisors on a  confidential  basis to
obtain  proposals to assist  Security in  considering  the  WesterFed  Financial
proposal.  The  Special  Committee  subsequently  met to  review  the  proposals
received  from the  investment  advisors.  On May 20, 1996,  the Security  Board
accepted the Special Committee's  recommendation to select Montgomery Securities
and  authorized  management to negotiate an engagement  letter with  Montgomery,
which was executed on June 3, 1996.

         On June 24, 1996, Montgomery made a presentation to the Security Board,
giving their preliminary analysis of the WesterFed Financial proposal.  Based on
that analysis and the advice of their financial and legal advisors, the Security
Board  authorized  Montgomery,  in  consultation  with  the  Special  Committee,
management and legal  counsel,  to pursue  further  negotiations  with WesterFed
Financial.

         During  July 1996,  various  meetings  involving  the parties and their
financial  advisors  occurred,  focusing  primarily  on  financial  performance,
projections and accounting matters.  During that time, the Special Committee met
frequently with management to receive updates and provide direction with respect
to the  negotiations.  In midlate  July,  Security  received and  considered  an
initial  Term  Sheet,  outlining  certain key terms,  as  proposed by  WesterFed
Financial.  The Term Sheet, with input from the Security Special Committee,  the
Security Board,  financial and legal advisors, was revised several times through
late July and August.

         During the month of August,  WesterFed  Financial had several  meetings
with its advisors to review Security's  comments and submit a revised term sheet
to Security.

         On August 26, 1996,  the Security  Board  received the final Term Sheet
and authorized the  negotiation of a definitive  agreement  consistent with such
terms.

         On  September  24,  1996,  following  extensive  negotiation  among the
parties,  their  counsel and  financial  advisors,  the Boards of  Security  and
WesterFed Financial, with their respective advisors present, approved the Merger
Agreement   and  related   stock  option   agreements  to  effect  the  proposed
combination.

         Security's  Reasons for the Merger.  The Security Board, at its meeting
held on September 24, 1996, considered the Merger Agreement and determined it to
be fair, and in the best interests of, Security and its stockholders, customers,
and employees. In reaching its determination,  the Security Board consulted with
Security  management,  and its  financial  and  legal  advisors  regarding,  the
financial fairness of the Merger to Security and its stockholders, and the legal
duties of the Security Board, in connection with the Merger and the terms of the
Merger Agreement. A number of factors were considered. Below is a listing of the
material factors the Security Board  considered in their decision.  The Security
Board did not  assign  any  specific  or  relative  weight  to the below  listed
factors.

         o        The Security  Board  determined  that a merger with  WesterFed
                  Financial  would  be  a  better   alternative  than  expanding
                  independently  through  internal  growth and/or  acquisitions.
                  After the Merger,  Security  would become part of the largest,
                  publicly held financial institution  headquartered in Montana.
                  A larger financial institution will enhance Security's ability
                  to compete more  effectively  in the rapidly  changing  market
                  place for banking and financial services while maintaining its
                  community banking flavor.

         o        Confronted   with  changing   stockholder   demographics   and
                  stockholder   desires,  the  Security  Board  determined  that
                  combining with a larger company would provide

                                                                                
                                       19

<PAGE>



                  the  alternative of an attractive cash premium or stock with a
                  likelihood of improved liquidity.

         o        Combining the management  resources of both  companies  should
                  result  in  a  greater  depth  of  management,   which  should
                  strengthen the combined organization.

         o        Because  of  the  combined   companies'   relative   size  and
                  resources,  Security  should  benefit as a result of  enhanced
                  technology and employee training which should enable employees
                  to better serve customers.

         FOR THE REASONS SET FORTH ABOVE,  THE  SECURITY  BOARD HAS APPROVED THE
MERGER AGREEMENT AS ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF SECURITY AND SECURITY
STOCKHOLDERS  AND  RECOMMENDS  THAT THE  STOCKHOLDERS  OF SECURITY  VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

         WesterFed  Financial's  Reasons for the Merger. Over the last 15 years,
WesterFed   Financial  has  attempted  to  increase  its  market  share  through
acquisitions.  Between 1983 and 1991,  Western  Bank  acquired  three  financial
institutions with total assets aggregating  approximately $287.0 million.  Since
its  conversion  in 1994,  WesterFed  Financial  has  returned  to a program  of
in-market  and  adjacent-market   acquisitions  that  would  add  value  to  its
stockholders  and its  banking  franchise.  To  that  end,  WesterFed  Financial
retained Alex.  Brown in May 1995 to provide certain  investment  banking advice
and  services,  including  advice with  respect to  potential  acquisitions  and
related  matters.  In March 1996,  WesterFed  contacted  Security to discuss the
possibility of a merger.

         The WesterFed  Financial Board believes that the Merger is fair to, and
in the best interests of, WesterFed Financial and its stockholders. Accordingly,
the WesterFed Financial Board has unanimously  approved the Merger Agreement and
recommends  that  WesterFed  Financial  shareholders  vote FOR the  approval and
adoption of the WesterFed Financial Proposal.

         In  negotiating  the  terms  of  the  Merger  and  in  considering  its
recommendation for the approval of the Merger Agreement, the WesterFed Financial
Board  considered  a  number  of  factors  including,  without  limitation,  the
following:

         (i) the Merger Consideration to be paid to the Security stockholders in
relation to the book value, earnings per share and market value of the WesterFed
Financial Common Stock and Security Common Stock;

         (ii) the expansion of WesterFed  Financial's  services into a number of
new communities in Montana;

         (iii)  the  WesterFed  Financial  Board's  review,  based  in  part  on
presentations by Alex. Brown and WesterFed Financial  management's due diligence
review of Security,  of the  business,  operations  and  financial  condition of
Security,  the prospects of the combined  institution,  and the increased market
presence,   economies  of  scale,   cost  savings   opportunities  and  enhanced
opportunities  for growth  made  possible  by the Merger;  in this  regard,  the
WesterFed  Financial Board noted that the combined  institution would constitute
the largest publicly traded financial institution headquartered in Montana;

         (iv) the short-term  and long-term  impact the Merger is anticipated to
have on WesterFed  Financial's  consolidated  results of  operations,  including
anticipated cost savings resulting from consolidation in certain areas;

         (v) the opinion of Alex.  Brown that,  as of September  24,  1996,  the
Merger  Consideration to be paid by WesterFed  Financial  pursuant to the Merger
Agreement was fair,  from a financial point of view, to the holders of WesterFed
Financial  Common  Stock (see  "--Opinion  of  WesterFed  Financial's  Financial
Advisor");


                                                                                
                                       20

<PAGE>



         (vi) the impact of the Merger on depositors,  employees,  customers and
communities served by WesterFed Financial and Security;

         (vii) the  opportunity  to diversify its lending  activities to include
commercial lending;

         (viii)  the  opportunity  to  leverage  excess  capital  from  proceeds
received in WesterFed Financial's conversion to the stock form of organization;

         (ix) the  expectation  that the  Merger  will  generally  be a tax-free
transaction to WesterFed Financial and its stockholders and that the Merger will
be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting (see "--Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" and "--Accounting Treatment"); and

         (x) the terms of the Merger Agreement,  the Stock Option Agreements and
the other documents executed in connection with the Merger.

         In view of the wide variety of factors  considered in  connection  with
its  evaluation  of the Merger,  the WesterFed  Financial  Board did not find it
practicable  to, and did not quantify or otherwise  attempt to, assign  relative
weights to the specific factors considered in reaching its determination.

Recommendations of the Boards of Directors

         WesterFed  Financial.  The WesterFed  Financial  Board has  unanimously
adopted and  approved the Merger  Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated
thereby and has  determined  that the Merger and the  issuance of the  WesterFed
Financial  shares  pursuant  thereto  are in the  best  interests  of  WesterFed
Financial  and  its  stockholders.   The  WesterFed  Financial  Board  therefore
recommends  a  vote  FOR  approval  of the  matter  presented  at the  WesterFed
Financial Special Meeting.

         For a discussion of the factors  considered by the WesterFed  Financial
Board  in  reaching   its  decision  to  approve  the  Merger   Agreement,   see
"--Background of and Reasons for the  Merger--WesterFed  Financial's Reasons for
the Merger."

         Security.  The  Security  Board has  adopted  and  approved  the Merger
Agreement and the transactions  contemplated thereby and has determined that the
Merger is fair to, and in the best interests of, Security and its  stockholders.
The  Security  Board  therefore  recommends  a vote FOR  approval of the matters
presented at the Security Annual Meeting. One director,  Mr. Stephen C. Sandels,
voted against approval of the Merger Agreement. See "The Merger--Recommendations
of the Boards of Directors."

         For a discussion  of the factors  considered  by the Security  Board in
reaching its decision to approve the Merger Agreement,  see "--Background of and
Reasons for the Merger-- Security's Reasons for the Merger."

Merger Consideration

         Subject  to  the  terms,   conditions  and  procedures  in  the  Merger
Agreement, Security stockholders may elect to receive for each share of Security
Common Stock issued and outstanding  immediately prior to the Merger (other than
certain shares of Security Common Stock held by WesterFed Financial or Security)
either $30.00 in cash, a number of shares of WesterFed Common Stock equal to the
"exchange  ratio"  or a  combination  of cash and  stock,  subject  to the stock
component being 40% to 45% of the total  consideration.  The "exchange ratio" is
$30.00 divided by the average closing price of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock
for the 20  trading  days  commencing  30  trading  days  prior to the  closing.
However, if the average WesterFed Financial stock price is (a) equal to or

                                                                                
                                       21

<PAGE>

less than  $13.05,  the exchange  ratio will be 2.2989,  (b) equal to or greater
than $15.95 but not greater than 17.50,  the exchange  ratio will be 1.8809,  or
(c) in excess of  $17.50,  the  exchange  ratio  will be  (absent  extraordinary
circumstances)  $32.91 divided by the average price.  Security may terminate the
agreement if the average WesterFed Financial stock price is less than $11.75 and
WesterFed Financial does not agree to an exchange ratio that produces a value of
$27.01 per share for the stock component of the Merger Consideration.

         Each share of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock issued and outstanding
at the Effective Time will remain  outstanding  and unchanged as a result of the
Merger. No fractional shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock will be issued
in the Merger,  and Security  stockholders  who  otherwise  would be entitled to
receive a fractional  share of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock will receive a
cash payment in lieu thereof.

Security Stockholder Election Procedures

         Concurrently  with  the  mailing  of  this  Proxy  Statement,  Security
Stockholders  will receive a form of election (the 'Election  Form') pursuant to
which  Security  Stockholders  shall make an  election  to receive  (i) the cash
distribution ('Cash  Distribution') for all of his or her shares ('Cash Election
Shares');  (ii) the stock distribution ('Stock Distribution') for all of  his or
her shares ('Stock Election  Shares'),  or (iii) the Cash Distribution for those
shares  designated by the Security  Stockholder as Cash Election  Shares and the
Stock  Distribution for the remaining shares. If the Security  Stockholder fails
to make an election ('No Election  Share'),  such Security Common Stock shall be
deemed  to be Cash  Election  Shares,  except  as set forth  below.  A  Security
Stockholder  of 1% or more of the Security  Common Stock  (determined  as of the
Closing Date) who does not make an election on or before the election  deadline,
will be deemed to have made a timely election to receive the Cash Distribution.

         As soon as  practicable  after the Effective  Time,  the Exchange Agent
will  allocate  among the holders of Security  Common Stock the right to receive
the Cash Distribution or the Stock Distribution pursuant to the Merger Agreement
as follows:

         (i) all  Stock  Election  Shares  will be  converted  into the right to
receive the Stock Distribution;

         (ii) all No Election  Shares will be converted to Stock Election Shares
('Additional Stock Election Shares') provided that the aggregate number of Stock
Election  Shares  (including  Additional  Stock  Election  Shares)  is  equal or
approximately equal to the number of maximum stock consideration  shares; in the
event that the conversion of all No Election Shares to Additional Stock Election
Shares would cause the  aggregate  number of Stock  Election  Shares  (including
Additional  Stock Election) to exceed the number of maximum stock  consideration
shares exchanged for the stock distribution, the Additional Stock Election Share
shall  be  reduced  so that  the  aggregate  number  of  Stock  Election  Shares
(including  Additional Stock Election Shares) equals or approximately equals the
number of Maximum Stock  Consideration  Shares,  with the  aggregate  Additional
Stock Election  Shares  created upon the conversion of No Election  shares being
allocated pro rata to each holder of No Election  Shares in the proportion  that
the total No  Election  Shares  of such  holder  bear to the total  number of No
Election Shares of all holders;

         (iii)  in the  event  that  conversion  of all No  Election  Shares  to
Additional  Stock  Election  Shares  pursuant  to (ii)  above  would  cause  the
aggregate number of Stock Election Shares  (including  Additional Stock Election
Shares) to be less than the number of minimum stock  consideration  shares,  the
Exchange Agent (in addition to converting all No Election  Shares) shall convert
a number of Cash Election Shares  (excluding  shares tendered by holders of less
than 100 shares) to Stock  Election  Shares and  exchange the same for the Stock
Distribution  such that the aggregate number of Stock Election Shares (including
Additional Stock Election  Shares) shall equal or be approximately  equal to the
number of minimum stock consideration  shares, with the aggregate Stock Election
Shares that are to be created upon the conversion of Cash Election  Shares being
allocated pro rata to each holder of Cash Election Shares in the proportion that
the total Cash  Election  Shares of such holder bear to the total number of Cash
Election Shares of all holders  (excluding each holder of less that 100 shares);
and

         (iv) after the  allocations set forth in (ii) and (iii) above have been
made, all remaining  shares of Security  Common Stock will be converted into the
Cash Distribution.

         If  the  number  of  shares  of   WesterFed   Financial   Common  Stock
distributable in respect of the Stock Election Shares is greater than the number
of maximum stock consideration shares, then:

         (i) all Cash Election  Shares  (including  No Election  Shares) will be
converted into the right to receive the Cash Distribution; and

         (ii) the  Exchange  Agent  will  reallocate  the  Merger  Consideration
payable to each holder of Stock Election  Shares pro rata (based upon the number
of Stock Election Shares owned by each Security Common Stockholder,  as compared
with the total number of Stock  Election  Shares owned by all holders) such that
the holders of the Stock Election Shares will receive,  as Stock  Distributions,
the number of shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock which in the aggregate
will be equal or approximately equal to the Maximum Stock  Consideration  Shares
and will receive the balance of the Merger  Consideration due to them in cash as
cash distributions.

Opinion of WesterFed Financial's Financial Advisor

         WesterFed  Financial  retained Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated  ("Alex.
Brown")  on May 31,  1995 to  provide  certain  investment  banking  advice  and
services,  including  advice with respect to potential  acquisitions and related
matters.  On May  3,  1996,  WesterFed  executed  an  addendum  to the  existing
engagement  letter (the terms of which were further  revised on August 12, 1996)
to retain Alex.  Brown as its financial  advisor with respect to the acquisition
of Security.  Alex. Brown was selected to act as WesterFed's  financial  advisor
based  upon  its  qualifications,  expertise  and  reputation,  as  well  as its
familiarity  with  WesterFed's  business and market area.  Alex. Brown regularly
publishes  research reports  regarding the financial  services  industry and the
businesses and securities of publicly owned companies in that industry.

         Representatives  of Alex.  Brown  attended a meeting  of the  WesterFed
Financial  Board on September  24, 1996 at which the WesterFed  Financial  Board
approved the Merger Agreement.  At such meeting, Alex. Brown made a presentation
to the  WesterFed  Financial  Board and  rendered an opinion  (the "Alex.  Brown
Opinion")  to  the  WesterFed  Financial  Board  that,  as  of  such  date,  the
consideration  to be paid by  WesterFed  Financial  to the  holders of  Security
Common  Stock  was fair,  from a  financial  point of view,  to the  holders  of
WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock. The Alex. Brown Opinion was reaffirmed as of
the date of this Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  Alex.  Brown  relied  upon
analyses such as those  described  below in connection  with rendering the Alex.
Brown  Opinion and  providing  its  written  opinion as of the date  hereof.  No
limitations were imposed by the WesterFed  Financial Board upon Alex. Brown with
respect to the investigations made or procedures followed by it in rendering the
Alex. Brown Opinion.

         The full text of the Alex. Brown Opinion, which sets forth, among other
things,  assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations
on the review undertaken,  is attached hereto as Appendix II and is incorporated
herein by  reference.  WesterFed  Financial  shareholders  are urged to read the
Alex. Brown Opinion in its entirety. The Alex. Brown Opinion was directed to the
WesterFed  Financial  Board,  addresses  only the  fairness  to the  holders  of
WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock,  from a  financial  point of  view,  of the
consideration  to be paid by  WesterFed  Financial  to the  holders of  Security
Common  Stock  pursuant  to the  Merger  Agreement,  and does not  constitute  a
recommendation to any WesterFed Financial shareholder as to how such shareholder
should vote.  The Alex.  Brown Opinion was rendered to the  WesterFed  Financial
Board for its  consideration  in  determining  whether  to  approve  the  Merger
Agreement.  The following summary of the Alex. Brown Opinion is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the full text of the Alex. Brown Opinion.

         In rendering the Alex.  Brown Opinion,  Alex.  Brown  reviewed  certain
publicly  available  financial  information  and  other  information  concerning
WesterFed Financial and Security and certain internal financial

                                                                                
                                       22

<PAGE>

analyses  and other  information  furnished  to it by  WesterFed  Financial  and
Security.  Alex.  Brown  also  held  discussions  with  members  of  the  senior
management  of  WesterFed  Financial  and  Security  regarding  the business and
prospects of their respective financial  institutions and the joint prospects of
a combined company. In addition, Alex. Brown (i) reviewed the reported price and
trading activity of the WesterFed Financial common stock and the Security common
stock, (ii) compared certain financial and stock market information of WesterFed
Financial  and  Security,  respectively,  with  similar  information  of certain
comparable  companies  whose  securities  are publicly  traded (see  "Opinion of
WesterFed  Financial  Financial Advisor --- Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded
Companies"),  (iii) reviewed the Merger  Agreement,  (iv) reviewed the financial
terms  of  certain  recent  business   combinations  which  Alex.  Brown  deemed
comparable  to the  Merger,  in  whole or in part  (see  "Opinion  of  WesterFed
Financial Financial Advisor --- Analysis of Selected Acquisition Transactions"),
(v)  reviewed  the  potential  pro  forma  impact of the  Merger on  WesterFed's
financial  condition,  operating  results and per share figures (see "Opinion of
WesterFed  Financial  Financial Advisor --- Pro Forma Merger Analysis") and (vi)
performed such other studies and analyses and  considered  such other factors as
Alex. Brown deemed appropriate.

         In conducting its review and arriving at the Alex. Brown Opinion, Alex.
Brown assumed and relied upon, without independent  verification,  the accuracy,
completeness and fairness of all of the financial and other information reviewed
by and discussed with it for purposes of rendering the Alex. Brown Opinion. With
respect to the financial forecasts and other information reviewed by Alex. Brown
in rendering the Alex. Brown Opinion (including,  without limitation,  projected
cost savings from the Merger), Alex. Brown assumed that such financial forecasts
were  reasonably  prepared  on bases  reflecting  the best  currently  available
estimates and judgments of the respective managements of WesterFed Financial and
Security as to the likely future  financial  performance of WesterFed  Financial
and Security.  Alex. Brown did not make or obtain any independent evaluations or
appraisals  of the  assets or  liabilities  of  either  WesterFed  Financial  or
Security or their respective subsidiaries, nor did it review any individual loan
files of WesterFed  Financial or Security.  Alex.  Brown is not an expert in the
evaluation of allowances for loan losses, has not made an independent evaluation
of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses set forth in the balance sheets
of  WesterFed  Financial  and  Security  and has assumed  such  allowances  were
adequate and complied fully with  applicable  law,  regulatory  policy and sound
banking  practice  as of the  date of such  financial  statements.  Alex.  Brown
assumed  that the  Merger  will  have  the tax,  accounting  and  legal  effects
(including,  without  limitation,  that the Merger  will be  accounted  for as a
purchase) described in the Merger Agreement.  Moreover, Alex. Brown also assumed
that the Merger in all respects is, and will be consummated,  in compliance with
all laws and regulations applicable to WesterFed Financial and Security.

         In connection  with  rendering the Alex.  Brown  Opinion,  Alex.  Brown
performed a variety of financial  analyses,  including those  summarized  below.
While the following  summary describes all analyses and factors that Alex. Brown
deemed material in its presentation to the WesterFed  Financial Board, it is not
a  comprehensive  description  of all analyses and factors  considered  by Alex.
Brown.  The  preparation of a fairness  opinion is a complex  process  involving
various  determinations  as to the most  appropriate  and  relevant  methods  of
financial  analysis  and the  application  of these  methods  to the  particular
circumstances  and,  therefore,  such an opinion is not readily  susceptible  to
summary description. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors discussed
below,  Alex. Brown believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and
that  selecting  portions of its analyses and of the factors  considered  by it,
without considering all analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of
the  evaluation  process  underlying  the  Alex.  Brown  Opinion.  No one of the
analyses  performed by Alex. Brown was assigned a greater  significance than any
other. The analyses  performed by Alex. Brown are not necessarily  indicative of
actual  values  or  future  results,  which  may be  significantly  more or less
favorable  than  suggested  by such  analyses.  Accordingly,  such  analyses and
estimates  are  inherently  subject to  substantial  uncertainty.  Additionally,
analyses relating to the values of businesses do not purport to be appraisals or
to reflect the prices at which businesses  actually may be sold. The Alex. Brown
Opinion is based on market,  economic and other  conditions  as they existed and
could be evaluated as of the date of the Alex. Brown Opinion.

         Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Companies.  In preparing the Alex.
Brown Opinion,  Alex.  Brown,  using publicly  available  information,  compared
selected financial and stock market information, including, among

                                                                                
                                       23

<PAGE>



other things, the composition of earning assets, asset quality ratios, loan loss
reserve levels,  net interest margin,  the ratio of fee income to total revenue,
the  ratio of  general  and  administrative  expenses  to  average  assets,  the
efficiency  ratio, the ratio of net income to average assets and average equity,
capitalization ratios, and the multiple of market price to latest twelve months'
("LTM") earnings per share ("EPS") and market price to book value per share, for
Security and a selected group of thrifts deemed similar to Security. Alex. Brown
noted that no company used in the analysis was identical to Security.

         The selected group of thrifts  comprised of Western  thrifts with total
assets  between  $104.2 million and $2.1 billion as of June 30, 1996. A total of
11  institutions  were included (the  "Selected  Thrifts").  As of September 16,
1996, the mean multiples  implied by the market price of the common stock of the
Selected Thrifts to the Selected Thrifts' LTM EPS and book value per share at or
for the period ending June 30, 1996 were 12.9x and 125.0%, respectively, for the
Selected Thrifts, and 12.2x, and 97.6%, respectively, for Security.

         Analysis  of  Selected  Acquisition  Transactions.   In  preparing  the
Opinion,  Alex.  Brown  analyzed the  financial  terms,  to the extent  publicly
available, of certain selected merger and acquisition  transactions for acquired
thrifts  which it deemed  comparable  in whole or in part to the  Merger.  Alex.
Brown noted that no  transaction  used in the  analysis of selected  acquisition
transactions was identical to the Merger. These transactions were analyzed based
upon both the financial  characteristics of acquired thrifts and the acquisition
price  relative to the acquired  thrift's  LTM EPS,  book value,  tangible  book
value, assets and market value. The analysis included a review and comparison of
the mean, median, high and low multiples  represented by a sample of 48 effected
or pending thrift acquisitions  nationwide having transaction values between $25
million and $250  million  that were  announced  since  January 1, 1993 and that
involved  acquired  thrifts  with  equity to assets  less than 10% and return on
average assets between 0.50% and 1.00%.  (the  "Comparable  Transactions").  The
average  price to LTM EPS,  price to book value,  price to tangible  book value,
price to assets and price to market  value  implied by the merger  consideration
for the Comparable  Transactions were 15.6x,  155.3%,  159.7%,  12.0% and 32.0%,
respectively.  The value of the  consideration in the Merger as of September 24,
1996 (the  "September  24  Value")  implied a  multiple  of 142.9% and 166.7% of
Security's  book value and tangible book value,  respectively,  and a premium to
market value of 37.9%. Further, the September 24 Value represented a multiple of
17.9x  Security's  LTM EPS. Alex.  Brown noted that this multiple,  while higher
than the mean of the Comparable Transactions,  was within the range of multiples
paid in the  Comparable  Transactions.  Applying the  September 24 Value against
projected  EPS for fiscal 1997 for both the  "expected  case" and the  "adjusted
case" resulted in price/earnings multiples of 12.0x and 12.9x, respectively.

         Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.  Using a discounted  dividend  analysis,
Alex.  Brown  prepared an estimated  valuation of Security  based on the present
value of the future dividend  streams and the terminal value that Security could
produce over a four-year  period.  Projection  ranges for  Security's  four-year
balance sheet and income  statement  were provided by Security's  management and
were based upon various  factors and  assumptions,  many of which are beyond the
control of Security. These projections are, by their nature, forward-looking and
may differ materially from the actual values or actual future results, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such projections. Such
projections were also modified to present an "adjusted" case for Security.

         The  implied  future  dividend  stream  projection  was based  upon the
assumption  that Security would maximize yearly  dividend  payments,  subject to
maintaining a constant year-end ratio of shareholders' equity to total assets of
7.0%.  Estimated  terminal values were calculated by applying  multiples ranging
from 10.0x to 11.0x  projected  net income.  The  dividend  streams and terminal
values were  discounted to present  values using a range of discount  rates from
12.5% to 15.0%.  The  discounted  cash  flow  analysis  produced  a range of net
present  values per share of Security  common stock of  approximately  $29.50 to
$34.25 in the expected case and  approximately  $28.25 to $32.75 in the adjusted
case.  Giving effect to projected cost savings  (based on estimates  provided by
WesterFed Financial management and Security management), the analysis produced a
range  of  net  present  values  per  share  of the  Security  Common  Stock  of
approximately  $32.25 to $37.50 in the expected case and approximately $31.00 to
$36.00 in the adjusted  case.  These analyses do not purport to be indicative of
actual values or expected values or

                                                                                
                                       24

<PAGE>



an appraisal  range of the Security  Common  Stock.  Alex.  Brown noted that the
discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used valuation  methodology,  but that
such analysis relies on numerous  assumptions,  including dividend payout rates,
terminal  values  and  discount  rates,  the  future  values of which may differ
significantly from such estimates.

         Pro Forma Merger  Analysis.  Alex. Brown analyzed the pro forma effects
of the Merger on WesterFed  Financial  shareholders  by  comparing,  among other
things,  the  projected  pro forma fully  diluted  earnings per share for fiscal
years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and the tangible book value per share as of June
30, 1996 with the standalone  estimates of fully diluted  earnings per share for
fiscal years 1997,  1998,  1999 and 2000 and tangible book value per share as of
June 30, 1996.  Based on certain  assumptions,  including  those with respect to
cost savings and other  synergies from the Merger,  and the standalone  earnings
projections  of WesterFed  Financial  (based on estimates  provided by WesterFed
Financial  management)  and Security  (based on  estimates  provided by Security
management),  the  analysis  showed that the Merger could result in accretion to
WesterFed's  pro forma  projected EPS in fiscal 1998 (the first full fiscal year
of combined operations),  1999 and 2000 of 7.7%, 6.1% and 5.8%, respectively, in
the expected  case. In the adjusted  case,  the analysis  showed that the Merger
could result in accretion to WesterFed's pro forma projected EPS in fiscal 1998,
1999 and 2000 of 3.2%,  3.5% and 4.0%,  respectively.  In both the expected case
and the adjusted case, the projected dilution to book value was 19.2%.

         Alex. Brown also considered the effect on pro forma  equity/assets  and
pro forma tangible  equity/tangible  assets and noted that the pro forma capital
levels would be in line with that of the Selected Thrifts.  As of June 30, 1997,
pro forma equity/assets and tangible equity/tangible assets were projected to be
9.45% and 8.05%, respectively,  in the expected case, and 9.45% and 8.04% in the
adjusted case, respectively.

         Additional Considerations. In arriving at its opinion, Alex. Brown also
considered  a number of  qualitative  factors that might result from the Merger,
including  WesterFed  Financial's  broadened  geographic  presence  in  Montana,
enhanced lending  capabilities and loan portfolio mix, greater management depth,
and the improved leverage of WesterFed Financial's capital base.

         Compensation  of  Financial  Advisor.  Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  an
engagement  letter dated May 31, 1995, and related Addendum B, dated May 3, 1996
(collectively,  the "Alex. Brown Engagement  Letter"),  WesterFed Financial will
pay Alex. Brown an aggregate fee of $350,000 for acting as Financial  Advisor in
connection with the Merger, including rendering the Alex. Brown Opinion, against
which  will be  credited  a  $25,000  retainer  fee paid upon  execution  of the
Engagement  Letter.  Of the fee,  $50,000 was paid on the  delivery of the Alex.
Brown Opinion, with the remainder of the fee payable upon closing of the Merger.
Whether or not the Merger is consummated, WesterFed Financial also has agreed to
reimburse  Alex.  Brown for its reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses  incurred in
connection  with  the  transaction.  WesterFed  Financial  has  also  agreed  to
indemnify Alex.  Brown and certain  related persons against certain  liabilities
relating to or arising out of its engagement.

Opinion of Security's Financial Advisor

         General.  Pursuant  to an  engagement  letter  dated May 31,  1996 (the
"Montgomery  Engagement  letter"),  Security  engaged  Montgomery  to  assist in
evaluating the WesterFed  Financial  proposal and advising  Security  concerning
opportunities  for the sale of Security to WesterFed  Financial.  As part of its
engagement,  Montgomery  agreed,  if  requested  by  Security,  to render to the
Security  Board a fairness  opinion with respect to a potential sale of Security
to WesterFed Financial. Montgomery is a nationally recognized investment banking
firm and, as part of its investment banking activities,  is regularly engaged in
the valuation of  businesses  and their  securities  in  connection  with merger
transactions and other types of acquisitions,  negotiated underwritings, private
placements and valuations for corporate and other  purposes.  Security  selected
Montgomery to render the opinion on the basis of its experience and expertise in
transactions  similar  to the  Merger  and its  reputation  in the  banking  and
investment communities.


                                                                                
                                       25

<PAGE>



         At a meeting of the Security  Board on September  24, 1996,  Montgomery
delivered its oral opinion that the  consideration to be received by the holders
of  Security  Common  Stock  pursuant to the Merger  Agreement  was fair to such
shareholders  from a  financial  point of view as of the  date of such  opinion.
Montgomery's  oral opinion was  confirmed in a letter dated  September 24, 1996.
Montgomery has confirmed its opinion dated  September 24, 1996 by delivery of an
opinion dated the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.  No limitations
were imposed by Security on Montgomery with respect to the  investigations  made
or procedures followed in rendering its opinions.

         The full text of  Montgomery's  written  opinion to the Security Board,
dated  September  24,  1996,  which sets  forth the  assumptions  made,  matters
considered,  and limitations of the review by Montgomery,  is attached hereto as
Appendix III and is incorporated  herein by reference.  The following summary of
Montgomery's  opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text
of the  opinion,  which  should  be  read  carefully  and in  its  entirety.  In
furnishing  such  opinion,  Montgomery  does not admit that it is an expert with
respect   to  the   Registration   Statement   of   which   this   Joint   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is part within the meaning of the term "experts" as used in
the Securities Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations  promulgated
thereunder. Montgomery's opinion is addressed to the Security Board, covers only
the fairness of the  consideration  to be received by holders of Security Common
Stock from a financial  point of view as of the date of the opinion and does not
constitute  a  recommendation  to any holder of Security  Common Stock as to how
such stockholder should vote at the Annual Meeting.

         In connection  with its September 24, 1996 opinion,  Montgomery,  among
other things: (i) reviewed certain publicly  available  financial and other data
with  respect to  Security  and  WesterFed  Financial,  including  the  audited,
consolidated  financial  statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1994 and
1995  prepared in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles
("GAAP") as applied to financial  institutions,  audited consolidated  financial
statements  for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 prepared in accordance  with
GAAP,  and certain  other  relevant  financial  and  operating  data relating to
Security and WesterFed  Financial  made  available to Montgomery  from published
sources and from the internal records of Security and WesterFed Financial;  (ii)
reviewed the draft Merger  Agreement  dated  September 19, 1996;  (iii) reviewed
certain  publicly  available  information  concerning  the  trading  of, and the
trading market for, Security Common Stock and WesterFed  Financial Common Stock;
(iv) compared  WesterFed  Financial from a financial  point of view with certain
other companies in the thrift  industry that  Montgomery  deemed to be relevant;
(v)  considered  the  financial  terms,  to the extent  publicly  available,  of
selected recent business  combinations  that Montgomery deemed to be comparable,
in  whole  or  in  part,  to  the  Merger;  (vi)  reviewed  and  discussed  with
representatives  of the management of Security and WesterFed  Financial  certain
information of a business and financial nature regarding  Security and WesterFed
Financial,  furnished  to  Montgomery  by them,  including  financial  forecasts
prepared by their respective managements and related assumptions of Security and
WesterFed  Financial;   (vii)  made  inquiries  regarding,  and  discussed  with
Security's  counsel,  the  Merger  and the merger  Agreement  and other  matters
related  thereto;  and (viii)  performed such other analyses and examinations as
Montgomery deemed appropriate.

         In  connection  with its  review,  and with the  consent  of  Security,
Montgomery did not assume any obligation  independently  to verify the foregoing
information  and relied on such  information  being accurate and complete in all
material  respects.  With respect to the  financial  forecasts  for Security and
WesterFed  Financial  provided to  Montgomery by their  respective  managements,
Montgomery  assumed for purposes of its opinion and with Security's consent that
the forecasts were  reasonably  prepared on bases  reflecting the best currently
available  estimates and  judgments of their  respective  managements  as to the
future financial performance of Security and WesterFed Financial, and provided a
reasonable basis upon which  Montgomery could form its opinion.  Montgomery also
assumed  that  there  were  no  material  changes  in  Security's  or  WesterFed
Financial's  assets,  financial  condition,  results of operations,  business or
prospects  since the respective  dates of their last financial  statements  made
available to it.  Montgomery  assumed that the Merger would be  consummated in a
manner that  complies  in all  respects  with the  applicable  provision  of the
Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended  (the  "Securities  Act"),  the  Securities
Exchange

                                                                                
                                       26

<PAGE>



Act of 1934,  as amended,  Federal and state  regulations  relating to financial
institutions,  and all other  applicable  federal and state statutes,  rules and
regulations.

         In addition, Montgomery did not assume responsibility for reviewing any
individual  credit  files,  or making an  independent  evaluation,  appraisal or
physical  inspection  of  any  of  the  assets  or  liabilities  (contingent  or
otherwise) of Security or WesterFed Financial, nor was Montgomery furnished with
any such  appraisals.  Montgomery  is not an  expert in the  evaluation  of loan
portfolios  for purposes of assessing the adequacy of the  allowances for losses
with respect thereto,  and assumed that such allowances for each of Security and
WesterFed  Financial  are  in the  aggregate  adequate  to  cover  such  losses.
Montgomery  was  informed  that the Merger will be  accounted  for as a purchase
under  GAAP.  Finally,  Montgomery's  oral and  written  opinions  were based on
economic, monetary and market and other conditions as of September 24, 1996.

         Set  forth  below  is a  brief  summary  of  the  report  presented  by
Montgomery  to the  Security  Board  of  Directors  on  September  24,  1996  in
connection with its opinion.

         Analysis of  Selected  Merger  Transactions.  Montgomery  reviewed  the
consideration  paid in recently announced  transactions  whereby certain thrifts
and banks were  acquired.  Specifically,  Montgomery  reviewed  10  transactions
involving acquisitions of thrifts based in a region of the United States defined
as   "Western"   announced   after   January  1,  1995  (the   "Western   Thrift
Acquisitions"),  the acquisition of 18 selected  "Western" banks announced since
January 1, 1995 (the "Western Bank  Acquisitions"),  and the  acquisition  of 11
selected Montana  commercial banks announced since January 1, 1991 (the "Montana
Bank  Acquisitions").  No Montana thrift acquisitions were identified.  For each
thrift or bank  acquired  or to be  acquired  in such  transactions,  Montgomery
analyzed data illustrating,  among other things, the ratio of the premium (i.e.,
purchase  price in excess of  tangible  book value) to core  deposits,  purchase
price to deposits,  purchase  price to tangible book value and purchase price to
last twelve-months ("LTM") earnings.

         The  figures  for  the  Western  Thrift   Acquisitions,   Western  Bank
Acquisitions,  and Montana Bank Acquisitions produced,  respectively: (i) median
percentage  of premium to core deposits of 3.57%,  7.55% and 6.62%;  (ii) median
percentage  of purchase  price to deposits of 11.08%,  18.17% and 14.77%;  (iii)
median ratio of purchase price to tangible book value of 1.35, 1.77 and 1.68 and
(iv) median ratio of purchase price to LTM earnings of 9.55,  10.61,  and 11.11.
In comparison,  based upon a purchase price of $30.00 for each share of Security
Common Stock, Montgomery determined that the consideration to be received by the
holders of Security  Common  Stock in the Merger  represented  a  percentage  of
premium to core deposits of 7.16%,  a percentage of price to deposits of 15.82%,
a ratio  of  price  to  tangible  book  value  of 1.72  and a ratio  of price to
Security's LTM earnings for the twelve months ended June 30, 1996 of 17.98.

         Montgomery used a group of national thrift acquisitions announced since
January 1, 1995 with purchase  prices of between $20 million and $250 million to
analyze  premiums  paid  compared to the sellers'  stock price at various  times
prior to the announcement of the  acquisition.  These figures (a) for all of the
identified  transactions and (b) for those  transactions where the consideration
offered was a combination of stock and cash produced, respectively: (i) a median
premium to the seller's stock price one month prior to announcement of 28.0% and
17.4%;  (ii) a median  premium  to the  seller's  stock  price six days prior to
announcement  of 25.3% and 18.4%;  and (iii) a median  premium  to the  seller's
stock price the day prior to  announcement  of 21.4% and 15.1%.  In  comparison,
WesterFed  Financial's offer of $30.00 per share exceeded Security's stock price
one month prior to September  24, 1996 by 46.3%,  the stock price six days prior
to  September  24, 1996 by 46.3% and the stock price one day prior to  September
24, 1996 by 39.5%.

         No  other  company  or  transaction  used in the  above  analysis  as a
comparison is identical to Security or the Merger.  Accordingly,  an analysis of
the results of the foregoing is not  mathematical;  rather,  it involves complex
considerations and judgments  concerning  differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the companies and

                                                                                
                                       27

<PAGE>

other  factors  that could  affect the public  trading  value and the  announced
acquisition  prices of the companies to which  Security and the Merger are being
compared.

         Contribution Analysis.  Montgomery analyzed the contribution of each of
Security and WesterFed  Financial to, among other  things,  total equity,  total
tangible equity,  assets, fiscal year net income, loans and core deposits of the
pro forma  combined  companies  at or for the period  ended June 30,  1996,  and
projected  net income for the fiscal year ending June 30,  1996.  This  analysis
showed,  among other things, that based on pro forma combined balance sheets for
Security  and  WesterFed  Financial  at  June  30,  1996,  Security  would  have
contributed  28.1% of the  total  equity,  25.1% of  tangible  equity,  39.8% of
assets,  33.8% of loans and 45.1% of core deposits.  Pro forma income statements
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996,  indicated  that  Security  would have
contributed  35.8% of the net income.  Pro forma projected income statements for
the fiscal year ending June 30,  1997,  showed that  Security  would  contribute
42.0% of the net income.  Based upon analysis assuming an all stock transaction,
WesterFed Financial stock price of $15.50 and therefore an exchange ratio in the
Merger of 1.9355  shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock for each share of
Security Common Stock,  holders of Security Common Stock would own approximately
39.5% of the combined  companies  based on fully diluted  shares  outstanding on
September 24, 1996.

         Dilution  Analysis.  Using estimates of future earnings of Security and
WesterFed  Financial  prepared by Security  management  and WesterFed  Financial
management,  respectively,  Montgomery  compared the fiscal year 1997  estimated
earnings per share for  WesterFed  Financial  to the fiscal year 1997  estimated
earnings  per share of the  common  stock of the pro forma  combined  companies.
Based on an exchange ratio in the Merger of 1.9355 shares of WesterFed Financial
Common Stock for 45% of the shares of Security Common Stock, and $30.00 cash for
55% of the shares of Security Common Stock, the proposed  transaction would have
virtually no impact on WesterFed Financial's  estimated earnings.  This analysis
did not account for costs associated with the Merger or expense savings or other
synergies that may result from the Merger.

         Present  Value  Analysis.  In performing  the present  value  analysis,
Montgomery  estimated  the future  earnings per share and  dividend  payments of
Security over a four year period.  The estimated  earnings per share in the year
2000 was multiplied by an estimated price to earnings multiple ranging from 9.0x
to 13.0x. This product was then added to the cumulative  estimated dividends and
the sum of these two numbers was discounted to the present using a discount rate
of 14%. This  analysis  indicated  that the present  value of Security's  future
stock price plus dividends ranged from $21.72 to $30.13 per share.

         The  summary  set  forth  above  does  not  purport  to  be a  complete
description  of the  presentation  by Montgomery  to Security's  Board or of the
analyses  performed by Montgomery.  The preparation of a fairness opinion is not
necessarily  susceptible to partial analysis or summary description.  Montgomery
believes that its analyses and the summary set forth above must be considered as
a whole and that  selecting  a portion  of its  analyses  and  factors,  without
considering  all analyses and factors,  would create an  incomplete  view of the
process  underlying  the analyses set forth in its  presentation  to  Security's
Board.  In  addition,  Montgomery  did not provide  the Board with any  specific
weight that may have been given to various factors in its analyses, and may have
deemed various assumptions more or less probable than other assumptions, so that
the ranges of valuations  resulting from any particular analysis described above
should not be taken to be  Montgomery's  view of the actual value of Security or
the combined companies. The fact that any specific analysis has been referred to
in the  summary  above is not meant to  indicate  that such  analysis  was given
greater weight than any other analysis.

         In performing its analyses,  Montgomery made numerous  assumptions with
respect to industry  performance,  general business and economic  conditions and
other  matters,  may of which are beyond the control of  Security  or  WesterFed
Financial.  The analyses performed by Montgomery are not necessarily  indicative
of actual values or actual future results,  which may be  significantly  more or
less  favorable  than  suggested by such  analyses.  Such analyses were prepared
solely as part of Montgomery's  analysis of the fairness of the consideration to
be  received by the holders of  Security's  Common  Stock in the Merger and were
provided to  Security's  Board in connection  with the delivery of  Montgomery's
opinion.  The analyses do not purport to be  appraisals or to reflect the prices
at which

                                                                                
                                       28

<PAGE>

a company might actually be sold or the prices at which any securities may trade
at the present  time or any time in the  future.  The  projections  are based on
numerous  variables and assumptions which are inherently  unpredictable and must
be  considered  not certain of  occurrence  as  projected.  Accordingly,  actual
results could vary significantly from those set forth in such projections.

         As described above, Montgomery's opinion and presentation to Security's
Board were among the factors taken into  consideration  by  Security's  Board in
making its determination to approve the Merger Agreement.

         Pursuant to the Engagement Letter,  Security paid Montgomery a retainer
fee of $25,000 and a fee of $125,000  upon  delivery of its  September  24, 1996
fairness opinion.  Additionally,  Montgomery will receive approximately $360,000
upon the closing of the Merger. Security has also agreed to reimburse Montgomery
for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,  including any fees and disbursements
for  Montgomery's  legal  counsel  and other  experts  retained  by  Montgomery.
Security  has  agreed  to  indemnify  Montgomery,   its  affiliates,  and  their
respective partners,  directors,  officer,  agents,  consultants,  employees and
controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
federal  securities  laws.  Except for its  engagement  in  connection  with the
Merger,  over the past two years,  Montgomery  has not provided  any  investment
banking services or any other financial  advisory services to Security for which
any fee was paid.

         In the ordinary  course of its  business,  Montgomery  may trade equity
securities  of WesterFed  Financial and Security for its own account and for the
accounts of  customers  and,  accordingly,  may at any time hold a long or short
position in such securities.

Effective Time and Closing Date

         The Merger shall become effective at the time and on the date specified
in the  certificate  and  articles of merger to be filed with the  Secretary  of
State of Delaware and the Secretary of State of Montana (the "Effective  Time").
Such  filing  will  occur only after the  receipt  of all  requisite  regulatory
approvals and the approval of the WesterFed  Financial Proposal and the Security
Proposals  by  the  requisite  vote  of  WesterFed  Financial's  and  Security's
respective  stockholders  and the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions
to the Merger.  The closing of the Merger will be held on a date mutually agreed
upon by WesterFed  Financial and Security ("Closing Date"). In the absence of an
agreement,  the closing will be held on the tenth business day after the last to
occur of: (i) the receipt of all consents and approvals of government regulatory
authorities  as legally  required to consummate the Merger and the expiration of
all applicable statutory waiting periods, and (ii) the requisite approval of the
Merger by the stockholders of Security and WesterFed Financial.

         Security.  Security's  Board of Directors has duly adopted and approved
the  Merger  Agreement  and  the  transactions   contemplated  thereby  and  has
determined  that the Merger is fair to, and in the best  interests of,  Security
and its stockholders.  Security's Board of Directors therefore recommends a vote
FOR  approval of the matters  presented  at the  Security  Annual  Meeting.  One
director,  Stephen C.  Sandels  who owns 100  shares of  Security,  has  advised
Security that he voted against  approval of the Merger  Agreement based upon his
stated view that (i) the financial terms of WesterFed  Financial's  merger offer
are  insufficient,  and the stockholders of Security Bank would be better served
if the offer were rejected and Security remained  independent,  (ii) the Special
Committee  and its  professional  advisors  should  have tried  harder to obtain
higher  values for the  consideration  to be  received  by the  stockholders  of
Security  in the  merger,  including  the  solicitation  of  offers  from  other
prospective acquirors, (iii) the terms of the "lock-up" stock options granted to
WesterFed Financial are unfair and not in the best interests of Security and its
stockholders  and (iv) the severance  payments to be made to David W.  Jorgenson
and Elaine F. Hine in  connection  with the  merger,  despite  their  continuing
employment by WesterFed, are improper and unfair.

         For a  discussion  of the factors  considered  by  Security's  Board of
Directors  in reaching its  decision to approve the Merger  Agreement,  see "The
Merger--Background  of and Reasons for the Merger" and "--Security's Reasons for
the Merger".

                                                                                
                                       29
<PAGE>



Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

         The directors and executive  officers of Security,  together with their
affiliates,  beneficially  owned a total of 164,372  shares of  Security  Common
Stock (representing  approximately  10.57% of all outstanding shares of Security
Common  Stock) as of the  Security  Record Date.  The  directors  and  executive
officers  will receive the same  consideration  in the Merger for their  shares,
including any shares that they may acquire prior to the Effective  Time pursuant
to the exercise of stock  options,  as the other  stockholders  of Security.  As
described  below,  certain  members of Security's  management  team and Board of
Directors have  interests in the Merger that are in addition to their  interests
as  stockholders of Security  generally.  The Board of Directors of Security was
aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters,  in approving
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

         Indemnification/Insurance.  The Merger Agreement  provides that for the
six-year  period  following  the  Effective  Time,   WesterFed   Financial  will
indemnify,  defend,  and hold harmless the officers,  directors and employees of
Security and Security Bank against  claims  arising out of  pre-Merger  acts and
omissions,  including  claims  related to the  Merger,  to the extent  that such
persons were entitled to  indemnification  under Montana law and the Articles of
Incorporation  and Bylaws of  Security.  Any  determination  required to be made
regarding whether a person's conduct complies with the standards set forth under
Montana law and the  Articles of  Incorporation  and Bylaws of Security  will be
made by independent  counsel mutually agreed upon by WesterFed Financial and the
indemnitee.  WesterFed Financial will also cause the persons serving as officers
and directors of Security and Security Bank  immediately  prior to the Merger to
be  covered  for  pre-Merger  acts or  omissions  for a  six-year  period by the
directors' and officers' liability insurance policies of WesterFed Financial and
Western Bank,  provided that the additional premium cost to WesterFed  Financial
does not exceed 300% of Security's  present  annual  premium cost,  and that the
insurance  is  available.  WesterFed  Financial  may  also  substitute  or cause
Security to substitute single premium tail coverage with a policy limit equal to
Security's existing annual coverage limit.

         Directors and Officers.  The Merger Agreement provides that two current
members of Security's Board of Directors,  selected by WesterFed Financial after
consulting  with  Security's  Board of  Directors,  shall serve as  directors of
WesterFed Financial after the Effective Time. In addition,  the Merger Agreement
provides that one current officer of Security,  selected by WesterFed  Financial
after  consulting  with the Board of Directors  of  Security,  shall serve as an
officer of WesterFed Financial after the Effective Time.

         Employment  Agreements.   Western  Bank  has  entered  into  employment
agreements with Messrs.  David W. Jorgenson,  Stanley R. Hill, Scott W. Sanders,
James M. Pieters,  and Mark L. Bauer and with Ms. Elaine F. Hine,  each of which
employment agreements becomes effective upon consummation of the Merger.

         Under the terms of Mr.  Jorgenson's  employment  agreement with Western
Bank,  he will  serve  as  Executive  Vice  President  of  Western  Bank for the
three-year period following the Effective Time. Mr.  Jorgenson's  initial annual
base salary under the agreement will be $160,200. The agreement further provides
that Mr.  Jorgenson will be eligible to participate in employee benefit plans in
which the  continuing  employees of Security  Bank are  entitled to  participate
after the Merger.  Mr.  Jorgenson  also will have use of an automobile  owned by
Western  Bank. If Mr.  Jorgenson's  employment is terminated by Western Bank and
such  termination does not constitute a "termination for cause" (as that term is
defined in the employment agreement),  he will be entitled to receive his salary
then in effect and  certain  employee  benefits  for the  remaining  term of the
agreement,  unless such termination  occurs within 12 months following a "change
in control" of Western Bank (as that term is defined in the agreement), in which
case he will be  entitled  to  receive  his salary  then in effect  and  certain
employee  benefits for the longer of the  remaining  term of the agreement or 18
months after termination. In the event that Western Bank materially breaches the
employment  agreement or upon the  occurrence of certain other events that would
adversely affect his employment, Mr. Jorgenson will be entitled to terminate his
employment  with  Western Bank and receive his salary then in effect and certain
employee benefits for the remaining term of the agreement.


                                                                                
                                       30

<PAGE>



         Under  the  terms  of his  employment  agreement,  Mr.  Jorgenson  must
maintain the confidential  nature of information  regarding Western Bank and its
clients that is not available to the general  public.  Further,  for a period of
three years  following the  termination of his employment with Western Bank, Mr.
Jorgenson   cannot  attempt  to  solicit  other  employees  to  terminate  their
employment with Western Bank.  During this three-year  period,  Mr. Jorgenson is
also prohibited from attempting to solicit any banking-related business from any
person or entity that is or was a client,  employee, or customer of Western Bank
and who dealt with either Mr. Jorgenson or employees under his supervision.  The
employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Jorgenson voluntarily  terminates
his employment with Western Bank or is terminated for cause, for a period of one
year, he cannot participate in the ownership,  management,  operation or control
of, nor be employed by or connected in any manner with any financial institution
having an office  located within twenty miles of any office of Western Bank. The
non-compete provision does not prevent Mr. Jorgenson from purchasing, solely for
investment,  not more than 5% of the stock of a  financial  institution  that is
traded on a securities  exchange or actively traded in  over-the-counter  market
and registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

         Mr. Jorgenson's employment agreement also provides that, on the date on
which the Merger is consummated, WesterFed Financial will grant to Mr. Jorgenson
under the WesterFed  Financial  Corporation 1993 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
(the "Plan")  options to purchase  12,000 shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common
Stock at an exercise price equal to the market value of a share of the WesterFed
Financial Common Stock on such date (the "Initial Options"). The Initial Options
will vest based on  Continuous  Service  (as defined in the Plan) at the rate of
20% per year over the five years following the date of the grant. If a change in
control or merger,  consolidation  or  combination  of WesterFed  Financial into
another  corporation  occurs,  vesting of the Initial Options will accelerate in
the same manner as options  granted to WesterFed  Financial  executive  officers
under the Plan prior to the Merger. In addition,  Mr. Jorgenson will be entitled
to  receive  options  to  purchase  an  additional  30,000  shares of  WesterFed
Financial  Common  Stock at an exercise  price equal to the market  value on the
date of grant if the shareholders of WesterFed  Financial  authorize an increase
in the number of shares to be awarded  under the Plan,  or if they approve a new
stock option plan for WesterFed Financial  executive officers.  These additional
30,000  options  will  vest on the  same  schedule  and be  subject  to the same
acceleration provisions that are applicable to the Initial Options.

         Ms.  Hine's  employment  agreement  with Western Bank provides that she
will serve as a Senior Vice  President of Western Bank for a period of two years
following  the  Effective  Time.  Ms. Hine will receive an annual base salary of
$76,648 and non-exclusive use of a car owned by Western Bank, and be entitled to
participate  in all retirement  and employee  benefit plans in which  continuing
employees of Security and Security  Bank are entitled to  participate  after the
Effective Time. If Ms. Hine's  employment is terminated by Western Bank and such
termination  does not  constitute  a  "termination  for  cause" (as that term is
defined in the employment agreement), she will be entitled to receive her salary
then in effect  for the  remaining  term of the  agreement.  In the  event  that
Western Bank materially breaches her employment agreement or upon the occurrence
of certain other events that would  adversely  affect her  employment,  Ms. Hine
will be entitled to terminate her  employment  with Western Bank and receive her
salary then in effect for the remaining term of the agreement.

         Under the  terms of their  employment  agreements  with  Western  Bank,
Messrs.  Hill and Sanders will each serve as a Senior Vice  President of Western
Bank for a period  of two years  following  the  Effective  Time.  In  addition,
Messrs.  Hill and  Sanders  will each serve as  Commercial  Lending  Officers of
Western Bank during such  two-year  period.  Messrs.  Hill and Sanders will each
receive an annual base salary of $71,500 and non-exclusive use of a car owned by
Western Bank,  and be entitled to  participate  in all  retirement  and employee
benefit  plans in which  continuing  employees of Security and Security Bank are
entitled  to  participate  after the  Effective  Time.  If  either  individual's
employment  is  terminated  by  Western  Bank  and  such  termination  does  not
constitute a "termination  for cause" (as that term is defined in the employment
agreement),  he will be  entitled  to receive  his salary then in effect for the
remaining term of the agreement, unless such termination occurs within 12 months
following a "change in control"  (as that term is defined in the  agreement)  of
Western  Bank, in which case he is entitled to receive his salary then in effect
for the remaining term of the agreement. In the event that Western Bank

                                                                                
                                       31

<PAGE>



materially  breaches the employment  agreement or upon the occurrence of certain
other events that would adversely  affect his employment,  each of Messrs.  Hill
and Sanders will be entitled to terminate his  employment  with Western Bank and
receive his salary then in effect for the remaining term of the agreement. Under
the terms of their  employment  agreements with Western Bank,  Messrs.  Hill and
Sanders  forfeited  their  severance  rights under their  respective  employment
agreements with Security Bank.

         Mr. Pieters' employment agreement provides that he will serve as a Vice
President and branch manager of Western Bank for a two-year period following the
Effective  Time,  with a base salary of $67,118,  and a monthly car allowance of
$300. Mr.  Bauer's  employment  agreement  provides that he will serve as a Vice
President of Western for a two-year period  following the Effective Time, with a
base  salary of $52,000.  Each of Messrs.  Pieters and Bauer will be entitled to
participate  in all  employee  benefit  plans in which  continuing  employees of
Security  and  Security  Bank are  entitled to  participate  and, if  terminated
without cause,  to receive their salary then in effect for the remaining term of
the employment  agreement.  If Ms.  Engelhaupt  accepts  employment with Western
Bank, it is presently  expected that her employment  will be on terms similar to
her existing employment contract.

         Existing  Severance  Arrangements.  On  June  19,  1995,  Security  and
Security Bank  (collectively,  the "Company") entered into a one-year employment
agreement with Mr. David W. Jorgenson, the President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company,  and that agreement was renewed for an additional  one-year term
on March 25, 1996.  Security Bank also is a party to employment  agreements with
certain other individuals, including Ms. Elaine F. Hine, a Senior Vice President
of Security  Bank,  and Ms. Karen S.  Engelhaupt,  a Vice  President of Security
Bank.  Each of these  employment  agreements  contains  provisions for severance
benefits upon a "change in control" (as that term is defined in the agreements).

         The  Company's  severance  payment  obligations  under Mr.  Jorgenson's
employment  agreement  are triggered if (i) the Company (for other than cause or
Mr. Jorgenson's death or disability) or Mr. Jorgenson  terminates his employment
within three years after a change in control, or (ii) the Company terminates Mr.
Jorgenson's  employment  (for  other  than  cause  or Mr.  Jorgenson's  death or
disability) on or after the date that any party  announces or is required by law
to  announce  any  prospective  change in  control  transaction  and a change in
control  occurs  within one year after such  termination;  or (iii) the  Company
substantially changes Mr. Jorgenson's position, duty,  responsibility or status.
Upon the occurrence of any of these events,  Mr. Jorgenson will be entitled to a
severance  benefit  consisting  of a single  payment in an amount equal to three
times his annual  salary (the  "Jorgenson  Severance  Payment")  and  continuing
employee benefits for two years following the change in control, less the amount
of any compensation  received by Mr. Jorgenson from the Company or its successor
following the change in control. The amount of Mr. Jorgenson's severance benefit
is subject to limitation  under Section  280G(b)(2)(A)  of the Internal  Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.  Mr. Jorgenson's current annual salary for purposes of
the severance provisions of his employment agreement is $210,000.

         A "change in control"  for the purposes of Mr.  Jorgenson's  employment
agreement  means any of the following  events:  (i) a takeover of the Company by
another entity by purchase or merger;  (ii) a purchase of substantially  all the
assets of the Company; (iii) the acquisition of more than 50% of the outstanding
common stock or combined voting power of the Company's  outstanding  securities;
or (iv) a change in the  composition  of the board of  directors  of the Company
during  any  three-year  period  that  results  in less than a  majority  of the
original  directors  serving on the board,  unless the election or nomination of
each new director was approved by at least  two-thirds of the directors still in
office who were directors at the beginning of the three-year period.

         The Company's severance payment obligations under Ms. Hine's employment
agreement  are  triggered if her  employment is terminated by Security Bank as a
result of a change in  control.  Upon any such  termination,  subject to certain
limitations,  Security  Bank is obligated to continue to pay Ms. Hine her annual
salary of $76,648 for a period of 24 months  following  the date of  termination
(the  "Hine  Severance  Payments").   For  purposes  of  Ms.  Hine's  employment
agreement,  a  "change  of  control"  is  defined  as  the  direct  or  indirect
acquisition of more than 25% of the voting stock of Security.


                                                                                
                                       32

<PAGE>



         Under  the  terms of its  employment  agreement  with  Ms.  Engelhaupt,
Security Bank is obligated to continue payment of Ms. Engelhaupt's annual salary
of $37,013 for a period of 24 months following termination of employment if such
termination is the result of a "change in control". The definition of "change in
control" is identical to the definition used in Ms. Hine's employment agreement.

         Consummation  of the Merger  will  constitute  a change in control  for
purposes of the  employment  agreements  with Mr.  Jorgenson,  Ms. Hine, and Ms.
Engelhaupt.  In  order to  induce  Mr.  Jorgenson  and Ms.  Hine to  enter  into
employment  agreements with it, Western Bank has agreed that consummation of the
Merger will be deemed to be an event that  triggers  severance  payments to each
such  individual  under the terms of their existing  employment  agreements with
Security  Bank,  without  reduction for any  compensation  to be received by Mr.
Jorgenson or Ms. Hine under their new employment  agreements  with Western Bank.
Accordingly, immediately prior to consummation of the Merger, Security Bank will
pay to Mr. Jorgenson and Ms. Hine severance benefits consisting of the Jorgenson
Severance Payment and the Hine Severance Payments, respectively.

         Conversion/Early  Vesting of Security Stock Options. Under the terms of
the Merger Agreement, all Security Stock Options (as that term is defined in the
Merger  Agreement) will, at the election of the holder,  become fully vested and
exercisable  for cash as of the Effective Time or be converted into the right to
receive  options  to  purchase  WesterFed   Financial  Common  Stock.  See  "The
Merger--Effect on Employees and Employee Benefit Plans of Security".

         See  "Election  of  Security  Directors--Executive   Compensation"  and
"--Employment Contracts".

Effect on Employees and Employee Benefit Plans of Security

         The  Merger  Agreement   provides  that  to  the  extent  permitted  by
applicable law,  employees of Security and Security Bank who become employees of
WesterFed  Financial  or its  subsidiaries  (the  "Continuing  Employees")  will
continue to  participate  in Security  Benefit Plans (as that term is defined in
the Merger Agreement).  If WesterFed Financial or its subsidiaries terminates or
amends a Security Benefit Plan in a manner that adversely affects the Continuing
Employees,  WesterFed  Financial or its subsidiaries will provide the Continuing
Employees with benefits that are substantially  equivalent to the benefits being
received by other  similarly  situated  employees of WesterFed  Financial or its
subsidiaries  under  comparable  plans  then  in  effect.   Subject  to  certain
exceptions, neither WesterFed Financial nor its subsidiaries will have the right
to amend any  Security  Qualified  Plan (as that term is  defined  in the Merger
Agreement)  in a manner that  adversely  affects the  benefits of  participants.
WesterFed Financial and its subsidiaries may terminate a Security Qualified Plan
or merge it into a WesterFed  Financial  Qualified Plan (as that term is defined
in the Merger Agreement) in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. All
Continuing  Employees who become  participants in a WesterFed  Financial Benefit
Plan (as that term is defined in the Merger  Agreement)  will receive credit for
past service with Security and its subsidiaries when determining  eligibility to
participate  in and the  vesting of benefits  (but not the accrual of  benefits)
under the WesterFed  Financial  Benefit Plan.  Continuing  Employees will not be
excluded or penalized for  pre-existing  conditions  that were covered under the
Security  health plan  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time,  nor will any
waiting period  relating to coverage under the WesterFed  Financial  health plan
apply, subject to the carrier's policies.

         Under the Merger Agreement, each Security Stock Option (as that term is
defined in the Merger Agreement)  outstanding and unexercised  immediately prior
to the Effective  Time and held by a  non-employee  of Security or Security Bank
shall  be  converted  automatically  as of the  Effective  Time  into a right to
receive  from  WesterFed  Financial  a cash  payment  in an amount  equal to the
product of (a) the number of shares of  Security  Common  Stock  subject to such
option  immediately  prior to the Effective Time, and (b) the excess, if any, of
$30 over the exercise price per share of such option, net of any cash which must
be withheld under income and employment tax requirements.


                                                                                
                                       33

<PAGE>



         In addition,  the Merger  Agreement  provides that each Security  Stock
Option that is outstanding  and unexercised  immediately  prior to the Effective
Time and held by an  employee of  Security  or  Security  Bank  shall,  upon the
election of the holder (the "Option Election"), be converted automatically as of
the  Effective  Time into a right to receive from  WesterFed  Financial the cash
payment described in the preceding  paragraph or an option to purchase shares of
WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock on the same terms as those  applicable to the
Security Stock Option  immediately  prior to the Effective Time, except that (i)
each converted option will be exercisable only for shares of WesterFed Financial
Common  Stock,  (ii) the number of shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock
subject  to the  converted  option  shall be equal to the  number  of  shares of
Security Common Stock subject to the Security Stock Option  immediately prior to
the Effective  Time  multiplied by the Exchange  Ratio,  and (iii) the per-share
exercise  price under each  converted  option  shall be adjusted by dividing the
per-share  exercise price of the Security Stock Option by the Exchange Ratio. If
a holder of Security Stock Options fails to make the Option Election, the holder
will be deemed to have  elected  to  receive  an  option to  purchase  shares of
WesterFed Financial Common Stock.

Dissenters' Rights

         The  following is a brief  summary of the  statutory  procedures  to be
followed  by a holder of  Security  Common  Stock in order to  dissent  from the
Merger and obtain payment of fair value under the Montana  Business  Corporation
Act  ("MBCA").  This  summary is not intended to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to Section 35-1-827,  the text of which is attached as
Appendix VI to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

         If any holder of Security  Common  Stock  elects to exercise his or her
right to dissent  from the Merger,  such  stockholder  must  satisfy each of the
following conditions:

                  (i) such  stockholder  must deliver a written notice to demand
         payment to Security  before the  stockholder  vote with  respect to the
         Merger  Agreement (the written demand for payment  must  be in addition
         to and separate  from any proxy or vote  against the Merger  Agreement;
         neither voting  against,  abstaining from voting nor failing to vote on
         the Merger  Agreement  will  constitute a demand for payment within the
         meaning of Section 35-1-827);

                  (ii)  such  stockholder  must not vote in favor of the  Merger
         Agreement (a failure to vote will satisfy this requirement,  but a vote
         in favor of the Merger Agreement,  by proxy or in person, or the return
         of a signed  proxy which does not specify a vote  against  approval and
         adoption  of the Merger  Agreement  or a  direction  to  abstain,  will
         constitute a waiver of such  stockholder's  right of demand for payment
         and will nullify any previously  filed written  demand for  appraisal);
         and

                  (iii) such stockholder must continuously hold such shares from
         the date of the making of the demand through the Effective Time.

         If any holder of  Security  Common  Stock  fails to comply  with any of
these conditions and the Merger becomes effective, he or she will be entitled to
receive the  consideration  provided in the Merger  Agreement,  and will have no
dissenters' rights with respect to his or her shares of Security Common Stock.

         All written  demands for  appraisal  should be addressed  to:  Security
Bancorp, 219 N. 26th Street, Billings, Montana 59101, Attention: Elaine F. Hine,
Secretary,  before the taking of the vote concerning the Merger Agreement at the
Security Annual Meeting,  and should be executed by, or on behalf of, the holder
of record.  Such demand must  reasonably  inform Security of the identity of the
stockholder and that such stockholder is thereby demanding payment of his or her
shares.


                                                                                
                                       34

<PAGE>



         To be  effective,  a demand for payment  must be executed by or for the
stockholder  of record who held such shares on the date of making  such  demand,
and who  continuously  holds such shares through the Effective  Time,  fully and
correctly, as such stockholder's name appears on his or her stock certificate(s)
and can be made by the  beneficial  owner if he or she  does  not also  hold the
shares of record  with the record  holder's  written  consent to the dissent not
later than the time the beneficial  shareholder  asserts dissenter's rights, and
only if the demand is made with  respect to all shares of which he or she is the
beneficial shareholder or over which he or she has power to direct the vote.

         Within ten days after the Effective Time,  WesterFed  Financial (as the
surviving   corporation  in  the  Merger)  must  give  written  notice  to  each
stockholder  who so filed a written  demand for  payment and who did not vote in
favor of the Merger  Agreement  as to where the payment  demand must be sent and
where and when certificates for share must be deposited. In addition,  WesterFed
Financial must inform stockholders of uncertified shares to what extent transfer
of shares will be restricted  after the payment is received,  must supply a form
for  demanding  payment and must set a date by which it must receive the payment
demand.  Such  date may not be fewer  than 30 days nor more  than 60 days of the
date the  stockholder  notice is delivered.  WesterFed  Financial must provide a
copy of the applicable  section in its  correspondence.  Any stockholder  sent a
dissenters'  notice payment may demand in writing from  WesterFed  Financial the
payment of his or her shares of Security  Common  Stock so long as such  demands
comply  with  the  terms of the  notice  with  respect  to the  deposit  of such
certificates.

         Upon the receipt of a payment demand,  WesterFed  Financial must within
60  days  pay  to  each  dissenter  complying  with  the  applicable   statutory
requirements,  the amount the corporation  estimates to be the fair value of the
dissenter's shares plus accrued interest.  WesterFed Financial must include with
such  payment  (i) its  balance  sheet as of the last  fiscal  year,  its income
statement,  a statement of shareholders' equity and the latest available interim
financial statements;  (ii) a statement of its estimate of the fair value of the
shares;  (iii)  an  explanation  of how  the  interest  was  calculated;  (iv) a
statement of dissenter's  right to demand  payment  pursuant to Montana law; and
(v) a copy of the applicable statutes regarding dissenter's rights. If WesterFed
Financial  does not take action  within 60 days after the date set for demanding
payment  and  depositing  certificates,  WesterFed  Financial  must  return  the
deposited certificates.

         If the Security  Stockholder is dissatisfied with the payment or offer,
the  stockholder  must send written  notification  of their own estimate of fair
value and the amount of interest  due if (i) the  dissenter  believes the amount
paid or offered is less than fair value; (ii) WesterFed  Financial fails to make
payment within 60 days; or a Security  stockholder  who fails to provide written
notice of dissent  within 30 days after  WesterFed  Financial  makes an offer of
payment,  receives  his or her  right to  demand  payment;  or  (iii)  WesterFed
Financial  fails to take  action  within  60 days and the  certificates  are not
returned.

         If a demand for payment  remains  unsettled,  WesterFed  Financial must
within 60 days  petition the [court] to  determine  fair value of the shares and
accrued interest.  If WesterFed Financial fails to commence proceedings with the
court,  it must pay each  dissenter  whose demand  remains  unsettled the amount
demanded.

         Failure  to  comply  strictly  with  these  procedures  will  cause the
stockholder to lose his or her dissenters' rights. Consequently, any stockholder
who  desires to  exercise  his or her  dissenters'  rights is urged to consult a
legal advisor before attempting to exercise such rights.

Fractional Shares

         No certificates  representing  fractional shares of WesterFed Financial
Common  Stock will be issued upon the  surrender  for  exchange of  certificates
representing  Security  Common Stock,  no dividend or  distribution of WesterFed
Financial  will  relate to any  fractional  shares,  and such  fractional  share
interests  will not  entitle  the owner  thereof  to vote or to any  rights of a
stockholder of WesterFed Financial. Each stockholder of Security who would

                                                                                
                                       35

<PAGE>



be entitled to a  fractional  share in the Merger  will  receive a cash  payment
(without  interest)  equal  to  the  product  achieved  when  such  fraction  is
multiplied by $30.00 rounded to the nearest cent.

Exchange of Certificates

         After the Effective  Time,  holders of  certificates of Security Common
Stock shall cease to have rights with  respect to such  certificates,  and their
sole rights shall be to exchange such certificates for the Merger Consideration.

         As soon as  practicable  after the Effective  Time,  an exchange  agent
appointed by WesterFed  Financial  (the  "Exchange  Agent") will deliver to each
Security  holder of record of a  certificate  or  certificates,  which as of the
Effective  Time  represented  outstanding  shares of Security  Common Stock (the
"Certificates"),   a  transmittal   letter  and   instructions  to  be  used  in
surrendering  Certificates  in exchange for (i)  certificates  representing  the
number of shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock into which their shares of
Security Common Stock were converted pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  and (ii)
a check  representing the amount of cash in lieu of fractional  shares,  if any,
and unpaid dividends and  distributions,  if any, which such stockholder has the
right to receive in respect of the  Certificates  surrendered in connection with
the  Merger.  No  interest  will  be  paid  or  accrued  on the  cash in lieu of
fractional shares or on the unpaid dividends and distributions,  if any, payable
to holders of Security Common Stock.

         SECURITY   STOCKHOLDERS   SHOULD  NOT  FORWARD  THEIR   SECURITY  STOCK
CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY RECEIVE THE TRANSMITTAL LETTER AND INSTRUCTIONS.

         Until such  surrender for the Merger  Consideration  and subject to the
effect,  if any, of applicable law, the Certificates  will thereafter  represent
ownership of the number of shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock into which
such shares were  converted  in the Merger,  and the holders will be entitled to
all rights and privileges of holders of WesterFed Financial Common Stock, except
that holders of  Certificates  will not be entitled to receive  dividends or any
other  distributions  declared by WesterFed Financial until the Certificates are
so surrendered.  Following  surrender of the Certificates in accordance with the
terms of the Merger Agreement,  the holders of newly-issued  WesterFed Financial
certificates   will  be  paid,   without   interest,   any  dividends  or  other
distributions  with respect to the shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock,
and the record date for which is after the  Effective  Time (less any taxes that
may have been imposed thereon).

         After the Effective Time,  holders of unsurrendered  Certificates shall
be entitled to vote at any meeting of WesterFed Financial  stockholders at which
holders of WesterFed Financial Common Stock are eligible to vote,  regardless of
whether  such  holders  have  exchanged  their  Certificates.   Any  Certificate
representing  shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock to be issued in a name
other than that in which the Certificate is registered must be properly endorsed
and  otherwise  in proper  form for  transfer,  and the holder  requesting  such
exchange  must pay to the Exchange  Agent in advance any transfer or other taxes
in connection therewith.

         In the event any Certificate has been lost,  stolen or destroyed,  upon
the mailing of an affidavit of that fact by the holder of such  Certificate  and
the posting of any bond required by WesterFed  Financial or the Exchange  Agent,
WesterFed  Financial or the Exchange  Agent will issue for such lost,  stolen or
destroyed  Certificate,  the  shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock and
deliver cash in lieu of fractional  shares due to the holder of such Certificate
under the terms of the Merger Agreement.

         After the  Effective  Time,  there will be no further  transfers on the
records of Security of the Certificates  and, if such Certificates are presented
to WesterFed Financial for transfer,  they will be cancelled against delivery of
certificates for WesterFed Financial Common Stock.

                                                                                
                                       36

<PAGE>



Representations and Warranties

         In the Merger  Agreement  each of Security and WesterFed  Financial has
made certain customary  representations  and warranties relating to, among other
things, the parties' respective organization,  capitalization,  qualification to
do business and compliance with applicable law, authority relative to the Merger
Agreement, the timely filing of all regulatory reports, reliability of financial
statements, taxes, employee benefit plans, compliance, the truth and accuracy of
information  prepared and provided by them in  connection  with the Merger,  the
absence  of certain  legal  proceedings  and other  events,  including  material
adverse changes in the parties'  business,  financial  condition,  operations or
properties. For detailed information on such representations and warranties, see
the Merger Agreement attached hereto as Appendix I.

Conditions to the Merger

         The  respective  obligations  of Security  and  WesterFed  Financial to
consummate  the  Merger  are  subject  to the  fulfillment  at or  prior  to the
Effective Time of the following  conditions:  (i) the Merger  Agreement has been
approved by the  requisite  vote of the holders of  WesterFed  Financial  Common
Stock and the Merger Agreement shall have been approved by the requisite vote of
the  stockholders  of Security;  (ii) the shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common
Stock to be issued to  Security  stockholders  upon  consummation  of the Merger
shall have been  authorized for inclusion on the Nasdaq/NMS  subject to official
notice of issuance; (iii) all requisite regulatory approvals of the Merger shall
have been  obtained  and shall  remain in full  force  and  effect  without  the
imposition of any condition which differs from conditions customarily imposed by
regulatory authorities in orders approving acquisitions of the type contemplated
by the Merger  Agreement and compliance  with which would  materially  adversely
affect the reasonably  anticipated benefits of the Merger to WesterFed Financial
or Western Bank, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired; (iv) the
Registration  Statement  relating to the shares of  WesterFed  Financial  Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger shall have been  declared  effective  and shall
not be subject to a stop order or any  threatened  stop  order;  and (v) neither
WesterFed  Financial  nor  Security  shall be subject  to any  order,  decree or
injunction  of a court or agency of  competent  jurisdiction  which  enjoins  or
prohibits the  consummation of the Merger and no governmental  entity shall have
enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced any statute, rule, regulation,  order,
injunction or decree which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal consummation of
the Merger.

         In addition,  the  obligation of WesterFed  Financial to consummate the
Merger is  subject  to the  satisfaction  by  Security  or  waiver by  WesterFed
Financial of the following conditions: (i) the representations and warranties of
Security  contained  in the Merger  Agreement  shall be true and  correct in all
material  respects on the date of the Merger  Agreement  and as of the Effective
Time;  (ii)  Security  shall  have  performed  in  all  material   respects  all
obligations  required to be  performed  by it under the Merger  Agreement  at or
prior to the Effective Time;  (iii)  WesterFed  Financial shall have received an
opinion from counsel to Security dated the Closing Date regarding  certain legal
matters;  (iv) Security shall not have  experienced a "Material  Adverse Effect"
(as  defined  below);  and  (v)  WesterFed   Financial  shall  have  received  a
Certificate of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Security  certifying
certain matters in the Merger Agreement.

         In addition,  the  obligation of Security to  consummate  the Merger is
subject to the satisfaction by WesterFed  Financial or waiver by Security of the
following  conditions:  (i) the  representations  and  warranties  of  WesterFed
Financial  contained  in the Merger  Agreement  shall be true and correct in all
material  respects on the date of the Merger  Agreement  and as of the Effective
Time; (ii) WesterFed Financial shall have performed in all material respects all
obligations  required to be  performed  by it under the Merger  Agreement  at or
prior to the Effective Time;  (iii) Security shall have received an opinion from
counsel to WesterFed  Financial  dated the Closing Date regarding  certain legal
matters;  and (iv)  WesterFed  Financial  shall not have  experienced a Material
Adverse Effect.

         For purposes of the Merger Agreement, a "Material Adverse Effect" means
any condition,  event, change or occurrence,  or series of the foregoing,  which
has had,  or is  reasonably  likely to have,  a material  adverse  effect on the
business,  properties,  assets, liabilities,  results of operations or financial
condition of WesterFed Financial

                                                                                
                                       37

<PAGE>

and its  subsidiaries  or Security  and its  subsidiaries,  taken as a whole.  A
Material  Adverse  Effect  shall not include a change with respect to, or effect
on, either WesterFed  Financial or Security  resulting from (i) a change in law,
rule,  regulation,   generally  accepted  accounting  principles  or  regulatory
accounting  principles  applicable  to the  financial  statements  of  WesterFed
Financial  or  Security  or (ii) a change  in  general  economic  conditions  or
prevailing interest and deposit rates, or any other matter affecting  depository
institutions or their holding companies generally.

Regulatory Approvals

         The  Merger  is  subject  to the  approval  of  the  Office  of  Thrift
Supervision (the "OTS").  WesterFed  Financial filed an application for approval
of the Merger with the OTS on November ___, 1996, and anticipates  obtaining the
approval of the OTS in the first  quarter of 1997.  There can be no assurance as
to the timing of such approval or that the OTS will approve the Merger.

         It is a  condition  to the  consummation  of the  Merger  that  the OTS
approval be obtained  on terms which do not differ from  conditions  customarily
imposed in orders approving  acquisitions of the type contemplated by the Merger
Agreement  and  compliance  with which  would  materially  adversely  affect the
reasonably anticipated benefits of the Merger to WesterFed Financial.  There can
be no assurance  that any such  approval will not contain  terms,  conditions or
requirements  which cause such approval to fail to satisfy such condition to the
consummation of the Merger. See "--Conditions to the Merger."

         In  addition,  under  federal  law,  a period  of 30 days  (subject  to
reduction  in 15 days) must expire  following  approval by the OTS within  which
period the United States Department of Justice (the "Department of Justice") may
file  objections to the Merger under the federal  antitrust laws. The Department
of Justice could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary
or  desirable  in the public  interest,  including  seeking to enjoin the Merger
unless  divestiture  of an  acceptable  number of  branches  to a  competitively
suitable  purchaser could be made. While WesterFed  Financial  believes that the
likelihood  of such action by the  Department of Justice is remote in this case,
there can be no assurance  that the Department of Justice will not initiate such
a proceeding.

Waiver and Amendment; Termination

         Prior to the  Effective  Time,  the Boards of  Directors  of  WesterFed
Financial and Security may by written action (i) extend the time for performance
of any  obligations or other acts required by the Merger  Agreement;  (ii) waive
any inaccuracies in the representations  and warranties  contained in the Merger
Agreement or in any document  delivered  pursuant to the Merger  Agreement;  and
(iii) waive compliance with any agreements or conditions contained in the Merger
Agreement.  Subject  to  applicable  law,  any of the  provisions  of the Merger
Agreement  may be amended or  modified by action of the Boards of  Directors  of
WesterFed  Financial  and  Security at any time before or after  approval of the
Merger Agreement by WesterFed Financial or Security stockholders.

         The  Merger  Agreement  may be  terminated  at any  time  prior  to the
Effective  Time,  whether  before  or  after  approval  by the  stockholders  of
WesterFed Financial or Security (i) by mutual consent of WesterFed Financial and
Security in writing,  and approved by their respective Boards; (ii) by WesterFed
Financial  or  Security at any time prior to the  Effective  Time if there shall
have  been a final  judicial  or  regulatory  determination  that  any  material
provision  of the Merger  Agreement  is  illegal,  invalid or  unenforceable  or
denying any regulatory  approval of an application  filed with a regulatory body
which is a condition precedent to either party's obligations; (iii) by WesterFed
Financial or Security if any of the conditions  precedent to the  obligations of
the other party are not  fulfilled  by date  specified  in the Merger  Agreement
(other than by reason of a breach by the party seeking to terminate) or rendered
impossible  to be  satisfied;  (iv) by  WesterFed  Financial  or Security if any
approval of the stockholders of Security or WesterFed Financial, as the case may
be,  required for  consummation  of the Merger  shall not have been  obtained by
reason of the  failure to obtain  the  required  vote at a duly held  meeting of
stockholders;  (v) by  WesterFed  Financial  or  Security  if  there  has been a
material breach of their respective  representations,  warranties,  covenants or
other agreements  contained in the Merger Agreement;  (vi) by either party on or
after 270

                                                                                
                                       38

<PAGE>



days  (360  days if there is a CRA  protest)  following  the date of the  Merger
Agreement,  in the  event  the  Merger  has not  been  consummated;  or (vii) by
Security if: (a) the Average WesterFed Financial Common Stock Price is less than
$11.75; and (b) the Board of WesterFed  Financial does not increase the Exchange
Ratio such that the  shareholders of Security who are entitled to exchange their
shares for WesterFed  Financial Common Stock shall receive a stock  distribution
equal to $27.01 per share based upon the average WesterFed Financial price.

Conduct of Business Pending the Merger

         Each of WesterFed  Financial and Security has agreed that, prior to the
Effective  Time, it will, with respect to it and its  subsidiaries,  operate its
business  in the  ordinary  and usual  course  consistent  with past and prudent
banking practices and use its best efforts to maintain and preserve its business
organization,  employees and advantageous  business  relationships,  and it will
not:  (i) take any action  that is  intended  or may  reasonably  be expected to
adversely  affect  any of the  representations  and  warranties,  conditions  or
provisions of the Merger Agreement; (ii) change its methods of accounting except
as required by generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting
principles as concurred to by its independent auditors;  (iii) commit any act or
omission  which  constitutes a material  breach or default under any  regulatory
agreement,  material  contract  or  material  license  to which it or any of its
properties  is bound;  or (iv) take any action that would  materially  impede or
delay receipt of any regulatory approval or the consummation of the Merger.

         Security has agreed that, prior to the Effective Time, it will not, and
will not allow any of its  subsidiaries  to,  among  other  things and except as
otherwise contemplated by the Merger Agreement or as may be agreed to in writing
by WesterFed  Financial:  (i) declare or pay any dividends on its capital stock,
except that Security may declare and pay the regular  periodic  dividends on the
Security  Common Stock in amounts and at points of time, not  inconsistent  with
past  practices;  (ii) issue any  shares of its  capital  stock or any  options,
warrants  or other  rights to  subscribe  for or purchase  capital  stock or any
securities  convertible into or exchangeable  for any capital stock,  except for
options  granted  pursuant to the Security Stock Option Plan on the dates of the
Merger  Agreement;  (iii) amend its Certificate of  Incorporation or directly or
indirectly redeem,  purchase or otherwise acquire any capital stock or ownership
interests  of  Security  or any of the  Security  Subsidiaries;  (iv)  effect  a
reclassification,  recapitalization,  split-up, exchange of shares, readjustment
or other similar  change in or to any capital  stock or otherwise  reorganize or
recapitalize; (v) change its Articles of Incorporation, Charter, or Bylaws; (vi)
enter into any employment  agreement (except as otherwise  permitted pursuant to
the Merger Agreement),  severance  agreement or change of control agreement;  or
grant any increase  (other than ordinary and normal  increases  consistent  with
past practices) in the  compensation  payable or to become payable to directors,
officers or  employees  except as required by law; pay or agree to pay any bonus
inconsistent  with past  practices,  or adopt or make any material change in any
bonus,  insurance,  pension,  or other  Security  Benefit  Plan;  or,  except as
required by law or necessary in connection  with insurance  requirements,  adopt
any change to any  Security  Qualified  Plan;  (vii)  except for the  short-term
renewal of Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances outstanding at September 24,
1996,  raising  short-term  funds  against its existing  line of credit with the
FHLB, and deposit-taking in the ordinary course of its business, borrow or agree
to borrow any funds or  guarantee  any  obligations  of others;  (viii)  make or
commit  to make  any new  loan or  letter  of  credit  or any new or  additional
discretionary  advance under any existing line of credit,  in a principal amount
in excess of $500,000 or that would increase the aggregate credit outstanding to
any one  borrower (or group of  affiliated  borrowers)  to more than  $1,500,000
(excluding  for this purpose any accrued  interest or  overdrafts),  without the
prior written consent of WesterFed  Financial acting through its Chief Executive
Officer in a written notice,  which approval shall not be unreasonably  withheld
and approval or rejection shall be given within two business days after delivery
by Security to such officer of WesterFed Financial of the complete loan package;
(ix) make any  changes in its  policies  concerning  which  persons  may approve
loans; (x) enter into any securities transaction for its own account or purchase
or otherwise acquire any investment security for its own account,  provided that
(A) Security and the Security  Subsidiaries may enter into  transactions for its
own account involving,  and purchase or sell for its own account,  U.S. Treasury
obligations  and  securities  issued or  guaranteed by the  Government  National
Mortgage  Association,  the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal
Home Loan Mortgage  Corporation,  (B) Security and the Security Subsidiaries may
make deposits in an overnight account

                                                                                
                                       39

<PAGE>



at the FHLB of Seattle,  and (C) WesterFed  Financial's  consent to transactions
otherwise  restricted by this paragraph (ix) shall not be unreasonably  withheld
or delayed; (xi) increase or decrease the rate of interest paid on time deposits
or on  certificates  of  deposit,  except in a manner and  pursuant  to policies
consistent  with  past  practices;  (xii)  enter  into,  modify  or  extend  any
agreement,  contract or  commitment  out of the  ordinary  course of business or
having a term in excess of six months and involving an  expenditure in excess of
$25,000, other than letters of credit, loan agreements,  deposit agreements, and
other  lending,  credit and deposit  documents  made in the  ordinary  course of
business;  (xiii) except in the ordinary course of business, place on any of its
assets or properties any mortgage,  pledge,  lien, charge, or other encumbrance;
(xiv) cancel any material  indebtedness owing to it or any material claims which
it may possess or waive any rights of  material  value;  (xv) sell or  otherwise
dispose of any real  property or any material  amount of tangible or  intangible
personal property other than (A) properties acquired in foreclosure or otherwise
in the ordinary  collection of  indebtedness  owed to Security Bank, (B) student
loans, or (C) loans which are held for sale by Security Bank and are sold in the
secondary market within sixty (60) days of origination;  (xvi) foreclose upon or
otherwise  take title to or possession  or control of any real property  without
first obtaining a phase one environmental report thereon; provided however, that
Security Bank and its Subsidiaries shall not be required to obtain such a report
with respect to single family, non-agricultural residential property of one acre
or less to be foreclosed upon unless it has reason to believe that such property
might contain Hazardous Substances; (xvii) knowingly or willfully commit any act
or fail to commit any act which will  cause a  material  breach of any  material
agreement,  contract or  commitment;  (xviii)  violate any law,  statute,  rule,
governmental regulation, or order, which violation might have a Material Adverse
Effect on Security;  (xix)  purchase  any real or personal  property or make any
capital  expenditure where the amount paid or committed therefor is in excess of
$25,000;  (xx) in the case of  Security  Bank,  voluntarily  make  any  material
changes in or to its asset and  deposit  mix;  (xxi)  engage in any  activity or
transaction  outside  the  ordinary  course of  business;  (xxii)  enter into or
acquire,  or  modify,  amend or  extend  the terms of any  existing,  Derivative
Securities;  or (xxiii) enter into any new, or modify, amend or extend the terms
of any  existing,  contracts  relating to the  purchase or sale of  financial or
other  futures,  or any put or call  option  relating  to  cash,  securities  or
commodities.

         In  addition,  pursuant  to the  Merger  Agreement,  Security  and  the
Security  Subsidiaries  may not,  without the prior written consent of WesterFed
Financial, willfully engage in any transaction or willfully take any action that
would  render  untrue any of the  representations  and  warranties  of  Security
contained in Merger Agreement, if such representations and warranties were given
as of the date of such transaction or action. Security will also, and will cause
each of the  Security  Subsidiaries  to, use its best  efforts to  maintain  its
respective  properties  and assets in their present  state of repair,  order and
condition,  reasonable wear and tear excepted,  and to maintain and keep in full
force and effect all policies of insurance  presently in effect,  including  the
insurance of accounts with the FDIC;  and Security  will, and will cause each of
the Security Subsidiaries to, take all requisite action (including the making of
claims and the giving of  notices)  pursuant  to its  directors'  and  officers'
liability  insurance  policy or policies in order to (i) increase by  $1,000,000
the  amount of  coverage  available  under  such  policy or  policies,  and (ii)
preserve all rights  thereunder  with  respect to all matters  known by Security
which could reasonably give rise to a claim prior to the Effective Time.

Expenses

         All expenses  incurred in connection with the Merger  Agreement and the
transactions  contemplated  thereby are to be paid by the party  incurring  such
expenses,  except that  WesterFed  Financial and Security shall bear equally all
printing and mailing  expenses and filing fees associated with the  Registration
Statement and this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.


                                                                                
                                       40

<PAGE>



Accounting Treatment

         The Merger, if completed as proposed,  will be treated as a purchase in
accordance  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  Accordingly,  the
assets and  liabilities  of Security  will be recorded on the books of WesterFed
Financial at their  respective  fair values at the time of  consummation  of the
Merger.

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

         The  following  is a  discussion  of all  material  federal  income tax
consequences  of the Merger to  WesterFed  Financial,  Security  and  holders of
Security  Common  Stock.  The  discussion  is  based  upon  the  Code,  Treasury
regulations,  Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") rulings, and judicial and
administrative  decisions  in  effect  as of the date  hereof,  all of which are
subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion
assumes  that  Security  Common  Stock are held as "capital  assets"  within the
meaning  of  Section  1221  of the  Code  (i.e.,  property  generally  held  for
investment).  In  addition,  this  discussion  does not  address  all of the tax
consequences  that may be relevant to a holder of Security Common Stock in light
of his or her particular  circumstances  or to holders subject to special rules,
such as foreign persons,  financial  institutions,  tax-exempt  organizations or
insurance companies.  The opinion of counsel referred to in this section will be
based on facts  existing at the Effective  Time,  and in rendering such opinion,
such counsel may require and rely upon representations contained in certificates
of officers of WesterFed Financial, Security and others.

         HOLDERS OF SECURITY  COMMON STOCK SHOULD  CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISERS AS
TO THE  PARTICULAR  TAX  CONSEQUENCES  TO  THEM  OF THE  MERGER,  INCLUDING  THE
APPLICABILITY  AND EFFECT OF ANY FEDERAL,  STATE,  LOCAL AND FOREIGN  INCOME AND
OTHER TAX LAWS.

         It  is  a  condition  to  the  obligation  of  WesterFed  Financial  to
consummate  the Merger that WesterFed  Financial  shall have received an opinion
from Silver,  Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.,  counsel to WesterFed Financial,  in form
and substance reasonably  satisfactory to WesterFed Financial,  substantially to
the effect  that the  Merger  will be  treated  as a  reorganization  within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and,  accordingly,  for federal income tax
purposes that:

         The   following   discussion  of  the  material   federal   income  tax
consequences of the Merger to certain Security  stockholders does not purport to
be a complete  analysis  or  listing  of all  potential  tax  considerations  or
consequences  relevant  to a decision  whether to vote for the  approval  of the
Merger.  The discussion  does not address all aspects of federal income taxation
that may be  applicable  to  Security  stockholders  subject to special  federal
income tax treatment including (without  limitation) foreign persons,  insurance
companies,  tax-exempt  entities,  retirement  plans,  dealers in securities and
persons who acquired  their  Security  Common Stock  pursuant to the exercise of
employee stock options or otherwise as  compensation.  The discussion  addresses
neither the effect of any applicable  state,  local or foreign tax laws, nor the
effect of any federal  tax laws other than those  pertaining  to federal  income
taxes. In view of the individual nature of federal income tax consequences, each
Security stockholder is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor to determine
the specific tax consequences of the Merger to him or her.

         The  discussion  is based on the Code,  regulations  and rulings now in
effect or proposed thereunder,  current administrative rulings and practice, and
judicial precedent,  all of which are subject to change. Any such change,  which
may or may not be retroactive, could alter the tax conseuqnces discussed herein.
The  discussion  is also based on certain  customary  assumptions  regarding the
factual  circumstances  that will  exist at the  Effective  Time of the  Merger,
including without limitation,  certain  representations of WesterFed  Financial,
Security and holders of 1% or more of Security  Common Stock  (determined  as of
the  Closing  Date) who make a valid  Stock  Election.  If any of these  factual
assumptions or representations is inaccurate, the tax consequences of the Merger
could differ from those described herein.  The discussion assumes that shares of
Security  Common Stock are held as capital assets (within the meaning of Section
1221 of the Code).

         If the Merger  occurs in  accordance  with  the Merger  Agreement,  the
Merger will constitute a "reorganization"  for federal income tax purposes under
Section  368(a)(1)(A)  of the  Code,  by reason of the  application  of  Section
368(a)(2)(D) of the Code, with the following federal income tax consequences:




               (1) Security  stockholders who receive solely shares of WesterFed
         Financial  Common  Stock in exchange  for their  Security  Common Stock
         pursuant  to the merger  will  recognize  no gain or loss,  except with
         respect to cash  received  in lieu of  fractional  shares,  if any,  as
         discussed below.

               (2) A Security stockholder who received only cash (i) in exchange
         for shares of Security Common Stock pursuant to the Merger or (ii) as a
         result of the exercise of dissenters' rights, will realize gain or loss
         for federal income tax purposes (determined separately as to each block
         of  Security  Common  Stock  exchanged)  in  an  amount  equal  to  the
         difference between (x) the amount of cash received by such stockholder,
         and (y) such  stockholder's tax basis for the shares of Security Common
         Stock surrendered in exchange therefor,  provided that the cash payment
         does not have the effect of the  distribution  of a dividend.  Any such
         gain or loss will be  recognized  for federal  income tax  purposes and
         will be treated as capital gain or loss.  However,  if the cash payment
         does have the effect of the  distribution of a dividend,  the amount of
         taxable  income  recognized  generally  will  equal the  amount of cash
         received;  such income generally will be taxable as a dividend;  and no
         loss (or other recovery of such  stockholder's tax basis for the shares
         of Security Common Stock surrendered in the exchange) generally will be
         recognized by such  stockholder.  The  determination  of whether a cash
         payment has the effect of the  distribution  of a dividend will be made
         pursuant to the provisions and  limitations of Section 302 of the Code,
         taking into account the  constructive  stock ownership rules of Section
         318 of the Code. See "--Impact of Section 302 of the Code," below.


               (3) A  Security  stockholder  who  receives  shares of  WesterFed
         Financial  Common  Stock and cash in  exchange  of  shares of  Security
         Common Stock in the Merger will realize gain (determined  separately as
         to each block of Security Common Stock exchanged) if (i) the sum of the
         amount of cash and the fair  market  value of the  shares of  WesterFed
         Financial Common Stock received by such  stockholder  exceeds (ii) such
         stockholder's  tax  basis  for the  shares  of  Security  common  Stock
         surrendered  in  exchange  therefor.  The  amount  of such gain that is
         recognized  for  federal  income  tax  purposes  will be limited to the
         amount of cash  received.  If the amount of cash  received  exceeds the
         amount  of gain  realized,  only the  amount of gain  realized  will be
         recognized  for federal income tax purposes.  Any such gain  recognized
         will be taxable as capital  gain,  provided  that the cash payment does
         not  have  the  effect  of the  distribution  of a  dividend.  Any loss
         realized will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes.  Under
         Section 356 of the Code,  the  determination  of whether a cash payment
         has the effect of the distribution of a dividend generally will be made
         in accordance with the provisions and limitations of Section 302 of the
         Code,  taking into account the  constructive  stock  ownership rules of
         Section  318 of the Code.  See  "--Impact  of Section 302 of the Code,"
         below.


               (4) The  aggregate adjusted  tax basis of the shares of WesterFed
         Financial  Common Stock  received by each Security  stockholder  in the
         Merger  (including any  fractional share of WesterFed  Financial Common
         Stock deemed to be received,  as described in paragraph 6 below),  will
         be equal to the aggregate  adjusted tax basis of the shares of Security
         Common Stock surrendered,  decreased by the amount of any cash received
         and increased by the amount of any gain (or dividend) recognized.


               (5) The  holding  period  of the  shares of  WesterFed  Financial
         Common Stock  (including  any fractional  share of WesterFed  Financial
         Common Stock deemed to be received,  as described in paragraph 6 below)
         will include the holding period of the shares of Security  Common Stock
         exchanged therefor.

               (6) A Security  stockholder  who  received  cash in the Merger in
         lieu of a fractional share of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock will be
         treated as if the fractional  share had been received in the Merger and
         then  redeemed  by  WesterFed  Financial  in return  for the cash.  The
         receipt of such cash will cause the recipient to recognize capital gain
         or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and
         the  portion  of such  holder's  adjusted  tax  basis in the  shares of
         WesterFed Financial Common Stock allocable to the fractional share.


         Impact of Section 302 of the Code. the  determination of whether a cash
payment has the effect of the distribution of a dividend  generally will be made
in accordance  with the provisions of Section 302 of the Code. A cash payment to
a  Security  stockholder  will  be  condiered  not to  have  the  effect  of the
distribution  of a dividend  under Section 302 of the Code and such  stockholder
will  recognize  capital  gain or loss only if the cash payment (i) results in a
"complete  redemption"  of such  stockholder's  actual  and  constructive  stock
interest, (ii) results in a "substantially  disproportionate"  reduction in such
stockholder's actual and constructive stock interest,  (iii) is "not essentially
equivalent ot a dividend."


         A  cash   payment  will  result  in  a  "complete   redemption"   of  a
stockholder's stock interest and such stockholder will recognize capital gain or
loss if such stockholder does not actually or constructively own any stock after
the receipt of the cash payment.  A reduction in a stockholder's  stock interest
will be  "subtantially  disproportionate"  and such  stockholder  will recognize
capital gain or loss if (i) the  precentage of outstanding  shares  actuslly and
constructively  owned by such stockholder  after the receipt of the cash payment
is less than four-fifths (80%) of the precentage of outstanding  shares actually
and constructively owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the receipt of
the cash payment. A cash payment will qualify as "not essentially  equivalent to
a dividend" and a stockholder will recognize  capital gain or loss if it results
in a meaningful  reduction in the percentage of outstanding  shares actually and
constructively  owned by such stockholder.  No specific tests apply to determine
whether a reduction in a stockholder's ownership interest is meaningful; rather,
such  determination  will  be made  based  on all the  facts  and  circumstances
applicable to such Security  stockholder.  No general  guidelines  dictating the
appropriate interpretation of facts and circumstances have been announced by the
courts or issued by the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service").  However,  the
Service has  indicated  in Revenue  Ruling  76-385  that a minority  stockholder
(i.e.,  a holder who  exercises  no control  over  corporate  affairs  and whose
proportionate  stock  interest  is minimal in  relation  to the number of shares
outstanding)  generally  is treated as having had a  "meaningful  reduction"  in
interest if a cash payment reduces such holder's actual and  constructive  stock
ownership to any extent.


         With regard to Security  stockholders who receive  WesterFed  Financial
Common Stock and cash in the Merger, the determination of whether a cash payment
has the effect of a  distribution  of a dividend will be made as if the Security
Common Stock  exchanged for cash in the Merger had instead been exchanged in the
Merger for shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock followed  immediately by a
redemption of such shares by WesterFed Financial for the cash payment (a "deemed
WesterFed Financial redemption"). Under this analysis, the

                                                                                
                                       41

<PAGE>



determination   of  whether  a  cash  payment   qualifies  as  a   substantially
disproportionate  reduction of interest or is not  essentially  equivalent  to a
dividend will be made by comparing (i) the stockholders' actual and constructive
stock  interest in WesterFed  Financial  before the deemed  WesterFed  Financial
redemption  (determined as if such  stockholder  had received  solely  WesterFed
Financial  Common Stock in the Merger) with (ii) such  stockholder's  actual and
constructive  stock interest in WesterFed  Financial after the deemed  WesterFed
Financial redemption.

         With  regard to  Security  stockholders  who  receive  only cash (i) in
exchange for shares of Security Common Stock pursuant to the Merger or (ii) as a
result of the exercise of dissenters rights,  WesterFed  Financial's Counsel has
noted in its opinion that many tax practitioners  believe that the determination
of whether a cash payment has the effect of a distribution  of a dividend should
be made in accordance with the deemed WesterFed  Financial  redemption  analysis
discussed above; i.e., as if the WesterFed  Financial Common Stock exchanged for
cash in the  Merger  had  instead  been  exchanged  in the  Merger for shares of
WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock followed  immediately by a redemption of such
shares  by  WesterFed  Financial  for  the  cash  payment.  However,  under  the
traditional  analysis,  which  apparently  continues  to be used by the Service,
Section  302 of the Code will  apply as  though  the cash  payment  were made by
Security in a hypothetical redemption of Security Common Stock immediately prior
to,  and  in a  transaction  separate  from,  the  Merger  (a  "deemed  Security
redemption").  Accordingly, under the traditional analysis, the determination of
whether a cash payment results in a complete  redemption of interest,  qualifies
as a substantially  disproportionate reduction of interest or is not essentially
equivalent of a dividend will be made by comparing (x) the stockholder's  actual
and  constructive   stock  interest  in  Security  before  the  deemed  Security
redemption,  with (y) such stockholder's  actual and constructive stock interest
in Security after the deemed Security  redemption  (but before the Merger).  The
law is unclear  regarding  whether the  approach of the Service is correct,  and
WesterFed  Financial's Counsel has rendered no opinion on the correctness of the
Service's approach.  WesterFed Financial's Counsel has noted in its opinion that
because the traditional  analysis,  as applied by the Service, is more likely to
result in dividend  treatment  than the deemed  WesterFed  Financial  redemption
analysis, each Security stockholder who receives solely cash in exchange for all
of the Security  Common Stock he or she actually owns should discuss with his or
her tax advisor which analysis is applicable.

         The  determination  of ownership  for  purposes of the three  foregoing
tests will be made by taking into  account  both shares  owned  actually by such
stockholder  and shares owned  constructively  by such  stockholder  pursuant to
Section 318 of the Code.  Under Section 318 of the Code, a  stockholder  will be
deemed to own stock that is actually or constructively  owned by certain members
of his or her family  (spouse,  children,  grandchildren  and parents) and other
related  parties  including,   for  example,  certain  entities  in  which  such
stockholder has a direct or indirect interest (including partnerships,  estates,
trusts and corporations), as well as shares of stock that such stockholder (or a
related  person)  has the  right  to  acquire  upon  exercise  of an  option  or
conversion right.  Section 302(c)(2) of the Code provides certain  exceptions to
the family  attribution rules for the purpose of determining  whether a complete
redemption of stockholder's interest has occurred for purposes of Section 302 of
the Code. These exceptions apply only to Security  stockholders who receive,  in
the Merger,  solely cash in return for the Security  Common Stock they  actually
own.

         Because  the  determination  of  whether a payment  will be  treated as
having the effect of the  distribution of a dividend will generally  depend upon
the facts and circumstances of each Security stockholder,  Security stockholders
are  strongly  advised  to  consult  their own tax  advisors  regarding  the tax
treatment of cash received in the Merger.

         Each Security  stockholder's ability to elect the type of consideration
he or she  receives  pursuant to the Merger  affords each such  stockholder  the
opportunity  to select that type of  consideration  which will best serve his or
her  personal  tax  and  financial  planning  needs.   However,   each  Security
stockholder   should  be  aware  that  his  or  her  ability  to  satisfy   (or,
alternatively,  fail to satisfy) any of the  foregoing  tests and thereby  avoid
(or,   alternatively,   obtain)  dividend  treatment  may  be  affected  by  any
redesignation of the stockholder's election by the Exchange

                                                                                
                                       42

<PAGE>



Agent,  without regard to whether such stockholder made a Stock Election, a Cash
Election  or,  instead,  made no election.  See 'TERMS OF THE PROPOSED  MERGER -
General Description of the Merger."

         Security's  obligation  to  consummate  the  Merger is  subject  to the
condition  that it shall have received  from  WesterFed  Financial's  Counsel an
opinion  to the  effect  that the tax  consequences  of the  Merger  will in all
material  respects be as described  in this section and that such opinion  shall
not  have  been  withdrawn.  Such  opinion  is  subject  to the  conditions  and
assumptions  stated  therein and relies  upon  various  representations  made by
WesterFed Financial,  Security and certain stockholders of Security. The opinion
is  attached  as an  exhibit  to the  Registration  Statement  and copies of the
opinion will be available, without charge, to Security stockholders upon written
request to Elaine  Hine,  Secretary,  Security  Bancorp,  219 North 26th Street,
Billings,  Montana 59101. An opinion of counsel,  unlike a private letter ruling
from the Service, has no binding effect on the Service. The Service could take a
position contrary to WesterFed Financial Counsel's opinion and, if the matter is
litigated,  a court may reach a decision contrary to the opinion. The Service is
not  expected to issue a ruling on the tax  consequences  of the Merger,  and no
such ruling has been requested.

         THE  FOREGOING  IS A GENERAL  DISCUSSION  OF  CERTAIN  OF THE  MATERIAL
FEDERAL  INCOME  TAX  CONSEQUENCES  OF THE MERGER AND IS  INCLUDED  FOR  GENERAL
INFORMATION  ONLY.  THE  FOREGOING  DISCUSSION  DOES NOT TAKE INTO  ACCOUNT  THE
PARTICULAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH SECURITY STOCKHOLDER'S TAX STATUS AND
ATTRIBUTES.  AS A RESULT,  THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES  ADDRESSED IN THE
FOREGOING DISCUSSION MAY NOT APPLY TO EACH SECURITY STOCKHOLDER.  IN VIEW OF THE
INDIVIDUAL NATURE OF INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES,  EACH SECURITY  STOCKHOLDER SHOULD
CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR  REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX  CONSEQUENCES  OF
THE MERGER TO HIM OR HER,  INCLUDING  THE  APPLICATION  AND  EFFECT OF  FEDERAL,
STATE,  LOCAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE  EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL
AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

         Based upon the current ruling position of the Service, cash received by
a holder of Security  Common  Stock will be treated as received in exchange  for
such fractional share interest,  and gain or loss will be recognized for federal
income tax  purposes,  measured  by the  difference  between  the amount of cash
received and the basis of the share of Security Common Stock.  Such gain or loss
should be long-term  capital gain or loss if such share of Security Common Stock
has been held for more than one year at the Effective Time.

Nasdaq Listing

         Both  WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock and Security  Common Stock are
currently  included  for  quotation  on the  Nasdaq/NMS.  It is a  condition  to
consummation  of the Merger  that the  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock to be
issued to the stockholders of Security  pursuant to the Merger Agreement will be
included for quotation on the Nasdaq/NMS. See "--Conditions to the Merger."



                                                                                
                                       43

<PAGE>



                          CERTAIN RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Stock Option Agreements

         The information in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus concerning the
terms of the Stock Option  Agreements  is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the full text of the Stock Option  Agreements  which are  attached  hereto as
Appendix IV and V and incorporated herein by reference.

         General.  As  a  condition  to  entering  into  the  Merger  Agreement,
WesterFed  Financial  required that it be granted two stock options by Security.
Pursuant to Stock Option Agreement #1, Security  granted to WesterFed  Financial
an  option  to  purchase   shares  of  Security's   Common  Stock   representing
approximately 19.9% of the shares of such Common Stock issued and outstanding at
such time at an  exercise  price of $26.00 per  share,  subject to the terms and
conditions  set  forth  therein.  The  options  may only be  exercised  upon the
occurrence of certain events which are defined below (none of which has occurred
as of the date hereof).  Pursuant to Stock Option Agreement #2, Security granted
to WesterFed  Financial an option to purchase Security Common Stock representing
5.98% of the shares of such Common Stock issued and  outstanding at such time at
an exercise  price of $24.00 per share,  subject to the terms and conditions set
forth therein.

         Effect of Stock  Option  Agreements.  The Stock Option  Agreements  are
intended to increase  the  likelihood  that the Merger  will be  consummated  in
accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. Consequently, certain aspects
of the Stock Option  Agreements may have the effect of discouraging  persons who
might now or prior to the  consummation of the Merger be interested in acquiring
all of or a significant  interest in either Security or WesterFed Financial from
considering or proposing such an acquisition, even if such persons were prepared
to pay a higher price per share for the Security Common Stock than the value per
share  contemplated  by the  Merger  Agreement  or a higher  price per share for
WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock than the  then-current  market price of such
shares.  The  acquisition  of the issuer or an  interest  in the  issuer,  or an
agreement  to do  either,  could  cause the  option to become  exercisable.  The
existence  of such option could  significantly  increase the cost to a potential
acquiror  of  acquiring  the issuer  compared  to its cost had the Stock  Option
Agreement  not been  entered  into.  Such  increased  costs might  discourage  a
potential  acquiror from considering or proposing an acquisition or might result
in a potential  acquiror proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire the
issuer than it might  otherwise  have  proposed to pay.  The  exercise of either
option by  WesterFed  Financial  may prohibit  any other  potential  acquiror of
Security from  accounting  for an  acquisition  of Security using the pooling of
interests  accounting method for a period of two years. This could discourage or
preclude an acquisition of Security.

         Terms of Stock Option  Agreements.  The following is a brief summary of
certain provisions of the Stock Option Agreements,  which are attached hereto as
Appendix IV and V.

         Stock Option  Agreement #1. The option is  exercisable,  in whole or in
part,  at any  time,  and from  time to time,  only  upon  the  occurrence  of a
"Purchase Event." A "Purchase Event" is deemed to occur upon the commencement or
initiation of an Acquisition Transaction.

         For  purposes  of the Stock  Option  Agreement,  the term  "Acquisition
Transaction" means (i) a merger,  consolidation or similar transaction involving
Security   or  any  of  its   subsidiaries   (other   than   internal   mergers,
reorganizations,   consolidations   or  dissolutions   involving  only  existing
subsidiaries),  (ii) the sale,  lease,  exchange or other  disposition of 10% or
more of the consolidated  assets of Security and its subsidiaries,  or (iii) the
issuance,  sale or other  disposition  of (including  by merger,  consolidation,
share exchange or similar  transaction)  securities  representing 15% or more of
the voting power of Security or any of its material  subsidiaries.  For purposes
of the Stock Option  Agreements,  a "Public  Announcement" will occur when it is
publicly  announced  that  any  person  (other  than  WesterFed  Financial,  any
affiliate of WesterFed  Financial or any person acting in concert with WesterFed
Financial) proposed an Acquisition Transaction or filed an application under the
Change in Bank Control Act (the

                                                                                
                                       44

<PAGE>



"Control Act") or the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act (the "Holding Company
Act") for approval of an Acquisition Transaction.

         The option  expires  upon the  earliest  to occur of (i) the  Effective
Time, (ii)  termination of the Merger  Agreement after approval of the Merger by
Security stockholders; (iii) termination of the Merger Agreement by Security (as
defined in Section 7.01);  (iv)  termination of the Merger  Agreement  after the
stockholders of WesterFed Financial reject the merger; (v) any other termination
of the Merger  Agreement (as defined in Section  7.01) except a  termination  by
WesterFed  Financial  (pursuant to Section  701(e)),  if no Purchase Event shall
have occurred prior to such  termination;  (vi) except as set forth in [clauses]
(ii) and (iii)  above,  on the 730th day  after the  termination  of the  Merger
Agreement  if no  Purchase  Event has  occurred  during  the term of the  Merger
Agreement or during the  post-termination  period;  (vii) on the 730th day after
the  discontinuance  of all Purchase Events that occurred during the term of the
Merger  Agreement  or during the  Post-Termination  Period if a  Purchase  Event
occurred during any such period; or (viii) termination of the option.

         Stock Option  Agreement  #2. The option is  exercisable  in whole or in
part,  at any  time  from  time  to  time  following  the  failure  of  Security
stockholders to approve the Merger Agreement at a duly held stockholder  meeting
or the failure of Security to hold a meeting to vote on the Merger.

         The option  expires  upon the  earliest  to occur of (i) the  Effective
Time;  (ii)  termination  of the Merger  Agreement  by  Security  (as defined in
Section  7.01(e)  of the  Merger  Agreement);  (iii)  the date two  years  after
termination  of the  Merger  Agreement  (pursuant  to  provisions  of the Merger
Agreement other than Section 7.01(e)); or (iv) termination of the option.

         The  number  and type of  securities  subject  to the  options  and the
purchase  price  of such  securities  will be  adjusted  (i) for any  change  in
Security  common stock by reason of a stock  dividend,  stock  split,  split-up,
recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction or (ii)
in the event any rights issued by Security become exercisable,  proper provision
shall be made in any agreement  governing the  transactions  described in clause
(i) such that WesterFed Financial will receive (upon exercise of the option) the
same number and type of securities that it would have received if the option had
been exercised  immediately  prior to the occurrence of such transaction (or the
record date therefor).  The number of shares of Security common stock subject to
each option will also be adjusted in the event Security issues additional shares
of common stock such that the number of shares of Security  common stock subject
to the option,  together  with shares  previously  purchased  pursuant  thereto,
represents 19.9% of Security common stock then issued and  outstanding,  without
giving effect to shares subject to or issued pursuant to the option.

         Security has granted WesterFed  Financial certain  registration  rights
with respect to shares of Security Common Stock acquired by WesterFed  Financial
upon exercise of the options.  These rights require that Security file up to two
registration  statements  under the  Securities  Act if  requested  by WesterFed
Financial  within  three years of the date upon which the option  first  becomes
exercisable  during the term of the  agreement  provided  such  registration  is
necessary  in  order to  permit  the sale or  other  disposition  of the  shares
acquired by WesterFed Financial.  Security shall use its best efforts to qualify
such shares  under  applicable  state  securities  laws.  Any such  registration
statement will be at Security's  expense except for the registration of Security
Common Stock  pursuant to Stock Option  Agreement  #2.  Pursuant to the terms of
Stock Option  Agreement #2,  WesterFed  Financial agrees to reimburse for actual
accountable  out-of-pocket  expenses  up to a maximum of  $25,000  for the First
Registration  effected.  If a second registration is requested pursuant to Stock
Option  Agreement #2,  WesterFed  Financial and Security will share the expenses
equally except for underwriting discounts or commissions,  brokers' fees and the
fees and  disbursements of WesterFed  Financial's  counsel related  thereto.  In
addition,  in the event Security effects a registration under the Securities Act
of its common stock (other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any form with respect
to a dividend  reinvestment  or similar  plan),  Security  will allow  WesterFed
Financial to participate in such registration and such  participation  shall not
affect Security's obligation to effect two registrations. In connection with any
registration  effected pursuant to the obligations described above, Security and
WesterFed  Financial  will  provide  to each  other and any  underwriter  of the
offering customary representations,  warranties, covenants, indemnifications and
contributions.
                                                                                
                                       45

<PAGE>



               UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         The following unaudited pro forma combined financial  information gives
effect to the merger of WesterFed  Financial and Security pursuant to the Merger
Agreement  based on the purchase  accounting  adjustments,  estimates  and other
assumptions  described  in the  accompanying  notes.  The  unaudited  pro  forma
combined  balance  sheet and  statement  of  operations  as of and for the three
months  ended  September  30,  1996  are  based  upon  the  unaudited  quarterly
consolidated  balance sheets and statements of operations of WesterFed Financial
and Security.  The unaudited pro forma combined  statement of operations for the
year  ended  June  30,  1996 is  based  upon  the  audited  annual  consolidated
statements of operations of WesterFed Financial and Security.


                                                                                
                                       46

<PAGE>

                                               PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                                               WESTERFED FINANCIAL AND SECURITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         At September 30, 1996 (unaudited)
                                                  -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Pro Forma        Pro Forma
                                                  WesterFed                         Adjustments       Combined
                                                  Financial          Security       (Unaudited)      (Unaudited)
                                                  ---------          --------       -----------      -----------

                                                                       (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                               <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
Assets:
- ------
Cash and due from banks..................          $  6,256          $  7,995         $     ---         $  14,251
Interest-bearing due from banks..........             6,030               434               ---             6,464
                                                   --------         ---------        ----------        ----------
  Cash and cash equivalents..............            12,286             8,429               ---            20,715
Interest-bearing deposits................             5,103               ---               ---             5,103
Investment securities available-for sale.            40,223            19,888          (27,169)            32,942
Investment securities, at amortized cost.             6,851               200               ---             7,051
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of
  Seattle, at cost.......................             7,622             3,209               ---            10,831
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-
  sale...................................            42,386            89,638               ---           132,024
Mortgage-backed securities, at amortized
  cost...................................            58,023            33,050             (953)            90,120
Loans available-for-sale.................             4,768             1,307               ---             6,075
Loans receivable, net....................           366,460           205,746             1,184           573,390
Accrued interest receivable..............             3,733             3,156               ---             6,889
Premises and equipment, net..............            13,995             9,379             4,500            27,874
Cash surrender value of life insurance
  policies...............................             3,220             2,693               ---             5,913
Goodwill.................................               ---             4,293           (4,293)            13,816
                                                                                         13,816
Other assets.............................             1,439             1,321             5,625             8,385
                                                    -------           -------           -------          --------
  Total Assets...........................          $566,109          $382,309          $(7,290)          $941,128
                                                   ========          ========          =======           ========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
- ------------------------------------
Liabilities:
  Deposits...............................          $342,986          $289,336           $ 1,640          $633,962
  Borrowed funds.........................           130,351            51,381             (321)           181,411
  Advances from borrowers for taxes and
   insurance.............................             6,217               950               ---             7,167
  Income taxes...........................             1,899               258             1,328             3,485
  Accrued interest payable...............             1,195             2,131               ---             3,326
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities.             5,172             7,323             1,250            13,745
                                                  ---------         ---------          --------         ---------
   Total liabilities.....................           487,820           351,379             3,897           843,096
                                                   --------          --------           -------          --------
Stockholders' Equity:
  Preferred stock........................               ---               ---               ---               ---
  Common stock...........................                46             1,485           (1,485)                59
                                                                                             13
  Additional paid-in capital.............            45,499             9,015           (9,015)            65,229
                                                                                         19,730
  Common stock acquired by ESOP/RRP......           (3,382)               ---               ---           (3,382)
  Treasury stock, at cost................           (3,080)               ---               ---           (3,080)
  Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities
   available-for-sale....................             (196)           (1,360)             1,360             (196)
  Retained earnings, substantially
    restricted...........................            39,402            21,790          (21,790)            39,402
                                                 ----------         ---------        ---------           --------
    Total stockholders' equity...........            78,289            30,930          (11,187)            98,032
                                                 ----------         ---------       ----------           --------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity     $566,109          $382,309         $ (7,290)          $941,128
                                                   ========          ========         ========           ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial information.

                                                                             
                                       47

<PAGE>



                                      PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                           WESTERFED FINANCIAL AND SECURITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 (unaudited)
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Pro Forma         Pro Forma
                                                  WesterFed                         Adjustments         Combined
                                                  Financial          Security       (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)
                                                  ---------          -------        -----------       -----------
                                                               (Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
<S>                                               <C>               <C>             <C>                 <C>
Interest income:
  Loans receivable.......................          $  7,710          $  4,351        $     (42)          $ 12,019
  Mortgage-backed securities.............             1,766             2,081                40             3,887
  Investment securities..................             1,071               343             (460)               954
  Other..................................                46                63               ---               109
                                                  ---------         ---------       -----------        ----------
    Total interest income................            10,593             6,838             (462)            16,969
                                                    -------          --------        ---------           --------
Interest expense:
  NOW and money market demand............               382               334               ---               716
  Savings................................               474               271               ---               745
  Certificates of deposit................             2,928             2,481             (137)             5,272
  Cost of Swaps and Caps.................                81               ---               ---                81
                                                  ---------         ---------        ----------         ---------
                                                      3,865             3,086             (137)             6,814
  Advances from FHLB - Seattle and other
    borrowed funds.......................             2,085               685                27             2,797
                                                   --------          --------         ---------          --------
    Total interest expense...............             5,950             3,771             (110)             9,611
                                                   --------           -------         --------           --------
    Net interest income..................             4,643             3,067             (352)             7,358
    Provision for loan losses............                15               150               ---               165
                                                  ---------          --------         ---------          --------
       Net interest income after provision
         for loan losses.................             4,628             2,917             (352)             7,193
                                                   --------          --------         --------           --------
Non-interest income:
  Loan origination fees..................               125               272               ---               397
  Service fees...........................               566               316              (32)               850
  Net gain on sale of loans and securities
    available-for-sale...................               109               138               ---               247
  Other..................................                35               546               ---               581
                                                  ---------          --------          --------          --------
    Total non-interest income............               835             1,272              (32)             2,075
                                                   --------           -------          -------           --------
Non-interest expenses:
  Compensation and employee benefits.....             1,887             1,336               ---             3,223
  Net occupancy expense of premises......               223               191                45               459
  Equipment and furnishings expense......               192               155               ---               347
  Data processing expenses...............               165               191               ---               356
  Federal insurance premium..............               211               119               ---               330
  SAIF special assessment................             2,297             1,331               ---             3,628
  Core deposit intangible amortization...               ---               ---               194               194
  Marketing and advertising..............                36                45               ---                81
  Other..................................               720               757                54             1,531
                                                   --------           -------           -------         ---------
     Total non-interest expense..........             5,731             4,125               293            10,149
                                                   --------           -------            ------          --------
     Income (loss) before income taxes...             (268)                64             (677)             (881)
  Income taxes...........................                89              (24)               204               269
                                                  ---------         --------             ------         ---------
      Net income (loss)..................         $   (179)           $    40           $ (473)         $   (612)
                                                  ========            =======           ======          ========
   Net income (loss) per share...........         $  (0.04)            $ 0.03                           $  (0.11)
                                                  ========             ======                           ========
  Weighted average common shares
    outstanding for income (loss)  per share      4,260,452         1,511,180                           5,553,562
                                                  =========         =========                           =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma financial information.

                                                                     
                                       48

<PAGE>



                                     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                          WESTERFED FINANCIAL AND SECURITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                     Year  Ended June 30, 1996
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Pro Forma         Pro Forma
                                                  WesterFed                         Adjustments         Combined
                                                  Financial           Security      (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)
                                                  ---------           -------       -----------       -----------
                                                             (Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
<S>                                              <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>
Interest income:
  Loans receivable.......................         $  28,640          $ 14,115          $  (169)          $ 42,586
  Mortgage-backed securities.............             9,167             9,220               159            18,546
  Investment securities..................             4,556             1,785           (1,834)             4,507
  Other..................................               181               222               ---               403
                                                  ---------         ---------         ---------        ----------
    Total interest income................            42,544            25,342           (1,844)            66,042
                                                    -------          --------           ------           --------
Interest expense:
  NOW and money market demand............             1,740             1,392               ---             3,132
  Savings................................             1,940             1,228               ---             3,168
  Certificates of deposit................            12,074            10,556             (547)            22,083
  Cost of Swaps and Caps.................               331               ---               ---               331
                                                  ---------         ---------         ---------         ---------
                                                     16,085            13,176             (547)            28,714
  Advances from FHLB - Seattle and other
    borrowed funds.......................             8,652             1,736               107            10,495
                                                   --------          --------           -------          --------
    Total interest expense...............            24,737            14,912             (440)            39,209
                                                   --------           -------           ------           --------
    Net interest income..................            17,807            10,430           (1,404)            26,833
    Provision for loan losses............               ---               120               ---               120
                                                  ---------          --------        ----------          --------
      Net interest income after provision
         for loan losses.................            17,807            10,310           (1,404)            26,713
                                                   --------          --------         --------           --------
Non-interest income:
  Loan origination fees..................               348               798               ---             1,146
  Service fees...........................             2,120             1,077             (158)             3,039
  Net gain on sale of loans and securities
    available-for-sale...................               577               975               ---             1,552
  Other..................................               837             1,164               ---             2,001
                                                  ---------          --------         ---------          --------
    Total non-interest income............             3,882             4,014             (158)             7,738
                                                   --------           -------         --------           --------

Non-interest expenses:
  Compensation and employee benefits.....             7,523             4,832               ---            12,355
  Net occupancy expense of premises......             1,450               812               180             2,442
  Equipment and furnishings expense......               643               533               ---             1,176
  Data processing expenses...............               632               749               ---             1,381
  Federal insurance premium..............               806               475               ---             1,281
  Marketing and advertising..............               559               211               ---               770
  Core deposit intangible amortization...               ---               ---               968               968
  Other..................................             2,961             2,746               213             5,920
                                                   --------           -------           -------          --------
     Total non-interest expense..........            14,574            10,358             1,361            26,293
                                                    -------           -------            ------           -------
     Income before income taxes..........             7,115             3,966           (2,923)             8,158
  Income taxes (expense) benefit.........           (2,556)           (1,422)               901           (3,077)
                                                  --------          --------           --------         --------
      Net income.........................          $  4,559           $ 2,544         $ (2,022)          $  5,081
                                                   ========           =======         ========           ========
   Net income per share..................          $   1.07           $  1.68                             $  0.92
                                                   ========           =======                             =======
  Weighted average common shares
    outstanding for income per share.....         4,259,109         1,515,947                           5,552,219
                                                  =========         =========                           =========
</TABLE>
                                       49


<PAGE>



Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information

NOTE A:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The unaudited pro forma combined  balance sheet combines the historical
consolidated balance sheets of WesterFed Financial and Security as if the Merger
had become  effective on September 30, 1996.  The  unaudited pro forma  combined
statements  of operations  combines the  historical  consolidated  statements of
operations  of  WesterFed  Financial  and  Security  as if the Merger had become
effective  on  July  1,  1995.  Certain  amounts  in  the  historical  financial
statements  of  Security  have  been  reclassified  in the  unaudited  pro forma
combined financial  information to conform to WesterFed  Financial's  historical
financial statements.

         The  Merger  will  be  accounted  for  using  the  purchase  method  of
accounting. Under this method of accounting,  assets and liabilities of Security
are  adjusted to their  estimated  fair value and combined  with the  historical
recorded  book  values of the assets and  liabilities  of  WesterFed  Financial.
Applicable income tax effects of such adjustments are included as a component of
WesterFed  Financial's  net  deferred  taxes  with  a  corresponding  offset  to
goodwill. The actual revaluation of Security's net assets acquired is subject to
the completion of studies and evaluations by management and will be based on the
estimated  fair value of the net assets  acquired at the  Effective  Date of the
Merger.

         Any  transactions  conducted in the ordinary course of business between
WesterFed Financial and Security would be immaterial and, accordingly,  have not
been eliminated.

         Following the Merger and,  subject to regulatory  approvals,  WesterFed
Financial  may merge  Western  Bank and  Security  Bank.  The impact of any such
merger is not  expected to be  material.  WesterFed  Financial  also  expects to
achieve certain  operating cost savings as a result of the Merger,  however,  no
pro forma  adjustment  has been  included in the  unaudited  pro forma  combined
financial information for the anticipated operating cost savings.

NOTE B:  PURCHASE PRICE

         The purchase price to be paid to Security stockholders is assumed to be
$30 per share.  The total number of Security shares to be acquired is 1,572,332.
This assumes all options to acquire  87,700 shares of Security  common stock are
exercised and acquired as part of the Merger. The actual purchase price paid per
share is subject to  adjustment  depending  upon the average  price of WesterFed
Financial  Common Stock prior to the Effective  Date.  In addition,  the form of
consideration paid to Security  stockholders in the form of WesterFed  Financial
Common Stock is limited to 40% to 45% of the total consideration.

                  Total consideration is calculated as follows
                     (in thousands, except share amounts):


Acquisition of 1,484,682 shares of Security Common Stock............    $44,540
Acquisition of Security Common Stock options outstanding............      1,372
Estimated direct acquisition costs..................................      1,000
                                                                        -------
    Total purchase price consideration..............................     46,912
Estimated common stock issuance costs...............................        300
                                                                        -------
    Total acquisition consideration.................................    $47,212
                                                                        =======

         It is assumed  that 45% of the  acquisition  cost of  Security  is paid
through the issuance of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock. The assumed value of
these shares is $15.50, which is the average market price of WesterFed Financial
Common Stock immediately prior to and after the announcement of the Merger.  The
actual value of these shares  issued will be based on the average  closing price
of  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock for the 20 trading  days  commencing  30
trading  days prior to the  closing.  The total  number of  WesterFed  Financial
common  stock  assumed to be issued is as follows (in  thousands,  except  share
amounts):


                                                                                
                                       50

<PAGE>


Acquisition cost of Security common stock.......................  $  44,540
Percentage to be paid through the issuance of stock.............         45%
                                                                  ---------
    Acquisition cost to be paid through the issuance of stock...  $  20,043
                                                                  ---------

Divided by the assumed value per share of shares issued.........  $   15.50
                                                                  ---------
Total WesterFed Financial common shares to be issued............  1,293,110
                                                                  =========

         The total cash  consideration is assumed to be funded with the proceeds
from   the   sale   of   investment   securities   which   are   classified   as
available-for-sale  and whose carrying value  approximates  market value.  Total
cash consideration is assumed as follows (in thousands):


Acquisition cost of Security common stock.......................   $44,540
Percentage to be paid in cash at closing........................        55%
                                                                   -------
    Acquisition cost to be paid in cash.........................   $24,497
    Acquisition cost of Security Common Stock options
     outstanding................................................     1,372
Estimated direct acquisition costs..............................     1,000
Estimated common stock issuance costs...........................       300
                                                                   -------
Total acquisition consideration paid in cash....................   $27,169
                                                                   =======


NOTE C:  ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE

         Certain  matters  are  still  pending  that  will have an effect on the
ultimate  allocation of the purchase price.  Accordingly,  the allocation of the
purchase  price has not been  finalized  and the portion of the  purchase  price
allocated to fair value  adjustments,  identifiable  intangibles and goodwill is
subject to change.


       Subject to the foregoing, the purchase price has been allocated as
                        described below (in thousands):

Security's net assets at September 30, 1996..............               $30,930
Increase (decrease) to the Security's net asset
 values as a result of estimated fair value adjustments:

      Mortgage-backed securities.........................    (953)
      Loans receivable, net..............................   1,184
      Premises and equipment.............................   4,500
      Deposits...........................................  (1,640)
      Accrued expenses(2)................................  (1,250)
      Borrowed funds.....................................     321
      Core deposit intangible and mortgage
        servicing rights.................................   5,625
                                                            -----
                                                            7,787
      Applicable income tax effects......................  (2,959)
                                                            -----
Net fair value adjustments...............................                 4,828
Eliminate Security's existing goodwill, net of income
  tax effects............................................                (2,662)
                                                                          -----
Estimated fair value of identifiable tangible and
  intangible net assets..................................                33,096
Goodwill.................................................                13,816
                                                                         ------
Total purchase price consideration.......................               $46,912
                                                                         ======
- -------------
(1)  Estimated marginal tax rate of 38%.
(2)  Includes $750,000 of estimated severance costs under existing Security
     employment agreements.


                                                         
                                       51


<PAGE>


NOTE D:  PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

         For the unaudited pro forma  statements  of  operations,  the pro forma
adjustments are based on the allocated purchase price of the net assets acquired
based on the fair value estimates at September 30, 1996 described above.

         The effect on income of the  amortization  of the aggregate  $1,450,000
estimated  fair value  adjustments  to the  carrying  values is  estimated to be
incurred on a  straight-line  basis over three to seven years for the  following
categories: mortgage-backed securities, loans receivable, net, deposits, accrued
expenses,  and borrowd funds. The increase in the carrying value of premises and
equipment is being  depreciated over the remaining  economic life of the related
assets, currently estimated at 25 years.

         The core  deposit  intangible  and  mortgage  servicing  rights will be
amortized  on  an  accelerated  basis  over  their  respective  economic  lives,
currently estimated not to exceed ten years.  Goodwill resulting from the Merger
is expected to be amortized over 25 years.

         The  assumed  interest  rate  on  securities  sold to  fund  the  total
acquisition  consideration  paid in cash is 6.75%.

         The incremental effect on pro forma combined net income of the purchase
accounting  adjustments for the 12-month  periods  subsequent to the year ending
June 30, 1996 is estimated to be an after-tax increase in expenses as follows:


Subsequent 12-month periods
ending June 30                               Amount
- ---------------------------                  ------
1997                                           $745
1998                                            634
1999                                            817
2000                                            745
2001                                            660


         Applicable  income tax effects  have been  recorded  using an estimated
marginal tax rate of 38%.


NOTE E:  PRO FORMA INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

         Pro forma combined weighted average shares  outstanding is based on the
number of shares assumed to be issued to Security  shareholders  of 1,293,110 as
described above combined with the actual weighted average shares outstanding for
WesterFed  Financial for the respective  periods. No options to acquire Security
common  stock are  assumed to be  outstanding  after the  Effective  Date of the
Merger.




                                                                                
                                       52

<PAGE>


                        MANAGEMENT OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL

Directors and Executive Officers

         The business  experience of each director of WesterFed Financial is set
forth below.  All directors  have held their present  positions for at least the
past five years, except as otherwise indicated.

         Lyle R. Grimes.  Mr. Grimes is President and Chief Executive Officer of
WesterFed Financial and Western Bank, positions he has held since September 1993
and January 1983,  respectively.  Mr.  Grimes is  responsible  for  establishing
policies and plans for directing  and  controlling  the  activities of WesterFed
Financial and Western Bank in order to achieve the  objectives  set by the Board
of Directors.  Mr. Grimes also acts as spokesman for WesterFed Financial and the
Western Bank and maintains business, civic and governmental contacts. Mr. Grimes
joined  Western  Bank in 1958 and has  worked in all  phases of  Western  Bank's
operations  during his 38 years of employment with Western Bank. Mr. Grimes also
serves as President and a Director of Western  Bank's  subsidiaries.  Mr. Grimes
served as a Director of the Federal  Home Loan Bank of Seattle from January 1993
to January 1995. Mr. Grimes graduated from the University of Montana.

         Otto G. Klein, Jr., M.D. Dr. Klein has practiced ophthalmology with the
Rocky Mountain Eye and Ear Center located in Missoula, Montana since 1978. Prior
to such time,  he was a Clinical  Associate  Professor of  Ophthalmology  at the
University  of  Washington  and partner of the Mason Clinic in Seattle.  He is a
graduate of Stanford University and Cornell Medical School.

         Laurie  Caras  DeMarois.  Ms.  DeMarois  joined the Garden  City Floral
Company in 1976.  She now  manages  the Garden  City  Floral  Company and is the
majority shareholder.  Ms. DeMarois has served as President of the Montana State
Florists  Association and as a director on the boards of the Missoula Chamber of
Commerce,  United  Way and  Rotary  Club.  Ms.  DeMarois  is a  graduate  of the
University of Montana.

         John E. Roemer.  Mr. Roemer is retired.  From 1953 to 1988,  Mr. Roemer
was the owner and operator of Roemer's  Tire Center,  Inc.  with retail tire and
automotive centers located in Missoula, Montana and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

         Marvin P. Reynolds,  D.D.S. Dr. Reynolds is a dentist who has practiced
in  Missoula,  Montana  for over 37 years.  He is a graduate  of the  Washington
University Dental School at St. Louis.

         Robert F. Burke.  Mr.  Burke joined  I.D.S.  Financial  Services,  Inc.
("I.D.S."),  Missoula,  Montana, as a personal financial advisor in August 1991.
I.D.S.  is a wholly owned  subsidiary of American  Express  Company.  In January
1995,  I.D.S.  became American Express  Financial  Advisors,  Inc. Prior to such
time, he was Chairman and President of the Bank of Sheridan,  a commercial  bank
located in Sheridan,  Montana, from 1983 to 1990. Mr. Burke has approximately 32
years of experience in the banking industry.  He is a graduate of the University
of Montana and the Pacific Coast Banking School.

         The business  experience  of each  executive  officer who is not also a
director is set forth below.

         Douglas G. Bardwell.  Mr.  Bardwell became Vice President and Secretary
of WesterFed  Financial in September  1993. Mr.  Bardwell joined Western Bank in
August 1973. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 1983 and Executive Vice
President in 1989. He also serves on the Board of Directors of WesterFed Service
Corporation,  WesterFed  Insurance  Services,  Inc.,  Monte  Mac I, and  Service
Corporation of Montana. Mr. Bardwell is a graduate of the University of Montana.
Mr.  Bardwell is responsible  for the  supervision of Western Bank's savings and
operations departments.

         James A. Salisbury.  Mr. Salisbury became Treasurer and Chief Financial
officer of WesterFed  Financial in September 1993. Mr.  Salisbury joined Western
Bank as Treasurer and Chief  Financial  Officer in 1983.  Prior to such time, he
was employed as the Chief Financial  Officer for Home Federal from 1980 to 1983.
From 1978 to 1980, he was in private practice as a certified public  accountant.
Mr. Salisbury is a graduate of the University

                                                                                
                                       53

<PAGE>
of Montana and is a certified  public  accountant.  Mr. Salisbury is responsible
for the  formulation  and  implementation  of the policies and objectives of the
Western Bank's finance and accounting functions.

         Jack E.  Lovell.  Mr.  Lovell has been  employed by Western  Bank since
September  1975.  He was  promoted to Credit  Administrator  in 1979.  As Credit
Administrator  he is responsible  for policy  formulation  related to all Credit
Administration  and has direct oversight  responsibility  for Loan Servicing and
Quality  Control  Departments.  Mr.  Lovell is a graduate of the  University  of
Montana.

         Virginia  Dumontier.  Ms.  Dumontier  has been  Vice  President/Deposit
Support Services Manager since 1983. She has been employed by Western Bank since
1957. Ms.  Dumontier is responsible for policy  formulation and operation of all
of Western Bank's deposit services.

         Dale W.  Brevik.  Mr.  Brevik has been with Western Bank since May 1979
and has held his  present  positions  since  1983.  In addition to his duties as
Marketing Director, Mr. Brevik is the Investor Relations Manager and coordinates
new product  development and oversees  Western Bank's  insurance  programs.  Mr.
Brevik is a graduate of the University of Montana.

         Charles E. Eiseman. Mr. Eiseman has been employed by Western Bank since
December 1975 and has held his present position since 1988. Mr. Eiseman's duties
include  supervision  of all loan  origination  activities  in all cities  where
Western  Bank has loan  origination  centers.  Mr.  Eiseman is a graduate of the
University of Montana.

Executive Compensation

         WesterFed  Financial  has not paid any  compensation  to its  executive
officers since its formation.  WesterFed Financial does not presently anticipate
paying any  compensation to such persons until it becomes  actively  involved in
the operation or acquisition of businesses other than Western Bank.

         The  following  table  sets forth the  compensation  paid or accrued by
Western Bank during fiscal years  indicated  for services  rendered by the Named
Officers.


                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Annual Compensation(1)                               Long-Term Compensation
                           ----------------------                               ----------------------
                                                                                        Awards
                                                                                        ------
                                                                                  Restricted
                                                                                     Stock       Options/        All Other
                                               Fiscal      Salary       Bonus       Award(s)        SARs        Compensation
Name and Principal Position                     Year        ($)        ($)(2)        ($)(3)        (#)(4)            ($)
- ---------------------------                     ----        ---        ------        ------        ------            ---
<S>                                            <C>    <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>

Lyle R. Grimes, President and                   1996  $ 220,000(5)   $ 90,025      $    ---          ---        $136,802(6)
 Chief Executive Officer                        1995    210,000(5)     52,059           ---          ---         128,086
                                                1994    210,000(5)     70,000       470,280      126,444          80,080

Douglas G. Bardwell, Executive                  1996    123,000(7)     33,555           ---          ---          35,760(8)
 Vice President an Chief Operating Officer      1995    117,000(7)     19,340           ---          ---          32,031
                                                1994    117,000(7)     36,457       226,260       44,366          16,287

James A. Salisbury, Treasurer and               1996    100,000(9)     27,280           ---          ---          22,048(10)
 Chief Financial Officer                        1995     95,000(9)     15,704           ---          ---          19,826
                                                1994     95,000(9)     29,602       181,900       37,268           6,804

<FN>
- ------------------ 
(1)  "Perquisites" received by the named officers are not presented in the table
     as such  amounts  are below  the  minimum  required  for  disclosure  under
     executive  compensation  disclosure  rules  adopted by the  Securities  and
     Exchange Commission.

(2)  Paid pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan.

(3)  Represents the dollar value of awards of shares of Common Stock pursuant to
     the RRP based upon the $10.00 per share  market value on the date of grant.
     At June 30,  1996,  the  market  value of the  restricted  stock  awards to
     Messrs. Grimes, Bardwell and Salisbury was $699,777, $336,675 and $270,667,
     respectively,  based upon the closing price of the Common Stock as reported
     on the  Nasdaq  National  Market  System on such  date.  Prior to  vesting,
     holders of restricted  stock have the right to receive  dividends,  if any,
     paid on shares of the Common  Stock.  At June 30, 1996,  50% of the initial
     awards listed above had vested.

                                       54

<PAGE>

(4)  Represents  awards of  options  to  purchase  shares of Common  Stock at an
     exercise  price of $10.00 per share,  granted  pursuant to the Stock Option
     Plan.

(5)  Includes zero,  zero, and $6,369  deferred under the 401(k) Plan, and $346,
     $253 and $152 deferred under the Flexible Compensation Plan in fiscal 1996,
     1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
(6)  Includes  $115,000  accrued by Western  Bank for the benefit of Mr.  Grimes
     under the Benefit Equalization Plan. The Benefit Equalization Plan provides
     supplemental  retirement  income to Mr. Grimes since his normal  retirement
     benefit is diminished as a result of IRS rules  limiting  benefits  payable
     under  the  Pension  Plan.  See  "Benefit  Plans."  Also  includes  $18,198
     allocated to Mr. Grimes' account under the ESOP (representing  1,223 shares
     at $14.88 per share),  $2,538 in unused sick leave, a $102 Christmas  bonus
     and the following  insurance  premiums paid by Western Bank on Mr.  Grimes'
     behalf:  $38 in life  insurance,  $688 in life  insurance  under the Salary
     Continuation Plan and $238 in long-term disability.

(7)  Includes  $5,810,  $4,680 and $4,680  deferred  under the 401(k) Plan,  and
     $862, $841 and $752 deferred under the Flexible Compensation Plan in fiscal
     1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

(8)  Includes  $12,695  accrued  and a life  insurance  premium  of $223 paid on
     behalf of Mr.  Bardwell under the Salary  Continuation  Plan. Also includes
     $17,439  allocated to Mr. Bardwell's  account under the ESOP  (representing
     1,172 shares at $14.88 per share), $1,419 of unused sick leave, a Christmas
     bonus of $102,  a long-term  disability  insurance  premium of $238, a life
     insurance  premium of $38 and  contributions  to the 401(k)  Plan of $3,606
     paid by Western Bank on behalf of Mr. Bardwell.

(9)  Includes  $4,878,  $4,752 and $4,752  deferred  under the 401(k) Plan,  and
     $900, $500 and $111 deferred under the Flexible Compensation Plan in fiscal
     1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

(10) Includes  $2,872 accrued and life insurance  premiums of $85 paid on behalf
     of Mr. Salisbury under the Salary  Continuation Plan. Also includes $14,671
     allocated  to Mr.  Salisbury's  account  under the ESOP  (representing  986
     shares at $14.88 per share), $1,154 in unused sick leave, a Christmas bonus
     of $102, life insurance premiums of $38, a long-term  disability  insurance
     premium of $198,  and  contributions  to the 401(k)  Plan of $2,928 paid by
     Western Bank on behalf of Mr. Salisbury.
</FN>
</TABLE>

         The  following  table sets forth  certain  information  concerning  the
number and value of unexercised stock options held by the Named Officers at June
30,  1996.  No options or stock  appreciation  rights were  awarded to the Named
Officers during fiscal 1996.


AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Number of Unexercised                 Value of Unexercised In-the-Money
Options/SARs at FY-End(#)(1)           Options/SARs at FY-End ($)(2)
- ----------------------------           -----------------------------

                    Shares Acquired      Value
Name                 on Exercise(#)    Realized($)   Exercisable  Unexercisable  Exercisable  Unexercisable
- ----                 --------------    -----------   -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                 <C>               <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>

Lyle R.  Grimes           N/A              N/A         56,444         70,000       $275,447      $341,600
Douglas G. Bardwell       N/A              N/A         30,000         14,366        146,400        70,106
James A. Salisbury        N/A              N/A         30,000          7,268        146,400        35,468
<FN>
 ------------- 
(1)  Represents  options to purchase Common Stock granted  pursuant to the Stock
     Option Plan. Except for an option to purchase 26,444 shares of Common Stock
     granted to Mr. Grimes,  all of which vested in March 1994, the terms of the
     option awards  provide that shares will be  exercisable at a rate of 10,000
     shares per year, commencing on January 6, 1995.

(2)  Represents the difference  between the aggregate  option exercise price and
     the fair market value of the  underlying  shares based on the closing price
     of $14.88 per share of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq  National
     Market on June 30, 1996.
</FN>
</TABLE>


Employment Agreements

         Western  Bank has  entered  into  employment  agreements  with  Messrs.
Grimes, Bardwell and Salisbury and four other executive officers. The employment
agreements  are  designed to assist  Western  Bank in  maintaining  a stable and
competent management base. The employment agreements became effective January 6,
1994 and provide for an annual base salary in an amount equal to the  employee's
current  salary.  The  agreements  provide for  termination  upon the employee's
death,  for  cause  or in  certain  events  specified  by OTS  regulations.  The
employment  agreements  are  terminable  by the employee upon 90 days' notice to
Western Bank.

         The following  discussion  relates to the terms of the agreements  with
Messrs. Grimes, Bardwell and Salisbury.  These employment agreements provide for
an initial term of three years.  Subject to annual  Board  approval  following a
satisfactory  annual  performance  review,  on each  annual  anniversary  of the
effective date of the agreement,  each agreement shall be automatically extended
for an additional  one-year  period,  unless either the employee or Western Bank
gives notice to the contrary.  The employment  agreements provide for a lump sum
payment to the employee of up to 299% of his then-current annual compensation in
the  event  there is a change  in  control  of  Western  Bank  where  employment
terminates involuntarily in connection with such change in control of

                                                                                
                                       55

<PAGE>



Western  Bank or  WesterFed  Financial  or  within 12  months  thereafter.  This
termination  payment  is  subject  to  reduction  by the  amount  of  all  other
compensation to the employee deemed for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986,  as amended (the  "Code") to be  contingent  on a change in control.  Such
termination  payments  are  provided  on a similar  basis in  connection  with a
voluntary termination of employment, where the change in control was at any time
opposed by Western Bank's Board of Directors. For the purposes of the employment
agreements,  a change in control is defined to mean an acquisition of control of
Western Bank or WesterFed  Financial (other than by a trustee or other fiduciary
holding securities under an employee benefit plan of WesterFed  Financial or its
subsidiary) as defined in OTS  regulations  which would require the filing of an
application  for  acquisition  of  control or notice of change in  control.  The
agreements provide, among other things, for participation in an equitable manner
and employee benefits applicable to executive personnel.

         Based on current salary information,  if Messrs.  Grimes,  Bardwell and
Salisbury had been terminated as of June 30, 1996, under circumstances entitling
each of them to severance pay as described above,  such  individuals  would have
been  entitled  to receive a lump sum cash  payment of  approximately  $680,237,
$349,572 and $280,241, respectively.

Benefit Plans

         Pension Plan and Benefit  Equalization  Plan.  Western Bank's employees
are included in the Financial Institutions  Retirement Fund, a multiple employer
comprehensive  pension plan (the "Pension Plan"). This  noncontributory  defined
benefit  retirement  plan  covers all  employees  who have met  minimum  service
requirements.  Western  Bank's  policy  is to fund  pension  costs  accrued.  In
addition to  administrative  expenses of the Pension Plan paid by Western  Bank,
Western Bank made  contributions  totaling  approximately  $307,275 to such plan
during fiscal 1996.

         The following table  illustrates  annual pension  benefits payable upon
retirement at age 65 to a  participant  electing to receive the standard form of
retirement  benefits  based on  various  levels  of  compensation  and  years of
service.


                               PENSION PLAN TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    Years of Service
                                                    ----------------
   Remuneration          15               20               25               30               35
   ------------          --               --               --               --               --
     <S>               <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>      
     $ 50,000        $  15,000        $  20,000        $  25,000        $  30,000        $  35,000
       75,000           22,500           30,000           37,500           45,000           52,500
      100,000           30,000           40,000           50,000           60,000           70,000
      125,000           37,500           50,000           62,500           75,000           87,500
      150,000           45,000           60,000           75,000           90,000          105,000
      175,000           52,500           70,000           87,500          105,000          109,991*
      200,000           60,000           80,000          100,000          109,991*         109,991*
      225,000           67,500           90,000          109,991*         109,991*         109,991*
<FN>
- ----------
* Maximum annual benefit payable.
</FN>
</TABLE>



         At June 30, 1996, Messrs. Grimes,  Bardwell and Salisbury had 37 years,
21 years 11 months and 15 years six months,  respectively,  of credited services
under the Plan.  Retirement  benefits  payable  under the Pension Plan are based
upon salary contained in the Summary Compensation Table.

         Western Bank also maintains a Benefit Equalization Plan for the benefit
of certain highly  compensated  individuals  whose normal benefits  payable upon
retirement  under the Pension Plan are reduced due to limits  placed on benefits
payable  under the Pension Plan by federal law. This plan provides for an annual
retirement  benefit  commencing  at the normal  retirement  date (as  defined in
Western  Bank's  Pension  Plan)  equal  to  the  actuarial   equivalent  of  the
participant's  accrued  benefit (as determined  before  applying the limitations
contained  in the  Pension  Plan  and  any  dollar  limitation  for  the  amount
considered compensation) minus the actuarial equivalent of the

                                                                                
                                       56

<PAGE>



participant's  accrual  provided  under the  Pension  Plan.  In the event of the
participant's  death prior to the date  payments are due to commence  under this
plan,  the  plan  provides  for a death  benefit  payable  to the  participant's
beneficiary.  Currently,  Mr.  Grimes is the only person  participating  in this
plan.  Information regarding the amount contributed by Western Bank to this plan
on behalf of Mr. Grimes is contained in the Summary Compensation Table.

         Salary   Continuation   Plan.  Western  Bank  has  adopted  the  Salary
Continuation  Plan ("SCP") for the benefit of 14 officers.  The SCP provides for
the payment of monthly  retirement  benefits  to  participating  officers  for a
period of ten years upon retirement at age 55, provided the officer has at least
20 years of service to Western Bank. Benefits payable under the SCP are equal to
1/120 of such officer's  monthly salary for calendar 1992. The SCP also provides
for a benefit equal to one to two times the  participant's  1992 salary,  in the
event of such  person's  death  while  employed  by  Western  Bank.  Information
regarding  amounts  contributed to the SCP during the past three fiscal years on
behalf of the Named Officers is contained in the Summary Compensation Table.

Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation

         The  Compensation  and Benefits  Committee of WesterFed  Financial  has
furnished the following report on executive compensation:

         Compensation  Policies.  This  report  reflects  WesterFed  Financial's
compensation  policies as endorsed by the Board of Directors and the  Committee.
The Committee  recommends to the Board of Directors amounts of cash compensation
for executive officers of WesterFed Financial and its subsidiaries.  With regard
to the compensation  actions affecting the CEO, all of the non-employee  members
of the Board of Directors acted as the approving body.


         The Annual Incentive Plan of WesterFed Financial is designed to:

1.   support a pay-for-performance policy that differentiates compensation based
     on corporate, business unit, and individual performance;

2.   motivate key senior officers to achieve strategic business  initiatives and
     award them for their achievement;

3.   provide compensation  opportunities that are comparable to those offered by
     other leading companies,  allowing  WesterFed  Financial to compete for and
     retain  talented  executives  who are  critical  to  WesterFed  Financial's
     long-term success; and

4.   align  the  interests  of  executives  with  the  long-term   interests  of
     stockholders  through award  opportunities  that can result in ownership of
     Common Stock.

         At present,  the Annual  Incentive Plan is comprised of salary,  annual
cash incentive  opportunities,  long-term incentive opportunities in the form of
stock options,  restricted stock and miscellaneous benefits typically offered to
executives by major corporations. Along with other eligible employees, executive
officers also participate in WesterFed  Financial's  401(k) Plan, which provides
for matching contributions, a defined benefit retirement program, and the ESOP.

         Annual  incentive  plans for  executive  officers of Western  Bank were
developed in 1993 with the assistance of outside consultants with implementation
occurring in fiscal year 1994. During the fiscal year,  incentive plans for each
of the three Named Officers listed in the  compensation  table, as well as other
senior officers, were established based on stated goals and objectives which are
drawn  by  Western  Bank's  Business  Plan.  Incentives  are  awarded  based  on
attainment  of those  goals.  However,  all  annual  incentives  are  eliminated
entirely under this  incentive  plan if a set minimum of before-tax  earnings in
dollars is not met during the fiscal  year.  There is also a maximum  before-tax
earnings set in dollars above which  incentives  will not be paid.  The Board of
WesterFed Financial believes that tying executive officers' income more directly
to institution  performance  will more closely align  individual  objectives and
interests with stockholder value.

                                                                                
                                       57

<PAGE>



         Long-term incentives for executive officers, and to a lesser degree for
employees,   were  provided   during  the  fiscal  year  ending  1994  with  the
implementation  of the RRP and the Stock Option Plan, which were approved by the
stockholders at the Special Meeting of Stockholders  held on March 29, 1994. The
price of the Common Stock must increase over time to maximize the benefit of the
RRP and for the employee to realize any benefit from the options  awarded  under
the Stock Option Plan.

         Salaries.  The base  salaries  paid to  Messrs.  Grimes,  Bardwell  and
Salisbury were increased 5.0%, 5.13%, and 5.26%,  respectively,  for fiscal year
1995-96.   This  change  reflected   consideration   of  WesterFed   Financial's
performance  and  competitive  data on similar  companies  indicating  that such
changes would be commensurate  with experience and individual  performance.  The
other  executive  officers  will be  granted  base  salary  increases  based  on
competitive  data,  individual  performance,   position,   tenure  and  internal
comparability considerations.  The Compensation Committee will review and change
the  compensation  strategy  as  needed  in  order  that  it  be  responsive  to
stockholder interests over time.

         Bonus Awards for Fiscal 1996. Executive officers of WesterFed Financial
were  awarded  cash  bonuses  during  the year  based on a review  of  WesterFed
Financial's  fiscal  year  performance  and  individual  performance.  WesterFed
Financial performance review included an assessment of how WesterFed Financial's
before-tax  earnings  compared  with goals set by the Board of Directors and the
goals  included in the  Business  Plan.  Additional  factors that are taken into
account  by the  non-employee  members  of the  Board of  Directors  were  their
assessment of non-performing  loans, interest rate risk, regulatory ratings, the
degree of customer satisfaction and morale of WesterFed  Financial's  employees.
Based on all these  factors,  the amount of bonus paid to Grimes,  Bardwell  and
Salisbury were 40.9%, 27.3% and 27.3% of their base salaries,  respectively,  as
compared to the maximum possible award of 60%, 40%, and 40%, respectively.

         RRP and Stock  Option Plan  Awards.  The RRP and Stock Option Plan (the
"Plans") are designed to align a significant  portion of the executive officer's
compensation,  and  to  a  lesser  degree  other  employees  compensation,  with
stockholders' interests. The Plans, approved by stockholders in 1994, permit the
granting of stock based awards.  To date,  two types of awards have been granted
to executive officers and other key employees:

1.   Stock Option -- a right to purchase  shares of Common Stock over a ten-year
     period at the market price on the date of grant.

2.   Restricted  Stock -- shares of Common  Stock the  recipient  cannot sell or
     otherwise  dispose of until the  applicable  restriction  period lapses and
     which are forfeited if the recipient  terminates  employment for any reason
     other than  retirement,  disability,  or death  prior to the lapsing of the
     restriction period (or applicable portion of such period).

         No Stock Options or Restricted Stock were granted during fiscal 1996 to
Messrs. Grimes, Bardwell,  Salisbury and other executive officers and employees.
In making future grants,  the Committee will consider,  among other things,  the
individual's  position  and  years of  service,  the  value of the  individual's
service  to  Western  Bank  and the  responsibilities  of the  individual  as an
executive  officer  of a  public  company  as well  as the  practices  of  other
financial institutions.

         In 1993,  Section  162(m) was added to the Internal  Revenue Code,  the
effect  of which is to  eliminate  the  deductibility  of  compensation  over $1
million,  with certain  exclusions,  paid to each of certain highly  compensated
executive officers of publicly held corporations,  such as WesterFed  Financial.
Section  162(m)  applies to  remuneration  (both cash and  non-cash)  that would
otherwise be  deductible  for tax years  beginning on or after  January 1, 1994,
unless  expressly  excluded.  Although  the  current  compensation  of  each  of
WesterFed  Financial's  executive  officers  is below the $1 million  threshold,
WesterFed Financial intends to consider the new provision in establishing future
compensation  policies  and has amended its Stock Option Plan to comply with the
requirements of Section 162(m).

                     The Compensation and Benefits Committee

John E. Roemer (Chairman)      Marvin P. Reynolds       Otto G. Klein, Jr., M.D.


                                                                                
                                       58

<PAGE>



Stockholder Return Performance Presentation

         The graph below compares the  cumulative  total  stockholder  return on
WesterFed  Financial's Common Stock to the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq
Market Index and the SIC Industry Group, an index of federally chartered savings
institutions,  for the period January 10, 1994,  the date WesterFed  Financial's
Common Stock commenced  trading on the Nasdaq National Market,  through June 30,
1996.  The graph assumes that $100 was invested on January 10, 1994 and that all
dividends were reinvested.


                            CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                    WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION, NASDAQ
                     MARKET INDEX AND SIC INDUSTRY GROUP OF
                    FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            1/10/94       6/30/94       6/30/95       6/30/96
                            -------       -------       -------       -------

NASDAQ ..................     100           101           119           149

Savings Index ...........     100           105           123           155

Westerfed ...............     100           109           119           119
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                
                                       59

<PAGE>



Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

         Western  Bank has  followed  a policy  of  granting  loans to  eligible
directors,  officers,  employees and members of their immediate families for the
financing  of their  personal  residences  and for consumer  purposes.  All such
loans,  except as described below, to directors and the seven executive officers
of Western Bank are  required to be made in the ordinary  course of business and
on the same terms,  including collateral and interest rates, as those prevailing
at the time for comparable  transactions and do not involve more than the normal
risk of collectibility.  Loans to full-time employees, with at least one year of
service  with Western Bank (other than  executive  officers)  secured by a first
mortgage  on the  employee's  principal  residence  are  made  under a  standard
adjustable-rate  mortgage  program and modified to a reduced interest rate equal
to two percent  over  Western  Bank's cost of funds  subject to their  continued
employment.  Full-time  employees (other than executive  officers) with over one
year of service with Western Bank also receive a  preferential  rate on consumer
and home  improvement  loans obtained from Western Bank. The rate on these loans
is  modified  by a margin  (which  varies  depending  on the type of loan)  over
Western  Bank  in-house  consumer  loan  index.  Loans on savings  accounts  are
extended to employees at a rate of one percent  above the savings  account yield
and all processing fees are waived.

         All loans by Western Bank to its  executive  officers and directors are
subject  to OTS  regulations  restricting  loans  and  other  transactions  with
affiliated persons of Western Bank. Federal law prohibits a savings  association
from making loans to its executive  officers and directors at favorable rates or
on terms not comparable to those prevailing to the general public.

         Set forth below is certain information as to loans made by Western Bank
prior to changes in federal law to each of its directors and executive  officers
whose aggregate indebtedness exceeded $60,000 at any time since July 1, 1995, at
a preferential  interest rate pursuant to Western Bank's loan policy at the time
such  loans  were  made.  Each of the loans was made in the  ordinary  course of
business  and did not involve more than the normal risk of  collectibility.  All
loans  designated as  residential  loans are first mortgage loans secured by the
borrower's principal place of residence.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               Largest
                        Date                                    Amount                     Market       Modified
                         of                       Original    Outstanding   Balance at     Rate at       Rate at
Name and Position       Loan    Type of Loan       Amount    Since 7/1/95     6/30/96    Origination   Origination
- -----------------       ----    ------------       ------    ------------     -------    -----------   -----------
<S>                    <C>      <C>               <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>
Lyle R. Grimes         02/88     Residential      $ 92,800     $ 74,055      $ 72,417        8.75%         7.46%
President and Chief
 Executive Officer

Otto G. Klein          05/87     Residential       125,000      110,611       108,035         8.75         7.44
 Director              07/88     Line of Credit        N/A        3,089         1,567        17.90        15.00

John E. Roemer         06/89     Residential        99,750       92,429        90,624         9.75         8.52
 Director              05/85     Line of Credit        N/A        1,104             6        17.90        15.00
</TABLE>



         In addition to the loans listed in the tables  above,  Western Bank has
in the  ordinary  course of  business  made  loans to its  directors,  executive
officers  and  members of their  immediate  families  or  affiliates  thereof on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral,  as those
prevailing at the time for comparable  transactions  with unrelated  parties and
did not involve  more than the normal risk of  collectibility  or present  other
unfavorable features. All loans to such persons totalled approximately $255,047,
or .32% of WesterFed Financial's stockholders' equity, at June 30, 1996.


                                                            
                                       60

<PAGE>



                         BUSINESS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL

         WesterFed Financial,  a Delaware corporation,  is a unitary savings and
loan holding  company  which was  organized in 1993 at the  direction of Western
Bank for the purpose of owning all of the  outstanding  stock of Western Bank to
be issued in connection with Western Bank's conversion from mutual to stock form
(the  "Conversion").  The  Conversion  was completed on January 6, 1994 at which
time  WesterFed  Financial  issued  a total of  4,436,657  shares  of  WesterFed
Financial Common Stock. At June 30, 1996,  WesterFed  Financial had total assets
of $563.9 million,  deposits of $350.2 million and stockholders' equity of $78.6
million (13.9% of total assets).

         Western Bank,  founded in 1911, is a federally  chartered bank. Western
Bank serves the financial needs of families and local  businesses in its primary
market  areas  through its main  office  located at 100 E.  Broadway,  Missoula,
Montana, and 19 branch offices and one loan administration office located in the
communities of Missoula,  Billings,  Helena, East Helena, Great Falls,  Bozeman,
Hamilton,  Conrad,  Lewistown,  Miles City and Hardin, Montana. Its deposits are
insured up to applicable  limits by the Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation
("FDIC").

         As a community-oriented  financial  institution,  Western Bank seeks to
serve the  financial  needs of the  communities  throughout  its  market  areas.
Western Bank is principally  engaged in the business of attracting deposits from
the general public and using such deposits to originate residential loans in its
primary  market  areas.  Western Bank  originates  loans to enable  borrowers to
construct,  purchase,  refinance,  or improve  residential real estate and, to a
lesser extent, other types of real estate. It also offers consumer loan programs
and an in-house  VISA  credit card  program to  supplement  its other  financial
services. In addition,  Western Bank seeks to address its liquidity needs and to
enhance  investment  yields by holding  investment  securities,  mortgage-backed
securities, certificates of deposit and other short-term liquid assets.

         WesterFed  Financial's  main  office is located  at 110 East  Broadway,
Missoula,  Montana  59802-4511 and its telephone number at that address is (406)
721-5254.

Market Areas

         Western Bank conducts  operations  through its main office in Missoula,
Montana  and its 19 branch  offices  and one loan  administration  office in ten
diverse counties located throughout the State.

         Missoula.  In Missoula  Western Bank operates four branch offices which
accounted  for a total of $129.7  million of  Missoula  County's  June 30,  1995
deposits,  or a 15.3% market share. Missoula County's non- farm basic industries
are trade center  activity,  wood and paper products,  motor  carriers,  Federal
government,  and the University of Montana.  Major  employers  include  Missoula
Community  Hospital,  St.  Patrick's  Hospital,  Stone Container (a paper mill),
Louisiana  Pacific  (particle  board),  the  University  of Montana and the U.S.
Forest Service.

         Billings.  Western Bank  operates two branches in the city of Billings,
located in Yellowstone County. Total deposits held by those branches represented
$56.3  million of the county's  total June 30, 1995  deposits,  or a 3.9% market
share.  Leading non-farm basic industries in Yellowstone County are trade center
activity,  transportation,  oil and gas,  and Federal  government.  In Billings,
expansion  of trade center  activities  continues  and tends to counter  balance
declines in other basic industries.

         Helena. Four Western Bank offices are in Helena and East Helena,  which
is  located  in Lewis and Clark  County.  The four  branches  there  have  total
deposits of $45.0  million,  which  accounts for 6.8% of the county's total June
30, 1995 deposits.  Lewis and Clark County's basic leading  non-farm  industries
are state  government,  Federal  government,  and trade center activity.  Helena
continues to be a regional health and financial  services  center.  A new branch
facility was completed in December 1995 to service the north side of Helena.

         Great Falls.  Western Bank operates three branches in the city of Great
Falls,  located in Cascade County. These branches hold $39.1 million in deposits
which is 4.8% of the county's total June 30, 1995 deposits. In Great

                                                                                
                                       61

<PAGE>



Falls,  the leading  non-farm basic industries are Malmstrom Air Force Base, and
trade center activity. Agriculture has a major influence on the economy of Great
Falls with the surrounding counties being the State's leading wheat producers.

         Bozeman.  Western Bank has one office located in the city of Bozeman in
Gallatin  County.  Deposits  in the branch are $15.7  million  for a 3.1% market
share of the  county's  June 30, 1995 total  deposits.  Leading  non- farm basic
industries   in  Gallatin   County  are  Montana  State   University,   selected
manufacturing, and non-resident travel.

         Hamilton.  Western Bank has one branch  office in Hamilton,  located in
Ravalli  County,  where it holds  deposits of $16.6 million of the county's June
30,  1995  deposits  for a 5.9%  market  share.  Ravalli  County has  benefitted
recently from an influx of retirees.  A new branch facility was completed in May
1996 and replaced the existing Hamilton branch office.

         Conrad.  One Bank  office is  located  in the city of Conrad in Pondera
County.  This branch has $7.3 million in deposits and a 9.0% market share of the
county's  total  June  30,  1995  deposits.   The  local  economy  is  primarily
agricultural in nature.

         Lewistown.  Western  Bank  has one  office  in the  city of  Lewistown,
located in Fergus  County.  The branch has $13.9 million in deposits for an 8.5%
market share of the county's total June 30, 1995 deposits.  The local economy is
primarily agricultural in nature.

         Miles City. In Custer  County,  Western Bank has one branch  located in
Miles City,  which has $13.6  million in deposits for a 6.9% market share of the
county's June 30, 1995 total deposits.  Ranching is an important  segment of the
local economy.

         Hardin.  Western Bank has one branch located in the city of Hardin,  in
Big Horn County. The branch has $7.0 million in deposits for a 9.8% market share
of the county's  June 30, 1995 total  deposits.  The local  economy is primarily
agricultural in nature.

Lending Activities

         General.  The principal lending activity of Western Bank is originating
for its portfolio and for sale first mortgage loans,  secured by owner occupied,
one- to four-family  residential properties located in its primary market areas.
In addition, in order to increase the yield and interest rate sensitivity of its
portfolio  and in order to provide  more  comprehensive  financial  services  to
communities  in  Western  Bank's  market  areas,  Western  Bank also  originates
commercial real estate, consumer,  multi-family, and construction loans. Western
Bank is also a  major  originator  of  Federal  Housing  Administration/Veterans
Administration ("FHA/VA") loans, which are subsequently purchased by the Montana
Board of Housing.

         When  fixed-rate  conventional  mortgage loans with terms over 15 years
are routinely sold into the secondary market, Western Bank generally retains the
servicing  rights on these loans,  except for those loans sold  pursuant to loan
correspondent agreements. See "- Originations,  Purchases and Sales of Loans and
Mortgage-Backed  Securities." At June 30, 1996, Western Bank serviced loans with
principal  balances  of  approximately  $183.3  million  for  others.  The  loan
servicing fees earned provided a supplement to Western Bank's earnings.

                                                                                
                                       62

<PAGE>



         Loan Portfolio Composition.  The following table sets forth information
regarding the composition of Western Bank's loan portfolio in dollar amounts and
in  percentages  (before  deductions  for loans in  process,  deferred  fees and
discounts and allowances for losses) as of the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         At June 30,
                                                                         -----------
                                      1996                1995                1994              1993                1992
                                      ----                ----                ----              ----                ----
                                Amount    Percent    Amount   Percent    Amount  Percent   Amount   Percent    Amount    Percent
                                ------    -------    ------   -------    ------  -------   ------   -------    ------    -------
                                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                           <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>
Real Estate Loans:
 One- to four-family(1)......  $ 280,853   74.69%  $ 247,331   76.94%  $ 230,700  81.85%  $192,950    79.75%  $ 194,311   79.79%
 Multi-family................     19,939    5.30      18,985    5.91      14,430   5.12     11,801     4.88      13,016    5.34
 Commercial..................     18,318    4.87      12,399    3.86      11,300   4.01     13,215     5.46      16,641    6.83
 Construction................     12,977    3.45      10,742    3.34       7,866   2.79      8,764     3.62       4,483    1.84
                               ---------   -----    --------   -----    --------  -----    -------    -----    --------   ------
  Total real estate loans....    332,087   88.31     289,457   90.05     264,296  93.77    226,730    93.71     228,451   93.80
                               ---------   -----    --------   -----    --------  -----    -------    -----    --------   ------

Consumer Loans:
 Deposit account ............     2,337     0.62       2,138    0.67       2,034   0.72      1,839     0.76       2,405    0.99
 Student ....................        --       --          --      --          --     --          4       --           9      --
 Automobile .................     7,236     1.92       3,224    1.00       1,339   0.48      1,272     0.53       1,360    0.56
 Home improvement ...........     9,917     2.64       7,504    2.33       2,100   0.75      1,939     0.80       1,662    0.68
 Other loans(2) .............    24,491     6.51      19,141    5.95      12,098   4.28     10,162     4.20       9,663    3.97
                               --------    -----     -------    ----     -------  -----    -------    -----    --------   -----
  Total consumer loans ......    43,981    11.69      32,007    9.95      17,571   6.23     15,216     6.29      15,099    6.20
                               --------    -----     -------    ----     -------  -----    -------    -----    --------   -----
   Total gross loans ........   376,068   100.00%    321,464  100.00%    281,867 100.00%   241,946   100.00%    243,550  100.00%
                                          ======              ======             ======              ======              ======
Less:
 Unearned fees and discounts.    (1,625)              (1,344)             (1,301)           (1,017)              (1,055)
 Undisbursed loan funds .....    (4,245)              (4,988)             (3,696)           (5,723)              (2,118)
 Allowance for losses .......    (2,005)              (2,011)             (2,030)           (2,058)              (2,096)
                               --------               ------             -------           --------            --------
 Total loans receivable and
  loans available for sale,
  net........................   368,193              313,121             274,840           233,148              238,281
                               ========              =======             =======           =======             ========
<FN>
- ------------
(1)  Includes $7.5 million, $7.1 million, $8.9 million, $12.5 million and
     $17.8 million of FHA and VA loans at June 30, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993
     and 1992, respectively.

(2)  Includes primarily home equity loans.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                                               
                                       63

<PAGE>



         The following table illustrates the interest rate maturities of Western
Bank's loan  portfolio  at June 30, 1996.  Mortgages  which have  adjustable  or
renegotiable interest rates are shown as maturing in the period during which the
contract  matures.  The  schedule  does not  reflect  the  effects  of  possible
prepayments or enforcement of due-on-sale clauses.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  Real Estate
                      -----------------------------------------------------------------
                        One- to
                      Four-Family        Multi-Family       Commercial     Construction       Consumer              Total
                      -----------        ------------       ----------     ------------       --------              -----

                              Weighted           Weighted      Weighted        Weighted            Weighted              Weighted
   Due During Years            Average           Average        Average         Average             Average               Average
    Ending June 30,   Amount    Rate    Amount    Rate   Amount  Rate    Amount   Rate      Amount    Rate     Amount       Rate
    ---------------   ------    ----    ------    ----   ------  ----    ------   ----      ------    ----     ------       ----
                                                                      (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                  <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>   <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>          <C>  
1997(1) ..........   $    317   8.17%     $232    9.44%  $  321    9.88%  $12,265   8.87%    $5,145   8.54%   $18,280      8.76%
1998 .............        258   8.95        24    9.71      171    10.80      712   9.14      2,099   9.14      3,264      9.22
1999 .............        547   8.09       135    9.82    3,010    10.08      --      --      4,610   9.19      8,302      9.45
2000 and 2001 ....      2,378   8.75     1,281    8.93      129     9.60      --      --     12,277   9.06     16,065      9.01
2002 and 2006 ....     17,023   8.24     2,298    9.64    2,784     9.05      --      --     19,850   9.97     41,955      9.19
2007 and 2011 ....    138,019   7.43     8,313    9.32    8,210     8.96      --      --         --     --    154,542      7.61
2012 and following    122,311   7.81     7,656    8.99    3,693     9.21      --      --         --     --    133,660      7.92
                     --------   ----    ------    ----    -----    -----    ------   ----    -------   ----   -------      ----
     Total .......   $280,853   7.66%  $19,939    9.21%  $18,318    9.25%  $12,977   8.88%   $43,981  9.44%   $376,068     8.07%
                     ========   ====    ======    ====    ======   =====    ======   ====    =======  =====   ========     ====
<FN>
- -----------
(1)  Includes demand loans and loans having no stated maturity.

</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       64

<PAGE>



         The  following  table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans at June
30, 1996 that have fixed interest rates,  those that are contractually due after
June 30, 1997 and have floating or adjustable  interest  rates that change after
June 30, 1997.


                                                  Floating or
                                                  Adjustable
                                    Fixed Rates     Rates     Total
                                    -----------     -----     -----
                                                (In Thousands)
Real Estate:
 One- to four-family................   $219,952   $  518     $220,470
 Multi-family ......................     15,543       --       15,543
 Commercial ........................     12,333       --       12,333
 Construction ......................        353       --          353
Consumer loans .....................     36,454       --       36,454
                                       --------   --------   --------
   Total ...........................   $284,635   $  518     $285,153
                                       ========   ========   ========

         Under federal law, the  aggregate  amount of loans that Western Bank is
permitted to make to any one borrower is generally  limited to 15% of unimpaired
capital  and  surplus  (25%  if  the  security  for  such  loan  has a  "readily
ascertainable" value or 30% for certain residential  development loans). At June
30, 1996, based on the above,  Western Bank's  regulatory  loans-to-one-borrower
limit was $9.6 million. On the same date, Western Bank's largest amount of loans
to one borrower was $5.7 million.

         Residential  real estate  loans are  originated  by  employees  who are
compensated  on a salary  basis.  In the loan  approval  process,  Western  Bank
assesses both the  borrower's  ability to repay the loan and the adequacy of the
proposed security.  Initially, Western Bank's loan underwriters analyze the loan
application and the property involved.  As part of the loan application process,
qualified outside  appraisers  inspect and appraise the security  property.  All
appraisals are subsequently  reviewed by staff  underwriters.  Western Bank also
obtains information concerning the income,  financial condition,  employment and
credit history of the applicant. Western Bank's policy is to require title, fire
and extended hazard coverage on its real estate loans.

         If  the  loan  terms  and  borrower  meet  Western  Bank's  established
underwriting criteria and the loan amount does not exceed $100,000, the loan may
be approved by action of two members of the loan  committee.  Real estate  loans
that exceed  $100,000 must be approved by three loan committee  members,  one of
which must be a loan policy committee member or one of five selected senior loan
committee members.  All loans (other than conforming jumbo residential loans) in
excess  of  $500,000  must be  approved  by the  Board  of  Directors.  The loan
committee  presently consists of certain branch managers,  certain employee loan
originators,  and the  members of the loan  policy  committee.  The loan  policy
committee presently consists of four senior officers of Western Bank.

         All of Western  Bank's  lending is subject to its written  underwriting
standards and loan origination  procedures.  Decisions on loan  applications are
made on the basis of detailed  applications and property valuations  (consistent
with Western Bank's written appraisal policy) by qualified appraisers.  The loan
applications are designed primarily to determine the borrower's ability to repay
and the more  significant  items on the application are verified  through use of
credit  reports,  financial  statements,  tax returns  and/or  verifications  of
employment.

         Western Bank requires evidence of marketable title and lien position as
well as appropriate title insurance (except on certain home equity loans) on all
loans secured by real property and requires fire and extended  coverage casualty
insurance in amounts at least equal to the  principal  amount of the loan or the
value of  improvements on the property,  depending on the type of loan.  Western
Bank also  requires  flood  insurance  to  protect  the  property  securing  its
interest.


                                                                                
                                       65

<PAGE>



One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending

         The  cornerstone of Western  Bank's  lending  program has long been the
origination of long-term  permanent loans secured by mortgages on owner-occupied
one- to four-family  residences.  At June 30, 1996, $280.9 million, or 74.7%, of
Western  Bank's  loan  portfolio   consisted  of  permanent  loans  on  one-  to
four-family residences. Substantially all of the residential loans originated by
Western Bank are secured by properties  located in Western Bank's primary market
areas.

         Historically,   Western  Bank  originated  for  retention  in  its  own
portfolio,  30-year  fixed-rate loans secured by one- to-four family residential
real estate.  Beginning  in 1980,  in order to reduce its exposure to changes in
interest rates, Western Bank began to emphasize the origination of ARMs, subject
to market conditions and consumer preference.  As a result of continued consumer
demand,  particularly  during periods of relatively low interest rates, for long
term fixed-rate loans, Western Bank has continued to originate loans for sale in
the secondary  market in amounts and at rates which are monitored for compliance
with Western Bank's asset/liability management policy.

         Western  Bank's loans are  underwritten  and documented to permit their
sale,  consistent  with Western Bank's  asset/liability  management  objectives.
Since under Western Bank's current policy,  it may sell or securitize all of the
newly  originated  fixed-rate  loans with  terms of more than 15 years,  Western
Bank's  fixed-rate  loans are  originated  with terms which conform to secondary
market standards (i.e., FHLMC standards).  Such loans may be held for sale until
they are sold or securitized. Most of Western Bank's newly originated fixed-rate
residential loans have contractual terms to maturity of 15 to 30 years.  Western
Bank's  decision  to hold or sell  these  loans is based on its  asset/liability
management  policy  and goals and the market  conditions  for  mortgages  at any
period in time. Western Bank typically retains the servicing of the conventional
loans it  originates.  During  fiscal 1996,  Western Bank sold $12.2  million of
loans with servicing retained. See "- Originations, Purchases and Sales of Loans
and  Mortgage-Backed  Securities"  for  information  regarding  fees received by
Western Bank in  connection  with loans  serviced for others.  At June 30, 1996,
Western Bank had $146.9 million of fixed-rate  one- to  four-family  residential
loans with  remaining  terms of 15 years or less and $73.0 million of fixed-rate
loans with  remaining  terms  greater than 15 years in its loan  portfolio.  See
"Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations - Interest Rate Risk Management" in the Annual Report.

         Western  Bank  has  offered  ARM  loans  at  rates,  terms  and  points
determined  in  accordance  with market and  competitive  factors.  The programs
currently offered generally meet the standards and requirements of the secondary
market  for  residential  loans.  Western  Bank's  current  one- to  four-family
residential ARMs are fully amortizing loans with contractual maturities of up to
30 years.  The interest rates on the ARMs originated by Western Bank are subject
to adjustment at stated  intervals  based on a margin over a specified index and
are subject to lifetime adjustment limits.

         Western Bank presently offers one primary ARM product.  It utilizes the
weekly average yield on U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity
of one year plus a margin depending on property type. Most of these loans adjust
annually  subject to a limitation on the annual  increase to 2% and overall life
of loan limitation of 6%. Western Bank also offers various other ARM products on
a correspondent basis which are originated for immediate sale into the secondary
market.  ARM products held in portfolio do not permit  negative  amortization of
principal and carry no prepayment  restrictions.  At June 30, 1996, Western Bank
had $60.2 million of one-to four-family ARM loans.

         It is Western Bank's present policy generally not to lend more than 97%
of the  appraised  value in the case of first  mortgage  loans  secured  by real
property.   Western  Bank  presently  requires  private  mortgage  insurance  in
specified  amounts on all  conventional  residential  loans  with  loan-to-value
ratios at origination exceeding 80%. The terms of the private mortgage insurance
have  generally  provided that Western Bank would receive a payment equal to 12%
to  30%,  depending  on the  initial  loan-to-value  ratio,  of the  outstanding
principal  amount  of the  loan if  there  has  been a  default,  plus  costs of
foreclosure.


                                                                                
                                       66

<PAGE>



         Substantially   all  of  Western   Bank's  present  real  estate  loans
(excluding  mortgage-backed  securities)  are secured by  properties  located in
Montana. In view of the prevailing level of real estate values in Western Bank's
market areas,  Western Bank rarely  originates  loans in excess of $207,000 (the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") one-family maximum).

         Western  Bank's   residential   mortgage  loans   customarily   include
due-on-sale   clauses  giving  Western  Bank  the  right  to  declare  the  loan
immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things,  the borrower
sells or otherwise disposes of the property subject to the mortgage and the loan
is not repaid.  Western  Bank has enforced  due-on-sale  clauses in its mortgage
contracts for the purpose of increasing its loan portfolio  yield. ARM loans may
be assumed provided home buyers meet Western Bank's  underwriting  standards and
the applicable fees are paid.

Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending

         Western Bank also makes real estate loans secured by  multi-family  and
non-residential  properties.  Western Bank's multi-family  residential loans are
primarily  secured by apartment  buildings  located within Western Bank's market
area.

         Western Bank's current lending  guidelines  generally  require,  in the
case of loans secured by multi-family or commercial  income-producing  property,
that the property  securing such loans generate net cash flow,  after  deducting
all operating expenses except depreciation,  of 120% of the required annual debt
service and have a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 75%.

         The  commercial  real  estate  loans  originated  by  Western  Bank are
primarily  secured  by  office  buildings,   small  shopping  centers,   motels,
warehouses,  and  other  income-producing  properties.  Commercial  real  estate
lending  entails  significant  additional  risks as  compared  with  residential
property  lending.  Commercial  real estate loans  typically  involve large loan
balances  to single  borrowers  or  groups of  related  borrowers.  The  payment
experience on such loans is typically  dependent on the successful  operation of
the real  estate  project  and as such may be subject to a greater  extent  than
residential  loans to adverse  conditions in the economy  generally.  In dealing
with these risk factors,  Western Bank generally  limits itself to a real estate
market and/or borrowers with which it has knowledge and experience.  At June 30,
1996,  $19.9  million,  or 5.3% of Western Bank's loan  portfolio,  consisted of
multi-family loans and $18.3 million,  or 4.9% of Western Bank's loan portfolio,
consisted of commercial real estate loans.

         Western  Bank is  permitted  to make  secured and  unsecured  loans for
commercial,  corporate,  business and agricultural  purposes,  including issuing
letters of credit and engaging in inventory  financing  and  commercial  leasing
activities.  Except for loans  secured by commercial  real estate,  Western Bank
does not offer other secured or unsecured commercial loans. In addition, at June
30, 1996, Western Bank had no outstanding letters of credit.

Consumer Lending

         Management  believes that offering  consumer loan products helps expand
Western Bank's customer base and creates stronger ties to its existing  customer
base.  In addition,  because  consumer  loans  generally  have shorter  terms to
maturity  and/or  adjustable  rates and carry higher  rates of interest  than do
residential  mortgage  loans,  they can be valuable  asset/liability  management
tools.  See  "WesterFed  Financial -  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of
Financial Condition - Interest Rate Risk Management."

         Western Bank  currently  originates  substantially  all of its consumer
loans in its market  areas.  At June 30, 1996,  Western  Bank's  consumer  loans
totaled $44.0 million, or 11.7%, of Western Bank's loan portfolio.

         Western  Bank offers a variety of consumer  loans for various  purposes
with terms up to fifteen years on real estate  secured.  The majority of lending
is for home  improvement,  personal  vehicles,  equity loans and other  personal
purposes.


                                                                                
                                       67

<PAGE>



         In addition,  Western Bank offers an in-house  VISA credit card program
with the credit card receivables  owned by Western Bank. The VISA credit card is
provided as an additional  service to Western Bank customers.  At June 30, 1996,
Western Bank had $992,000 of credit card receivables  outstanding.  In addition,
on such date,  Western Bank had $2.5 million in unused lines of credit available
to cardholders under this program.

         During fiscal 1995, Western Bank began offering an open-end equity line
of credit secured by real estate with an interest rate indexed to the prime rate
of interest.  At June 30, 1996 Western Bank had $2.1 million  outstanding  under
this program with an additional  $980,000 in unused lines of credit available to
borrowers under this program.

         Early  in  fiscal  1996,   Western  Bank  engaged  the  services  of  a
manager/consultant  to  initiate a Dealer  Finance  Program to conduct  indirect
lending activities for automobiles, trucks, and recreational vehicles and boats.
The manager/consultant  hired and trained personnel in order to start operations
by May 1, 1996. As of June 30, 1996, receivables for Dealer Finance totaled $2.8
million.  Western Bank,  consistent  with its consumer loan policies,  considers
Dealer  Finance an additional  opportunity to expand the  installment  portfolio
offering better yields. New accounts are cross-sold to extend  relationships and
expand customer base.

         Consumer loan terms vary according to the type of  collateral,  term of
the loan, and credit-worthiness of the borrower.  Unsecured loans are offered to
borrowers  for a variety of purposes and  personal  needs.  These are  generally
fully amortizing with loan terms of 48 months or less. Unsecured lines of credit
offered through Western Bank's Visa credit card program are generally limited to
$10,000  maximum.  Underwriting for all unsecured  lending is substantially  the
same.

         Western Bank's secured lending for vehicles,  household  goods,  mobile
homes, and real estate secured  utilizes  established  loan-to-value  ratios and
restricted  terms  to  match  the  age  and  condition  of  the  security.   The
underwriting  standards  employed by Western Bank for consumer  loans  include a
determination  of  the  applicant's  payment  history  on  other  debts  and  an
assessment of the borrower's ability to meet payments on the proposed loan along
with his  existing  obligations.  In  addition to the  credit-worthiness  of the
applicant,  the underwriting  process also includes a comparison of the value of
the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.

         Consumer loans may entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans,
particularly  in the case of consumer  loans which are  unsecured  or secured by
rapidly  depreciable assets such as automobiles.  In such cases, any repossessed
collateral  for defaulted  consumer  loans may not provide  adequate  sources of
repayment  for  the  outstanding  loan  balances  as a  result  of  the  greater
likelihood  of  damage,  loss  or  depreciation.   In  addition,  consumer  loan
collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability,  and
thus  are  more  likely  to  be  affected  by  adverse  personal  circumstances.
Furthermore,  the  application  of various  Federal  and state  laws,  including
Federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can
be  recovered  on such loans.  Although  the level of  delinquencies  in Western
Bank's  consumer  loan  portfolio  has  generally  been low (at  June 30,  1996,
$406,000,  or approximately  0.92% of the consumer loan portfolio was 90 days or
more delinquent), there can be no assurance that delinquencies will not increase
in the future.

Construction Lending

         Historically,  construction lending for one- to four-family  residences
has  always  been  an  important  part  of  Western  Bank's  commitment  to  the
communities it serves. Loans to individuals are either 12-month fixed-rate loans
or long-term  variable  rate  construction/permanent  loans which  provide for a
six-month  construction  period  before  converting  to a  fully  amortizing  29
1/2-year or less  adjustable-rate  loan.  Occasionally,  Western Bank originates
construction  loans to  builders  for the  speculative  construction  of one- to
four-family homes. Such loans are generally  12-month,  fixed-rate loans and are
generally  limited  to  one  to  five  properties  per  builder.   Western  Bank
occasionally  makes acquisition and development loans to credit worthy borrowers
for  residential  projects  within Western Bank's market area. At June 30, 1996,
approximately $13.0 million, or 3.5% of Western Bank's loan portfolio, consisted
of construction loans.


                                                                                
                                       68

<PAGE>



         Most of Western Bank's  construction  loans have been  originated  with
fixed-rates of interest.  Construction loans are generally made in amounts of up
to a maximum  loan-to-value ratio of 90%. Prior to making a commitment to fund a
construction loan,  Western Bank requires an appraisal of the property.  Western
Bank obtains  personal  guarantees  for  substantially  all of its  construction
loans.  Western Bank  generally  requires  that both  borrowers  and  guarantors
provide  personal  financial   statements.   Virtually  all  of  Western  Bank's
construction loans have been located in its primary market areas.

         Western Bank's construction loan agreements generally provide that loan
proceeds are disbursed in increments as  construction  progresses.  Western Bank
periodically reviews the progress of the underlying construction project.

         Construction  lending  generally affords Western Bank an opportunity to
receive interest at rates higher than those obtainable from residential  lending
and to receive  origination  and other loan fees.  In  addition,  such loans are
generally made for relatively short terms. Nevertheless, construction lending to
persons other than owner  occupants is generally  considered to involve a higher
level of credit  risk than one- to  four-family  residential  lending due to the
concentration  of principal in a limited  number of loans and  borrowers and the
effects of general  economic  conditions on construction  projects,  real estate
developers  and  managers.  In addition,  the nature of these loans is such that
they are more difficult to evaluate and monitor.  Western Bank's risk of loss on
a  construction  loan is  dependent  largely  upon the  accuracy  of the initial
estimate  of the  property's  value  upon  completion  of the  project  and  the
estimated  cost  (including  interest) of the project.  If the estimate of value
proves to be  inaccurate,  Western  Bank may be  confronted,  at or prior to the
maturity  of the loan,  with a project  with a value  which is  insufficient  to
assure full  repayment.  Because  defaults in repayment may not occur during the
construction  period it may be difficult to identify  problem  loans at an early
stage.

Originations, Purchases and Sales of Loans and Mortgage-Backed Securities

         In  addition  to  originating  and  purchasing  loans  for its own loan
portfolio,  Western Bank from time to time  participates  in secondary  mortgage
market  activities by selling whole loans and  participations  in loans to FHLMC
and various institutional purchasers.  Western Bank generally receives in return
FHLMC  participation  certificates or cash for non-recourse  sales to the FHLMC.
During  fiscal 1996,  Western Bank sold or  securitized  $12.2 million of loans,
with  servicing  retained,  to  the  FHLMC  and  other  institutional  investors
(exclusive of sales pursuant to loan correspondent agreements discussed below).

         Western Bank currently has loan correspondent  agreements with mortgage
banking firms under which  Western Bank agrees to originate  and sell  primarily
conventional, FHA and VA loans to such firms. Under these programs, Western Bank
processes loan  applications and originates loans in accordance with the buyers'
underwriting  policies.  The loans, together with all servicing rights, are then
sold to such  firms and  Western  Bank  retains  any loan  origination  fees and
negotiates the retention of discount points. Under these programs,  the borrower
locks in an interest  rate,  and Western  Bank  concurrently  obtains a purchase
commitment from the correspondent that does not require delivery unless the loan
is closed.  Western  Bank's risk is  generally  limited to its failure to comply
with the agreement with the  correspondent  institution or loan underwriting and
documentation requirements of such institution,  which could result in rejection
of the  loan  by  the  purchaser  after  closing.  However,  under  some  of the
correspondent  agreements,  Western Bank can be required to repurchase  any loan
which becomes 60 days or more delinquent  within four months of the sale. During
fiscal 1996,  Western Bank sold $24.6 million of loans pursuant to correspondent
agreements.  While no prediction can be made as to loan repurchases which may be
required  pursuant to  correspondent  agreements  in the future,  as of June 30,
1996,  Western Bank had never had to  repurchase  a delinquent  loan from a loan
correspondent.

         Western Bank also participates in loan programs financed by the Montana
Board of Housing ("MBOH").  Under these programs,  Western Bank originates loans
according to standards,  underwriting, and qualifications prescribed by the MBOH
which are then purchased by the MBOH with funds generated by tax-exempt  revenue
bonds. Loans are generally priced at a discount to market interest rates for the
benefit of low- to  moderate-income  borrowers.  Western Bank retains  servicing
rights on all loans sold to the MBOH.


                                                                                
                                       69

<PAGE>



         Typically, when loans or participations are sold (other than in respect
of the agreements with correspondent institutions described above), Western Bank
retains  responsibility  for collecting and remitting loan payments,  inspecting
the properties, making certain insurance and tax payments on behalf of borrowers
and  otherwise  servicing  the loans,  and  receives a fee for  performing  this
service.  Sales of whole  loans,  participation  interests  and  mortgage-backed
securities  generate  income  (or  loss)  at the time of  sale,  produce  future
servicing  income and provide funds for additional  lending and other  purposes.
Western  Bank was  servicing  mortgage  loans for others in the amount of $183.3
million at June 30, 1996.

         The  contractual  right  to  service  mortgage  loans  that  have  been
originated  and sold has an  economic  value that is not  recognized  in Western
Bank's financial statements.  The value results from the future income stream of
the servicing fees, the availability of the cash balances associated with escrow
funds collected monthly for real estate taxes and insurance, the availability of
the cash from monthly  principal and interest  payments from the collection date
to the  remittance  date,  and the ability of Western Bank to  cross-sell  other
products and  services.  The actual value of a servicing  portfolio is dependent
upon such factors as the age, maturity,  and prepayment rate of the loans in the
portfolio,  the  average  dollar  balance  of the  loans,  the  location  of the
collateral property, the average amount of escrow funds held, the interest rates
and delinquency experience on the loans, the types of loans and other factors.

         The marketability of loans,  loan  participations  and  mortgage-backed
securities depends on the purchasers' investment limitations, general market and
competitive conditions,  mortgage loan demand, and other factors. Western Bank's
sales of loans or participation are generally "without recourse" (i.e.,  without
remedy against the seller by the purchaser if the borrower  defaulted on payment
under the loan) against Western Bank in the event of default, except in the case
of the loan agreements with correspondence institutions discussed above. Western
Bank does have  contingent  liability on sold loans under warranty of conforming
origination to FHLMC.

         Gains or losses on the sale of mortgage  loans and loan  participations
are  recognized  and a premium or discount is recorded at the time of sale in an
amount  reflecting the difference  between the contractual  interest rate of the
loans sold and the current  market rate of  interest.  Any  deferred  premium or
discount is amortized using an interest method.

                                                                                
                                       70

<PAGE>
         The following table sets forth the loan origination and mortgage-backed
security origination, purchase, and sale activity for the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Year Ended June 30,
                                                                                  -----------------------------
                                                                                  1996        1995         1994
                                                                                  ----        ----         ----
                                                                                          (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                            <C>         <C>          <C>
Beginning of Period:
- --------------------
  Loans receivable and loans available for sale, net .......................   $ 313,121    $ 274,840    $ 233,148
  Mortgage-backed securities, net ..........................................     143,825      145,025       87,534
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
    Total loans and mortgage-backed securities receivable, net, at beginning
    of period ..............................................................   $ 456,946    $ 419,865    $ 320,682
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Originations:
- -------------
 Real Estate:
  One- to four-family ......................................................   $ 111,355    $  93,604    $ 190,258
  Multi-family .............................................................       1,215         --           --
  Commercial ...............................................................       3,318         --           --
  Construction .............................................................      17,775        7,973       10,375
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
   Total real estate loan originations .....................................     133,663      101,577      200,633
 Consumer loans ............................................................      31,884       28,178       13,785
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
   Total loan originations .................................................     165,547      129,755      214,418
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Purchases and Conversions:
- --------------------------
 Real estate loans .........................................................       7,022        2,127           77
 Mortgage-backed securities ................................................      21,881       21,705       92,966
 Mortgage loans converted to mortgage-backed securities ....................        --          3,885       58,023
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
   Total real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities purchased
   and converted ...........................................................      28,903       27,717      151,066
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
   Total real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities originated,
   purchased and converted .................................................     194,450      157,472      365,484
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Principal Repayments and Sales:
- -------------------------------
Principal Repayments:
  Loans ....................................................................      87,041       54,862       72,938
  Mortgage-backed securities ...............................................      29,631       17,257       30,925
Sales:
  Real estate loans ........................................................      31,186       33,463       43,721
  Mortgage-backed securities ...............................................      30,723       10,031       63,057
Real estate loans converted to mortgage-backed securities ..................        --          3,885       58,023
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
     Total principal repayments, sales and conversions .....................     178,581      119,498      268,664
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Net loan and mortgage-backed securities activity ...........................      15,869       37,974       96,820
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Changes in allowance for losses, undisbursed loan funds, and unearned
fees and discounts:
  Real estate loans ........................................................         730       (1,391)       1,879
  Mortgage-backed securities ...............................................         498         (279)         484
Change in unrealized loss on securities available for sale .................        (903)         777         --
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
End of Period:
- -------------
  Loans receivable and loans available for sale, net .......................     368,193      313,121      274,840
  Mortgage-backed securities ...............................................     104,947      143,825      145,025
                                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
     Total loans and mortgage-backed securities receivable, net,
      at end of period .....................................................   $ 473,140    $ 456,946    $ 419,865
                                                                               =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>

Non-Accruing Loans and Delinquencies

         Delinquency  Procedures.  When a  borrower  fails  to  make a  required
payment on a loan, Western Bank attempts to cause the delinquency to be cured by
contacting the borrower. In the case of real estate loans, a late notice is sent
15 days after the due date.  If the  delinquency  is not cured by the  thirtieth
day, a second notice is

                                                                                
                                       71

<PAGE>

mailed and, if appropriate,  the borrower is contacted by telephone.  Additional
written and verbal  contacts are made with the  borrower  between 60 and 90 days
after the due date.

         In the  event a real  estate  loan  payment  is past due for 90 days or
more,  Western  Bank  performs  an  in-depth  review of the loan's  status,  the
condition of the  property and  circumstances  of the  borrower.  Based upon the
results of the review, Western Bank may negotiate and accept a repayment program
with the  Borrower,  accept a  voluntary  deed in lieu of  foreclosure  or, when
deemed  necessary,  initiate  foreclosure  proceedings.  If foreclosed  on, real
property is sold at a public sale and  Western  Bank may bid on the  property to
protect its interest.  A decision as to whether and when to initiate foreclosure
proceedings  is made by the  Credit  Supervisor  with  the  consent  of the Loan
Servicing  Manager and at least one Loan Policy Committee member and is based on
such factors as the amount of the  outstanding  loan in relation to the original
indebtedness,   the  extent  of  delinquency  and  the  borrower's  ability  and
willingness to cooperate in curing the delinquencies.

         Consumer loans are charged off if they remain  delinquent for 120 days.
Western Bank's  procedures for repossession and sale of consumer  collateral are
subject to various requirements under Montana consumer protection laws.

         Delinquencies  on commercial  properties are vigorously  pursued at the
30-day stage and a  forbearance  agreement or  resolution  must be negotiated to
prevent further legal action.

         The following  table sets forth Western  Bank's loan  delinquencies  by
type, by amount and by percentage of type at June 30, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             Loans Delinquent For:
                                                             ---------------------
                         30-59 Days                60-89 Days           90 Days and Over       Total Delinquent Loans
                  -----------------------  ------------------------ ------------------------  ------------------------
                                  Percent                   Percent                  Percent                   Percent
                                  of Loan                   of Loan                  of Loan                   of Loan
                  Number  Amount Category  Number  Amount  Category Number  Amount  Category  Number  Amount  Category
                  ------  ---------------  ------  ------  ---------------  ------  --------  ------  ------  --------
                                                         (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>               <C>    <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>
Real Estate:
 One- to four-  
   family........  26    $  866   0.31%      7      $414     0.15%     11    $309    0.11%      44    $1,589    0.57%
 Multi-family....   1       238   1.19      --        --       --      --      --      --        1       238    1.19
 Commercial......  --        --     --      --        --       --      --      --      --       --        --      --
 Construction....   2       240   1.85      --        --       --      --      --      --        2       240    1.85
Consumer.........  48       571   1.30      52       358     0.82      47     406    0.92      147     1,335    3.04
                   --    ------             --       ---               --     ---              ---    ------
    Total........  77    $1,915             59      $772               58    $715              194    $3,402
                   ==    ======             ==      ====               ==    ====              ===    ======
</TABLE>



                                                                            
                                       72

<PAGE>
         The following  table sets forth Western  Bank's loan  delinquencies  by
type, by amount and by percentage of type at June 30, 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            Loans Delinquent For:
                                                            ---------------------
                       30-59 Days                 60-89 Days            90 Days and Over          Total Delinquent Loans
               -------------------------  ------------------------- -------------------------   -------------------------- 
                                 Percent                   Percent                   Percent                      Percent
                                 of Loan                   of Loan                   of Loan                      of Loan
                Number  Amount  Category  Number  Amount  Category  Number  Amount   Category   Number   Amount   Category
                ------  ------  --------  ------  ------  --------  ------  ------   --------   ------   ------   --------
                                                          (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>              <C>    <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>        <C>   <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>
Real Estate:
 One- to four- 
   family ....    14    $290     0.12%      6      $289     0.12%      10    $254      0.10%      30       $833     0.34%
 Multi-family     --      --       --      --        --        --      --      --        --       --         --       --
 Commercial ..    --      --       --      --        --        --       1     166      1.34        1        166     1.32
 Construction     --      --       --      --        --        --      --      --        --       --         --       --
Consumer .....    13      89     0.28      17        50     0.16        9     153      0.48       39        292     0.92
                  --      --               --        --                --     ---                 --     ------
   Total .....    27    $379               23      $339                20    $573                 70     $1,291
                  ==    ====               ==      ====                ==    ====                 ==     ======
</TABLE>

         Classification of Assets. Federal regulations require that each savings
institution  classify  its own  assets  on a  regular  basis.  In  addition,  in
connection  with  examinations of savings  institutions,  OTS and FDIC examiners
have authority to identify  problem assets and, if appropriate,  require them to
be classified.  There are three classifications for problem assets: Substandard,
Doubtful and Loss.  Substandard  assets have one or more defined  weaknesses and
are characterized by the distinct  possibility that the savings association will
sustain some loss if the  deficiencies  are not corrected.  Doubtful assets have
the weaknesses of Substandard assets, with the additional  characteristics  that
the weaknesses  make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently
existing  facts,  conditions  and  values  questionable,  and  there  is a  high
possibility of loss. An asset classified Loss is considered uncollectible and of
such  little  value  that  continuance  as an  asset of the  institution  is not
warranted.  Assets classified as Substandard or Doubtful require the institution
to establish prudent general  allowances for loan losses. If an asset or portion
thereof is classified as Loss, the institution  must either  establish  specific
allowances  for loan  losses in the  amount of 100% of the  portion of the asset
classified Loss, or charge off such amount.  Western Bank internally  classifies
its  assets  on a regular  basis.  On the  basis of  management's  review of its
assets, at June 30, 1996, on a net basis,  Western Bank had classified  $548,000
as Substandard, zero as Doubtful and $58,000 as Loss.

         The  following  table sets  forth as of June 30,  1996  Western  Bank's
classified  assets by type. No  multi-family  real estate loans or  construction
loans were classified at June 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    One- to
                                  Four-Family    Commercial
                                  Real Estate    Real Estate    Consumer       Total
                                  -----------    -----------    --------       -----
                                                      (In Thousands)

<S>                                  <C>          <C>            <C>          <C> 
Substandard ................         $272           $149           $127         $548
Doubtful ...................           --             --             --           --
Loss .......................           --             50              8           58
                                     ----           ----           ----         ----
     Total .................         $272           $199           $135         $606
                                     ====           ====           ====         ====
</TABLE>
         Non-Performing  Assets.  Loans are reviewed  periodically  and any loan
whose  collectibility is doubtful is placed on non-accrual  status.  Real estate
loans are placed on non-accrual  status when either  principal or interest is 90
days or more past due, unless, in the judgment of management,  collectibility is
considered highly probable and collection efforts are in progress, in which case
interest would continue to accrue.

         An allowance is established  for  uncollectible  interest on loans that
are  contractually  90 days or more past due. The allowance is  established by a
charge to interest income equal to all interest previously  accrued,  and income
is  subsequently  recognized only to the extent cash payments are received until
the loans are brought less than 90 days past due with respect to both  principal
and interest and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to
be fully collectible as to both principal and interest.


                                       73
<PAGE>

         Real estate  acquired by Western Bank as a result of  foreclosure or by
deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until it is sold.
When  property is  acquired,  it is  recorded  at the lower of the related  loan
balance,  less any  specific  allowance  for loss,  or fair value at the date of
foreclosure.  Any write-down resulting therefrom is charged to the allowance for
loan losses.  Upon  disposition,  all costs incurred in maintaining the property
are expensed. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property,
however, are capitalized to the extent of net realizable value.

         On July 1, 1995,  the Bank  adopted  the  provisions  of SFAS No.  114,
"Accounting  by  Creditors  for  Impairment  of  a  Loan,"  and  SFAS  No.  118,
"Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan - Income  Recognition  and
Disclosures,"  (collectively,  the Statements).  The Statements provide guidance
for  establishing  a reserve for losses on specific loans which are deemed to be
impaired  and apply only to specific  impaired  loans.  Groups of small  balance
homogeneous  basis loans (generally the Bank's consumer loans) are evaluated for
impairment collectively.  A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current
information and events,  it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect,
on a timely basis, all principal and interest according to the contractual terms
of the loan's  original  agreement.  When a specific  loan is  determined  to be
impaired,  the reserve for possible loan losses is increased through a charge to
expense  for  the  amount  of the  impairment.  For  all  non-  consumer  loans,
impairment is measured based on value of the underlying collateral. The value of
the  underlying  collateral is determined by reducing the  collateral's  current
value by  anticipated  selling  costs.  The  Bank's  impaired  loans  are  those
non-consumer  loans  currently  reported  as  non-accrual.  The Bank  recognizes
interest  income on  impaired  loans only to the extent that cash  payments  are
received.


                                       74

<PAGE>
         The  following   table  sets  forth  the  amounts  and   categories  of
non-performing  assets  in  Western  Bank's  loan  portfolio.  For  all  periods
presented,  Western Bank did not have any troubled  debt  restructurings  (which
involve  forgiving  a portion of interest  or  principal  on any loans or making
loans at a rate  materially less than market rates).  Foreclosed  assets include
assets  acquired in  settlement  of loans,  and are recorded at the lower of the
related loan balance, less any specific allowance for loss, or fair value at the
date of foreclosure.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                 At June 30,
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1996        1995         1994         1993         1992
                                                       ----        ----         ----         ----         ----
                                                                              (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>  
Non-accruing loans:
 Real Estate:
   One- to four-family ..........................   $   21      $   --       $  119       $  253       $  170
   Multi-family .................................       --          --           --           --           --
   Commercial ...................................       --         166          207           43           66
   Construction .................................       --          --           --           --           --
 Consumer .......................................      383         153            9          109           --
                                                    ------      ------       ------       ------       ------
  Total .........................................      404         319          335          405          236
                                                    ------      ------       ------       ------       ------

Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or more:
 Real Estate
   One- to four-family ..........................      288         253          425         367           701
Commercial ......................................       --          --           --          --            --
   Construction .................................       --          --           --          --            --
 Consumer .......................................       23           1            5          11            56
                                                    ------      ------       ------      ------        ------
     Total ......................................      311         254          430         378           757
                                                    ------      ------       ------      ------        ------

Foreclosed assets:
 Real Estate:
   One- to four-family ..........................       --          --           85          64         1,243
Multi-family ....................................       --          --           --          --            56
   Commercial ...................................       --          --           --          --         1,973
   Construction .................................       --          --           --          --            --
                                                    ------      ------       ------      ------        ------
     Total ......................................       --          --           85          64         3,272
                                                    ------      ------       ------      ------        ------

Total non-performing assets .....................   $  715      $  573       $  850      $  847        $4,265
                                                    ======      ======       ======      ======        ======
Total as a percentage of total assets ...........     0.13%       0.10%        0.16%       0.21%         1.10%
                                                    ======      ======       ======      ======        ======
Total allowance for loan losses to non-performing
  loans (exclusive of foreclosed) ...............   280.42%     350.35%      265.36%     262.84%       211.08%
                                                    ======      ======       ======      ======        ======
Total allowance for loan losses to total
non-performing assets ...........................   280.42%     350.35%      238.82%     242.98%        49.14%
                                                    ======      ======       ======      ======        ======

</TABLE>

         For the year ended June 30,  1996,  gross  interest  income which would
have been recorded had the  non-accruing  loans been current in accordance  with
their original terms amounted to $22,000.

         At June 30, 1996,  Western Bank's  non-accruing loans were comprised of
two one- to four-family loans totalling $21,000 and thirty-seven  consumer loans
totaling $383,000. The $383,000 of non-accruing consumer loans includes $270,000
of loans 100% secured by savings accounts.  Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or
more at June 30, 1996,  included ten loans totalling $288,000 secured by one- to
four-family real estate and eight consumer loans totalling $23,000.  These loans
continue to accrue interest due to  management's  belief that the borrowers will
repay these loans.

         There were no foreclosed assets at June 30, 1996.

         Other  Loans of  Concern.  In  addition  to the  classified  assets and
non-performing loans and foreclosed assets set forth in the preceding tables, as
of June 30,  1996,  there was also an aggregate of $358,000 in net book value of
loans  identified  by Western  Bank with  respect to the majority of which known
information about the possible


                                       75

<PAGE>

credit  problems of the  borrowers or the cash flows of the security  properties
have caused management to have some doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to
comply  with  present  loan  repayment  terms and which may result in the future
inclusion of such items in the  non-performing  asset categories.  The principal
component of other loans of concern is one multi-family FDIC participation loan.

         Management has  considered  Western  Bank's  non-performing  assets and
other loans "of concern" assets in establishing its allowance for loan losses.

         As of June 30,  1996,  there were no other  loans not  included  in the
table or  discussed  above where known  information  about the  possible  credit
problems of borrowers caused  management to have doubts as to the ability of the
borrower to comply with  present  loan  repayment  terms and which may result in
disclosure of such loans in the future.

         Loan Loss Reserve Analysis.  The allowance for estimated loan losses is
established  through  a  provision  for  losses on loans  based on  management's
evaluation of the risk inherent in its loan  portfolio and changes in the nature
and volume of its loan activity. Such evaluation, which includes a review of all
loans of which full collectibility may not be reasonably assured,  considers the
estimated  net  realizable   value  of  the  underlying   collateral,   economic
conditions,  historical  loan loss  experience  and other  factors  that warrant
recognition  in  providing  for  an  adequate  allowance  for  loan  losses.  In
determining the general reserves under these policies historical charge-offs and
recoveries,  changes in the mix and levels of the  various  types of loans,  net
realizable  values,  the current loan portfolio and current economic  conditions
are  considered.   Western  Bank  also  requires  additional  reserves  for  all
delinquent loans and other loans of concern.

         While management  believes that it uses the best information  available
to determine the allowance for loan losses,  unforeseen  market conditions could
result in adjustments  to the allowance for loan losses,  and net earnings could
be  significantly  affected,  if  circumstances  differ  substantially  from the
assumptions used in making the final determination.

         The following table sets forth an analysis of Western Bank's  allowance
for loan losses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                  Year Ended June 30,
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                 1996        1995        1994        1993       1992
                                                                 ----        ----        ----        ----       ----
                                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)

<S>                                                            <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>   
Balance at beginning of period............................     $2,011      $2,030      $2,058      $2,096     $2,172

Charge-Offs:
  Real Estate:
    One- to four-family...................................        ---         (2)        (15)         (6)       (14)
    Multi-family..........................................        ---         ---         ---         ---        ---
    Non-residential.......................................        ---         ---         ---         ---       (40)
  Consumer................................................       (11)        (26)        (22)        (48)       (90)
                                                               -----      ------      ------      ------    -------
          Total charge-offs...............................       (11)        (28)        (37)        (54)      (144)
                                                               -----      ------      ------      ------     ------
Recoveries:
  Real Estate:
    One- to four-family...................................        ---         ---         ---         ---        ---
  Consumer................................................          5           9           9          16         15
                                                               ------      ------      ------      ------     ------
          Total recoveries................................          5           9           9          16         15
                                                               ------      ------      ------      ------     ------
Net charge-offs...........................................        (6)        (19)        (28)        (38)      (129)
Additions charged to operations...........................        ---         ---         ---         ---         53
                                                               ------      ------      ------      ------     ------
Balance at end of period..................................     $2,005      $2,011      $2,030      $2,058     $2,096
                                                               ======      ======      ======      ======     ======

Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans
outstanding during the period.............................      ----%       0.01%       0.01%       0.02%      0.05%
                                                                ====        ====        ====        ====       ====

Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average non-
performing assets during the period ......................      1.39%       2.91%       3.27%       4.73%      3.02%
                                                                ====        ====        ====        ====       ====

</TABLE>

                             
                                       76

<PAGE>

         The  following  table sets  forth the  distribution  of Western  Bank's
allowance for loan losses at the dates indicated is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                        At June 30,
                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1996                1995                 1994                 1993                 1992
                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Percent             Percent              Percent              Percent              Percent
                                    of Loans            of Loans             of Loans             of Loans             of Loans
                                     in Each             in Each              in Each              in Each              in Each
                                    Category            Category             Category             Category             Category
                                    to Total            to Total             to Total             to Total             to Total
                           Amount     Loans     Amount    Loans     Amount     Loans     Amount     Loans     Amount     Loans
                           ------     -----     ------    -----     ------     -----     ------     -----     ------     -----
                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>   
Real Estate:
 One- to four- family...   $  539     74.69%    $  175    76.94%    $  175     81.85%    $  175     79.75%    $  177     79.79%
 Multi-family...........      136      5.30         12     5.91         10      5.12         10      4.88         14      5.34
 Commercial.............      152      4.87         75     3.86         65      4.01         75      5.46         85      6.83
 Construction...........      164      3.45          5     3.34        ---      2.79        ---      3.62        ---      1.84
Consumer................      126     11.69        132     9.95        150      6.23        163      6.29        195      6.20
Unallocated.............      888       ---      1,612      ---      1,630       ---      1,635       ---      1,625       ---
                           ------    ------     ------   ------     ------    ------     ------    ------     ------    ------
      Total.............   $2,005    100.00%    $2,011   100.00%    $2,030    100.00%    $2,058    100.00%    $2,096    100.00%
                           ======    ======     ======   ======     ======    ======     ======    ======     ======    ====== 



                                 
                                       77
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

Investment Activities

         Securities.  As  part  of  its  asset/liability   management  strategy,
WesterFed  Financial  and  Western  Bank  invest in U.S.  government  and agency
securities, high quality short- and medium-term securities, primarily investment
grade  corporate  obligations  and mutual funds and  interest-bearing  deposits.
Neither  WesterFed  Financial  nor  Western  Bank has made  any  investments  in
municipal  securities although it is authorized by its general investment policy
to purchase  investment  grade  municipal  securities  and,  depending on market
conditions,  may  purchase  such  securities  in the future.  At June 30,  1996,
WesterFed  Financial  and Western  Bank did not own any  securities  of a single
issuer which exceeded 10% of WesterFed  Financial's  stockholders' equity, other
than U.S. government or federal agency obligations.

         Western Bank is required by federal  regulations  to maintain a minimum
amount of liquid assets that may be invested in specified securities and is also
permitted  to make  certain  other  securities  investments.  See  "Management's
Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results of  Operations
- -Liquidity and Capital  Resources" in the Annual Report.  Cash flow  projections
are  regularly  reviewed  and  updated  to assure  that  adequate  liquidity  is
provided.  As of June 30, 1996, Western Bank's liquidity ratio (liquid assets as
a percentage of net  withdrawable  savings and current  borrowings)  was 9.3% as
compared to the OTS requirement of 5%.

         Western  Bank will,  in order to reduce  interest  rate risk,  purchase
financial instruments that lock in a spread between  interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing  liabilities.  While these types of financial instruments limit
risk, they also reduce Western Bank's ability to maximize profits during periods
of favorable  interest trends.  See Note 14 of the WesterFed  Financial Notes to
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  At June 30,  1996  Western  Bank had three
structured  notes  totalling  $4.7 million  wherein their interest rate is based
upon a  fraction  of the  increase  or  decrease  in a  specified  index.  These
securities  have variable  interest  rates and were  purchased to enable Western
Bank to increase its interest  income when interest rates  increase.  The market
value of these  securities  at June 30, 1996 was $4.6 million and they mature in
1998.

         On July 1, 1995,  WesterFed Financial and Western Bank adopted SFAS No.
115,  "Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities."
Accordingly,  investment  securities not categorized as either held-to- maturity
or trading account  securities are classified as securities  available-for-sale.
See  Note  1  of  the  Notes  to  WesterFed  Financial   Consolidated  Financial
Statements.

         The  following  tables  set forth  the  composition  of the  securities
portfolio at the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     At June 30,
                                                                  1996                   1995                   1994
                                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Book        % of       Book        % of       Book        % of
                                                           Value       Total      Value       Total      Value       Total
                                                           -----       -----      -----       -----      -----       -----
                                                                               (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>     <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>  
Investments held-to-maturity:
 Federal agency obligations..........................    $ 4,010        8.91%   $ 6,518       10.45%   $ 3,076        5.85%
 Corporate obligations...............................      5,333       11.86      6,272       10.06     43,675       83.08
 Other investments...................................          4        0.01          4        0.01          4        0.01
                                                         -------      ------    -------      ------     ------      ------
  Total investment securities held-to-maturity ......      9,347       20.78     12,794       20.52     46,755       88.94
                                                          ------      ------    -------      ------     ------      ------
Investments available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations...........................     32,630       72.54     47,557       76.25      5,814       11.06%
Corporate obligations................................      2,980        6.62      2,020        3.23        ---         ---
 Other...............................................         27        0.06        ---         ---        ---         ---
                                                        --------      ------    -------      ------     ------       -----
  Total investments available for sale...............     35,637       79.22     49,577       79.48      5,814       11.06
                                                         -------       -----    -------      ------     ------      ------
Total investment securities..........................    $44,984      100.00%   $62,371      100.00%   $52,569      100.00%
                                                         =======      ======    =======      ======    =======      ======

Average remaining life or term to repricing
 of securities.......................................     27 mos.                42 mos.                39 mos.

</TABLE>

         For information  regarding the estimated market value of the securities
at June 30, 1996,  see Note 4 of the Notes to WesterFed  Financial  Consolidated
Financial Statements.


                                       78
<PAGE>



         The following  table sets forth the  composition  and maturities of the
securities portfolio as of June 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                    At June 30, 1996
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                       Less Than      1 to 5      5 to 10     Over 10
                                                        1 Year        Years        Years       Years        Total Securities
                                                        ------        -----        -----       -----        ----------------
                                                      Book Value    Book Value   Book Value  Book Value  Book Value  Market Value
                                                      ----------    ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)

<S>                                                   <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>    
Investments held-to-maturity:
 U.S. government securities.......................... $   ---       $   ---      $   ---     $   ---     $   ---      $   ---
 Federal agency obligations..........................   2,011         1,999          ---         ---       4,010        4,005
 Corporate obligations...............................   5,333           ---          ---         ---       5,333        5,355
 Other investments...................................       4           ---          ---         ---           4           39
                                                       ------        ------      -------      ------      ------       ------
  Total investment securities held-to-maturity.......   7,348         1,999          ---         ---       9,347        9,399
                                                       ------        ------      -------      ------      ------       ------

Investments available-for-sale:
 U.S. Government securities..........................     ---           ---          ---         ---         ---          ---
 Federal agency obligations..........................  16,333        11,625          ---       4,672      32,630       32,630
 Corporate obligations...............................   1,003         1,977          ---         ---       2,980        2,980
 Other investments...................................      27           ---          ---         ---          27           27
                                                       ------        ------      -------      ------      ------       ------
  Total investments available for sale...............  17,363        13,602          ---       4,672      35,637       35,637
                                                       ------        ------      -------      ------      ------       ------

Total securities.....................................  24,711        15,601          ---       4,672      44,984       45,036
                                                      =======       =======      =======      ======      ======      =======

Average weighted yield...............................    6.05%         5.91%         ---%       8.73%       6.25%
                                                         ====          ====          ===        ====        ====

</TABLE>

                                                                  
                                       79

<PAGE>



         Mortgage-Backed  Securities.  Western  Bank  purchases  mortgage-backed
securities to supplement  residential  loan  production.  The type of securities
purchased is based upon Western Bank's  asset/liability  management strategy and
balance sheet objectives. For instance, most of the mortgage-backed  investments
purchased  by  Western  Bank over the last  several  years  have had  adjustable
interest  rates  or short  or  intermediate  effective  terms  to  maturity.  In
addition,   Western  Bank  has  purchased   investment  grade,   fixed-rate  and
variable-rate  Collateralized  Mortgage  Obligations  ("CMOs") having  estimated
average  lives  from  one to  twenty  years.  CMOs  are  securities  derived  by
reallocating  cash  flows  from  mortgage-backed  securities  or from  pools  of
mortgage  loans  held by a trust.  The CMOs  acquired  by  Western  Bank are not
interest-only   or   principal-only   or  residual   interests  except  for  one
interest-only  CMO totalling  $42,000 acquired in connection with Western Bank's
merger with First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Billings.  At June 30,
1996, the book value of the CMOs was $9.1 million. The book value of all Western
Bank's  mortgage-backed  securities  at June 30,  1996 was $104.9  million.  See
"WesterFed Financial Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of  Operations - Interest Rate Risk  Management."  At June 30, 1996,
Western Bank did not own  mortgage-backed  securities  of a single  issuer which
exceeded  10% of WesterFed  Financial's  stockholders'  equity,  other than U.S.
government agency obligations.

         Western  Bank's  mortgage-backed  securities  are  classified as either
held-to-maturity  or   available-for-sale.   Those  mortgage-backed   securities
classified as  held-to-maturity  are carried at amortized cost in Western Bank's
financial  statements.  While those  mortgage-backed  securities  classified  as
available-for-sale are carried at fair value.

         All of Western Bank's mortgage-backed  securities are backed by federal
agencies or have received the highest rating by a nationally  recognized  rating
agency as of June 30, 1996.

         On July 1, 1995,  WesterFed Financial and Western Bank adopted SFAS No.
115,  "Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities."
Accordingly,  mortgage-backed  securities  not  categorized  as  either  held to
maturity or trading  account  securities are classified as securities  available
for sale. See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

         The  following  table sets forth the book value of the  mortgage-backed
securities portfolio, net, in dollar amounts as of the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                            At June 30,
                                                                               -------------------------------------
                                                                                 1996           1995           1994
                                                                               -------        -------        -------
                                                                                          (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>     
Issuers: 
 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation................................       $ 77,105       $106,747       $123,553
 Federal National Mortgage Association.................................         16,674         17,880         14,186
 Government National Mortgage Association..............................          2,067          2,873          7,134
 Collateralized Mortgage Obligations - federal agency..................          9,101         16,217            ---
 Collateralized Mortgage Obligations - private issuer..................            ---            108            152
                                                                              --------       --------       --------

     Total.............................................................       $104,947       $143,825       $145,025
                                                                              ========       ========       ========

</TABLE>

                                
                                       80

<PAGE>



         The  following  table sets forth the  contractual  maturities,  without
giving effect to repricing, of the mortgage-backed securities portfolio, net, at
June 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                 Market      June 30,
                                                1 - 3     3 - 5   5 - 10    10 - 15  Over 15      Value        1996
                                                Years     Years    Years     Years    Years    Adjustment     Total
                                                -----     -----    -----     -----    -----    ----------     -----
                                                                         (In Thousands)
<S>                                           <C>       <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>         <C>        <C>     
Held-to-Maturity:
 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.....  $   ---   $   ---    $ 672   $48,853  $   ---     $    ---   $ 49,525
 Federal National Mortgage Corporation......      ---       ---      ---       ---      ---          ---        ---
 Government National Mortgage Association...      ---       ---      ---       ---    1,412          ---      1,412
                                               ------    ------   ------   -------   ------       ------     ------
 Collateralized Mortgage Obligations -
 Federal Agency.............................      ---       ---      ---     5,923    3,178          ---      9,101
                                               ------    ------   ------   -------   ------       ------     ------
                                                  ---       ---      672    54,776    4,590          ---     60,038
                                               ------    ------     ----    ------   ------       ------     ------

Available-for-sale:
 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.....      ---       ---      ---       ---   27,693        (113)     27,580
 Federal National Mortgage Corporation......      ---       ---      ---       ---   16,683          (9)     16,674
 Government National Mortgage Association...      ---       ---      ---       ---      659          (4)        655
                                               ------    ------   ------   -------   ------       ------    -------
                                                  ---       ---      ---       ---   45,035        (126)     44,909
                                               ------    ------   ------   -------   ------       ------    -------
          Total.............................   $  ---    $  ---    $ 672   $54,776  $49,625      $ (126)   $104,947
                                               ======    ======    =====   =======   ======      =======    =======


</TABLE>

                                               
                                       81

<PAGE>



         The following schedule sets forth the contractual  repricing of Western
Bank's mortgage-backed  securities portfolio, net, at June 30, 1996. Those loans
which have fixed  interest  rates are shown as  repricing  in the period  during
which the contract matures.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                   After 1    After 2    After 3    After 5  After 10               Market
                                         1 Year    Through    Through    Through    Through   Through    Over 15     Value
                                        or Less    2 Years    3 Years    5 Years   10 Years  15 Years     Years   Adjustment  Total
                                        -------    -------    -------    -------    -------   -------   -------    -------   -------
                                                                                (In Thousands)
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>      <C> 
    
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Held-to-Maturity......................  $   ---    $  ---     $   ---    $   ---    $   672   $48,853   $ 1,412    $  ---   $ 50,937

Mortgage-Backed Securities
Available-for-Sale....................   45,035       ---         ---        ---        ---       ---       ---     (126)     44,909

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations...    9,101       ---         ---        ---        ---       ---       ---       ---      9,101
                                        -------    -------    -------    -------    -------   -------   -------   -------    -------

     Total............................  $54,136    $  ---     $   ---    $   ---    $   672   $48,853   $ 1,412   $ (126)   $104,947
                                        =======    =======    =======    =======    =======   =======   =======   =======    =======

</TABLE>

                                                                            
                                       82

<PAGE>



         Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies. Western Bank currently
maintains Key Person  Insurance  coverage on certain of its executive  officers.
The purpose of this  insurance  purchase was twofold:  (1) Key Person  Insurance
coverage  for Western Bank on those job  positions  and (2) funding of death and
salary  continuation  plan  benefits for those  employees.  Allocating  funds to
prepay  premiums  was  considered  appropriate  since the  interest  income  was
tax-exempt  and  indexed to the higher of the 13-week  Treasury  Bill or 20-year
Treasury Bond rates.  Such policies were originally  purchased in 1986, at which
time, coverage under such policies included 22 persons.

         During 1992, due to changes in the tax laws,  Western Bank reviewed its
Key Person Insurance  Coverage and determined that all but five positions should
be  eliminated  from the Key Person  Coverage.  The amount of prepaid  insurance
premiums and  accumulated  interest has  diminished as a result of those changes
since reaching its peak of $5.2 million on February 29, 1992, to $3.2 million on
June 30, 1996.

Sources of Funds

         General.  Deposit accounts have traditionally been the principal source
of  Western  Bank's  funds for use in  lending  and for other  general  business
purposes.  In  addition  to  deposits,  Western  Bank  derives  funds  from loan
repayments and cash flows generated from operations. Scheduled loan payments are
a relatively stable source of funds,  while deposit inflows and outflows and the
related  cost of such  funds  have  varied.  Other  potential  sources  of funds
available  to Western Bank  include  borrowings  from the Federal Home Loan Bank
("FHLB") of Seattle and other borrowings.

         Deposits.  Western Bank attracts both short-term and long-term deposits
by offering a wide assortment of accounts and rates. Western Bank offers regular
passbook accounts,  NOW accounts,  money market accounts and fixed interest rate
certificates  of deposits  with varying  maturities  and  individual  retirement
accounts.  In late fiscal  1995,  Western Bank  introduced  four new NOW account
products which contributed to the growth in NOW accounts in fiscal 1996. Deposit
account terms vary,  according to the minimum balance required,  the time period
the funds must remain on deposit and the  interest  rate,  among other  factors.
Western  Bank has not actively  sought  deposits  outside of its primary  market
area.  Western  Bank does not have any  brokered  deposits  at this time but may
consider the use of such funds in the future to fund loan  growth.  Western Bank
also accepts deposits of $100,000 or more from municipalities  within its market
area.

         The flow of  deposits is  influenced  by general  economic  conditions,
changes in money  market and  prevailing  interest  rates and  competition.  The
variety of accounts  offered by Western Bank has allowed it to be competitive in
obtaining funds and to respond to changes in consumer demand.  However,  Western
Bank has become more susceptible to short term fluctuations in deposit flows, as
customers have become more interest rate  conscious.  In setting rates,  Western
Bank regularly  evaluates (i) its internal cost of funds, (ii) the rates offered
by competing institutions, (iii) its investment and lending opportunities,  (iv)
its  liquidity  position  and (v) its  asset/liability  position.  In  order  to
decrease the volatility of its deposits, Western Bank imposes penalties on early
withdrawal on its certificates of deposit.

         Based on its experience, Western Bank believes that the majority of its
passbook,  NOW and money  market  accounts  are  relatively  stable  sources  of
deposits.  Western  Bank  believes  that a portion of passbook  and money market
accounts represent certain depositors'  preference for short-term investments in
declining  interest rate environment while certificates of deposit are preferred
by those  depositors  in a rising  interest rate  environment.  During a general
decline in interest  rates in fiscal 1994,  passbook  and money market  accounts
increased $6.1 million to $108.6 million at June 30, 1994, while certificates of
deposit  declined  $11.9  million to $193.8  million at June 30, 1994.  During a
general increase in interest rates after fiscal 1994,  passbook and money market
accounts  declined  $19.7  million  to  $88.9  million  at June 30,  1996  while
certificates  of deposit  increased  $17.7 million to $211.5 million at June 30,
1996.  Western Bank's ability to attract and maintain  certificates  of deposit,
and the rates  paid  thereon,  has been and will  continue  to be  significantly
affected by market rates.

                                 
                                       83

<PAGE>



         The following table sets forth the savings flows at Western Bank during
the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                     Year Ended June 30,
                                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                                          1996              1995              1994
                                                                          ----              ----              ----
                                                                                       (In Thousands)

<S>                                                                     <C>               <C>               <C>     
Opening balance...............................................          $344,155          $349,121          $351,447
Deposits......................................................           805,427           788,328           813,802
Withdrawals...................................................          (815,161)         (807,009)         (829,790)
                                                                        --------          --------          --------
Balance before interest credited..............................           334,421           330,440           335,459
Interest credited.............................................            15,791            13,715            13,662
                                                                        --------          --------          --------
Ending balance................................................          $350,212          $344,155          $349,121
                                                                        ========          ========          ========

Net increase (decrease).......................................          $  6,057          $ (4,966)         $ (2,326)
                                                                        ========          ========          ========

Percent increase (decrease)...................................              1.76%           (1.42)%           (0.66)%
                                                                        ========          ========          ========

</TABLE>

         The  following  table sets forth the dollar  amount of  deposits in the
various  types of  deposit  programs  offered by  Western  Bank for the  periods
indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             Year Ended June 30,
                                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1996                    1995                      1994
                                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Percent                 Percent                    Percent
                                                    Amount       of Total     Amount     of Total      Amount       of Total
                                                    ------       --------     ------     --------      ------       --------
                                                                             (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                               <C>              <C>      <C>            <C>       <C>              <C>   
Transactions and Savings Deposits:
- ---------------------------------
Passbook accounts (2.75 - 3.00%)..............    $ 64,889         18.53%   $ 65,607       19.04%    $ 77,509         22.20%
NOW accounts (1.70 - 2.25%)...................      49,848         14.23      45,926       13.45       46,746         13.40
Money market accounts (2.96 - 4.17%)..........      24,018          6.86      25,923        7.52       31,067          8.90
                                                  --------         -----     -------      ------      -------        ------
Total non-certificates........................     138,755         39.62     137,456       40.01      155,322         44.50
                                                  --------        ------     -------      ------      -------        ------

Certificates:

 0.00 -  3.99%................................    $  1,731          0.49%   $  7,043        2.04%    $ 95,142         27.25%
 4.00 -  5.99%................................     159,275         45.48     131,238       38.09       82,832         23.73
 6.00 -  7.99%................................      50,447         14.41      68,381       19.85       14,843          4.25
 8.00 -  9.99%................................           4          -.--          15         ---          955          0.26
10.00% - 11.99%...............................         ---          -.--          22        0.01           27          0.01
12.00% and over...............................         ---          -.--         ---         ---          ---           ---
                                                  --------        ------     -------      ------      -------        ------
Total certificates............................     211,457         60.38     206,699       59.99      193,799         55.50
                                                  --------        ------     -------      ------      -------        ------
Total deposits................................    $350,212        100.00%   $344,155      100.00%    $349,121        100.00%
                                                  ========        ======    ========      ======     ========        ====== 

</TABLE>



                                       84

<PAGE>


         The following  table sets forth the rate and maturity  information  for
Western Bank's certificates of deposit as of June 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                     0.00-       4.00-       6.00-        8.00% or                    Percent
                                     3.99%       5.99%       7.99%         Greater        Total       of Total
                                     -----       -----       -----         -------        -----       --------
                                                              (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                <C>        <C>         <C>                 <C>     <C>                <C>   
Certificate accounts maturing
in quarter ending:
September 30, 1996............     $   519    $ 48,190    $  9,666            $  3    $  58,378          27.62%
December 31, 1996.............       1,212      31,052       4,078             ---       36,342          17.19
March 31, 1997................         ---      18,350       1,798               1       20,149           9.53
June 30, 1997.................         ---      16,802       3,158             ---       19,960           9.44
September 30, 1997............         ---      15,647       9,797             ---       25,444          12.03
December 31, 1997.............         ---       4,856       3,451             ---        8,307           3.93
March 31, 1998................         ---       4,766       1,186             ---        5,952           2.81
June 30, 1998.................         ---       5,537       2,970             ---        8,507           4.02
September 30, 1998............         ---       1,924       2,497             ---        4,421           2.09
December 31, 1998.............         ---       3,567         390             ---        3,957           1.87
March 31, 1999................         ---       3,055       3,764             ---        6,819           3.22
June 30, 1999.................         ---       2,668       2,459             ---        5,127           2.42
Thereafter....................         ---       2,861       5,233             ---        8,094           3.83
                                   -------    --------     -------            ----     --------        -------
   Total......................      $1,731    $159,275     $50,447            $  4     $211,457         100.00%
                                    ======    ========     =======            ====     ========         ====== 

   Percent of total...........       0.82%      75.32%      23.86%             ---%      100.00%
                                     ====       =====       =====             ====       ====== 
</TABLE>

         The   following   table  sets  forth  the  amount  of  Western   Bank's
certificates  of deposit and other deposits by time remaining  until maturity as
of June 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Maturity
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Over        Over
                                                    3 Months        3 to 6      6 to 12       Over 12
                                                     or Less        Months       Months        Months        Total
                                                     -------        ------       ------        ------        -----
                                                                         (In Thousands)
<S>                               <C>                <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>     
Certificates of deposit less than $100,000....       $52,586       $34,577      $38,074       $73,348      $198,585
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more...         4,386         1,512        2,010         3,140        11,048
Public funds(1)...............................         1,406           253           25           140         1,824
                                                     -------       -------      -------       -------      --------
Total certificates of deposit.................       $58,378       $36,342      $40,109       $76,628      $211,457
                                                     =======       =======      =======       =======      ========
- -----------------------
<FN>
(1) Deposits from governmental and other public entities.
</FN>
</TABLE>

         For additional  information regarding the composition of Western Bank's
deposits,  see  Note 9 of the  Notes  to the  WesterFed  Financial  Consolidated
Financial Statements.

         Borrowings.  Western  Bank's other  available  sources of funds include
advances from the FHLB of Seattle and other borrowings.  As a member of the FHLB
of Seattle, Western Bank is required to own capital stock in the FHLB of Seattle
and is  authorized  to apply for  advances  from the FHLB of Seattle.  Each FHLB
credit  program has its own interest rate,  which may be fixed or variable,  and
range of maturities.  The FHLB of Seattle may prescribe the acceptable  uses for
these advances, as well as limitations on the size of the advances and repayment
provisions.

         Western Bank borrows  funds from the FHLB of Seattle  under its various
fixed rate,  variable rate, and amortizing advance lending programs,  with terms
requiring monthly interest  payments.  Principal  payments are due monthly under
the amortizing advance program and upon maturity for all other advance programs.
Western Bank is generally  required to pay a commitment fee upon application and
is  normally  subject to a  prepayment  fee if the advance is prepaid by Western
Bank. See Note 10 of the Notes to the WesterFed Financial Consolidated Financial
Statements.


                                          
                                       85
<PAGE>



         The  following  table  sets forth the  maximum  month-end  balance  and
average balance of FHLB advances and CMO's for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                       Year Ended June 30,
                                                                            ---------------------------------------
                                                                             1996             1995            1994
                                                                            ------           ------          ------
                                                                                        (In Thousands)
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>             <C>     
Maximum Balance:
- ---------------
  FHLB Advances...................................................        $145,388         $133,119        $ 82,777
  Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.............................           1,584            2,244           3,463

Average Balance:
- ---------------
  FHLB Advances...................................................         134,211          112,343          38,469
  Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.............................           1,380            1,877           2,911

</TABLE>

         The following table sets forth certain information as to Western Bank's
FHLB advances and CMO's at the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                           At June 30,
                                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                                               1996           1995          1994
                                                                             --------       --------      --------
                                                                                     (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                          <C>            <C>           <C>     
FHLB Advances..........................................................      $124,663       $133,119      $ 82,777
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations....................................         1,175          1,585         2,310
                                                                             --------       --------      --------
  Total Borrowings.....................................................      $125,838       $134,704      $ 85,087
                                                                             ========       ========      ========
Weighted Average Interest Rate of FHLB Advances........................          6.26%          6.28%         5.39%
                                                                                =====          =====         ===== 
Weighted Average Interest Rate of Collateralized Mortgage Obligations..         11.27%         11.22%        11.11%
                                                                                =====          =====         ===== 

</TABLE>

Subsidiary Activities

         General.  WesterFed  Financial  has no direct  subsidiaries  other than
Western  Bank.   Western  Bank  has  three  wholly  owned  service   corporation
subsidiaries:   WesterFed  Insurance  Services,  Inc.  ("WesterFed  Insurance"),
WesterFed Service Corporation  ("WesterFed Service"),  Service Corp. of Montana,
Inc. ("Service Corp."), and one special-purpose finance subsidiary, Monte Mac I,
Inc.  ("Monte Mac").  At June 30, 1996,  Western Bank's  investment in the three
wholly owned service  corporations  totaled $2.5 million, or approximately 0.45%
of unconsolidated assets, at such date.

         Federal  associations  generally may invest up to 2% of their assets in
service corporations, plus an additional 1% of assets for community purposes. In
addition,  federal  associations  may invest up to 50% of their total capital in
conforming  loans to their service  corporations in which they own more than 10%
of the capital  stock.  Federal  associations  are also  permitted  to invest an
unlimited amount in operating  subsidiaries engaged solely in activities which a
federal association may engage in directly.

         The following is a description of Western Bank's service corporations.

         WesterFed  Insurance  Services,  Inc.  WesterFed  Insurance,  which was
incorporated in 1981, is an insurance  agency  currently  engaged in the sale of
tax deferred annuities and depositor group health insurance  programs,  although
it may offer a wider range of insurance services in the future.  This subsidiary
was acquired by Western Bank in connection  with its acquisition of Home Federal
in 1983.  Western Bank's investment in WesterFed  Insurance was $159,000 at June
30, 1996. This subsidiary had an after-tax  profit of $5,000 for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1996.

         WesterFed Service Corporation.  WesterFed Service was formed in 1978 to
engage in a leasing  business  under which  Western Bank could  utilize  various
investment tax credits then allowed for federal tax purposes. As

                                
                                       86

<PAGE>



a result of changes in federal tax law,  however,  such  investment  tax credits
have been  eliminated and WesterFed  Service is in the process of  consolidating
its leasing operations with Western Bank. Western Bank's investment in WesterFed
Service totaled $224,000 at June 30, 1996.

         Service Corp. of Montana,  Inc.  Service  Corp.  was acquired  December
1988, in connection  with the  acquisition of Great Falls Federal.  This service
corporation owns and operates a 30-unit apartment complex in Lewistown,  Montana
and a single family residence in Hamilton, Montana. Western Bank's investment in
Service Corp. totaled $538,000 at June 30, 1996.

         Monte Mac I,  Inc.  Monte Mac was  formed  in 1985 for the  purpose  of
participating in a collateralized mortgage obligation conduit program. Monte Mac
had participated in three series of CMO issuances.  The CMOs are  collateralized
by FHLMC  participation  certificates  transferred by Western Bank to Monte Mac.
The transferred FHLMC  certificates had a book value of $2.3 million at June 30,
1996.  Western  Bank's  investment  in Monte Mac as of June 30,  1996,  included
approximately  $1.1 million in FHLMC  certificates  in excess of  collateralized
mortgage  obligations.  The payments received on the FHLMC certificates are used
to pay  down  the  CMOs.  If the CMOs  are  paid as  originally  projected,  the
remaining investment in Monte Mac is expected to be minimal.

Regulation

         General.  Western Bank is a federally  chartered  Bank, the deposits of
which are  federally  insured  and  backed by the full  faith and  credit of the
United States Government.  Accordingly, Western Bank is subject to broad federal
regulation and oversight  extending to all of its operations.  Western Bank is a
member of the FHLB of Seattle and is subject to certain  limited  regulation  by
the Board of  Governors  of the Federal  Reserve  System (the  "Federal  Reserve
Board").  As the savings and loan  holding  company of Western  Bank,  WesterFed
Financial is subject to federal  regulation  and  oversight.  The purpose of the
regulation  of WesterFed  Financial  and other  holding  companies is to protect
subsidiary  savings  associations.  Western  Bank  is a  member  of the  Savings
Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") and the deposits of Western Bank are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). As a result, the FDIC
has certain regulatory and examination authority over Western Bank.

         Federal  Regulation  of  Savings  Associations.  The OTS has  extensive
authority  over  the  operations  of  savings  associations.  As  part  of  this
authority, Western Bank is required to file periodic reports with the OTS and is
subject to periodic  examinations  by the OTS and the FDIC. The last regular OTS
and FDIC  examinations  of  Western  Bank were  September  1995 and March  1990,
respectively.

         All savings associations are subject to a semi-annual assessment, based
upon the savings  association's total assets, to fund the operations of the OTS.
Western  Bank's OTS  assessment  for the fiscal  year ended June 30,  1996,  was
approximately  $122,000.  Savings  associations  (unlike  Western Bank) that are
classified as  "troubled"  (i.e.,  having a supervisory  rating of "4" or "5" or
subject to a conservatorship) are required to pay higher premiums.

         The OTS also  has  extensive  enforcement  authority  over all  savings
institutions and their holding  companies,  including Western Bank and WesterFed
Financial.  This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability
to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders and
to initiate  injunctive  actions.  In general,  these enforcement actions may be
initiated  for  violations  of  laws  and  regulations  and  unsafe  or  unsound
practices.  Other  actions or  inactions  may provide the basis for  enforcement
action,  including  misleading or untimely  reports  filed with the OTS.  Except
under certain  circumstances,  public disclosure of final enforcement actions by
the OTS is required.

         In addition, the investment, lending and branching authority of Western
Bank is prescribed by federal  laws,  and it is prohibited  from engaging in any
activities not permitted by such laws. For instance,  no savings association may
invest in  non-investment  grade  corporate debt  securities.  In addition,  the
permissible  level of  investment  by federal  associations  in loans secured by
non-residential real property may not exceed 400% of total capital,  except with
approval of the OTS. Federal savings  associations are also generally authorized
to branch nationwide. Western Bank is in compliance with the noted restrictions.

                             
                                       87

<PAGE>



         Western Bank's  permissible  lending limit for loans to one borrower is
equal to the  greater of  $500,000  or 15% of  unimpaired  capital  and  surplus
(except for loans fully secured by certain  readily  marketable  collateral,  in
which case this limit is increased to 25% of unimpaired capital and surplus). At
June 30, 1996,  Western  Bank's  lending limit under this  restriction  was $9.6
million.   Western  Bank  is  in  compliance   with  the   loans-to-one-borrower
limitation.

         The OTS, as well as other federal banking agencies,  adopted guidelines
establishing safety and soundness standards on such matters as loan underwriting
and documentation,  internal controls and audit systems, asset quality, earnings
standards,  interest  rate risk  exposure and  compensation  and other  employee
benefits. Any institution which fails to comply with these standards must submit
a compliance plan. A failure to submit a plan or to comply with an approved plan
will subject the institution to further enforcement action.

         Insurance  of Accounts  and  Regulation  by the FDIC.  The  deposits of
Western Bank are  presently  insured by the SAIF,  which  together with the Bank
Insurance Fund (the "BIF") are the two insurance funds administered by the FDIC.
Deposits are insured up to applicable  limits by the FDIC and such  insurance is
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. As insurer,
the FDIC  imposes  deposit  insurance  premiums  and is  authorized  to  conduct
examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC-insured  institutions.  It also
may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC
determines by  regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the FDIC.  The FDIC
also  has  the  authority  to  initiate   enforcement  actions  against  savings
associations,  after giving the OTS an opportunity to take such action,  and may
terminate  the deposit  insurance  if it  determines  that the  institution  has
engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

         The FDIC's deposit insurance premiums are assessed through a risk-based
system under which all insured  depository  institutions  are placed into one of
nine  categories  and  assessed  insurance  premiums,  based upon their level of
capital and supervisory evaluation. Under the system, institutions classified as
well  capitalized  (i.e., a core capital ratio of at least 5%, a ratio of Tier 1
or core capital to  risk-weighted  assets  ("Tier 1  risk-based  capital") of at
least 6% and a risk-based  capital ratio of at least 10%) and considered healthy
pay the  lowest  premium  while  institutions  that  are  less  than  adequately
capitalized (i.e., core or Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios of less than 4% or a
risk-based  capital  ratio  of less  than  8%)  and  considered  of  substantial
supervisory concern pay the highest premium.  Risk classification of all insured
institutions  will be made by the FDIC for each semi-annual  assessment  period.
For the first six months of 1996,  the  assessment  schedule  of BIF members and
SAIF members ranged from .23% to .31% of deposits.

         The FDIC is authorized to increase  assessment  rates,  on a semiannual
basis, if it determines that the reserve ratio of the SAIF will be less than the
designated  reserve  ratio of 1.25% of SAIF insured  deposits.  In setting these
increased  assessments,  the FDIC must seek to restore the reserve ratio to that
designated  reserve  level,  or such higher  reserve ratio as established by the
FDIC.  The FDIC may also impose  special  assessments  on SAIF  members to repay
amounts  borrowed from the United States Treasury or for any other reason deemed
necessary by the FDIC.

         The  deposits  of  savings  associations,  such as  Western  Bank,  are
presently  insured  by the  SAIF,  which  together  with  the  BIF,  are the two
insurance  funds  administered  by the FDIC.  Financial  institutions  which are
members  of the BIF  are  experiencing  substantially  lower  deposit  insurance
premiums  because the BIF has achieved its required  level of reserves while the
SAIF has not yet achieved its required reserves. In order to help eliminate this
disparity and any competitive  disadvantage due to disparate  deposit  insurance
premium schedules, legislation to recapitalize the SAIF was enacted in September
1996.

         The legislation requires a special one-time assessment of approximately
65.7 cents per $100 of SAIF insured deposits held by the Bank at March 31, 1995.
Management  currently  anticipates  that the one-time  special  assessment  will
result in a tax affected charge to earnings of approximately $1.4 million during
the quarter  ended  September  30, 1996.  The  legislation  is intended to fully
recapitalize  the SAIF fund so that  commercial bank and thrift deposits will be
charged  the same FDIC  premiums  beginning  January  1,  1997.  As of such date
deposit insurance premiums for highly rated institutions, such as the Bank, have
been eliminated.


                      
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         The Bank, however, will continue to be subject to an assessment to fund
repayment of the FICO  obligations.  It is anticipated  that the FICO assessment
for SAIF insured  institutions  will be 6.5 cents per $100 of deposits while BIF
insured institutions will pay 1.3 cents per $100 of deposits until the year 2000
when  the  assessment  will be  imposed  at the same  rate on all  FDIC  insured
institutions.  Accordingly,  as a result of the reduction of the SAIF assessment
and the resulting FICO  assessment,  the annual after tax decrease in assessment
costs is  expected  to be  approximately  $365,000  based  upon a June 30,  1996
assessment base.

         Regulatory    Capital    Requirements.    Federally   insured   savings
associations,  such as Western Bank, are required to maintain a minimum level of
regulatory  capital.  The OTS has  established  capital  standards,  including a
tangible capital requirement, a leverage ratio (or core capital) requirement and
a risk-based capital requirement applicable to such savings associations.  These
capital  requirements  must be generally as stringent as the comparable  capital
requirements  for national  banks.  The OTS is also authorized to impose capital
requirements  in excess  of these  standards  on  individual  associations  on a
case-by-case basis.

         The capital  regulations  require  tangible capital of at least 1.5% of
adjusted total assets (as defined by  regulation).  Tangible  capital  generally
includes  common   stockholders'   equity  and  retained  income,   and  certain
noncumulative  perpetual  preferred stock and related income.  In addition,  all
intangible  assets,  other than a limited amount of purchased mortgage servicing
rights,  must be deducted from tangible capital for calculating  compliance with
the requirement.  At June 30, 1996,  Western Bank had no intangible assets other
than $132,000 of unamortized  purchased  mortgage  servicing rights,  $13,000 of
which was required to be deducted from tangible capital.

         The OTS regulations establish special  capitalization  requirements for
savings associations that own subsidiaries.  In determining  compliance with the
capital requirements,  all subsidiaries engaged solely in activities permissible
for national  banks or engaged in certain other  activities  solely as agent for
its customers are  "includable"  subsidiaries  that are consolidated for capital
purposes in  proportion  to Western  Bank's level of  ownership,  including  the
assets of  includable  subsidiaries  in which  the  association  has a  minority
interest that is not consolidated for purposes of generally accepted  accounting
principles ("GAAP"). For excludable subsidiaries the debt and equity investments
in such  subsidiaries  are deducted  from assets and capital.  At June 30, 1996,
Western Bank was required to deduct  $538,000 of its investment in Service Corp.
of Montana, Inc. under these rules.

         At June 30, 1996,  Western Bank had tangible  capital of $62.0 million,
or 11.3% of adjusted total assets,  which is  approximately  $53.7 million above
the minimum requirement of 1.5% of adjusted total assets in effect on that date.

         The capital standards also require core capital equal to at least 3% of
adjusted total assets.  Core capital generally consists of tangible capital plus
certain intangible  assets,  including a limited amount of purchased credit card
relationships.  As a result of the prompt corrective action provisions discussed
below,  however, a savings  association must maintain a core capital ratio of at
least  4%  to  be  considered  adequately  capitalized  unless  its  supervisory
condition is such to allow it to maintain a 3% ratio. At June 30, 1996,  Western
Bank had no intangibles which were subject to these tests.

         At June 30, 1996, Western Bank had core capital equal to $62.0 million,
or 11.3% of adjusted  total  assets,  which is $45.5  million  above the minimum
leverage ratio requirement of 3% as in effect on that date.

          The OTS risk-based  requirement  requires savings associations to have
total capital of at least 8% of risk- weighted assets. Total capital consists of
core capital, as defined above, and supplementary capital. Supplementary capital
consists of certain  permanent  and  maturing  capital  instruments  that do not
qualify as core capital and general  valuation loan and lease loss allowances up
to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Supplementary capital may be used
to satisfy the risk-based  requirement  only to the extent of core capital.  The
OTS is  also  authorized  to  require  a  savings  association  to  maintain  an
additional  amount of total capital to account for  concentration of credit risk
and the risk of non-traditional  activities.  At June 30, 1996, Western Bank had
no capital instruments that qualify as supplementary capital and $1.9 million of
general loss reserves, which was less than 1.25% of risk- weighted assets.


                      
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         Certain  exclusions from capital and assets are required to be made for
the purpose of calculating  total  capital.  Such  exclusions  consist of equity
investments  (as  defined  by  regulation)  and that  portion  of land loans and
nonresidential  construction  loans in excess of an 80% loan-to-value  ratio and
reciprocal holdings of qualifying capital  instruments.  Western Bank had $1,000
of such exclusions from capital and assets at June 30, 1996.

         In  determining  the  amount  of  risk-weighted   assets,  all  assets,
including  certain  off-balance sheet items, will be multiplied by a risk weight
ranging  from 0% to 100% based on the risk  inherent in this type of asset.  For
example,  the OTS has  assigned  risk weight of 50% for  prudently  underwritten
permanent  one- to  four-family  first lien mortgage loans not more than 90 days
delinquent and having a loan-to-value  ratio of not more than 80% at origination
unless insured to such ratio by an insurer approved by FNMA or FHLMC.

         The  OTS  has  adopted  a  final  rule  that  requires   every  savings
association with more than normal interest rate risk exposure to deduct from its
total capital, for purposes of determining compliance with such requirement,  an
amount equal to 50% of its interest-rate risk exposure multiplied by the present
value of its assets.  This exposure is a measure of the potential decline in the
net  portfolio  value of a savings  association,  greater than 2% of the present
value of its  assets,  based upon a  hypothetical  200 basis  point  increase or
decrease  in  interest  rates  (whichever  results  in a greater  decline).  Net
portfolio  value is the  present  value of  expected  cash  flows  from  assets,
liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. The rule provides for a two quarter
lag between  calculating  interest rate risk and  recognizing any deduction from
capital.  The rule will not become effective until the OTS evaluates the process
by which  savings  associations  may  appeal an  interest  rate  risk  deduction
determination.  It is uncertain as to when this evaluation may be completed. Any
savings  association  with less than $300 million in assets and a total  capital
ratio in excess of 12% is exempt from this requirement unless the OTS determines
otherwise.  Based on June 30, 1996 OTS interest rate risk  information,  Western
Bank would be required to make a deduction  from total  capital in the amount of
$2.3 million in calculating  its risk-based  capital  requirement  had such rule
been in effect on June 30,  1996.  Based on  Western  Bank's  excess  risk-based
capital of $39.9  million at June 30,  1996,  notwithstanding  this $2.3 million
deduction from capital,  Western Bank would  continue to exceed it's  risk-based
capital requirement.

         On June 30, 1996,  Western Bank had total  risk-based  capital of $63.9
million  (including $62.0 million in core capital and $1.9 million in qualifying
supplementary  capital) and  risk-weighted  assets of $300.7 million  (including
$23,000 in converted  off-balance sheet assets);  or total risk-based capital of
21.2% of risk-weighted  assets.  This amount was $39.9 million above the current
8% requirement in effect on that date.

         The OTS and the FDIC are authorized  and,  under certain  circumstances
required,  to take certain actions against  associations that fail to meet their
capital  requirements.  The OTS is generally required to take action to restrict
the activities of an "undercapitalized association" (generally defined to be one
with less than either a 4% core capital ratio, a 4% Tier 1 risked-based  capital
ratio or an 8% risk-based  capital ratio).  Any such  association  must submit a
capital  restoration  plan and until  such plan is  approved  by the OTS may not
increase its assets,  acquire another institution,  establish a branch or engage
in any new activities, and generally may not make capital distributions. The OTS
is  authorized  to impose the  additional  restrictions  that are  applicable to
significantly undercapitalized associations.

          As a condition to the approval of the capital  restoration  plan,  any
company  controlling  an  undercapitalized  association  must agree that it will
enter  into  a  limited  capital  maintenance  guarantee  with  respect  to  the
institution's achievement of its capital requirements.

         Any savings  association  that fails to comply with its capital plan or
is  "significantly  undercapitalized"  (i.e.,  Tier 1 risk-based or core capital
ratios of less than 3% or a  risk-based  capital  ratio of less than 6%) must be
made  subject  to one or more of  additional  specified  actions  and  operating
restrictions  which may cover all aspects of its operations and include a forced
merger  or  acquisition  of  the   association.   An  association  that  becomes
"critically  undercapitalized" (i.e., a tangible capital ratio of 2% or less) is
subject to further mandatory restrictions on its activities in addition to those
applicable to significantly  undercapitalized associations. In addition, the OTS
must appoint a receiver (or conservator  with the concurrence of the FDIC) for a
savings  association,  with certain limited exceptions,  within 90 days after it
becomes critically undercapitalized. Any undercapitalized association is also

                              
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<PAGE>



subject to other possible  enforcement  actions by the OTS or the FDIC including
the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

         The OTS is also generally  authorized to reclassify an association into
a lower capital category and impose the restrictions applicable to such category
if the institution is engaged in unsafe or unsound  practices or is in an unsafe
or unsound condition.

         The  imposition  by the OTS or the  FDIC of any of  these  measures  on
Western Bank may have a substantial  adverse effect on Western Bank's operations
and profitability. If the OTS or the FDIC require an association such as Western
Bank, to raise additional  capital through the issuance of common stock or other
capital  instruments  by  WesterFed  Financial  such  issuance may result in the
dilution in the percentage of ownership of existing Company  stockholders  since
WesterFed Financial's stockholders do not have preemptive rights.

         Limitations   on  Dividends  and  Other  Capital   Distributions.   OTS
regulations impose various  restrictions on savings associations with respect to
their ability to make  distributions of capital which include  dividends,  stock
redemptions or repurchases,  cash-out merger and other  transactions  charged to
the capital account.  OTS regulations  also prohibit a savings  association from
declaring or paying any dividends or from repurchasing any of its stock if, as a
result,  the regulatory  capital of the  association  would be reduced below the
amount  required to be maintained  for the  liquidation  account  established in
connection with its mutual to stock conversion.

         Generally, savings associations,  such as Western Bank, that before and
after the  proposed  distribution  meet  their  capital  requirements,  may make
capital  distributions  during any calendar year equal to the greater of 100% of
net  income for the  year-to-date  plus 50% of the amount by which the lesser of
the  association's  tangible,  core or  risk-based  capital  exceeds its capital
requirement  for such  capital  component,  as measured at the  beginning of the
calendar year, or 75% of its net income for the most recent four quarter period.
However,  an association deemed to be in need of more than normal supervision by
the OTS may have its dividend authority  restricted by the OTS. Western Bank may
pay dividends in accordance with this general authority.

         Savings  associations  proposing to make any capital  distribution need
only  submit  written  notice  to the OTS 30 days  prior  to such  distribution.
Savings  associations  that do not,  or would  not meet  their  current  minimum
capital requirements  following a proposed capital  distribution,  however, must
obtain OTS approval prior to making such distribution. The OTS may object to the
distribution  during that 30-day  period  notice  based on safety and  soundness
concerns.

         The OTS has proposed  regulations that would revise the current capital
distribution  restrictions.  Under the proposal, a savings association that is a
subsidiary of a holding company may make a capital  distribution  with notice to
the  OTS  provided  that it has a CAMEL  1 or 2  rating,  is not of  supervisory
concern and would remain  adequately  capitalized  (as defined in the OTS prompt
corrective  action  regulations)  following the proposed  distribution.  Savings
associations  that would remain  adequately  capitalized  following the proposed
distribution but do not meet the other noted requirements must notify the OTS 30
days prior to declaring a capital distribution. The OTS stated it will generally
regard as permissible  that amount of capital  distributions  that do not exceed
50% of the  institution's  excess  regulatory  capital  plus net  income to date
during  the  calendar  year.  A  savings  association  may  not  make a  capital
distribution  without  prior  approval  of  the  OTS  and  the  FDIC  if  it  is
undercapitalized  before,  or as a result of, such a distribution.  As under the
current  rule,  the  OTS  may  object  to a  capital  distribution  if it  would
constitute  an unsafe  or  unsound  practice.  No  assurance  may be given as to
whether or in what form the regulations may be adopted.

         Liquidity.  All  savings  associations,  including  Western  Bank,  are
required  to  maintain  an average  daily  balance of liquid  assets  equal to a
certain  percentage of the sum of its average daily balance of net  withdrawable
deposit accounts and borrowings payable in one year or less. For a discussion of
what Western Bank includes in liquid assets,  see  "Management's  Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  Liquidity and Capital
Resources."  This  liquid  asset  ratio  requirement  may vary from time to time
(between 4% and 10%) depending upon economic conditions and savings flows of all
savings associations. At the present time, the minimum liquid asset ratio is 5%.


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         In  addition,  short-term  liquid  assets  (e.g.,  cash,  certain  time
deposits,  certain  bankers  acceptances  and short-term  United States Treasury
obligations)  currently must constitute at least 1% of the association's average
daily  balance of net  withdrawable  deposit  accounts  and current  borrowings.
Penalties may be imposed upon associations for violations of either liquid asset
ratio  requirement.  At June 30, 1996,  Western Bank was in compliance with both
requirements, with an overall liquid asset ratio of 9.3% and a short-term liquid
assets ratio of 5.9%.

         Accounting.   An  OTS  policy  statement   applicable  to  all  savings
associations  clarifies and  re-emphasizes  that the investment  activities of a
savings   association  must  be  in  compliance  with  approved  and  documented
investment policies and strategies, and must be accounted for in accordance with
GAAP. Under the policy statement,  management must support its classification of
and accounting for loans and securities (i.e., whether held for investment, sale
or trading) with appropriate  documentation.  Western Bank is in compliance with
these  amended  rules.  OTS  accounting  regulations,  which  may be  made  more
stringent  than GAAP by the OTS,  require  that  transactions  be  reported in a
manner that best reflects their underlying  economic substance and inherent risk
and that financial reports must incorporate any other accounting  regulations or
orders prescribed by the OTS.

         Qualified  Thrift  Lender  Test.  All savings  associations,  including
Western Bank,  are required to meet a qualified  thrift  lender  ("QTL") test to
avoid certain  restrictions  on their  operations.  This test requires a savings
association  to have  at  least  65% of its  portfolio  assets  (as  defined  by
regulation) in qualified thrift investments on a monthly average for nine out of
every 12 months on a rolling basis. Such assets primarily consist of residential
housing related loans and  investments.  At June 30, 1996,  Western Bank met the
test and has always met the test since its effectiveness.

         Any savings association that fails to meet the QTL test must convert to
a national bank charter, unless it requalifies as a QTL and thereafter remains a
QTL. If an  association  does not  requalify  and  converts  to a national  bank
charter,  it must remain  SAIF-insured  until the FDIC permits it to transfer to
the  BIF.  If an  association  has not yet  requalified  and or  converted  to a
national  bank,  its  new  investments  and  activities  are  limited  to  those
permissible  for both a  savings  association  and a  national  bank,  and it is
limited to national bank branching  rights in its home state.  In addition,  the
association is immediately  ineligible to receive any new FHLB borrowings and is
subject to national  bank limits for payment of dividends.  If such  association
has not requalified or converted to a national bank within three years after the
failure,  it must  divest  of all  investments  and  cease  all  activities  not
permissible  for a  national  bank.  In  addition,  it must repay  promptly  any
outstanding FHLB borrowings,  which may result in prepayment  penalties.  If any
association  that fails the QTL test is  controlled by a holding  company,  then
within one year after the failure,  the holding  company must register as a bank
holding  company  and become  subject to all the  restrictions  on bank  holding
companies.

         Community  Reinvestment  Act.  Under  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act
("CRA"),  every  FDIC  insured  institution  has a  continuing  and  affirmative
obligation  consistent  with safe and sound  banking  practices to help meet the
credit  needs  of its  entire  community,  including  low  and  moderate  income
neighborhoods.  The CRA does not  establish  specific  lending  requirements  or
programs  for  financial   institutions  nor  does  it  limit  an  institution's
discretion  to develop the types of products and  services  that it believes are
best  suited  to its  particular  community,  consistent  with the CRA.  The CRA
requires the OTS, in connection  with the examination of Western Bank, to assess
the  institution's  record of meeting the credit needs of its  community  and to
take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications, such as
a merger or the  establishment of a branch,  by Western Bank. An  unsatisfactory
rating may be used as the basis for the denial of an application by the OTS.

         The federal banking agencies,  including the OTS, have recently revised
the CRA  regulations  and  the  methodology  for  determining  an  institution's
compliance with the CRA. Due to the heightened  attention being given to the CRA
in the past few years,  Western Bank may be required to devote  additional funds
for investment and lending in its local community. Western Bank was examined for
CRA compliance in October 1995 and received a rating of outstanding.

         Transactions with Affiliates. Generally, transactions between a savings
association or its  subsidiaries  and its affiliates are required to be on terms
as  favorable  to  the  association  as  transactions  with  non-affiliates.  In
addition,  certain of these  transactions,  such as loans to an  affiliate,  are
restricted to a percentage of the association's


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capital.  Affiliates of Western Bank include WesterFed Financial and any company
which is under common control with WesterFed  Financial.  In addition, a savings
association may not lend to any affiliate  engaged in activities not permissible
for a bank holding company or acquire the securities of most affiliates. Western
Bank's  subsidiaries  are  not  deemed  affiliates;  however,  the  OTS  has the
discretion  to treat  subsidiaries  of savings  associations  as affiliates on a
case-by-case basis.

         Certain  transactions with directors,  officers or controlling  persons
are also subject to conflict of interest  regulations enforced by the OTS. These
conflict of interest  regulations and other statutes also impose restrictions on
loans to such persons and their  related  interests.  Among other  things,  such
loans must be made on terms  substantially the same as for loans to unaffiliated
individuals.

         Holding Company  Regulation.  WesterFed  Financial is a unitary savings
and loan holding  company  subject to regulatory  oversight by the OTS. As such,
WesterFed Financial is required to register and file reports with the OTS and is
subject to  regulation  and  examination  by the OTS. In  addition,  the OTS has
enforcement  authority over WesterFed Financial and its non-savings  association
subsidiaries which also permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit  activities that
are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings association.

         As a unitary  savings and loan  holding  company,  WesterFed  Financial
generally  is not  subject to  activity  restrictions.  If  WesterFed  Financial
acquires  control of another savings  association as a separate  subsidiary,  it
would become a multiple savings and loan holding company,  and the activities of
WesterFed  Financial and any of its subsidiaries (other than Western Bank or any
other   SAIF-insured   savings   association)   would  become  subject  to  such
restrictions  unless  such  other  associations  each  qualify as a QTL and were
acquired  in a  supervisory  acquisition.  If  Western  Bank fails the QTL test,
WesterFed  Financial  must obtain the  approval  of the OTS prior to  continuing
after such  failure,  directly or through its other  subsidiaries,  any business
activity  other  than those  approved  for  multiple  savings  and loan  holding
companies or their  subsidiaries.  In addition,  within one year of such failure
WesterFed   Financial  must  register  as,  and  will  become  subject  to,  the
restrictions applicable to bank holding companies. The activities authorized for
a bank holding company are more limited than are the activities authorized for a
unitary or multiple savings and loan holding company.

         WesterFed  Financial must obtain approval from the OTS before acquiring
control of any other SAIF-insured  association.  Such acquisitions are generally
prohibited  if they  result  in a  multiple  savings  and loan  holding  company
controlling  savings  associations  in  more  than  one  state.   However,  such
interstate  acquisitions are permitted based on specific state  authorization or
in a supervisory acquisition of a failing savings association.

         Federal  Securities  Law.  WesterFed  Financial is registered  with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the  "Exchange  Act").  WesterFed  Financial is subject to the
information,   proxy  solicitation,   insider  trading  restrictions  and  other
requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act.

         Company stock held by persons who are affiliates  (generally  officers,
directors and principal  stockholders) of WesterFed  Financial may not be resold
without   registration   or  unless  sold  in  accordance  with  certain  resale
restrictions.  If WesterFed Financial meets specified current public information
requirements,  each  affiliate  of  WesterFed  Financial  is able to sell in the
public  market,  without  registration,  a  limited  number  of  shares  in  any
three-month period.

         Federal  Reserve  System.   The  Federal  Reserve  Board  requires  all
depository institutions to maintain  non-interest-bearing  reserves at specified
levels against their transaction accounts (primarily checking, NOW and Super NOW
checking accounts).  At June 30, 1996, Western Bank was in compliance with these
reserve  requirements.  The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements
imposed  by  the  Federal  Reserve  Board  may  be  used  to  satisfy  liquidity
requirements that may be imposed by the OTS.

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


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<PAGE>



         Federal Home Loan Bank System.  Western Bank is a member of the FHLB of
Seattle,  which is one of 12 regional FHLBs, that administers the home financing
credit  function  of  savings  associations.  Each FHLB  serves as a reserve  or
central bank for its members within its assigned region.  It is funded primarily
from  proceeds  derived from the sale of  consolidated  obligations  of the FHLB
System.  It makes loans to members (i.e.,  advances) in accordance with policies
and procedures established by the board of directors of the FHLB. These policies
and  procedures  are  subject to the  regulation  and  oversight  of the Federal
Housing  Finance  Board.  All  advances  from the FHLB are  required to be fully
secured by sufficient  collateral  as  determined by the FHLB. In addition,  all
long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing.

         As a member, Western Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in
the FHLB of Seattle.  At June 30,  1996,  Western  Bank had $7.5 million in FHLB
stock,  which was in compliance with this  requirement.  In past years,  Western
Bank has received  substantial  dividends on its FHLB stock.  Over the past five
calendar  years such  dividends  have averaged 9.93% and were 6.59% for calendar
year 1995.

         Under  federal  law the FHLBs are  required  to  provide  funds for the
resolution  of  troubled  savings  associations  and to  contribute  to low- and
moderately priced housing programs through direct loans or interest subsidies on
advances targeted for community investment and low- and moderate-income  housing
projects.  These  contributions  have  affected  adversely  the  level  of  FHLB
dividends  paid and could continue to do so in the future.  These  contributions
could also have an adverse  effect on the value of FHLB stock in the  future.  A
reduction  in value of Western  Bank's FHLB stock may result in a  corresponding
reduction in Western Bank's capital.

         For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996,  dividends paid by the FHLB of
Seattle to Western Bank totaled $521,000,  which constitutes a $158,000 increase
over the amount of  dividends  received  in fiscal  year  1995.  There can be no
assurance that such special dividends will continue in the future.

         Change in Control  Regulations.  Federal law  provides  that no company
"directly  or  indirectly  or acting in  concert  with one or more  persons,  or
through  one or more  subsidiaries,  or through one or more  transactions,"  may
acquire  "control"  of a  savings  association  at any time  without  the  prior
approval of the OTS. In addition,  federal  regulations  require that,  prior to
obtaining control of a savings association, a person, other than a company, must
give 60 days' prior notice to the OTS and have received no OTS objection to such
acquisition  of control.  Any  company  that  acquires  such  control  becomes a
"savings and loan holding  company"  subject to  registration,  examination  and
regulation as a savings and loan holding company.  Under federal law (as well as
the regulations referred to below) the term "savings association" includes state
and federally chartered SAIF-insured  institutions and federally chartered Banks
whose accounts are insured by the FDIC's BIF and holding companies thereof.

         Control,  as defined under federal law, means ownership,  control of or
holding  irrevocable  proxies  representing more than 25% of any class of voting
stock,  control  in any manner of the  election  of a  majority  of the  savings
association's directors, or a determination by the OTS that the acquiror has the
power to direct,  or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling  influence
over,  the management or policies of the  institution.  Acquisition of more than
10% of any class of a savings  association's  voting stock, if the acquiror also
is subject  to any one of eight  "control  factors,"  constitutes  a  rebuttable
determination of control under the regulations. Such control factors include the
acquiror being one of the two largest stockholders. The determination of control
may be rebutted by submission to the OTS,  prior to the  acquisition of stock or
the occurrence of any other circumstances giving rise to such determination,  of
a statement setting forth facts and circumstances  which would support a finding
that no control relationship will exist and containing certain undertakings. The
regulations provide that persons or companies which acquire beneficial ownership
exceeding  10% or more of any class of a savings  association's  stock must file
with  the  OTS a  certification  that  the  holder  is not in  control  of  such
institution,  is not subject to a rebuttable  determination  of control and will
take no action which would result in a determination or rebuttable determination
of control without prior notice to or approval of the OTS, as applicable.

         Federal Taxation. For taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 1996,
savings  institutions such as Western Bank which met certain  definitional tests
primarily relating to their assets and the nature of their business ("qualifying
thrifts") were permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual
additions  thereto,  which additions may, within specified formula limits,  have
been deducted in arriving at their taxable income. Western


                                       94

<PAGE>



Bank's  deduction with respect to "qualifying  loans," which are generally loans
secured by certain  interests in real property,  may have been computed using an
amount based on Western Bank's actual loss experience,  or a percentage equal to
8% of Western Bank's taxable  income,  computed with certain  modifications  and
reduced by the amount of any permitted additions to the non-qualifying  reserve.
Western Bank's deduction with respect to non-qualifying loans was computed under
the experience  method,  which  essentially  allows a deduction based on Western
Bank's actual loss experience over a period of several years.  Each year Western
Bank selected the most favorable way to calculate the deduction  attributable to
an addition to the tax bad debt reserve.

         Recently  enacted  federal  legislation  repeals the reserve  method of
accounting  for bad debt  reserves for tax years  beginning  after  December 31,
1995.  As result,  savings  associations  are no longer able to calculate  their
deduction for bad debts using the percentage-of-taxable-income  method. Instead,
savings  associations  with assets over $500.0  million are  required to compute
their  deduction  based on specific  charge-offs  during the taxable year.  This
legislation also requires  savings  associations to recapture into income over a
six-year  period  their  post-1987  additions  to their  bad debt tax  reserves,
thereby  generating  additional tax liability.  At June 30, 1996, Western Bank's
post-1987 reserves were approximately $1.2 million and Western Bank has recorded
a  deferral  tax  liability  at  $415,000  to  provide  for the  additional  tax
liability.  The  recapture may be suspended for up to two years if, during those
years, the institution  satisfies a residential loan  requirement.  Western Bank
anticipates  that it will meet the residential  loan requirement for the taxable
year ending June 30, 1997.

         Under  prior law,  if Western  Bank  failed to satisfy  the  qualifying
thrift  definitional  tests in any  taxable  year,  it would be  unable  to make
additions to its bad debt  reserve.  Instead,  Western Bank would be required to
deduct bad debts as they occur and would  additionally  be required to recapture
its bad debt reserve  deductions  ratably over a multi-year  period. At June 30,
1996,  Western Bank's total bad debt reserve for tax purposes was  approximately
$10.3 million.  Among other things,  the qualifying  thrift  definitional  tests
required Western Bank to hold at least 60% of its assets as "qualifying assets."
Qualifying  assets generally  include cash,  obligations of the united States or
any  agency  or  instrumentality  thereof,  certain  obligations  of a state  or
political   subdivision   thereof,   loans  secured  by  interests  in  improved
residential  real  property or by savings  accounts,  student loans and property
used by Western Bank in the conduct of its banking business.  Under current law,
a savings  association  will not be required to recapture  its pre-1988 bad debt
reserves if it ceases to meet the qualifying thrift definitional tests.

         In addition to the regular income tax, corporations,  including savings
associations  such as Western  Bank,  generally are subject to a minimum tax. An
alternative  minimum tax is imposed at a minimum tax rate of 20% on  alternative
minimum  taxable  income,  which is the sum of a  corporation's  regular taxable
income (with certain  adjustments) and tax preference  items, less any available
exemption.  The alternative  minimum tax is imposed to the extent it exceeds the
corporation's  regular  income tax and net  operating  losses can offset no more
than 90% of alternative  minimum  taxable  income.  For taxable years  beginning
after 1986 and before 1996, corporations, including savings associations such as
Western  Bank,  are also subject to an  environmental  tax equal to 0.12% of the
excess of alternative  minimum  taxable income for the taxable year  (determined
without regard to net operating  losses and the deduction for the  environmental
tax) over $2.0 million.

         WesterFed   Financial,   Western   Bank  and  its   subsidiaries   file
consolidated federal income tax returns on a fiscal year basis using the accrual
method of  accounting.  Savings  associations,  such as Western Bank,  that file
federal  income tax  returns as part of a  consolidated  group are  required  by
applicable  Treasury  regulations to reduce their taxable income for purposes of
computing  the  percentage  bad  debt  deduction  for  losses   attributable  to
activities of the non-savings association members of the consolidated group that
are functionally related to the activities of the savings association member.

         WesterFed Financial and its consolidated subsidiaries have been audited
by the IRS with respect to consolidated  federal income tax returns through June
30, 1989.  With respect to years  examined by the IRS,  either all  deficiencies
have been  satisfied or  sufficient  reserves have been  established  to satisfy
asserted  deficiencies.  In the opinion of management,  any examination of still
open returns (including returns of subsidiaries and predecessors of, or entities
merged into,  Western Bank) would not result in a deficiency  which could have a
material  adverse effect on the financial  condition of WesterFed  Financial and
its consolidated subsidiaries.



                                       95

<PAGE>



         Montana  Taxation.  Under Montana taxation law,  savings  associations,
such  as  Western  Bank,  are  subject  to  a  corporation  license  tax,  which
incorporates or is substantially  similar to applicable  provisions of the Code.
The corporation  license tax is imposed on federal  taxable  income,  subject to
certain  adjustments  at a rate of 6.75% for fiscal 1996.  Under  Montana law, a
savings  association  is not allowed to make a deduction from gross income for a
reserve for bad debts in the computations of the Montana  corporate  license tax
or file a consolidated corporate license tax return with affiliated companies.

         Delaware Taxation.  As a Delaware holding company,  WesterFed Financial
is exempted from Delaware corporate income tax but is required to file an annual
report with and pay an annual fee to the State of Delaware.  WesterFed Financial
is also subject to an annual franchise tax imposed by the State of Delaware.

Impact of New Accounting Standards

         See Note 1,  Summary of  Significant  Accounting  Policies and Note 15,
Recent  Accounting  Pronouncements  Not Yet  Adopted  in Notes to the  WesterFed
Financial Consolidated Financial Statements.

Employees

         At June 30, 1996, the WesterFed  Financial had a total of 176 full-time
employees and 38 part-time employees. None of the Bank employees are represented
by any collective bargaining group.  Management considers its employee relations
to be excellent.

Competition

         Savings   institutions   generally  face  strong  competition  both  in
originating  real  estate  loans  and in  attracting  deposits.  Competition  in
originating  loans comes primarily from other savings  institutions,  commercial
banks,  and mortgage  bankers who also make loans secured by real estate located
in  Western  Bank's  primary  market  areas.  Western  Bank  competes  for loans
principally  on the basis of the  interest  rates and loan fees it charges,  the
types of loans  it  originates  and the  quality  of  services  it  provides  to
borrowers.

         Western Bank faces substantial  competition in attracting deposits from
other savings institutions, commercial banks, securities firms, money market and
mutual  funds,  credit  unions and other  investment  vehicles.  The  ability of
Western Bank to attract and retain deposits depends on its ability to provide an
investment  opportunity  that satisfies the requirements of investors as to rate
of return, liquidity, risk, convenient locations and other factors. Western Bank
competes  for these  deposits  by  offering  a variety of  deposit  accounts  at
competitive rates, convenient business hours and a customer oriented staff.

         Western Bank estimates its market share of the savings  deposits in the
counties where it has branch offices to be as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


County                                     June 30, 1995 Deposit Share(1)            City
- ------                                     ------------------------------            ----

<S>                                                    <C>                           <C>        
Missoula                                               15.3                          Missoula
Yellowstone                                             3.9                          Billings
Lewis & Clark                                           6.8                          Helena
Cascade                                                 4.8                          Great Falls
Gallatin                                                3.1                          Bozeman
Ravalli                                                 5.9                          Hamilton
Pondera                                                 9.0                          Conrad
Fergus                                                  8.5                          Lewistown
Custer                                                  6.9                          Miles City
Big Horn                                                9.8                          Hardin
- -----------------
<FN>

(1)  Based on data  supplied by Sheshunoff  Information  Services,  Inc.  Branch
     Source as of June 1995, Western Bank held approximately a 3.9% market share
     of deposits in Montana.  Based on this market  share,  Western  Bank ranked
     fourth out of 196 financial  institutions located in Montana. See "- Market
     Areas" for  information  regarding  Western  Bank's  deposit  share in each
     county in its market area.
</FN>
</TABLE>


                                       96

<PAGE>



         Western  Bank's  competition  for  residential  real  estate  loans  is
principally from mortgage bankers, other savings institutions,  commercial banks
and other institutional lenders. Competition for commercial real estate loans is
primarily from  commercial  banks in Missoula and other savings  institutions in
Missoula,  Helena, Billings, Great Falls, and Bozeman.  Competition for consumer
loans is from commercial banks,  credit unions,  other savings  institutions and
consumer finance companies.  Western Bank competes for loans principally through
the interest rates and loan fees charged.  Western Bank's  competition for loans
varies from time to time depending upon numerous factors,  including the general
availability of lending funds and credit, economic conditions,  current interest
rate levels,  volatility in the mortgage markets and other factors which are not
readily predictable.




                                       97

<PAGE>



   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                        OPERATIONS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL

General

         Currently WesterFed Financial has no other business activity other than
acting as the holding  company  for Western  Bank.  As a result,  the  following
discussion  relates  primarily to the activities of Western Bank during the past
fiscal year.

         WesterFed  Financial's results of operations are dependent primarily on
net  interest  income and fee  income.  Net  interest  income is the  difference
between the interest income earned on its loans, mortgage-backed securities, and
investment  portfolio and its cost of funds,  consisting of interest paid on its
deposits  and  borrowed  money  ("spread").  WesterFed  Financial's  results  of
operations are also  significantly  affected by general economic and competitive
conditions,  particularly changes in market interest rates,  government policies
and actions of regulatory authorities.

         WesterFed  Financial  serves  the  financial  needs of  communities  in
Montana  through its main office located in Missoula,  and 18 branch offices and
one loan  servicing  office.  WesterFed  Financial  attracts  deposits  from the
general public and uses the deposits,  together with borrowings and other funds,
to originate  loans secured by mortgages on  owner-occupied  one- to four-family
residences in its primary market areas. To a lesser extent,  WesterFed Financial
also originates multi-family,  commercial real estate, construction and consumer
loans in its market areas.  WesterFed  Financial also invests in mortgage-backed
securities, investment securities and other short-term liquid assets.

Changes in Financial Condition, June 30, 1996 to September 30, 1996

         Total assets of WesterFed  Financial  increased  $2.2 million to $566.1
million  at  September  30,  1996 from  $563.9  million at June 30,  1996.  This
increase in assets was primarily the result of a $3.0 million  increase in loans
receivable  and loans held for sale and a $4.9  million  increase in  investment
securities,  Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle stock and other interest  earning
assets,   partially  offset  by  a  $4.5  million  decrease  in  mortgage-backed
securities.  The $2.2 million  increase  was funded  primarily by an increase of
$4.6  million in borrowed  funds,  a $2.9  million  increase  in  advances  from
borrowers  for  taxes and  insurance  and a $2.4  million  increase  in  accrued
expenses and other  liabilities,  partially offset by a $7.2 million decrease in
deposits.

         Loans  Receivable -- The $3.0 million  increase in loans receivable and
loans  available-for-sale  was primarily the result of $38.1 million in new loan
originations  and  $900,000  in  purchases  of real  estate  loans,  which  were
partially offset by principal  repayments of $24.3 million and the sale of whole
loans of $13.2  million.  Real  estate  mortgage  loan  originations  were $23.9
million and consumer  loan  originations  were $14.2  million  during this three
month period as compared to $38.6 million and $6.8 million  respectively for the
same period last year.  The consumer loan portfolio  increased $7.1 million,  or
16.2%,  to $51.0  million at September  30, 1996 from $43.9  million at June 30,
1996.

         Mortgage-Backed   Securities   --  The   $4.5   million   decrease   in
mortgage-backed  securities was primarily the result of principal  repayments of
$5.6  million  which  exceeded  purchases of $1.0  million.  The $1.0 million of
mortgage-backed  securities  that were  purchased  consisted of  adjustable rate
mortgage-backed securities.

         Investment Securities,  FHLB Stock and Other Interest Earning Assets --
Investment  Securities,  FHLB stock and other interest  earning assets increased
$4.9 million, or 7.6%, to $69.0 million at September 30, 1996 from $64.1 million
at June 30, 1996. The increase was primarily the result of the purchase of $21.7
million in investment  securities,  an increase in FHLB stock of $150,000, a net
increase of $560,000 in  interest-bearing  due from banks and a net  increase in
interest  bearing  deposits of $2.1 million,  partially offset by maturities and
principal  payments  of  investment  securities  of  $19.7  million.  Investment
securities  purchased during the quarter ended September 30, 1996 included $19.7
million of U.S.  Agency  securities  with  maturities of three years or less and
$2.0 million of U.S.  Agency  securities with maturities of three to five years.
These investments were purchased in an

 
                                       98

<PAGE>



attempt to earn rates in excess of over-night  fund rates while  minimizing  the
effect of  potential  interest  rate  increases.  These  purchases  were  funded
primarily from the proceeds of maturing investments.

         From time to time,  Western Bank, may, in order to reduce interest rate
risk,   purchase   financial   instruments   that  lock  in  a  spread   between
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing  liabilities.  While these types of
financial  instruments  limit risk,  they also reduce  Western Bank's ability to
maximize profits during periods of favorable  interest rate trends. At September
30, 1996 Western Bank had three  structured  notes totaling $4.7 million wherein
their  interest  rate is based upon a fraction of the  increase or decrease in a
specified  index.  These  securities  have  variable  interest  rates  and  were
purchased to enable  Western Bank to increase its interest  income when interest
rates increase.  The market value of these  securities at September 30, 1996 was
$4.6 million and they will mature in 1998.

         Western   Bank  may  be  a  party   to   financial   instruments   with
off-balance-sheet  risk in the  normal  course of  business  to  reduce  its own
exposure to  fluctuations in interest  rates.  These  financial  instruments may
include interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements.  These  instruments
involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess
of amounts  recognized  in the  consolidated  balance  sheets.  The  contract or
notional amounts of these instruments  reflect the extent of involvement Western
Bank has in particular classes of financial  instruments.  For interest rate cap
and  interest  rate swap  agreements,  the  contract or notional  amounts do not
represent  exposure to credit  loss.  Western  Bank  controls the credit risk of
those instruments through credit approval, limits and monitoring procedures.

         Interest  Rate Caps --  Interest  rate  caps  entitle  Western  Bank to
receive various interest payments in exchange for payment of a premium, provided
the  three-month  LIBOR exceeds an agreed upon interest rate.  Transaction  fees
paid in connection  with interest rate cap  agreements are amortized to interest
expense as an adjustment of the interest cost of liabilities.  Interest rate cap
agreements are used to manage interest rate risk by synthetically  extending the
life of interest-bearing liabilities.

         The following  summarizes interest rate cap agreements at September 30,
1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



        Notional principal                   Agreement
              amount                        termination                   Cap           
- ---------------------------------    --------------------------- ----------------------
         (in thousands)
<S>         <C>                                    <C>                <C>      
            $25,000                         March, 1997               6.5% - 10.0%
              5,000                          July, 1999                   6.5%
              5,000                          July, 1999                   7.0%
            -------
            $35,000
            =======
</TABLE>

         Interest  Rate  Swaps --  Interest  rate swap  agreements  involve  the
exchange  of fixed and  floating  rate  payments  without  the  exchange  of the
underlying  principal  amounts.  Estimated amounts to be received or paid on the
swap settlement  dates are accrued when realized.  The net swap  settlements are
reflected in interest expense.  Interest rate swap agreements are used to manage
interest  rate  risk by  synthetically  extending  the life of  interest-bearing
liabilities.  At September  30, 1996 Western Bank did not have any interest rate
swap agreements in place.

         The  counterparty  to the cap agreements is the FHLB of Seattle and the
agreements are not  collateralized.  Interest rate swaps would be collateralized
by stock in FHLB,  certificates of deposit issued by the FHLB, securities issued
by the  U.S.  Government  or  agency  thereof,  mortgage-backed  securities,  or
qualifying first mortgage loans not otherwise pledged.

         Deposits -- Deposits decreased $7.2 million, or 2.1%, to $343.0 million
at September 30, 1996 from $350.2 million at June 30, 1996. NOW and Money Market
accounts  decreased $2.7 million,  Passbook accounts  decreased $1.5 million and
Certificates  of Deposit  decreased  $3.0  million.  The decrease in deposits is
primarily the result of increased  competition  in Western  Bank's market areas.
While Western Bank pays competitive  interest rates,  management  believes it is
not prudent to pay deposit  rates beyond normal  treasury  spreads while Western
Bank's regulatory liquidity remains strong at 10.6%.

 
                                       99

<PAGE>



         Borrowed  Funds -- Borrowed funds  increased $4.6 million,  or 3.7%, to
$130.4  million,  at  September  30, 1996 from $125.8  million at June 30, 1996.
There was $7.0 million of new fixed rate advances with maturities of one to four
years. Principal repayments on FHLB advances were $2.3 million and repayments on
collateralized  mortgage  obligations  were  $122,000  during the quarter  ended
September 30, 1996.

         Stockholders'  Equity -- Stockholders'  equity decreased  $318,000,  or
0.4%,  to $78.3  million at  September  30, 1996 from $78.6  million at June 30,
1996. This decrease was due to a net loss for the three month period of $200,000
and  $392,000  for  dividends  declared  during  the three  month  period  while
stockholders'  equity was increased  $223,000  related to  contributions  to the
Employee  Stock  Ownership  Plan and shares  earned  under the  Recognition  and
Retention  Plan.  There  was also a $30,000  increase  to  stockholders'  equity
related to the change in unrealized loss  associated  with assets  classified as
available-for-sale  being adjusted to market value in accordance  with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115.

Changes in Financial Condition, June 30, 1995 to June 30, 1996

         Total assets increased approximately $600,000 to $563.9 million at June
30,  1996 from  $563.3  million at June 30,  1995.  This  increase in assets was
primarily the result of a $55.1 million increase in loans receivable,  partially
offset by decreases of $18.3 million in investment securities, Federal Home Loan
Bank of Seattle  ("FHLB") stock and other  interest  earning  assets,  and $38.9
million  in  mortgage-backed   securities.  The  $600,000  increase  was  funded
primarily by an increase of $6.0 million in deposits and a $3.5 million increase
in stockholders' equity, partially offset by a $8.9 million decrease in borrowed
funds.

         The $55.1 million increase in loans receivable was primarily the result
of $165.5  million in new loan  originations  and $7.0  million in  purchases of
loans, which were partially offset by principal  repayments of $87.0 million and
the sale of whole loans of $31.2  million.  Included in these amounts were $31.9
million in consumer loan  originations.  The consumer loan  portfolio  increased
$12.0 million, or 37.6%, to $43.9 million at June 30, 1996 from $31.9 million at
June 30, 1995.  The $165.5 million in new loan  originations  was an increase of
$35.7 million from fiscal 1995. The increase in loan originations and other loan
activity  is  attributable  to a decrease  in  interest  rates in fiscal 1996 as
compared to the higher interest rate environment in fiscal 1995. In addition,  a
new dealer finance program was implemented  where Western Bank originates  loans
directly through local auto and recreational dealers. In the first two months of
operation,  $2.8  million  of  these  new  consumer  type  loans  were  added to
portfolio.

         The $38.9 million decrease in mortgage-backed  securities was primarily
the  result  of  principal   repayments   of  $29.6  million  and  the  sale  of
mortgage-backed  securities  available-for-sale of $30.7 million, which exceeded
purchases of $21.9 million. The $30.7 million of mortgage-backed securities that
were sold  consisted of $2.2  million in  adjustable  rate and $28.5  million in
fixed rate fifteen  year and thirty year  mortgage-backed  securities  while the
$21.9  million in  purchases  consisted  of $2.2 million of fixed rate five year
balloon and $19.7 million of adjustable  rate  mortgage-backed  securities.  The
mortgage-backed   securities  that  were  sold  were   experiencing   increasing
prepayments  and  therefore  were sold to maximize the net returns  available on
them and for interest rate risk management purposes.  In addition,  $5.6 million
of fifteen year fixed rate mortgage-backed  securities and $5.0 million of fixed
rate   collateralized   mortgage   obligations   were   transferred   from   the
held-to-maturity  category to the available-for-sale  category prior to December
31, 1995 in  accordance  with a special  report  issued by the FASB, "A Guide to
Implementation  of Statement 115 on Accounting  for Certain  Investments in Debt
and  Equity  Securities."  The  $10.6  million  of  mortgage-backed   securities
transferred were at amortized cost, had gross unrealized  losses of $140,000 and
were transferred for interest rate risk management purposes.

         The $18.3  million  decrease in investment  securities,  FHLB stock and
other  interest  earning  assets was primarily the result of the  maturities and
principal payments of investment securities of $53.6 million and a net reduction
in interest bearing deposits due from banks of $2.7 million, partially offset by
a net increase in interest bearing  deposits of $898,000,  the purchase of $36.2
million in  investment  securities  and an  increase  of $722,000 in FHLB stock.
Investment securities purchased during the fiscal year included $26.8 million of
U.S. Agency securities and $3.1 million of corporate securities with fixed rates
and  maturities  ranging  from one month to two years.  These  investments  were
purchased in an attempt to earn rates in excess of over-night fund rates while

                       
                                       100

<PAGE>



minimizing the effect of potential interest rate increases. These purchases were
funded primarily from the proceeds of maturing investments.

         Deposits increased $6.0 million, or 1.7%, to $350.2 million at June 30,
1996 from $344.2 million at June 30, 1995.  Interest  credited was $15.7 million
while withdrawals  exceeded deposits by $9.7 million.  Checking and certificates
of deposit  increased $3.9 million and $4.8 million,  respectively,  while money
market and passbook accounts decreased $1.9 million and $700,000,  respectively.
Checking  accounts have increased since the  introduction and heavy promotion of
the new "Western Style Checking"  program.  Certificates of deposit  continue to
offer  interest  rates greater than the lower yielding money market and passbook
accounts and this has resulted in a transfer of funds from these lower  yielding
accounts into certificates of deposit.

         Borrowed funds decreased $8.9 million,  or 6.6%, to $125.8 million,  at
June 30, 1996 from $134.7 million at June 30, 1995.  There were $77.7 million of
new advances, of which $20.0 million were amortizing fixed rate advances of five
years or more to partially  fund new thirty year fixed rate  mortgages  added to
portfolio,  while $51.7  million were less than one year in maturity and used to
fund short-term cash requirements and $6.0 million were fixed rate advances with
maturities  of one to four years.  Principal  repayments  on FHLB  advances were
$86.2  million  and  repayments  on  collateralized  mortgage  obligations  were
$409,000.

         Stockholders'  equity increased $3.5 million, or 4.7%, to $78.6 million
at June 30, 1996 from $75.1  million at June 30, 1995.  This increase was due to
net  income  for the  fiscal  year of  $4.6  million  and  $919,000  related  to
contributions  to the Employee Stock  Ownership Plan and shares earned under the
Recognition  and  Retention  Plan while  stockholders'  equity was reduced  $1.5
million for dividends  declared  during the fiscal year and $521,000  related to
the change in  unrealized  gain or loss  associated  with assets  classified  as
available-for-sale  being adjusted to market value in accordance  with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115.



                       
                                       101

<PAGE>



                              Results of Operations

         Net Interest  Income  Analysis.  The following  tables  present for the
periods  indicated  the total  dollar  amount of interest  income  from  average
interest-earning  assets  and the  resultant  yields,  as  well as the  interest
expense on average interest-bearing  liabilities,  expressed both in dollars and
rates. No tax equivalent adjustments were made.
Non-accruing  loans  have been  included  in the table as loans  carrying a zero
yield.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         Three Month Period Ended
                                                                               (Unaudited)
                                          -------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------
                                                      September 30,1996                          September 30,1995
                                          -------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------
                                                  Average          Interest                  Average         Interest
                                                  Outstanding       Earned/  Yield/          Outstanding      Earned/   Yield/
                                                  Balance (5)         Paid   Rate            Balance (5)        Paid    Rate
                                          -------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------
                                                                          (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>             <C>       <C>              <C>           <C>         <C>   
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
    Loans receivable (1) (2)                       $ 370,941       $  7,710  8.31 %           $ 322,028     $   6,624   8.23 %
    Mortgage-backed securities (2)                   102,177          1,766  6.91               137,905         2,383   6.91
    Investments (2)                                   54,495            843  6.19                61,524         1,090   7.09
    Other interest-earning assets (3)                 10,583            228  8.62                19,630           265   5.40
    Cash surrender value of life insurance             3,208             46  5.74                 2,975            44   5.92

      Total Interest-Earning Assets                $ 541,404       $ 10,593  7.83 %           $ 544,062     $  10,406   7.65 %
                                           ==========================================      =====================================

INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES:
    Certificates of deposits                       $ 209,740        $ 3,009  5.74 %           $ 209,252     $   3,061   5.85 %
    Passbook deposits                                 63,715            474  2.98                65,282           494   3.03
    Demand and now accounts                           48,902            177  1.45                47,017           227   1.93
    Money market accounts                             23,776            205  3.45                25,198           219   3.48
                                           ------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------

      Total deposits                                 346,133          3,865  4.47               346,749         4,001   4.62
    FHLB advances and notes payable                  128,424          2,039  6.35               131,356         2,102   6.40
    Collateralized mortgage obligations                1,097             46 16.77                 1,537            55  14.31
                                           ------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------

      Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities           $ 475,654        $ 5,950  5.00 %           $ 479,642      $  6,158   5.14 %
                                           ==========================================     ======================================

Net interest income                                                 ($4,643)                                  ($4,248)
                                                                   =========                                 =========

Net interest rate spread                                                     2.83 %                                     2.51 %
                                                                            =====                                      =====

Net interest earning assets                         ($65,750)                                  ($64,420)
                                                   ==========                                 ==========

Net interest margin (4)                                                      3.43 %                                     3.12 %
                                                                            =====                                      ===== 
Average interest-earning assets
  to average interest-bearing liabilities                            113.82%                                   113.43%
                                                                    =======                                   =======

<FN>

 (1) Calculated net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts,  loans in process and
 loss reserves 
 (2) Includes held and available-for-sale  categories 
 (3) Includes primarily short-term liquid assets
 (4) Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets
 (5) Based on average monthly balances
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                                               

                                   
                                       102

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                                  Year Ended June 30, 1996
                                                                    --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Average               Interest
                                                                    Outstanding             Earned/
                                                                     Balance(1)              Paid                 Yield/Rate
                                                                    -----------              ----                 ----------
                                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                  <C>                   <C>                        <C>  
Interest-Earnings Assets:
         Loans receivable(2)(3).........................             $347,084              $28,640                    8.25%
         Mortgage-Backed securities.....................              132,629                9,167                    6.91
         Investments....................................               59,004                3,769                    6.39
         Other interest-earning assets(4)...............                9,533                  787                    8.26
         Cash surrender value of life insurance.........                3,059                  181                    5.92
                                                                     --------              -------                    ----
                  Total interest-earning assets.........             $551,309              $42,544                    7.72%
                                                                     ========              =======                    ====

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
         Certificates of deposit........................             $212,458              $12,405                    5.84%
         Passbook deposits..............................               64,881                1,940                    2.99
         Demand and NOW deposits........................               47,664                  889                    1.87
         Money market accounts..........................               24,786                  851                    3.43
                                                                     --------              -------                    ----
                  Total deposits........................              349,789               16,085                    4.60

FHLB advances and notes payable.........................              134,211                8,442                    6.29
Collateralized mortgage obligations.....................                1,380                  210                   15.22
                                                                     --------              -------                   -----

                  Total interest-bearing liabilities....             $485,380              $24,737                    5.10
                                                                     ========              =======                    ====
Net interest income.....................................                                   $17,807
                                                                                           =======
Net interest rate spread................................                                                              2.62%
                                                                                                                      ====
Net interest-earning assets.............................             $ 65,929
                                                                     ========
Net interest margin(5)..................................                                                              3.23
                                                                                                                      ====
Average interest-earning assets to average
 interest-bearing liabilities...........................                                    113.58%

<FN>
                                                                                            ======
- ----------

(1)      Based on average monthly balances.
(2)      Calculated net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts, loans in process
         and loss reserves.
(3)      Includes loans held for sale.
(4)      Includes primarily short-term liquid assets.
(5)      Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

</FN>
</TABLE>



                                       103

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                      Year Ended June 30, 1995                      Year Ended June 30, 1994
                                               -------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------

                                             Average         Interest                   Average            Interest
                                            Outstanding       Earned/                  Outstanding          Earned/
                                             Balance(6)        Paid       Yield/Rate    Balance(1)           Paid        Yield/Rate
                                             ----------        ----       ----------    ----------           ----        ----------
                                                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                           <C>            <C>             <C>         <C>               <C>              <C>  
Interest-Earnings Assets:
         Loans receivable(7)(8).............  $292,881       $23,191         7.92%       $259,166          $21,105          8.14%
         Mortgage-Backed securities(6)......   137,359         9,227         6.72         107,389            7,114          6.62
         Investments........................    60,095         3,762         6.26          43,598            2,585          5.93
         Other interest-earning assets(9)...    27,501         1,423         5.17          25,528              948          3.71
         Cash surrender value of life
         insurance..........................     2,882           180         6.25           2,800              181          6.46
                                              --------       -------       ------        --------          -------       -------
                  Total interest-earning
                  assets....................  $520,718       $37,783         7.26%       $438,481          $31,933          7.28%
                                              ========       =======       ======        ========          =======       ======= 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
         Certificates of deposit............  $197,794       $10,035         5.07%       $198,289           $9,804          4.94%
         Passbook deposits..................    71,151         2,110         2.97          81,223            2,391          2.94
         Demand and NOW deposits............    46,330           955         2.06          46,684            1,011          2.17
         Money market accounts..............    29,247           958         3.28          30,454              946          3.11
                                              --------       -------       ------        --------          -------       -------
                  Total deposits............   344,522        14,058         4.08         356,650           14,152          3.97

FHLB advances and notes payable.............   112,343         6,632         5.90          38,469            1,913          4.97
Collateralized mortgage obligations.........     1,877           294        15.66           2,910              326         11.20
                                              --------       -------       ------        --------          -------       -------

                  Total interest-bearing
                  liabilities...............  $458,742       $20,984         4.57%       $398,029          $16,391         4.12%
                                              ========       =======       ======        ========          =======       ======= 
Net interest income.........................                 $16,799                                       $15,542
                                                             =======                                       =======
Net interest rate spread....................                                 2.69%                                         3.16%
                                                                           ======                                        ======= 
Net interest-earning assets.................  $ 61,974                                   $ 40,452
                                              ========                                   ========
Net interest margin(10).....................                                 3.23%                                         3.54%
                                                                           ======                            
Average interest-earning assets to average
 interest-bearing liabilities...............                  113.51%                                       110.16%
                                                              ======                                        ====== 
<FN>

- ----------
(6)      Based on average monthly balances.
(7)      Based on average monthly balances.
(8)      Calculated net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts, loans in process
         and loss reserves.
(9)      Includes primarily short-term liquid assets.
(10)     Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
</FN>
</TABLE>


                                       104

<PAGE>

         Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the dollar amount of
changes  in   interest   income  and   interest   expense  for   components   of
interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities.  It  distinguishes
between the increase related to higher outstanding  balances and that due to the
volatility of interest rates. For each category of  interest-earning  assets and
interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to
(i) changes in volume (i.e.,  changes in volume  multiplied  by old rate),  (ii)
changes in rate (i.e., changes in rate multiplied by old volume),  (iii) changes
in rate-volume  (changes in rate  multiplied by the change in volume),  and (iv)
the net change.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 September 30, 1996 vs. September 30, 1995       June 30, 1996 vs. June 30, 1995 
                                                 -----------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                 Increase/(Decrease) Due To:                  Increase/(Decrease) Due To:
                                                 ---------------------------                  ---------------------------
                                                                                  Total                                      Total
                                                                         Rate/   Increase                         Rate/    Increase
                                                  Volume     Rate       Volume  (Decrease)    Volume     Rate    Volume   (Decrease)
                                                  ------     ----       ------   ---------    ------     ----    -------  ----------
                                                                                  (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                               <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>
Interest-Earning Assets:
  Loans receivable .............................   $ 277    $ 4,025    $(3,216)   $ 1,086    $ 4,292    $   978    $ 179    $ 5,449
  Mortgage-backed securities ...................       1     (2,470)     1,852       (617)      (318)       268      (10)       (60)
  Investments ..................................      57     (1,031)       727       (247)       (68)        77       (2)         7
  Other interest-earning assets ................     (71)       (82)       116        (37)      (930)       848     (554)      (636)
  Cash surrender value of life insurance .......      (5)        14         (7)         2         11         (9)      (1)         1
                                                   -----    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -----    -------
     Total interest-earning assets .............     259        456       (528)       187      2,987      2,162     (388)     4,761
                                                   =====    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =====    =======
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
  Certificates of deposit ......................    (234)        29        153        (52)       744      1,515      111      2,370
  Passbook deposits ............................     (38)       (47)        64        (21)      (186)        17       (1)      (170)
  Demand and NOW deposits ......................    (227)        36        141        (50)        27        (91)      (2)       (66)
  Money market accounts ........................      (3)       (49)        39        (13)      (146)        46       (7)      (107)
                                                   -----    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -----    -------
     Total deposits ............................    (502)       (31)       397       (136)       439      1,487      101      2,027
FHLB advances and notes payable ................     (66)      (188)       191        (63)     1,291        435       84      1,810
Collateralized mortgage obligations ............      38        (63)        16         (9)       (78)        (8)       2        (84)
                                                   -----    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -----    -------
     Total interest-bearing liabilities ........    (530)      (282)       604       (208)     1,652      1,914      187      3,753
                                                   =====    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =====    =======
Changes to net interest income .................   $ 789    $   738    $(1,132)   $   395    $ 1,335    $   248    $(575)   $ 1,008
                                                   =====    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =====    =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1995 vs. 1994
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Increase/(Decrease) Due To:
                                          ---------------------------
                                                                        Total
                                                            Rate/      Increase
                                           Volume   Rate    Volume    (Decrease)
                                           ------   ----    ------    ----------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>
Interest-Earning Assets:
  Loans receivable .....................  $2,746    $(583)  $ (77)      $2,086
  Mortgage-backed securities ...........   1,986       99      28        2,113
  Investments ..........................     978      144      55        1,177
  Other interest-earning assets ........      73      373      29          475
  Cash surrender value of life insurance       5       (6)     --           (1)
                                          ------    -----    -----      ------
     Total interest-earning assets .....   5,788       27      35        5,850
                                          ======    =====    =====      ======
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
  Certificates of deposit ..............     (24)     258      (2)         232
  Passbook deposits ....................    (297)      18      (2)        (281)
  Demand and NOW deposits ..............      (8)     (49)      1          (56)
  Money market accounts ................     (37)      51      (3)          11
                                           -----    -----    -----       -----
     Total deposits ....................    (366)     278      (6)         (94)
FHLB advances and notes payable ........   3,674      358     687        4,719
Collateralized mortgage obligations ....    (116)     130     (46)         (32)
                                           -----    -----    -----       -----
     Total interest-bearing liabilities    3,192      766     635        4,593
                                          ======    =====    =====       =====
Changes to net interest income .........  $2,596    $(739)  $(600)      $1,257
                                          ======    =====    =====       =====
</TABLE>

                                       105

<PAGE>



         The following table sets forth the weighted average yields on WesterFed
Financial's  interest-earning  assets,  the weighted  average  interest rates on
interest-bearing  liabilities  and the interest rate spread between the weighted
average  yields  and  rates for  WesterFed  Financial  at the  dates  indicated.
Non-accruing  loans  have been  included  in the table as loans  carrying a zero
yield.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                            At September 30,             At June 30,
                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1996      1995      1996         1995         1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>  
Weighted average yield on:
         Loans receivable(1)(2)                             8.17%     8.12%     8.12%        8.00%        7.62%
         Mortgage-backed securities(1)                      7.10      7.07      7.06         7.08         6.66
         Investments(1)                                     6.28      6.37      6.25         6.29         5.30
         Other interest-earning assets                      5.26      5.72      5.31         5.76         5.91
         Cash surrender value of life insurance             5.75      6.50      6.50         6.15         6.50
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Combined weighted average yield on interest-
                  earning assets                            7.70      7.59      7.68         7.48         7.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average rate paid on:
         Certificates of deposit                            5.81      6.00      5.82         5.88         4.48
         Passbook deposits                                  2.98      3.03      3.00         3.03         2.94
         Demand and NOW deposits                            1.35      1.97      1.66         1.98         2.02
         Money market accounts                              3.47      3.47      3.46         3.46         3.13
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total deposits                                     4.51      4.70      4.54         4.62         3.86

         FHLB advances and notes payable                    6.26      6.27      6.26         6.28         5.39
         Collateralized mortgage obligations               11.29     11.23     11.27        11.22        11.11
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Combined weighted average rate paid on interest-
                  bearing liabilities                       5.00      5.15      5.01         5.10         4.20
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Interest rate spread                               2.70%     2.44%     2.67%        2.38%        2.80%
===================================================================================================================
<FN>
- ----------
                           (1)      Calculated net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts and loans in process.
                           (2)      Does not include interest on loans 90 days or more delinquent.

</FN>
</TABLE>

                                            
                                       106

<PAGE>

         The  following  table  summarizes  the major  components  of  WesterFed
Financial's net income and the changes which occurred between the periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Three Months Ended September 30, 1996
                                                   -------------------------------------
                                                                  (unaudited)
                                                                                 1995
                                                    Amount        Change        Amount
                                                    ------        ------        ------
                                                             (In Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>           <C>           <C>    
Total interest income.......................       $10,593       $   187       $10,406
Total interest expense......................         5,950          (208)        6,158
                                                   -------        ------       -------
  Net interest income.......................         4,643           395         4,248
Provision for loan losses...................            15            15           ---
                                                   -------        ------       -------
  Net interest income after provision
    for loan losses.........................         4,628           380         4,248
                                                   -------        ------       -------
Fees and service charges....................           691            49           642
Gains on sale of loans, mortgage-backed
  securities and investment securities......           109          (302)          411 
Other non-interest income...................            35            (1)           36
                                                   -------        ------       -------  
  Total non-interest income.................           835          (254)        1,089
                                                   -------        ------       -------
Income before non-interest expense .........         5,463           126         5,337
Total non-interest expense..................         5,731         2,132         3,599
                                                   -------        ------       -------
  Income before income taxes ...............          (268)       (2,006)        1,738
Income taxes ...............................            89           759          (670)
                                                   -------        ------       -------
         Net income.........................       $  (179)      $(1,247)      $ 1,068
                                                   =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>

Comparison  of Operating  Results for the Three Months Ended  September 30, 1996
and 1995

         General.  Net income  decreased  $1.2 million to a loss of $179,000 for
the three month period ended  September 30, 1996 from $1.1 million for the three
month period ended  September 30, 1995. The $1.2 million  decrease in net income
resulted from a $2.3 million  one-time  special  assessment to recapitalize  the
Savings  Association   Insurance  Fund  (the  "SAIF")  (1.4  million  after  tax
effected). Net income was decreased by increases in non-interest expense of $2.1
million and a decrease in non-interest income of $254,000 while increases in net
interest  income after  provision for loan losses of $380,000 and a reduction in
income tax expense of $759,000  partially offset the decreases to net income. In
addition, the interest rate spread increased to 2.70% at September 30, 1996 from
2.44% at September 30, 1995.

         Interest Income.  Interest income increased $187,000, or 1.8%, to $10.6
million for the three month period ended  September  30, 1996 from $10.4 million
for the same period last year.  The  increase  resulted  from an increase in the
average  yield on  interest-earning  assets to 7.83%  during the  quarter  ended
September 30, 1996 from 7.65% during the same period last year, which offset the
effects of a $2.7 million  decrease in the average  balance of  interest-earning
assets to $541.4 million during the quarter ended September 30, 1996 from $544.1
million for the same period last year.

         Interest earned on loans receivable  increased $1.1 million,  or 16.7%,
due  primarily  to a $48.9  million  increase  in the  average  balance of loans
receivable to $370.9 million  during the three month period ended  September 30,
1996 from $322.0 million for the same period last year. In addition, the average
yield on loans  increased to 8.31% during the three month period ended September
30, 1996 from 8.23% for the same period last year.  The  increase in the average
balance of loans  receivable  was the result of  continued  loan  production  in
excess of principal  repayments and the sale and  securitization  of loans.  The
increase in yield was the result of new loans being  originated at rates greater
than the average rate of loans being  repaid  primarily  on consumer  loans.  In
addition,  the average rate received on adjustable rate mortgage loans increased
to 8.21% at September 30, 1996 from 7.85% at September 30, 1995.

         Interest earned on  mortgage-backed  securities  decreased $600,000 due
primarily to a $35.7 million decrease in the average balance of  mortgage-backed
securities outstanding to $102.2 million for the three month period ended
                                
                                       107
<PAGE>



September  30, 1996 from $137.9  million  during the same period last year.  The
decrease in average balance was the result of  management's  decision during the
fiscal  year to use a portion of the  mortgage-backed  securities  portfolio  to
partially  fund the growth in loans  receivable  in an  attempt  to earn  yields
greater than those available on mortgage-backed securities.

         Interest earned on investment securities, FHLB stock and other interest
earning assets  decreased  $282,000 due primarily to a decrease of $15.8 million
in average  balances  to $68.3  million  during  the three  month  period  ended
September  30, 1996 from $84.1  million  during the same period last year.  This
decrease was the result of investing the proceeds of maturing  investments  into
higher  yielding new production  mortgage and consumer loans and the purchase of
higher yielding mortgage-backed securities.

         Interest  Expense.  Total interest expense  decreased  $208,000 to $6.0
million for the three month  period ended  September  30, 1996 from $6.2 million
for the same period last year.  Interest expense on deposits  decreased $100,000
due to both a decrease in the average  rate paid on deposits to 4.47% during the
three month  period ended  September  30, 1996 from 4.62% during the same period
last year and a decrease  in the  average  balance of  deposits  of  $600,000 to
$346.1  million  during the three month  period  ended  September  30, 1996 from
$346.7  million  during the same  period  last year.  Certificates  of  deposit,
passbook deposits,  NOW accounts and money market accounts all decreased in both
average  balances  and average rate paid. A new  non-interest  bearing  checking
program was implemented during the quarter ended September 30, 1996 which should
further reduce the interest expense related to NOW accounts. Interest expense on
borrowed funds also decreased $72,000 due to both a decrease in average balances
of $3.4 million to $129.5 million during the three month period ended  September
30, 1996 from $132.9 million for the same period last year and a decrease in the
average rate paid on FHLB advances to 6.35% for the three months ended September
30, 1996 from 6.40% for the same period last year.

         Provisions for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses increased to
$15,000 for the three month  period ended  September  30, 1996 as compared to no
provision  for the same period last year.  Western  Bank has begun adding to the
provision for loan losses due to the increase in consumer  loans and  commercial
real estate loans held in the loan portfolio.

         The provision for loan losses is determined by management as the amount
to be added to the  allowance  for loan losses after net  charge-offs  have been
deducted  to bring the  allowance  to a level  which is  considered  adequate to
absorb  losses  inherent in the loan  portfolio  in  accordance  with  generally
accepted accounting principles.
 At September 30, 1996,  Western Bank had $1.3 million of non-performing  assets
(representing  0.23% of total  assets)  compared  to  $715,000  at June 30, 1996
(representing  0.13% of total assets).  At September 30, 1996,  Western Bank had
allowance  for loan  losses to  non-performing  assets of 157.2% as  compared to
280.9% at June 30, 1996.  Future  additions to Western Bank's allowance for loan
losses and any change in the related  ratio of the  allowance for loan losses to
non-performing  loans are dependent  upon the  performance  and  composition  of
Western Bank's loan portfolio,  the economy,  inflation,  changes in real estate
values and  interest  rates and the view of the  regulatory  authorities  toward
adequate reserve levels.

         Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $254,000 to $835,000
for the three month  period ended  September  30, 1996 from $1.1 million for the
same period last year. Gain on sale of loans,  mortgage-backed  securities,  and
investment   securities  decreased  $302,000  while  fees  and  service  charges
increased $49,000. The $49,000 increase in service fees was primarily the result
of increases in checking fees and ATM transaction fees.

         Non-Interest  Expense.  Non-interest  expense increased $2.1 million to
$5.7  million  for the three month  period  ended  September  30, 1996 from $3.6
million for the same period last year.  The reason for the  increase  was a $2.3
million one-time special assessment to recapitalize the SAIF.

         The  deposits  of  savings  associations,  such as  Western  Bank,  are
presently  insured by the SAIF, which together with the Bank Insurance Fund (the
"BIF") are the two insurance funds administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (the "FDIC").  Financial  institutions  which are members of the BIF
are experiencing  substantially lower deposit insurance premiums because the BIF
has achieved its required  level of reserves while the SAIF has not yet achieved
its  required  reserves.  In  order to help  eliminate  this  disparity  and any
competitive

         
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<PAGE>



disadvantage due to disparate deposit insurance premium  schedules,  legislation
to recapitalize the SAIF was enacted in September, 1996.

         The legislation requires a special one-time assessment of approximately
65.7 cents per $100 of SAIF insured  deposits  held by Western Bank at March 31,
1995.  The one-time  special  assessment  resulted in a tax  affected  charge to
earnings of  approximately  $1.4 million during the quarter ended  September 30,
1996. The  legislation is intended to fully  recapitalize  the SAIF fund so that
commercial  bank and  thrift  deposits  will be charged  the same FDIC  premiums
beginning October 1, 1996. As of such date deposit insurance premiums for highly
rated institutions, such as Western Bank, have been eliminated.

         Western Bank, however,  will continue to be subject to an assessment to
fund  repayment  of the  FICO  obligations.  It is  anticipated  that  the  FICO
assessment  for the SAIF  insured  institutions  will be 6.5  cents  per $100 of
deposits while BIF insured  institutions will pay 1.3 cents per $100 of deposits
until the year 2000 when the assessment  will be imposed at the same rate on all
FDIC insured institutions. Accordingly, as a result of the reduction of the SAIF
assessment,  and the resulting FICO assessment, the annual after tax decrease in
assessment costs is expected to be approximately  $365,000 based upon a June 30,
1996 assessment base.

         Without  the  $2.3  million  SAIF  assessment,   non-interest   expense
decreased  $200,000  due  primarily  to a $109,000  decrease  in  marketing  and
advertising and a $148,000 decrease in other non-interest expense.  Non-interest
expense for the three month  period  ended  September  30, 1996 was $3.4 million
without the SAIF assessment,  a 5.6% decrease from the $3.6 million for the same
period last year.

         Income Taxes.  Income tax expense decreased $759,000 due to a reduction
in income before income taxes of $2.0 million.

         The  following  table  summarizes  the major  components  of  WesterFed
Financial's  net income for the last three  fiscal  years and the changes  which
occurred between the periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                            Year Ended June 30,
                                                   -------------------------------------------------------------
Components of net income:                                  1996                         1995                1994
                                                           ----                         ----                ---- 
                                                    Amount        Change        Amount       Change        Amount
                                                    ------        ------        ------       ------        ------
                                                                         (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>    
Interest income.............................       $42,544       $ 4,761       $37,783      $ 5,850       $31,933
Interest expense............................        24,737         3,753        20,984        4,593        16,391
                                                   -------        ------       -------       ------       -------
Net interest income.........................        17,807         1,008        16,799        1,257        15,542
                                                   -------        ------       -------       ------       -------
Provision for loan losses...................           ---           ---           ---          ---           ---
Non-interest income.........................         3,882           675         3,207         (304)        3,511
Non-interest expense........................       (14,574)       (1,169)      (13,405)      (1,467)      (11,938)
                                                   -------        ------       -------       ------       ------- 
    Income before income taxes and
    cumulative effect of change in
    accounting for income taxes.............         7,115           514         6,601         (514)        7,115

Income taxes................................        (2,556)          (83)       (2,473)         208        (2,681)
                                                   -------        ------       -------       ------       ------- 
    Income before cumulative effect of
     change in accounting for income
     taxes..................................         4,559           431         4,128         (306)        4,434
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
    for income taxes........................           ---           ---           ---         (795)          795
                                                   -------       -------       -------       ------       -------
         Net income.........................       $ 4,559        $  431        $4,128      $(1,101)      $ 5,229
                                                   =======       =======       =======      =======       =======

</TABLE>

Comparison  of Operating  Results for the Years Ended June 30, 1996 and June 30,
1995

         General.  Net income increased $431,000,  or 10.4%, to $4.6 million for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 from $4.1  million for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1995. The increase of $431,000 in net income  resulted from an increase
in net interest income of $1.0 million and an increase in non-interest income of
$675,000,  offset by an increase in non-interest  expense of $1.2 million and an
increase in income tax expense of $83,000. Return on assets (ratio of net income
to average total  assets)  increased to 0.79% for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1996 from 0.76% for the  fiscal  year ended June 30,  1995.  The  interest  rate
spread  increased to 2.67% at June 30, 1996 from 2.38% at June 30,  1995.  While
WesterFed  Financial  has adopted  interest  rate risk  policies in an effort to
protect net interest  income from  significant  increases in short term interest
rates,  WesterFed  Financial's net income could still be adversely affected by a
narrowing of its net interest rate spread. See Interest Rate Risk Management.

         Interest  Income.  Interest  income  increased  $4.7  million  to $42.5
million  for the  fiscal  year ended June 30,  1996 from $37.8  million  for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1995. This increase  resulted from an increase in the
average  balance of interest  earning  assets of $30.6 million to $551.3 million
during fiscal 1996 from $520.7 million during fiscal 1995 and an increase in the
average yield on interest-earning  assets to 7.72% during fiscal 1996 from 7.26%
during fiscal 1995.

         Interest  earned  on  loans  receivable   increased  $5.4  million  due
primarily to a $54.2 million increase in the average balance of loans receivable
to $347.1  million during fiscal 1996 from $292.9 million during fiscal 1995. In
addition,  the average yield on loans increased to 8.25% during fiscal 1996 from
7.92%  during  fiscal  1995.  The  increase  in the  average  balance  of  loans
receivable  was the result of continued  loan  production in excess of principal
repayments and the sale and  securitization  of loans. The increase in yield was
the result of new loans being  originated at rates greater than the average rate
of those loans being repaid.

         Interest earned on  mortgage-backed  securities  decreased  $60,000 due
primarily to a $4.8 million  decrease in the average balance of  mortgage-backed
securities  outstanding to $132.6 million during fiscal 1996 from $137.4 million
during  fiscal  1995.  The  decrease  in  average  balance  was  the  result  of
management's decision during the


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<PAGE>



fiscal  year to use a portion of the  mortgage-backed  securities  portfolio  to
partially  fund the growth in loans  receivable  in an  attempt  to earn  yields
greater than those available on mortgage-backed securities.

         Interest earned on investment  securities  increased $7,000.  While the
average balance of investment securities decreased $1.1 million to $59.0 million
during fiscal 1996 from $60.1 million  during fiscal 1995,  the average yield on
investment  securities  increased to 6.39% during  fiscal 1996 from 6.26% during
fiscal 1995.

         Interest  earned on other  interest-earning  assets and cash  surrender
value of life  insurance  decreased  $636,000 due primarily to a decrease in the
average  balance  of other  interest-earning  assets  of $18.0  million  to $9.5
million  during fiscal 1996 from $27.5 million  during fiscal 1995. The decrease
in the  average  balance  of other  interest-earning  assets  was the  result of
management's  decision  during  the  fiscal  year to use the  proceeds  of other
interest-earning assets to fund growth in loans receivable.

         Interest  Expense.  Total  interest  expense  increased $3.7 million to
$24.7  million in fiscal 1996 from $21.0 million in fiscal 1995 due primarily to
an  increase  in rates paid on  certificates  of deposit  and an increase in the
average balance of FHLB advances.  Interest  expense on deposits  increased $2.0
million due primarily to both an increase in the average balance of certificates
of deposits of $14.7  million to $212.5  million  during fiscal 1996 from $197.8
million  during  fiscal  1995  and an  increase  in the  average  rate  paid  on
certificates  of deposit to 5.84% during  fiscal 1996 from 5.07%  during  fiscal
1995 as a result of depositors electing to invest in longer-term higher-yielding
certificates  of  deposit.  Interest  expense on FHLB  advances  increased  $1.8
million to $8.4 million in fiscal 1996 from $6.6  million in fiscal  1995.  This
increase was primarily the result of an increase of $21.9 million in the average
balance of FHLB  advances  to $134.2  million  during  fiscal  1996 from  $112.3
million  during fiscal 1995. The new FHLB advances were obtained in an effort to
fund asset growth and increase net interest income.

         Provisions for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses is determined
by  management  as the amount to be added to the allowance for loan losses after
net  charge-offs  have been  deducted to bring the allowance to a level which is
considered  adequate  to  absorb  losses  inherent  in  the  loan  portfolio  in
accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles.  WesterFed Financial
made no additional provision for loan losses for the fiscal years ended June 30,
1996 and June 30, 1995.  At June 30, 1996,  WesterFed  Financial had $715,000 of
non-performing  assets (representing 0.13% of total assets) compared to $573,000
at June  30,  1995  (representing  0.10%  of total  assets).  At June 30,  1996,
WesterFed  Financial had allowance for loan losses to  non-performing  assets of
280.4% as compared to 350.4% at June 30, 1995.  Management's  evaluation  of the
adequacy  of its loan loss  reserves,  the  quality  of the loan  portfolio  and
economic  conditions  in Montana  resulted in no  additional  provision for loan
losses.  Future additions to WesterFed Financial's allowance for loan losses and
any  change  in  the  related   ratio  of  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  to
non-performing  loans are dependent  upon the  performance  and  composition  of
WesterFed Financial's loan portfolio,  the economy,  inflation,  changes in real
estate  values and  interest  rates and the view of the  regulatory  authorities
toward adequate reserve levels.

         Non-interest  Income.  Non -interest income increased  $675,000 to $3.9
million in fiscal 1996 from $3.2 million in fiscal 1995.  The $675,000  increase
in  non-interest  income was primarily the result of increases in services fees,
net gain on sale of loans and securities  available for sale and other operating
income of $358,000, $298,000 and $85,000,  respectively,  while loan origination
fees decreased $66,000.  The $358,000 increase in service fees was primarily the
result of increases in checking fees and ATM  transaction  fees. The decrease in
loan origination fees of $66,000 was the result of management's  decision during
the fiscal year to put into portfolio, rather than sell, a substantial amount of
new loan  production  which  results  in the  deferral,  rather  than  immediate
recognition, of loan origination fees.

         Non-interest  Expense.  Non-interest  expense increased $1.2 million to
$14.6 million in fiscal 1996 from $13.4 million in fiscal 1995. The $1.2 million
increase in  non-interest  expense was  primarily the result of increases in net
occupancy expense of premises of $101,000, marketing and advertising of $103,000
and other operating expenses of $791,000.  The increase in net occupancy expense
of premises was  primarily  the result of adding one new branch  facility in the
Helena market area and the completion of a new office building in Hamilton which
replaced the existing  facility.  The increase in marketing and  advertising was
related to the increased promotion of loan and deposit products. The increase in
other operating expenses were primarily associated with the increased


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<PAGE>



costs of the new checking and ATM programs, costs incurred for the engagement of
a consulting  firm to assist in developing a long-term  operations  plan and the
related subsequent restructuring and centralization of operations and a $126,000
write-off of the older, existing branch facility in Hamilton.

         Income Taxes.  Income tax expense  increased $83,000 to $2.6 million in
fiscal 1996 from $2.5 million in fiscal 1995.  The increase was the result of an
increase  in  income  before  income  taxes and  cumulative  effect of change in
accounting for income taxes of $514,000 to $7.1 million in fiscal 1996 from $6.6
million in fiscal 1995,  partially  offset by a reduction in the effective state
income tax rate for the fiscal year 1996.

Comparison  of Operating  Results for the Years Ended June 30, 1995 and June 30,
1994

         General.  Net income  decreased  $1.1  million to $4.1  million for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1995 from $5.2 million for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1994. The decrease of $1.1 million in net income resulted from a decrease in
non-interest  income of $304,000,  an increase in  non-interest  expense of $1.5
million  and a  decrease  in the  one-time  benefit  of a  cumulative  change in
accounting for income taxes of $795,000.  These decreases were partially  offset
by an increase of $1.3 million in net  interest  income and a decrease in income
taxes of  $208,000.  Return on  assets  (ratio of net  income to  average  total
assets)  before  cumulative  effect of change in  accounting  for  income  taxes
declined  to 0.76% for the fiscal  year  ended June 30,  1995 from 0.96% for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1994.  The interest rate spread  declined to 2.38% at
June 30, 1995 from 2.80% at June 30,  1994.  While the decline in interest  rate
spread had the effect of  reducing  net  interest  income,  the  increase in net
interest income  resulting from the increase in net  interest-earning  assets to
$62.0  million at June 30,  1995 from $40.5  million at June 30,  1994 more than
offset the negative effects of the decline in interest rate spread.

         Interest  Income.  Interest  income  increased  $5.9  million  to $37.8
million  for the  fiscal  year ended June 30,  1995 from $31.9  million  for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1994. This increase  resulted from an increase in the
average  balance of interest  earning  assets of $82.2 million to $520.7 million
during fiscal 1995 from $438.5 million during fiscal 1994.

         Interest  earned  on  loans  receivable   increased  $2.1  million  due
primarily to a $33.7 million increase in the average balance of loans receivable
to $292.9  million  during fiscal 1995 from $259.2  million  during fiscal 1994,
which was partially  offset by the effect of a reduction in the average yield on
loans to 7.92% during fiscal 1995 from 8.14% during fiscal 1994. The increase in
the  average  balance  of loans  receivable  was the  result of  continued  loan
production in excess of principal  repayments and the sale and securitization of
loans.  The  decline in yield was the result of new loans  being  originated  at
rates less than the average rate of those loans being repaid.

         Interest earned on  mortgage-backed  securities  increased $2.1 million
due  primarily  to  a  $30.0  million   increase  in  the  average   balance  of
mortgage-backed securities outstanding to $137.4 million during fiscal 1995 from
$107.4  million  during  fiscal 1994.  The  increase in average  balance was the
result of FHLB  advances and funds  received  from the net proceeds of the stock
conversion being invested in mortgage-backed securities.

         Interest  earned on investment  securities  increased  $1.2 million due
primarily  to a $16.5  million  increase  in the average  balance of  investment
securities to $60.1 million  during fiscal 1995 from $43.6 million during fiscal
1994.  This  increase in investment  securities  was generally the result of the
investment of a portion of new FHLB advances.

         Interest  earned on other  interest-earning  assets and cash  surrender
value of life insurance  increased  $474,000 due primarily to an increase in the
average yield on other interest-earning  assets to 5.17% during fiscal 1995 from
3.71% during fiscal 1994 as a result of an increase in interest rates.

         Interest  expense.  Total  interest  expense  increased $4.6 million to
$21.0  million  in  fiscal  1995 from  $16.4  million  in fiscal  1994 due to an
increase in FHLB advances.  Interest  expenses on borrowed funds  increased $4.7
million to $6.6 million in fiscal 1995 from $1.9  million in fiscal  1994.  This
increase was primarily the result of an increase of $73.8 million in the average
balance of FHLB advances to $112.3 million during fiscal 1995 from $38.5 million
during  fiscal 1994.  The new FHLB  advances  were obtained in an effort to fund
asset  growth and increase net  interest  income.  Interest  expense on deposits
decreased  $94,000 due to a $10.0  million  decrease  in the average  balance of
passbook deposits to $71.2 million for fiscal 1995 from $81.2 million for fiscal
1994, which was partially


                                       111

<PAGE>



offset by an  increase in the average  rate paid on  certificates  of deposit to
5.07% during fiscal 1995 from 4.94% during fiscal 1994.

         Provisions for Loan Losses.  Western Bank made no additional  provision
for loan losses for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1995 and June 30,  1994.  At
June 30, 1995, Western Bank had $573,000 of non-performing  assets (representing
0.10% of total assets) compared to $850,000 at June 30, 1994 (representing 0.16%
of total assets).  At June 30, 1995,  WesterFed Financial had allowance for loan
losses to  non-performing  assets of  350.4% as  compared  to 238.8% at June 30,
1994.  Management's  evaluation of the adequacy of its loan loss  reserves,  the
quality of the loan portfolio and economic  conditions in Montana resulted in no
additional provision for loan losses.

         Non-interest  income.  Non-interest  income decreased  $304,000 to $3.2
million in fiscal 1995 from $3.5 million in fiscal 1994.  The primary reason for
the decline in  non-interest  income was a $417,000  decrease in gain on sale of
loans,  which was partially offset by an increase in fees and service charges of
$18,000 and an increase of $95,000 in other non-interest  income. The decline in
gain on sale of loans was  primarily  related to a lower volume of loans sold to
the secondary  market resulting from an interest rate environment in fiscal 1995
that was generally higher than the prior year in which there was a record volume
of loan originations.  The increase in other  non-interest  income was primarily
related to a non-recurring  receipt of $66,000 in reserve funds  associated with
federal  deposit  insurance  premiums  paid by First  Federal  Savings  and Loan
Association of Billings, which merged with Western Bank in 1991.

         Non-interest  expense.  Non-interest  expense increased $1.5 million to
$13.4  million in fiscal 1995 from $11.9  million in fiscal  1994.  Salaries and
employee  benefits  increased  $732,000  due  primarily to an increase in health
insurance  premiums  of  $105,000,  an increase in  retirement  plan  expense of
$273,000, which previously had been over-funded,  and an increase of $267,000 in
employee  stock  benefit plan expense  because such plans were in effect for the
full fiscal year 1995 as compared  to  one-half of fiscal  1994.  Occupancy  and
equipment expense, data processing expense, marketing and advertising, and other
operating   expense   increased   $53,000,   $23,000,   $22,000  and   $669,000,
respectively.  The increase in other operating  expense was primarily the result
of an increase in the Office of Thrift Supervision  ("OTS")  examination fees of
$15,000,  professional  fees of  $140,000  and a  decrease  of  $475,000  in the
deferral  of  expenses  related to loans  closed and not sold as a result of the
decrease  in the amount of loans  closed in fiscal  1995 as  compared  to fiscal
1994.  Federal  insurance premium expense decreased $32,000 due to a decrease in
deposit balances in fiscal 1995 as compared to fiscal 1994.


                                       112

<PAGE>



         Income Taxes.  Income tax expense decreased $208,000 to $2.5 million in
fiscal 1995 from $2.7 million in fiscal  1994.  The decrease was the result of a
decrease  in  income  before  income  taxes and  cumulative  effect of change in
accounting for income taxes of $514,000 to $6.6 million in fiscal 1995 from $7.1
million in fiscal 1994.

Interest Rate Risk Management

         In an attempt  to manage its  exposure  to changes in  interest  rates,
management closely monitors Western Bank's interest rate risk position.  Western
Bank has an Asset/Liability  Management  Committee consisting of certain members
of senior management and two non-employee members of the Board of Directors (the
"Board").  This  committee  meets to review  Western  Bank's  interest rate risk
position and makes  recommendations for adjusting such position to the Board. In
addition,  the Board reviews on a quarterly  basis Western Bank's  interest rate
risk position,  including simulations of the effect on Western Bank's capital of
various interest rate scenarios.


                                      113
<PAGE>


         Western Bank has an Investment  Committee consisting of certain members
of the senior  management  which meets at least monthly to review Western Bank's
interest  rate risk position  using the OTS and Western  Bank's  internal  model
simulating  the  effect on Western  Bank's  capital  in  various  interest  rate
scenarios.  The Investment  Committee makes  recommendations  for adjusting such
position  to  Western   Bank's   Asset/Liability   Management   Committee.   The
Asset/Liability   Management   Committee  reviews  Western  Bank's  investments,
mortgage-backed securities, loan portfolio, loan production,  borrowed funds and
deposit  structure.  The  Committee  also  develops  investment  strategies  and
oversees the timing and  implementation  of transactions to assure attainment of
Board objectives in the most effective manner.

         In managing its  asset/liability  mix,  Western Bank,  depending on the
relationship  between long- and short-term interest rates, market conditions and
consumer  preference,  may place somewhat greater emphasis on maximizing its net
interest margin than on more closely  matching the interest rate  sensitivity of
its  assets and  liabilities  in an effort to improve  its net  interest  income
Management  believes  that the increased net interest  income  resulting  from a
mismatch  in the  maturity of its asset and  liability  portfolios  can,  during
periods of declining or stable  interest  rates,  provide high enough returns to
justify the increased  exposure to negative effects which can result from sudden
and unexpected increases in interest rates.

         To the extent  consistent  with its  interest  rate spread  objectives,
Western Bank attempts to reduce its interest rate risk and has taken a number of
steps to more  closely  match the  maturities  of its  assets  and  liabilities.
Western  Bank  has  focused  its  lending  efforts  on the  origination  for its
portfolio  of  adjustable  rate  mortgages  ("ARMs")  and  15-year,  fixed  rate
residential mortgages. At June 30, 1996,  approximately $277.2 million, or 74.4%
of Western  Bank's  one- to  four-family  residential  loan and  mortgage-backed
securities  portfolio,  consisted  of  ARMs  and 15  year  or  less  fixed  rate
mortgages.  Western Bank has increased its portfolio of consumer and other loans
having terms to maturity that are significantly shorter than residential loans.

         In addition,  depending on Western Bank's  interest rate risk position,
Western  Bank also sells or converts to Federal Home Loan  Mortgage  Corporation
("FHLMC")   participation   certificates   ("PCs")  newly  originated   30-year,
fixed-rate  residential  loans.  Western  Bank  securitizes  such loans to limit
credit risk and increase it's liquidity. Western Bank's policy is to carry FHLMC
PCs created in this manner in its "available-for-sale"  portfolio until a rising
interest rate scenario or the need for liquidity dictates their sale.

         Additionally, since the mid-1980's, Western Bank has used interest rate
exchange  (i.e.,  "swap"  and  "cap")  agreements  to  assist  in  synthetically
extending the life of interest-bearing liabilities. Under Western Bank's current
investment  policy,  Western Bank may engage in swap and cap agreements with the
FHLB of Seattle or certain  investment firms listed in Western Bank's investment
policy.

         At June 30,  1996,  Western  Bank was a party  to seven  interest  rate
exchange  agreements,  all of which  were  agreements  with the FHLB of  Seattle
covering a total of $35.0 million in notional principal amounts. Historically,


                                       114

<PAGE>

the swaps and caps have been used to reduce  Western Bank's cost of funds during
periods of high  interest  rates;  however,  in the  interest  rate  environment
experienced  during most of fiscal 1996,  these swaps and caps had the effect of
increasing Western Bank's cost of funds. During fiscal 1996, the increase in the
cost of funds attributable to these swaps and caps was $331,000.  Western Bank's
interest rate caps expire in 1997 and 1999.

         At June 30,  1996  Western  Bank did not have any  interest  rate  swap
agreements in place.

         The  Board of  Directors  reviews  the  level  of  interest  rate  risk
management  activity on a monthly basis.  Currently,  the Board of Directors has
authorized  management  to engage in interest  rate swaps and caps with notional
principal of up to $108 million. An increase in this type of activity may result
in a decrease in Western  Bank's  income in the future if interest  rates do not
rise significantly. See Note 14 of the Notes to WesterFed Financial Consolidated
Financial Statements.

         OTS regulations  provide a Net Portfolio Value ("NPV")  approach to the
quantification of interest rate risk. In essence,  this approach  calculates the
difference  between the present value of expected cash flows from assets and the
present  value of expected  cash flows from  liabilities,  as well as cash flows
from off  balance  sheet  contracts.  Under OTS  regulations,  an  institution's
"normal"  level of  interest  rate risk in the event of this  assumed  change in
interest rates is a decrease in the institution's NPV in an amount not exceeding
2% of the present  value of its assets.  The OTS has  adopted,  but  temporarily
postponed  implementation  until further  notice,  a final rule requiring  every
thrift  institution with greater than "normal"  interest rate exposure to take a
deduction  from their total  capital  available  to determine if they meet their
risk-based capital requirement.  The amount of that deduction is one-half of the
difference between (a) the institution's  actual calculated  exposure to the 200
basis point interest rate increase or decrease (whichever results in the greater
proforma  decrease in NPV) and (b) its "normal" level of exposure which is 2% of
the  present  value of its  assets.  At June 30,  1996,  the  latest  date  such
information  was  available  from the OTS,  2.0% of the present value of Western
Bank's assets was  approximately  $11.2  million,  which was less than the $15.8
million  decrease in NPV  resulting  from a 200 basis  point  change in interest
rates as calculated  by the OTS. As a result,  Western Bank would be required to
make a deduction from total capital in the amount of $2.3 million in calculating
its  risk-based  capital  requirement  had such  rule been in effect on June 30,
1996. Based on Western Bank's excess risk-based capital of $39.9 million at June
30, 1996, notwithstanding this $2.3 million deduction from capital, Western Bank
would continue to exceed its risk-based capital  requirement.  See Liquidity and
Capital Resources.

         Western Bank's Asset/Liability Management Committee dictates acceptable
limits on the amount of change in NPV given certain  changes in interest  rates.
Presented  below as of June 30,  1996,  the  latest  date  such  information  is
available,  is an OTS analysis of Western Bank's  interest rate risk as measured
by changes in NPV for instantaneous  and sustained  parallel shifts in the yield
curve, in 100 basis point increments,  up and down 300 basis points and compared
to Board policy  limits.  Assumptions  used in  calculating  the amounts in this
table are OTS assumptions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      Change in                                     Actual at June 30, 1996
    Interest Rate          Board Limit                as Measured by OTS
    (Basis Points)          % Change        -----------------------------------
                                                 $ Change             % Change
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           (Dollars in Thousands)
         <S>                  <C>                 <C>                   <C>     
         +300                 -35.0%             $(24,784)              -33.0%
         +200                 -25.0               (15,737)              -21.0
         +100                 -12.0               (7,478)               -10.0
          0                     0.0                   0                   0.0
         -100                 -12.0                5,600                  8.0
         -200                 -25.0                7,653                 10.0
         -300                 -35.0                7,711                 10.0

</TABLE>

         As indicated in the table above,  management  has structured its assets
and liabilities to attempt to control its exposure to interest rate risk. In the
event of a 300  basis  point  change  in  interest  rates,  Western  Bank  would
experience a 10.0% increase in NPV in a declining rate  environment  and a 33.0%
decrease in a rising rate environment. During periods of rising rates, the value
of monetary assets and monetary liabilities declines. Conversely, during periods
of  falling  rates,  the value of  monetary  assets and  liabilities  increases.
However, the amount of change in value of specific assets and liabilities due to
changes in rates is not the same in a rising rate

                                   
                                       115

<PAGE>

environment as in a falling rate environment (i.e., the amount of value increase
under a specific rate decline may not equal the amount of value  decrease  under
an identical  upward rate movement).  The 33.0% decrease in NPV as a result of a
300 basis point  increase in  interest  rates  indicates  that  Western  Bank is
susceptible  to a reduction in net  interest  income in a rising  interest  rate
environment  due to  interest-bearing  liabilities  potentially  repricing  more
rapidly than interest-earning assets.

         In evaluating  Western Bank's  exposure to interest rate risk,  certain
shortcomings inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table
must be considered.  For example,  although  certain assets and  liabilities may
have similar  maturities  or periods to  repricing,  they may react in different
degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain
types of assets and  liabilities  may  fluctuate in advance of changes in market
interest  rates,  while  interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in
market rates.  Further, in the event of a change in interest rates,  prepayments
and early  withdrawal  levels  would  likely  deviate  significantly  from those
assumed in  calculating  the table.  Finally,  the ability of many  borrowers to
service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.  As a
result,  the actual  effect of  changing  interest  rates may  differ  from that
presented in the foregoing table.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

         Western  Bank's  primary  sources  of funds  are new  deposits  and the
payment of  principal  and  interest on loans,  mortgage-backed  securities  and
maturing investments.  While maturities and scheduled  amortization of loans and
mortgage-backed  securities are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and
mortgage  prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates,  economic
conditions  and  competition.  In a period of declining  interest  rates,  it is
anticipated  that  mortgage  prepayments  would  increase.  As a  result,  these
proceeds from mortgage  prepayments would be invested in lower yielding loans or
other investments which have the effect of reducing interest income. In a period
of rising  interest  rates, it is anticipated  that mortgage  prepayments  would
decrease  and the  proceeds  from such  prepayments  would be invested in higher
yielding loans or investments which would have the effect of increasing interest
income.

         Western Bank's liquidity,  represented by cash and cash equivalents, is
a result of its operations, investing and financing activities. These activities
are summarized below for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                           For the Year Ended June 30,
                                                                     --------------------------------------
                                                                     1996             1995             1994
                                                                     ----             ----             ----

<S>                                                                <C>              <C>              <C>    
Net income................................................         $ 4,559          $ 4,128          $ 5,229
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
 by operating activities..................................          14,998           24,430           26,377
                                                                   -------           ------           ------
   Net cash provided by operating activities..............          19,557           28,558           31,606
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities..........          (2,018)         (57,312)        (121,901)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities..........         (19,614)          27,182           92,783
                                                                   -------           ------          -------
   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...          (2,075)          (1,572)           2,488
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..........          15,374           16,946           14,458
                                                                  --------          -------         --------
   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.............         $13,299          $15,374          $16,946
                                                                   =======          =======          =======

</TABLE>

         The primary investing activities of Western Bank are the origination of
loans and the purchase of investment and mortgage-backed securities.  During the
fiscal  years ended June 30, 1996,  1995 and 1994,  WesterFed  Financial's  loan
originations  totaled  $165.5  million,   $129.8  million  and  $214.4  million,
respectively.  Loan  originations  increased  in the last  fiscal year due to an
increase in loan refinancing  activity and an increase in commercial real estate
loans and consumer loans  resulting from an interest rate  environment  that was
generally lower than the prior year and management's  emphasis on increasing the
commercial real estate and consumer loan portfolio.

         Purchases of mortgage-backed  securities  totaled $21.9 million,  $21.5
million and $93.3  million for fiscal years ended June 30, 1996,  1995 and 1994,
respectively.  Purchases of investment  securities totaled $36.2 million,  $32.6
million and $29.2  million for the fiscal  years ended June 30,  1996,  1995 and
1994, respectively.

                            
                                       116

<PAGE>

         During  the fiscal  years  ended June 30,  1996,  1995 and 1994,  these
activities  were  funded   primarily  by  principal   repayments  on  loans  and
mortgage-backed  and  investment  securities  and  the  maturity  of  investment
securities and the sale of loans,  mortgage-backed  securities  and  investments
totaling  $232.3  million,  $137.8 million and $226.9 million for the respective
fiscal years.

         The major sources of cash flows from financing  activities are deposits
into savings  accounts and additional  borrowings.  The major uses of cash flows
from financing  activities are withdrawals from savings accounts and payments on
borrowings.  For the fiscal  year ended June 30,  1996 the net  decrease in cash
flows from  financing  activities  was $19.6 million and a net increase of $27.2
million  and $92.8  million  for the fiscal  years  ended June 30, 1995 and 1994
respectively.  In addition,  in fiscal 1994, $39.5 million was received from the
sale of stock in connection with the Conversion,  net of offering costs. The net
cash provided from these  financing  activities  was used to offset the net cash
used in investing activities.

         Western Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of liquid assets as
defined  by OTS  regulations.  This  requirement,  which  may be  waived  at the
direction of the OTS depending upon economic  conditions  and deposit flows,  is
based upon a percentage  of deposits  and  short-term  borrowings.  The required
ratio is 5%.  Western  Bank's  regulatory  liquidity  ratio was 9.3% at June 30,
1996.

         Western Bank's most liquid assets are cash and cash in banks and highly
liquid,  short-term  investments.  The levels of these  assets are  dependent on
Western Bank's operating,  financing,  lending,  and investing activities during
any given period.  At June 30, 1996,  Western  Bank's  regulatory  liquid assets
totaled $35.0 million.

         Liquidity  management  for  Western  Bank is both a daily and long term
function  of  WesterFed  Financial's  management  strategy.   Excess  funds  are
generally  invested  in  short-term  investments  such as FHLB  certificates  of
deposit.  If Western  Bank should  require  funds beyond its ability to generate
them internally,  additional  sources of funds are available  through the use of
FHLB of  Seattle  advances.  At June 30,  1996,  Western  Bank  had  outstanding
borrowings of $125.8 million,  which include $124.6 million of FHLB advances and
$1.6 million of  collateralized  mortgage  obligations  issued by Western Bank's
finance subsidiary.

         At June 30, 1996, Western Bank had outstanding commitments to originate
loans of $20.5  million,  of which $18.7  million was at fixed  interest  rates.
These loans are to be secured by properties located in its primary market areas.
Western Bank  anticipates  that it will have sufficient  funds available to meet
its current loan commitments. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one
year or less from June 30, 1996 totaled $134.8 million.



                                       117

<PAGE>

         At  September  30,  1996,  Western  Bank  exceeded  all of its  capital
requirements on a fully phased-in  basis. The following table sets forth Western
Bank's compliance with its capital requirements at September 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                        At September 30, 1996
                                                                    -----------------------------
                                                                    Amount(1)             Percent
                                                                    ---------             -------
                                                                        (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                 <C>                    <C>   
Tangible Capital:
Capital level(2).....................................               $ 61,811               11.23%
Requirement..........................................                  8,258                1.50
                                                                    --------               -----
Excess...............................................                 53,553                9.73
                                                                    ========               =====
Core Capital:
Capital level........................................                 61,811               11.23
Requirement..........................................                 16,515                3.00
                                                                    --------               -----
Excess...............................................                 45,296                8.23
                                                                    ========               =====
Fully phased-in risk-based capital:
Capital level(3).....................................                 63,740               20.90
Requirement..........................................                 24,399                8.00
                                                                    --------               -----
Excess...............................................                $39,341               12.90%
                                                                    ========               =====
<FN>

- ---------------
(1) Tangible and core capital levels are shown as a percentage of adjusted total
assets;  risk-based  capital  levels are shown as a percentage of  risk-weighted
assets.
(2) Western Bank's investment in excludable subsidiaries is excluded for
purposes of calculating regulatory capital.
(3)  Includes $2.0 million of general valuation allowances.
</FN>
</TABLE>

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

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

Dividends

         The Board of  Directors  intends to continue  the payment of  quarterly
cash dividends,  dependent on the results of operations and financial  condition
of Western Bank, tax considerations,  industry standards,  economic  conditions,
general business practices and other factors.  WesterFed  Financial's ability to
pay  dividends  is  dependent  on the  dividend  payments it  receives  from its
subsidiary,  Western Bank,  which are subject to regulations  and Western Bank's
continued compliance with all regulatory capital requirements. See Note 2 of the
Notes to WesterFed Financial's Consolidated Financial Statements for information
regarding  limitations  of Western  Bank's ability to pay dividends to WesterFed
Financial.


                                       118
<PAGE>

         VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL

         Stockholders  of record as of the close of business on January __, 1997
will be entitled to one vote for each share of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock
then held. As of that date, WesterFed Financial had ________ shares of WesterFed
Financial  Common Stock issued and  outstanding.  The following table sets forth
information regarding share ownership of: (i) those persons or entities known by
management to beneficially  own more than 5% of the WesterFed  Financial  Common
Stock,  (ii)  WesterFed  Financial's  Chief  Executive  Officer  and each  other
executive  officer who made in excess of $100,000 during fiscal 1996 (the "Named
Officers") and (iii) all directors and executive officers of WesterFed Financial
and Western Bank as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Shares
                                                                                      Beneficially    Percent
                               Beneficial Owner                                          Owned        of Class
                               ----------------                                          -----        --------
<S>                                                                                      <C>             <C> 
Principal Owners
- ----------------
WesterFed Financial Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust                  354,933         8.1%
110 East Broadway
Missoula, Montana  59802-4511(1)

John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, et al.                                       390,000         8.9
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts  02117(2)

J. J. Cramer & Co., et al.                                                               387,100         8.8
8th Floor
100 Wall Street
New York, New York  10005(3)

Named Officers and Directors and Executive Officers as a Group(4)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Lyle R. Grimes, President and Chief Executive Officer(5)                                 128,136         2.9

Douglas G. Bardwell, Vice President and Secretary(6)                                      77,627         1.8

James A. Salisbury, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer(7)                              66,330         1.5

Directors and executive officers of WesterFed Financial and Western Bank as a group      641,216        13.7
(13 persons)(8)
- ----------
<FN>
(1)  As reported in Amendment  No. Two to a Schedule 13G dated January 29, 1996.
     The amount reported  represents shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership
     Plan and Trust  (the  "ESOP"),  87,193  of which  have  been  allocated  to
     accounts of participants.  First Bankers Trust Company,  Quincy,  Illinois,
     the trustee of the ESOP, may be deemed to beneficially  own the shares held
     by the ESOP which have not been  allocated  to  accounts  of  participants.
     Participants  in the ESOP are  entitled to  instruct  the trustee as to the
     voting of shares  allocated to their accounts  under the ESOP.  Unallocated
     shares held in the ESOP's suspense account or allocated shares for which no
     voting  instructions  are  received  are voted by the  trustee  in the same
     proportion as allocated  shares voted by  participants.

(2)  As reported in Amendment  No. One to a Schedule 13G dated  January 27, 1995
     by  John  Hancock  Mutual  Life  Insurance   Company  and  certain  of  its
     subsidiaries,   including  John  Hancock   Advisers,   Inc.,  a  registered
     investment adviser,  which reported sole voting and dispositive power as to
     390,000  shares of the Common  Stock held by two mutual  funds for which it
     acts as  investment  adviser.

(3)  As reported in Amendment  No. Five to a Schedule 13D dated July 17, 1996 by
     J. J. Cramer & Co.  ("JJCC"),  Cramer  Partners,  L.P.  ("CPLP"),  James J.
     Cramer, Karen L. Cramer and Cramer Capital Corporation ("CCC").  JJCC, CPLP
     and CCC reported sole voting and dispositive power as to 387,100 shares and
     James and Karen Cramer reported  shared voting and dispositive  power as to
     such  shares.  Mr.  Cramer is President of JJCC and CCC. CCC is the general
     partner of CPLP.

(4)  The  address  of each  Named  Officer  is the  same  as  that of  WesterFed
     Financial.

(5)  Includes  43,514  shares  held  directly,  905 shares  held in a  custodial
     account for a minor  child,  3,759  shares  allocated to the account of Mr.
     Grimes  under the ESOP,  23,514  shares,  subject to  restriction,  awarded
     pursuant  to the RRP over which Mr.  Grimes  has voting and no  dispositive
     power and 56,444 shares subject to currently  exercisable  options  granted
     pursuant to the 1993 Stock  Option and  Incentive  Plan (the "Stock  Option
     Plan").   Excludes   options  to  purchase  70,000  shares  which  are  not
     exercisable  within 60 days of _______,  1997.





(6)  Includes 28,982 shares held directly,  1,414 shares held by Mr.  Bardwell's
     spouse,  3,601 shares  allocated to the account of Mr.  Bardwell  under the
     ESOP,  2,316 shares held in a custodial  account for a minor child,  11,314
     shares, subject to

                                       119
<PAGE>

     restriction, awarded pursuant to the RRP over which Mr. Bardwell has voting
     and no dispositive power and 30,000 shares subject to currently exercisable
     options  granted  pursuant to the Stock  Option Plan.  Excludes  options to
     purchase  14,366  shares  which  are  not  exercisable  within  60  days of
     ________, 1997.

(7)  Includes  16,062  shares held  directly,  2,900  shares  held in  custodial
     accounts or by minor children,  5,000 shares held by a corporation of which
     Mr. Salisbury is a director and executive  officer,  3,272 shares allocated
     to the account of Mr.  Salisbury under the ESOP,  9,096 shares,  subject to
     restriction,  awarded  pursuant  to the RRP over  which Mr.  Salisbury  has
     voting and no  dispositive  power and 30,000  shares  subject to  currently
     exercisable  options  granted  pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.  Excludes
     options to purchase 7,268 shares which are not  exercisable  within 60 days
     of _________,  1997.

(8)  Amount includes  shares held directly,  as well as shares held jointly with
     family members, shares held in retirement accounts, shares allocated to the
     ESOP  accounts of the group  members,  held in a  fiduciary  capacity or by
     certain family members,  with respect to which shares the group members may
     be deemed to have sole or shared voting and/or  dispositive  power.  Amount
     also  includes  an  aggregate  of 85,894  shares,  subject to  restriction,
     awarded  pursuant  to the RRP over  which the  holders  have  voting but no
     dispositive  power and an aggregate of 298,341  shares subject to currently
     exercisable  options  granted under the Stock Option Plan.  Amount excludes
     91,634 shares subject to options which are not  exercisable  within 60 days
     of __________, 1997.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                              BUSINESS OF SECURITY

General

         Security,  whose  principal  office is  maintained  at 219  North  26th
Street,  Billings,  Montana,  is a Montana  corporation.  On  November  8, 1993,
Security  became the holding  company of  Security,  formerly  Security  Federal
Savings Bank through a holding  company  reorganization  whereby  Security  Bank
reorganized into a wholly owned subsidiary of Security.

         Security  Bank, a federally  chartered  stock savings bank formed under
the laws of the United  States,  is  headquartered  in  Billings,  Montana,  and
operates 16 full service offices in Montana. The main office and two branches of
Security Bank are located in Billings and thirteen branch offices are located in
Glasgow,  Havre,  Kalispell,  Laurel, Malta, Missoula (2), Plentywood,  Bozeman,
Sidney, Butte, Lewistown and Anaconda, Montana.

         On May 12, 1994,  Security  Bank  purchased  the assets and assumed the
liabilities  of the Butte branch of Montana Bank and the Anaconda and  Lewistown
branches of Bank of Montana.  The  acquisition  of these  branches gave Security
Bank the opportunity to expand into three new markets in Montana. On January 16,
1996,  Security  Bank opened a new branch  office  located in Bozeman,  Montana,
bringing the number of full-service locations to 16.

         Security Bank was incorporated as a Montana chartered building and loan
association  in 1919. In 1932,  Security Bank became a member in the FHLB system
and in 1937,  obtained  deposit  insurance  from the  Federal  Savings  and Loan
Insurance  Corporation  (the "FSLIC").  Security Bank converted into a federally
chartered  mutual savings and loan association in 1966.  Effective  November 26,
1986, Security Bank converted to a federally chartered stock savings bank.

         Security Bank's  principal  business  historically  has been attracting
deposits from the general public  through its offices and using those  deposits,
together  with  other  available  funds,  to  make  mortgage  loans  secured  by
residential  and other real  estate and to make  consumer  and other  loans.  In
recent  years,  as a  result  of  various  factors,  Security  Bank  has  used a
substantial   portion  of  its  available  funds  to  purchase   mortgage-backed
securities and expand commercial and agriculture lending.

         Security  Bank's largest market is the Billings,  Montana  metropolitan
area.  Billings  and  other  areas  in which  Security  Bank  has  offices  have
experienced  considerable economic growth during fiscal years 1992 through 1996.
See "Market Area and Conditions." Like most thrift institutions, Security Bank's
earnings  are  highly  sensitive  to  changes  in  market  interest  rates.  See
"Asset/Liability Management."

         Security Bank's deposit accounts are insured by the SAIF and BIF of the
FDIC.  Security  Bank is a  member  of the FHLB of  Seattle  and is  subject  to
comprehensive  supervision,  regulation  and  examination by the OTS. It is also
subject to  regulations  of,  among  others,  the FDIC  regarding  insurance  of
accounts, activities of

                                       120
<PAGE>

subsidiaries  and certain  other  matters,  the Federal  Housing  Finance  Board
regarding  membership in the FHLB of Seattle,  and the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") governing reserves required
to be maintained against deposits and certain other matters. See "Regulation."

         Security Bank has a subsidiary service corporation,  S.F.S. Industries,
Inc.  ("SFS"),  which was formed in 1984.  SFS engages in real estate rental and
securities brokerage activities. See "Subsidiary."

         Security Bank's revenues are derived principally from interest received
on real estate and other loans and  mortgage-backed  securities and, to a lesser
extent,  from loan  origination  and other fees and from  earnings on investment
securities.  The  operations of savings  institutions  in general are materially
affected by general economic conditions, the monetary and fiscal policies of the
federal  government and the  regulatory  policies of  governmental  authorities.
Deposit flows and costs of funds are  influenced by interest  rates on competing
investments  and  general  market  rates of  interest.  Lending  activities  are
affected  by the demand for  financing  of real estate and other types of loans,
which in turn is affected by the interest  rates at which such  financing may be
offered and other factors  affecting loan demand and the  availability of funds.
The results of operations of savings banks depend to a large extent on the level
of their "net interest income" (the difference between interest earned on loans,
mortgage-backed securities and investments and the interest paid on deposits and
borrowings). See "Yields Earned and Rates Paid." Even though the relative dollar
amounts of interest income and expense greatly exceed the amount of non-interest
income and expense,  Security Bank's earnings are also significantly affected by
non-interest income and expense.

Asset/Liability Management

         One of the primary  objectives of Security Bank's  management in recent
years has been to  restructure  Security  Bank's  balance  sheet to  reduce  its
vulnerability to changes in interest rates.  Savings banks generally suffer from
a  mismatch  in the  repricing  and  pricing  mechanisms  of  their  assets  and
liabilities,  with mortgage loan assets tending to be of a much longer term than
deposits,  the  primary  liabilities  of  savings  banks.  In  periods of rising
interest rates,  this mismatch  renders savings banks vulnerable to increases in
costs of funds  that  outstrip  increases  in returns  on loans  resulting  in a
decrease in interest rate spread.

         Various  strategies  may be  used  to  shorten  the  effective  life of
mortgage  loans  and  other  assets,  and to  lengthen  the  effective  life  of
liabilities.   Security   Bank  has  actively   promoted  the   origination   of
single-family  (consisting of one to four separate  dwelling units)  residential
loans which  provide for periodic  interest  rate  adjustments  to coincide with
changes in indices of market rates ("ARMS") and other loans with adjustable rate
features or shorter terms.

         Security  Bank also decided to increase its  investment  in  adjustable
rate  mortgage-backed  securities  to  increase  its  yield on  interest-earning
assets,  to meet then current and prospective  qualified thrift lender tests and
to better match the repricing of its interest-earning  assets as compared to its
interest-bearing  liabilities.  With yields on adjustable  rate  mortgage-backed
securities at very low levels,  Security  Bank decided,  in the years ended June
30, 1993 and 1994, to invest in fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities with short
to  intermediate  term weighted  average lives. In the years ended June 30, 1994
through 1996, the economy in most of Security Bank's market areas was strong and
loan demand high. Management,  therefore, committed the resources to enlarge its
lending  department  and,  as a result of this and the  addition of the five new
branches, net loans receivable increased to $184.9 million at June 30, 1996. See
"Security -  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition  and
Results of  Operations - Changes in Financial  Condition,  June 30, 1995 to June
30,  1996."   Security  Bank's  current   originations  of  30-year   fixed-rate
residential  mortgage  loans are generally  originated  with the intent of their
resale in the secondary market,  however,  loans with 15-year  maturities may be
originated for Security Bank's portfolio.

         Security Bank also engages in commercial  and  multifamily  real estate
lending and consumer and other lending.  Commercial and multi-family real estate
lending is generally shorter term and, in recent years, more rate sensitive than
single-family  residential  lending.  Consumer lending is generally shorter term
and, although usually fixed-rate, generally bears higher interest rates.

                                       121
<PAGE>

         The ability of Security Bank to originate  loans for its portfolio with
interest rate  sensitivities or repricing  mechanisms more nearly matching those
of its  liabilities may be limited by economic  factors,  demand and the general
level of interest rates.  Increases in such rates could significantly reduce the
number of loans,  including  ARMs,  which could be  originated  by Security Bank
during high interest rate periods.  Thus,  because a portion of Security  Bank's
loan and mortgage-backed  securities  portfolios presently consist of loans with
interest  rates which do not have  adjustment  features or fluctuate with market
interest rates, Security Bank will remain vulnerable to future increases in such
rates which, if significant and prolonged, could have a material adverse effect.
Moreover,  interest rate decreases  generally can affect Security Bank's ability
to originate ARMs.

         The effect on net  interest  income  (expense)  of changes in  interest
rates  and  in the  amounts  of  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing
liabilities   is  shown  in  the   following   table.   For  each   category  of
interest-earning asset and interest-bearing  liability,  information is provided
on changes  attributable to (1) changes in volume (changes in volume  multiplied
by previous rate),  (2) changes in rates (changes in rate multiplied by previous
volume) and (3) change in rate/volume  (change in rate  multiplied by the change
in volume).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year Ended June 30, 1996 vs. 1995
                                      ------------------------------------------  
                                             Increase (Decrease) Due to
                                        Rate       Volume   Rate/Volume  Total
                                        ----       ------   -----------  -----
                                                     (In thousands)
<S>                                   <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>    
Income from interest-earning
  assets:
  Loans.............................  $   331     $ 2,283      $ 66     $ 2,680
  Mortgage-backed securities........      205      (1,569)      (27)     (1,391)
  Investment securities.............      (40)       (330)        5        (365)
  Other interest-earning assets.....       39          99        (5)        133
                                      -------     -------      ----     -------
    Total interest income...........      535         483        39     $ 1,057
                                      -------     -------      ----     -------
Expense of interest-bearing
  liabilities:
  Deposits..........................    1,551         429       (22)      1,958
  FHLB borrowings and advances......      143        (350)      (27)       (234)
  Securities sold under repurchase
    agreements......................       19         214         3         236
                                      -------     -------      ----     -------
     Total interest expense.........    1,713         293       (46)      1,960
                                      -------     -------      ----     -------
     Net interest income increase
       (decrease)...................  $(1,178)    $   190      $ 85     $  (903)
                                      =======     =======      ====     ======= 
</TABLE>


                                       122
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year Ended June 30, 1995 vs. 1994
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                             Increase (Decrease) Due to
                                        Rate       Volume   Rate/Volume  Total
                                        ----       ------   -----------  -----
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>    
                                                     (In thousands)
Income from interest-earning
  assets:
  Loans.............................  $  353      $ 3,641     $  177    $ 4,171
  Mortgage-backed securities........     650        1,093         66      1,809
  Investment securities.............      17          542          6        565
  Other interest-earning assets.....     (95)          52         (9)       (52)
                                      ------      -------     ------    ------- 
    Total interest income...........  $  925      $ 5,328     $  240    $ 6,493
                                      ------      -------     ------    -------

Expense of interest-bearing
  liabilities:
  Deposits..........................     319        2,306         96      2,721
  FHLB borrowings and advances......     227          300         80        607
  Securities sold under repurchase 
    agreements......................       2          248          5        255
                                      ------      -------     ------    ------- 
     Total interest expense.........     548        2,854        181      3,583
                                      ------      -------     ------    ------- 
     Net interest income increase
       (decrease)...................  $  377      $ 2,474     $   59    $ 2,910
                                      ======      =======     ======    =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year Ended June 30, 1994 vs. 1993
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                             Increase (Decrease) Due to
                                        Rate       Volume   Rate/Volume  Total
                                        ----       ------   -----------  -----
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>    
                                                     (In thousands)
Income from interest-earning
  assets:
  Loans.............................  $ (458)     $ 1,666     $ (124)   $ 1,084
  Mortgage-backed securities........    (914)         239        (23)      (698)
  Investment securities.............    (112)          70         (5)       (47)
  Other interest-earning assets.....    (104)         (77)        (5)      (186)
                                      ------      -------     ------    ------- 
    Total interest income........... $(1,588)     $ 1,898     $ (157)   $   153
                                     -------      -------     ------    -------

Expense of interest-bearing
  liabilities:
  Deposits..........................  (1,512)         496        (81)    (1,097)
  FHLB borrowings and advances......      43          415         52        510
  Securities sold under repurchase
    agreements......................      --           23         --         23
                                      ------      -------     ------    ------- 
     Total interest expense.........  (1,469)         934        (29)      (564)
                                      ------      -------     ------    ------- 
     Net interest income increase
       (decrease)...................  $ (119)     $   964     $ (128)   $   717
                                      ======      =======     ======    =======
</TABLE>

                                       123
<PAGE>

Yields Earned and Rates Paid

         Security  Bank's results of operations  depend to a large extent on the
level of its  "net  interest  income."  Net  interest  income  depends  upon the
difference  (referred to as the  "interest  rate  spread")  between the yield on
Security Bank's loan,  mortgage-backed  securities and investment portfolios and
interest-earning cash balances ("interest-earning assets") and the rates paid on
its  deposits  and  borrowings  ("interest-bearing  liabilities").  Net interest
income  is  further   affected  by  the  relative  amounts  of  Security  Bank's
interest-earning   assets   and   its   interest-bearing    liabilities.    When
interest-earning assets approximate or exceed interest-bearing  liabilities, any
positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. When the amount
of  interest-earning   assets  is  less  than  the  amount  of  interest-bearing
liabilities,  net interest  expense may result even when the spread is positive.
The greater the excess of  interest-bearing  liabilities  over  interest-earning
assets,  and the higher the weighted average rate borne by the  interest-bearing
liabilities,  the greater the rate earned on interest-earning  assets must be to
attain the  break-even  point  between  interest  income and  interest  expense.
Security   Bank's   ratio  of   average   interest-earning   assets  to  average
interest-bearing liabilities was 1.08 for the year ended June 30, 1994, 1.04 for
the year ended June 30, 1995 and 1.02 for the year ended June 30, 1996.

                                       124

<PAGE>

         Average Balances and Average Rates Earned and Paid. The following table
sets forth,  for the periods  indicated,  information with regard to (i) average
balances of assets and  liabilities,  (ii) the total dollar  amounts of interest
income on  interest-earning  assets and  interest  expense  on  interest-bearing
liabilities,  (iii) resulting yields or costs, (iv) net interest income, and (v)
net interest spread.  Nonaccrual loans have been included in the tables as loans
carrying a zero yield.  Significant  loan origination fees and related costs are
deferred and recognized as income using the interest method over the life of the
loan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended June, 30,
                                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1996                          1995                          1994
                                          ----------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------------------------
                                            Average   Interest            Average   Interest            Average   Interest
                                          Outstanding  Earned/  Yield/  Outstanding  Earned/  Yield/  Outstanding  Earned/  Yield/
                                            Balance     Paid    Rate(1)   Balance     Paid    Rate(1)   Balance     Paid    Rate(1)
                                            -------     ----    -------   -------     ----    -------   -------     ----    -------
                                                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>  
ASSETS:
Interest earning assets:
Investment securities.....................  $ 24,579   $ 1,590   6.47%    $ 29,592   $ 1,956    6.61%   $ 21,280   $ 1,391   6.53%
Mortgage-backed securities................   144,703     9,220   6.37      169,744    10,609    6.25     151,149     8,801   5.82
Loans(2)..................................   159,983    14,115   8.82      132,350    11,435    8.64      88,179     7,264   8.24
Other earning assets......................     6,258       417   6.67        5,317       284    5.34       6,469       336   6.81
                                            --------   -------   ----     --------   -------    ----    --------   -------   ----
     Total interest-earning assets........   335,523    25,342   7.55      337,003    24,284    7.19     267,077    17,792   6.70
Allowance for loan loss...................    (1,179)                       (1,148)                         (854)
Premises and equipment....................     8,982                         7,728                         6,210
Other Assets..............................    14,454                        13,017                         7,567
                                            --------                      --------                      --------
     Total assets.........................  $357,780                      $356,600                      $280,000
                                            ========                      ========                      ========

LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest bearing liabilities:
Interest bearing deposits.................  $269,298   $13,176   4.89%    $270,657   $11,219   3.88%    $209,352   $ 8,498   3.74%
Repurchase agreements.....................     9,100       515   5.66        5,940       278   4.68          418        23     --
FHLB Advances.............................    21,821     1,221   5.59       26,876     1,454   5.41       19,878       848   4.27
                                            --------   -------   ----     --------    ------   ----     --------   -------   ----
     Total interest-bearing liabilities...   300,219    14,912   4.97      303,473    12,951   4.12      229,648     9,369   3.79
Demand Deposits...........................    18,763                        18,493                        17,836
Other liabilities.........................     7,866                         5,280                         4,685
                                            --------                      --------                      --------
     Total liabilities....................   326,848                       327,246                       252,169
Shareholders' equity......................    30,932                        29,354                        27,831
                                            --------                      --------                      --------
     Total liabilities and Stockholders'
         equity...........................  $357,780                      $356,600                      $280,000   $ 8,423
                                            ========                      ========                      ========   =======
Net interest income.......................             $10,430                      $11,333
                                                       =======                      =======
Net interest spread.......................                       2.58%                         3.07%                          2.91%
                                                                 ====                          ====                           ====
Net yield on average earning assets.......                       3.11%                         3.37%                          3.19%
                                                                 ====                          ====                           ====
<FN>
- ----------
(1)  Yield rate calculations  have been based on more  detailed information than
     presented and therefore may not recompute exactly due to rounding.

(2)  Includes balances for loans held for sale.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       125

<PAGE>

         Ratios.  The table  below  sets  forth  certain  performance  ratios of
Security bank for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Year Ended June 30,
                                             ---------------------------------------------
                                             1996      1995      1994       1993      1992
                                             ----      ----      ----       ----      ----
<S>                                          <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>  
Return on assets (net income
 divided by average total assets).........   0.70%     0.77%     0.99%      0.97%     0.74%
Return on equity (net income
 divided by average equity)...............   8.26%     9.33%     9.92%      9.51%     7.60%
Equity-to-assets ratio (average
 equity divided by average total assets...   8.65%     8.25%     9.94%     10.17%     9.75%
</TABLE>

Market Area and Conditions

         Security  Bank's  primary  market area includes the  Billings,  Montana
metropolitan  area,  as well as the areas  surrounding  its  offices in Glasgow,
Havre, Kalispell, Laurel, Malta, Missoula, Plentywood, Sidney, Butte, Lewistown,
Anaconda and Bozeman, Montana. Billings is the largest city in Montana. Security
Bank believes that at June 30, 1996 the population of the Billings  metropolitan
area was  approximately  125,000.  The State of Montana  generally  and Security
Bank's market areas in particular  experienced  positive  economic growth during
fiscal years 1994, 1995 and 1996. Historically, the economy of Montana has, to a
significant  extent,  been  dependent  upon  agriculture,  tourism,  mining  and
energy-related  activities  and  is  affected  by  various  factors,   including
agriculture prices and prices of oil and gas and other minerals. There can be no
assurance that the economic  conditions in Security Bank's market areas will not
have an adverse  impact on its future revenue and earnings  prospects.  Security
Bank  does  not  currently  have  any  loans  made  to oil  and  gas or  mineral
exploration or production enterprises.

Lending Activities

         General.  Historically,  Security  Bank's  primary source of income has
been through its lending activities.  Security Bank's interest income from loans
receivable in fiscal years 1994, 1995 and 1996 was  approximately  40.6%,  46.8%
and 55.7%, respectively of total interest income.

         Security  Bank's primary  lending  activity is the origination of loans
secured by first liens on  residential  real estate.  The mortgage loans made by
Security Bank enable borrowers to purchase, refinance, construct upon or improve
the  property  securing  the loans.  Substantially  all of the loans  underlying
Security Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolio were secured by first liens
on existing  single-family (one to four-unit) residential  properties.  Security
Bank  anticipates  that its principal  lending  business will continue to be the
origination of residential  mortgage loans and indirectly  through investment in
mortgage-backed securities. However, more emphasis will be placed on origination
of commercial,  consumer and  agricultural  loans than has  previously  been the
case.

         FIRREA effected substantial changes in applicable  limitations on loans
to one borrower by providing that the related statutory requirements  applicable
to national banks now apply to savings banks, such as Security Bank. In general,
the FIRREA requirements provide that the total loans and extensions of credit by
Security  Bank to a  customer  outstanding  at one  time may not  exceed  15% of
Security Bank's unimpaired  capital and unimpaired  surplus,  plus an additional
10% for loans and  extensions  of credit  fully  secured by  readily  marketable
collateral.  See "Regulation - Loans to One Borrower"  below. The maximum amount
of loans and extensions of credit which Security Bank could have made to any one
borrower at June 30, 1996 was  approximately  $4.1  million,  plus an additional
$2.7 million of loans and other  extensions  of credit fully  secured by readily
marketable collateral.

         As of June 30,  1996,  the  largest  amount  outstanding  to any single
borrower or related  group of borrowers  was  approximately  $3.4  million.  The
second  largest amount  outstanding  to any single  borrower or related group at
June 30, 1996 was approximately $3.0 million.

         At June 30, 1996, Security Bank had an aggregate of approximately $42.1
million of loans in excess of $500,000  outstanding  to 37 borrowers.  Excluding
the largest loan, the average loan amount was $1,074,000 per borrower.

                                       126

<PAGE>

         Loan Portfolio  Composition.  The following table shows the composition
of Security Bank's portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              At June 30,
                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1996               1995                 1994                1993               1992
                                  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------
                                   Amount    Percent   Amount    Percent   Amount    Percent   Amount    Percent   Amount    Percent
                                   ------    -------   ------    -------   ------    -------   ------    -------   ------    -------
                                                                        (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                               <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>
Real Estate Loans:
  One- to four-unit.............. $ 68,242     27%    $ 67,693     23%    $ 59,403     20%    $ 47,496     20%    $ 34,048     16%
  Over four units................   11,296      4       12,249      4       13,986      5       14,416      6       15,296      7
  Construction...................    2,553      1        2,967      1          682     --          313     --           --     --
  Commercial.....................   22,193      7       12,525      4        9,550      3       12,002      5       11,936      6
  Agricultural...................    6,020      2        4,390      1        3,519      1           --     --           --     --
  Mortgage-backed securities.....  131,256     41      145,616     50      180,395     60      153,339     67      148,418     69
                                  --------            --------            --------            --------            --------
   Total real estate loans and
     mortgage-backed securities..  241,560     --      245,440     --      267,535     --      227,566     --      209,698     --
  Agricultural...................   11,552      3        1,778      1        1,188     --           --     --           --     --
  Consumer loans.................   42,999      9       29,544     10       19,656      7        5,377      2        3,816      2
  Commercial loans...............   24,250      6       17,544      6       11,372      4          732     --          348     --
                                  --------    ---     --------    ---     --------    ---     --------    ---     --------    ---
   Total loans receivable and
     mortgage-backed securities..  320,361    100%     294,306    100%     299,751    100%     233,675    100%     213,862    100%

Less:
  Unearned discounts and loan
   origination fees..............      333                 322                 346                 384                 212
  Loans in process............... --------                  33                 767                 712                 270
  Allowance for loan losses......    1,181               1,156               1,139                 568                 555
                                  --------            --------            --------            --------            --------
    Net loans receivable, loans
     available-for-sale and
      mortgage-backed securities. $318,847            $292,795            $297,499            $232,011            $212,825
                                  ========            ========            ========            ========            ========
</TABLE>

                                       127

<PAGE>

         The following table shows certain information regarding the maturity of
loans  (including  loans  underlying  mortgage-backed  securities)  included  in
Security Bank's loan and  mortgage-backed  securities  portfolios as of June 30,
1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Principal repayments contractually due in
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1 Year         1-2         2-3          3-5        5-10        10-15    More than
                                 or Less       Years       Years        Years       Years       Years    15 Years      Total
                                 -------       -----       -----        -----       -----       -----    ---------     -----
                                                                     (in thousands)
<S>                              <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>     
Real estate loans and
mortgage-backed securities:
  Single-family residential
   (adjustable rate)........     $   116    $    100     $   456       $  984     $ 2,009    $  4,404     $93,169     $101,238
  Single-family residential
   (fixed rate).............       2,071      14,274       1,132       43,787       8,428      21,127       7,441       98,260
  Other residential.........         163          --          --          438       4,643       5,501         551       11,296
  Commercial................       1,232         396       1,461        2,327       6,173       8,449       2,155       22,193
  Construction loans........       1,683          --          91          171         290         266          52        2,553
  Agricultural loans........       1,114          25         250           54         871         253       3,953        6,020
                                 -------     -------     -------      -------     -------     -------    --------     --------
Total real estate loans and
mortgage-backed securities..       6,379      14,795       3,390       47,761      21,914      40,000     107,321      241,560
Consumer loans..............       8,689       4,055       6,396       17,913       5,176         575         195       42,999
Commercial loans............       8,212       2,889       2,722        5,018       2,294       2,753         362       24,250
Agricultural loans..........       7,982          86         653        2,046         695          90          --       11,552
                                 -------     -------     -------      -------     -------     -------    --------     --------
  Total.....................     $31,262     $21,825     $13,161      $72,738     $30,079     $43,418    $107,878     $320,361
                                 =======     =======     =======      =======     =======     =======    ========     ========
</TABLE>

                                       128

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Total amount of principal repayments
                                                                                  contractually due on or after July 1, 1997
                                                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                                                (in thousands)
<S>                                                                                                <C>     
Fixed rate loans and mortgage-backed securities............................                        $150,520
Adjustable or floating rate loans  (includes approximately $75.8 million
of mortgage-backed securities).............................................                         138,579
                                                                                                   --------
     Total.................................................................                        $289,099
</TABLE>

         Single-Family Residential Real Estate Lending. The majority of Security
Bank's loans are secured by first liens on single-family residential structures,
which are structures consisting of up to four separate dwelling units.

         Regulations  permit  federal  savings  banks to make or purchase  ARMs,
subject to certain  limitations.  Adjustable  interest  rates can cause  payment
increases  which  some  borrowers  may find  difficult  to make.  Security  Bank
currently  qualifies borrowers for ARMs at the rate of interest that would be in
effect  if the rate  were the  maximum  permitted  under  the  terms of the note
following the first  adjustment  of the rate of interest,  which could result in
loans being made to borrowers who qualify at the  qualifying  rate but who would
not  qualify  for the loan  following  one or more  interest  rate  adjustments.
Security Bank generally requires private mortgage insurance on all ARMs in which
the amount of the loan at origination is in excess of 80% of the appraised value
or purchase price of the real property securing the loan, whichever is less.

         Security Bank's single-family  residential loan contracts  historically
provided  for fixed rates of interest and for  repayment  of  principal  over 30
years or less. Security Bank's fixed-rate  single-family  residential loans have
normally  remained  outstanding  for much shorter  periods because the borrowers
have  prepaid  the  loans in full  upon sale of the  security  property  or upon
refinancing  the original loan.  Security Bank believes that the average life of
its loans tends to increase  during high  interest  rate  periods due to reduced
levels of single-family residence sales and refinancings.

         Security Bank is currently offering  fixed-rate loans for 15 or 30 year
terms.  Security  Bank's  policy  is to sell  substantially  all of its  current
originations of 30 year conventional fixed-rate  single-family loans. Such loans
primarily are sold with servicing released to various investors. Security Bank's
30-year fixed-rate  FHA-insured and VA-guaranteed  mortgage loans are originated
on a  forward  commitment  basis  and are  sold  in the  secondary  market  with
servicing  released,  primarily to mortgage bankers.  See "Sale and Servicing of
Loans."

         Security Bank is permitted to lend up to 100% of the appraised value of
the  single-family  residential  real property  securing a loan  ("loan-to-value
ratio").  However,  it is Security Bank's policy generally not to lend more than
95% of the appraised value in the case of first-lien  loans, and Security Bank's
policy  varies  depending on the type of loan.  Under  Security  Bank's  current
lending  policies,  owner-occupied,  one-to-two-family  residential loans may be
made  up to 95% of the  purchase  price  or  appraised  value  of the  property,
whichever is less.  Owner-occupied,  one- to four-family  residential  loans are
generally  required to have private  mortgage  insurance when the  loan-to-value
ratio is over  80%.  Insurance  in the  amount  of 20% of the loan is  generally
required with loan-to- value ratios between 80% and 95%. Additional  limitations
on maximum loan amounts and  loan-to-value  ratios apply to loans on  properties
that have characteristics that may affect marketability, such as properties with
subdivision  restrictions,  properties with cisterns,  rural properties,  second
homes and vacation homes.

         Security Bank also makes home equity loans on  owner-occupied  property
for  home  improvement,   debt  consolidation  and  other  purposes.   For  home
improvement loans, the maximum loan-to-value ratio under Security Bank's general
practice is 85% of the value of the property.

         In addition to first lien mortgage  loans,  Security Bank also provides
interim financing for construction of  one-to-four-family  residential  housing.
Under current policies,  such construction  loans may be made for an initial six
to nine  month  period  in an  amount  up to 80% of the  appraised  value of the
completed property with interest paid

                                       129

<PAGE>

on a monthly basis by the borrower.  Under current policies, a construction loan
may be renewed for no more than an additional  nine months.  Construction  loans
are  reviewed  prior to the  approval  of an  extension  request to insure  that
Security  Bank is  adequately  collateralized  and the borrower has a reasonable
plan to repay the loan  within the  extension  period.  Generally,  construction
loans are made only to  experienced  home builders or  individual  borrowers who
have employed  third-party  general contractors to construct their residence and
have qualified for permanent financing with Security Bank.

         Although  Security Bank may  originate or purchase  whole loans or loan
participations  secured by real estate located anywhere in the United States, it
generally limits its lending to the State of Montana.

         Conventional  residential  mortgage  loans  originated by Security Bank
contain a "due-on-sale" clause providing that the unpaid balance may be declared
due and payable  upon the sale of the  mortgaged  property.  It is the policy of
Security  Bank  to  enforce   due-on-sale   clauses  vigorously   whenever  such
enforcement is consistent with  applicable  law. In connection with  FHA-insured
loans,  however,  assumptions  will not be  permitted if the contract of sale is
executed  less than 12 months  (or as stated in the FHA trust  indenture)  after
either the date that the mortgage  was executed or the date of a prior  transfer
of the mortgaged property, unless the buyer satisfies FHA's credit requirements.
Security  Bank's  conventional  loans are assumable only with its prior consent.
Security  Bank's current policy is to permit  assumption of  conventional  loans
only where the  interest  rate is  increased  to the market  rate,  the borrower
qualifies for the loan and pays an assumption fee.

         Multi-Family  Residential Lending.  Security Bank's residential lending
activities  also  include  loans  secured by liens on  multi-family  residential
structures,  which are  structures  consisting  of over four  separate  dwelling
units.

         Multi-family  residential  structures  are generally  income  producing
properties.  Security Bank's multi-family  residential lending activity includes
loans for the purchase or refinance of multi-family  residential  structures and
loans for the construction of such structures. Security Bank's current policy is
that  loans  on  multi-family  residential  structures  may be made up to 75% of
appraised value or purchase price,  whichever is less.  Underwriting  guidelines
require that the stabilized  net operating  income of the project be equal to at
least  120% of the  annual  debt  service  for the loan.  Loans on  multi-family
residential  structures  in recent  years have been  primarily  with  adjustable
interest  rates for terms up to 30 years or fixed rate  financing on loans fully
amortized over 15 years.

         Commercial Real Estate Lending.  Security Bank also makes loans for the
purchase,  refinance  or  construction  of  commercial  real estate  structures,
including  office  buildings,  small  shopping  centers,  warehouses and motels.
Commercial  real estate loans  originated in recent years are usually made on an
adjustable rate basis,  and under current lending policies may be made up to 75%
of appraised  value.  Exceptions to this policy are generally  restricted to the
sale of Security Bank's real estate owned or loans issued under the SBA's 504(B)
program.  Under this program,  the  borrower's  down payment may be as little as
10%. In this program,  Security Bank funds 50% of the acquisition price with the
SBA  guaranteed  loan financing 40% of the  acquisition  price in a subordinated
position.  While the borrower's equity  contribution is limited to 10%, Security
Bank's loan to value ratio does not exceed 50%. In general, total investments in
nonresidential  real estate  loans may not exceed 400% of a federally  chartered
savings institution's capital.

         Agricultural  Real Estate  Lending.  The  majority  of Security  Bank's
agricultural real estate loans are secured by first liens on farm and ranch land
located  within the State of Montana.  Security  Bank's  current  policy is that
loans  on  agricultural  land  may be made up to 65% of the  appraised  value or
purchase price, whichever is less. Underwriting guidelines require that the cash
flow  generated by the borrower must be 110% to 125% of the annual debt service,
depending  on  the  leverage   position  of  the  borrower.   Loans  secured  by
agricultural land are adjustable rate loans tied to the two, three, or five year
treasury  constant maturity index plus a margin  established by management.  The
loans are amortized up to twenty years.

         Consumer  Lending.  Security Bank is permitted to make both secured and
unsecured  consumer  loans  for any  personal  or  household  purpose  and loans
reasonably incident to personal or household purposes. In general,

                                       130

<PAGE>

loans made under these investment powers, together with investments in corporate
debt  securities  and  commercial  paper,  may  not  exceed  30% of a  federally
chartered savings institution's total assets.

         Security Bank offers a variety of consumer loans,  including  personal,
savings account,  automobile,  home improvement and home equity loans.  Consumer
loans are generally made on a fixed-rate basis for a maximum term of five years.
Although  consumer loans are made on a fixed-rate  basis, they usually are for a
shorter term  (generally  five years or less) and provide for a higher  interest
rate than real estate loans. Consequently,  Security Bank retains consumer loans
in its portfolio to better match the maturities and repricing  mechanisms of its
assets and liabilities.

         Commercial and Agricultural Lending. Security Bank is permitted to make
secured and unsecured loans for commercial, corporate, business and agricultural
purposes,  including  issuing  letters  of  credit  and  engaging  in  inventory
financing and commercial leasing activities. Security Bank's total investment in
such loans is limited such that at any one time it generally  may not exceed 10%
of assets, as defined in OTS regulations.

         Loan  Underwriting.   In  the  loan  approval  process,  Security  Bank
personnel  assess the  borrower's  ability to repay the loan and the adequacy of
the  proposed  security  in view of the amount and type of the loan and the cash
flow.  Cash flow is the difference  between the borrower's  monthly gross income
less  payments for taxes and all fixed  monthly  obligations  including the loan
repayment. Security Bank's loan origination personnel are full time employees of
Security  Bank and are  paid on a salary  or  commission  basis.  In the case of
commissioned  loan  officers,  processing and loan  underwriting  are handled by
separate  personnel.  Potential  borrowers  must  submit a  written  and  signed
financial statement or application  together with any appropriate  documentation
required by Security  Bank for the  respective  loan types.  As part of the loan
approval  process  for the  majority of real estate  loans,  outside  appraisers
inspect and appraise the property  that would secure the loan.  Appraisals  must
conform with Security Bank's appraisal policies.  Security Bank personnel obtain
information  concerning the income,  financial condition,  employment and credit
history of the applicant. Loans must be approved by various levels of management
depending upon the amount and type of the loan. Under current policies, Security
Bank's Internal Loan Committee,  which is comprised of Security Bank's President
and Loan  Department  Managers,  must approve all loans over $250,000.  All loan
commitments  over  $500,000  must be approved by Security  Bank's  Director Loan
Committee,  which consists of three directors of Security Bank.  Title insurance
is generally  required on all real estate loans and,  except for equity loans on
owner-occupied  residential  property,  such  insurance  must  include  extended
coverage.  Fire and  casualty  insurance  is also  required  on most real estate
loans, with coverage up to the amount of the loan.

         Sale and Servicing of Loans.  In addition to originating and purchasing
loans for its loan portfolio,  Security Bank participates in secondary  mortgage
market   activities  by  selling   whole  loans  to  FHLMC,   FNMA  and  various
institutional  purchasers.  Currently,  Security Bank sells substantially all of
its new  originations of 30 year fixed-rate  loans to  institutional  purchasers
with servicing  released.  The sale of loans may generate  income or loss at the
time of sale and  provide  funds for  additional  lending  and  other  purposes.
Security Bank sold loans in aggregate  amounts of  approximately  $40.7 million,
$19.8  million,  and $42.7  million  during fiscal years 1996,  1995,  and 1994,
respectively.

         At June 30, 1996,  Security Bank had no mandatory  commitments  to sell
loans.

         In some cases, loans are sold and Security Bank retains  responsibility
for collecting and remitting loan payments,  inspecting the  properties,  making
certain  insurance  and tax  payments  on  behalf  of  borrowers  and  otherwise
servicing the loans,  and receives a fee for performing  this service.  Security
Bank was servicing  mortgage  loans for others in the amount of $73.2 million at
June 30, 1996.

         The marketability of loans,  loan  participations  and  mortgage-backed
securities depends on the purchasers' investment limitations, general market and
competitive conditions, mortgage loan demand and other factors.

         Security Bank sells  mortgage  loans and loan  participations  for cash
proceeds  equal to amounts which yield rates based upon the current market rate.
Gain or loss is recognized at the time of sale based upon the net present

                                       131

<PAGE>

value of expected  amounts to be received or paid  resulting from the difference
between the  contractual  interest rates and the yield rate agreed to be paid to
the buyer.  Excluded from that  difference in determining the gain or loss is an
amount  equal  to the  present  value of the  estimated  servicing  cost  plus a
reasonable profit.

         Interest  Rates,  Points and Fees.  Interest  rates charged by Security
Bank on loans are  affected  principally  by the  demand  for such loans and the
supply of money  available  for  lending  purposes.  These  factors  are in turn
affected  by general  economic  conditions,  monetary  policies  of the  federal
government,  including the Federal Reserve Board,  legislative tax policies, and
governmental budgetary matters.

         In addition to the interest earned on loans, Security Bank charges fees
for  originating  loans and making  loan  commitments,  loan  prepayments,  loan
modifications,   late  payments,   changes  of  property   ownership  and  other
miscellaneous  services.  The income  realized  from such fees  varies  with the
volume of loans  made or  prepaid,  and the rates of fees vary from time to time
depending  on the  supply  of funds  and  other  competitive  conditions  in the
mortgage markets.

         Asset  Classification.  Federal  regulations  require  savings banks to
review their assets and to classify them as "substandard," "doubtful" or "loss,"
if warranted. If an institution's examiner concludes that the existing aggregate
valuation  allowances  established by the institution  for assets  classified as
substandard  or doubtful are  inadequate,  the examiner will  determine the need
for,  and  extent  of,  any  increase  necessary  in the  institution's  general
allowances for loan losses,  subject to review by the institution's OTS District
Director  or his  designee.  An  institution  may  either  establish  a specific
valuation  allowance for assets classified as a loss equal to 100% of the amount
classified  or charge  off such  amount,  in  either  case  adversely  affecting
regulatory  capital.  The regulation also has an asset  classification  category
entitled "assets deserving special mention." This category includes those assets
that do not  justify a  classification  of  substandard,  but do possess  credit
deficiencies or potential  weaknesses that, if not corrected,  could weaken such
assets and increase risk in the future. The regulation requires  institutions to
classify their assets  themselves  and to establish  prudent  general  valuation
allowances  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted   accounting   principles.
Moreover,  an institution is required to set aside adequate valuation allowances
to the extent an affiliate possesses assets that pose a risk to the institution.
In addition,  institutions are required to establish liabilities for off-balance
sheet  items,  such as letters  of  credit,  when a loss  becomes  probable  and
estimable.  Finally,  the  regulation  requires  an  institution's  examiner  to
consider  the  system  of  internal  controls  employed  by the  institution  in
classifying  its  assets  and to  examine  both the  classified  assets  and the
allowances  for loan  losses  established  by the  institution  pursuant  to the
self-classification  procedure.  An institution's failure to classify its assets
in a reasonable manner and to establish appropriate valuation allowances will be
considered by the examiner and the District  Director in determining  the amount
of valuation allowances to be established by the institution.

                                       132

<PAGE>

         The  following  table sets forth a breakdown of the  allowance for loan
losses.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Percent of loans
Balance at June 30, 1996                                 in each category
  Applicable to                        Amount             to total loans
                                       ------            ----------------
<S>                                  <C>                        <C>
Real estate.............             $  388,710                 58%
Commercial..............                203,681                 13
Agricultural............                131,788                  6
Consumer................                456,687                 23
                                     ----------                ---
                                     $1,180,866                100%
                                     ==========                ===
</TABLE>

         The following  table provides an analysis of loss  experience as of the
dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             At June 30,
                                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1996            1995           1994            1993           1992
                                                 ----            ----           ----            ----           ----
<S>                                           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>     
Balance at beginning of year................  $1,156,393      $1,138,942     $  568,195       $555,468       $445,093

Chargeoffs:
  Real estate...............................          --              --             --             --             --
  Commercial................................      10,402           2,983             --             --             --
  Agriculture...............................          --              --             --             --             --
  Consumer..................................      94,604          21,591         10,082            807         11,008
                                              ----------      ----------     ----------       --------       --------
                                                 105,006          24,574         10,082            807         11,008
Recoveries:
  Real estate...............................          --              --             --             --             --
  Commercial................................       2,411           2,983             --             --             --
  Agriculture...............................          --              --             --             --             --
  Consumer..................................       7,069           9,042            829          2,905          2,993
                                              ----------      ----------     ----------       --------       --------
                                                   9,479          12,025            829          2,905          2,993

Net charge-offs.............................      95,527          12,549          9,253        (2,098)          8,015
Provision charged to expense................     120,000          30,000         80,000         10,629        118,390
Acquired reserves...........................          --              --        500,000             --             --
                                              ----------      ----------     ----------       --------       --------
Balance at end of year......................  $1,180,866      $1,156,393     $1,138,942       $568,195       $555,468
                                              ==========      ==========     ==========       ========       ========
Ratio of net charge-offs during the year
  to average loans outstanding during
  the year..................................      0.0571%         0.0095%        0.0095%       -0.0029%        0.0122%
</TABLE>

                                       133

<PAGE>

         The following table sets forth non-accrual  loans,  accruing loans past
due 90  days or  more,  restructured  loans  (loans  which  are  "troubled  debt
restructurings"  under Statement of Financial  Accounting Standards No. 15), and
loans  made to  facilitate  the  sale of  property  acquired  in  settlement  or
foreclosure of delinquent loans as of the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             At June 30,
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1996            1995           1994            1993           1992
                                                 ----            ----           ----            ----           ----
                                                                    (In thousands except percents)
<S>                                              <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>   
Total non-performing assets.................     $668            $425           $843           $1,948         $3,263
  Reserves as a percentage of total loans...     0.62%           0.78%          0.95%            0.71%          0.85%
  Reserves as a percentage of non-
    performing assets.......................      177%            272%           135%              29%            17%

  Non-accrual loans.........................     $378            $176           $ 57           $   17         $  395
  Accruing loans contractually
    past due 90 days or more................       79              --             --               --             --
  Restructured loans........................      268             303            335              522          2,869
  Loans to facilitate.......................       --             355            365              374          4,195
                                                 ----            ----           ----           ------         ------
    Total...................................     $714            $834           $757           $  913         $7,459
                                                 ====            ====           ====           ======         ======
   Percent of total assets..................     0.19%           0.24%          0.22%            0.34%          2.97%
</TABLE>

         Restructured  loans and loans to  facilitate  at June 30, 1996 included
approximately  $11,000  of  commercial  real  estate  loans.  Also  included  in
restructured  loans and loans to facilitate at June 30, 1996 was an  approximate
$257,000  secured loan by multi-family  structures.  At June 30, 1996 there were
eleven loans on non-accrual status totaling approximately $378,000.

         It is the policy of Security Bank to discontinue  accruing  interest on
loans when payments have not been received after a predetermined  number of days
or  when  the  loan  account  is  in  the  process  of  being   restructured  or
renegotiated.  The principal is placed in non-accrual  status but no part of the
loan is charged to the reserve at this time. Any accrued interest  receivable is
reversed  against  interest  income.  The amount of foregone  interest income is
tracked and is recognized as income only after payment is received.

                                       134

<PAGE>

         The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated,  information
regarding delinquent loans.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                At June 30,
                             -------------------------------------------------
                             1996       1995       1994       1993        1992
                             ----       ----       ----       ----        ----
                                              (in thousands)
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C> 
Loans delinquent for:
   60-89 days.............   $530       $207       $265       $  35       $ 82
   90 or more days........    260        176         57          17        395
                             ----       ----       ----       -----       ----
Total.....................   $790       $383       $322       $  52       $477
                             ====       ====       ====       =====       ====
</TABLE>

         The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated,  the amounts
of foreclosed real estate held by Security Bank.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                At June 30,
                             -------------------------------------------------
                             1996       1995       1994       1993        1992
                             ----       ----       ----       ----        ----
                                              (in thousands)
<S>                           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>   
Foreclosed real estate....    $ 7        $ 1       $ --       $ 61       $2,122
</TABLE>

Deposits and Other Sources of Funds

         General. Savings and other types of deposit accounts have traditionally
been a  principal  source of  Security  Bank's  funds for use in lending and for
other general business purposes. In addition to deposits,  Security Bank derives
funds  from loan  repayments,  whole  loan and loan  participation  sales,  FHLB
advances and other borrowings. Scheduled loan payments traditionally have been a
relatively stable source of funds, while loan prepayments and deposit flows tend
to vary widely.  Borrowings may be used on a short-term  basis to compensate for
seasonal reductions in deposits or inflows at less than projected levels and may
be used on a longer term basis to support lending activities.  Deposit flows are
affected by the rates of interest  offered for deposits in savings  institutions
relative to competing investments.  The availability of funds from loan sales is
influenced by general market interest rates.

         Deposits.  Security Bank offers a number of different  types of deposit
accounts  including  savings  accounts and a variety of  fixed-term  certificate
accounts  with  different  maturities  and rates.  Security  Bank also  offers a
non-interest  bearing,  free checking  account and NOW and money market  deposit
accounts  that have minimum  balance  requirements  or service  charges if these
requirements are not met.

         Deposits in Security Bank  decreased $1.7 million from June 30, 1995 to
June 30, 1996,  decreased  $2.8 million from June 30, 1994 to June 30, 1995, and
increased  $87.5  million from June 30, 1993 to June 30, 1994  (including  $88.8
million of deposits assumed in the May 1994 branch acquisition).

         Security Bank does not currently solicit brokered deposits.

         Traditionally,  a relatively small amount of Security Bank's depositors
have resided outside of Montana.  Deposits are not solicited  outside the state.
At June 30, 1996, accounts held by out-of-state depositors totaled approximately
$12.4 million, or approximately 4.3% of Security Bank's total deposits.

                                       135

<PAGE>

         The  following  table sets forth the dollar  amount of various types of
deposit accounts at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   At June 30,
                                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1996           1995            1994           1993            1992
                                                       ----           ----            ----           ----            ----
                                                                             (in thousands)
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>     
No minimum term:
  Savings accounts...........................        $ 46,016       $ 48,760        $ 62,297       $ 35,699        $ 32,449
  Checking/NOW accounts......................          52,578         50,733          48,285         23,952          22,054
  Money market savings and
    checking accounts........................          18,134         16,806          15,547          5,941           6,640
                                                     --------       --------        --------       --------        --------
   Total no minimum term.....................         116,728        116,299         126,129         65,592          61,143
                                                     --------       --------        --------       --------        --------
Fixed term:
  3 month certificates.......................           2,777         11,971          11,487            762           1,226
  6 month certificates.......................          21,921         18,725          20,904         13,266          15,483
  1 year certificates........................          60,674         65,197          69,626         74,982          82,260
  2 year certificates........................          27,373         23,198          19,252         13,262          14,099
  3 year certificates........................          20,712         21,086          10,365          8,678           8,243
  5 year certificates........................           4,361         10,633           7,076          5,883           5,357
  Negotiated rate
    certificates ............................           9,235          9,502           9,991         10,523          12,480
  IRA/KEOGH accounts.........................          25,438         14,322          19,047         19,767          18,510
                                                     --------       --------        --------       --------        --------
   Total fixed-term (1)......................         172,491        174,634         167,748        147,123         157,658
                                                     --------       --------        --------       --------        --------
      Total deposits.........................        $289,219       $290,933        $293,877       $212,715        $218,801
                                                     ========       ========        ========       ========        ========
<FN>
(1)      Certificates   of   deposit  in  excess  of   $100,000   or  more  were
         approximately $18,163,000,  $20,170,000,  $17,445,000,  $16,502,000 and
         $17,963,000 at June 30, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>

         The following  table presents by various  interest rate  categories the
amounts of Security  Bank's time deposits at June 30, 1996,  which mature during
the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year ended June 30,
                       --------------------------------------------------------
   Stated Rate           1997             1998           1999        Thereafter
   -----------           ----             ----           ----        ----------
                                            (in thousands)
 <S>                   <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>   
 Under 3%              $     27              --             --             --
 3.00% to  3.99%            233              --             --             --
 4.00% to 4.99%          13,879         $ 1,175         $  118         $   25
 5.00% to 5.99%          82,197           9,647          4,685          1,004
 6.00% to 6.99%          18,523           9,393          3,216          2,903
 7.00% to 7.99%           8,856          13,615            526          2,240
 8.00% and over              61             168             --             --
                       --------         -------         ------         ------
     Total             $123,776         $33,998         $8,545         $6,172
                       ========         =======         ======         ======
</TABLE>

                                       136

<PAGE>

         The following  table presents the amounts of time deposits,  by various
interest rate categories at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               At June 30,
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                1996            1995              1994              1993              1992
                                ----            ----              ----              ----              ----
                                                             (in thousands)
<S>                           <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>     
 Under 3%                     $     27              --                --                --                --
 3.00% to 3.99%                    233        $     24          $ 69,085          $ 17,685          $  3,440
 4.00% to 4.99%                 15,197          17,390            56,297            82,075            53,512
 5.00% to 5.99%                 97,533          66,567            31,712            21,557            38,131
 6.00% to 6.99%                 34,035          64,883             8,245            17,195            42,453
 7.00% to 7.99%                 25,237          25,559             1,836             6,495            16,015
 8.00% and over                    229             211               573             2,116             4,107
                              --------        --------          --------          --------          --------
     Total                    $172,491        $174,634          $167,748          $147,123          $157,658
                              ========        ========          ========          ========          ========
</TABLE>

         Borrowings. The FHLB System functions in a reserve capacity for savings
banks and other member institutions.  As a member,  Security Bank is required to
own capital stock in the FHLB of Seattle and is authorized to apply for advances
from the FHLB on the  security  of that  stock and  certain  of its real  estate
secured  loans  and  other  assets.  Such  borrowings  may be made  pursuant  to
different credit programs offered from time to time by the FHLB of Seattle. Each
credit  program  has  its  own  interest  rate,   which  may  be  fixed-rate  or
variable-rate,  and range of maturities,  and the FHLB of Seattle prescribes the
acceptable uses to which such advances may be put, as well as limitations on the
sizes of the advances and repayment  provisions.  Security Bank may borrow up to
20% of its total assets and may also borrow from other commercial  sources.  The
advances are subject to a "blanket pledge agreement"  whereby  substantially all
assets of Security Bank are pledged to the FHLB.

         The following table sets forth information  concerning  Security Bank's
FHLB advances at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               At June 30,
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                1996            1995              1994              1993              1992
                                ----            ----              ----              ----              ----
                                                             (in thousands)
<S>                           <C>             <C>               <C>                <C>               <C>     
FHLB advances...............  $36,792         $19,542           $14,792            $26,542           $3,500
Weighted average interest
  rate on FHLB advances
  at end of period..........     5.45%           5.37%            4.691%             4.191%           4.025%
</TABLE>

         At June 30, 1996, a FHLB advance totaling $5.5 million is an amortizing
fixed-rate  advance  due in monthly  installments  of  $250,000  plus  interest,
through  April,  1998.  This  advance was  obtained to enable  Security  Bank to
purchase $15.0 million of  mortgage-backed  securities at a spread over the cost
of the advance. A short-term,  fixed rate advance totaling $20.0 million with an
interest rate of 4.71% is due July 5, 1996. FHLB advances totaling $11.3 million
are variable rate with a maturity  date of April 25, 1997,  but may be repaid at
any time without penalty. For additional  information  regarding Security Bank's
borrowings see Note 9 of Notes to Security's Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       137

<PAGE>

Other Investments

         Income from  investments  in  securities  generally  provides the third
largest  source of income for Security  Bank after  interest on  mortgage-backed
securities  and interest  and fees on loans.  Security  Bank is required,  under
applicable  regulations,  to maintain a minimum amount of liquid assets that may
be invested in  specified  short-term  securities  and also is permitted to make
certain other securities  investments.  Under OTS regulations,  Security Bank is
permitted to invest in commercial paper having one of the two highest investment
ratings of two  nationally  recognized  investment  rating  agencies and certain
types of rated corporate debt  securities,  provided,  among other  limitations,
that the average  maturity of Security  Bank's  portfolio of such corporate debt
securities  does not exceed  six  years.  In  addition,  under OTS  regulations,
Security  Bank may  invest an amount  equal to not more than one  percent of its
total assets in commercial  paper and corporate debt securities that do not meet
the rating and marketability  requirements,  but which it has reasonable grounds
to believe will be repaid. The foregoing  limitations do not apply,  however, to
any  corporate  debt  security  that is also a  "mortgage-related  security"  as
defined in the Secondary  Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984, which permits
federal savings banks to invest in such  mortgage-related  securities  without a
percentage of assets  limitation but subject to such other limitations as may be
prescribed.  To date,  regulations  have  not been  proposed  that  would  limit
Security  Bank's  ability  to invest in  mortgage-related  securities,  with the
exception of certain mortgage-related derivative products. Security Bank's total
investment  in the  commercial  paper and corporate  debt  securities of any one
issuer,  together with other loans to such issuer, is subject to Security Bank's
limitation  on  loans to one  borrower.  Savings  banks  may  not,  directly  or
indirectly  through a subsidiary,  acquire or retain any corporate debt security
that was not, when acquired,  rated in one of the four highest rating categories
by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization,  with the
exception of the one percent of total assets referred to above.

         At  June  30,  1996,  Security  Bank's  carrying  value  of  investment
securities consisted principally of $2.5 million in a U.S. government securities
portfolio mutual fund, $15.3 million in U.S.  government and agency  securities,
and $2.3 million in municipal bonds.

         Security  Bank's  assets at June 30, 1996 also  included  approximately
$2.7 million aggregate cash surrender value of life insurance  policies of which
Security Bank is the beneficiary covering certain management personnel. Security
Bank prepaid in full the premiums for such  policies in fiscal years 1988,  1993
and 1994 at a cost of approximately $1.7 million.

         Investment  decisions are made by authorized  officers of Security Bank
within policies established and approved by its Board of Directors.

Subsidiary

         OTS  regulations  permit federal savings banks to invest in the capital
stock,  obligations,  or other  specified  types of securities  of  subsidiaries
(referred to as "service  corporations") and to make loans to such subsidiaries,
and joint ventures in which such subsidiaries are participants,  in an aggregate
amount not exceeding 3% of Security  Bank's assets,  provided that not less than
one-half  of the  investment  which  exceeds 1% of assets is used for  specified
community or inner-city  development purposes. In addition,  federal regulations
permit  federal  savings  banks  to  make  specified  types  of  loans  to  such
subsidiaries  (other than  special-purpose  finance  subsidiaries)  in which the
institution owns more than 10% of the stock in an aggregate amount not exceeding
50% of the  institution's  regulatory  capital,  if its capital is in compliance
with applicable  regulations.  When an institution  fails to meet that standard,
such loans must be included in amounts invested under the general limit,  unless
a waiver is obtained from the OTS.

         At June 30, 1996, Security Bank had one subsidiary,  S.F.S. Industries,
Inc.  ("SFS").  Security  Bank's  investment  in the common stock of SFS totaled
$1,149,760 or approximately 0.3% of unconsolidated  assets at such date. At June
30, 1996, Security Bank's equity in SFS totaled $522,716.

         SFS was formed in 1984 and  conducts a  securities  brokerage  business
under the name Security  Financial Services in Security Bank's main office and a
real estate rental business.

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Employees

         At June  30,  1996,  Security  Bank  had  approximately  167  full-time
equivalent  employees,  none  of  whom  was  represented  by a  union  or  other
collective  bargaining  group.  Security Bank  believes its  relations  with its
employees are satisfactory.

Competition

         Security  Bank  faces  strong  competition  both in the  attraction  of
deposits and in the making of real estate,  commercial and consumer  loans.  The
most  direct  competition  for  deposits  has  come  historically  from  savings
institutions, credit unions and commercial banks located in its principal market
areas.  Security  Bank's  deposit  programs also compete with purchases of money
market mutual funds,  government  securities and other investment  alternatives.
Security Bank competes for deposits by offering a variety of deposit accounts at
interest rates based upon market rates of interest,  convenient  business hours,
and convenient branch locations.

         Security Bank's  competition  for  residential  real estate loans comes
principally from mortgage bankers,  savings  institutions,  commercial banks and
other institutional lenders.  Competition for commercial real estate loans comes
primarily from  commercial  banks in Billings and  commercial  banks and savings
institutions in Missoula, Kalispell, Butte, Lewistown and Anaconda.  Competition
for  consumer  loans  comes  from  commercial  banks,  credit  unions,   savings
institutions  and consumer finance  companies.  Security Bank competes for loans
principally  through  the  interest  rates and loan fees it  charges on its loan
programs.  Security  Bank's  competition  for  loans  varies  from  time to time
depending upon numerous factors  including the general  availability of lendable
funds and credit, economic conditions,  current interest rate levels, volatility
in the mortgage markets and other factors which are not readily predictable.

                           SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

Security

         General.  By virtue of its  ownership of Security  Bank,  Security is a
savings and loan  holding  company  within the meaning of Section 10 of the Home
Owners' Loan Act ("HOLA").  As such,  Security is registered with and subject to
examination and supervision by the OTS.

         Holding  Company  Structure.  HOLA prohibits a savings and loan holding
company,  directly or  indirectly,  from (1)  acquiring  control (as defined) of
another  insured  association  (or holding  company  thereof)  without prior OTS
approval;  (2) acquiring  more than 5% of the voting  shares of another  insured
association (or holding company  thereof) which is not a subsidiary,  subject to
certain exceptions;  or (3) acquiring through merger,  consolidation or purchase
of assets,  another  savings  association  (whether  or not it is insured by the
Savings  Association  Insurance  Fund ("SAIF") or  administered  by the FDIC) or
holding company thereof,  or acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of
such association (or holding company  thereof) without prior OTS approval.  When
an acquisition  would result in a savings and loan holding  company  controlling
savings  associations  located in different states,  certain other  restrictions
apply.  A director  or officer of a savings and loan  holding  company or person
owning or controlling more than 25% of such holding  company's voting shares may
not acquire control of any SAIF-insured association which is not a subsidiary of
such holding company, unless the OTS approves the acquisition in advance. If the
OTS  approves  such an  acquisition,  any  holding  company  controlled  by such
officer,  director or person is subject to the activities limitations that apply
to multiple savings and loan holding companies,  described below, unless certain
supervisory exceptions apply.

         Unless and until  Security  acquires as a separate  subsidiary  another
savings  association,  Security  will be a  unitary  savings  and  loan  holding
company.  Generally no restrictions apply to the activities of a unitary savings
and loan holding  company  whose sole  subsidiary  complies  with the  qualified
thrift lender  ("QTL") test described  under  "Security  Bank--Qualified  Thrift
Lender Test" below.

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<PAGE>

         If  Security  acquires  as  a  separate   subsidiary   another  insured
association, Security would then be a multiple savings and loan holding company,
which is  subject  to  limitations  specified  in HOLA on the types of  business
activities in which it may engage,  unless all savings association  subsidiaries
comply with the QTL test. In addition, if an insured institution subsidiary of a
unitary savings and loan holding company fails to meet the QTL test specified in
HOLA and regulations  thereunder,  such holding company (1) then becomes subject
to the activity  restrictions  applicable  to multiple  savings and loan holding
companies  specified  in HOLA and (2) must  register as a bank  holding  company
within one year of the  failure  of its  subsidiary  to qualify or to  requalify
under the QTL test.

         Under  certain  conditions,  a savings  and loan  holding  company  may
acquire less than  controlling or  non-controlling  interests in  non-subsidiary
savings  associations  with OTS  approval.  Subject  to certain  limitations,  a
savings and loan holding  company also may purchase up to 15% of the shares of a
savings  association in a qualified stock issuance.  Any such acquisition is not
deemed a controlling interest.  Only solvent associations that do not meet their
capital  requirements may engage in a qualified stock issuance.  In addition,  a
savings and loan holding company or its  subsidiaries  may not acquire more than
5%  in  the  aggregate  of  the  voting  stock  of  any  non-subsidiary  savings
association or savings association holding company.  This 5% limitation does not
apply to certain types of  acquisitions,  including  acquisitions as a bona fide
fiduciary, as an underwriter or in an account solely for trading purposes.

         Transactions with Affiliates.  Security and its savings bank subsidiary
will be deemed  affiliates  within the meaning of the Federal  Reserve  Act, and
transactions  between  affiliates  are  subject to certain  restrictions.  These
restrictions  apply to Security  and its  savings  bank  subsidiary  pursuant to
Section 11 of HOLA.  Section 11 of HOLA  provides that  transactions  between an
insured  subsidiary of a holding  company and its  affiliates are subject to the
restrictions  applicable to  transactions  between banks that are members of the
Federal  Reserve System and their  affiliates  under Sections 23A and 23B of the
Federal  Reserve  Act.  Generally,  Sections 23A and 23B (1) limit the extent to
which the  financial  institution  or its  subsidiaries  may engage in  "covered
transactions" with an affiliate,  as defined,  to an amount equal to 10% of such
institution's   capital  and  surplus  and  an  aggregate   limit  on  all  such
transactions  with all  affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and
surplus and (2) require that all transactions with an affiliate,  whether or not
"covered  transactions,"  be on terms  substantially  the  same,  or at least as
favorable  to  the   institution   or   subsidiary,   as  those  provided  to  a
non-affiliate.  The term  "covered  transaction"  includes  the making of loans,
purchase  of  assets,  issuance  of a  guarantee  and  other  similar  types  of
transactions.

         In  addition  to  the   restrictions  in  Sections  23A  and  23B,  OTS
regulations  apply three other  restrictions  to savings banks,  including those
that are part of a holding company  organization.  First,  savings banks may not
make any loan or extension of credit to an  affiliate  unless that  affiliate is
engaged only in activities  permissible  for a national  bank.  Second,  savings
banks may not  purchase  or invest in  affiliate  securities  except  those of a
subsidiary. Finally, the Director of the OTS is granted authority to impose more
stringent restrictions for reasons of safety and soundness.

         Regulation of Management.  Federal law (1) sets forth the circumstances
under which officers or directors of a financial  institution  may be removed by
the institution's  federal  supervisory agency, (2) places restraints on lending
by  an  institution  to  its  executive   officers,   directors,   or  principal
shareholders and their related interests, and (3) prohibits management personnel
from serving as a director or in other management positions of another financial
institution whose assets exceed a specified amount or which has an office within
a specified geographic area.

         Commitments to Affiliated Institutions. As a result of the enactment of
the  Financial  Institutions  Reform,  Recovery,  and  Enforcement  Act of  1989
("FIRREA"),  a depository institution insured by the FDIC can be held liable for
any loss incurred by, or  reasonably  expected to be incurred by, the FDIC after
August 9, 1989, in connection with (1) the default of a commonly-controlled FDIC
insured depository institution or (2) any assistance provided by the FDIC to any
commonly  controlled  insured  depository  institution  in  danger  of  default.
Depository  institutions are commonly  controlled for purposes of this provision
if the  institutions are controlled by the same holding company or if one of the
institutions  controls  the  other.   "Default"  is  defined  generally  as  any
adjudication  or other official  determination  pursuant to which a conservator,
receiver, or other legal custodian is appointed. An institution is "in danger of
default" when (1) the  institution or insured branch is not likely to be able to
meet the

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demands of depositors or pay  obligations in the normal course of business,  and
there is no "reasonable prospect" that the institution or branch will be able to
do so without federal  assistance;  or (2) the institution or insured branch has
incurred or is likely to incur losses that will deplete all or substantially all
of its capital,  and there is no "reasonable  prospect" that the capital will be
replenished  without  federal  assistance.  Security  Bank  is  an  FDIC-insured
depository institution within the meaning of FIRREA.

         FIRREA  contains  provisions  affecting  numerous  other aspects of the
operation and regulation of financial institutions as well. Furthermore,  FIRREA
empowers  the OTS  and  the  FDIC to  promulgate  regulations  implementing  the
provisions of FIRREA,  including  regulations defining certain terms used in the
statute  and  regulations  exercising  or  defining  the  limits  of  regulatory
discretion conferred by the statute.

         Tie-In  Arrangements.  Security  and its savings  bank  subsidiary  are
prohibited  from engaging in certain tie-in  arrangements in connection with any
extension of credit,  sale or lease of property or furnishing  of services.  For
example,  with certain exceptions,  Security and its savings bank subsidiary may
not  condition an extension of credit to a customer on either (1) a  requirement
that the customer obtain additional  services provided by it or (2) an agreement
by the customer to refrain from obtaining other services from a competitor.

         State Law  Restrictions.  As a corporation  chartered under the laws of
the State of Montana,  Security may also be subject to certain  limitations  and
restrictions as provided under applicable Montana corporate law.

         Securities Registration and Reporting.  The common stock of Security is
registered as a class with the Securities and Exchange  Commission ("SEC") under
the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934. Thus,  Security is subject to the periodic
reporting  and  proxy   solicitation   requirements   and  the   insider-trading
restrictions  of that Act. The periodic  reports,  proxy  statements,  and other
information  filed by Security  under that Act can be inspected and copied at or
obtained  from the  Washington,  D.C.,  office  of the  SEC.  In  addition,  the
securities  issued by Security are subject to the  registration  requirements of
the  Securities  Act  of  1933  and  applicable  state  securities  laws  unless
exemptions are available.

         General.  Security Bank, as a federally-chartered  savings association,
is subject to federal  regulation  and  oversight  by the OTS  extending  to all
aspects of its  operations.  Security Bank is further  subject to (1) regulation
and examination by the FDIC,  which insures the deposits of Security Bank to the
maximum extent permitted by law, and (2) certain requirements established by the
Federal  Reserve  Board.  In addition,  Security  Bank is subject to  regulation
incidental to its  membership in the FHLB.  The lending,  investment,  and other
business  activities of Security Bank must comply with various  federal laws and
regulatory  requirements,  including  requirements  governing  such  matters  as
capital  standards,  reserves  against  deposits,  timing of the availability of
deposited  funds,  nature  and  amount of and  collateral  for  loans,  mergers,
establishment  of branch offices,  subsidiary  investments  and activities,  and
general investment  authority.  The laws and regulations governing Security Bank
generally have been promulgated to protect depositors and not for the purpose of
protecting stockholders of such institutions or their holding companies.

         As a creditor and a financial institution,  Security Bank is subject to
various  regulations  promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulations
include, without limitation, Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity), Regulation
D (Reserves),  Regulation E (Electronic Fund Transfers),  Regulation Z (Truth in
Lending),  Regulation  CC  (Availability  of Funds) and  Regulation DD (Truth in
Savings).  Furthermore,  as creditors of loans  secured by real  property and as
owners of real property, Security Bank, and other financial institutions, may be
subject to potential liability under various statutes and regulations applicable
to property owners generally, including statutes and regulations relating to the
environmental condition of real property.

         The OTS has extensive  enforcement  authority  over all savings  banks.
This authority  includes,  without  limitation,  the ability to (1) assess civil
money penalties,  (2) issue cease-and-desist or removal orders, and (3) initiate
injunctive actions.  In general,  these enforcement actions may be initiated for
violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Except under
certain   circumstances,   federal  law  requires  public  disclosure  of  final
enforcement actions by the OTS.

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         Grounds for  appointment  of a  conservator  or receiver  for a savings
association on the basis of an institution's  financial  condition include:  (1)
insolvency,  meaning  that the  assets  of the  association  are  less  than its
liabilities to depositors and others;  (2) substantial  dissipation of assets or
earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices; (3) existence
of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business;  (4) likelihood that the
association  will be unable to meet the demands of its  depositors or to pay its
obligations in the normal course of business;  and (5)  insufficient  capital or
the incurring or likely incurring of losses that will deplete  substantially all
capital with no reasonable  prospect of replenishment of capital without federal
assistance.

         The  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  Improvement  Act of 1991
("FDICIA")  requires federal banking regulators to adopt regulations in a number
of areas to ensure  bank safety and  soundness.  These  areas  include,  without
limitation,  internal controls,  credit underwriting,  asset growth,  management
compensation,  ratios of  classified  assets to capital,  and  earnings.  Recent
legislation  allows federal  regulatory  agencies to implement  these  standards
through either guidelines or regulations.  FDICIA also contains provisions which
are intended to (1) change independent auditing  requirements,  (2) restrict the
activities of state-chartered  insured banks, (3) amend various consumer banking
laws,  (4) limit the  ability  of  "undercapitalized  banks" to borrow  from the
Federal Reserve Board's discount window,  and (5) require  regulators to perform
annual on-site bank examinations and set standards for real estate lending.

         Loans-to-One  Borrower.  Security Bank is subject to limitations on the
aggregate amount of loans that it can make to any one borrower.  For purposes of
these rules,  the term  "borrower"  includes (1) the person named as borrower or
debtor on the loan and (2) all other persons,  including  drawers,  endorsers or
guarantors, (i) deemed to directly benefit from the loan proceeds or (ii) when a
common  enterprise  is deemed to exist between the named debtor and such person.
Applicable  regulations  generally do not permit loans-to-one borrower to exceed
15% of unimpaired capital and surplus;  however,  loans in an amount equal to an
additional 10% of unimpaired  capital and surplus also may be made to a borrower
if the loans are fully  secured by  readily  marketable  securities.  In certain
circumstances,  as set forth in OTS regulations, loans to more than one borrower
must be combined for purposes of these  limitations.  The OTS by regulation  has
amended the loans-to-one borrower rules applicable to savings associations, such
as Security Bank, to permit savings associations  meeting certain  requirements,
including fully phased-in capital requirements,  to extend loans-to-one borrower
in  additional  amounts  under  circumstances  limited  essentially  to loans to
develop or complete  residential  housing units.  As of June 30, 1996,  Security
Bank was in compliance with applicable loans-to-one-borrower requirements.

         Insurance of Accounts.  Generally,  customer  deposit accounts in banks
are  insured by the FDIC for up to a maximum  amount of  $100,000.  The FDIC has
adopted a risk-based  insurance  assessment system. Under this system, a bank or
savings  association  with  deposits  insured by the BIF is  required  to pay an
assessment  ranging  from  $0  to  $.27  per  $100  of  deposits  based  on  the
institution's  risk  classification.  Banks at the zero assessment rate will pay
the statutory minimum of $2,000 for deposit insurance.

         The risk classification is based on an assignment of the institution by
the  FDIC  to one of  three  capital  groups  and  to one of  three  supervisory
subgroups. The capital groups are "well capitalized,"  "adequately capitalized,"
and  "undercapitalized."  The  three  supervisory  subgroups  are Group "A" (for
financially sound institutions with only a few minor weaknesses), Group "B" (for
those   institutions  with  weaknesses   which,  if  uncorrected,   could  cause
substantial  deterioration  of the  institution and increase risk to the deposit
insurance  fund),  and  Group "C' (for  those  institutions  with a  substantial
probability of loss to the fund absent effective corrective action).

         The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured  depository
institution  if it  determines  after a  hearing  that (1) the  institution  has
engaged or is  engaging in unsafe or unsound  practices,  (2) is in an unsafe or
unsound  condition to continue  operations,  or (3) has violated any  applicable
law. The insurance  may be terminated  permanently,  if the  institution  has no
tangible  capital.  If deposit  insurance  is  terminated,  the  accounts at the
institution  at  the  time  of the  termination,  less  subsequent  withdrawals,
continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by
the FDIC. Management is aware of no existing circumstances which could result in
termination of the deposit insurance of Security Bank.

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         The  deposits  of savings  associations,  such as  Security  Bank,  are
presently  insured  by the  SAIF,  which  together  with  the  BIF,  are the two
insurance  funds  administered  by the FDIC.  Financial  institutions  which are
members  of the BIF  are  experiencing  substantially  lower  deposit  insurance
premiums  because the BIF has achieved its required  level of reserves while the
SAIF has not yet achieved its required reserves. In order to help eliminate this
disparity and any competitive  disadvantage due to disparate  deposit  insurance
premium schedules, legislation to recapitalize the SAIF was enacted in September
1996.

         The legislation requires a special one-time assessment of approximately
65.7 cents per $100 of SAIF insured  deposits held by Security Bank at March 31,
1995. As a result, the one-time special assessment will result in a tax affected
charge to earnings of approximately  $838,000 during the quarter ended September
30, 1996.  The  legislation is intended to fully  recapitalize  the SAIF fund so
that  commercial bank and thrift deposits will be charged the same FDIC premiums
beginning January 1, 1997. As of such date deposit insurance premiums for highly
rated institutions, such as the Bank, have been eliminated.

         Security Bank, however, will continue to be subject to an assessment to
fund  repayment  of the  FICO  obligations.  It is  anticipated  that  the  FICO
assessment for SAIF insured  institutions  will be  approximately  6.5 cents per
$100 of deposits while BIF insured institutions will pay approximately 1.5 cents
per $100 of deposits until the year 2000 when the assessment  will be imposed at
the same rate on all FDIC insured institutions.  Accordingly, as a result of the
reduction of the SAIF assessment and the resulting FICO  assessment,  the annual
after tax decrease in assessment costs is expected to be approximately  $209,000
based upon a September 30, 1996 assessment base.

         Regulatory Capital Requirements. Federally insured savings associations
such as Security  Bank are  required to maintain  minimum  levels of  regulatory
capital.   Pursuant  to  FIRREA,  the  OTS  has  established  capital  standards
applicable to all savings  associations.  These  standards  generally must be as
stringent as the comparable capital  requirements imposed on national banks. The
OTS also is  authorized  to  impose  capital  requirements  in  excess  of these
standards on individual associations on a case-by-case basis.

         Savings   associations   must  satisfy  three   different  OTS  capital
requirements.  Under these standards,  savings  associations must maintain:  (1)
"tangible"  capital equal to at least 1.5% of adjusted total assets,  (2) "core"
capital  equal  to at  least  3% of  adjusted  total  assets  (however,  savings
associations  must  generally  have core capital  equal to 4% of adjusted  total
assets to be adequately  capitalized for purposes of prompt  corrective  action,
discussed in more detail below); and (3) "supplementary"  capital equal to 8% of
"risk-weighted"  assets.  For  purposes  of the  regulation,  "core  capital" is
defined  as  common   stockholders'   equity  (including   retained   earnings),
non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus, minority interests
in  the   equity   accounts   of  fully   consolidated   subsidiaries,   certain
non-withdrawable  accounts  and pledged  deposits  and  "qualifying  supervisory
goodwill."  Core  capital  is  generally  reduced  by the  amount  of a  savings
association's intangible assets, although limited exceptions to the deduction of
intangible  assets are  provided for  purchased  mortgage  servicing  rights and
certain other intangibles.  Tangible capital is core capital less all intangible
assets, with a limited exception for purchased mortgage servicing rights.

         Both core and tangible capital are also reduced by an amount equal to a
savings  association's  debt and equity  investments in subsidiaries  engaged in
activities not permissible for national banks (other than  subsidiaries  engaged
in  activities  undertaken  as  agent  for  customers  or  in  mortgage  banking
activities and subsidiary  depository  institutions or their holding companies).
These  requirements did not materially affect the regulatory capital of Security
Bank.

         A savings  association  is  allowed to include  both core  capital  and
supplementary  capital in the  calculation  of its total capital for purposes of
the  risk-based  capital  requirements,  as long as the amount of  supplementary
capital  included  does not  exceed  the  savings  association's  core  capital.
Supplementary  capital  consists of (1) certain capital  instruments that do not
qualify as core capital and (2) general valuation loan and lease loss allowances
up to a maximum of 1.25% of  risk-weighted  assets.  In determining the required
amount of risk-based capital, total assets,  including certain off-balance sheet
items,  are  multiplied by a risk weight based on the risks inherent in the type
of

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assets. For example, some risk weights assigned by the OTS for certain principal
categories of assets are as follows:

         (a)   0% for cash and securities issued by the United States Government
               to the extent unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit
               of the United States Government;

         (b)   20% for securities (other than equity  securities)  issued by the
               United  States  Government  which are not  unconditionally backed
               by the full  faith  and credit of  the United  States Government;

         (c)   20% for  securities  (other  than equity  securities)  issued  by
               United States  Government-sponsored  agencies  and  high  quality
               mortgage-related  securities except  for collateralized  mortgage
               obligation residual classes;

         (d)   50% for qualifying residential  construction loans, as defined by
               OTS regulations; and

         (e)   100% for most  other loans  and  investments,  including  without
               limitation, consumer loans,  commercial loans, home equity loans,
               non-qualifying  mortgage loans,  residential construction  loans,
               and certain equity investments.

Off-balance  sheet items also are  adjusted to take into  account  certain  risk
characteristics.  The  risk-based  capital  requirement  is 8% of  risk-weighted
assets.  The OTS requires  savings  associations  to have and maintain a minimum
leverage  ratio of core  capital in the amount  equal to at least 3% of adjusted
total assets.

         Interest-Rate-Risk  ("IRR")  Component.  FDICIA  requires  each federal
banking  agency  to  revise  its  risk-based   capital   standards  for  insured
institutions  to ensure  that  those  standards  (1) take  adequate  account  of
interest-rate  risk  ("IRR"),  concentration  of  credit  risk and the  risks of
nontraditional  activities,  and (2) reflect the actual performance and expected
risk of loss on multi-family residential loans. In August 1993, the OTS added an
IRR component to its risk-based  capital  standards,  effective January 1, 1994.
The IRR component is a dollar amount,  equal to one-half the difference  between
an  institution's  measured  exposure and a normal  level of  exposure,  that is
deducted  from total  capital for the purpose of  calculating  an  institution's
risk-based capital requirement. An association's measured IRR is the change that
occurs  in its Net  Portfolio  Value  (NPV) as a  result  of a 200  basis  point
increase  or  decrease  in  interest  rates  (whichever  leads to the lower NPV)
divided by the  estimated  economic  value  (present  value) of its assets.  NPV
equals the present value of expected cash inflows from existing  assets less the
present value of expected cash  outflows  from  existing  liabilities,  plus the
present  value of net  expected  cash inflows from  existing  off-balance  sheet
contracts. An institution with a measured IRR of less than 2% has a normal level
of IRR. Only institutions whose measured IRR exceeds 2% are required to maintain
an IRR component.  An association is required to maintain capital of at least 8%
of risk-weighted assets, after the IRR component is deducted.

         On September 6, 1996, the federal  banking  agencies  published a joint
final rule amending their respective risk-based capital standards to incorporate
a measure for market  risk to cover all  positions  located in an  institution's
trading account and foreign exchange and commodity  positions  wherever located.
This final rule takes effect on January 1, 1997,  and implements an amendment to
the Basle Capital  Accord that sets forth a supervisory  framework for measuring
market  risk.  The  final  rule  effectively  requires  banks  and bank  holding
companies  with  significant  exposure to market risk to measure that risk using
its own internal  value-at-risk  model,  subject to the  parameters of the final
rule,  and to hold a sufficient  amount of capital to support the  institution's
risk exposure.

         Institutions  subject to this final rule must be in compliance  with it
by January 1, 1998. This final rule applies to any bank or bank holding company,
regardless  of size,  whose  trading  activity  equals  10% or more of its total
assets,  or whose trading  activity equals $1 billion or more. An  institution's
trading  activity  is  defined  as the sum of its  trading  assets  and  trading
liabilities  as reported in its most recent call report for a bank,  or its most
recent Y-9C Report for a bank holding  company.  Total assets means  quarter-end
total assets.  The agencies may require an institution not otherwise  subject to
the final rule to comply with it for safety and soundness reasons and may exempt
an institution otherwise subject to the final rule from compliance under certain
circumstances.

                                       144

<PAGE>

         Compliance  with  Capital  Requirements.  Failure of  Security  Bank to
maintain  any  required  level  of  capital  could  have  a  number  of  adverse
consequences.   These  consequences  include  (1)  the  imposition  of  numerous
restrictions on the  institution's  lending,  investment,  deposit and borrowing
activities,  capital  expenditures and compensation and employment practices and
(2) possible restrictions on growth of the institution. An institution that does
not have adequate capital or that is not in compliance with a capital  directive
may be deemed to be in an unsafe  and  unsound  condition.  FIRREA  expands  the
grounds for  appointment of a conservator or receiver for a savings  institution
to include  being in an unsafe  and  unsound  condition  to  transact  business.
Furthermore,  under certain  conditions,  which include an institution's lack of
any  tangible  capital,  the FDIC may seek to suspend an  institution's  deposit
insurance.  Finally,  FDICIA  provides  that a regulator may treat an "unsafe or
unsound" institution as if it were at a lower capital level, thus subjecting the
institution to greater restrictions on its activities.

         The following table sets forth Security Bank's  compliance with each of
the above-described regulatory capital requirements at June 30, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Tangible       Core        Risk-Based
                                                 Capital       Capital      Capital(1)
                                                 -------       -------      ----------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>  
Regulatory capital as a percentage of assets      7.3%           7.3%          14.7%

Minimum capital required as a percentage          1.5%           3.0%           8.0%

Excess regulatory capital as a percentage in 
excess of requirement                             5.8%           4.3%           6.7%
                                                  ====           ====          =====
<FN>
(1)  Reflects fully phased-in deductions from total capital.
</FN>
</TABLE>

         Prompt Corrective Action.  Under FDICIA, each federal banking agency is
required to  implement  a system of prompt  corrective  action for  institutions
which it regulates.  The federal  banking  agencies  have adopted  substantially
similar regulations, intended to implement this prompt corrective action system.
Under the  regulations,  an  institution is (1) "well  capitalized"  if it has a
total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or more, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio
of 6% or more, a Tier I leverage  capital ratio of 5% or more and is not subject
to specified  requirements to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any
capital  measure;  (2)  "adequately  capitalized"  if it has a total  risk-based
capital ratio of 8% or more, a Tier I risk-based  capital ratio of 4% or more, a
Tier I leverage capital ratio of 4% or more (3% under certain circumstances) and
does not meet the definition of "well capitalized;" (3) "undercapitalized" if it
has a total  risk-based  capital ratio of under 8%, a Tier I risk-based  capital
ratio of  under 4% and a Tier I  leverage  capital  ratio of under 4% (3%  under
certain circumstances);  (4) "significantly  undercapitalized" if it has a total
risk-based capital ratio of under 6%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of under
3%,  a  Tier  I  leverage  capital  ratio  of  under  3%;  and  (5)  "critically
undercapitalized"  if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets of 2% or
less.

         FDICIA and implementing regulations also provide that a federal banking
agency may,  after notice and an  opportunity  for a hearing,  reclassify a well
capitalized  institution  as  adequately  capitalized.  Also, a federal  banking
agency may require an adequately capitalized  institution or an undercapitalized
institution  to comply with  supervisory  action as if it were in the next lower
category if the institution is in an unsafe or unsound  condition or is engaging
in an  unsafe or  unsound  practice.  The FDIC may not,  however,  reclassify  a
significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized.

         An institution  generally must file a written capital  restoration plan
which meets specified  requirements,  as well as a performance  guaranty by each
company that  controls the  institution,  with an  appropriate  federal  banking
agency  within 45 days of the date that the  institution  receives  notice or is
deemed   to   have   notice   that   it   is   undercapitalized,   significantly
undercapitalized  or  critically  undercapitalized.  Immediately  upon  becoming
undercapitalized,  an  institution  becomes  subject  to various  mandatory  and
discretionary restrictions on its operations.

                                       145

<PAGE>

         At June 30, 1996,  Security Bank was a "well  capitalized"  institution
under the prompt corrective action regulations of the OTS.

         Liquidity Requirements.  All savings associations such as Security Bank
are required to maintain an average  daily  balance of liquid  assets equal to a
certain  percentage of the sum of its average daily balance of net  withdrawable
deposit  accounts  and  borrowings  payable in one year or less.  The  liquidity
requirement  may vary  from time to time  (between  4% and 10%)  depending  upon
economic  conditions  and  savings  flows of all  savings  associations.  At the
present time, the required liquid asset ratio is 5%.

         Liquid assets for purposes of this ratio include  specified  short-term
assets (e.g.,  cash,  certain time deposits,  certain  banker's  acceptances and
short-term  United States Government  obligations),  and long-term assets (e.g.,
United States  Government  obligations of more than one and less than five years
and state  agency  obligations  with a minimum  term of 18  months).  Short-term
liquid assets currently must constitute at least 1% of an association's  average
daily  balance of net  withdrawable  deposit  accounts  and current  borrowings.
Monetary  penalties may be imposed upon associations for violations of liquidity
requirements.

         For  information  concerning  Security's  compliance with the foregoing
requirements,  see  the  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 hereof.

         Qualified Thrift Lender Test. In order to avoid certain restrictions on
their operations, all savings associations,  such as Security Bank, are required
to meet a qualified thrift lender ("QTL") test. A savings  association that does
not meet the QTL test and implementing regulations must either convert to a bank
charter or comply with the following  restrictions  on its  operations:  (1) the
association  may not  engage  in any new  activity  or make any new  investment,
directly or indirectly,  unless such activity or investment is permissible for a
national bank;  (2) the branching  powers of the  association  are restricted to
those of a national  bank;  (3) the  association  is not  eligible to obtain any
advances from its FHLB without prior OTS approval;  and (4) payment of dividends
by the association is subject to the rules  regarding  payment of dividends by a
national bank.  Three years  following the date the  association  ceases to be a
QTL, it must cease any activity and not retain any  investment  not  permissible
for a national bank and immediately repay any outstanding FHLB advances (subject
to safety and soundness considerations).

         The QTL test requires that Qualified Thrift  Investments  represent 65%
of portfolio assets and 70% of tangible assets. Under OTS regulations, portfolio
assets are defined as total assets less intangibles,  property used by a savings
association in its business and liquidity investments in an amount not exceeding
20% of assets.  Under the amended  definition of Qualified  Thrift  Investments,
liquidity  investments  and the book value of property used in an  association's
business are not considered Qualified Thrift Investments. In addition, Qualified
Thrift  Investments  do not include any intangible  assets.  Subject to a 20% of
portfolio  assets  limit,  however,  savings  associations  are able to treat as
Qualified Thrift  Investments 200% of their  investments in (1) loans to finance
"starter homes;" (2) loans for the  construction,  development or improvement of
domestic  residential  housing and community service facilities located within a
"credit-needy  area;" and (3) loans to certain small  businesses  located within
credit-needy areas. A savings association that fails to maintain QTL status will
be permitted to re-qualify one time, and if it fails the QTL test a second time,
it will become  immediately  subject to all  penalties  as if all time limits on
such penalties had expired.

         At June 30, 1996,  approximately  87.02% of Security Bank's assets were
invested in Qualified Thrift Investments,  which was in excess of the percentage
required to qualify Security Bank under the QTL test in effect at that time.

         Restrictions on Capital Distributions.  Generally,  FDICIA prohibits an
insured  institution  from  declaring  any  dividends,  making any other capital
distribution,  or paying a management fee to a controlling  person if, following
the  distribution or payment,  the institution  would be within any of the three
undercapitalized  capital adequacy  categories (see "Prompt Corrective  Action",
above).  OTS regulations govern capital  distributions by savings  associations,
including  dividends,  stock  repurchases,  cash-out mergers,  capitalization of
holding companies in a reorganization and certain other  transactions  involving
the pay-out of capital, which may be found by the OTS

                                       146

<PAGE>

to  be  subject  to  the  capital  distribution  regulations.  Generally,  these
regulations  create a safe harbor for specified levels of capital  distributions
from associations meeting at least their minimum capital  requirements,  so long
as such associations notify the OTS and receive no objection to the distribution
from the  OTS.  Prior  OTS  approval  is  required  before  making  any  capital
distributions  if the associations  and/or  distributions do not qualify for the
safe harbor.

         Generally,  Tier 1 associations,  which are savings  associations  that
before and after the proposed  distribution meet or exceed their fully phased-in
capital requirements, may make capital distributions during any calendar year up
to the  amount  that  would  reduce its  surplus  capital  ratio to no less than
one-half of its surplus capital ratio at the beginning of the calendar year. The
"surplus  capital  ratio"  is  defined  to mean  the  percentage  by  which  the
association's  ratio of total  capital-to-assets  exceeds the ratio of its fully
phased-in capital requirement to assets.  "Fully phased-in capital  requirement"
is defined to mean an association's  capital requirement under the statutory and
regulatory standards applicable on December 31, 1994, as modified to reflect any
applicable  individual minimum capital requirement imposed upon the association.
At June 30, 1996,  Security Bank was a Tier 1 association  under the OTS capital
distribution regulation. The amount of allowable distributions was approximately
$8.4 million as of June 30, 1996.

         Tier 2 associations,  which are associations  that before and after the
proposed distribution meet or exceed their current minimum capital requirements,
but  do  not  meet  January  1,  1995,  capital  requirements,  or  are  Tier  I
associations  which have been placed into Tier II by the OTS,  may make  capital
distributions  over  the most  recent  four  quarter  period  up to a  specified
percentage of their net income during that four quarter period, depending on how
close the  association is to meeting its fully phased-in  capital  requirements.
Tier 2 associations  that meet the capital  requirements in effect on January 1,
1993, (including the 8% risk-based requirement and then-applicable exclusions on
non-permissible  subsidiary  investments  and  goodwill)  are  permitted to make
distributions  totalling up to 75% of net income over the four  quarter  period.
Tier 2  associations  that  meet  the  January  1,  1991,  capital  requirements
(including the 7.2% risk-based requirement and the then-applicable exclusions of
non-permissible  subsidiary  investments  and  goodwill)  are  permitted to make
distributions totalling up to 50% of net income over the four quarter period.

         In order to make  distributions  under these safe  harbors,  Tier 1 and
Tier 2  associations  must  submit  30 days  written  notice to the OTS prior to
making the distribution.  The OTS may object to the distribution during that 30-
day  period  based on safety  and  soundness  concerns.  In  addition,  a Tier 1
association  deemed to be in need of more than normal supervision by the OTS may
be  downgraded  to a  Tier  2 or  Tier  3  association  as a  result  of  such a
determination.

         Tier 3 associations are  associations  that do not meet current minimum
capital  requirements,  or that have  capital  in excess of either  their  fully
phased-in capital requirement or minimum capital requirement but which have been
notified by the OTS that it will be treated as a Tier 3 association because they
are in need of more than normal supervision. Tier 3 associations cannot make any
capital  distribution  without  obtaining  OTS  approval  prior to  making  such
distributions.

         Rules  proposed by the OTS in December  1994 would  revise and simplify
the OTS capital  distribution  regulations  described  above,  by conforming the
rules to the  prompt  corrective  action  system.  At this  time,  it is unclear
whether the OTS will adopt these proposed rules; and if they are adopted,  it is
impossible to predict the impact, if any, of these regulations on Security Bank.

         Federal Home Loan Bank System. Security Bank is a member of the FHLB of
Seattle,  which  is one of  the 13  regional  FHLBs  that  administer  the  home
financing  credit  functions  of  savings  associations.  Each FHLB  serves as a
reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded
primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the
FHLB  System.  It makes loans to members  (i.e.,  advances) in  accordance  with
policies and  procedures  established  by the Board of Directors of the FHLB. At
June 30, 1996, advances from the FHLB of Seattle amounted to approximately $36.8
million.

         As a member,  Security Bank is required to purchase and maintain  stock
in the FHLB of Seattle in an amount equal to at least 1% of its aggregate unpaid
residential mortgage loans, home purchase contracts or similar

                                       147

<PAGE>

obligations  at the beginning of each year. At June 30, 1996,  Security Bank had
$3.1 million in FHLB stock,  which was  sufficient to remain in compliance  with
this requirement.

         The FHLBs are required to provide funds for the  resolution of troubled
savings  associations  and to contribute to affordable  housing programs through
direct loans or interest subsidies on advances targeted for community investment
in low- and moderate-income housing projects. These contributions have adversely
affected  the level of FHLB  dividends  paid and could  continue to do so in the
future.  These  contributions  also could have an adverse effect on the value of
FHLB stock in the future. Dividends paid by the FHLB of Seattle to Security Bank
for the years  ended June 30, 1996 and 1995,  totalled  $222,285  and  $171,418,
respectively.

         Federal  Reserve  System.   The  Federal  Reserve  Board  requires  all
depository  institutions to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts
(primarily NOW and Super NOW checking  accounts) and non-personal time deposits.
Currently,  reserves of 3% must be maintained against total transaction accounts
of $49.8  million  or less  (after a $4.2  million  exemption),  and an  initial
reserve of 10% (subject to  adjustment  by the Federal  Reserve Board to a level
between 8% and 14%) must be maintained against that portion of total transaction
accounts  in excess  of such  amount.  At June 30,  1996,  Security  Bank was in
compliance with applicable requirements.

         The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the
Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy applicable liquidity  requirements.
Because  required  reserves  must be  maintained  in the form of vault cash or a
non-interest-bearing  account  at a Federal  Reserve  Bank,  the  effect of this
reserve requirement is to reduce the earning assets of Security Bank.

Recent Federal Legislation.

         Interstate  Banking and Branching.  The Riegle-Neal  Interstate Banking
and Branching  Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Interstate Act") permits  nationwide
interstate  banking  and  branching.   This  legislation   generally  authorizes
interstate branching and relaxes federal law restrictions on interstate banking.
These new interstate banking and branching powers will be phased in through next
year and  individual  states  have  authority  to "opt out" of  certain of these
provisions.  The  Interstate  Act currently  allows states to enact  "opting-in"
legislation that (1) permits  interstate mergers within their own borders before
June 1, 1997, and (2) permits  out-of-state  banks to establish de novo branches
within  the  state.  As  of  September  29,  1995,   subject  to  certain  state
restrictions  such as age and  contingency  laws,  bank  holding  companies  may
purchase banks in any state. Additionally, beginning June 1, 1997, banks will be
permitted  to merge with  banks in any other  state as long as the home state of
neither merging bank has "opted out." The Interstate Act requires  regulators to
consult with community organizations before permitting an interstate institution
to close a branch in a low-income area.

         Regulatory  Improvement.   In  1994,  Congress  enacted  the  Community
Development and Regulatory Improvement Act ("Regulatory Improvement Act"), which
among other things,  is intended to relieve the  regulatory  burden on financial
institutions.   Certain  regulatory  procedures  are  streamlined,  and  certain
regulatory compliance requirements have been eased.

         At this time,  the impact that the  Interstate  Act and the  Regulatory
Improvement  Act might have on  Security  and its  savings  bank  subsidiary  is
impossible to predict.

Federal Taxation

         General.  Security  and  Security  Bank will report  their  income on a
fiscal year basis using the accrual  method of accounting and will be subject to
federal  income  taxation  in the same  manner as other  corporations  with some
exceptions,  including  particularly  Security  Bank's  reserve  for  bad  debts
discussed below.  The following  discussion of tax matters is intended only as a
summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive  description of the tax rules
applicable to Security Bank or Security.

         Tax Bad Debt Reserves.  For taxable years beginning prior to January 1,
1996, savings  institutions such as Security Bank which met certain definitional
tests primarily relating to their assets and the nature of their business

                                       148

<PAGE>

("qualifying  thrifts")  were permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and
to make annual additions thereto,  which additions may, within specified formula
limits, have been deducted in arriving at their taxable income.  Security Bank's
deduction with respect to "qualifying  loans," which are generally loans secured
by certain  interests in real  property,  may have been computed using an amount
based on Security Bank's actual loss experience,  or a percentage equal to 8% of
Security Bank's taxable income,  computed with certain modifications and reduced
by the amount of any permitted additions to the nonqualifying reserve.  Security
Bank's  deduction  with respect to  nonqualifying  loans was computed  under the
experience method, which essentially allows a deduction based on Security Bank's
actual loss experience  over a period of several years.  Each year Security Bank
selected the most  favorable way to calculate the deduction  attributable  to an
addition to the tax bad debt reserve.

         Recently  enacted  federal  legislation  repeals the reserve  method of
accounting  for bad debt  reserves for tax years  beginning  after  December 31,
1995.  As result,  savings  associations  are no longer able to calculate  their
deduction for bad debts using the percentage-of-taxable-income  method. Instead,
savings  associations  are required to compute their deduction based on specific
charge-offs  during  the  taxable  year or, if the  savings  association  or its
controlled  group had  assets of less than $500  million,  based on actual  loss
experience  over a period of  years.  This  legislation  also  requires  savings
associations  to recapture  into income over a six-year  period their  post-1987
additions to their bad debt tax  reserves,  thereby  generating  additional  tax
liability.  At June 30,  1996,  Security  Bank's  total bad debt reserve for tax
purposes  was  approximately  $5.4  million.  At June 30,  1996,  the  post-1987
reserves were approximately $1.8 million.  The related deferred tax liability at
June 30, 1996 was  $618,000.  The recapture may be suspended for up to two years
if,  during  those  years,   the  institution   satisfies  a  residential   loan
requirement.  Security Bank  anticipates  that it will meet the residential loan
requirement for the taxable year ending June 30, 1997.

         Under  prior law, if  Security  Bank  failed to satisfy the  qualifying
thrift  definitional  tests in any  taxable  year,  it would be  unable  to make
additions to its bad debt reserve.  Instead,  Security Bank would be required to
deduct bad debts as they occur and would  additionally  be required to recapture
its bad debt reserve deductions  ratably over a multi-year  period.  Among other
things, the qualifying thrift  definitional tests required Security Bank to hold
at least 60% of its assets as "qualifying  assets."  Qualifying assets generally
include cash,  obligations of the United States or any agency or instrumentality
thereof,  certain obligations of a state or political subdivision thereof, loans
secured  by  interests  in  improved  residential  real  property  or by savings
accounts, student loans and property used by Security Bank in the conduct of its
banking business.  Under current law, a savings association will not be required
to recapture its pre-1988 bad debt reserves if it ceases to meet the  qualifying
thrift definitional tests.

                                       149

<PAGE>

Properties

         On June 30,  1996,  Security  Bank  owned all but  three of its  office
properties having an aggregate net book value of approximately $7.7 million, and
leased the other locations. The following table sets forth information regarding
the offices of Security Bank at June 30, 1996.

Office Location                                    Ownership
- ---------------                                    ---------
Home Office                                          Owned
         219 North 26th Street
         Billings, MT  59101

Grand Branch                                         Owned
         2401 Grand Ave.
         Billings, MT  59102

Heights Branch                                       Owned
         1546 Main Street
         Billings, MT  59105

Laurel Branch                                        Owned
         19 Montana Avenue
         Laurel, MT  59044

Kalispell                                            Owned
         405 Main Street
         Kalispell, MT  59901

Missoula Branch                                      Owned
         320 West Broadway
         Missoula, MT  59802

Rosauers In Store Branch                             Leased
         2350 South Reserve
         Missoula, MT  59802

Sidney Branch                                        Owned
         221 Second Street NW
         Sidney, MT  59270

Havre Branch                                         Owned
         324 Third Avenue
         Havre, MT  59501

Malta Branch                                         Owned
         216 South 2nd Ave. East
         Malta, MT  59538

Glasgow Branch                                       Leased
         125 Fourth Street South
         Glasgow, MT  59230

                                       150

<PAGE>

Plentywood Branch                                    Owned
         102 North Main
         Plentywood, MT  59254

Butte Branch                                         Owned
         1880 Harrison Avenue
         Butte, MT  59701

Lewistown Branch                                     Owned
         401 West Main
         Lewistown, MT  59457

Anaconda                                             Leased
         307 East Park Street
         Anaconda, MT  59711

Bozeman(1)                                           Owned
         2901 West Main
         Bozeman, MT  59715
- ---------
(1) Building is owned by Security Bank subject to a land lease.


Legal Proceedings

         There  are no  pending  legal  proceedings  to  which  Security  or its
subsidiary is a party which, in the opinion of management,  are expected to have
a material adverse effect on the financial condition of Security.

   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                             OPERATIONS OF SECURITY

Changes In Financial Condition, June 30, 1996 to September 30, 1996

         General.  Total assets increased by $10.1 million or 2.7% over the June
30, 1996 level.  Stockholders'  equity increased $226,749 during the three-month
period ended September 30, 1996.  Security Bank's ratio of stockholders'  equity
to total assets  decreased from 8.25% at June 30, 1996 to 8.09% at September 30,
1996.

         Mortgage-backed   securities   available   for  sale.   Mortgage-backed
securities  available  for sale  decreased  $6.9  million  from June 30, 1996 to
September 30, 1996. This decrease was primarily due to purchases of $4.9 million
and the  change  in the  unrealized  loss of  $430,679,  offset  by sales of $10
million and principal payments of $2.2 million.  The proceeds from this decrease
were used to partially fund the increase in net loans receivable.

         Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity. Mortgage-backed securities
held to maturity  decreased  $1.7 million  from June 30, 1996 to  September  30,
1996,  primarily as a result of sales of $255,605 and principal payments of $1.4
million.  The  proceeds  from  this  decrease  were used to  partially  fund the
increase in net loans receivable.

         Loans  receivable.  Net loans  receivable  increased $20.8 million from
June 30, 1996 to September  30, 1996.  This  increase was  primarily  due to $38
million  origination of loans partially offset by principal  repayments of $17.1
million and an increase  in the  reserve for loan losses of  $100,694.  Proceeds
from the decrease in mortgage-backed  securities  available for sale and held to
maturity  and the  increase in advances  from  Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle
were used to partially fund this increase.

         Classified assets and reserves.  Non-performing  assets,  consisting of
non-accrual loans,  accruing loans 90 days or more overdue,  and real estate and
other assets  acquired by foreclosure or  deed-in-lieu  thereof,  net of related
reserves, amounted to $704,000 at September 30, 1996, as compared to $668,000 at
June 30, 1996.  Non-performing  assets  continue to improve and remain at a very
low level.

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<PAGE>

                                            September 30,         June 30,
                                                1996                1996
                                            -------------         --------
     Total reserves for loan and real
       estate owned losses:                   $1,281,560          1,180,866

     Reserves as a percentage
       of total loans:                           .62%               .63%

     Reserves as a percentage of non-
       performing assets:                        182%               177%

     Non-performing assets as a percentage
       of total assets:                          .18%               .18%

At September 30, 1996,  the recorded  investment in impaired loans was $510,000,
all of which were on non-accrual  status.  Security Bank has not  established an
impairment  allowance  for these  loans.  The  average  recorded  investment  in
impaired  loans during the three months ended  September  30, 1996 was $444,000.
The amount of interest  income  recognized on impaired  loans during this period
was immaterial.

         Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.  Advances from Federal
Home Loan Bank of Seattle increased $6.2 million from June 30, 1996 to September
30, 1996. The total available line of credit at the FHLB is 20% of total assets,
$76 million at September 30, 1996.  The amount of unused credit with the FHLB is
$33 million at September 30, 1996.  This increase was used to partially fund the
increase in net loans receivable.

         Stockholders' equity. Stockholders' equity increased $226,749 from June
30, 1996 to September 30, 1996. This increase was comprised of income of $40,162
from the exercise of stock options of $272,839 and a decrease in the  unrealized
loss on available for sale securities of $229,085, partially offset by dividends
on common  stock of  $315,337.  The  unrealized  loss at  September  30, 1996 is
comprised of an excess of cost above fair value of $2,159,044  offset by the tax
effect of $798,846.

Changes In Financial Condition, June 30, 1995 to June 30, 1996

         Total assets of Security Bank increased  $19.6 million or 5.6% over the
June 30, 1995 level.  Loans receivable  increased $40.8 million,  while Security
Bank's portfolio of investments and mortgage-backed  securities  decreased $21.9
million.  Stockholders' equity decreased $180,452 during the year ended June 30,
1996.  Security Bank's ratio of  stockholders'  equity to total assets decreased
from 8.76% at June 30, 1995 to 8.25% at June 30, 1996.

         The securities  portfolio serves as a primary tool in the management of
interest  rate risk in addition to  generating  interest  income and providing a
significant  source of liquidity.  Security Bank adopted  Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 115,  "Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt and
Equity  Securities,"  effective  July  1,  1994.  SFAS  No.  115  addresses  the
accounting and reporting for investments in equity  securities that have readily
determinable  fair values and for all investments in debt  securities.  Security
Bank  initially  concluded  that a  portion  of its  investment  securities  and
mortgage-backed  securities portfolio will be classified as held to maturity and
the  remainder of those  portfolios  will be  classified  as available for sale.
During the second quarter of 1996, Security Bank reclassified approximately $4.2
million from investments held to maturity and $94.7 million from mortgage-backed
securities  held  to  maturity  to  available  for  sale.  This  transfer  is in
accordance with "FASB Special Report--A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115
on  Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in Debt and Equity  Securities."  The
securities  were  transferred at their fair value and net  unrealized  gains and
losses of approximately  $222,000 were excluded from earnings (net of income tax
effect) and were reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity.

                                       152

<PAGE>

         As of June  30,  1996,  management  has  identified  $20.1  million  of
investment  securities  and  $96.6  million  of  mortgage-backed  securities  as
available for sale, the remainder of the  securities  portfolio is classified as
held-to-maturity.  There were no securities  classified as trading securities as
of June 30, 1996.

         Investment   securities  available  for  sale  increased  $6.6  million
primarily  due to the transfer of  approximately  $4.2  million from  investment
securities  held to  maturity,  purchases  of $20  million,  and the  change  in
unrealized loss and the reserve for permanent  impairment of $330,767  partially
offset by sales of $9.1 million and maturities, calls, and principal paydowns of
$8.8 million.  A loss of $324,943 was recognized on the sales. The proceeds from
the sales were used to fund  purchases  of  securities  and  increases  in loans
receivable.

         Mortgage-backed  securities  available for sale increased $91.3 million
primarily   due  to  the   transfer  of   approximately   $94.7   million   from
mortgage-backed  securities  held to maturity  and  purchases  of $40.3  million
partially offset by sales of $32.9 million,  principal payments of $9.2 million,
and the change in unrealized loss of $2.1 million. Security Bank decided to sell
several of its fixed rate mortgage-backed  securities as part of its strategy to
reduce  exposure to interest rate risk. A gain of $525,484 was recognized on the
sales. The proceeds from the sales were used to fund purchases of securities and
increases in net loans receivable.

         Investment   securities  held  to  maturity   decreased  $14.2  million
primarily  due to the  transfer  of  approximately  $4.2  million to  investment
securities  available for sale and maturities of $10 million.  The proceeds from
the maturities  were used to fund purchases of securities and increases in loans
receivable.

         Mortgage-backed  securities held to maturity  decreased  $105.6 million
due to the transfer of approximately $94.7 million to mortgage-backed securities
available  for sale and  maturities  and  principal  paydowns and  maturities of
approximately  $10.9  million.  The proceeds from the  maturities  and principal
paydowns were used to fund  purchases of  securities  and increases in net loans
receivable.

         Net loans  receivable  increased to $184.9 million at June 30, 1996, an
increase of $40.8 million due primarily to a $119.8 million  investment in loans
originated for retention in the portfolio. These additions were partially offset
by principal repayments of $79 million.

         Non-performing assets,  consisting of non-accrual loans, accruing loans
90  days  or more  overdue,  and  real  estate  and  other  assets  acquired  by
foreclosure  or  deed-in-lieu  thereof,  net of related  reserves,  amounted  to
$668,000 at June 30, 1996, as compared to $425,000 at June 30, 1995.

                                       153

<PAGE>

         Non-performing  assets  continue  to  improve  and remain at a very low
level.

                                            At June 30, 1996    At June 30, 1995
                                            ----------------    ----------------
Total reserves for loan and real estate
  owned losses.............................    $1,180,866          $1,156,393
Reserves as a percentage of total loans....           .62%                .77%

Reserves as a percentage of non-performing
  assets...................................           177%                272%

Non-performing assets as a percentage of
  total assets.............................          .18%                 .12%


         At June 30,  1996,  the  recorded  investment  in  impaired  loans  was
$378,000,  all of  which  were on  non-accrual  status.  Security  Bank  has not
established  an  impairment  allowance  for these  loans.  The average  recorded
investment  in  impaired   loans  during  the  year  ended  June  30,  1996  was
approximately  $233,000.  The amount of interest  income  recognized on impaired
loans during this period was immaterial.

         Premises and equipment  increased  approximately $1.3 million from June
30, 1995 to June 30, 1996. The increase is primarily related to the construction
of a new branch in Bozeman, Montana.

         Total  liabilities  increased  $19.8 million from June 30, 1995 to June
30,  1996.  Total  deposits  decreased  $1.7  million.   Securities  sold  under
repurchase  agreements  increased  $1.4 million.  Advances from the Federal Home
Loan Bank  increased  $17.2  million.  An advance  totaling  $5.5  million is an
amortizing  fixed-rate  advance  with an  interest  rate of 4.71% due in monthly
installments  of $250,000 plus  interest,  through  April,  1998.  This advance,
originated in 1993, was obtained to enable Security Bank to purchase $15 million
of  mortgage-backed  securities  at an  attractive  spread  over the cost of the
advances.  A short-term  $20 million  advance with a 5.44%  interest rate is due
July 5, 1996.  The balance of $11.3 million is a variable  rate cash  management
advance  that is due April  25,  1997,  but may be  repaid  at any time  without
penalty.

         Deferred income taxes decreased $455,717 from June 30, 1995 to June 30,
1996.  This decrease is due to an increase in the deferred tax asset relating to
the unrealized loss on investment and mortgage-backed  securities  available for
sale, which offsets the deferred tax liability.  At June 30, 1996, this deferred
tax asset is $994,917 and offsets deferred tax liabilities of $1,107,000.

         Accrued interest payable increased  $884,285 from June 30, 1995 to June
30,  1996.  On July 7,  1996,  Security  Bank  underwent  an  accounting  system
conversion. The increase in the accrued interest payable balance is attributable
to the  change in the cycle of  interest  payments  between  the new and the old
accounting systems.

         Accrued expenses and other liabilities increased $2.5 million from June
30,  1995 to June 30,  1996.  This  increase  is  primarily  related to a higher
balance at June 30, 1996 of outstanding  cashier's checks,  bank checks,  and CD
interest checks and accounts payable.

         Stockholders'  equity decreased $180,452 from June 30, 1995 to June 30,
1996 as a result of net income of  $2,544,304  and proceeds from the exercise of
stock  options of  $171,923  offset by an  increase  in the  unrealized  loss on
available  for  sale  investments  and  mortgage-backed  securities  (net of tax
effect) of  $1,299,723,  a decrease of $615,000 from the purchase and retirement
of  30,000  shares of  common  stock,  and  dividends  paid on  common  stock of
$981,956.

                                       154

<PAGE>

Results of Operations

         The major  components  of  Security's  consolidated  net income for the
three months ended  September 30, 1996 and 1995 and the changes  which  occurred
between periods are summarized in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                             1996 Amount     1995 Amount      1994 Amount
                             -----------     -----------      -----------

<S>                           <C>             <C>              <C>       
Interest income ............  $6,837,694      $6,399,699       $  437,995
Interest expense ...........   3,770,935       3,806,402           35,467
                              ----------      ----------       ----------
     Net interest income ...   3,066,759       2,593,297          473,462
Provision for loan losses ..    (150,000)        (30,000)        (120,000)
Noninterest income .........   1,271,831         866,083          405,748
Noninterest expense ........  (4,124,428)     (2,452,227)      (1,672,201)
                              ----------      ----------       ----------
  Income before income tax..      64,162         977,153         (912,991)
Income tax expense .........     (24,000)       (352,000)         328,000
                              ----------      ----------       ----------
  Net income ...............  $   40,162      $  625,153       $ (584,991)
                              ==========      ==========       ==========
</TABLE>

Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30,1996 and September 30, 1995

         General.  Net income  for the  quarter  ended  September  30,  1996 was
$584,991 lower than for the corresponding  period in 1995. This decrease was due
to an increase in the provision  for loan losses and a  substantial  increase in
non-interest  expense  partially  offset by increases in net interest income and
non-interest  income  and a decrease  in income tax  expense.  The  increase  in
non-interest expense was primarily due to the $1,330,517 SAIF special assessment
and $198,128 in extra expense as a result of the proposed  merger with WesterFed
Financial.

         Interest  income and  expense.  Interest  income for the quarter  ended
September 30, 1996 was $437,995  higher than interest  income for the same three
month period in 1995. This increase was due to higher average  balances of loans
receivable  and a higher  average  yield on  interest  bearing  earning  assets,
partially  offset  by  lower  average  balances  of  investment  securities  and
mortgage-backed securities. The average yield on interest earning assets for the
quarter ended  September 30, 1996 was 7.66% compared to 7.45% for the prior year
period.  Interest  expense for the quarter ended  September 30, 1996 was $35,467
lower than  interest  expense for the 1995 period.  This decrease was due to the
lower average rate paid on deposits and borrowings and lower average balances of
borrowings,  partially  offset by higher  average  balances of deposits  for the
quarter  ended  September  30,  1996.  The  average  rate paid on  deposits  and
borrowings  decreased  from 4.91% for the quarter  ended  September  30, 1995 to
4.67% for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.

         Net interest  income.  Net interest income  increased  $473,462 for the
quarter ended  September  30, 1996 as compared to the same quarter in 1995.  The
interest  rate  spread for the  quarter  ended  September  30, 1996 was 2.99% as
compared to 2.55% for the quarter ended September 30, 1995.

         Provision and allowance for loan losses.  The provision for loan losses
increased  $120,000 in the quarter  ended  September 30, 1996 as compared to the
same quarter period in 1995. This increase reflects an increase in the amount of
loans outstanding, as well as management's continuing evaluation of the possible
loss  exposure in the loan  portfolio.  The  allowance  for possible loan losses
increased  from  $1,180,866  at June 30,  1996  (0.63% of loans  receivable)  to
$1,281,560 at September 30, 1996 (0.62% of loans receivable) due to the increase
in the provision.

         Non-interest  income.  Non-interest  income  increased  $405,748 in the
quarter ended  September 30, 1996 in comparison to the same period in 1995. This
increase is related to  increases  in fees from  customer  services of $113,934,
increases  in other  operating  income  of  $284,156,  increases  in  securities
brokerage  services  of $14,841  and an  increase  in net gains from the sale of
mortgage-backed securities, investment securities and other real estate owned of
$1,728,  partially offset by decreases in gain on sale of loans held for sale of
$8,911. Included in other

                                       155

<PAGE>


operating income for the quarter ending September 30, 1996 is a $209,000 gain on
an exchange of land held for a future branch office.

         Non-interest  expense.  Non-interest  expense  for  the  quarter  ended
September 30, 1996  increased  $1,672,201  in  comparison  to the  corresponding
period in 1995.  Compensation  and benefits  increased  $138,893  primarily as a
result of the new branch office in Bozeman,  Montana,  which opened in February,
1996.  Occupancy and  equipment  increased  $48,183  again  primarily due to the
operation of the new Bozeman branch.  The SAIF special assessment was $1,330,517
in the 1996 period with no  corresponding  expense in 1995.  Other  non-interest
expense  increased  $180,296  primarily  due to $198,128  in extra  expense as a
result of the proposed merger with WesterFed Financial.

         Income tax  expense.  Income tax  expense  decreased  $328,000  for the
quarter ended  September  30, 1996 as compared to the same period in 1995.  This
decrease was the result of lower pre-tax earnings in the 1996 period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1996 Amount   Change    1995 Amount   Change   1994 Amount
                                          -----------   ------    -----------   ------   -----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>    
Components of net income (in thousands)
Interest income..........................   $25,342     $ 1,059     $24,283     $ 6,491    $17,792
Interest expense.........................    14,912       1,961      12,951       3,582      9,369
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------    -------
  Net interest income....................    10,430        (902)     11,332       2,909      8,423
Provision for loan losses................      (120)        (90)        (30)         50        (80)
Noninterest income.......................     4,014       1,786       2,228         (30)     2,258
Noninterest expense......................   (10,358)     (1,134)     (9,224)     (3,340)    (5,884)
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------    -------
  Income before income tax...............     3,966        (340)      4,306        (411)     4,717
Income tax expense.......................    (1,422)        136      (1,558)        404     (1,962)
                                            -------          --     -------          --    -------
   Net income............................   $ 2,544     $  (204)    $ 2,748     $    (7)   $ 2,755
                                            ========    =======     =======     ========   =======
</TABLE>

Comparison of Years Ended June 30,1996 and June 30, 1995

         General.  Net income for the year  ended June 30,  1996 was  $2,544,304
compared to  $2,748,032  for the prior year.  This decrease was due primarily to
increases in interest expense, noninterest expense and in the provision for loan
losses partially offset by increases in interest income and non-interest  income
and decreases in income taxes. Return on average assets was 0.70% in 1996 versus
0.77% for the previous year.

         On  July  7,  1996,   Security  Bank  underwent  an  accounting  system
conversion.  Due to this conversion, a complete recounting of the change in some
account balances is complex.  Certain  reclassifications  have been made to 1995
and 1994 financial statements to conform with 1996 presentations.  In some cases
a description  of the remainder of the change in a particular  account  balance,
after description of the material changes, is indeterminable.

         Interest  Income.  Interest income on loans  receivable  increased $2.7
million from 1995 to 1996.  This increase was  primarily  caused by increases in
loans  outstanding and a higher  portfolio  yield in 1996. The weighted  average
yield on the loan  portfolio  increased  from  8.81% in 1995 to 8.84%  for 1996.
Interest income on investment  securities  decreased  $365,216 from 1995 to 1996
due to decreases in the amount of investment  securities  and the average yield.
The weighted average yield on investment securities decreased from 6.61% in 1995
to 6.47% in 1996. Interest income on mortgage-backed  securities  decreased $1.4
million from 1995 to 1996. This decrease is related to a decrease in the average
outstanding balance of mortgage-backed  securities during the year. The weighted
average yield on the portfolio increased from 6.25% in 1995 to 6.37% in 1996.

         Interest  Expense.  Total interest expense  increased  approximately $2
million from 1995 to 1996. Interest expense on deposits increased  approximately
$2 million from 1995 to 1996.  This  increase is due primarily to an increase in
the  average  rate paid on  deposits  from 3.99% in 1995 to 4.51% in 1996 and an
increase in the  average  outstanding  balance of  deposits in the 1996  period.
Interest  expense  on  securities  sold  under  repurchase  agreement  increased
$236,366  from  1995 to 1996.  This  increase  was due to the  higher  amount of
securities  sold under  repurchase  agreements  outstanding in 1996. The average
rate paid on securities sold under repurchase  agreements  outstanding increased
from  4.68% in 1995 to 5.66% in 1996.  Interest  expense  on  advances  from the
Federal Home Loan Bank decreased  $233,651 from 1995 to 1996.  This decrease was
due to the lower average amount of advances  outstanding.  The average rate paid
on advances increased from 5.37% in 1995 to 5.59% in 1996.

         Net Interest Income.  Net interest income decreased  $902,363 from 1995
to 1996.  This  decrease was due  primarily  to the higher  average rate paid on
interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by the higher average balances of
interest-earning assets. The net yield on interest-earning assets decreased from
3.37% in 1995 to 3.11% for 1996.

         Provision  for Losses on Loans and  Permanent  Impairment of Investment
Securities.  The provision for loan losses  increased  $90,000 and the provision
for permanent impairment of investment  securities decreased $90,000. The change
in the provision for loan losses reflects management's  continuing evaluation of
the possible exposure in the loan portfolio.  Total non-accrual and renegotiated
loans increased from $425,000 at June 30, 1995 to

                                       156

<PAGE>

$668,000 at June 30, 1996.  The  allowance  for possible  loan losses  increased
slightly  from  $1,156,393  at June 30,  1995  (0.79%  of loans  receivable)  to
$1,180,866 at June 30, 1996 (0.62% of loans  receivable)  due to the increase in
the provision and net recoveries.

         During  1996,   Security  Bank  sold  its  investment  in  one  of  two
investments  in  mutual  funds  that were  held at June 30,  1995.  Prior to the
adoption on July 1, 1994 of the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board  Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 115,  "Accounting  for
Certain  Investments  in  Debt  and  Equity   Securities",   Security  Bank  had
established a reserve for the permanent impairment in the carrying value of this
investment of $245,000.  The total  reserve for the permanent  impairment in the
carrying  value of this  investment  of  $335,000  at June 30,  1995 was  offset
against the loss on the sale during 1996.

         Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $1.8 million from 1995
to 1996.  This was  primarily  due to increases  in fees for customer  services,
securities brokerage services,  gain on the sale of loans held for sale, gain on
the sale of mortgage-backed  securities  available for sale, and other operating
income,  partially  offset  by  increases  in  loss on the  sale  of  investment
securities  available for sale. Fees for customer services  increased  primarily
due to  increases  in consumer  and real  estate loan fees and fees  charged for
deposit and checking  services.  Gain on the sale of loans  increased due to the
increase in loan  originations  due primarily to favorable  real estate  lending
rates.

         Gross  gains of  $525,484  and no losses  were  realized on the sale of
mortgage-backed  securities  available for sale during the period ended June 30,
1996.  Gross  losses  of  $324,943  and no gains  were  realized  on the sale of
investment  securities  available  for sale  during  the  period.  There were no
investment  securities  held to maturity or  mortgage-backed  securities held to
maturity sold during the period ended June 30, 1996.

         Other operating income increased $380,155 primarily due to increases in
servicing  income on loans sold, loan insurance  commissions,  and ATM servicing
fees for the use of automated teller machines.

         Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expenses increased $1.1 million from
1995 to 1996.  Compensation  and benefits,  occupancy and  equipment,  and other
expenses all increased.  Compensation and benefits  increased $713,189 primarily
as a result of the expansion of the new Rosauer' s branch in Missoula,  Montana,
the new  branch in  Bozeman,  Montana,  and the  addition  of a  commercial  and
agriculture  lending  staff  to the loan  department.  Occupancy  and  equipment
increased  primarily  due to the  costs  associated  with the  operation  of the
branches referred to above and expenses  relating to the one-time  non-recurring
costs of the accounting  system  conversion that Security Bank underwent  during
July of 1995.

         Deposit  insurance  premiums  decreased  due to the  abatement  of Bank
Insurance  Fund  ("BIF")  deposit  premiums  of the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance
Corporation  ("FDIC") relating to the approximately $82.4 million of deposits in
the three  branches  acquired in May 1995.  In  September  1995,  Security  Bank
received a refund of  approximately  $54,000 from the "FDIC" for overpaid  "BIF"
premiums relating to these deposits. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based insurance
assessment  system.  Under  this  system,  a bank or  savings  association  with
deposits insured by the BIF is required to pay an assessment  ranging from $0 to
$.27 per $100 of deposits based on the institution's risk classification.  Banks
at the zero assessment rate will pay the statutory minimum of $2,000 for deposit
insurance.  On  the  other  hand,  institutions  such  as  Security  Bank,  with
SAIF-insured  deposits  are required to pay an  assessment  ranging from $.23 to
$.31 per $100 of deposits, based on the institution's risk classification.

         Other  expenses  increased  $394,664 due primarily to a $105,729  Butte
Branch  litigation  settlement paid in June of 1996 and increased costs relating
to the one-time  non-recurring  costs of the accounting  system  conversion that
Security Bank underwent during July 1995.

         Income Taxes.  Income taxes  decreased  $135,900  from  1995  to  1996,
primarily due to lower pre-tax income in 1996.

                                       157

<PAGE>

Comparison of Years Ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994

         General.  Net income for the year  ended June 30,  1995 was  $2,748,032
compared to $2,755,490  for the prior year.  Net interest  income  increased and
income taxes decreased, offset by an increase in noninterest expense.
Return on average assets was 0.77% in 1995 versus 0.99% the previous year.

         Interest  Income.  Interest income on loans  receivable  increased $4.2
million from 1994 to 1995.  This increase was  primarily  caused by increases in
loans  outstanding and a higher  portfolio  yield in 1995. The weighted  average
yield  on the  loan  portfolio  increased  from  8.24% in 1994 to 8.81% in 1995.
Interest income on investment  securities  increased  $564,923 from 1994 to 1995
due to increases in the balance of investment  securities and the average yield.
The weighted average yield on investment securities increased from 6.53% in 1994
to 6.61% in 1995. Interest income on mortgage-backed  securities  increased $1.8
million  from 1994 to 1995.  This  increase  is  related to an  increase  in the
weighted  average yield on the portfolio from 5.82% in 1994 to 6.25% in 1995 and
an increase in the average  outstanding  balance of  mortgage-backed  securities
during the year. Even though the balance of  mortgage-backed  securities at June
30, 1995 was lower than June 30, 1994,  the purchase of $49.1 million in May and
June 1994 and the sale of $20.1  million in May 1995 result in a higher  average
outstanding balance in fiscal year 1995.

         Interest  Expense.  Total interest expense  increased $3.6 million from
1994 to 1995.  Interest expense on deposits  increased $2.7 million from 1994 to
1995.  This increase is due primarily to an increase in the average rate paid on
deposits  from  3.74% in 1994 to 3.99% in 1995 and an  increase  in the  average
outstanding balance of deposits in the 1995 period. The acquisition of the three
branches in May 1994 increased  deposits by  approximately  $88.8 million.  Such
deposits were  outstanding for the entire fiscal year 1995,  which resulted in a
higher average balance of deposits in 1995.  Interest expense on securities sold
under repurchase  agreement  increased $254,746 from 1994 to 1995. This increase
is  also  related  to the  higher  average  balance  of  securities  sold  under
repurchase  agreements  outstanding  in  1995.  Security  Bank  did not have any
securities  sold under  repurchase  agreements  prior to the  acquisition of the
three branches in May 1994.  Interest  expense on advances from the Federal Home
Loan Bank  increased  $606,584  from 1994 to 1995.  This increase was due to the
higher average amount of advances outstanding in 1995, and to an increase in the
average rate paid on advances from 4.27% in 1994 to 5.37% in 1995.

         Net Interest  Income.  Net interest income  increased $2.9 million from
1994 to 1995.  This  increase was due  primarily to higher  average  balances of
interest-earning  assets and an  increase  in the net yield on  interest-earning
assets,   partially  offset  by  higher  average  balances  of  interest-bearing
liabilities.  The net yield on  interest-earning  assets increased from 3.19% in
1994 to 3.37% in 1995.

         Provisions  for Losses on Loans and Permanent  Impairment of Investment
Securities.  The provision for loan losses  decreased  $50,000 and the provision
for permanent  impairment of investment  securities  decreased  $155,000.  These
changes reflect management's continuing evaluation of the possible loss exposure
in the loan  portfolio  and the  possible  permanent  impairment  of  investment
securities.   Total   non-accrual   and   renegotiated   loans   decreased  from
approximately  $843,000 at June 30, 1994 to  approximately  $425,000 at June 30,
1995.

         At June 30, 1995,  Security Bank held  investments in two mutual funds.
The  reserve  for the  permanent  impairment  in the  carrying  value  of  these
investments was increased by $90,000 during 1995 to $335,000.

         Noninterest  Income.  Noninterest income decreased $30,412 from 1994 to
1995.  This was primarily due to decreases in the gain on sale of loans held for
sale, securities brokerage services,  gain on the sale of investment securities,
mortgage-backed securities, other real estate owned, and other operating income,
partially  offset by increases in fees for  customer  services,  gain on sale of
real estate held for investment and other  operating  income.  Fees for customer
services  increased  primarily  due to increases in fees charged for deposit and
checking services and a substantial  increase in the average outstanding balance
of deposits subject to such fees. Gain on the sale of loans decreased due to the
reduction in loan originations due primarily to rising interest rates.

         Non-interest  Expenses.  Non-interest  expenses  increased $3.3 million
from  1994 to  1995.  Compensation  and  benefits,  advertising,  occupancy  and
equipment, deposit insurance premiums, data processing services and other

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<PAGE>

expenses all  increased.  Compensation  and benefits  increased $1.3 million due
primarily to the  operation of the three  branches  acquired in May 1994 for the
full year and the opening of a new branch in March 1995. Occupancy and equipment
increased  primarily  due to the  costs  associated  with the  operation  of the
branches  referred  to above  and the  remodeling  of the main  office.  Deposit
insurance  premiums  increased  due to the  increase in the average  outstanding
balance  of  deposits  and as a result of the  acquisition  of $88.8  million of
deposits in the three  branches  acquired  in May 1994 being  subject to deposit
insurance for the entire 1995 fiscal year.  Data processing  services  increased
$513,952 due to costs  associated  with the operation of the three  branches for
the  entire  year,  the  opening  of the  new  branch  in  March  1995  and  the
acceleration of depreciation of the in-house computer  equipment in anticipation
of the  conversion of data  processing to an outside  servicer.  Other  expenses
increased $1.0 million due primarily to increased costs, such as amortization of
the purchase  premium,  associated  with the operation of the three new branches
for a full year.

         Among factors which could impact general and administrative expenses in
the future are federal deposit insurance  premiums.  For  institutions,  such as
Security  Bank,  whose  deposits are insured by both the SAIF and the BIF of the
FDIC, there will potentially be varying impacts on earnings.

         Income  Taxes.  Income  taxes  decreased  $403,752  from  1994 to 1995,
primarily  due to lower  pre-tax  income in 1995 and a decrease in the effective
tax rate as a result of the one-time adjustment in connection with adopting SFAS
No. 109 in the 1994 period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

         Security  Bank is subject  to federal  regulations  which  require  the
maintenance  of a daily average  balance of liquid assets equal to a percentage,
currently 5%, of net withdrawable deposits and borrowings payable in one year or
less. The liquidity requirement may vary from time to time depending on economic
conditions  and deposit  flows.  As of June 30, 1996 and 1995,  Security  Bank's
liquidity ratios were 7.24% and 7.54%,  respectively.  Federal  regulations also
require Security Bank to maintain an average daily balance of short-term  liquid
assets  (generally those having  maturities of one year or less) currently equal
to at least 1% of its average  daily balance of net  withdrawable  accounts plus
borrowings  payable in one year or less. As of June 30, 1996 and 1995,  Security
Bank's short-term liquid asset ratios were 2.61% and 2.73%, respectively. During
fiscal years 1996 and 1995,  Security Bank has maintained both liquidity  ratios
in accordance with regulatory requirements.

         Security Bank's liquidity  investments for regulatory  purposes totaled
approximately  $25.4 million at June 30, 1996 and  consisted  primarily of cash,
interest-bearing   accounts,   U.S.   government  and  U.S.   government  agency
obligations.

         Security  Bank's primary  sources of funds include  deposits,  loan and
mortgage-backed  securities  repayments,  proceeds  from the  sale of loans  and
mortgage-backed   securities,   proceeds  from  the   maturities  of  investment
securities,  Federal Home Loan Bank advances, other borrowings and positive cash
flows generated from operations  (including interest credited to deposits).  For
fiscal year 1996, the excess deposit outflows over deposit  receipts  (including
securities  sold under  repurchase  agreement  and  interest  credits to deposit
accounts) was approximately $300,000. For fiscal years 1995 and 1994, the excess
of deposit  outflows  over  deposit  receipts  (including  interest  credited to
deposit accounts) was $2.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively,  disregarding
$88.8  million  of  deposits   assumed  in  the  1994   acquisition.   Loan  and
mortgage-backed  securities  repayments  and sales were $130.5  million in 1996,
$71.6 million in 1995 and $147.5  million in 1994.  The large  increases in loan
and  mortgage-backed  securities  repayments  and  sales in 1996  and 1994  were
primarily due to increases in loan  originations  and sales due to the favorable
interest  rate  environment  and  refinancing  activity  which also affected the
principal repayments of mortgage-backed securities. Approximately $32.9 million,
$20.1 million and $16.2 million of  mortgage-backed  securities were sold during
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

         Security  Bank uses its  sources of funds  primarily  to fund  maturing
savings   certificates,   savings   withdrawals,   repay  borrowings,   purchase
mortgage-backed   securities  and  investment  securities,   fund  existing  and
continuing loan commitments, maintain its liquidity and meet operating expenses.

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<PAGE>

         As required by FIRREA,  the OTS issued new capital standards  effective
December 7, 1989 which  require that a savings  association  meet three  capital
tests,  namely, a "tangible capital  requirement"  (requiring "tangible capital"
equal to at least 1.5% of adjusted total assets), a "leverage ratio requirement"
(currently  requiring  "core  capital"  equal to at least 3% of  adjusted  total
assets) and a "risk-based capital requirement"  (requiring "total capital" equal
to 8.0% of risk-weighted  assets).  At June 30, 1996, Security Bank had tangible
capital of $26.8 million compared to a requirement of $5.5 million, core capital
of $26.8 million  compared to a requirement  of $11.1  million,  and  risk-based
capital of $28.0 million compared to a requirement of $15.2 million. The OTS has
adopted  amendments  to the leverage  limit to reflect  increases in the capital
requirements  applicable to national banks as adopted by the  Comptroller of the
Currency.  As adopted, only savings associations rated Composite 1 under the OTS
MACRO rating system would be permitted to operate at or near the current minimum
core capital  requirement  of 3% of adjusted  total  assets.  All other  savings
associations are required to meet a minimum core capital requirement of at least
100 to 200 basis points greater than the current 3% minimum requirement.

         In  determining  the amount of  additional  capital  required,  the OTS
assesses,  on a case by case basis, both the quality of risk management  systems
and the level of overall risk in each individual savings  institution.  Security
Bank anticipates that its core capital requirement will be increased to 4% or 5%
as a result of the new regulation.

         Regulations  adopted by the OTS and the other banking agencies pursuant
to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"),
prescribe   capital  levels  for   institutions   that  would  be  deemed  "well
capitalized,"  "adequately  capitalized,"   "undercapitalized,"   "significantly
undercapitalized" and "critically undercapitalized." FDICIA imposes increasingly
stringent  restrictions on the activities of  institutions at each  successively
lower  capital  level.  FDICIA  also  provides  federal  banking  agencies  with
increased powers to take supervisory  actions against  institutions at the lower
capital  levels.  Such  actions may  include  changing  management,  restricting
interest payments, and curtailing transactions with affiliated institutions.

         Effective  January 1, 1994,  the OTS has  adopted an  amendment  to its
capital  regulations  to require  savings  associations  to maintain  additional
capital  based on the amount of their  exposure to losses from changes in market
interest rates (the "interest rate risk component").  The amount of such capital
must equal 50% of the estimated  decline in the market value of an association's
portfolio  equity  after an  immediate  200 basis  points  increase  or decrease
(whichever yields the larger decline) in market interest rates. The market value
of  portfolio  equity  is the  net  present  value  of the  cash  flows  from an
association's assets,  liabilities,  and off-balance-sheet  items. Under the new
regulation,  net present  values are  calculated by the OTS based on information
supplied by savings  associations in quarterly  reports and using discount rates
derived from rates paid on various instruments.

         Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices.  The financial  statements and
related data  presented  herein have been prepared in accordance  with generally
accepted  accounting  principles,  which  require the  measurement  of financial
position  and  operating  results  in  terms  of  historical  dollars,   without
considering  changes in the relative  purchasing power of money over time due to
inflation.  The  impact  of  inflation  can be  found in the  increased  cost of
Security  Bank's   operations.   The  assets  and  liabilities  of  a  financial
institution are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a
more  significant  impact  on a  financial  institution's  performance  than the
effects  of  inflation.  Interest  rates  do not  necessarily  move in the  same
direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services.

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<PAGE>

               VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITY

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

          The following table provides  information  concerning the only persons
known to Security to have  beneficial  ownership  as of October 31, 1996 of more
than  5% of the  outstanding  Security  Common  Stock,  and  each  of the  named
executive officers and directors of Security and Security Bank as a group.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name, Address and
Relationship with
Security or                             Number of Shares      Percent of Class
Security Bank                           Beneficially Owned    Beneficially Owned
- -------------------------------         ------------------    ------------------
<S>                                     <C>                   <C>   
TSI, Inc.                               361,171 (1)           24.29%
First Montana Title Insurance Company
UAC, Inc.
Paul J. McCann
  P.O. Box 2249
  Great Falls, MT  59403

Directors and Officers as a Group       164,372 (2)           10.57%
(11 individuals)
<FN>
(1)      Mr. McCann, First Montana Title Insurance Company ("FMTIC"),  TSI, Inc.
         and UAC,  Inc.  are deemed the  beneficial  owners of an  aggregate  of
         361,171  shares of Security  Common Stock.  Mr.  McCann,  who is a past
         director of Security,  owns directly and has the sole power to vote and
         dispose or direct the disposition of 6,500 shares of such stock.  FMTIC
         owns  directly and has the sole power to vote and dispose or direct the
         disposition  of 121,000  shares of such stock.  TSI,  Inc.,  the parent
         company  of FMTIC,  owns  directly  and has the sole  power to vote and
         dispose or direct the  disposition  of 222,922 shares of such stock and
         UAC, Inc., a majority owned  subsidiary of TSI, Inc., owns directly and
         has the sole power to vote and  dispose or direct  the  disposition  of
         10,749 shares of such stock.

(2)      Includes currently exercisable options to purchase 68,500 shares.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                 DESCRIPTION OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL COMMON STOCK

         The  15,000,000  shares of capital  stock  authorized  by the WesterFed
Financial Certificate of Incorporation are divided into two classes,  consisting
of  10,000,000  shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock (par value $.01 per
share)  and  5,000,000  shares of serial  preferred  stock  (par  value $.01 per
share).  The  aggregate par value of the issued  shares  constitute  the capital
account of WesterFed Financial on a consolidated basis.

         Each  share  of the  WesterFed  Financial  Common  Stock  has the  same
relative  rights and is identical  in all respects  with each other share of the
Common Stock. The WesterFed  Financial Common Stock represents  non-withdrawable
capital, is not be of an insurable type and is not insured by the FDIC.

         Under  Delaware law, the holders of the Common Stock possess  exclusive
voting power in WesterFed  Financial.  Each  stockholder is entitled to one vote
for each  share  held on all  matters  voted  upon by  stockholders,  subject to
certain limitations.

         No Preemptive Rights.  Holders of the WesterFed  Financial Common Stock
are not entitled to  preemptive  rights with respect to any issued  shares which
may be issued.  The WesterFed  Financial Common Stock is not subject to call for
redemption.

         Preferred  Stock.  The Board of Directors of  WesterFed  Financial  are
authorized  to issue  preferred  stock in series and to fix and state the voting
powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special  rights  of the  shares  of each  such  series  and the  qualifications,
limitations  and  restrictions  thereof.  Preferred  stock may rank prior to the
Common Stock as to dividend rights, liquidation preferences, or both, and

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<PAGE>

may have full or limited voting rights.  The holders of preferred  stock will be
entitled  to vote as a separate  class or series  under  certain  circumstances,
regardless of any other voting rights which such holders may have.

         WesterFed  Financial  has no  present  plans  for the  issuance  of the
additional  authorized  shares of Common Stock or for the issuance of any shares
of preferred stock. The authorized but unissued and unreserved  shares of Common
Stock are available for general corporate  purposes including but not limited to
possible  issuance  as  stock  dividends  or stock  splits,  future  mergers  or
acquisitions,  under a cash dividend  reinvestment and stock purchase plan, in a
future  underwritten  or other  public  offering,  or under  an  employee  stock
ownership  plan.  The  authorized  but unissued  shares of preferred  stock will
similarly be  available  for issuance in future  mergers or  acquisitions,  in a
future  underwritten  public offering or private  placement or for other general
corporate  purposes.  Except as  described  above or as  otherwise  required  to
approve the  transaction  in which the  additional  authorized  shares of Common
Stock or authorized  shares of preferred  stock would be issued,  no stockholder
approval  will be required for the issuance of these  shares.  Accordingly,  the
Board of Directors of the WesterFed Financial without stockholder approval,  can
issue  preferred  stock with voting and conversion  rights which could adversely
affect the voting power of the holders of Common Stock.

         Certain provisions of the WesterFed Financial  Certificate may have the
effect of  delaying,  deferring  or  preventing a change in control of WesterFed
Financial pursuant to an extraordinary corporate transaction involving WesterFed
Financial,  including  a  merger,  reorganization,  tender  offer,  transfer  of
substantially  all of its assets or a  liquidation.  See "Certain  Anti-takeover
Provisions--Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws."

      RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITIONS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL STOCK AND RELATED
                          TAKEOVER DEFENSIVE PROVISIONS

         This section sets forth a brief  discussion of the reasons for, and the
operation  and  effects  of,  certain  provisions  of  the  WesterFed  Financial
Certificate and Bylaws (the "WesterFed Financial Bylaws") which may have certain
anti-takeover  effects.  This  section also  summarizes  certain  provisions  of
federal law and Delaware law which may have anti-takeover effects.

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

         General. A number of provisions of the WesterFed Financial  Certificate
and the WesterFed  Financial  Bylaws pertain to matters of corporate  governance
and certain rights of stockholders. Certain of those provisions may be deemed to
have and may have the effect of making more difficult, costly or time consuming,
and thereby discouraging, a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or other attempt
to assume control of WesterFed Financial and/or change incumbent  management and
in certain  circumstances may prevent a change in control of WesterFed Financial
even if  such a  change  in  control  is  desired  by a  majority  of  WesterFed
Financial's  stockholders.  The following  discussion focuses on certain of such
provisions.

         Authorized Shares of Capital Stock. The WesterFed Financial Certificate
permits  the  WesterFed  Financial  Board to  issue,  without  the  approval  of
stockholders but subject to the Board's fiduciary duties and the availability of
authorized but unissued shares,  additional shares of WesterFed Financial Common
Stock,  or shares of WesterFed  Financial  Preferred  Stock with such rights and
preferences  as  the  WesterFed   Financial  Board  may  determine.   While  the
availability of such shares  provides  WesterFed  Financial with  flexibility in
structuring  financings and  acquisitions  and meeting other corporate needs, it
may also, as more fully described below,  impede the completion of a transaction
to which the WesterFed Financial Board or management is opposed.

         Uncommitted  authorized  but  unissued  shares of  WesterFed  Financial
Common Stock and WesterFed  Financial Preferred Stock may be issued from time to
time to such persons and for such consideration as the WesterFed Financial Board
may determine and holders of the then-outstanding  shares of WesterFed Financial
Common Stock or WesterFed  Financial Preferred Stock may or may not be given the
opportunity to vote thereon, depending upon the nature of any such transactions,
applicable law, the rules and policies of the NASDAQ/NMS and the judgment of the
WesterFed Financial Board regarding the submission of such issuance to WesterFed

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<PAGE>

Financial's  stockholders.  WesterFed Financial  stockholders have no preemptive
rights to subscribe to newly issued shares.

         Moreover,  it is possible that additional shares of WesterFed Financial
Common  Stock or  WesterFed  Financial  Preferred  Stock would be issued for the
purpose of making an acquisition by an unwanted suitor of a controlling interest
in WesterFed Financial more difficult,  time-consuming or costly or to otherwise
discourage  an attempt to acquire  control of  WesterFed  Financial.  Under such
circumstances,  the  availability of authorized and unissued shares of WesterFed
Financial Common Stock and WesterFed  Financial Preferred Stock may make it more
difficult for  WesterFed  Financial  stockholders  to obtain a premium for their
shares.  Such  authorized and unissued  shares could be used to create voting or
other  impediments  or to  frustrate  a person  seeking  to  obtain  control  of
WesterFed  Financial  through a merger,  tender  offer,  proxy  contest or other
means. Such shares could be privately placed with purchasers who might cooperate
with  WesterFed  Financial in opposing  such an attempt by a third party to gain
control  of  WesterFed  Financial.  The  issuance  of new  shares  of  WesterFed
Financial Common Stock or WesterFed Financial Preferred Stock could also be used
to dilute ownership of a person or entity seeking to obtain control of WesterFed
Financial.  Although WesterFed  Financial does not currently  contemplate taking
such action, shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock or one or more series of
WesterFed Financial Preferred Stock could be issued for the purposes and effects
described  above and the  WesterFed  Financial  Board  reserves  its  rights (if
consistent  with its  fiduciary  responsibilities)  to issue such stock for such
purposes.

         Based on the number of shares of WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock and
WesterFed  Financial  Preferred Stock  presently  authorized for issuance in the
WesterFed Financial  Certificate and the number thereof  outstanding,  WesterFed
Financial  is  currently  limited in its  ability to issue  shares of  WesterFed
Financial Common Stock and WesterFed  Financial  Preferred  Stock,  including in
connection with the Merger.

         Upon consummation of the Merger,  WesterFed  Financial will issue up to
____ shares of WesterFed Financial Common Stock.

         Classified  Board of Directors and Removal of Directors.  The WesterFed
Financial Certificate states that the WesterFed Financial Board is to be divided
into three  classes,  which shall be as nearly equal in number as possible.  The
directors of  WesterFed  Financial in each class hold office for a term of three
years.  The  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  provides  that a director may be
removed only for cause and then only by the affirmative  vote of (i) the holders
of at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote in an election
of directors,  voting as a single class and (ii) not less than a majority of the
directors then in office. If less than the entire Board is to be removed, no one
of the  directors  may be removed if the votes cast against the removal would be
sufficient  to elect a  director  if such votes  were  cumulatively  voted at an
election of the class of directors of which such director is a part.

         A  classified  board of  directors  could  make it more  difficult  for
stockholders,  including those holding a majority of the outstanding  shares, to
force an  immediate  change in the  composition  of a majority of the  WesterFed
Financial  Board.  Since the terms of  approximately  one-third of the incumbent
directors  expire each year, at least two annual elections are necessary for the
stockholders  to  replace a  majority  of the  board,  whereas a  majority  of a
non-classified board may be replaced in one year.

         Management of WesterFed  Financial believes that the staggered election
of directors helps to promote the continuity of management because approximately
one-third of the  WesterFed  Financial  Board is subject to election  each year.
Staggered  terms  help  to  assure  that  in the  ordinary  course  of  business
approximately  two-thirds of the directors, or more, at any one time have had at
least one year's  experience as  directors,  and moderate the pace of changes in
the WesterFed  Financial Board by extending the minimum time required to elect a
majority of directors from one to two years.

         Stockholder  Vote  Required  to  Approve  Business   Combinations  with
Principal  Stockholders.  In connection with certain "Business Combinations" (as
defined  below) and  related  transactions  between  WesterFed  Financial  and a
"Related  Person"  (as  defined  below),  the  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate
requires the  approval of the holders of at least 75% of  WesterFed  Financial's
outstanding shares of voting stock voting as a single class unless the

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<PAGE>

transaction is approved by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the directors
who are not  affiliated  with the Related  Person and who were  directors at the
time the Related  Person became such or unless  certain fair price  criteria are
met. The  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  defines the term  "Related  Person"
generally  to  include  any  individual  or  entity  which,  together  with  its
"Affiliates" (as that term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended) owns beneficially or controls,  directly or indirectly,  10% or more of
the outstanding shares of voting stock of WesterFed Financial.

         The WesterFed Financial  Certificate  defines Business  Combination as:
(i)  any  merger  or  consolidation  of  WesterFed   Financial  or  any  of  its
subsidiaries with or into any Related Person;  (ii) any sale,  lease,  exchange,
mortgage,  pledge,  transfer,  or other  disposition  other than in the ordinary
course of  business  to or with a  Related  Person  of any  assets of  WesterFed
Financial having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more; (iii) the
issuance or transfer by WesterFed Financial of any shares of its voting stock or
securities  convertible  into  such  shares  (other  than  by way of a pro  rata
distribution to all stockholders) to a Related Person;  (iv) the adoption of any
plan or proposal for the  liquidation or  dissolution of WesterFed  Financial or
any of its subsidiaries proposed,  directly or indirectly,  by or on behalf of a
Related Person;  (v) any  recapitalization,  merger or consolidation  that would
have the effect of  increasing  the voting power of a Related  Person;  (vi) any
merger or  consolidation  of WesterFed  Financial with another person  proposed,
directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of a Related Person unless the surviving
or  resulting  entity  has a  provision  in its  governing  instrument  which is
substantially   identical  to  this   provision  of  the   WesterFed   Financial
Certificate;  and  (vii)  any  agreement,   contract  or  other  arrangement  or
understanding  providing,  directly or indirectly,  for any of the  transactions
described in this paragraph.

         Under  Delaware  law,  absent such a  supermajority  voting  provision,
business   combinations,   including   mergers,   consolidations  and  sales  of
substantially  all of the assets of WesterFed  Financial must be approved by the
vote of the  holders  of a  majority  of the  outstanding  shares  of  WesterFed
Financial Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions. See "--Delaware Law." The
increased  stockholder vote required to approve a Business  Combination may have
the  effect of  foreclosing  mergers  and other  business  combinations  which a
majority of stockholders  deem desirable and may place the power to prevent such
a merger or combination in the hands of a minority of stockholders.

         Provisions   Relating  to  Meetings  of  Stockholders.   The  WesterFed
Financial  Certificate  and  WesterFed  Financial  Bylaws  provide  that Special
Meetings of stockholders  may only be called by the chairman of the board or the
president and shall be called by either  individual at the written  request of a
majority of the directors then in office.  The WesterFed  Financial  Certificate
also provides that stockholder  action may be taken only at a Special Meeting of
stockholders  and not by  written  consent.  Although  management  of  WesterFed
Financial believes that these provisions will discourage stockholder attempts to
disrupt  the  business  of  WesterFed  Financial  between  Special  Meetings  of
stockholders,  an additional  effect may be to deter hostile takeovers by making
it more  difficult  for a person  or  entity  to  obtain  immediate  control  of
WesterFed Financial between Special Meetings.  These provisions may also prevent
stockholders  from using a Special  Meeting as a forum to address  certain other
matters and may discourage takeovers which are desired by stockholders.

         Restriction  of Maximum  Number of Directors  and Filling  Vacancies on
WesterFed  Financial's Board of Directors.  The WesterFed Financial  Certificate
provides that the number of directors of WesterFed  Financial  shall be not less
than six nor more than 18, as set forth in the WesterFed  Financial Bylaws.  The
power to fill  vacancies,  whether  occurring  by reason of an  increase  in the
number of  directors or by  resignation,  is vested in the  WesterFed  Financial
Board acting by a vote of a majority of directors  then in office,  even if less
than a quorum.  An increase or decrease in the numerical  range  limitations  on
directors of WesterFed  Financial may only be accomplished  through an amendment
of the WesterFed Financial Certificate,  which amendment must be approved by the
affirmative  vote of at least  two-thirds of the directors then in office and by
the affirmative  vote of the holders of at least 75% of the total votes eligible
to be cast at a meeting duly called for that purpose. An increase or decrease in
the number of directors within the numerical range limitations prescribed by the
WesterFed Financial Certificate requires an amendment to the WesterFed Financial
Bylaws,  which  requires  an  affirmative  vote of at  least  two-thirds  of the
directors  then  in  office  or an  affirmative  vote  of at  least  75%  of the
outstanding capital stock entitled to vote for that purpose.  The overall effect
of such  provisions  may be to  prevent  a person  or  entity  from  immediately
acquiring  control of WesterFed  Financial  through an increase in the number of
WesterFed Financial directors

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followed  by election  of that  person's or entity's  nominees to fill the newly
created vacancies.  Furthermore, the ability of the WesterFed Financial Board to
fill vacancies resulting from newly created  directorships could allow the Board
to retain  control of  WesterFed  Financial by creating  new  directorships  and
filling the vacancies created thereby.

         Advance  Notice  Requirements  for  Presentation  of New  Business  and
Nominations of Directors at Meetings of  Stockholders.  The WesterFed  Financial
Bylaws  generally  provide that any stockholder  desiring to make a proposal for
new business at a meeting of stockholders  must submit written notice which must
be received at the executive offices of WesterFed  Financial at least 20 days in
advance of the  meeting.  The  WesterFed  Financial  Bylaws  also  provide  that
stockholders  wishing to nominate  candidates  for  election as  directors  must
deliver written notice to the secretary of WesterFed  Financial at least 15 days
prior to the date of the  Special  Meeting  of  stockholders.  Adequate  advance
notice  of  stockholder  proposals  and  nominations  gives  management  time to
evaluate such proposals and nominations and to determine whether to recommend to
the  stockholders  that such proposals be adopted.  In certain  instances,  such
provisions  could make it more  difficult  to oppose  management's  proposals or
nominations if  stockholders  believe such  proposals or nominations  are not in
their best interests.

         Supermajority Voting Requirement for Amendment of Certain Provisions of
the Certificate of  Incorporation.  The WesterFed  Financial  Certificate may be
amended only if first  approved by two-thirds of the directors then in office at
a duly  constituted  meeting  called  expressly for that purpose and  thereafter
approved by the vote of the holders of a majority of the  outstanding  shares of
WesterFed  Financial  Common Stock,  except that the provisions of the WesterFed
Financial Certificate governing (i) WesterFed Financial's internal affairs, (ii)
call of Special Meetings, (iii) indemnification, (iv) limitation on the personal
liability of directors,  (v) approval for  acquisitions of control and offers to
acquire control and (vi) amending the WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  must be
approved  by the  affirmative  vote of the  holders of at least 75% of the total
votes  eligible to be cast on such matters,  and the provisions of the WesterFed
Financial Certificate governing Business Combinations may be amended,  added to,
changed or repealed only as provided for therein.  This provision is intended to
prevent  the  holders of less than 75% of the  outstanding  shares of  WesterFed
Financial  from  circumventing  any of the foregoing  provisions by amending the
Certificate  of  Incorporation  to delete or modify any one of such  provisions.
This  provision  would  enable  the  holders  of  more  than  25%  of  WesterFed
Financial's  voting  stock to  prevent  amendments  to the  WesterFed  Financial
Certificate even if they were favored by the holders of a majority of the voting
stock.

         Control  Acquisitions.  The WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  provides
that,  for as long as  Western  Bank  remains  a  majority-owned  subsidiary  of
WesterFed Financial, no person shall acquire beneficial ownership of 10% or more
of the voting stock of WesterFed  Financial unless (i) the acquisition  received
prior  approval,  either  by the  affirmative  vote of the  holders  of at least
two-thirds of the  outstanding  voting stock or, if first approved by two-thirds
of the directors  then in office at a meeting of the  directors  called for such
purpose,  then by the affirmative  vote of holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding  voting stock (in either case at a  stockholder  meeting  called for
such purpose);  and (ii) the  acquisition  received prior approval by the proper
federal  regulatory  agencies  as  provided  in the  Control Act and the Holding
Company Act.

         In the event  that  beneficial  ownership  of 10% or more of the voting
stock of  WesterFed  Financial  is  acquired by any person in  violation  of the
aforementioned provisions, (i) WesterFed Financial may institute a private right
of action to enforce the relevant statutory and regulatory  provisions under the
Control Act and the Holding  Company Act, and (ii) all voting stock of WesterFed
Financial held by such person in excess of 10% of the  outstanding  voting stock
of  WesterFed  Financial  shall  no  longer,  from  and  after  the  date of its
acquisition (A) be entitled to vote on any matter, (B) be entitled to take other
stockholder  action,  (C) be counted in determining the total outstanding shares
of  WesterFed  Financial  for  purposes  of any  stockholder  action,  or (D) be
transferable  except with the approval of the WesterFed Financial Board or of an
independent trustee appointed thereby (with the proceeds of such sale to be paid
(x) first, to the trustee, for its reasonable fees and expenses,  (y) second, to
the acquiring  person to cover its tax liability  upon such sale, and (z) third,
to WesterFed Financial as to any remaining balance).

         This provision  would make it impractical  for a third party to acquire
beneficial  ownership  of more  than  10% of the  outstanding  voting  stock  of
WesterFed Financial without first receiving stockholder and regulatory

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approvals,  since any party who acquired  shares in excess of the 10%  threshold
would lose all  significant  rights  associated  with the voting and transfer of
such shares.

Federal Law

         Federal law provides that no person or company,  directly or indirectly
or acting in concert  with one or more persons or  companies,  or through one or
more subsidiaries, or through one or more transactions, may acquire "control" of
a savings  association  (which for these  purposes  includes  a holding  company
thereof)  at any  time  without  the  prior  approval  of,  or,  in the  case of
individuals,  written notice to, the OTS. Any company that acquires such control
becomes  a  "savings  and  loan  holding   company"   subject  to  registration,
examination and regulation as a savings and loan holding  company.  Control of a
savings  association  or any  other  company  under  federal  statute  includes,
generally,  ownership  of,  control of or holding  irrevocable  proxies  (or any
combination of irrevocable  proxies and voting stock) representing more than 25%
of any  class of voting  stock,  control  in any  manner  of the  election  of a
majority of the savings association's  directors,  or a determination by the OTS
that the acquiror has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise
a controlling  influence  over, the  management or policies of the  institution.
Among other things, direct or indirect acquisition of more than 10% of any class
of a savings  association's voting stock, if the acquiror also is subject to any
one of eight  "control  factors,"  constitutes  a  rebuttable  determination  of
control under the OTS  regulations.  Such control factors  include,  among other
things,  the acquiror being one of the two largest  stockholders of any class of
voting stock. The  determination of control may be rebutted by submission to the
OTS,  prior  to the  acquisition  of  stock  or  the  occurrence  of  any  other
circumstances  giving rise to such  determination,  of a statement setting forth
facts  and  circumstances   which  would  support  a  finding  that  no  control
relationship will exist and containing certain undertakings. Thus, any person or
company that intends to acquire more than 25% of the WesterFed  Financial Common
Stock,  or that is subject to a "control  factor" as  described  in the  federal
regulations  and  intends to acquire  more than 10% of the  WesterFed  Financial
Common Stock, may need to notify the OTS and seek prior approval,  non-objection
or acceptance of a rebuttal statement.

         In applying the "control"  test to holders of the  WesterFed  Financial
Common Stock,  Federal law treats the WesterFed Financial Preferred Stock, which
is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into WesterFed  Financial
Common Stock, as WesterFed  Financial Common Stock on an as-converted  basis for
purposes of the 10% or 25% limits on voting stock. Consequently, any person that
intends  to  acquire  ownership  or control  of some  combination  of  WesterFed
Financial  Preferred Stock and WesterFed  Financial Common Stock,  such that the
10% or 25% limits  described  above are met, may need to notify the OTS and seek
prior approval, non-objection or acceptance of a rebuttal statement.

Delaware Law

         Section 203 of the Delaware  General  Corporation Law ("DGCL") may have
the effect of  significantly  delaying a purchaser's  acquisition  of the entire
equity  interest  in  WesterFed  Financial,  and  accordingly,  could  delay  or
discourage  certain  takeover  attempts.  In  general,  Section  203 of the DGCL
prevents an "Interested  Stockholder" (defined generally as a person with 15% or
more of a corporation's  outstanding  voting stock) from engaging in a "Business
Combination"  (defined to include a variety of transactions,  including mergers,
as set forth below) with a Delaware  corporation such as WesterFed Financial for
three years  following  the date such person  became an  Interested  Stockholder
unless:  (i) before such person became an Interested  Stockholder,  the board of
directors of the  corporation  approved  either the Business  Combination or the
transaction   in  which  the   Interested   Stockholder   became  an  Interested
Stockholder;  (ii) upon  consummation of the  transaction  which resulted in the
Interested  Stockholder  becoming  an  Interested  Stockholder,  the  Interested
Stockholder  owned  at  least  85%  of  the  voting  stock  of  the  corporation
outstanding  at the time the  transaction  commenced  (excluding  stock owned by
directors  who are also  officers  and  employee  stock plans in which  employee
participants  do not have the right to determine  confidentially  whether shares
held subject to the plan will be tendered);  or (iii)  following the transaction
in which such person became an Interested Stockholder,  the Business Combination
is (A) approved by the board of directors of the  corporation and (B) authorized
at a meeting of stockholders  by the affirmative  vote of the holders of 66-2/3%
of the  outstanding  voting stock of the corporation not owned by the Interested
Stockholder.  The  restrictions  imposed on Interested  Stockholders  under DGCL
Section 203 do not apply under certain limited  circumstances set forth therein,
including certain Business  Combinations  proposed by an Interested  Stockholder
following the announcement or notification of certain extraordinary

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transactions  involving  the  corporation  and a  person  who  had  not  been an
Interested  Stockholder  during  the  previous  three  years  or who  became  an
Interested  Stockholder  with the  approval of a majority  of the  corporation's
directors.

         Section 203 of the DGCL  provides that during such  three-year  period,
the corporation may not merge or consolidate  with an Interested  Stockholder or
any  affiliate or associate  thereof,  and also may not engage in certain  other
transactions  with an  Interested  Stockholder  or any  affiliate  or  associate
thereof,  including,  without limitation, (i) any merger or consolidation of the
corporation or a direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the corporation
with (A) the Interested  Stockholder,  or (B) with any other  corporation if the
merger or consolidation is caused by the Interested  Stockholder and as a result
of such merger or  consolidation  the above  limitations  of Section 203 are not
applicable  to the  surviving  corporation;  (ii)  any  sale,  lease,  exchange,
mortgage,  pledge,  transfer or other disposition  (except  proportionately as a
stockholder of the corporation) to or with the Interested  Stockholder of assets
having an aggregate  market value equal to 10% or more of the  aggregate  market
value of all assets of the corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the
aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of a corporation;  (iii) any
transaction  which results in the issuance or transfer by the  corporation or by
any majority owned  subsidiary  thereof of any stock of the  corporation of such
subsidiary to the Interested  Stockholder,  except, among other things, pursuant
to a transaction  which effects a pro rata  distribution to all  stockholders of
the corporation;  (iv) any transaction involving the corporation or any majority
owned  subsidiary  thereof which has the effect of increasing the  proportionate
share of the stock of any class or series,  or securities  convertible  into the
stock of any class or series, of the corporation or any such subsidiary which is
owned by the Interested Stockholders (except, among other things, as a result of
immaterial changes due to fractional share  adjustments);  or (v) any receipt by
the  Interested  Stockholder  of  the  benefit  (except   proportionately  as  a
stockholder of such corporation) of any loans, advances,  guarantees, pledges or
other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

                   COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL
                            AND SECURITY STOCKHOLDERS

General

         As a result of the Merger,  holders of Security  capital  stock,  whose
rights are presently  governed by Montana law and the Articles of  Incorporation
(the "Security  Articles") and Bylaws (the "Security Bylaws") of Security,  will
become stockholders of WesterFed Financial, a Delaware corporation. Accordingly,
their rights will be governed by Delaware law ("DGCL"),  the WesterFed Financial
Certificate  and the WesterFed  Financial  Bylaws.  Certain  differences  in the
rights of stockholders arise from distinctions between the Security Articles and
Security Bylaws, and the WesterFed Financial Certificate and WesterFed Financial
Bylaws  as well as  Delaware  law and  Montana  law.  The  following  is a brief
description  of those  differences.  This  description  does not purport to be a
complete  statement of all  differences  between the rights of  stockholders  of
Security and WesterFed Financial, and the identification of specific differences
is not meant to indicate that other differences do not exist. However,  Security
and  WesterFed  Financial  believe  that  all of the  material  differences  are
discussed below. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference
to Montana law,  the DGCL,  the  Security  Articles and Security  Bylaws and the
WesterFed Financial Certificate and WesterFed Financial Bylaws.

         Each Security  stockholder should carefully consider these differences,
including provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of WesterFed
Financial that may have an anti-takeover effect, in connection with the decision
to vote for or against the adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement.

Capital Stock

         The Security  Articles  authorize the issuance of 10,000,000  shares of
common  stock,  par value $1.00 per share,  and  5,000,000  shares of  preferred
stock,  par value $1.00 per share.  The Security  Articles also provide that the
Board may issue the Security  Preferred Stock in series,  establish from time to
time the number of shares to be  included  in each series and fix the rights and
preferences of the shares of each series and the qualifications,  limitations or
restrictions  thereof.  As of January __, 1997,  Security had no Preferred Stock
issued and outstanding.

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<PAGE>

         The  WesterFed  Financial   Certificate   authorizes  the  issuance  of
10,000,000  shares of common  stock,  par value  $.01 per share,  and  5,000,000
shares of preferred  stock,  par value $.01 per share.  The WesterFed  Financial
Certificate also provides that the Board may authorize the issuance of WesterFed
Financial  Preferred Stock in series,  establish from time to time the number of
shares  to  included  in each  such  series  and fix  the  designation,  powers,
preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and any qualifications,
limitations or  restrictions  thereof.  The number of outstanding  shares may be
increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Stock
holders,  without a vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, unless a vote of
any such  holders  is  required  pursuant  to the terms of any  Preferred  Stock
Designation.  At January  ___1997,  there were no shares of WesterFed  Financial
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

Special Meetings of Stockholders

         The Security Bylaws allow for special  meetings of the shareholders for
any purpose or purposes,  called at any time by the  chairman of the board,  the
president  or a  majority  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  Special  meetings  of
shareholders  may also be called by the chairman of the board,  the president or
the secretary upon written request signed by the holders of not less than 10% of
all of the  outstanding  capital  stock  of  Security  entitled  to  vote at the
meeting.  The WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  and Bylaws  provide for special
meetings  only when called by the Board of  Directors  pursuant to a  resolution
adopted by a majority of the total number of directors which WesterFed Financial
would have with no  vacancies.  Therefore,  to the  extent a group of  WesterFed
Financial  shareholders  desired  to call a special  meeting,  they would not be
permitted to do so.

Advance Notice Requirements for Nominations of Directors and Presentation of New
Business at Meetings of Stockholders

         The  Security  Articles  and  Bylaws  allow  shareholders  to  nominate
directors and raise new business at the annual  meetings with written  notice to
the  Secretary  of  Security  at least five days prior to the date of the annual
meeting.  If a new  business  proposal is not properly  written and filed,  such
proposal may not be acted upon and will be laid over for action at an adjourned,
special  or annual  meeting  of the  stockholder,  taking  place 30 days or more
thereafter.  The  WesterFed  Financial  Bylaws  allow  shareholders  to nominate
directors  and raise new business at annual  meetings  with written  notice,  as
described in the Bylaws,  to the  Secretary  of WesterFed  Financial at least 30
days prior to the annual meeting  (unless notice of the annual meeting was given
less than 40 days in advance of the meeting,  in which case the  shareholder can
timely  file  within ten days of the  notice).  Any  business so brought up by a
shareholder  must relate to a proper subject for stockholder  action.  WesterFed
Financial stockholders are therefore subject to a longer notice requirement with
regard  to  nominations  of  directors  and  presentation  of  new  business  at
stockholder  meetings,  as well as a  specific  requirement  that  new  business
proposals relate to a proper subject for stockholder action.

Cumulative Voting for Election of Directors

         Cumulative  voting entitles each  stockholder to cast a number of votes
in the election of directors equal to the number of such stockholder's shares of
stock  multiplied  by the number of directors to be elected,  and to  distribute
such votes in favor of one  nominee or among two or more of the  nominees  to be
elected.  The Security  Articles allow cumulative  voting by stockholders in the
election of directors.  The WesterFed Financial Certificate does not provide for
cumulative  voting.  Accordingly,  cumulative  voting,  which may be  considered
desirable by certain  stockholders,  is not  available  to  WesterFed  Financial
stockholders.

Number and Term of Directors

         The  Security  Articles  and  Bylaws  prescribe  a Board  of  Directors
consisting of no fewer than nine directors,  and no more than fifteen  directors
as fixed by the vote of the Board of Directors;  the Board is divided into three
classes,  as nearly equal in number as  possible.  The members of each class are
elected  for three  year  terms and  until  their  successors  are  elected  and
qualified with one class being elected annually.

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<PAGE>

         The  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  and  Bylaws  allow the Board of
Directors to  determine,  by  resolution,  the number of Directors on the Board.
Absent any  designation  by the Board of  Directors,  the number of directors is
six;  currently,  there are six  directors  on  WesterFed  Financial's  Board of
Directors.  The  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  requires  that the  Board be
divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, with the term
of one class expiring each year.

Removal of Directors

         The Security  Bylaws provides for removal of directors at a shareholder
meeting called  expressly for that purpose.  A director may be removed for cause
by a vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then  entitled to vote.  If
less than the entire  board is to be  removed,  no one of the  directors  may be
removed if the votes cast  against the  removal  would be  sufficient  to elect,
under  cumulative  voting,  a director  in the class of  directors  of which the
director is a part.

         The  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  permits  removal of any and all
directors at any time,  but only for cause and only by the  affirmative  vote of
the holders of at least 80% of the voting  power of all of the  then-outstanding
shares of capital  stock of the  Corporation  entitled to vote  generally in the
election  of  directors,  voting  together  as a single  class.  Therefore,  the
percentage of shareholders required to remove a director is higher for WesterFed
Financial shareholders than for Security shareholders.

Business Combinations with Certain Persons

         The  Security  Articles  and Bylaws do not  address  issues  related to
Business Combinations with Affiliates or Interested Shareholders.

         The WesterFed Financial Certificate includes a provision which requires
that a "Business  Combination"  (as defined  therein)  involving any "Interested
Stockholder"   (which  generally   includes  any  person  or  entity  owning  or
controlling  more  than  10%  of  the  outstanding  voting  stock  of  WesterFed
Financial),  must be approved by the holders of at least 80% of the  outstanding
shares  entitled to vote,  unless the Business  Combination has been approved in
advance by a majority of the  disinterested  directors who are unaffiliated with
the  Interested  Stockholder  and were  directors  prior  to the  time  that the
Interested  Stockholder became a Interested  Stockholder,  or certain fair price
conditions  are met. In the event the  requisite  approval of the  disinterested
directors is given,  or the fair price  conditions  are met,  the normal  voting
requirements  of the DGCL would apply.  For a more complete  description  of the
Business  Combination  provision of the  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate,  see
"Certain    Anti-takeover    Provisions--Certificate    of   Incorporation   and
Bylaws--Stockholder   Vote  Required  to  Approve  Business   Combinations  with
Principal Stockholders".

Amendment of Certificate or Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

         The Security  Articles give  shareholders the sole power to amend, by a
majority  vote,  the Security  Articles,  except that the Board of Directors may
amend the Articles  without  shareholder  action under certain  circumstances as
provided by Montana law. The Security Bylaws may be amended by a majority of the
full board of directors  or by a majority of the votes cast by the  shareholders
of the corporation.

         The DGCL provides that the certificate of  incorporation  of a Delaware
corporation may be amended only if first approved by the corporation's  board of
directors and thereafter by a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote
thereon. The WesterFed Financial  Certificate grants full amendment power of the
Certificate to the Corporation as prescribed by Delaware law, except that an 80%
vote of the outstanding  shares is required to amend or repeal certain  portions
of the Certificate related to capital stock  authorization,  special meetings of
stockholders,   annual  meetings  of  shareholders,  the  number  and  terms  of
directors,  amendment of Bylaws,  Business Combinations with and stock purchases
from Interested  Shareholders and  indemnification  of directors.  The WesterFed
Financial  Certificate expressly empowers the Board of Directors to adopt, amend
or repeal  the  By-laws of the  Corporation.  Shareholders  can adopt,  amend or
repeal the By-laws of the Corporation  with an affirmative  vote of at least 80%
of the then outstanding  shares of WesterFed  Financial  capital stock generally
entitled to vote for directors.

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<PAGE>

         WesterFed   Financial   shareholders,   therefore,   are   subject   to
supermajority  standards for amending the WesterFed Financial Bylaws and much of
the WesterFed Financial Certificate.

Control Acquisitions

         The  WesterFed  Financial  Certificate  provides  that any  person  who
beneficially  owns 10% or more of the  outstanding  voting  stock  of  WesterFed
Financial  Corporation is not permitted to vote in respect of the shares held in
excess of the 10%.  The  Security  Articles  and Bylaws do not  contain  similar
provisions.

    RATIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE WESTERFED FINANCIAL EQUITY INCENTIVE
                                      PLAN

         An equity incentive plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan") has been adopted
by the Board of Directors of WesterFed Financial, effective ____________,  1996,
subject to  ratification  by  stockholders  at the WesterFed  Financial  Special
Meeting.  Apart from the  replenishing  of  shares,  the Plan is  comparable  in
structure and purpose to plans adopted by the  stockholders of a large number of
public  companies and is similar to the WesterFed  Financial's 1993 Stock Option
and Incentive  Plan approved by WesterFed  Financial  Stockholders  at a Special
Meeting of WesterFed  Financial  Stockholders  held in March 1994. As of January
___ , 1997, awards covering a total of ___________  shares of the _______ shares
of Common Stock  reserved for issuance under the 1993 Stock Option and Incentive
Plan have been granted.

         Pursuant  to the  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  ______  shares  or ____% of
WesterFed  Financial's  Common  Stock will be reserved  for  issuance  under the
Equity  Incentive Plan from  authorized but unissued  shares.  In addition,  the
Equity  Incentive Plan will include the ______ shares  previously  authorized by
shareholders  which have not been granted under WesterFed  Financial's  existing
1993 Stock Option and Incentive Plan plus,  the number of shares  repurchased by
WesterFed  Financial in the open market or otherwise with an aggregate  price no
greater than the cash proceeds received by WesterFed Financial from the exercise
of shares under the Equity  Incentive  Plan;  plus,  any shares  surrendered  to
WesterFed Financial in payment of the exercise price of options issued under the
Equity Incentive Plan.

         The WesterFed  Financial Board of Directors  proposes that stockholders
approve the new Equity Incentive Plan in order to fulfill WesterFed  Financial's
obligation  pursuant to the Merger Agreement to assume the outstanding  Security
stock  options of  Security's  directors  and  executive  officers.  In addition
adoption  of the  Equity  Incentive  Plan  would  increase  the number of shares
available for future grants of stock options.  The WesterFed  Financial Board of
Directors  believes that it is  appropriate  for WesterFed  Financial to adopt a
flexible and comprehensive Equity Incentive Plan which permits the granting of a
variety of long-term incentive awards to directors,  officers and employees as a
means of  enhancing  and  encouraging  the  recruitment  and  retention of those
individuals  on whom the  continued  success  of  WesterFed  Financial  depends.
However,  because  future  awards are granted  only to persons  affiliated  with
WesterFed  Financial,  the adoption of the Equity  Incentive  Plan could make it
more difficult for a third party to acquire  control of WesterFed  Financial and
therefore could discourage  offers for WesterFed  Financial's  stock that may be
viewed by WesterFed Financial's stockholders to be in their best interest.

         Attached  as  Appendix  VII to this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  is the
complete text of the Equity Incentive Plan. The principal features of the Equity
Incentive Plan are summarized below.

Principal Features of the Equity Incentive Plan

         The  Equity  Incentive  Plan  provides  for awards in the form of stock
options,  stock appreciation rights ("SARs"),  other securities and property and
restricted stock.  Each award shall be on such terms and conditions,  consistent
with the  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  as the  committee  administering  the Equity
Incentive Plan may determine.

         Shares  may be either  authorized  but  unissued  shares or  reacquired
shares held by WesterFed  Financial in its  treasury.  Any shares  subject to an
award which  expires or is  terminated  unexercised  will again be available for
issuance  under  the  Equity  Incentive  Plan or any  other  plan  of  WesterFed
Financial or its subsidiaries. Generally,

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<PAGE>

no award or any right or interest  therein is assignable or transferable  except
under certain limited exceptions set forth in the Plan.

         The Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors of WesterFed Financial.  Directors Roemer,  Klein, and
Reynolds  have  been  appointed  as the  present  members  of  the  Compensation
Committee.  Pursuant to the terms of the Equity  Incentive Plan, any director or
employee of WesterFed  Financial or its affiliates is eligible to participate in
the Equity Incentive Plan which currently includes approximately 200 persons. In
granting  awards under the Equity  Incentive  Plan, the  Compensation  Committee
considers,  among other  things,  position  and years of  service,  value of the
participant's  services to  WesterFed  Financial  and its  subsidiaries  and the
responsibilities  of such individuals as employees,  directors and officers of a
public company.

Stock Options

         The term of stock  options  will not  exceed 15 years  from the date of
grant. The Compensation  Committee may grant either "Incentive Stock Options" as
defined  under  Section 422 of the Code or stock options not intended to qualify
as such ("Non-Qualified Stock Options").

         In general,  stock options will not be exercisable after the expiration
of their terms. Unless otherwise  determined by the Compensation  Committee,  in
the event  that a  participant  terminates  service  (as  defined  in the Equity
Incentive Plan) to WesterFed Financial, or one of its affiliates, for any reason
other than  termination for cause, an exercisable  stock option will continue to
be exercisable  for three years but in no event after the expiration date of the
option.  A stock  option  will  automatically  terminate  and will no  longer be
exercisable as of the date a participant is terminated for cause.

         The exercise price for the purchase of shares subject to a stock option
may not be less than  100% of the  market  value of the  shares  covered  by the
option on the date of grant. The exercise price may be paid in cash or shares of
common stock or other awards, or a combination thereof.

Stock Appreciation Rights

         The Compensation  Committee may grant SARs at any time,  whether or not
the  participant  then holds stock  options,  granting  the right to receive the
excess of the  market  value of the shares  represented  by the SARs on the date
exercised  over the exercise  price.  SARs generally will be subject to the same
terms and  conditions and  exercisable  to the same extent as stock options,  as
described  above.  Upon the exercise of a SAR, the participant  will receive the
amount due in cash or shares,  or a  combination  of both,  as determined by the
Compensation Committee. SARs may be related to stock options ("tandem SARs"), in
which case the  exercise  of one will reduce to that extent the number of shares
represented by the other.

Restricted Stock

         The Compensation  Committee may grant restricted stock, subject to such
restrictions as the Compensation  Committee may impose. The holder of restricted
stock  may have all of the  rights  of a  stockholder,  including  the  right to
receive dividends and the right to vote the shares.  Unless otherwise determined
by the Compensation Committee,  all unvested shares of restricted stock shall be
forfeited upon termination of service of the recipient.

         The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion,  accelerate the time
at which any or all  restrictions  will  lapse,  or may remove any or all of the
restrictions.  Restrictions  may lapse separately or in combination at such time
or times, in such  installments or otherwise as the  Compensation  Committee may
deem appropriate.

                                       171

<PAGE>

Performance Awards

         The  Compensation   Committee  may,  in  its  full  discretion,   grant
performance  awards consisting of cash,  stock,  other securities or property to
participants under the Equity Incentive Plan based on the achievement of certain
performance goals during specified periods of time.

Effect of Merger and Other Adjustments

         Shares as to which  awards  may be granted  under the Equity  Incentive
Plan,  and shares then subject to awards,  will be adjusted by the  Compensation
Committee   in  the  event  of  any   merger,   consolidation,   reorganization,
recapitalization,  stock dividend,  stock split or other change in the corporate
structure of WesterFed Financial.

         In the case of any merger,  consolidation  or  combination of WesterFed
Financial  whereby either WesterFed  Financial is not the continuing  company or
its outstanding shares are converted into or exchanged for different securities,
cash or property,  or any combination  thereof,  any participant to whom a stock
option or SAR has been granted  will have the right upon  exercise of the option
or SAR to an  amount  equal to the  excess  of the  market  value on the date of
exercise  of the  consideration  receivable  in  the  merger,  consolidation  or
combination  with  respect to the shares  covered  or  represented  by the stock
option or SAR over the  exercise  price of the option or SAR  multiplied  by the
number of shares with respect to which the option or SAR has been exercised.

         The restricted period with respect to an award of restricted stock will
lapse,  and the stock  will  become  fully  vested  after a change in control of
WesterFed  Financial.  A change in  control  will be deemed to occur  when (i) a
person or group becomes the  beneficial  owner of shares of WesterFed  Financial
representing  25% or more of the total number of votes which may be cast for the
election of the Board of Directors of WesterFed  Financial,  (ii) in  connection
with any tender or exchange offer (other than an offer by WesterFed  Financial),
merger or other business  combination,  sale of assets or contested election, or
combination  of the  foregoing,  the  persons  who are  Directors  of  WesterFed
Financial  cease  to  be  a  majority  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  or  (iii)
stockholders  of WesterFed  Financial  approve a  transaction  pursuant to which
WesterFed  Financial will cease to be an independent  publicly-owned  company or
pursuant to which substantially all of its assets will be sold.

         In addition,  unless the  Compensation  Committee  shall have  provided
otherwise,  in the event of a tender or exchange offer (other than an offer made
by WesterFed  Financial) or if the event specified in clause (iii) above occurs,
all  outstanding  stock  options  and SARs not  fully  exercisable  will  become
exercisable in full.

Amendment and Termination

         The Board of Directors of  WesterFed  Financial  may at any time amend,
suspend or terminate the Equity  Incentive  Plan or any portion  thereof but may
not,  without the prior approval of the  stockholders,  make any amendment which
shall (i) change the aggregate number of shares with respect to which awards may
be made under the Plan (except for adjustments  upon changes in  capitalization)
or (ii)  change the  persons  eligible  to  participate  in the Plan;  provided,
further that no such  amendment,  suspension or termination of the Plan shall be
permitted except in accordance with Rule 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 or any similar or successor provision.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

         Under  present  federal  income  tax  laws,  awards  under  the  Equity
Incentive Plan will have the following consequences:

(1)   The grant of an award,  by itself,  will  generally  neither result in the
      recognition of taxable  income to the  participant  nor entitle  WesterFed
      Financial to a deduction at the time of such grant.

(2)   In order to qualify as an "Incentive Stock Option," a stock option awarded
      under the Equity  Incentive  Plan must meet the  conditions  contained  in
      Section  422 of the  Code,  including  the  requirement  that  the  shares
      acquired  upon the exercise of the stock option be held for one year after
      the date of exercise and two years

                                       172

<PAGE>

      after the grant of the option.  The exercise of an Incentive  Stock Option
      will generally not, by itself, result in the recognition of taxable income
      to the participant nor entitle  WesterFed  Financial to a deduction at the
      time of such exercise.  However, the difference between the exercise price
      and the fair market value of the option  shares on the date of exercise is
      an item of tax preference  which may, in certain  situations,  trigger the
      alternative minimum tax. The alternative minimum tax is incurred only when
      it exceeds the regular  income tax.  The  alternative  minimum tax will be
      payable  at the rate of 26% on the  first  $175,000  of  "minimum  taxable
      income"  above the  exemption  amount  ($33,750  single  person or $45,000
      married person filing jointly).  This tax applies at a flat rate of 28% on
      minimum  taxable income more than $175,000 above the applicable  exemption
      amounts. If a taxpayer has alternative minimum taxable income in excess of
      $150,000 (married persons filing jointly) or $112,500 (single person), the
      $45,000 or $33,750 exemptions are reduced by an amount equal to 25% of the
      amount by which the  alternative  minimum  taxable  income of the taxpayer
      exceeds  $150,000  or  $112,500,  respectively.  Provided  the  applicable
      holding  periods  described  above are  satisfied,  the  participant  will
      recognize  long term  capital  gain or loss upon the  resale of the shares
      received upon such exercise.

(3)   The exercise of a stock option which is not an Incentive Stock Option will
      result in the  recognition  of ordinary  income by the  participant on the
      date of exercise in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise
      price and the fair  market  value on the date of  exercise  of the  shares
      acquired pursuant to the stock option.

(4)   The exercise of an SAR will result in the  recognition of ordinary  income
      by the  participant  on the date of exercise in an amount of cash,  and/or
      the fair market value on that date of the shares, acquired pursuant to the
      exercise.

(5)   Holders of  Restricted  Stock will  recognize ordinary  income on the date
      that the  Restricted Stock  is no longer  subject to a substantial risk of
      forfeiture, in an  amount equal to the  fair market value of the shares on
      that date.  In certain  circumstances,  a  holder  may elect  to recognize
      ordinary income and determine such fair  market value  on the date  of the
      grant of the  Restricted Stock.   Holders  of Restricted  Stock will  also
      recognize  ordinary income equal  to their dividend or dividend equivalent
      payments when such payments are received.  Generally, the amount of income
      recognized by participants  will be  a deductible expense for tax purposes
      for WesterFed Financial.

(6)   WesterFed  Financial  will be allowed a deduction at the time,  and in the
      amount of, any ordinary  income  recognized by the  participant  under the
      various  circumstances  described above, provided that WesterFed Financial
      meets its federal withholding tax obligations.

Awards Under the Equity Incentive Plan

         No individuals have been granted awards, or are the intended recipients
of awards  pursuant  to the Equity  Incentive  Plan,  other than  directors  and
officers of Security  who are  entitled,  pursuant  to the Merger  Agreement  to
receive WesterFed Financial stock options in place of outstanding Security stock
options.  On January  ___,  1997,  the  average  of the bid and asked  price for
WesterFed Financial's Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Stock Market was $____
per share.

      THE  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  THAT  STOCKHOLDERS  VOTE  "FOR"  THE
RATIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN.

                         ELECTION OF SECURITY DIRECTORS

Information on the Security Board and Nominees

      Security's Articles of Incorporation  provide that the number of directors
must fall  within a range of 9 and 15,  the exact  number  to be  determined  by
resolution of the Board of Directors.

                                       173

<PAGE>

      Directors are elected for a term of three years and until their successors
have been elected and qualified.  Security's  Articles of Incorporation  require
that the terms of the directors be staggered such that  approximately  one-third
of the directors are elected each year. In accordance with this requirement, the
Board of Directors  has  nominated  Messrs.  David W.  Jorgenson  and William M.
Leslie and Ms. Elaine F. Hine for election as directors for three-year  terms to
expire in 1999. If either Messrs.  Jorgenson or Leslie or Ms. Hine should refuse
or be unable  to serve,  your  proxy  will be voted for such  person as shall be
designated by the Board of Directors to replace any such  nominee.  The Board of
Directors  presently has no knowledge that any of the nominees will refuse or be
unable to serve.

      Other  nominations,  if any, may be made only in accordance with the prior
notice provisions contained in the Articles of Incorporation.

      The table  below sets forth  information  regarding  the  Security  Board,
including  members' terms of office and their  beneficial  ownership of Security
Common Stock at October 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Number of
                                                      Position           Shares of
                                        Term of       Currently         Common Stock
                           Director     Office        Held With         Beneficially     Percent
Director/Age                Since       Expires       Security             Owned         of Class
- ------------               --------     -------       ---------         ------------     --------
<S>                          <C>         <C>       <C>                  <C>               <C>  
Nominees for Director
- ---------------------
Elaine F. Hine, 51           1995        1996      Sr. VP & Director    20,070(1)         1.34%
David W. Jorgenson, 47       1992        1996      President, CEO and   55,825(2)         3.68%
                                                      Director
William M. Leslie, 61        1978        1996      Director              3,800(3)           *

Continuing Directors
- --------------------
Earl J. Hanson, 55           1985        1997      Director                100(4)           *
George R. Pierce, 49         1982        1997      Director              7,625(5)           *
Jack D. Rehberg, 67          1977        1997      Director             29,252(6)         1.97%

Wlliam M. Dimich, 65         1967        1998      Chairman &           14,500(5)(7)        *
                                                      Director
Harold S. Hanson, 70         1980        1998      Director             18,100(5)(8)      1.21%
Stephen C. Sandels, 59       1995        1998      Director              4,600(5)           *
<FN>
- ----------
(1)   Includes 788 shares held in a  retirement  account for the benefit of Mrs.
      Hine,  788 shares  held in a  retirement  account  for the benefit of Mrs.
      Hine's spouse,  200 shares held for Mrs.  Hine's  daughter,  of which Mrs.
      Hine is custodian and  currently  exercisable  options to purchase  15,000
      shares.
(2)   Includes 12,225 shares held in a retirement account for the benefit of Mr.
      Jorgenson,  2,550  shares held in trust for Mr.  Jorgenson's  daughters of
      which Mr.  Jorgenson  is  trustee  and  currently  exercisable  options to
      purchase 30,000 shares.
(3)   Includes 600 shares  held by Mr. Leslie  as Trustee of  the Profit-Sharing
      Plans and Trusts of Mineral Specialties, Inc. and Quality Concrete Company
      and 100 shares held by spouse.
(4)   Includes  100 shares  held in  a retirement  account  for  th e benefit of
      Mr. Hanson.
(5)   Includes currently exercisable options to purchase 4,500 shares.
(6)   Includes  2,177 shares held  in a retirement  account for  the benefit  of
      Mr. Rehberg and 2,700 shares held in a retirement  account for the benefit
      of Mr. Rehberg's spouse.
(7)   Includes shares held jointly with spouse as to which voting and investment
      power is shared.
(8)   Includes 6,600 shares held in a retirement  account for the benefit of Mr.
      Hanson,  2,000 shares held by Mr.  Hanson as Trustee for the Trust Fund of
      Billings  Builders  Exchange,  Inc.,  1,000  shares  owned by Plaza Office
      Building  Partnership,  of which Mr. Hanson is a General Partner and 4,000
      shares held by Mr. Hanson's spouse.
 *    Represents less than 1% of Security's outstanding shares.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       174

<PAGE>

Nominees for Director

      Elaine F. Hine  joined  Security  Bank in 1975 and has  served in  various
capacities since that time. In 1978 she was elected Vice President and Secretary
in charge of Deposits and Special Services of Security Bank and in 1983 Ms. Hine
was elected  Senior Vice  President  of  Security  Bank.  Ms. Hine has served as
Secretary/Treasurer  and a  Director  of  S.F.S.  Industries,  Inc.  ("SFS"),  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of Security  Bank,  FSB and Senior Vice  President and
Secretary  of  Security  since its  inception.  In December  1995 Mrs.  Hine was
elected to the Board of Directors.

      David W.  Jorgenson has held the office of President  and Chief  Executive
Officer of  Security  since its  formation  in 1993.  He was elected to serve as
President and Chief  Executive  Officer of Security Bank and SFS commencing June
1,  1992.  He had  previously  served  as  Executive  Vice  President  and Chief
Operating  Officer of Security Bank from October 1, 1991 until May 31, 1992. Mr.
Jorgenson  was  employed by United  Tote  Company,  a supplier  of  computerized
wagering  systems and a subsidiary  of United Tote,  Inc.,  from January 1989 to
September 30, 1991, as Senior Vice  President-Finance.  He previously  worked at
First Interstate Bank of Billings, N.A. (formerly Security Bank, N.A.) from 1973
to  1989,  his last  position  being  Vice  President  and  head of the  Banking
Division.

      William M.  Leslie has served as  President  and  Chairman of the Board of
Quality Concrete Company, a family-owned business,  since 1967. He also has been
a part owner of Mineral  Specialties,  Inc., a family-owned  industrial  company
since 1964 and is the Chief Executive  Officer of Cody Brick & Masonry  Supplies
and Rocky Mountain Concrete Products.

Continuing Directors

      William  M.  Dimich  has held the  position  of  Chairman  of the Board of
Directors of Security  since its inception  and of Security Bank since  January,
1985. He has been employed by Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Billings since 1950
and has served since 1961 as its Vice President - Sales and Service.

      Earl J.  Hanson has served as legal  counsel to Security  and/or  Security
Bank since December, 1980. He began his own law firm in June, 1991, which is now
known as Hanson, Roybal, Lee & Todd, PC. Prior to that time, he was a partner in
the law firm of Keefer,  Roybal, Hanson, Stacey and Walen beginning in 1978. Mr.
Hanson is not related to Harold S. Hanson.

      Harold S. Hanson has also served as a director of SFS since its  formation
in June,  1984. He has been an  independent  consulting  engineer since January,
1993 and is also a state  legislator.  Prior to that  time he was the  owner and
President of Energy Conservation Consultants, Inc. since 1978. Mr. Hanson is not
related to Earl J. Hanson.

      George R. Pierce has been the  manager  and part owner of Pierce  Flooring
since 1975. He is also part owner of Carpet Barn and Pierce Mobile Homes.

      Jack D.  Rehberg  retired  as  President  and Chief  Executive  Officer of
Security Bank on May 31, 1992.  He joined  Security Bank in 1975 as an assistant
to the former  President.  In 1977 he was elected  President and Chief Executive
Officer of Security Bank and served in those  capacities  during his employment.
Mr. Rehberg also had served as the President of SFS, until his  retirement,  and
continues to serve as a director of SFS.

      Stephen C. Sandels  retired from the practice of law in 1993.  Mr. Sandels
was a partner in the law firm McDermott,  Will & Emery, Chicago,  Illinois, from
1968 to 1993. Mr. Sandels currently resides in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

                                       175

<PAGE>

Meetings and Committees of the Boards of Directors

Board of Directors

      There were ten  meetings  of the Board of  Directors  of  Security  and 12
meetings of the Board of Directors of Security Bank during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1996. All directors attended more than 75% of such meetings, and of all
committee meetings of which they were members.

Committees

      The Board of Directors of Security  and/or  Security Bank has  established
certain standing committees, including an Audit Committee, Nominating Committee,
Compensation Committee and Executive Committee.

      Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors selects the
internal auditor and,  subject to the  ratification of Security's  stockholders,
the independent public accountants for Security,  reviews monthly reports of the
internal  auditor,  reports of the independent  public  accountant and Office of
Thrift  Supervision  Reports of  Examination  and oversees  matters  relating to
internal control and audit. The Committee also reviews the annual reports to the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  and to the  stockholders  and the  Annual
Meeting Proxy Statement.  Non-employee directors act as the Audit Committee. The
Audit  Committee  which meets in  conjunction  with  regular  Board of Directors
meetings met 12 times during fiscal year ended June 30, 1996.

      Nominating  Committee.  The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors
is responsible for interviewing and submitting the names of qualified candidates
for  director  to the  Secretary  at least  twenty days prior to the date of the
Annual  Meeting.  The Board of Directors acts as the Nominating  Committee.  The
Nominating  Committee  met once  during  the fiscal  year  ended June 30,  1996.
Security's  Articles of Incorporation  currently  require that  stockholders who
wish to nominate  candidates  for  directors  must deliver such  nominations  in
writing  to the  Secretary  at least  five days  prior to the date of the Annual
Meeting. The Nominating Committee will consider recommendations by stockholders,
but has not established procedures to be followed by stockholders in making such
recommendations.  Recommendations  should  be  addressed  to  the  Secretary  of
Security and should include biographical and other pertinent data.

      Compensation  Committee.  The  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of
Directors  reviews  and  recommends  compensation  for the  President  and Chief
Executive  Officer and recommends  any changes in the Board of Directors'  fees.
The  Compensation  Committee  has been  appointed  by the Board of  Directors to
administer the 1993 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan ("1993 Stock
Option  Plan").  The Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended June
30, 1996. The current members of the Compensation  Committee are Earl J. Hanson,
William M. Leslie and Jack D. Rehberg.

      Executive  Committee.  The  Board  of  Directors  also  has  an  Executive
Committee, which met eight times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996. The
Executive Committee, when the Board of Directors is not in session, may exercise
all  of the  authority  of the  Board  of  Directors,  with  certain  exceptions
specified in Security's  Bylaws.  The Executive  Committee consists of the Chief
Executive  Officer and two or more  directors  of  Security,  as  determined  by
resolution of the Board of  Directors.  The  Executive  Committee  does not hold
regular meetings but meets on an as needed basis.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

      Through  the   Compensation   Committee,   Security  has  established  the
compensation  criteria for officers of Security and/or Security Bank,  including
the Executive Officer of Security named in the Summary  Compensation  Table. The
members of the Compensation  Committee are Earl J. Hanson, William M. Leslie and
Jack D. Rehberg,  each of whom are directors of Security.  Neither of Messrs. E.
Hanson,  Leslie or Rehberg  serves as an  officer or  employee  of  Security  or
Security Bank.

                                       176

<PAGE>

Compensation Committee Report

      Through  the   Compensation   Committee,   Security  has  established  the
compensation  criteria for officers of Security and/or Security Bank,  including
the Executive Officer of Security named in the Summary Compensation Table below.

      Security's  compensation  philosophy is to provide executive officers with
salaries that are  competitive  with those paid by institutions of similar size,
performance  and  circumstances,  and with incentive  compensation  and benefits
which  are  standard  for the  industry  in  this  geographical  region.  Annual
increases  to an  executive  officer's  base salary are based,  in part,  on the
officer's  responsibilities,  performance of those  responsibilities and amounts
which are competitive with similar institutions.  The incentive  compensation is
closely tied to individual performance in a manner that is intended to encourage
continuous  focus  on  enhancing  stockholder  value,  continued  profitability,
teamwork and retention of quality personnel.

      As with each of the other executive officers, the compensation paid to Mr.
Jorgenson as President and Chief  Executive  Officer is a combination  of salary
and  incentive   compensation.   To  determine  Mr.   Jorgenson's   salary,  the
Compensation  Committee reviewed information  concerning  compensation levels of
other financial  institutions in the area, and independent financial institution
compensation reviews.

      This report has been prepared by the  Compensation  Committee of the Board
of Directors: Earl J. Hanson, William M. Leslie and Jack D. Rehberg.

Stockholder Return Performance Presentation

      Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly  percentage change in
cumulative total stockholder return on Security's common stock for the last five
fiscal  years.   Security's   yearly   percentage  change  in  cumulative  total
stockholder  return as shown  below is  compared  to the S & P 500 Index and the
NASDAQ Financial Index.


                 COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                   AMONG SECURITY BANCORP, THE S & P 500 INDEX
                         AND THE NASDAQ FINANCIAL INDEX

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       6/30/91   6/30/92   6/30/93   6/30/94   6/30/95   6/30/96
                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

NASDAQ .............     100       139       183       206       236       307

S&P 500 ............     100       113       129       131       165       208

Security Bancorp ...     100       142       235       290       317       332
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       177

<PAGE>

Compensation of Directors

         During the fiscal year ended June 30,  1996,  directors  were paid $200
for each Board of Directors  meeting held and an additional  $800 for each Board
of  Directors  meeting  attended.  Directors  received  $200 for each  Committee
meeting  attended,  except for members of the Audit Committee who do not receive
fees.

         The 1993 Stock Option Plan provides for, among other things, a one-time
grant of an option to purchase 4,500 shares of Security  Common Stock to each of
the six nonemployee directors of Security who had not previously been granted an
option to purchase  stock of Security or a subsidiary  solely on account of such
nonemployee  director's  status.  The Plan  provides for a one-time  grant of an
option to purchase 4,500 shares of Common Stock to each nonemployee  director of
Security  elected or appointed,  effective as of the date of his or her election
or  appointment.  The  aggregate  number of shares of Common  Stock  subject  to
options granted to nonemployee  directors may not exceed 60,000. The nonemployee
directors  of Security  who each  received  such  one-time  grants of options to
purchase  4,500  shares of Common  Stock  (i.e.,  options to purchase a total of
27,000 shares of Common Stock) are William M. Dimich, Earl J. Hanson,  Harold S.
Hanson, William M. Leslie, George R. Pierce and Stephen C. Sandels. Such options
expire no later than  September 5, 2000 except for Mr.  Sandels'  options  which
expire  October 25, 2005. The exercise price of such options is $6.875 per share
except  for the  exercise  price of Mr.  Sandels'  options  which are $20.95 per
share. The number of shares subject to, and the exercise price of, options which
have been  granted  and the  maximum  number of shares  which may be  subject to
options  under the 1993 Stock  Option Plan  (including  options  with respect to
nonemployee directors) are subject to adjustment under certain circumstances set
forth in the 1993 Stock  Option  Plan.  Stephen C.  Sandels  received a one-time
grants of option to purchase  4,500 shares of common stock.  Such options expire
no later than October 25, 2005. The exercise price of such options is $20.975.

Executive Officers

         The  following  table  sets  forth  information  with  respect  to  the
executive officers who are not directors of Security, including their beneficial
ownership  of  Security  Common  Stock as of October  31,  1996.  All  executive
officers  are  elected  annually  by the  Board of  Directors  and  serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Number and Percent of
                                                          Shares of Common Stock
Name/Age                        Position Held               Beneficially Owned
- --------                        -------------             ----------------------
<S>                       <C>                                  <C>   
Stanley R. Hill, 51       Senior Vice President-               2,500 (1)(2)
                          Commercial/Business Division
                          Manager

Scott W. Sanders, 40      Senior Vice President/Treasurer      8,000 (1)(3)
                          Retail Lending Manager
<FN>
- ----------
(1)   Represents less than 1% of Security's outstanding shares.
(2)   Includes currently exercisable options to purchase 2,500 shares.
(3)   Includes  500 shares  held  in  a  retirement  trust  for  the  benefit of
      Mr. Sanders and currently exercisable options to purchase 7,500 shares.
</FN>
</TABLE>

         Mr. Hill joined Security Bank in 1996 as Senior Vice President/Business
Division  Manager of Security Bank and Senior Vice  President of Security.  From
1990-1995  Mr. Hill was the Vice  President/Senior  Account  Executive for First
Bank Systems, and during 1976-1990, served in various other capacities.

         Mr.  Sanders joined  Security Bank in April,  1992 and was elected Vice
President - Lending  Manager in June,  1992. In June 1993 he was elected  Senior
Vice  President - Lending  Manager of Security Bank. Mr. Sanders has also served
as Senior Vice President of Security since its inception.  He previously  worked
at First  American  Metro Corp.,  Vienna,  Virginia as Vice  President - Special
Assets from May, 1991 to March, 1992; American Security Bank,  Washington,  D.C.
as Vice President from August,  1988 to May, 1991; and Crossland  Mortgage Corp.
as Vice President/Construction Loan Manager from October, 1983 to August, 1988.

                                       178

<PAGE>

Executive Compensation

      The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation
paid or accrued by Security  and/or  Security Bank for services  rendered during
the  fiscal  years  ended  June 30,  1996,  1995 and  1994,  to or on  behalf of
Security's  Chief  Executive  Officer  who was the  only  executive  officer  of
Security whose total cash  compensation  exceeded  $100,000 for the prior fiscal
year.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Summary Compensation Table
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Long Term Compensation            All Other
                                                                                                Compensation
- ----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------------------
                         Annual Compensation                       Awards          Payouts   Pension
                                                                                            Plan($)(2)  Other(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------  --------------------   -------  ----------  --------
                                                 Other      Restricted
                                                 Annual       Stock                 LTIP
Name and Principal   Year  Salary($)  Bonus   Compensation    Awards    Options/   Payouts
Position                               ($)       ($)(1)        ($)      SARs(#)      ($)       ($)         ($) 
- ------------------   ----  ---------  -----   ------------  ----------  --------   -------   ------     --------
<S>                  <C>   <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>         <C>     <C>        <C>    
David W. Jorgenson,  1996  $145,600      -0-      -0-          -0-        -0-        -0-     $5,400     $19,872
President and Chief  1995   140,000   13,000      -0-          -0-       5,000       -0-       -0-       14,651
Executive Officer    1994   125,000   12,500      -0-          -0-       5,000                 -0-       13,800
================================================================================================================
<FN>
(1)      The amounts in this table exclude the value of the incidental  personal
         use of  certain  perquisites  furnished  to the  executive  officer  in
         connection  with his employment by Security  and/or Security Bank. Such
         perquisites  include the business use of automobiles  owned by Security
         and/or  Security Bank and club  membership and dues for Mr.  Jorgenson.
         The estimated  value of these benefits did not exceed $50,000 or 10% of
         the  officer's  fiscal year 1996 total  salary and bonus as reported in
         this table.

(2)      The amounts  appearing in this column are  contributions and credits by
         Security  and/or  Security Bank on behalf of named  executive under the
         Pension Plan.

(3)      The  amounts  appearing  in this  column are  amounts  accrued  for the
         benefit of the named executive and paid by Security.  During the fiscal
         year 1996 Security contributed the following amounts for the benefit of
         Mr.   Jorgenson:   (i)  $15,555  under  the   Investment  and  Deferred
         Compensation Plan, (ii) $4,126 under the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and
         Trust and (iii) $191 in life and disability insurance premiums.
</FN>
</TABLE>

Stock Option Grants
- -------------------

         There were no options granted to the named executive officer during the
fiscal year 1996.

Aggregated Stock Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Option Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------

         The following table shows stock option exercises by the named executive
officer during fiscal 1996, including the aggregate value of gain on the date of
exercise. In addition,  this table includes the number of shares covered by both
exercisable and non-exercisable stock options as of June 30, 1996. Also reported
are the values for  "in-the-money"  options which represent this positive spread
between the exercise  price of any such existing  stock options and the year-end
price of the Common Stock.

                                       179

<PAGE>

FY 1996 Stock Option Exercises, Outstanding Grants and Gains as of June 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  No. of Shares Covered by       Value of In-the-Money
                 Shares Covered                  Outstanding Stock Options     Outstanding Stock Options
   Name            by FY 1996       Gain at             exercisable/                  exercisable/
                    Exercise        Exercise           unexercisable                 unexercisable
                                      Date
- -----------     ---------------    --------      -------------------------     -------------------------
<S>                   <C>             <C>               <C>                         <C>         
David W.              None            None              25,000/5,000                $235,600/$7,080
Jorgenson
========================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Employment Contracts

         On June 19, 1995, Security and Security Bank, following approval of the
Boards of  Directors of the  respective  companies,  entered into an  employment
agreement  ("Agreement")  with  David  W.  Jorgenson  to  continue  to  serve as
President and Chief Executive Officer. The Agreement terminates annually on June
19 (the  anniversary  date of the Agreement) and is renewable on an annual basis
on  the  anniversary   date,  and  each  anniversary   date   thereafter,   upon
recommendation  of the Boards of Directors,  unless  certain  advance  notice is
given,  or upon a change in control (as  defined),  in which case Mr.  Jorgenson
would be entitled to receive  three  years'  annual  salary.  In June 1996,  the
Agreement  was  extended  for an  additional  year.  Under  the  Agreement,  Mr.
Jorgenson receives an annual base salary of $145,600, which is reviewed annually
by the Board of  Directors,  as well as customary  benefits and a  discretionary
bonus  generally  based  on  his  performance  and  the  safety,  soundness  and
profitability of Security.  The Agreement also provides that if Mr. Jorgenson is
discharged  other than for cause (as  defined)  or resigns  for good  reason (as
defined),  he would be entitled to receive  salary and  benefits for a period of
two years.

Pension Plan

         Security Bank has a  noncontributory  defined benefit pension plan (the
"Pension Plan") which is administered by the Financial  Institutions  Retirement
Fund (the "Fund").  The Fund is a nonprofit,  IRS-qualified  tax-exempt  pension
plan  and  trust  through  which  Federal  Home  Loan  Banks,  savings  and loan
associations,  and similar institutions,  including Security Bank, may cooperate
in providing for the  retirement  of their  employees.  Bank  employees who have
completed one year of service for Security  Bank are eligible for  membership in
the Pension Plan.

         After becoming  eligible for membership in the Pension Plan,  employees
who Security Bank expects will complete 1,000 hours of service in the succeeding
twelve months will be enrolled as active  members and will be entitled to accrue
retirement  benefits  under the Pension Plan.  The monthly  pension amount to be
received by an employee  under the Pension Plan upon  retirement  is based on an
employee's  benefit service and salary.  Benefit service  includes the period of
employment  as an active  member in the Pension Plan in addition to any previous
employment  prior to the  date  Security  Bank  joined  the  Fund and for  which
Security  Bank  provides   credit.   Salary  for  purposes  of  Security  Bank's
contributions  to the Pension Plan  includes an  employee's  basic annual salary
rate as of January 1, exclusive of any special payments.

         Whether an employee has a vested right to receive  retirement  benefits
under the Pension  Plan depends upon the  employee's  years of vesting  service.
Vesting service  includes the period of time beginning from the first day of the
month in which an employee  was hired and the last day of the month in which the
employee terminates his or her employment. Vesting service specifically excludes
service  performed  after an employee  has  attained  the age of 65 and does not
include any period of  employment  that precedes the earliest date that Security
Bank  provided the employee  with credit  under any pension  plan.  If an active
member  employee has performed 5 or more years of vesting  service,  he is fully
vested and is  entitled to receive  100% of his  retirement  benefits  under the
Pension  Plan upon  attaining  the age of 65,  whether or not such  employee has
terminated his employment prior to attaining the age of 65. Any employee who has
completed  fewer than five years of vesting  service will not be vested and will
not be  eligible to receive  retirement  benefits  if such  employee  terminates
service with Security Bank prior to becoming fully vested.

                                       180

<PAGE>

         Retirement  benefits  under the Pension  Plan are paid when an employee
entitled to such benefits attains the normal retirement age of 65. Employees who
terminate  service  with  Security  Bank prior to age 65, after  becoming  fully
vested, are entitled to receive early retirement benefits upon attaining the age
of 45, or earlier if such  employees  were  members of the Pension Plan prior to
January 1, 1964.  Annual  early  retirement  benefits  equal the full amount the
employee  would be  entitled  to receive at the normal  retirement  age of 65 as
reduced by an early retirement factor,  which varies depending on the employee's
age when the retirement allowance is commenced.

         The following table  illustrates  estimated  annual benefits payable by
Security Bank upon retirement at age 65 for various levels of  compensation  and
years of service.  The figures included in the table are based on the assumption
that all employees who retire at age 65 will receive  retirement  benefits until
death,  provided  that no such  employee  will  receive  less  than 12  years of
retirement benefits regardless of his or her time of death. Currently, salary is
calculated  on the basis of the  employee's  average  salary in the five highest
years of  compensation.  To  determine  annual  benefits,  such  salary  is then
multiplied by a percentage  equal to 2% for each year of service  (e.g.,  40% of
salary in the case of an employee with 20 years of service).  Benefits under the
Pension  Plan are not  subject to  deduction  with  respect  to Social  Security
payments or other offsets.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
                                              Years of Service
                          ------------------------------------------------------
Salary                      15          20          25          30          35
- --------------------      ------      ------      ------      ------     -------
<S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>   
 80,000.............      24,000      32,000      40,000      48,000      56,000
100,000.............      30,000      40,000      50,000      60,000      70,000
120,000.............      36,000      48,000      60,000      72,000      84,000
140,000.............      42,000      56,000      70,000      84,000      98,000
160,000.............      48,000      64,000      80,000      96,000     112,000
================================================================================
</TABLE>
         During the  fiscal  year  ended  June 30,  1996,  no funds were paid or
distributed  pursuant to the Pension Plan to Mr.  Jorgenson,  the  President and
Chief  Executive  Officer of  Security  and  Security  Bank;  current  executive
officers,  as a group;  current directors who are not executive  officers,  as a
group;  or current  employees,  including  all  officers  who are not  executive
officers,  as a group. At June 30, 1996, the number of years of credited service
under the Pension Plan for Mr.  Jorgenson was four and his defined  compensation
for purposes of the Pension Plan was $145,600.

Deferred Compensation Agreements

         Security Bank has entered into Deferred  Compensation  Agreements  with
each of  Messrs.  Jorgenson  and  Sanders,  and  Ms.  Hine,  (collectively,  the
"Officers"), respectively dated October 26, 1992, December 1, 1993, and November
23, 1987. Ms. Hine's Deferred Compensation Agreement contains two addenda, dated
March 23, 1993, and December 16, 1993, which provide respectively for disability
payments and for vesting of interests consistent with the Deferred  Compensation
Agreements  of  Messrs.   Jorgenson  and  Sanders.   Pursuant  to  the  Deferred
Compensation  Agreements,  Security  Bank has insured the lives of the  Officers
with single premium,  whole life insurance policies. The Officers have no rights
in or to the insurance policies purchased by Security Bank.  Officers who remain
continuously   employed  by  Security  Bank  until  retirement  will  receive  a
retirement benefit which will be paid in monthly installments for a period of 15
years. For the purposes of the Deferred Compensation Agreements, Mr. Jorgenson's
retirement  age is 62,  Mr.  Sanders'  retirement  age is  60,  and  Ms.  Hine's
retirement age is 52. If the Officers die before the expiration of 15 years, the
unpaid  balance  will  be  paid  in  monthly   installments   to  the  Officers'
beneficiaries.  If the Officers die before  retirement  and while  employed full
time by Security Bank, the Officers'  beneficiaries will receive a preretirement
death benefit payable in monthly installments for a period of 15 years.

         Under their respective Deferred Compensation Agreements,  Mr. Jorgenson
will receive  annual  payments of $46,200 for a period of 15 years,  Mr. Sanders
will receive annual payments of $24,000 for 15 years,  and Ms. Hine will receive
annual payments of $18,480 also for 15 years.


                                      181
<PAGE>

         The Officers  will  forfeit all rights in and to any  benefits  payable
under the Deferred  Compensation  Agreements  if the Officers (i) die by suicide
(whether sane or insane) within two years of executing the Deferred Compensation
Agreement or (ii) are  terminated  other than by reason of  disability  or death
before attaining their respective  retirement ages or before having worked three
years for Security  Bank.  If the Officers have been employed for at least three
years from the time of entering into the Deferred Compensation  Agreements,  the
Officers  will be  considered  to be vested in 30% of the payments  due, with an
additional 10% vesting each succeeding year.

Stock Option Plan

         Security  Bank's 1990 Stock Option and Stock  Appreciation  Rights Plan
was amended and  restated  and adopted by the Board of  Directors of Security on
November  22, 1993 as the 1993 Stock Option and Stock  Appreciation  Rights Plan
(the "1993  Stock  Option  Plan").  The 1993 Stock  Option  Plan is  intended to
encourage  stock  ownership by directors and selected  officers and employees of
Security and its subsidiaries in order to increase their proprietary interest in
the  success  of  Security  and to  encourage  them to remain  in the  employ of
Security or its  subsidiaries.  Pursuant to the 1993 Stock Option Plan,  146,000
shares of Common Stock are  reserved  for  issuance  pursuant to the exercise of
options and stock appreciation rights, subject to adjustment as set forth in the
Plan.

         The  1993  Stock  Option  Plan  is  administered  by a  committee  (the
"Committee")  appointed by the Board of Directors,  which  consists of directors
who  are  neither  full-time  employees  of  Security  or  eligible  to  receive
discretionary  grants under the 1993 Stock  Option Plan.  The Board of Directors
has appointed  the  Compensation  Committee to administer  the 1993 Stock Option
Plan.

         The 1993 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of  "incentive  stock
options" as defined under Section 422A(b) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), and for options to purchase Common Stock that do not so
qualify  (referred to herein as "nonqualified"  options),  as determined in each
individual  case by the Committee.  The 1993 Stock Option Plan also provides for
the grant of stock  appreciation  rights,  either  separately  or in tandem with
options.

         All full-time employees, including officers, of Security and Security's
subsidiaries  are  eligible to receive  grants of options or stock  appreciation
rights  under the 1993  Stock  Option  Plan.  The Plan also  provides  that each
nonemployee director of Security,  who has not previously been granted an option
to  purchase  stock of  Security  or a  subsidiary  solely  on  account  of such
nonemployee  director's  status as a  director,  receive a one-time  grant of an
option to purchase  4,500 shares of Common  Stock.  See "Election of Directors -
Compensation of Directors" for information  regarding the terms of such options.
The Plan  provides  that  each  nonemployee  director  of  Security  elected  or
appointed will receive a one-time grant of an option to purchase 4,500 shares of
Common  Stock,  effective as of the date of his or her election or  appointment,
subject  to the  availability  of shares  remaining  for  grant  under the Plan.
Nonemployee  director  recipients  of a one-time  grant of an option to purchase
shares of Common  Stock will not  thereafter  be  eligible to receive a grant of
options or stock  appreciation  rights  under the 1993 Stock  Option Plan or any
other plan of  Security  or any of its  subsidiaries.  The  aggregate  number of
shares of Common Stock subject to options  granted to nonemployee  directors may
not exceed 60,000 shares.

         The price at which Common Stock may be purchased on exercise of options
granted under the 1993 Stock Option Plan is required to be at least equal to the
per  share  fair  market  value of the  Common  Stock on the date the  option is
granted.  Incentive stock options granted under the 1993 Stock Option Plan to an
employee  owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock of Security are subject to the further  restrictions  that such options
must  have an  option  price of at least  110% of the fair  market  value of the
shares issuable on exercise of the option  (determined as of the date the option
is granted) and a term of not more than five years.

         In connection with the grant of any option or stock appreciation right,
other than the nondiscretionary option grants to nonemployee directors described
above, the Committee is also authorized,  in its sole discretion, to provide the
holder thereof with the right,  following a "change of control" of Security,  to
exercise  such  option  or  stock  appreciation  right  without  regard  to  any
restrictions  on  exercise  that would  otherwise  apply,  or, in the case of an
option,  to  surrender  such option for a cash payment  equal to the  difference
between the fair market value of the Common Stock  subject to the option and the
aggregate  exercise  price  therefor.  Generally,  a "change in control" will be
deemed to occur if any

                                       182

<PAGE>

person or entity directly or indirectly  acquires ownership,  control,  power to
vote or proxies  representing  more than 25% of the outstanding  voting stock of
Security,  or obtains  control of the election of a majority of the directors of
Security.  The  right to  exercise  a stock  appreciation  right or option or to
surrender  an option for cash in the event of a "change in control"  may tend to
discourage  or thwart such a "change in control,"  even if the change in control
would be beneficial to stockholders.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

         During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 many directors and executive
officers of Security and Security Bank and their  associates were also customers
of Security Bank. It is anticipated  that  directors,  executive  officers,  and
their  associates  will continue to be customers of Security Bank in the future.
All transactions  between Security Bank and directors,  executive officers,  and
their  associates were made in the ordinary course of business on  substantially
the same terms, including interest rates and collateral,  as those prevailing at
the time for  comparable  transactions  with other persons and in the opinion of
management  did not  involve  more than the  normal  risk of  collectibility  or
present other unfavorable features.

         The following table sets forth certain information as of June 30, 1996,
with respect to the  extension of credit to each of its  directors and executive
officers  whose  aggregate  indebtedness  to Security or Security  Bank exceeded
$60,000 at any time since June 30, 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Largest Aggregate
                                           Nature of       Amount                  Balance as of                        As of
Name                    Date of Loan     Indebtedness      Outstanding since       June 30, 1996     Interest      October 15, 1996
                                                           July 1, 1995                              Rate

<S>                     <C>              <C>               <C>                     <C>                <C>               <C>   
William M. Leslie       3/15/95          Commercial line   $100,000                  $56,000            9.75%           $   115
  Director                               of credit
                        5/31/94          Consumer loan       17,056                   13,164            7.50                 --
                        7/21/89          Real estate         98,361                   94,158            9.50             92,876
Jack D. Rehberg         7/24/95          Executive line          --                       --           10.25                 --
  Director                               of credit
Harold S. Hanson        2/6/96           Commercial           7,000                    7,000            8.50                 --
  Director
                        10/23/95         R/E                 83,738                   79,862            8.75             78,514
                                         commercial
                        3/7/94           Consumer R/E        53,366                   48,806            8.00             47,063
                        6/8/67           Real Estate          3,307                    1,340            6.50                 --
                        3/7/94           Consumer          $ 15,451                  $14,445            9.75%           $14,042
</TABLE>

         Earl J. Hanson,  a director of Security,  is in the private practice of
law and during  the entire  fiscal  year  ended  June 30,  1996  served as legal
counsel to Security and Security  Bank.  Mr.  Hanson  received  from  Security a
monthly retainer of $300 plus payment for services rendered.  Aggregate retainer
and legal fees paid by Security to Mr. Hanson for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1996 were $120,104.

                           RATIFICATION OF ACCOUNTANTS

         The Board of Directors has selected KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as Security's
independent  public accountants for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, and any
interim  periods,  to audit the books and  accounts of  Security  for that year,
subject to  ratification  of the  selection by  Security's  stockholders  at the
Annual Meeting.

         A representative  of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP is expected to be present at
the Annual  Meeting and to be available  to answer  appropriate  questions.  The
representative will also be provided an opportunity to make a statement, if they
so desire.

         THE  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  UNANIMOUSLY  RECOMMENDS  RATIFICATION  OF THE
SELECTION  OF KPMG  PEAT  MARWICK  LLP AS  INDEPENDENT  PUBLIC  ACCOUNTANTS  FOR
SECURITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997, AND ANY INTERIM PERIODS.

                                       183

<PAGE>

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The validity of the shares of WesterFed  Financial Common Stock offered
hereby will be passed upon for WesterFed  Financial by Silver,  Freedman & Taff,
L.L.P. (a partnership including  professional  corporations),  Washington,  D.C.
Certain  federal tax matters in  connection  with the Merger will be passed upon
for WesterFed  Financial by Silver,  Freedman & Taff, L.L.P. and for Security by
Graham & Dunn, Seattle, Washington.

                                     EXPERTS

         The   Consolidated   Financial   Statements   of  WesterFed   Financial
Corporation  and  subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the
years in the three-year  period ended June 30, 1996, are included  herein and in
the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent  certified public  accountants,  appearing elsewhere herein and upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.  The report of
KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP  refers to  changes in the  methods  of  accounting  for
securities and income taxes.

         The   Consolidated   Financial   Statements  of  Security  Bancorp  and
subsidiary  as of June 30,  1996  and  1995,  and for  each of the  years in the
three-year  period  ended  June  30,  1996,  are  included  herein  and  in  the
registration  statement  in reliance  upon the report of KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP,
independent  certified public accountants,  appearing elsewhere herein, and upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.  The report of
KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP  refers to a change in the  method  of  accounting  for
investment and mortgage-backed securities.

                              STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

         Security will hold a 1997 Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders  only if the
Merger is not  consummated  before the time of such meeting,  which is presently
expected to be held before June 30, 1997.  In such event,  any  stockholder  who
wishes to present  proposal for  inclusion in the proxy  materials  for the 1997
Annual Meeting of Stockholders must comply with the rules and regulations of the
SEC then in effect.  As disclosed in  Security's  proxy  statement  for its 1995
Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders,  any such  proposal must have been received by
Security not later than December ____, 1996.

                                  OTHER MATTERS

         The Boards of  Directors of  WesterFed  Financial  and Security are not
aware of any  business  to come  before the  Meetings  other than those  matters
described above in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.  However, if any other
matter should properly come before the Meetings,  it is intended that holders of
the proxies will act in accordance with their best judgment.


By Order of the Board of Directors            By Order of the Board of Directors
 of Security                                    of WesterFed Financial


David W. Jorgenson                            Lyle R. Grimes
President/Chief Executive Officer             Chairman of the Board


                                       184

<PAGE>


                         WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION


                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Page Number
                                                                                                      -----------

<S>                                                                                                       <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS'
REPORT FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

Independent Auditors' Report......................................................................        WF-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1996 and 1995.............................................        WF-2

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994................        WF-3

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995
   and 1994.......................................................................................        WF-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994............        WF-5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and
  1994............................................................................................        WF-6

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1996 (unaudited).....................................       WF-30

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 and
  1995 (unaudited)................................................................................       WF-31

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Three Month Ended September 30,
   1996 (unaudited)..............................................................................        WF-32

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 and
1995 (unaudited)..................................................................................       WF-33

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three Months Ended September 30, 1996
and 1995 (unaudited)..............................................................................       WF-34
</TABLE>

                                      WF-0

<PAGE>



Independent Auditor's Report
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[KPMG Peat Marwick Logo]


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
WesterFed Financial Corporation:

We have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets of  WesterFed
Financial  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and the
related consolidated statements of income,  stockholders' equity, and cash flows
for each of the  years in the  three-year  period  ended  June 30,  1996.  These
consolidated  financial  statements are the  responsibility of the Corporation's
management.  Our  responsibility is to express an opinion on these  consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects,  the financial position of WesterFed Financial
Corporation  and  subsidiaries  as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and the results of
their  operations  and their cash flows for each of the years in the  three-year
period ended June 30, 1996 in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

As explained in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Corporation
changed its method of  accounting  for  securities on July 1, 1994, to adopt the
provisions of the Financial  Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 115,  "Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt and
Equity  Securities."  Additionally,   the  Corporation  changed  its  method  of
accounting  for income  taxes on July 1, 1993,  to adopt the  provisions  of the
Financial   Accounting  Standards  Board's  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."



                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Billings, Montana
July 26,  1996,  except for note 22 which is as of September  24, 1996,  and the
     second paragraph of note 12 which is as of September 30, 1996


                                      WF-1

<PAGE>


WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              June 30,
                                                                                          -----------------
                                                                                             1996      1995
                                                                                             ----      ----
<S>                                                                                      <C>       <C>
Assets
Cash and due from banks ...............................................................   $  7,829  $  7,173
Interest-bearing due from banks .......................................................      5,470     8,201
                                                                                             -----     -----
     Cash and cash equivalents.........................................................     13,299    15,374

Interest-bearing deposits .............................................................      3,000     2,102
Investment securities available-for-sale ..............................................     35,637    49,577
Investment securities, at amortized cost (estimated market value of
  $9,399 in 1996 and $12,964 in 1995)..................................................      9,347    12,794
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, at cost ...................................      7,471     6,750
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale .........................................     44,909    64,900
Mortgage-backed securities, at amortized cost (estimated market value of
  $59,278 in 1996 and $79,303 in 1995).................................................     60,038    78,925
Loans available-for-sale ..............................................................      3,967     2,960
Loans receivable, net .................................................................    364,226   310,161
Accrued interest receivable ...........................................................      3,695     3,875
Premises and equipment, net ...........................................................     13,758    11,372
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies .......................................      3,183     2,951
Other assets ..........................................................................      1,401     1,544
                                                                                             -----     -----
                                                                                         $ 563,931  $563,285
                                                                                          ========   =======
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits...............................................................................  $ 350,212  $344,155
Borrowed funds.........................................................................    125,838   134,704
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance........................................      3,255     3,309
Income taxes...........................................................................      1,961     2,162
Accrued interest payable...............................................................      1,219     1,247
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................................................      2,839     2,562
                                                                                         ---------   -------
     Total liabilities.................................................................    485,324   488,139
                                                                                         ---------   -------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 
   none outstanding....................................................................         --         --
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;
   4,628,818 shares issued, 4,395,204 outstanding in 1996; 4,628,818
   shares issued, 4,396,456 outstanding in 1995........................................         46          46
  Paid-in capital......................................................................      45,451     45,232
  Common stock acquired by ESOP/RRP....................................................      (3,558)    (4,271)
  Treasury stock, at cost..............................................................      (3,079)    (3,066)
  Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale..........................        (226)       295
  Retained earnings....................................................................      39,973     36,910
     Total stockholders' equity........................................................      78,607     75,146
                                                                                             ------     ------
Commitments and contingencies
                                                                                           $563,931   $563,285
                                                                                            =======    =======
Book value per common share............................................................    $  17.88   $  17.09
                                                                                            =======    =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-2
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Year Ended June 30,
                                                                             -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                  1995                 1994
                                                                                   ----                  ----                 ----
<S>                                                                          <C>                     <C>                  <C>
Interest income:
  Loans receivable ................................................          $    28,640                23,191               21,105
  Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale ...................                4,214                 3,482                 --
  Mortgage-backed securities ......................................                4,953                 5,745                7,114
  Investment securities available-for-sale ........................                2,891                 3,502                 --
  Investment securities ...........................................                  878                   260                2,585
  Interest-bearing deposits .......................................                  787                 1,423                  948
  Other ...........................................................                  181                   180                  181
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Total interest income ........................................               42,544                37,783               31,933
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
Interest expense:
  NOW and money market demand .....................................                1,740                 1,913                1,957
  Savings .........................................................                1,940                 2,110                2,391
  Certificates of deposit .........................................               12,074                 9,653                9,106
  Cost of Swaps and Caps ..........................................                  331                   382                  698
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
                                                                                  16,085                14,058               14,152
  Advances from FHLB - Seattle and other borrowed funds ...........                8,652                 6,926                2,239
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Total interest expense .......................................               24,737                20,984               16,391
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Net interest income ..........................................               17,807                16,799               15,542
Provision for loan losses .........................................                 --                    --                   --
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Net interest income after provision for loan losses ..........               17,807                16,799               15,542
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
Non-interest income:
  Loan origination fees ...........................................                  348                   414                  505
  Service fees ....................................................                2,120                 1,762                1,653
  Net gain on sale of loans and securities available-for-sale .....                  577                   279                  696
 Other ............................................................                  837                   752                  657
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Total non-interest income ....................................                3,882                 3,207                3,511
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
Non-interest expenses:
  Compensation and employee benefits ..............................                7,523                 7,446                6,430
  Net occupancy expense of premises ...............................                1,450                 1,349                1,283
  Equipment and furnishings expense ...............................                  643                   553                  566
  Data processing expenses ........................................                  632                   621                  598
  Federal insurance premium .......................................                  806                   806                  838
  Marketing and advertising .......................................                  559                   456                  434
  Net expense (income) from operation of real estate owned ........                   (1)                    3                  (24)
  Other ...........................................................                2,962                 2,171                1,813
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Total non-interest expense ...................................               14,574                13,405               11,938
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change
      in accounting for income taxes ..............................                7,115                 6,601                7,115

Income taxes ......................................................                2,556                 2,473                2,681
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
  Income before cumulative effect of accounting change ............                4,559                 4,128                4,434
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes ......                 --                    --                    795
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
     Net income ...................................................          $     4,559                 4,128                5,229
                                                                             ===========           ===========          ===========
Net income per share:
  Income before cumulative effect of change
   in accounting for income taxes .................................                 1.07                   .96                 1.01
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes ......                 --                    --                    .18
                                                                             -----------           -----------          -----------
Net income per share ..............................................          $      1.07                   .96                 1.19
                                                                             ===========           ===========          ===========
Weighted average common shares outstanding for earnings per share .            4,259,109             4,313,615            4,380,040
                                                                             ===========           ===========          ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-3
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Net
                                                                                                      unrealized
                                                                                                      gain (loss)
                                                                                                     on securities
                                                              Common    Paid-in     ESOP/   Treasury   available-   Retained
                                                              stock     capital      RRP      stock     for-sale    earnings   Total
                                                              -----     -------      ---      -----     --------    --------   -----
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Balance at June 30, 1993 ..................................   $--            --       --        --        --         29,024  29,024
Net income ................................................    --            --       --        --        --          5,229   5,229
Net proceeds from stock offering -
    4,081,724 shares ......................................    41        39,467       --        --        --             --  39,508
Common stock acquired by ESOP - 354,933 shares ............     3         3,546   (3,549)       --        --             --      --
Common stock acquired by RRP - 184,200 shares .............     2         1,890   (1,892)       --        --             --      --
Principal payment made by ESOP ............................    --           131      253        --        --             --     384
Amortization of RRP .......................................    --            --      237        --        --             --     237
Shares forfeited by RRP participants (156 shares) .........    --            --        1        (1)       --             --      --
Cash dividends declared ($.05 per share) ..................    --            --       --        --        --           (214)   (214)
                                                              ----       ------   -------      ----      ----        ------  -------
Balance at June 30, 1994 ..................................    46        45,034   (4,950)       (1)       --         34,039  74,168
Net unrealized loss on securities available-for-
    sale, net of income taxes of $127 as of
    July 1, 1994 ..........................................    --            --       --        --      (200)            --    (200)
Net income ................................................    --            --       --        --        --          4,128   4,128
Common stock acquired by RRP - 2,927 shares ...............    --            29      (29)       --        --             --      --
Principal payment made by ESOP ............................    --           169      227        --        --             --     396
Amortization of RRP .......................................    --            --      473        --        --             --     473
Shares forfeited by RRP participants - 801 shares .........    --            --        8        (8)       --             --      --
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost - 231,405 shares - ....    --            --       --    (3,057)       --             --  (3,057)
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities
    available-for-sale, net of income taxes
    of $312 ...............................................    --            --       --        --       495             --     495
Cash dividends declared ($.30 per share) ..................    --            --       --        --        --         (1,257) (1,257)
                                                              ----       ------   -------   -------     -----        ------  -------
Balance at June 30, 1995 ..................................    46        45,232   (4,271)   (3,066)      295         36,910  75,146
Net income ................................................    --            --       --        --        --          4,559   4,559
Principal payment made by ESOP ............................    --           219      227        --        --             --     446
Amortization of RRP .......................................    --            --      473        --        --             --     473
Shares forfeited by RRP participants - 1,252 shares .......    --            --       13       (13)       --             --      --
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities
    available-for-sale, net of income taxes of $317 .......    --            --       --        --      (521)            --    (521)
Cash dividends declared ($.36 per share) ..................    --            --       --        --        --         (1,496) (1,496)
                                                              ---        ------   ------    ------      ----        -------  -------
Balance at June 30, 1996 ..................................   $46        45,451   (3,558)   (3,079)     (226)        39,973  78,607
                                                              ===        ======   ======    ======      ====        =======  =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-4
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Year Ended June 30,
                                                                                          ------------------------------------------
                                                                                              1996            1995           1994
                                                                                              ----            ----           ----
<S>                                                                                       <C>              <C>              <C>
Net cash provided by operating activities ..........................................       $ 19,557          28,558          31,606
                                                                                           --------          ------          ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Net change in interest-bearing deposits ..........................................           (898)            216           4,009
  Purchase of FHLB stock ...........................................................           (200)           (622)           --
  Purchases of investment securities ...............................................         (4,594)        (12,772)        (29,236)
  Proceeds from maturities of investment securities ................................          8,100          17,000          16,284
  Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale .............................        (31,325)        (19,828)           --
  Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale ..................          3,840           4,470            --
  Principal payments from investment securities available-for-sale .................          1,102             695            --
  Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale .............         40,536            --              --
  Purchases of mortgage-backed securities ..........................................           (990)         (9,905)        (87,047)
  Principal payments from mortgage-backed securities ...............................          8,896           7,764          29,418
  Purchase of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale ........................        (21,274)        (11,596)           --
  Proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale ..............         30,862          10,114            --
  Principal payments from mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale ............         20,721           9,477            --
  Purchase of mortgage-backed securities held-for-sale .............................           --              --            (6,310)
  Proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities held-for-sale ...................           --              --            63,057
  Principal payments from mortgage-backed securities held-for-sale .................           --              --             1,507
  Net change in loans receivable ...................................................        (53,541)        (50,823)       (112,484)
  Proceeds from sales of real estate owned .........................................           --               480              68
  Purchases of premises and equipment ..............................................         (3,253)         (1,982)         (1,273)
  Proceeds from cancellation of life insurance policies ............................           --              --               106
                                                                                             ------         -------        --------
     Net cash used by investing activities .........................................         (2,018)        (57,312)       (121,901)
                                                                                             ------         -------        -------- 
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net change in deposits ...........................................................         (9,667)        (18,599)        (15,935)
  Proceeds from borrowings .........................................................         77,720         115,800          89,600
  Payments on borrowings ...........................................................        (86,658)        (66,290)        (20,099)
  Net change in advances from borrowers
   for taxes and insurance .........................................................            (54)            298             (77)
  Sale of common stock, net of offering costs ......................................           --              --            39,508
  Dividends paid to stockholders ...................................................           (955)           (970)           (214)
  Payments to acquire treasury stock ...............................................           --            (3,057)           --
                                                                                             ------          ------         --------
     Net cash provided (used) by financing activities ..............................        (19,614)         27,182          92,783
                                                                                            -------          ------          ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ...............................         (2,075)         (1,572)          2,488
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year .....................................         15,374          16,946          14,458
                                                                                             ------          ------          ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ...........................................       $ 13,299          15,374          16,946
                                                                                           ========          ======          ======

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Payments during the period for:
    Interest .......................................................................       $  8,938           6,948           2,820
    Income taxes, net ..............................................................          2,441           1,964           2,376
                                                                                              =====           =====           =====
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-5
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The  consolidated   financial  statements  of  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation
(WesterFed)  and  subsidiaries  (collectively,  the Bank) have been  prepared in
conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  In preparing the
consolidated financial statements,  management is required to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the
date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period.
Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Material  estimates that are particularly  susceptible to significant  change in
the near-term  relate to the  determination of the allowance for loan losses and
the valuation of real estate  acquired in  connection  with  foreclosures  or in
satisfaction of loans. In connection  with the  determination  of the allowances
for  loan  losses,  management  generally  obtains  independent  appraisals  for
significant properties.

A  substantial  portion of the Bank's  loans are  secured by real  estate in the
State of Montana.  In  addition,  real estate owned is located in the same area.
Accordingly,  as with  most  financial  institutions  in the  market  area,  the
collectibility of a substantial portion of the carrying value of the Bank's loan
portfolio and real estate owned is susceptible to changes in market conditions.

Management  believes  the  allowances  for loan and real estate owned losses are
adequate.  While  management uses available  information to recognize  losses on
loans and real estate owned, future additions to the allowances may be necessary
based on changes  in  economic  conditions  in the  Bank's  market  area and the
composition of the loan portfolio. In addition,  various regulatory agencies, as
an integral part of their examination  process,  periodically  review the Bank's
allowances for loan losses and valuation of real estate owned. Such agencies may
require  the  Bank to  recognize  additions  to the  allowances  based  on their
judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated  financial statements include the accounts of WesterFed and its
wholly-owned   subsidiary,   Western  Federal  Savings  Bank  (WFSB).   Non-bank
subsidiaries  of WFSB are  WesterFed  Service  Corporation,  Monte Mac I,  Inc.,
WesterFed Insurance Services and Service Corporation of Montana.

All significant  intercompany  balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.

Cash Equivalents

For  purposes of the  statements  of cash  flows,  cash  equivalents  consist of
interest-bearing due from banks.

Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities

Investment and mortgage-backed  securities available for sale include securities
that management intends to use as part of its overall asset/liability management
strategy  and that may be sold in  response  to  changes in  interest  rates and
resultant  prepayment risk and other related factors.  Securities  available for
sale are carried at fair value,  and unrealized gains and losses (net of related
tax  effects)  are excluded  from  earnings  but are  included in  stockholders'
equity.  Upon  realization,  such gains and losses  will be included in earnings
using  the   specific   identification   method.   Investment   securities   and
mortgage-backed securities, other than those designated as available for sale or
trading, are comprised of debt securities for which the Bank has positive intent
and  ability  to  hold to  maturity  and  are  carried  at  cost,  adjusted  for
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the level-yield method
over the estimated  lives of the  securities.  On July 1, 1994, the Bank adopted
the provisions of Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards  (SFAS) No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."

Trading account securities are adjusted to market value through earnings.  There
were no trading account securities during the years ended June 30, 1996 or 1995.

Management   determines  the  appropriate   classification   of  investment  and
mortgage-backed  securities as either  available for sale, held to maturity,  or
held for trading at the purchase date.

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable,  other than loans available for sale, are stated at the unpaid
principal  balance,  net of premiums,  unearned  discounts,  net  deferred  loan
origination fees, and the allowance for loan losses.

                                      WF-6
<PAGE>
WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans are placed on nonaccrual  status when  collection of principal or interest
is  considered  doubtful  (generally  loans past due 90 days or more).  Interest
income previously  accrued on these loans, but not yet received,  is reversed in
the current period. Interest subsequently recovered is credited to income in the
period collected.  Discounts are accreted and premiums amortized to income using
the  level-yield  method over the  estimated  lives of the loans.  Loan fees and
certain direct loan origination  costs are deferred,  and the net fee or cost is
recognized in interest income using the level-yield  method over the contractual
life of the individual loans,  adjusted for actual prepayments.  Amortization of
deferred loan origination fees are suspended during periods in which the related
loan is in nonaccrual status.

Loans  available  for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market  using the
aggregate method. Valuation adjustments, if applicable, are reflected in current
operations.   Gains  and  losses  on  sales  are  recorded  using  the  specific
identification method.

Management determines the appropriate  classification of loans as either held to
maturity or available for sale at  origination,  in conjunction  with the Bank's
overall asset/liability management strategy.

The  cost of loan  servicing  rights  acquired,  included  in other  assets,  is
amortized in  proportion  to, and over the period of,  estimated  net  servicing
revenues. When participating interests in loans sold have an average contractual
interest  rate,  adjusted for normal  servicing  costs,  which  differs from the
agreed  yield to the  purchaser,  gains or losses  are  recognized  equal to the
present value of such  differential  over the estimated  remaining  life of such
loans. The resulting excess servicing fees receivable is amortized over the same
estimated life using an interest method.

The  cost  of  loan  servicing  rights  acquired,   the  excess  servicing  fees
receivable,  and the amortization thereon is periodically  evaluated in relation
to estimated  future net  servicing  revenues.  The Bank  evaluates the carrying
value of the servicing  portfolio by estimating the future net servicing  income
of the portfolio based on management's best estimate of remaining loan lives.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The  allowance  for  loan  losses  is based on  management's  evaluation  of the
adequacy of the  allowance,  including an assessment of known and inherent risks
in the portfolio,  review of individual  loans for adverse  situations  that may
affect the borrower's  ability to repay,  the estimated  value of any underlying
collateral, and consideration of current economic conditions.

Additions  to the  allowance  arise  from  charges  to  operations  through  the
provision  for loan losses or from the  recovery of amounts  previously  charged
off. The  allowance is reduced by loan  charge-offs.  Loans are charged off when
management  believes  there  has been  permanent  impairment  of their  carrying
values.

On July 1, 1995, the Bank adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," and SFAS No. 118,  "Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a Loan - Income  Recognition and Disclosures,"  (collectively,
the Statements).  The Statements provide guidance for establishing a reserve for
losses on  specific  loans  which are  deemed to be  impaired  and apply only to
specific  impaired  loans.  Groups  of small  balance  homogeneous  basis  loans
(generally the Bank's consumer loans) are evaluated for impairment collectively.
A loan is considered  impaired when, based upon current  information and events,
it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect,  on a timely basis,  all
principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan's original
agreement.  When a specific loan is  determined to be impaired,  the reserve for
possible loan losses is increased  through a charge to expense for the amount of
the  impairment.  For all  non-consumer  loans,  impairment is measured based on
value of the underlying  collateral.  The value of the underlying  collateral is
determined by reducing the  collateral's  current value by  anticipated  selling
costs. The Bank's impaired loans are those non-consumer loans currently reported
as non-accrual.  The Bank  recognizes  interest income on impaired loans only to
the extent that cash payments are received.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned is recorded at the fair value at the date of acquisition, with
a charge  to the  allowance  for loan  losses  for any  excess of cost over fair
value.  Subsequently,  real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost or fair
value,  less  estimated  selling  costs.  Certain  costs  incurred in  preparing
properties  for  sale  are  capitalized,  and  expenses  of  holding  foreclosed
properties  are charged to operations as incurred.  The Bank held no real estate
owned at June 30, 1996 and 1995.

                                      WF-7
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

The Bank has acquired life insurance policies covering certain key employees and
the Bank is the beneficiary of such policies.  The Bank makes one-time  lump-sum
payments as key employees are identified. Earnings on
                                   
the  lump-sum  payments  are  expected to exceed  future  premiums  and expenses
associated  with  the  policies  and  thus  result  in an  increase  in the cash
surrender value of the policies.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

Bonds are  recorded at par value net of  discounts.  Discounts  are  accreted to
income using the level-yield method over the estimated life of the bonds.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment,  including leasehold  improvements,  are stated at cost,
less accumulated  amortization and  depreciation.  Depreciation and amortization
are computed using the  straight-line  and double declining balance methods over
the estimated useful lives of the assets or leases.

Income Taxes

Deferred  tax  assets  and   liabilities  are  recognized  for  the  future  tax
consequences   attributable  to  differences  between  the  financial  statement
carrying  amounts of existing assets and  liabilities  and their  respective tax
bases.  Deferred tax assets and  liabilities  are measured using the enacted tax
rates  applicable  to  taxable  income  for the years in which  those  temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax
assets and  liabilities  of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
period that  includes  the  enactment  date.  In  February  1992,  Statement  of
Financial  Accounting  Standards (SFAS) No. 109,  "Accounting for Income Taxes,"
was issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.  Effective July 1, 1993,
the Bank adopted SFAS No. 109 and has  reported  the  cumulative  effect of that
change  in  method  of  accounting  for  income  taxes in the 1994  consolidated
statement of income.

WesterFed and its subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income tax return.


Financial Instruments

The Bank enters into interest rate exchange agreements (Swaps) and interest rate
cap  agreements  (Caps)  as  part  of  its  overall  asset/liability  management
strategies.  Estimated  amounts to be  received  or paid on the Swap  settlement
dates are accrued  when  realized.  The net Swap  settlements  are  reflected in
interest  expense.  Transaction  fees on Caps are amortized to interest  expense
over the life of the  related  Caps  using the  straight-line  method.  Payments
received on Caps are reflected in operations.

Net Income Per Share

Net income per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted
average number of common shares and common share equivalents  outstanding during
the period.  Shares sold in the  conversion  from mutual to stock  ownership  on
January 6, 1994 are assumed to have been outstanding for all of fiscal year 1994
for the purposes of computed weighted average shares outstanding.  Additionally,
unallocated  ESOP shares are excluded  from the weighted  average  common shares
outstanding   calculation,   while   allocated   shares  are  considered  to  be
outstanding.  The effect of stock options is determined using the treasury stock
method.  Weighted  average  common shares and common share  equivalents  did not
differ for primary and fully diluted earnings per share.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally  accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect  the  reported  amounts  of assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosure  of
contingent  assets and  liabilities at the date of the financial  statements and
the  reported  amounts of revenues  and expenses  during the  reporting  period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

                                      WF-8

<PAGE>


WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1995 and 1994 amounts to conform
to the 1996 presentation.
                   
(2)     CONVERSION TO STOCK OWNERSHIP

WesterFed was formed in September  1993, and is the holding company and owner of
100 percent of the common stock of WFSB,  a federally  chartered  stock  savings
bank. On January 6, 1994, WFSB completed its conversion from a mutual to a stock
form  savings bank at which time  WesterFed  issued  4,436,657  shares of common
stock at $10 per share  realizing  $43,057,413  after  deducting  stock offering
expense of $1,309,157. WesterFed used $21,528,707 to purchase 100 percent of the
common stock of WFSB. Additionally, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the ESOP)
borrowed  $3,549,330  from  WesterFed to fund the purchase of 354,933  shares of
WesterFed's common stock.

As part of the  conversion,  WFSB  established  a  liquidation  account  for the
benefit of eligible  depositors who continue to maintain their deposit  accounts
in WFSB after  conversion.  In the unlikely  event of a complete  liquidation of
WFSB,  each  eligible  depositor  will be  entitled  to  receive  a  liquidation
distribution from the liquidation  account,  in the proportionate  amount of the
then current adjusted balance for deposit accounts held, before distribution may
be made with respect to WFSB's common stock.  WFSB may not declare or pay a cash
dividend to the Holding  Company on, or  repurchase  any of, its common stock if
the effect  thereof  would  cause the  regulatory  capital of WFSB to be reduced
below  the  amount  required  for  the  liquidation  account.  Except  for  such
restrictions, the existence of the liquidation account does not restrict the use
or application of retained earnings.


(3)     REGULATORY MATTERS

Capital distributions, in the form of any dividend paid or other distribution in
cash or in kind, are limited by the Office of Thrift  Supervision (OTS). A "Tier
1" institution,  which is defined as an institution that has capital immediately
prior to a proposed  capital  distribution  that is equal to or greater than the
amount of its fully phased-in capital requirement, is authorized to make capital
distributions  during a calendar year up to the higher of 100% of its net income
to date during the  calendar  year plus the amount that would reduce by one-half
its surplus  capital ratio at the beginning of the calendar  year, or 75% of its
net  income  over  the most  recent  four-quarter  period.  The Bank is a Tier 1
institution.

The Financial  Institutions  Reform,  Recovery and  Enforcement  Act,  which was
signed into law on August 9, 1989,  contains  provisions  for capital  standards
that require the Bank to have minimum regulatory tangible capital equal to 1.50%
of  adjusted  total  assets,  a minimum  3.00% core  capital  ratio and an 8.00%
risk-based capital ratio.

In April  1991,  the OTS  issued a  proposal  to amend  the  regulatory  capital
regulation  by revising  the leverage  ratio  requirement.  The  proposal  would
establish  a 3.00%  leverage  ratio  (defined  as the ratio of core  capital  to
adjusted  total  assets)  for  institutions  in  the  strongest   financial  and
managerial  condition,  with a 1 CAMEL Rating (the highest rating of the OTS for
savings  institutions).  For all other  institutions,  the minimum  core capital
average  ratio would be 3.00%,  plus an additional  100 to 200 basis points.  In
determining the amount of additional  capital under the proposal,  the OTS would
assess both the quality of risk management systems and the level of overall risk
in each individual institution through the supervisory process on a case-by-case
basis.  Certain features of the new capital regulations and their administration
have not been finalized.

                                      WF-9

<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WFSB is in  compliance  with capital  requirements  at June 30, 1996, as follows
(dollar amounts in thousands):

                                                       Regulatory
                                                         Capital
                              Percent(a)    Amount    Requirements    Excess
                              ----------    ------    ------------    ------
Tangible capital.........       11.3%       $61,977       8,234       53,743
Core capital.............       11.3         61,977      16,467       45,510
Risk-based capital.......       21.2         63,923      24,058       39,865
                              ======      =========    ========      =======
- ----------
(a)  Based upon a percentage  of adjusted  tangible  assets for tangible and
     core capital and risk-adjusted assets for risk-based capital.

The  following  is a  reconciliation  of  capital  as shown on the  consolidated
financial  statements and tangible,  core and risk-based  regulatory  capital at
June 30, 1996 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Risk-
                                                            Tangible     Core      Based
                                                            Capital     Capital   Capital
                                                            -------     -------   -------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Capital per consolidated
  financial statements .................................   $ 78,607     78,607     78,607

  Less:  Nonqualifying investment
           in subsidiaries .............................    (16,391)   (16,391)   (16,391)
         Nonqualifying purchased mortgage
           loan servicing ..............................        (13)       (13)       (13)
         Unrealized losses on certain securities
           available-for-sale ..........................       (226)      (226)      (226)
         Other assets required to be deducted ..........       --         --           (1)
  Add:   General loan valuation allowances .............       --         --        1,947
                                                            -------    -------     ------
Regulatory capital .....................................   $ 61,977     61,977     63,923
                                                            =======    =======     ======
</TABLE>

The Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA")
requires  the federal  banking  agencies to take prompt  corrective  action with
respect to depository  institutions  which do not meet minimum capital standards
and other safety and soundness  regulations which have not been finalized.  As a
result, the federal banking agencies have adopted  regulations which establish a
system  for prompt  regulatory  corrective  action  with  respect to  depository
institutions  which  do not  meet  minimum  capital  requirements.  The  "prompt
corrective  action"  regulations   established  five  categories  of  depository
institutions:   (1)   well-capitalized,    (2)   adequately   capitalized,   (3)
under-capitalized,   (4)  significantly  undercapitalized,  and  (5)  critically
undercapitalized.  Each  category  relates  to the  level  of  capital  for  the
depository institution. A "well-capitalized" meets the minimum level required by
regulation  (i.e.,  total risk-based  capital ratio of 10% or greater,  a Tier 1
risk-based  capital  ratio  of  6% or  greater  and a  leverage  ratio  of 5% or
greater).  The Bank's  total  risk-based,  Tier 1 and core  capital  ratios were
21.2%, 20.6% and 11.3% at June 30, 1996.



                                      WF-10

<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)     INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated market values of investment  securities at June
30, 1996 and 1995 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996
                                           ----------------------------------------------------
                                                          Gross            Gross      Estimated
                                           Amortized    unrealized       unrealized     market
                                              cost        gains           losses         value
                                              ----        -----           ------         -----
<S>                                       <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>
Investments held-to-maturity:
Federal agency obligations .............     $ 4,010        2               (7)           4,005
Corporate obligations ..................       5,333       22               --            5,355
Other investments ......................           4       35               --               39
                                             -------      ----             ----          ------
  Total investment securities
    held-to-maturity ...................     $ 9,347       59               (7)           9,399
                                             =======      ====             ====          ======
Investments available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations .............     $32,841       21             (232)          32,630
Corporate obligations ..................       3,000       --              (20)           2,980
Other ..................................          28       --               (1)              27
                                                  --      ----            ----           ------
  Total investment securities
    available-for-sale .................     $35,869       21             (253)          35,637
                                             =======      ====            =====          ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1995
                                          -------------------------------------------------
                                                         Gross          Gross     Estimated
                                          Amortized    unrealized     unrealized    market
                                             cost        gains         losses       value
                                             ----        -----         ------       -----
<S>                                      <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Investments held-to-maturity:
Federal agency obligations ............     $ 6,518       47             (2)         6,563
Corporate obligations .................       6,272      104             --          6,376
Other investments .....................           4       21             --             25
                                            -------      ---            ----        ------
    Total investment securities
      held-to-maturity ................     $12,794      172             (2)        12,964
                                            =======      ===            ====        ======
Investments available-for-sale:
Federal agency obligations ............     $47,850       99           (392)        47,557
U.S. Government obligations ...........       2,025       --             (5)         2,020
                                            -------      ---            ----        ------
    Total investment securities
      available-for-sale ..............     $49,875       99           (397)        49,577
                                            =======      ===            ====        ======
</TABLE>
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may
have the  right to call or repay  obligations  at par value  without  prepayment
penalties.  The cost and estimated  fair value of investment  securities at June
30, 1996, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands):
                                                          Fair Cost        Value
                                                          ---------        -----
Investment held-to-maturity
Due in:
  Less than one year ............................         $ 7,344          7,366
  One to five years .............................           1,999          1,994
  Other .........................................               4             39
                                                          -------          -----
                                                          $ 9,347          9,399
                                                          =======          =====
Investments available-for-sale
Due in:
  Less than one year ............................         $17,353         17,336
  One to five years .............................          13,740         13,602
  After ten years ...............................           4,748          4,672
  Other .........................................              28             27
                                                          -------         ------
                                                          $35,869         35,637
                                                          =======         ======
                                     WF-11
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross proceeds from sales of investment securities  available-for-sale  for 1996
and 1995 were $3,840,000 and $4,470,000,  respectively.  These sales resulted in
gross  gains of $22,636 in 1996 and gross  losses of $27,000 and $30,000 in 1996
and 1995,  respectively.  There were no sales of  investment  securities  during
1994.

Pursuant to a collateral  agreement  with the FHLB,  all  unpledged,  qualifying
investment securities, including those available-for-sale, are pledged to secure
advances from the FHLB.

                        
(5)     MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

A summary of mortgage-backed  securities at June 30, 1996 and 1995 is as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                1996
                                                                      ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Gross          Gross       Estimated
                                                                      Amortized    unrealized     unrealized       fair
                                                                         cost        gains          losses         value
                                                                         ----        -----          ------         -----
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity:
FHLMC ..........................................................       $49,525          9            (972)        48,562
GNMA ...........................................................         1,412         20              --          1,432
Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agency ...........         9,101        183              --          9,284
                                                                       -------        ---            ----         ------
     Total mortgage-backed securities
       held-to-maturity ........................................       $60,038        212            (972)        59,278
                                                                       =======        ===            ====         ======
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale:
FHLMC ..........................................................       $27,693         78             (191)       27,580
GNMA ...........................................................           659         --               (4)          655
FNMA ...........................................................        16,683         76              (85)       16,674
                                                                       -------        ---             ----        ------
     Total mortgage-backed securities
       available-for-sale ......................................       $45,035        154             (280)       44,909
                                                                       =======        ===             ====        ======

                                                                                                1995
                                                                      ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Gross          Gross       Estimated
                                                                      Amortized    unrealized     unrealized       fair
                                                                         cost        gains          losses         value
                                                                         ----        -----          ------         -----
Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity:
FHLMC ..........................................................       $62,262        590            (163)        62,689
FNMA ...........................................................           338         12              --            350
Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agency ...........        16,325        143            (204)        16,264
                                                                       -------        ---            ----         ------
     Total mortgage-backed securities
       held-to-maturity ........................................       $78,925        745            (367)        79,303
                                                                       =======        ===            ====         ======
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale:
FHLMC ..........................................................       $43,987        679            (181)        44,485
GNMA ...........................................................         2,472        401              --          2,873
FNMA ...........................................................        17,664         83            (205)        17,542
                                                                       -------      -----            ----         ------
     Total mortgage-backed securities
       available-for-sale ......................................       $64,123      1,163            (386)        64,900
                                                                       =======      =====            ====         ======
</TABLE>

Gross proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed  securities  available-for-sale for
1996 and 1995 were  $30,862,000  and  $10,114,000,  resulting  in gross gains of
$673,000 and $258,000 and gross losses of $279,000 and $118,000, respectively.

Gross  proceeds  from  sales  of   mortgage-backed   securities  for  1994  were
$63,057,000.  These sales resulted in gross gains of $257,000,  and gross losses
of $147,000 for 1994.

Mortgage-backed  securities with a recorded value of  approximately  $10,181,000
and $2,715,000 have been pledged to secure  collateralized  mortgage obligations
at June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Expected  maturities of mortgage-backed  securities will differ from contractual
maturities  because  borrowers may have the right to prepay  obligations with or
without penalties.


                                     WF-12
<PAGE>


WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On November 15, 1995, the Financial  Accounting  Standards Board (FASB) issued a
Special Report titled "A Guide to  Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting
for Certain  Investments  in Debt and equity  Securities."  The  Special  Report
allowed  for a  one-time  reclassification  of  securities  as of a single  date
between  November  15,  1995  and  December  31,  1995.  The  Bank  reclassified
approximately    $10,608,000   of    mortgage-backed    securities    from   the
held-to-maturity to available-for-sale  classification.  The net unrealized loss
related to these  mortgage-backed  securities was approximately  $140,000 at the
date of reclassification.

(6)     LOANS RECEIVABLE

A summary of loans receivable at June 30, 1996 and 1995 is summarized as follows
(in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996          1995
                                                           ----          ----
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>
Loans secured by real estate:
  Conventional:
    1-4 residential units .........................     $ 273,389       240,202
    5 or more residential units ...................        19,939        18,985
    Construction ..................................        12,977        10,742
    Commercial ....................................        17,769        11,942
    Other nonresidential ..........................           549           457
    FHA insured or VA guaranteed ..................         7,464         7,129
                                                            -----         -----
      Total real estate loans .....................       332,087       289,457

Less:
  Net deferred loan origination fees (1,625) ......        (1,344)
  Undisbursed loan funds ..........................        (4,245)       (4,988)
  Allowance for loan losses .......................        (1,879)       (1,879)
                                                           ------        ------ 
      Net real estate loans .......................       324,338       281,246

Other loans:
  Loans to depositors, secured by deposits ........         2,337         2,138
  Other consumer loans ............................        10,830         5,112
  Other consumer loans - real estate secured ......        30,814        24,757
  Allowance for loan losses .......................          (126)         (132)
                                                             ----          ---- 
      Net other loans .............................        43,855        31,875
                                                           ------        ------
                                                          368,193       313,121
Less loans available-for-sale .....................        (3,967)       (2,960)
                                                           ------        ------ 
                                                         $364,226       310,161
                                                          =======       =======
</TABLE>

The Bank has pledged,  under a blanket assignment,  its unpledged and qualifying
mortgage portfolio to secure advances from the FHLB.

A  summary  of  nonperforming  assets  at June 30,  1996 and  1995  follows  (in
thousands):
                                                                   1996     1995
                                                                   ----     ----

Nonaccrual loans ............................................      $404      319
Loans 90 days or more delinquent and still accruing .........       311      254
                                                                   ----      ---
    Total nonperforming loans ...............................       715      573
    Total nonperforming assets ..............................      $715      573
                                                                   ====      ===
If interest income on nonaccrual loans had been current in accordance with their
original terms,  approximately  $22,000,  $33,000 and $27,000 of interest income
would have been recorded in 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Interest income
recognized on nonaccrual  loans during the years ended June 30, 1996,  1995, and
1994 was  insignificant.  At June 30, 1996,  there were no  commitments  to lend
additional funds to borrowers whose loans are classified as nonperforming.


                                     WF-13

<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses,  not including  provision for real
estate owned, for 1996, 1995 and 1994 is as follows (in thousands):

                                                1996         1995         1994
                                                ----         ----         ----
Balance at beginning of year ...........      $ 2,011        2,030        2,058
Provision charged to operations ........         --           --           --
Charge-offs ............................          (11)         (28)         (37)
Recoveries .............................            5            9            9
Balance at end of year .................      $ 2,005        2,011        2,030
                                              =======        =====        =====

(7)     INTEREST RECEIVABLE, NET

A summary of  interest  receivable  at June 30,  1996 and 1995 is as follows (in
thousands):

                                                                1996       1995
                                                                ----       ----
Loans (net of allowance for uncollected
  interest of $22 and $33 at June 30, 1996
  and 1995, respectively) .............................       $2,322       1,778
Mortgage-backed securities ............................          805       1,016
Investment securities .................................          500         946
Interest-bearing deposits .............................           68          79
Other .................................................         --            56
                                                              ------       -----
                                                              $3,695       3,875
                                                              ======       =====
(8)     PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and  equipment at June 30, 1996 and 1995 is  summarized  as follows (in
thousands):
                                                             1996         1995
                                                             ----         ----

Land ................................................     $  3,861        3,792
Office buildings and leasehold improvements .........       15,698       13,343
Furniture, fixtures and equipment ...................        5,356        4,991
                                                          --------      -------
                                                            24,915       22,126
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization ......      (11,157)     (10,754)
                                                          --------      -------
                                                          $ 13,758       11,372
                                                          ========       ======
(9)     DEPOSITS

Deposits at June 30, 1996 and 1995 are summarized as follows  (dollar amounts in
thousands):
                                                      Weighted          Weighted
                                                       average           average
                                                1996    rate      1995     rate
                                                ----    ----      ----     ----
Certificates of deposit:
  6 month ................................   $ 37,179   4.96%  $ 34,290    5.38%
  1 year .................................     47,737   5.44     37,152    5.39
  2 year .................................     54,538   5.52     65,981    5.97
  3 year .................................     28,882   5.78     29,178    5.90
  4 year and above .......................     30,779   6.27     29,974    6.74
  Jumbo (minimum denomination of $100,000)     12,342   5.66     10,124    5.92
                                               ------   ----     ------    ----
                                              211,457   5.56    206,699    5.88

Passbook accounts ........................     64,889   2.93     65,607    3.03
Money market accounts ....................     24,018   3.47     25,923    3.46
NOW accounts .............................     49,848   1.55     45,926    1.98
                                               ------   ----     ------    ----
                                             $350,212   4.35%  $344,155    4.62%
                                             ========   ====   ========    ==== 

                                     WF-14

<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Certificates of deposit at June 30, 1996 mature as follows (in thousands):

                                      Less than        One to         Four to
                                       one year      three years     five years
                                       --------      -----------     ----------
2.00% to 2.99%..................       $   405               -              -
3.00% to 3.99%..................         1,226               -              -
4.00% to 4.99%..................        18,748            1,966             17
5.00% to 5.99%..................        89,264           38,313          2,843
6.00% to 6.99%..................        15,352           14,804          3,944
7.00% to 7.99%..................           628           10,810            791
8.00% to 11.99%.................             4               -              -
Jumbo...........................         9,202            2,641            499
                                      ---------          ------          -----
                                      $134,829           68,534          8,094
                                      ========           ======          =====


(10)     BORROWED FUNDS

Advances  from the  FHLB  and  other  borrowings  at June 30,  1996 and 1995 are
summarized as follows (in thousands):


                                                1996              1995
                                                ----              ----
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank.......   $124,663           133,119
Collateralized mortgage obligations........      1,175             1,585
                                              --------           -------
                                              $125,838           134,704

Advances  from  Federal  Home Loan Bank of Seattle  bear  interest at rates from
4.93% to 8.20% and mature as follows (in thousands):

   Years ending June 30
     1997........................................      $ 14,000
     1998........................................        44,094
     1999........................................        16,568
     2000........................................         5,000
     2001........................................        19,198
     Thereafter..................................        25,803
                                                         ------
                                                       $124,663
                                                       ========

Advances  from the FHLB are secured by pledges of FHLB stock of  $7,471,000  and
$6,750,000  at June 30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,  and a blanket  assignment
(the blanket  assignment) of the Bank's  unpledged,  qualifying  mortgage loans,
mortgage-backed  securities and investment securities. The Bank has committed to
take a Federal Home Loan Bank advance totaling $470,000 with an interest rate of
7.37%, maturing 15 years from the date the advance is taken.
This advance will be taken during 1997.

                                      WF-15
<PAGE>


WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(11)     INCOME TAXES

As discussed in note 1, the Bank adopted SFAS No. 109,  effective  July 1, 1993.
The  cumulative  effect  of this  change  in  accounting  for  income  taxes was
$795,000.

If certain  conditions are met, the Bank is allowed a special bad debt deduction
in  determining  income for tax  purposes.  The  deduction  is based on either a
specified  experience  formula or a  percentage  of taxable  income  before such
deduction  (presently  8%).  Under new  legislation  enacted in August 1996, the
special bad debt deduction will be eliminated  effective for tax years beginning
after December 15, 1995 (the Bank's fiscal year beginning July 1, 1996).

Retained earnings at June 30, 1996 include  approximately  $10,251,000 for which
no  provision  for income tax has been made.  This amount  represents  primarily
income offset by the percentage bad debt deduction for tax purposes only.  Under
SFAS No. 109, this amount is treated as a permanent  difference;  deferred taxes
are not  recognized  unless it appears  that this  amount  will be  reduced  and
thereby result in taxable income in the foreseeable future. Also included in the
August 1996 legislation are provisions to recapture bad debt deductions taken in
excess of  $10,251,000.  The Bank has  provided  a  deferred  tax  liability  of
approximately $415,000 which will be payable over six years beginning in 1997 or
in 1999 if certain residential  lending  requirements are met. At June 30, 1996,
management  does not  foresee  any events  under  which the base year  amount of
$10,251,000 would become taxable.

A summary of the  provision  for income taxes for the years ended June 30, 1996,
1995 and 1994 follows (in thousands):

                                           1996             1995            1994
                                           ----             ----            ----
Federal:
  Current .....................           $1,894           1,567           1,929
  Deferred ....................              254             466             268
                                             ---             ---             ---
                                           2,148           2,033           2,197
                                           -----           -----           -----
State:
  Current .....................              377             362             460
  Deferred ....................               31              78              24
                                             408             440             484
                                             ---             ---             ---
                                          $2,556           2,473           2,681
                                          ======           =====           =====

The  effective  tax rates for 1996,  1995 and 1994 are  35.9%,  37.5% and 37.7%,
espectively.

A  reconciliation  between  the  effective  income  tax  expense  and the amount
computed by  multiplying  the applicable  statutory  federal income tax rate for
1996, 1995 and 1994 is as follows (in thousands):
                                                1996         1995          1994
                                                ----         ----          ----

Computed "expected" tax expense ........      $ 2,419        2,244        2,419
Accumulated earnings on life
   insurance policies ..................          (50)         (44)         (38)
State income taxes, net of
   Federal income tax benefit ..........          270          291          319
Other ..................................          (83)         (18)         (19)
                                                  ---          ---          --- 
                                              $ 2,556        2,473        2,681
                                              =======        =====        =====

                                      WF-16
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tax effects of temporary  differences  that give rise to deferred tax assets
and liabilities at June 30, 1996 and 1995 are as follows (in thousands):

                                                                 1996       1995
                                                                 ----       ----
Deferred tax assets:
    Loans, principally allowance for loan losses ........      $  771        773
    Employee benefits, principally deferred
      compensation and accrued vacation .................         468        246
    Market value adjustment of investment
      securities and mortgage backed securities
      available-for-sale ................................         132       --
                                                                  ---        ---
    Gross deferred income tax assets ....................       1,371      1,019
                                                                -----      -----
                              
                                                               1996         1995
                                                               ----         ----
Deferred tax liabilities:
    FHLB stock dividends ..............................       $1,631       1,430
    Deferred loan fees and
      origination costs ...............................          575         554
    Life insurance contract income ....................          489         457
    Market value adjustment of
      investment securities and
      mortgage backed securities
      available-for-sale ..............................         --           185
    Loans, due primarily to tax
      bad debt reserves in excess
      of base year amount .............................          415         278
    Fixed assets, principally depreciation ............          191         154
    Other .............................................          199         121
                                                                 ---         ---
      Gross deferred income tax liabilities ...........        3,500       3,179
                                                               -----       -----
      Net deferred income tax liability ...............       $2,129       2,160
                                                              ======       =====

In assessing  the  realizability  of deferred tax assets,  management  considers
whether it is more likely than not that some  portion or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is
dependent upon the existence of, or generation of, taxable income in the periods
which those  temporary  differences  are  deductible.  Management  considers the
scheduled  reversal of deferred tax liabilities,  taxes paid in carryback years,
projected  future  taxable  income,  and tax planning  strategies in making this
assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projection for
future  taxable  income  over the  periods  which the  deferred  tax  assets are
deductible,  at June 30,  1996 and 1995,  management  believes it is more likely
than  not  that  the  Bank  will  realize  the  benefits  of  these   deductible
differences.

(12)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Bank is the lessor of office space in certain of its branch office buildings
under operating leases expiring in future years. Management expects as operating
leases expire in the normal course of business, they will be renewed or replaced
by leases on other  properties  at current  market  rental  rates at the time of
renewal.  Approximate minimum future rentals to be received under non-cancelable
leases  for the five  years  subsequent  to June 30,  1996  are as  follows  (in
thousands):

            Years ended June 30,                                 Amount
            --------------------                                 ------
                    1997                                        $   482
                    1998                                            369
                    1999                                            279
                    2000                                            235
                    2001                                            108
                 Thereafter                                          94
                                                                 ------
        Total minimum future rentals                             $1,567
                                                                 ======


                                     WF-17
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The deposits of the Bank are insured by the Savings  Association  Insurance Fund
(SAIF),  one  of  two  funds  administered  by  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance
Corporation  (FDIC). The Bank currently pays premiums of approximately  0.23% of
deposits.  On September 30, 1996,  the Deposit  Insurance  Funds Act of 1996 was
signed,  which  authorizes  the FDIC to impose a special  assessment  on certain
deposits held by thrift institutions. This special assessment, which is based on
$.657  per $100 of  outstanding  deposits  at March 31,  1995,  is  intended  to
recapitalize  the SAIF.  The  assessment  of  approximately  $2.3  million and a
related tax benefit of $900,000 were recorded by the Bank on September 30, 1996.
The assessment is payable no later than November 29, 1996.

The Bank is a defendant in various matters of litigation generally incidental to
its business.  In the opinion of management,  following  consultation with legal
counsel,  liabilities  arising from these  proceedings,  if any, will not have a
material impact on the Bank's consolidated financial condition.

(13)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Effective  July 1, 1993 the Board of Directors  approved the adoption of an ESOP
covering  substantially  all  employees.  The ESOP  purchased  354,933 shares of
WesterFed's  common stock for $10 per share in connection with the conversion to
stock  ownership.  The  ESOP  borrowed  $3,549,330  from  WesterFed  to fund the
purchase,  evidenced by a note receivable recorded by WesterFed,  secured by the
common  stock  purchased by the ESOP.  The terms of the note  require  quarterly
principal payments from the ESOP of approximately  $57,000,  bearing interest at
7.26%,  maturing  December 2008.  Contributions of cash or common stock are made
from WFSB to the ESOP at the discretion of the Board of Directors. For financial
reporting  purposes,  the  note  receivable  is  classified  as a  reduction  of
consolidated  stockholders'  equity and amounts paid to  WesterFed  for interest
have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Bank records  compensation  expense equal to the fair value of shares at the
date  such  shares  are made  available  for  allocation  to plan  participants'
accounts.  Shares become  available  for  allocation as the ESOP repays the note
receivable  recorded by WesterFed.  For 1996,  1995 and 1994, ESOP principal and
interest  payments  of  $446,000,  $464,000,  and  $347,000  were funded by Bank
contributions  of $358,000,  $406,000,  and $329,000.  The remainder of the ESOP
payments  was funded by dividends on the  unallocated  shares held.  At June 30,
1996,  87,193  shares had been made  available for  allocation  to  participants
accounts  and  the  fair  value  of the  unallocated  shares  was  approximately
$3,984,000.  The Bank  recognized  expense  relating  to the  ESOP of  $446,000,
$396,000, and $384,000 during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Recognition and Retention Plan (RRP)

Under the RRP plan, common stock has been granted to certain officers, directors
and employees. Deferred compensation is recorded at the date of the stock award.
Vesting  occurs in four equal,  annual  installments  and the  related  deferred
compensation is expensed over the same period. For financial  reporting purposes
the unamortized deferred  compensation balance is reclassified as a reduction of
consolidated  stockholders'  equity.  Officers,  directors and employees awarded
shares  retain voting  rights and, if dividends  are paid,  dividend  privileges
during the vesting period. RRP compensation expense of $473,000,  $473,000,  and
$237,000 has been recorded for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Stock Option and Incentive Plan

The  stockholders  have  approved a Stock Option and  Incentive  Plan (the Stock
Option Plan).  The terms of the Stock Option Plan provide for the granting of up
to  443,665  shares of common  stock,  or 10% of the  shares  sold in the Bank's
conversion from mutual to stock  ownership,  to certain  officers and directors.
The Stock Option Plan  provides for the  granting of  incentive  stock  options,
nonqualified   stock  options,   stock   appreciation   rights,   limited  stock
appreciation   rights,   or  restricted   stock,  or  any  combination   thereof
(collectively, the Awards).

The Bank has granted incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options (the
options).  The term of the  options  may not  exceed 10 years  from the date the
options are granted.  Incentive stock options granted to stockholders  with more
than 10% of the  total  combined  voting  power of all  classes  of stock of the
Company  shall be granted  at an option  price of not less than 110% of the fair
market  value at the grant  date,  and the term of the  option  may not exceed 5

                                     WF-18
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
years from the date of grant.  For incentive stock options,  a maximum of 10,000
shares per Stock Option Plan participant are exercisable per year. All incentive
and nonqualified stock options awarded are exercisable at the grant date.

                                                      Options     Exercise price
                                                      -------     --------------
Year ending June 30, 1996:
    Options outstanding, beginning of year .......     419,707   $ 10.00 - 12.13
    Granted ......................................          --                --
                                                       -------   ---------------
    Outstanding, end of year .....................     419,707   $ 10.00 - 12.13
                                                       =======   ===============
    Exercisable, end of year .....................     419,707   $ 10.00 - 12.13
                                                       =======   ===============

            
                                                      Options     Exercise price
                                                      -------     --------------
Year ending June 30, 1995:
    Options outstanding, beginning of year .......... 404,623     $        10.00
    Granted .........................................  15,084              12.13
                                                       ------              -----
    Outstanding, end of year ........................ 419,707     $10.00 - 12.13
                                                      =======     ==============
    Exercisable, end of year ........................ 419,707     $10.00 - 12.13
                                                      =======     ==============

Year ending June 30, 1994:
    Options outstanding, beginning of year ..........      --      $          --
    Granted ......................................... 404,623              10.00
                                                      -------              -----
    Outstanding, end of year ........................ 404,623      $       10.00
                                                      =======      =============
    Exercisable, end of year ........................ 404,623      $       10.00
                                                      =======      =============

Pension Plan

The Bank  participates  in a  non-contributory  multi-employer  defined  benefit
pension  plan  covering  substantially  all  employees.  Actuarially  determined
pension  costs are funded as  accrued.  Separate  actuarial  valuations  are not
prepared for each employer in the plan.  Substantially  all employees who attain
the age of 21 years and complete one year of service are eligible to participate
in this plan.  Retirement  benefits are based upon a formula  utilizing years of
service and average compensation,  as defined. Participants are vested 100% upon
the  completion  of five years of  service.  Total  pension  expense,  including
administrative charges, was approximately $321,000, $286,000 and $19,000 for the
years ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Agreements

The Bank has entered  into  deferred  compensation  agreements  with certain key
employees that provide for  predetermined  periodic  payments over 10 years upon
retirement  or  death.   Amounts   expensed  under  these   agreements   totaled
approximately  $144,000,  $142,000,  and  $111,000  for  1996,  1995  and  1994,
respectively.

Savings Plan

The Bank has adopted an employee  savings  plan. To be eligible for the plan, an
employee must complete one year of full time  employment  with the Bank.  Annual
contributions  by the Bank  match 50% of an  employee's  contributions,  up to a
maximum of 3% of the  participating  employee's  wages.  Contributions for 1996,
1995 and 1994 totaled approximately $86,000, $85,000 and $83,000, respectively.


(14)     FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with  off-balance-sheet risk in the
normal  course of business to meet the  financing  needs of its customers and to
reduce its own  exposure to  fluctuations  in interest  rates.  These  financial

                                     WF-19
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
instruments   include  commitments  to  extend  credit  and  interest  rate  cap
agreements.  The Bank was party to an interest  rate swap which expired in 1996.
These instruments  involve, to varying degrees,  elements of credit and interest
rate risk in excess of amounts  recognized in the  consolidated  balance sheets.
The  contract or  notional  amounts of these  instruments  reflect the extent of
involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of  nonperformance  by the other
party  to  the  financial   instrument  for  commitments  to  extend  credit  is
represented by the contractual  amount of those  instruments.  The Bank uses the
same credit policies in making  commitments  and  conditional  obligations as it
does for  on-balance-sheet  instruments.  For interest rate cap agreements,  the
contract or notional  amounts does not  represent  exposure to credit loss.  The
Bank controls the credit risk of those  instruments  through  credit  approvals,
limits, and monitoring procedures.

Commitments to Extend Credit

Commitments  to  extend  credit  at June 30,  1996 and 1995 are as  follows  (in
thousands):
                                  1996            1995
                                  ----            ----
Fixed rate...................   $18,654          23,100
Variable rate................     1,888           1,793
                                -------          ------
                                $20,542          24,893
                                =======          ======

Commitments  to extend  credit are  agreements  to lend to a customer as long as
there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments
generally  have terms which  specify  commitment  periods of 45 days at interest
rates  which  approximate  current  market  rates,   adjusted  for  management's
assessment of the creditworthiness of the customer. In some cases, customers may
be required to pay a fee for the Bank's  commitment  to lend.  Since many of the
commitments  are  expected  to  expire  without  being  drawn  upon,  the  total
commitment amounts do not necessarily  represent future cash  requirements.  The
Bank evaluates each customer's  creditworthiness  on a case-by-case  basis.  The
amount of collateral obtained,  if deemed necessary,  by the Bank upon extension
of credit is based on management's  evaluation of the counter-party.  Collateral
held varies but may include personal  property,  residential real property,  and
income-producing commercial properties.

Interest Rate Caps

Interest  rate caps  entitle the Bank to receive  various  interest  payments in
exchange  for payment of a  transaction  fee,  provided  the  three-month  LIBOR
exceeds an agreed upon interest rate.  Transaction  fees paid in connection with
interest rate cap agreements are amortized to interest  expense as an adjustment
of the interest cost of  liabilities.  Interest rate cap  agreements are used to
manage   interest   rate   risk  by   synthetically   extending   the   life  of
interest-bearing liabilities.

The following summarizes interest rate cap agreements at June 30, 1996:

 Notional principal amount           Agreement termination             Cap
 -------------------------           ---------------------             ---
      (in thousands)
       $   25,000                         March 1997                6.5% - 10%
           10,000                          July 1999                6.5% - 7.0%
         --------
       $   35,000
       ==========

The  counterparties  to the cap  agreements  are primary  dealers or the FHLB of
Seattle.

(15)     RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

On March 31, 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived  Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of". SFAS No. 121
provides that long-lived assets and identifiable  intangibles should be reviewed
for impairment  whenever events or circumstances  provide evidence that suggests
the carrying amount of the asset may not be  recoverable.  An impairment loss is
recognized  if the sum of the  expected  future  cash  flows  is less  than  the
carrying amount of the asset. SFAS No. 121 is effective for financial statements
issued with fiscal years  beginning  after December 15, 1995,  although  earlier
application is encouraged.  The Bank intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS No.
121 on July 1, 1996,  and management  expects  adoption will not have a material
effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Bank.

                                     WF-20
<PAGE>


WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In October  1995,  the FASB  issued SFAS No. 123,  "Accounting  for  Stock-Based
Compensation".  SFAS No. 123 defines a "fair value based  method" of  accounting
for stock based compensation whereby compensation costs is measured at the grant
date based on the value of the award and is recognized  over the service period.
The FASB encourages all entities to adopt the fair value based method,  however,
it will allow  entities to continue to use the  "intrinsic  value based  method"
prescribed  by  previous  pronouncements  for  grants  to  employees.  Under the
intrinsic  value  based  method,  compensation  cost is the excess of the market
price of the stock at the grant  date over the  amount an  employee  must pay to
acquire the stock. Entities electing to continue use of the accounting treatment
of previous  pronouncements  must make certain pro forma  disclosures  as if the
fair  value  based  method  had been  applied.  SFAS No.  123 is  effective  for
financial statements issued with fiscal years beginning after December 31, 1995.
The Bank will be  required  to adopt the  provisions  of SFAS No. 123 on July 1,
1996.  Management's current intention is to retain its intrinsic value method of
accounting for stock options granted to employees.

In June 1996,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued SFAS No. 125,
"Accounting of Transfers and Servicing of Financial  Assets and  Extinguishments
of Liabilities."  SFAS No. 125 provides guidance on accounting for transfers and
servicing of financial  assets,  recognition and measurement of servicing assets
and liabilities,  financial assets subject to prepayment, secured borrowings and
collateral, and extinguishment of liabilities.

SFAS No. 125  specifically  provides that mortgage  banking  enterprises,  which
includes  the Bank,  recognize as a separate  asset rights to service  loans for
others, regardless of how those servicing rights are acquired. Rights to service
loans  must  also be  assessed  for  impairment  based on the fair  value of the
servicing  assets,  including  those  purchased  before  the  adoption  of  this
statement.  SFAS  No.  125 also  specifies  that  financial  assets  subject  to
prepayment,  including  loans,  that can be  contractually  prepaid or otherwise
settled in such a way that the holder would not recover substantially all of its
recorded  investment  be measured  like debt  securities  available-for-sale  or
trading securities under SFAS No. 115, as amended by SFAS No. 125.

SFAS No. 125 is effective for all financial asset  transactions  occurring after
December 31, 1996,  and is to be applied  prospectively.  Earlier or retroactive
application is not  permitted.  The Bank intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS
No. 125 on January 1, 1997,  and  management  expects  adoption  will not have a
material effect on the financial position or operations of the Bank.




                                     WF-21
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(16)   RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

The  reconciliation  of net income to net cash provided by operating  activities
for 1996, 1995 and 1994 are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  1996           1995          1994
                                                                                                  ----           ----          ----
<S>                                                                                            <C>              <C>           <C>  
Net income ..............................................................................      $  4,559         4,128         5,229
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
   Amortization of:
     Deferred loan origination fees .....................................................          (445)         (447)         (538)
     Premiums and discounts on securities ...............................................           (63)          482           259
   RRP deferred compensation ............................................................           473           473           237
   ESOP shares available for allocation .................................................           446           396           384
   Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes ...........................          --            --            (795)
   Provision for:
     Loan losses ........................................................................          --            --            --
     Losses on real estate owned ........................................................          --               3             4
   Net (gain) loss on sales of:
     Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale ......................................          (394)         (139)         (101)
     Investment securities available-for-sale ...........................................             4            30          --
     Loans ..............................................................................          (187)         (170)         (587)
     Other ..............................................................................           127             5            (6)
   Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment ..............................           740           685           658
   Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends ...............................................          (521)         (363)         (570)
   Origination of loans available-for-sale ..............................................       (31,185)      (24,896)      (43,720)
   Proceeds from sales of loans available-for-sale ......................................        30,365        33,851        57,657
   Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable ...................................           180          (637)         (574)
   Interest expense credited to deposit accounts ........................................        15,724        13,633        13,609
   Changes in other assets and liabilities ..............................................          (266)        1,524           460
                                                                                                   ----         -----           ---
         Net cash provided by operating activities ......................................      $ 19,557        28,558        31,606
                                                                                               ========        ======        ======

</TABLE>

(17)     NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Loans  originated  for the purposes of  securitization  and  subsequent  sale as
mortgage-backed  securities totaled approximately $3,885,000 (net of discount of
$26,000)  and  $58,023,000  (net of  discount  of  $194,000)  for 1995 and 1994,
respectively. There were no securitizations of loans in 1996.

On June 28, 1996, the Bank declared a dividend of  approximately  $541,000 which
is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities at June 30, 1996.

On June 27, 1995, the Bank declared a dividend of  approximately  $287,000 which
is recorded in other liabilities at June 30, 1995.

At June 30,  1996,  the Bank  recorded  an  unrealized  loss on  investment  and
mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, net of taxes, of $226,000.

At June 30,  1995,  the Bank  recorded  an  unrealized  gain on  investment  and
mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, net of taxes, of $295,000.

Under the  specifications  of the FASB's  Special Report as discussed in note 5,
the Bank  reclassified  certain  mortgage-backed  securities to  mortgage-backed
securities available-for-sale.

During 1995 and 1994,  the Bank issued  common  stock under the RRP and recorded
deferred compensation of approximately $29,000 and $1,897,000,  respectively. No
common stock was issued under the RRP in 1996.

The Bank  financed  the ESOP's  purchase  of common  shares by  recording a note
receivable of $3,549,330 during 1994.

Real  estate  owned  acquired  through  foreclosures  of  loans  receivable  was
approximately  $397,000 and $114,000  for 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  No real
estate owned was acquired in 1996.

Loans made to finance sales of real estate owned totaled  approximately  $37,000
for 1995 and 1994, respectively. No such loans were made during 1996.

                                     WF-22
<PAGE>



WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(18)     FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following fair value estimates, methods and assumptions were used to measure
the fair value of each class of financial  instrument  for which it is practical
to estimate that value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For such  short-term  investments,  the carrying  amount was  considered to be a
reasonable estimate of fair value.


Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities

For investment and mortgage-backed  securities, fair values were based on quoted
market prices or dealer quotes. If a quoted market price was not available, fair
values were estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Federal Home Loan Bank

Federal Home Loan Bank stock is valued at cost.

Loans

Fair values were estimated for portfolios of performing and nonperforming  loans
with similar  financial  characteristics.  For certain  analogous  categories of
loans,  such  as  residential  mortgages,  home  equity  loans,  non-residential
mortgages,  and consumer loans, fair value was estimated using the quoted market
prices for securities backed by similar loans,  adjusted for differences in loan
characteristics.  The fair value of other performing loan types was estimated by
discounting  the future cash flows using market  discount rates that reflect the
credit, collateral, and interest rate risk inherent in the loan.

Deposit Liabilities

The fair value of demand  deposits  savings  deposits and money market  accounts
were the amounts  payable on demand at June 30, 1996 and 1995. The fair value of
certificates  of  deposit  is  estimated  based  on  the  discounted   value  of
contractual  cash flows using rates derived from the U.S.  Treasury yield curve,
adjusted for certificate redemption features.

Short-Term Borrowings

For short-term borrowings, the carrying amount was considered to be a reasonable
estimate of fair value.
Long-Term Borrowings

The fair value for long-term  borrowings was based upon the discounted  value of
the cash  flows.  The  discount  rates  utilized  were based on rates  currently
available with similar terms and maturities.

                                     WF-23

<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The estimated  fair values of the Bank's  financial  instruments  required to be
disclosed under SFAS No. 107 are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1996                            1995
                                                                              ----------------------           --------------------
                                                                              Book             Fair            Book            Fair
                                                                              value            value           value           value
                                                                              -----            -----           -----           -----
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>
Financial assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents .......................................         $  7,829           7,829           7,173           7,173
  Interest-bearing due from banks .................................            5,470           5,470           8,201           8,201
  Interest-bearing deposits .......................................            3,000           3,000           2,102           2,102
  Investment securities ...........................................            9,347           9,399          12,794          12,964
  Investment securities available-for-sale ........................           35,637          35,637          49,577          49,577
  Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle ......................            7,471           7,471           6,750           6,750
  Mortgage-backed securities ......................................           60,038          59,278          78,925          79,303
  Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale ...................           44,909          44,909          64,900          64,900
  Loans ...........................................................          364,226         373,150         310,161         321,724
  Loans available-for-sale ........................................            3,967           3,967           2,960           2,960
Financial liabilities:
  Deposits ........................................................          350,212         351,461         344,155         344,456
  Borrowed funds ..................................................          125,838         126,127         134,704         136,124
Off-balance-sheet items:
  Interest rate cap agreements ....................................              430             138             752             258
                                                                                 ===             ===             ===             ===
</TABLE>

                                     WF-24
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitations

The foregoing fair value  estimates are made at a specific point in time,  based
on pertinent market data and relevant  information on the financial  instrument.
These estimates do not include any premium or discount that could result from an
offer to sell, at one time, the Bank's entire holdings of a particular financial
instrument or category thereof. Since no market exists for a substantial portion
of the Bank's financial instruments, fair value estimates were necessarily based
on judgements with respect to future expected loss experience,  current economic
conditions, risk assessments of various financial instruments involving a myriad
of individual borrowers, and other factors. Given the innately subjective nature
of these  estimates,  the  uncertainties  surrounding  them and the  matters  of
significant  judgment that must be applied,  these fair value estimations cannot
be  calculated  with  precision.   Modifications  in  such   assumptions   could
meaningfully alter these estimates.

Since these fair value  approximations  were made solely for on- and off-balance
sheet  financial  instruments,  no  attempt  was made to  estimate  the value of
anticipated  future business and the value of nonfinancial  statement assets and
liabilities.  Other  important  elements  which are not  deemed to be  financial
assets or  liabilities  include the value of the Bank's retail  branch  delivery
system,  its existing core deposit base,  premises and equipment,  and goodwill.
Further,  certain tax implications  related to the realization of the unrealized
gains and losses could have a substantial  impact on these fair value  estimates
and have not been incorporated into any of the estimates.

(19)     MORTGAGE BANKING ACTIVITIES

A detailed  breakout of mortgage  banking  revenues for each of the years in the
three-year period ended June 30, 1996 is presented below (in thousands):

                                               1996        1995        1994
                                               ----        ----        ----
Origination fees ..........................  $  348         414         505
Servicing fees ............................     626         625         624
Net gains on sales of loans ...............     187         170         587
                                                ---         ---         ---
Total mortgage banking revenues ...........  $1,161       1,209       1,716
                                             ======       =====       =====

Mortgage  loans  serviced  for  others  are  not  included  in the  accompanying
consolidated  financial  statements.  The unpaid  balances  of these  loans were
approximately $183,267,000, $190,443,000 and $178,681,000 at June 30, 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively.

Purchased mortgage servicing rights were approximately  $132,000 and $137,000 at
June  30,  1996 and  1995,  respectively,  and are  recorded  in  other  assets.
Amortization  of the  purchased  mortgage  servicing  rights  was  approximately
$54,000,  $55,000 and $58,000 for the years ended June 30, 1996,  1995 and 1994,
respectively.


                                     WF-25
<PAGE>


WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(20)     WESTERFED INFORMATION

The  summarized   condensed   financial   information  for  WesterFed  Financial
Corporation  as of and for the years ending June 30, 1996 and 1995 are presented
below (in thousands):

Condensed Balance Sheet                                       1996         1995
                                                              ----         ----
Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents .............................   $     14         12
  Interest-bearing and due from banks deposits ..........        774      3,780
  Investment securities available-for-sale ..............     12,853      7,667
  Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale .........      3,084      4,383
  Other assets ..........................................        128        162
  Investment in subsidiaries ............................     62,300     59,407
                                                            --------    -------

           Total assets .................................   $ 79,153     75,411
                                                            ========    =======

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
  Other liabilities .....................................   $    546        265
  Stockholders' Equity:
      Common stock ......................................         46         46
      Additional paid-in capital ........................     45,451     45,232
      Common stock acquired by ESOP/RRP .................     (3,558)    (4,271)
      Treasury stock at cost ............................     (3,079)    (3,066)
      Net unrealized gain on securities available-
        for-sale ........................................       (226)       295
      Retained earnings .................................     39,973     36,910
                                                            --------    -------
           Total stockholders' equity ...................     78,607     75,146
                                                            --------    -------
           Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ...   $ 79,153     75,411
                                                            ========    =======
                                     

                                     WF-26

<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the year ended June 30, 1996, dividends of approximately  $1,199,000 were
paid by the bank subsidiary to WesterFed.

Condensed Statement of Income                                  1996        1995
                                                               ----        ----

Interest income ..........................................   $    898       831
Non-interest expense .....................................       (348)     (129)
                                                             --------    ------
   Income before equity in earnings
     of subsidiaries .....................................        550       702
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries .......................      4,176     3,696
                                                             --------    ------
   Income before income taxes ............................      4,726     4,398
Income taxes .............................................       (167)     (270)
                                                             --------    ------

      Net income .........................................   $  4,559     4,128
                                                             ========    ======
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

Operating Activities:
   Net income ............................................   $  4,559     4,128
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
     cash provided by operating activities:
       Equity in undistributed earnings of
         subsidiaries ....................................     (2,977)   (2,697)
       Amortization of premiums on investments
         and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale       (225)      128
       ESOP shares available for allocation ..............        446       396
       Increase in other assets and liabilities, net .....       (250)      (40)
                                                             --------    ------
      Net cash provided by operating activities ..........      1,553     1,915
                                                             --------    ------
Investing Activities:
   Net change in interest-bearing deposits ...............      3,006    (2,280)
   Purchase of investment and mortgage-
     backed securities ...................................    (21,782)   (2,499)
   Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities ......      1,334       585
   Proceeds from maturities of investment securities .....     16,846     2,500
                                                             --------    ------
      Net cash used by investing activities ..............       (596)   (1,694)
                                                             --------    ------
Financing Activities:
   Dividends paid to stockholders ........................       (955)     (970)
   Payments to acquire treasury stock ....................       --      (3,057)
                                                             --------    ------
     Net cash used by financing activities ...............       (955)   (4,027)
                                                             --------    ------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .........          2    (3,806)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ...........         12     3,818
                                                             --------    ------
     Ending cash and cash equivalents ....................   $     14        12
                                                             ========    ======


                                     WF-27
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Concluded
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

Treasury  stock  of  approximately  $13,000  and  $8,000  was  recorded  due  to
forfeitures  of unearned  RRP shares for the years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.  During  1995,  WesterFed  issued stock under the RRP and recorded
deferred compensation of approximately $29,000.

At June 30, 1996 and 1995, WesterFed recognized WFSB's change in unrealized gain
(loss)  on  securities  available-for-sale,  net of  taxes,  of  $(559,000)  and
$531,000.

Amortization of the RRP deferred compensation of approximately $473,000 recorded
at WFSB was  recognized  by WesterFed  through the  investment  in  subsidiaries
account at June 30, 1996 and 1995.

At June 30, 1996, the fair value of securities  available-for-sale  approximated
their recorded cost. At June 30, 1995, recorded an unrealized loss on securities
available-for-sale  of  approximately  $36,000 net of deferred  income  taxes of
$24,000.

On June 28, 1996, WesterFed declared a dividend of approximately  $541,000 which
is recorded in other liabilities at June 30, 1996.

On June 27, 1995, WesterFed declared a dividend of approximately  $287,000 which
is recorded in other liabilities at June 30, 1995.

(21)     CONDENSED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
         (in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                   1996
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Fourth              Third              Second             First
                                                                   Quarter            Quarter             Quarter           Quarter
                                                                   -------            -------             -------           -------
<S>                                                              <C>                 <C>                 <C>               <C>
Interest income .......................................           $ 10,685             10,773             10,680             10,406
Interest expense ......................................              6,048              6,269              6,262              6,158
                                                                  --------            -------            -------            -------
    Net interest income ...............................              4,637              4,504              4,418              4,248
Provision for loan losses .............................               --                 --                 --                 --
Other income ..........................................                903                919                832              1,228
Other expense .........................................             (3,846)            (3,602)            (3,388)            (3,738)
                                                                  --------            -------            -------            -------
    Income before income tax expense ..................              1,694              1,821              1,862              1,738
Income tax expense ....................................               (466)              (703)              (717)              (670)
                                                                  --------            -------            -------            -------
    Net income ........................................           $  1,228              1,118              1,145              1,068
                                                                  ========              =====              =====              =====
    Earnings per share ................................           $    .29                .26                .27                .25
                                                                  ========              =====              =====              =====

                                                                                                   1995
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Fourth               Third              Second            First
                                                                   Quarter             Quarter             Quarter          Quarter
                                                                   -------             -------             -------          -------
Interest income ..........................................        $ 10,010               9,509              9,276             8,988
Interest expense .........................................           5,832               5,379              5,010             4,763
                                                                  --------              ------             ------            ------
    Net interest income ..................................           4,178               4,130              4,266             4,225
Provision for loan losses ................................              --                  --                 --                --
Other income .............................................             834                 780                800               793
Other expense ............................................          (3,392)             (3,420)            (3,386)           (3,207)
                                                                  --------              ------             ------            ------
    Income before income tax expense .....................           1,620               1,490              1,680             1,811
Income tax expense .......................................            (615)               (546)              (625)             (687)
                                                                  --------              ------             ------            ------
    Net income ...........................................        $  1,005                 944              1,055             1,124
                                                                  ========              ======             ======            ======
    Earnings per share ...................................        $    .24                 .22                .24               .25
                                                                  ========              ======             ======            ======
</TABLE>



                                     WF-28
<PAGE>

WesterFed Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Concluded
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(22)     SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On September 24, 1996,  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation signed an agreement to
purchase  all of the  outstanding  common  stock of Security  Bancorp.  Security
Bancorp has sixteen offices located throughout Montana. The total purchase price
is approximately $44.0 million,  subject to certain  adjustments.  Completion of
the acquisition is subject to various regulatory  approvals and other conditions
which must be satisfied by each of the parties to the agreement.


WesterFed  Financial  Corporation  intends  to fund the  acquisition  through  a
combination  of cash of  approximately  $24.3 million and the issuance of common
stock of  approximately  $19.7 million.  Subject to  satisfaction of the various
conditions,  closing of the acquisition is scheduled to occur on or before March
31, 1997.  With the  acquisition,  consolidated  assets of  WesterFed  Financial
Corporation  would total  approximately  $954.0 million compared to consolidated
assets of approximately $563.9 million at June 30, 1996.

                                     WF-29


<PAGE>



FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 1996 (Unaudited) and June 30, 1996

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                              (Unaudited)

                                ASSETS
                                                                               September 30,                   June 30,
                                                                                    1996                         1996
                                                                             -----------------            -----------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                          <C>
Cash and due from banks                                                      $           6,256            $           7,829
Interest-bearing due from banks                                                          6,030                        5,470
                                                                             -----------------            -----------------
   Cash and cash equivalents                                                            12,286                       13,299

Interest-bearing deposits                                                                5,103                        3,000
Investment securities available-for-sale                                                40,223                       35,637
Investment securities, at amortized cost (estimated market value of
     $6,897 at September 30, 1996 and $9,399 at June 30, 1996)                           6,851                        9,347
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, at cost                                      7,622                        7,471
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale                                           42,386                       44,909
Mortgage-backed securities, at amortized cost (estimated market
    value of $57,913 at September 30, 1996 and $59,278 at June 30, 1996)                58,023                       60,038
Loans available-for-sale                                                                 4,768                        3,967
Loans receivable, net                                                                  366,460                      364,226
Accrued interest receivable                                                              3,733                        3,695
Premises and equipment, net                                                             13,995                       13,758
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies                                          3,220                        3,183
Other assets                                                                             1,439                        1,401
                                                                             -----------------            -----------------
     Total assets                                                            $         566,109            $         563,931
                                                                             =================            =================
                 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
   Deposits                                                                  $         342,986           $          350,212
   Borrowed funds                                                                      130,351                      125,838
   Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance                                       6,217                        3,255
   Income taxes                                                                          1,899                        1,961
   Accrued interest payable                                                              1,195                        1,219
   Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                                5,172                        2,839
                                                                             -----------------            -----------------
       Total liabilities                                                               487,820                      485,324

Stockholders' Equity:
   Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized;
     none outstanding                                                                      ---                          ---
   Common stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;
     4,395,108 shares outstanding at September 30, 1996 and
     4,395,204  outstanding at June 30, 1996                                                46                           46
   Additional paid-in capital                                                           45,499                       45,451
   Common stock acquired by ESOP/RRP                                                   (3,382)                      (3,558)
   Treasury stock, at cost                                                             (3,080)                      (3,079)
   Net unrealized (loss) on securities available-for-sale                                (196)                        (226)
   Retained earnings, substantially restricted                                          39,402                       39,973
                                                                             -----------------            -----------------
       Total stockholders' equity                                                       78,289                       78,607
                                                                             -----------------            -----------------
             Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                      $         566,109            $         563,931
                                                                             =================            =================
       Book value per share                                                  $           17.81            $           17.88
                                                                             =================            =================


</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-30

<PAGE>



Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Month Period Ended September 30, 1996
and September 30, 1995 (Unaudited).

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                           (Unaudited)
                                                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                                                          September 30,
                                                                                1996                    1995
                                                                        -------------------       ------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                       <C>
Interest income:
  Loans receivable                                                      $            7,710        $            6,624
  Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale                                        729                     1,015
  Mortgage-backed securities                                                         1,037                     1,368
  Investment securities available-for-sale                                             690                       858
  Investment securities                                                                153                       232
  Interest-bearing deposits                                                            228                       265
  Other                                                                                 46                        44
                                                                        ------------------       -------------------
      Total interest income                                                         10,593                    10,406
Interest expense:
  NOW and money market demand                                                          382                       446
  Savings                                                                              474                       494
  Certificates of deposit                                                            3,009                     3,061
  Advances from FHLB - Seattle and other borrowed funds                              2,085                     2,157
                                                                        ------------------       -------------------
      Total interest expense                                                         5,950                     6,158
      Net interest income                                                            4,643                     4,248
Provisions for loan losses                                                              15                       ---
                                                                        ------------------       -------------------
      Net interest income after provision for loan losses                            4,628                     4,248
                                                                        ------------------       -------------------
Non-interest income
  Loan origination fees on loans sold                                                  125                       133
  Service fees                                                                         566                       509
  Net gain on sale of loans and securities available-for-sale                          109                       411
  Other                                                                                 35                        36
                                                                        ------------------       -------------------
      Total non-interest income                                                        835                     1,089
                                                                        ------------------       -------------------
Non-interest expenses:
  Compensation and employee benefits                                                 1,887                     1,884
  Net occupancy expense of premises                                                    223                       213
  Equipment and furnishings expense                                                    192                       138
  Data processing expenses                                                             165                       150
  Federal insurance premium                                                            211                       201
  SAIF special assessment                                                            2,297                       ---
  Marketing and advertising                                                             36                       145
  Net expense (income) from operation of real estate owned                             ---                       ---
  Other                                                                                720                       868
                                                                        ------------------       -------------------
      Total non-interest expense                                                     5,731                     3,599

      (Loss) income before income taxes                                              (268)                     1,738

Income taxes                                                                            89                     (670)
                                                                        ------------------       ------------------
  Net (loss) income (1)                                                 $            (179)       $             1,068
                                                                        =================        ===================
Net (loss) income per share                                             $           (0.04)       $              0.25
                                                                        =================        ===================
Dividends per share                                                     $          0 .095        $             0.075
                                                                        ==================       ===================
Weighted average common shares outstanding for earnings per share               4,260,452                  4,254,029
                                                                        ==================       ===================

</TABLE>

(1)  September, 1996 includes approximately $1.4 million SAIF special assessment
     net of tax at 38%

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-31

<PAGE>



Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Three Month Period Ended
September 30, 1996 (Unaudited).

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                               Net
                                                                                                           Unrealized
                                                                                                             Loss on
                                                    Additional                                              Securities
                                   Common            Paid-In        ESOP/       Treasury      Retained      Available
                                    Stock            Capital         RRP         Stock        Earnings       for Sale       Total

<S>                             <C>                    <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>         <C>
Balance at June 30, 1996        $           46         45,451      (3,558)       (3,079)        39,973          (226)       78,607

Net loss                                   --              --           --            --         (179)             --        (179)

Change in net unrealized
  loss on securities
  available-for-sale                       --              --           --            --            --             30           30

Principal payment made by
  ESOP                                     --              48           57            --            --             --          105

Amortization of award of
RRP stock                                  --              --          118            --            --             --          118

Shares forfeited by RRP
  participants (556 shares)                --              --            1           (1)            --             --           --

Cash dividends declared
   ($0.095 per share)                      --              --           --            --         (392)             --        (392)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at
    September  30, 1996         $          46          45,499      (3,382)       (3,080)        39,402          (196)       78,289
==================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-32

<PAGE>




Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Month Period Ended
September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995 (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    (Unaudited)
                                                                                Three Months Ended
                                                                                  September 30,
                                                                             1996                      1995
                                                                      ----------------          -----------------

<S>                                                                   <C>                       <C>
  Net cash provided by operating activities                           $           4,652         $           6,332
                                                                      =================         =================

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Net change in interest-bearing deposits                                        (2,103)                      985
  Purchases of mortgage-backed securities                                          (983)                     (990)
  Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities                                 ---                     3,187
  Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities                                5,560                     6,405
  Purchases of investment securities                                            (21,706)                   (4,913)
  Proceeds from maturities of investment securities                              19,659                     6,162
  Principal payments on investment securities                                        80                       ---
  Net change in loans receivable                                                 (2,116)                  (15,699)
  Purchases of premises and equipment                                              (439)                     (450)
                                                                      -----------------         -----------------

      Net cash used by investing activities                                      (2,048)                   (5,313)
                                                                      -----------------         -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net change in deposits excluding interest credited                            (11,073)                     1,658
  Proceeds from borrowings                                                        7,000                        600
  Payments on borrowings                                                         (2,506)                    (4,853)
  Net change in advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance                   2,962                      2,829
                                                                      -----------------         ------------------
      Net cash provided (used) by financing activities                           (3,617)                       234
                                                                      ----------------          ------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                             (1,013)                     1,253

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                 13,299                     15,374
                                                                      -----------------         ------------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                            $          12,286         $           16,627
                                                                      =================         ==================

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Payments during the period for:
      Interest                                                        $          2 ,167         $           2,189
      Income taxes, net                                                              11                       ---



</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      WF-33

<PAGE>



                WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                   (Unaudited)



1.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION
              The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have
         been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
         principles for interim financial information and with instructions to
         Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not
         include all of the information and footnotes required by generally
         accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In
         the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects
         all adjustments necessary to make the results of operations for the
         interim periods a fair statement of such operations. All such
         adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the
         three months ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of
         the results anticipated for the year ending June 30, 1997. For
         additional information, refer to the consolidated financial statements
         and footnotes thereto included in WesterFed Financial Corporation's
         (the "Company") annual report for the year ended June 30, 1996.

2.       CASH EQUIVALENTS
              For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the
         Company considers all cash, daily interest demand deposits,
         non-interest bearing deposits with banks, and interest bearing deposits
         having original maturities of three months or less to be cash
         equivalents.

3.       COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER SHARE
              Net income per common share is based on the weighted average
         number of shares outstanding during the period applying the treasury
         stock method to common stock equivalents. The weighted average number
         of common and common stock equivalents for the three month period ended
         September 30, 1996 were 4,260,452. Stock options have been granted,
         under the Company's stock option and incentive plan, to purchase
         419,707 shares. In addition 189,856 shares of restricted stock have
         been issued in accordance with the recognition and retention plan
         established by the Company. These stock options and restricted stock
         awards are reflected in the income per share computations in the
         accompanying financial statements. In addition, there have been 354,933
         shares of common stock issued to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan
         (ESOP) trust for the benefit of the employees of the Company and its
         subsidiaries. ESOP shares that have been committed to be released are
         considered outstanding and ESOP shares that have not been committed to
         be released are not considered outstanding. At September 30, 1996,
         94,288 ESOP shares were committed to be released and were considered in
         the earnings per share computations.

4.       DIVIDENDS DECLARED
              On September 24, 1996 the Board of Directors of the Company
         declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.095 per share, payable on
         November 22, 1996 to stockholders of record on November 8, 1996.


                                      WF-34

<PAGE>




5.       A comparison of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of
         investment and mortgage-backed securities at the dates indicated is
         as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          HELD-TO-MATURITY
                                                                       (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                    (Unaudited)
                                                 September 30, 1996                                   June 30, 1996
                                 -----------------------------------------------    ------------------------------------------------
                                               Gross        Gross      Estimated                   Gross        Gross     Estimated
                                 Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized      Fair       Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized     Fair
                                    Cost       Gains        Losses       Value         Cost        Gains        Losses      Value
                                 ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------     ---------   ----------   ----------  ----------
<S>                              <C>               <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>                <C>        <C>       <C>
Federal Agency obligations        $ 3,005          3          (1)        3,007         $ 4,010           2          (7)       4,005
Corporate obligations               3,843          8          ---        3,851           5,333          22          ---       5,355
Other investments                       3         36          ---           39               4          35          ---          39
                                 --------       ----       ------       ------        --------        ----       ------      ------
  Total investment securities       6,851         47          (1)        6,897           9,347          59          (7)       9,399
Mortgage-backed securities         58,023        328        (438)       57,913          60,038         212        (972)      59,278
                                 --------       ----       ------       ------        --------        ----       ------      ------
                                  $64,874        375        (439)       64,810         $69,385         271        (979)      68,677
                                  =======        ===         ===        ======        ========         ===         ===       ======


                                                                          AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
                                                                        (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                    (Unaudited)
                                                 September 30, 1996                                   June 30, 1996
                                 -----------------------------------------------    ------------------------------------------------
                                               Gross        Gross      Estimated                   Gross        Gross     Estimated
                                 Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized      Fair       Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized     Fair
                                    Cost       Gains        Losses       Value         Cost        Gains        Losses      Value
                                 ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------     ---------   ----------   ----------  ----------
<S>                              <C>               <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>                <C>        <C>       <C>
Federal Agency obligations        $37,962         80        (312)       37,730         $32,841          21        (232)      32,630
Corporate obligations               2,492          9          (8)        2,493           3,000         ---         (20)       2,980
Other investments                     ---        ---          ---          ---              28         ---          (1)          27
                                 --------       ----       ------       ------        --------        ----       ------      ------
  Total investment securities      40,454         89        (320)       40,223          35,869          21        (253)      35,637
Mortgage-backed securities         42,455        163        (232)       42,386          45,035         154        (280)      44,909
                                 --------       ----       ------       ------        --------        ----       ------      ------
                                  $82,909        252        (552)       82,609         $80,904         175        (533)      80,546
                                 ========       ====       =====        ======        ========        ====       =====       ======
</TABLE>






                                      WF-35

<PAGE>

                                SECURITY BANCORP

                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Page Number
                                                                     -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS'
REPORT FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

Independent Auditors' Report of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP (August 16,
1996, except for Note 20 which is as of September 24, 1996)..........   SB-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets for the Years Ended June 30, 1996
and 1995.............................................................   SB-2

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1996,
1995 and 1994........................................................   SB-3

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996.........................................   SB-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30,
1996, 1995 and 1994..................................................   SB-5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended
June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................................   SB-6


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT JUNE 30, 1996 AND FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1996 and for the Three
Months Ended September 30, 1996 (unaudited)..........................   SB-30

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)..............................   SB-31

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Three Months
Ended September 30, 1996.............................................   SB-32

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)..............................   SB-33

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three Months
Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995....................................   SB-35
</TABLE>

                                      SB-0

<PAGE>

                          Independent Auditors' Report
                          ----------------------------

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Security Bancorp:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Security Bancorp
and  subsidiary  as of June 30,  1996 and  1995,  and the  related  consolidated
statements of income,  stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years
in the  three-year  period ended June 30,  1996.  These  consolidated  financial
statements   are  the   responsibility   of  the   Company's   management.   Our
responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial
statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Security Bancorp and
subsidiary as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the years in the  three-year  period ended June 30,
1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in notes to the consolidated financial statements, Security Bancorp
changed its method of accounting for investment  securities and  mortgage-backed
securities  effective  July 1, 1994 to adopt  the  provisions  of SFAS No.  115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."



                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


August 16, 1996, except for note 20 which
  is as of  September  24, 1996 and the third paragraph
  of note 12 which is as of September 30, 1996




                                      SB-1

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

                             June 30, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Assets                                  1996          1995
                 ------                                  ----          ----
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>       
Cash and cash equivalents                           $  9,789,678     10,188,922
Investment securities available-for-sale              20,145,344     13,532,426
Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale         96,551,111      5,291,493
Investment securities held-to-maturity (estimated
  market value of $14,110,880 in 1995)                        --     14,199,742
Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
  (estimated market value of $33,964,081 in 1996
  and $139,376,071 in 1995)                           34,704,507    140,324,319
Loans held for sale                                    2,687,034      3,109,038
Loans receivable, net                                184,903,699    144,070,550
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, at cost    3,145,600      2,923,600
Accrued interest receivable                            2,584,018      2,346,359
Cash surrender value of life insurance                 2,663,427      2,552,466
Real estate held for investment                          288,908        297,663
Premises and equipment, net                            9,504,502      8,160,469
Goodwill, net of amortization                          4,377,500      4,717,500
Other assets                                             893,744        880,594
                                                    ------------    -----------
                                                    $372,239,072    352,595,141
                                                    ============    ===========
   Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
   ------------------------------------

Liabilities:
  Deposits                                          $289,219,498    290,933,644
  Securities sold under repurchase agreements          7,964,766      6,546,793
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                36,791,667     19,541,667
  Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance        880,697        898,179
  Income taxes payable                                    37,728         63,732
  Deferred income taxes                                  112,083        567,800
  Accrued interest payable                             2,075,161      1,190,876
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities               4,453,808      1,968,334
                                                    ------------    -----------
    Total liabilities                                341,535,408    321,711,025
                                                    ------------    -----------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $1 par value (5,000,000 shares
    authorized; none outstanding)                             --             --
  Common stock, $1 par value (10,000,000 shares
    authorized; issued and outstanding 1,462,182
    shares in 1996 and 1,479,182 shares in 1995)       1,462,182      1,479,182
  Additional paid-in capital                           8,765,053      9,191,130
  Retained earnings, substantially restricted         22,065,712     20,503,364
  Net unrealized loss on securities
    available-for-sale                                (1,589,283)      (289,560)
                                                    ------------    -----------
    Total stockholders' equity                        30,703,664     30,884,116
                                                    ------------    -----------
Commitments and contingencies                       $372,239,072    352,595,141
                                                    ============    ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      SB-2

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                        Consolidated Statements of Income

                         Three years ended June 30, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996         1995         1994
                                              ----         ----         ----
<S>                                       <C>           <C>           <C>      
Interest income:
  Loans receivable                        $14,114,575   11,434,596    7,264,014
  Investment securities                     1,590,332    1,955,548    1,390,625
  Mortgage-backed securities                9,219,551   10,609,552    8,801,085
  Other                                       417,453      284,072      336,374
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Total interest income                  25,341,911   24,283,768   17,792,098
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
Interest expense:
  Deposits                                 13,176,342   11,218,551    8,497,590
  Securities sold under repurchase
    agreements                                514,646      278,280       23,534
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank      1,220,789    1,454,440      847,856
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Total interest expense                 14,911,777   12,951,271    9,368,980
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Net interest income                    10,430,134   11,332,497    8,423,118
Provision for loan losses                     120,000       30,000       80,000
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Net interest income after
      provision for loan losses            10,310,314   11,302,497    8,343,118
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
Non-interest income:
  Fees for customer services                1,875,761    1,008,549      414,993
  Securities brokerage services               102,522       80,700      149,071
  Gain (loss) on sale of investment
    securities                               (324,943)          --       67,265
  Provision for permanent impairment
    of investment securities                       --      (90,000)    (245,000)
  Gain on sale of mortgage-backed
    securities                                525,484      122,254      183,466
  Gain on sale of loans held for sale         774,388      344,523      890,560
  Gain on sale of real estate held for
    investment                                     --       80,901           --
  Gain on sale of other real estate
    owned, net                                     --           --       75,664
  Other operating income                    1,061,157      681,002      722,322
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Total non-interest income               4,014,369    2,227,929    2,258,341
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
Non-interest expense:
  Compensation and benefits                 4,831,731    4,118,542    2,854,699
  Advertising                                 210,971      230,108      127,318
  Occupancy and equipment                   1,344,921    1,120,728      811,490
  FDIC deposit insurance premiums             475,188      623,281      490,592
  Data processing services                    749,321      780,432      266,480
  Other                                     2,746,067    2,351,403    1,333,738
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Total non-interest expense             10,358,199    9,224,494    5,884,317
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Income before income taxes              3,966,304    4,305,932    4,717,142

Income taxes                               (1,422,000)  (1,557,900)  (1,961,652)
                                          -----------   ----------   ----------
    Net income                            $ 2,544,304    2,748,032    2,755,490
                                          ===========   ==========   ==========
Net income per share                      $      1.68         1.80         1.82
                                          ===========   ==========   ==========
Average common and common equivalent
  shares                                    1,515,947    1,525,541    1,518,451
                                          ===========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      SB-3

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

                         Three years ended June 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                  Total
                                                   Additional                   Unrealized        stock-
                                      Common        paid-in       Retained     holding gains     holders'
                                      stock         capital       earnings     (losses), net      equity
                                      -----         -------       --------     -------------      ------
<S>                                <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>
Balances at June 30, 1993           $1,468,782     9,079,432     16,709,813       (292,023)     26,966,004
Net income                                  --            --      2,755,490             --       2,755,490
Dividends paid ($.5525 per share)           --            --       (813,729)            --        (813,729)
Change in unrealized loss on
  certain marketable equity
  securities                                --            --             --      (714,804)        (714,804)
Exercise of stock options                6,100        74,949             --             --          81,049
                                    ----------     ---------     ----------     ----------      ----------
Balances at June 30, 1994            1,474,882     9,154,381     18,651,574     (1,006,827)     28,274,010
Effect of change in accounting
  for investments and
  mortgage-backed securities
  at July 1, 1994                           --            --             --        613,107         613,107
Net income                                  --            --      2,748,032             --       2,748,032
Dividends paid ($.6075 per share)           --            --       (896,242)            --        (896,242)
Change in net unrealized loss on
  securities available-for-sale             --            --             --        104,160         104,160
Exercise of stock options                4,300        36,749             --             --          41,049
                                    ----------     ---------     ----------     ----------      ----------
Balances at June 30, 1995            1,479,182     9,191,130     20,503,364       (289,560)     30,884,116
Net income                                  --            --      2,544,304             --       2,544,304
Dividends paid ($.6675 per share)           --            --       (981,956)            --        (981,956)
Change in net unrealized loss on
  securities available-for-sale             --            --             --     (1,299,723)     (1,299,723)
Exercise of stock options               13,000       158,923             --             --         171,923
Purchase and retirement of
  common stock                         (30,000)     (585,000)            --             --        (615,000)
                                    ----------     ---------     ----------     ----------      ----------
Balances at June 30, 1996           $1,462,182     8,765,053     22,065,712     (1,589,283)     30,703,664
                                    ==========     =========     ==========     ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      SB-4

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                         Three years ended June 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1996             1995            1994
                                                                                 ----             ----            ----
<S>                                                                          <C>              <C>             <C>      
Net cash provided by operating activities (note 15)                          $  7,184,039       1,769,645        2,872,883
                                                                             ------------     -----------     ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale                       (20,003,125)     (1,276,000)              --
  Proceeds from matured or called investment securities
    available-for-sale                                                          8,781,943          33,365               --
  Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale               8,472,467              --          274,265
  Purchases of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale                  (40,309,672)     (1,829,100)              --
  Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale         32,879,912      20,077,823       16,182,500
  Principal payments from mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale         9,157,783       2,837,811               --
  Purchases of investment securities held-to-maturity                                  --      (5,204,191)      (9,003,606)
  Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held-to-maturity           10,000,000       3,000,000        5,105,514
  Purchases of mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity                             --              --     (103,521,584)
  Principal payments from mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity           9,489,392      13,971,306       60,122,953
  Proceeds from matured or called mortgage-backed securities
    held-to-maturity                                                            1,290,341              --               --
  Origination of loans receivable                                            (119,895,053)    (44,056,000)     (39,740,719)
  Repayment of principal on loans receivable                                   79,013,194      14,882,216       28,518,117
  Purchases of life insurance policies                                                 --              --         (105,000)
  Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned                                       --              --          136,817
  Decrease in real estate held for investment                                       8,755          46,400           47,194
  Additions to premises and equipment                                          (1,980,532)     (1,495,347)      (1,269,288)
  Acquisition of branch assets                                                         --              --       55,110,104
                                                                             ------------     -----------     ------------
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                       (23,094,595)        988,283       11,857,267
                                                                             ------------     -----------     ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net decrease in deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements       (296,173)     (2,782,716)      (1,318,633)
  Net change in advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                           17,250,000       4,750,000      (11,750,000)
  Net increase in advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance                 (17,482)         86,922           20,461
  Cash dividends paid on common stock                                            (981,956)       (896,242)        (813,729)
  Exercise of stock options                                                       171,923          41,049           81,049
  Purchase and retirement of common stock                                        (615,000)             --               --
                                                                             ------------     -----------     ------------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                        15,511,312       1,199,013      (13,780,852)
                                                                             ------------     -----------     ------------
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                         (399,244)      3,956,941          949,298

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                 10,188,922       6,231,981        5,282,683
                                                                             ------------     -----------     ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                     $  9,789,678      10,188,922        6,231,981
                                                                             ============     ===========     ============
Cash paid for:
  Interest                                                                   $ 14,027,000      12,652,000        9,295,000
  Income taxes, net                                                             1,044,000       1,239,000        1,531,000
                                                                             ============     ===========     ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      SB-5

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                         Three years ended June 30, 1996


(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
     ------------------------------------------

     Basis of Presentation
     ---------------------

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements  include the accounts of
     Security Bancorp  (the "Holding Company")  and its wholly owned subsidiary,
     Security Bank, FSB  (the "Bank").  The consolidated   financial  statements
     also include  S.F.S.  Industries,  Inc., a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of the
     Bank.  All significant  intercompany  balances and  transactions  have been
     eliminated in consolidation.

     The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
     generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  In preparing the consolidated
     financial  statements,   management  is  required  to  make  estimates  and
     assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets and liabilities as
     of the date of the balance  sheet and income and  expenses  for the period.
     Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

     A material estimate that is particularly  susceptible to significant change
     in the  near-term  relates to the  determination  of the allowance for loan
     losses.  Management  believes  that the  allowance  for  losses on loans is
     adequate.  While management uses available  information to recognize losses
     on loans,  future  additions to the  allowance  may be  necessary  based on
     changes in economic conditions.  In addition,  various regulatory agencies,
     as an integral part of their examination  process,  periodically review the
     Bank's  allowances for losses on loans.  Such agencies may require the Bank
     to recognize  additions to the allowances  based on their  judgments  about
     information available to them at the time of their examination.

     Reorganization
     --------------

     During the year ended June 30,  1994,  the Board of  Directors  of Security
     Bank, FSB (formerly known as Security Federal Savings Bank) approved a plan
     of  reorganization   whereby  Security  Bank,  FSB  became  a  wholly-owned
     subsidiary of Security  Bancorp.  The plan was approved by stockholders and
     regulators  and each common  share of  Security  Federal  Savings  Bank was
     exchanged for one common share of Security Bancorp.  The reorganization was
     a business  combination  between  entities  under  common  control  and the
     accounting for the transaction is similar to a pooling of interests.

     Cash Equivalents
     ----------------

     The  Bank   considers   all   cash,   daily   interest   demand   deposits,
     non-interest-bearing  deposits  with banks,  and time  deposits  with banks
     having original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

     At June 30, 1996, the Bank was required to have  aggregate  reserves in the
     form  of cash on  hand  and  deposits  with  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank of
     approximately $850,000.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-6

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities
     -----------------------------------------

     In May 1993,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  ("FASB")  issued
     Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting
     for Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities" (the "Statement").
     The Bank adopted the provisions of the Statement as of July 1, 1994 and, in
     accordance with the Statement,  prior period financial  statements have not
     been restated to reflect the change in accounting  principle and there were
     no cumulative  adjustments  to income.  However,  the beginning  balance of
     stockholders'  equity was  increased by $613,107  (which is net of deferred
     income taxes of $383,850) at July 1, 1994 to reflect net  unrealized  gains
     on securities  classified as  available-for-sale  previously carried at the
     lower of  amortized  cost or  market.  The  Bank's  accounting  policy  for
     investment and mortgage-backed securities is as follows:

          Trading  Securities  - Trading  securities  consist of debt and equity
          securities  that are bought and held  principally  for the  purpose of
          selling  them in the near term and are  reported at fair  value,  with
          unrealized  gains and losses included in net income.  The Bank did not
          hold any  trading  securities  during the year ended June 30, 1996 and
          1995.

          Securities  Held-to-Maturity  - Debt securities for which the Bank has
          the   positive   intent  and  ability  to  hold  are   classified   as
          held-to-maturity  and are stated at  amortized  cost.  Mortgage-backed
          securities  represent  participating  interests  in pools of long-term
          first  mortgage  loans  originated  and  serviced  by  issuers  of the
          securities.

          Securities   Available-for-Sale   -  Securities   not   classified  as
          held-to-maturity  or trading  and  marketable  equity  securities  are
          classified  as   available-for-sale.   Securities   available-for-sale
          include  debt  and  mortgage-backed  securities  that  are held for an
          indefinite period of time and are not intended to be held to maturity,
          as well as mutual funds.  Investment  and  mortgage-backed  securities
          available-for-sale  include  securities that management intends to use
          as part of its overall  asset/liability  management  strategy and that
          may be sold in  response to changes in  interest  rates and  resultant
          prepayment risk and other factors related thereto.  Available-for-sale
          securities  are  stated at fair value  with any  unrealized  gains and
          losses,  net of deferred  taxes,  reported as a separate  component of
          stockholders' equity.

     The  amortized  cost of debt  securities  is adjusted for  amortization  of
     premiums and accretion of discounts to  anticipated  maturity  dates.  Such
     amortization  and accretion is determined  using the interest method and is
     included  in interest  income.  Realized  gains and losses and  declines in
     value  judged to be  other-than-temporary  are  credited  (charged)  to net
     income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification
     method.

     The Bank has not  entered  into any swaps,  options  or futures  contracts.
     Included in the U.S. Agency  securities are investments in structured notes
     which have contractual step-up interest rates, and call features.

     Loans Held for Sale
     -------------------

     Loans  identified  as held for sale are  carried at lower of cost or market
     value. Lower of cost or market value adjustments, as well as realized gains
     or losses, are recorded in gain on sale of loans, net.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-7

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



     Loans Receivable
     ----------------

     Loans  receivable are stated at unpaid  principal  balances,  less unearned
     discounts  and loan  origination  fees.  Interest  on loans is  credited to
     income  as  earned.   Interest   receivable   is  accrued  only  if  deemed
     collectible.  Substantially  all  of  the  Bank's  loan  activity  is  with
     customers within the state of Montana.

     Significant loan  origination fees and related costs are deferred,  and the
     net fee or cost is recognized in interest  income using the interest method
     over the contractual life of the loans,  adjusted for estimated prepayments
     based on the Bank's historical prepayment  experience.  The amortization of
     deferred  loan fees and costs and the  accretion  of unearned  discounts on
     non-performing loans is discontinued during the periods of non-performance.

     Valuation  allowances for estimated  losses on loans are charged to expense
     when losses  become  probable and can be  reasonably  estimated.  Estimated
     losses are  determined  based on  management's  judgment,  giving effect to
     numerous  factors  including,  but  not  necessarily  limited  to,  general
     economic conditions, loan portfolio composition,  prior loss experience and
     independent appraisals.

     Effective  July 1, 1995,  the Bank adopted the  provisions of SFAS No. 114,
     "Accounting  by  Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan," and SFAS No.  118,
     "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income  Recognition and
     Disclosures,"  (collectively,   the  Statements).  The  Statements  provide
     guidance for  establishing a reserve for losses on specific loans which are
     deemed to be impaired and apply only to specific impaired loans.  Groups of
     small balance  homogeneous  basis loans (generally  residential real estate
     and consumer  loans) are evaluated for impairment  collectively.  A loan is
     considered  impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is
     probable that the Bank will be unable to collect,  in a timely  basis,  all
     principal  and interest  according to the  contractual  terms of the loan's
     original agreement.  When a specific loan is determined to be impaired, the
     reserve for possible  loan losses is increased  through a charge to expense
     for the amount of the impairment.  The amount of the impairment is measured
     using cash flows discounted at the loan's effective  interest rate,  except
     when it is determined that the sole source of repayment for the loan is the
     operation, or liquidation of the underlying collateral.  In such cases, the
     current value of the collateral,  reduced by anticipated selling costs will
     be used instead of discounted  cash flows.  The Bank's  impaired  loans are
     those non-  consumer  loans  currently  reported as  non-accrual.  The Bank
     recognizes  interest  income on impaired loans only to the extent that cash
     payments are received.

     The reserve for loan losses, as determined above,  includes the reserve for
     impaired loans. The Bank's existing policies for evaluating the adequacy of
     the reserve for loan losses and policies for  discontinuing  the accrual of
     interest on loans are used to establish the basis for determining whether a
     loan is impaired.

     The Bank's  adoption of the  Statements  did not have a material  impact on
     consolidated financial position or results of operations.

     Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank
     -------------------------------

     Federal law  requires a member institution  of the  Federal  Home Loan Bank
     (FHLB)  System to hold  common  stock of its  district  FHLB  according  to
     predetermined formulas.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-8

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



     Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
     --------------------------------------

     The  Bank  has  acquired  life  insurance  policies  covering  certain  key
     employees and it is the  beneficiary of such  policies.  The Bank makes one
     time lump sum payments as key  employees  are  identified.  Earnings on the
     lump sum  payments  are  expected to exceed  future  premiums  and expenses
     associated  with the  policy  and thus  result in an  increase  in the cash
     surrender value of the policy.

     Other Real Estate Owned
     -----------------------

     Other  real  estate  owned,  which  is  included  in  other  assets  in the
     accompanying  consolidated balance sheets,  represents real estate acquired
     through  foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans and is initially  recorded
     at the lower of the related loan balance,  less any specific  allowance for
     loss, or fair value less estimated costs to sell.

     Valuations are periodically performed by management and a charge to expense
     will occur if the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair
     value less estimated costs to sell.

     Real Estate Held for Investment
     -------------------------------

     Real estate held for  investment  represents  an office  building  held for
     future expansion.  Real estate held for investment is recorded at the lower
     of cost or estimated net realizable  value.  Depreciation is computed using
     the  straight-line  method over the  estimated  useful lives of the assets.
     Provisions  for  estimated  losses on real estate held for  investment  are
     charged to expense when, in the opinion of  management,  the carrying value
     of the property exceeds its estimated net realizable value.

     Premises and Equipment
     ----------------------

     Office  premises  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated
     depreciation.  Depreciation is provided over the estimated  useful lives of
     30 to 50 years  for  buildings  and  improvements,  and 3 to 20  years  for
     furniture  and  equipment  using  straight-line  and  accelerated  methods.
     Improvements and major repairs are capitalized and ordinary maintenance and
     repairs  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Gains  and  losses on  disposal  are
     recognized in the year of disposal.

     Intangible Assets
     -----------------

          Goodwill.  Goodwill reflects the excess of cost over fair value of net
          assets which were acquired  during 1994.  Note 19 more fully describes
          the purchase  transaction.  Goodwill is amortized  over 15 years which
          approximates  the periods  estimated to be  benefited  from the assets
          acquired and liabilities assumed.

          Loan Servicing  Rights.  The cost of loan servicing rights acquired is
          amortized  in  proportion  to, and over the period of,  estimated  net
          servicing revenues. When participating interests in loans sold have an
          average  contractual  interest  rate,  adjusted  for normal  servicing
          costs,  which  differs  from the agreed  upon yield to the  purchaser,
          gains or losses  are  recognized  equal to the  present  value of such
          differential  over the  estimated  remaining  life of such loans.  The
          resulting  excess servicing fees receivable is amortized over the same
          estimated life using the interest method.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-9

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


          The cost of loan servicing rights acquired,  the excess servicing fees
          receivable,  and the amortization thereon is periodically evaluated in
          relation  to  estimated  future  net  servicing  revenues.   The  Bank
          evaluates the carrying value of the servicing  portfolio by estimating
          the future net servicing income of the portfolio based on management's
          best estimate of remaining  loan lives.  As of June 30, 1996 and 1995,
          approximately $290,000 and $329,000, respectively, of capitalized loan
          servicing rights are included in other assets.

     On March 31,  1995,  the FASB  issued  SFAS No.  121,  "Accounting  for the
     Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets and Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed of."
     SFAS No. 121 provides that long-lived  assets and identifiable  intangibles
     should be reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances  provide
     evidence  that  suggests  the  carrying  amount  of the  asset  may  not be
     recoverable.  An  impairment  loss is recognized if the sum of the expected
     future cash flows is less than the carrying  amount of the asset.  SFAS No.
     121  is  effective  for  financial  statements  issued  with  fiscal  years
     beginning  after  December  15,  1995,   although  earlier  application  is
     encouraged.  The Bank  intends to adopt the  provisions  of SFAS No. 121 on
     July 1,  1996 and  management  expects  adoption  will not have a  material
     effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Bank.

     In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers and
     Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." SFAS No.
     125  provides  guidance  on  accounting  for  transfers  and  servicing  of
     financial  assets,  recognition  and  measurement  of servicing  assets and
     liabilities, financial assets subject to prepayment, secured borrowings and
     collateral, and extinguishment of liabilities.

     SFAS No. 125 generally  requires the Bank recognize as separate  assets the
     rights to service  mortgage loans for others,  whether the servicing rights
     are acquired through purchases or loan  originations.  Servicing rights are
     initially  recorded at fair value based upon the present value of estimated
     future cash flows.  Subsequently,  the  servicing  rights are  assessed for
     impairment,  which is recognized in the statement of earnings in the period
     the   impairment   occurs.   For  purposes  of  performing  the  impairment
     evaluation,  the  related  portfolio  must be  stratified  on the  basis of
     certain risk  characteristics  including loan type and note rate.  SFAS No.
     125 also specifies that financial  assets subject to prepayment,  including
     loans that can be contractually  prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way
     that  the  holder  would  not  recover  substantially  all of its  recorded
     investment, be measured like debt securities  available-for-sale or trading
     securities  under SFAS No. 115, as amended by SFAS No. 125. The  provisions
     of SFAS No. 125 apply to  transactions  occurring  after December 31, 1996.
     During the year ended June 30, 1996,  the Bank sold loans of  approximately
     $12 million with servicing retained.

     Income Taxes
     ------------

     The Holding  Company and its subsidiary have elected to file a consolidated
     Federal income tax return.  State statute prevents filing of a consolidated
     Montana income tax return and,  accordingly,  separate returns are filed by
     the Bank and the Holding Company.

     Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future
     consequences  attributable to differences  between the financial  statement
     carrying  amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
     The effect on deferred tax assets and  liabilities of a change in tax rates
     is  recognized  in tax expense in the period that  includes  the  enactment
     date.

     Net Income Per Share
     --------------------

     Net  income per share data is based  upon the  weighted  average  number of
     shares of common stock and common stock equivalent shares outstanding.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-10

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     Stock Options and Appreciation Rights
     -------------------------------------

     In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123,  "Accounting for Stock-Based
     Compensation."  SFAS  No.  123  defines  a "fair  value  based  method"  of
     accounting  for  stock  based  compensation  whereby  compensation  cost is
     measured  at the  grant  date  based on the fair  value of the award and is
     recognized  over the service  period.  The FASB  encourages all entities to
     adopt the fair value  based  method,  however,  it will allow  entities  to
     continue  the use of the  "intrinsic  value  based  method"  prescribed  by
     previous pronouncements for grants to employees.  Under the intrinsic value
     based  method,  compensation  cost is the excess of the market price of the
     stock at the grant date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the
     stock.  Entities  electing to continue use of the  accounting  treatment of
     previous  pronouncements  must make certain pro forma disclosures as if the
     fair value based method had been applied.  The accounting  requirements  of
     SFAS No. 123 are  effective for  transactions  entered into in fiscal years
     beginning  after December 15, 1995. Pro forma  disclosures are required for
     fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995 and must include the effects
     of all awards  granted in fiscal years  beginning  after December 15, 1994.
     Management  has elected to follow the accounting  requirements  of previous
     pronouncements.

     Reclassifications
     -----------------

     Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made to  1995  and  1994  financial
     statements to conform with 1996 presentation.

(2)  Investment Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities Available-for-Sale
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------

     The amortized  cost,  unrealized  gains and losses,  and  approximate  fair
     values of securities  available-for-sale at June 30 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996
                              --------------------------------------------------
                                              Gross       Gross       Estimated
                               Amortized    unrealized  unrealized      fair
                                 cost         gains       losses        value
                                 ----         -----       ------        -----
<S>                           <C>               <C>        <C>           <C>    
Investment securities:
  U.S. Treasury securities    $   499,761       136        (6,335)       493,562
  U.S. Agency securities       15,000,000        --      (234,782)    14,765,218
  Municipal bonds               2,351,000    66,096       (80,475)     2,336,621
  Mutual funds                  2,792,707       842      (243,606)     2,549,943
                              -----------    ------    ----------     ----------
                              $20,643,468    67,074      (565,198)    20,145,344
                              ===========    ======    ==========     ==========

Mortgage-backed securities:
  FNMA certificates           $12,056,183        --      (348,701)    11,707,482
  GNMA certificates            28,571,048    91,843      (124,410)    28,538,481
  FHLMC certificates           56,181,008        --    (1,659,460)    54,521,548
  Private issue                 1,828,948        --       (45,348)     1,783,600
                              -----------    ------    ----------     ----------
                              $98,637,187    91,843    (2,177,919)    96,551,111
                              ===========    ======    ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-11

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1995
                              --------------------------------------------------
                                              Gross       Gross       Estimated
                               Amortized    unrealized  unrealized      fair
                                 cost         gains       losses        value
                                 ----         -----       ------        -----
<S>                           <C>               <C>        <C>           <C>    
Investment securities:
  Municipal bonds             $ 2,416,000    58,928            --      2,474,928
  Mutual funds (net of
    $335,000 reserve for
    permanent impairment)      11,610,317        --      (552,819)    11,057,498
                              -----------    ------    ----------     ----------
                              $14,026,317    58,928      (552,819)    13,532,426
                              ===========    ======    ==========     ==========

Mortgage-backed securities:
  FNMA certificates           $ 3,439,264    23,131            --      3,462,395
  Private issue                 1,829,098        --            --      1,829,098
                              -----------    ------    ----------     ----------
                              $ 5,268,362    23,131            --      5,291,493
                              ===========    ======    ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

     During the fourth quarter of 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
     allowed a "one-time  reclassification"  of  securities  accounted for under
     SFAS No. 115. The Bank reclassified  $4,199,030 of U.S. Treasury and Agency
     securities  and   $94,723,974  of   mortgage-backed   securities  from  the
     held-to-maturity  classification to the available-for-sale  classification.
     Gross unrealized gains of $375,334 and gross unrealized  losses of $153,465
     were recorded in stockholders' equity (on a net-of-tax basis).

     Gross   losses   realized   on   the   sale   of   investment    securities
     available-for-sale  of  $659,943  during the year ended June 30,  1996 were
     offset by a reserve for permanent  impairment of $335,000 recorded in prior
     years.  No  gains  were  realized  on the  sale  of  investment  securities
     available-for-sale during the year ended June 30, 1996. There were no sales
     of investment securities  available-for-sale during the year ended June 30,
     1995.

     Gross  gains  of  $525,484  and  $122,254  were  realized  on the  sale  of
     mortgage-backed  securities  available-for-sale during the years ended June
     30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  No losses  were  realized on the sale of
     mortgage-backed  securities  available-for-sale during the years ended June
     30, 1996 and 1995.

     A comparison of the cost and estimated fair values of investment securities
     available-for-sale  by  contractual  maturities  at  June  30,  1996  is as
     follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Estimated
                                                     Amortized           fair
                                                       cost              value
                                                       ----              -----
<S>                                                 <C>               <C>       
     Due within one year                            $15,199,989       14,965,343
     Due after one year through five years              444,772          440,221
     Due after five years through ten years             248,000          251,869
     Due after ten years through twenty years         1,958,000        1,937,968
     Mutual funds                                     2,792,707        2,549,943
                                                    -----------       ----------
                                                    $20,643,468       20,145,344
                                                    ===========       ==========
</TABLE>

     Expected   maturities  of  mortgage-backed   securities  will  differ  from
     contractual  maturities  because  borrowers  may have the  right to call or
     prepay obligations with or without penalty.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-12

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(3)  Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
     --------------------------------------

     The amortized  cost,  unrealized  gains and losses,  and  approximate  fair
     values  of  investment  securities  held-to-maturity  at June 30,  1995 are
     summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Gross       Gross       Estimated
                               Amortized    unrealized  unrealized      fair
                                 cost         gains       losses        value
                                 ----         -----       ------        -----
<S>                           <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>    
  U.S. Treasury securities    $   699,511     1,145        (6,406)       694,250
  U.S. Agency securities       13,497,351        --       (83,601)    13,413,750
  Other                             2,880        --            --          2,880
                              -----------     -----       -------     ----------
                              $14,199,742     1,145       (90,007)    14,110,880
                              ===========     =====       =======     ==========
</TABLE>
     There were no sales of investment  securities  held-to-maturity  during the
     years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995. A gross gain of $67,265 was realized on
     the sale of an investment security during the year ended June 30, 1994.

(4)  Mortgage-Backed Securities Held-to-Maturity
     -------------------------------------------

     The amortized cost,  unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values
     of mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity at June 30 are summarized as
     follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996
                              --------------------------------------------------
                                              Gross       Gross       Estimated
                               Amortized    unrealized  unrealized      fair
                                 cost         gains       losses        value
                                 ----         -----       ------        -----
<S>                           <C>            <C>        <C>           <C>
  GNMA certificates           $     58,589     1,120          (305)       59,504
  FHLMC certificates             2,649,154     1,990       (11,108)    2,640,036
  FNMA certificates                310,667        --        (6,810)      303,858
  Mortgage pass-through
    certificates                31,686,097     6,965      (732,279)   30,960,783
                              ------------   -------    ----------   -----------
                              $ 34,704,507    10,075      (750,502)   33,964,081
                              ============   =======    ==========   ===========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1995
                              --------------------------------------------------
                                              Gross       Gross      Estimated
                               Amortized    unrealized  unrealized     fair
                                 cost         gains       losses       value
                                 ----         -----       ------       -----
<S>                           <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>    
  GNMA certificates           $  7,752,160   206,284          (900)    7,957,544
  FHLMCcertificates             78,007,882   360,838      (639,819)   77,728,901
  FNMA certificates             14,472,071    41,713       (98,397)   14,415,387
  Mortgage pass-through
    certificates                40,092,206       981      (818,948)   39,274,239
                              ------------   -------    ----------   -----------
                              $140,324,319   609,816    (1,558,064)  139,376,071
                              ===========    =======    ==========   ===========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-13

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



     There were no sales of mortgage-backed  securities  held-to-maturity during
     the years  ended June 30, 1996 and 1995.  Gross  gains of  $183,466  and no
     losses were realized on sales of mortgage-backed securities during the year
     ended June 30, 1994.

     Expected   maturities  of  mortgage-backed   securities  will  differ  from
     contractual  maturities  because  borrowers  may have the  right to call or
     prepay obligations with or without penalty.

(5)  Loans Receivable
     ----------------

     Loans receivable at June 30 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996                  1995
                                                   ----                  ----
<S>                                            <C>                    <C>       
     Loans secured by real estate:
       Residential                             $ 74,270,459           73,457,932
       Commercial                                22,192,949           12,524,581
       FHA/VA                                     7,821,268            9,451,698
       Agriculture                                6,020,201            4,390,239
     Commercial                                  24,249,838           17,544,460
     Agriculture                                 11,551,597            1,777,601
     Auto, other consumer and savings
       account loans                             42,998,684           29,544,550
                                               ------------          -----------
                                                189,104,996          148,691,061
     Less:
       Unearned discounts and loan
         origination fees                      $    333,397              322,467
       Loans in process                                  --               32,613
       Allowance for loan losses                  1,180,866            1,156,393
                                               ------------          -----------
                                                187,590,733          147,179,588
       Less loans held for sale                   2,687,034            3,109,038
                                               ------------          -----------
                                               $184,903,699          144,070,550
                                               ============          ===========
</TABLE>

     The weighted  average stated interest rate of loans  receivable at June 30,
     1996 and 1995 was 8.69% and 8.60%, respectively. The average yield on loans
     receivable,   including   amortization  of  unearned   discounts  and  loan
     origination  fees, was 8.84%,  8.81% and 8.03% for the years ended June 30,
     1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Loans  receivable  include  approximately  $55,522,000  and  $57,718,000 in
     adjustable rate mortgages at June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Real estate loans serviced for others totaled approximately $73,224,000 and
     $62,718,000 at June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     A summary of activity in the allowance for loan losses follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996         1995         1994
                                              ----         ----         ----
<S>                                        <C>           <C>            <C>    
     Balance at beginning of year          $1,156,393    1,138,942      568,195
     Provision charged to expense             120,000       30,000       80,000
     Acquired reserves (note 19)                   --           --      500,000
     Losses charged against the allowance    (105,006)     (24,574)     (10,082)
     Recoveries                                 9,479       12,025          829
                                           ----------    ---------    ---------
     Balance at end of year                $1,180,866    1,156,393    1,138,942
                                           ==========    =========    =========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-14

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     Nonaccrual  and  renegotiated  loans for which  interest  has been  reduced
     totaled  approximately  $668,000,  $425,000  and $843,000 at June 30, 1996,
     1995 and 1994, respectively.  Interest income that would have been recorded
     under the  original  terms of such loans and the interest  income  actually
     recognized for the years ended June 30 are summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996       1995      1994
                                                      ----       ----      ----
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>       <C>   
     Interest income that would have been recorded   $68,000    39,000    84,000
     Interest income recognized                       15,000    17,000    68,000
                                                     -------    ------    ------
     Interest income foregone                        $53,000    22,000    16,000
                                                     =======    ======    ======
</TABLE>

     The Bank is not committed to lend  additional  funds to debtors whose loans
     have  been  modified.   The  Bank's  impaired  loans  which  include  those
     non-consumer   loans   currently   reported  as  non-accrual   amounted  to
     approximately  $378,000  at June 30, 1996 and were not subject to a related
     allowance for credit losses because of the estimated net  realizable  value
     of loan collateral, guarantees and other factors.

(6)  Accrued Interest Receivable
     ---------------------------

     Accrued interest receivable at June 30 is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996             1995
                                                        ----             ----
<S>                                                 <C>               <C>      
     Loans                                          $ 1,620,757        1,092,385
     Mortgage-backed securities                         819,397          871,732
     Investment securities                              143,864          382,242
                                                    -----------       ----------
                                                    $ 2,584,018        2,346,359
                                                    ===========       ==========
</TABLE>

(7)  Premises and Equipment
     ----------------------

     Premises and equipment at June 30 is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996             1995
                                                        ----             ----
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>      
     Land                                           $ 1,977,767        1,977,767
     Buildings and improvements                       8,287,988        7,608,861
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment                3,069,613        4,048,128
                                                    -----------       ----------
                                                     13,335,368       13,634,756
     Less accumulated depreciation                    3,830,866        5,474,287
                                                    -----------       ----------
                                                    $ 9,504,502        8,160,469
                                                    ===========       ==========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-15

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(8)  Deposits
     --------

     Deposits at June 30 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996                              1995
                              --------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                      Weighted                          Weighted
                                                      average                           average
                                 Amount      Percent    rate       Amount      Percent    rate
                                 ------      -------    ----       ------      -------    ----
<S>                           <C>              <C>      <C>     <C>              <C>      <C> 
     Savings                  $ 46,016,136     15.9%    2.6%    $ 48,760,063     16.8%    3.0%
                              ------------    -----     ---     ------------    -----     --- 
     Certificates of deposit:
     IRA, Keogh and tax
       deferred annuity         25,438,520      8.8     6.2       14,322,492      4.9     6.2
     Three month                 2,776,729      1.0     4.6       11,970,984      4.1     5.4
     Six month                  21,920,638      7.5     5.0       18,724,534      6.4     5.6
     Twelve month               60,673,744     21.0     5.4       65,197,465     22.4     5.9
     Twenty-four month          27,372,695      9.4     6.2       23,198,468      8.0     6.1
     Thirty to forty-eight
       month                    20,711,728      7.2     6.3       21,085,954      7.3     6.3
     Over forty-eight month      4,360,769      1.5     5.6       10,633,437      3.6     6.6
     Negotiated rate             9,235,875      3.2     5.7        9,501,522      3.3     6.3
                              ------------    -----     ---     ------------    -----     --- 
                               172,490,698     59.6     5.7      174,634,856     60.0     5.9
                              ------------    -----     ---     ------------    -----     --- 
     NOW                        52,578,022     18.2     1.9       50,733,298     17.4     2.6
     Money market               18,134,642      6.3     3.7       16,805,427      5.8     4.0
                              ------------    -----     ---     ------------    -----     --- 
                                70,712,664     24.5     2.6       67,538,725     23.2     3.0
                              ------------    -----     ---     ------------    -----     --- 
                              $289,219,498    100.0%    4.6%    $290,933,644    100.0%    4.8%
                              ============    =====     ===     ============    =====     ===
</TABLE>

     Certificates   of  deposit  in  excess  of  $100,000   were   approximately
     $18,163,000 and $20,170,000 at June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Mortgage-backed   securities   with  a  carrying  value  of   approximately
     $7,945,000 and $9,341,000 were pledged as collateral to secure public funds
     on deposit at June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Certificates  of  deposit  at June 30,  1996 are  scheduled  to  mature  as
     follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Year ended June 30,
                         -------------------------------------------------------
      Stated Rate            1997            1998          1999       Thereafter
      -----------            ----            ----          ----       ----------
<S>                      <C>              <C>            <C>           <C>      
     Under 3%            $     27,046             --            --            --
     3.00% to 3.99%           233,201             --            --            --
     4.00% to 4.99%        13,878,734      1,175,062       118,314        25,160
     5.00% to 5.99%        82,197,262      9,647,056     4,685,160     1,004,348
     6.00% to 6.99%        18,523,189      9,392,613     3,215,588     2,902,508
     7.00% to 7.99%         8,855,750     13,614,435       526,181     2,240,388
     8.00% and over            60,972        167,731            --            --
                         ------------     ----------     ---------     ---------
                         $123,776,154     33,996,897     8,545,243     6,172,404
                         ============     ==========     =========     =========
</TABLE>
                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-16

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     Interest  expense on deposits for the years ended June 30 is  summarized as
     follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1996            1995          1994
                                           ----            ----          ----
<S>                                     <C>             <C>            <C>    
     NOW and money market demand        $ 1,392,595        838,910       717,124
     Savings                              2,904,473      2,047,878     1,188,061
     Certificates of deposit              8,879,274      8,331,763     6,592,405
                                        -----------     ----------     ---------
                                        $13,176,342     11,218,551     8,497,590
                                        ===========     ==========     =========
</TABLE>

(9)  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
     ------------------------------------

     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank at June 30, are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1996            1995
                                                         ----            ----
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>                                 
     5.44% short-term advance, due July 5, 1996       $20,000,000             --
     6.21% short-term advance, paid in 1996                    --     10,000,000
     Variable rate cash management advances,
       interest payable monthly, due April 25, 1997    11,250,000      1,000,000
     4.71% advance, due in monthly installments of
       $250,000 plus interest, through April 1998       5,541,667      8,541,667
                                                      -----------     ----------
                                                      $36,791,667     19,541,667
                                                      ===========     ==========
</TABLE>

     Principal  payments on advances  from  Federal  Home Loan Bank for the five
     years subsequent to June 30, 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Year Ended June 30,                  Amount
                  -------------------                  ------
                         <S>                         <C>        
                         1997                        $34,250,000
                         1998                          2,541,667
                                                     -----------
                                                     $36,791,667
                                                     ===========
</TABLE>
     The  advances  are  subject  to  a  "blanket  pledge   agreement"   whereby
     substantially all assets of the Bank are pledged to the FHLB.

(10) Income Taxes

     A summary of the  provision  for income  taxes for the years  ended June 30
     follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Federal           State            Total
                           -------           -----            -----
<S>                       <C>                <C>            <C>      
     1996:
       Current            $  837,027         226,973        1,064,000
       Deferred              326,616          31,384          358,000
                          ----------         -------        ---------
                          $1,163,643         258,357        1,422,000
                          ==========         =======        =========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-17

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Federal           State            Total
                           -------           -----            -----
<S>                       <C>                <C>            <C>      
     1995:
       Current            $  893,172         245,728        1,138,900
       Deferred              411,976           7,024          419,000
                          ----------         -------        ---------
                          $1,305,148         252,752        1,557,900
                          ==========         =======        =========

     1994:
       Current            $1,391,028         308,824        1,699,852
       Deferred              214,237          47,563          261,800
                          ----------         -------        ---------
                          $1,605,265         356,387        1,961,652
                          ==========         =======        =========
</TABLE>

     Reasons for  differences  between the  statutory tax rate and the effective
     tax rates for the years ended June 30 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996      1995      1994
                                                       ----      ----      ----
<S>                                                    <C>       <C>       <C>  
     Statutory tax rate                                34.0%     34.0%     34.0%
     State taxes, net of Federal income tax effects     4.3       3.9       5.0
     Other                                             (2.4)     (1.7)      2.6
                                                       ----      ----      ----
     Effective tax rates                               35.9%     36.2%     41.6%
                                                       ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>

     Temporary  differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and
     the tax  bases of assets  and  liabilities  that  give rise to  significant
     portions of the deferred tax  liability as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 relate
     to the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1996            1995
                                                         ----            ----
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>    
     Deferred tax assets:
       Deferred loan fees                            $   128,000        124,000
       Allowance for loan losses                         336,000        327,000
       Deferred compensation                             295,000        266,000
       Allowance for permanent impairment
         of investments                                       --        129,000
       Other                                               8,000         20,000
                                                     -----------     ----------
         Total gross deferred tax assets                 767,000        866,000
                                                     -----------     ----------
     Deferred tax liabilities:
       Cash surrender value of key executive life
         insurance policies                             (166,000)      (123,000)
       Tax bad debt reserves in excess of base year
         amount                                         (618,000)      (563,000)
       Loans purchased                                  (165,000)      (178,000)
       Unearned income                                  (127,000)      (135,000)
       FHLB stock dividends                             (673,000)      (587,000)
       Prepaid deposit insurance premium                 (96,000)            --
       Other                                             (29,000)       (29,000)
                                                     -----------     ----------
         Total gross deferred tax liabilities         (1,874,000)    (1,615,000)
                                                     -----------     ----------
         Net deferred tax liability before the tax
           effect of available-for-sale securities    (1,107,000)      (749,000)
     Deferred tax asset - unrealized loss on
       available-for-sale securities                     994,917        181,200
                                                     -----------     ----------
         Net deferred tax liability                  $  (112,083)      (567,800)
                                                     ===========     ==========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-18

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



     In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers
     whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
     tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate  realization of deferred tax
     assets is dependent upon the existence of, or generation of, taxable income
     in the periods which those temporary differences are deductible. Management
     considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, taxes paid in
     carryback  years,   projected  future  taxable  income,  and  tax  planning
     strategies  in making this  assessment.  Based upon the level of historical
     taxable income and  projections  for future taxable income over the periods
     which the  deferred tax assets are  deductible,  at June 30, 1996 and 1995,
     management believes it is more likely than not that the Holding Company and
     the Bank will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.

     If  certain  conditions  are met,  the Bank is  allowed a special  bad debt
     deduction  for  income tax  purposes.  The  deduction  is based on either a
     specified  experience formula or a percentage of taxable income before such
     deduction  (presently 8%). The percentage of taxable income method was used
     in  preparing  the  federal  income tax return in 1994 and 1995 and will be
     used in 1996.

     Retained earnings, at June 30, 1996, includes approximately  $3,566,000 for
     which no  provision  for  Federal  income  tax has been made.  This  amount
     represents  the base  year tax bad debt  reserve  which is  essentially  an
     allocation  of  earnings  to pre-1988  bad debt  deductions  for income tax
     purposes  only.  Under SFAS No. 109,  this amount is treated as a permanent
     difference;  deferred taxes are not recognized  unless it appears that this
     amount  will be  reduced  and  thereby  result  in  taxable  income  in the
     foreseeable  future.  Under current tax  regulations,  management  does not
     foresee any changes in its business or  operations  which would result in a
     recapture of its federal bad debt reserve into taxable income.

     A deferred tax  liability of $618,000 has been  recognized  by the Bank for
     the tax bad debt  reserve  in  excess  of the base  year  reserve.  New tax
     legislation  enacted on August 21, 1996  requires this excess be recaptured
     and included in taxable  income over a six year period  beginning  with the
     tax return  filed for the year  ending  June 30,  1997 or June 30,  1999 if
     certain minimum  requirements are met. Also included in the tax legislation
     and  effective  for  the  1997  tax  return  is  a  discontinuance  of  the
     aforementioned 8% special bad debt deduction.

(11) Employee Benefit Plans
     ----------------------

     Pension  Plan.  All eligible  employees  are included in a  noncontributory
     multi-employer   trusteed   defined  benefit   pension  plan.   Actuarially
     determined  pension  costs are funded as required by the Trustee.  The plan
     had reached its full-funding  limitation and contributions to the plan were
     suspended  for the  three  years  ended  June 30,  1995.  Pension  expense,
     including  administrative  charges, was approximately $5,000 and $4,000 for
     the years ended June 30, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  Contributions to the
     plan were required  during the year ended June 30, 1996.  Contributions  to
     the Plan and  administrative  charges  amounted to  approximately  $104,000
     during the year ended June 30, 1996.

     Savings Plan.  The Bank adopted an employee  savings plan effective July 1,
     1993. Full time employees are  immediately  eligible for the plan. The Bank
     matches 50% of an  employee's  contributions,  up to a maximum of 3% of the
     participating  employee's  wages.  Savings plan expense for the years ended
     June  30,  1996,  1995  and 1994 was  approximately  $86,000,  $58,000  and
     $45,000, respectively.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-19

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


 
     Deferred Compensation Plan. The Bank has entered into deferred compensation
     agreements  with  certain key  employees  that  provide  for  predetermined
     periodic  payments over 15 years upon  retirement or death.  The agreements
     specify a vesting schedule whereby the key employees vest 10% per year, but
     are not  eligible for benefits if  termination  occurs prior to  completing
     three years of service beginning on the date of the agreement. In the event
     of  acquisition  of the Bank by a third party,  the  deferred  compensation
     agreements  require any successor  corporation to assume the obligations of
     the  agreements.  Amounts  expensed  under these  agreements  to accrue the
     estimated liability upon retirement totaled approximately $93,000,  $78,000
     and $63,000 for the years ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Executive  Employment  Agreements.  Effective  June 19,  1995,  the Holding
     Company  and  the  Bank  entered  into an  employment  agreement  with  the
     President of the Bank. The terms of the agreement  include an annual salary
     base plus insurance and other benefits and a bonus based on the performance
     of the Bank awarded at the Board of Directors' discretion. Upon a change in
     control,  the Bank has agreed to pay the  President,  in a single  payment,
     three  times the annual  salary and  provide  certain  insurance  and other
     benefits for a period of two years following a change in control.  A change
     in control is defined by the  agreement  as (1) a takeover of the Bank by a
     purchase or merger;  (2) a purchase  of all the assets of the Bank;  (3) an
     acquisition  directly or indirectly of more than 50% of the voting stock of
     the  Holding  Company;  or (4) a change in the  majority  of members of the
     Board  of  Directors  of  the  Holding  Company  over  a  period  of  three
     consecutive  years.  The  agreement  is for a term of one  year,  renewable
     annually, and was renewed effective June 19, 1996.

     On July 1, 1996, the Bank entered into  employment  agreements with certain
     of its  other  executives.  Such  agreements  have a term of two  years and
     provide for the  continuation  of salary payments for a period of 24 months
     following  a change  in  control.  A change  in  control  is  defined  as a
     situation in which an acquirer  directly or  indirectly  acquires more than
     25% of the voting stock of the Holding Company.

     Stock Option and Stock  Appreciation  Rights Plan. The  stockholders of the
     Holding Company have approved a Stock Option and Stock Appreciation  Rights
     Plan (the Plan)  which  provides  for the  granting  of options to purchase
     common stock of the Holding  Company to directors  and key  employees.  The
     Plan  is  administered  by a  committee  of the  Board  of  Directors  (the
     "Committee").

     Under the terms of the Plan,  the  number of shares  subject  to options is
     146,000  shares.  Options may be granted at an exercise price as determined
     by the  Committee,  subject to a minimum  exercise  price equal to the fair
     market  value of a share of common stock at the date the option is granted.
     The period during which an option may be exercised shall also be determined
     by the  Committee,  subject to a three year vesting  schedule but not later
     than ten years from the date of grant.

     Stock  appreciation  rights may be granted  either  separately or in tandem
     with stock options.  Exercise of the stock  appreciation right entitles the
     holder to receive a payment equal to the excess of the fair market value of
     the shares surrendered over the exercise price. Payment may be made in cash
     or  shares  of common  stock,  as  determined  by the  Committee.  No stock
     appreciation rights have been granted during the three years ended June 30,
     1996.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-20

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



     Following a "change in control"  of the Holding  Company and in  connection
     with the grant of any options or stock  appreciation  rights, the Committee
     may provide the holder thereof the right to exercise the stock appreciation
     rights or to surrender  the options in exchange for a cash payment equal to
     the  difference  between the fair value and the option price without regard
     to any  restrictions  of exercise  that would  otherwise  apply.  Change in
     control  is defined  by the plan to have  occurred  if any person or entity
     directly or indirectly acquires ownership representing more than 25% of the
     voting stock of the Holding Company,  or obtains control of the election of
     a majority of the directors of the Holding Company.

     Changes in stock options and the option price range are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1996               1995               1994
                                          ----               ----               ----
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                <C>   
     Outstanding at beginning of year   119,700             110,750            94,900

     Granted                              7,000              19,300            22,200
                                     ($20.33-$20.98)        ($19.00)          ($22.65)

     Exercised                          (13,000)             (4,300)           (6,100)
                                      ($6.50-$10.00)     ($6.50-$11.65)     ($6.50-$10.00)

     Canceled                            (3,000)             (6,050)             (250)
                                     ---------------     --------------     --------------
     Outstanding at end of year         110,700             119,700           110,750
                                      ($6.50-$20.98)     ($6.50-$22.65)     ($6.50-$22.65)
                                     ================    ==============     ==============
     Exercisable at end of year          86,783              84,083            65,317

                                      ($6.50-$20.98)     ($6.50-$22.65)     ($6.50-$11.65)
                                     ================    ==============     ==============
</TABLE>

(12) Commitments and Contingencies
     -----------------------------

     Litigation  - The Bank is a  defendant  in various  matters  of  litigation
     generally  incidental  to its  business.  In  the  opinion  of  management,
     following  consultation with legal counsel,  liabilities arising from these
     proceedings,  if any,  will not have a  material  impact  on the  Company's
     consolidated financial position or results of operations.

     Data  Processing  Contract - On July 8, 1995,  the Bank entered into a data
     processing  contract  with  First  Interstate  Bank of  Commerce  for  data
     processing  services.  The  term  of  the  contract  is  four  years.  Data
     processing  costs under the contract  were  approximately  $749,000 for the
     year ended June 30, 1996.

     Pending  Legislation on SAIF Premiums - The thrift deposits of the Bank are
     insured by the Savings  Association  Insurance  Fund  ("SAIF"),  one of two
     funds administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation  ("FDIC").
     The Bank currently pays premiums of approximately 0.23% of thrift deposits.
     On September 30, 1996, the Deposit  Insurance Funds Act of 1996 was signed,
     which  authorizes  the  FDIC to  impose a  special  assessment  on  certain
     deposits held by thrift  institutions.  This special  assessment,  which is
     based on $.657 per $100 of outstanding  thrift  deposits at March 31, 1995,
     is intended to recapitalize the SAIF. The special assessment resulted in an
     additional  after-tax expense of approximately  $838,000 which was recorded
     by the Bank on September 30, 1996.  The assessment is payable no later than
     November 29, 1996.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-21

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(13)  Regulatory  Capital
      -------------------

     The Bank is required to meet three FIRREA-enacted  capital requirements:  a
     tangible capital requirement (stockholders' equity adjusted for the effects
     of intangibles,  investments and advances to nonincludable subsidiaries and
     other factors)  equal to not less than 1.5% of tangible  assets (as defined
     in the regulations),  a core capital requirement (tangible capital adjusted
     for supervisory  goodwill and other defined factors) equal to not less than
     3% of tangible assets,  and a risk-based  capital  requirement  equal to at
     least 8.0% of all risk-weighted assets. For risk-weighting, selected assets
     are given a risk  assignment of 0% to 100%. The Bank's total  risk-weighted
     assets at June 30, 1996 were $189,952,500.

     The following  table  demonstrates as of June 30, 1996, the extent to which
     the Bank  exceeds in dollars  and in  percent,  the three  minimum  capital
     requirements.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           Regulatory Basis
                                               ----------------------------------------
                                                              Approximate
                                                Actual        requirement     Excess
                                                ------        -----------     ------
       <S>                                    <C>            <C>           <C>
       Tangible capital:
         Dollar amount .....................   $26,806,004     5,538,397    21,267,607
         Percent of tangible assets ........        7.3%          1.5%          5.8%
       Core capital:
         Dollar amount .....................   $26,806,004    11,076,794    15,729,210
         Percent of adjusted tangible assets        7.3%          3.0%          4.3%
       Risk-based capital:
         Dollar amount .....................   $27,986,870    15,196,200    12,790,670
         Percent of risk-weighted assets ...       14.7%          8.0%          6.7%
</TABLE>

     Failure to comply  with  applicable  regulatory  capital  requirements  can
     result in  capital  directives  from the  director  of the Office of Thrift
     Supervision,  restrictions  on growth,  and other  limitations on a savings
     association's operations.

     Generally  accepted  accounting  principles  ("GAAP")  capital differs from
     tangible,  core,  and  risk-based  capital  at June 30 as a  result  of the
     following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996              1995
                                                             ----              ----
        <S>                                            <C>                 <C>       
       Consolidated capital measured by GAAP ......     $ 30,703,664        30,884,116
       Less Holding Company assets ................          381,049           256,576
                                                             -------           -------
       Bank capital measured by GAAP ..............       30,322,615        30,627,540
       Non-includable assets of subsidiary ........         (582,180)         (522,716)
       Goodwill ...................................       (4,377,500)       (4,717,500)
       Unrealized losses (gains) on certain
         available-for-sale securities ............        1,443,069           (44,361)
                                                           ---------           ------- 
       Tangible and core capital ..................       26,806,004        25,342,963
                                                          ----------        ----------
       General valuation reserves .................        1,180,866         1,156,393
                                                           ---------         ---------
       Risk-based capital .........................     $ 27,986,870        26,499,356
                                                        ============        ==========

</TABLE>
                                                                    (Continued)

                                      SB-22

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(14)  Financial Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
      -------------------------------------------------

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

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

     Financial  instruments  outstanding at June 30, 1996 whose contract amounts
     represent credit risk are as follows:

         Commitments to extend credit:

                   Type                       Amount
                   ----                       ------
                Fixed rate ............    $1,575,000
                Variable rate .........    11,064,820
                                           ----------
                                          $12,639,820
                                          ===========

     Commitments  to extend credit are  agreements to lend to a customer as long
     as there is no  violation of any  condition  established  in the  contract.
     Commitments  generally  have fixed  expiration  dates or other  termination
     clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are
     expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total  commitment  amounts
     do not necessarily  represent future cash requirements.  The Bank evaluates
     each  customer's  creditworthiness  on a case by case basis.  The amount of
     collateral  obtained,  if deemed  necessary,  by the Bank upon extension of
     credit is based on management's evaluation of the counter-party. Collateral
     held varies but may include personal  property,  residential real property,
     and income-producing commercial properties.

(15)  Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The  reconciliation  of  net  income  to net  cash  provided  by  operating
     activities for the years ended June 30 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          1996         1995         1994
                                                          ----         ----         ----
      <S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>
       Cash flows from operating activities:
        Net income .................................   $2,544,304    2,748,032     2,755,490
        Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
          cash provided by operating activities:
          Provision for:
           Loan losses .............................      120,000       30,000        80,000
           Permanent impairment of investment
            securities .............................           --       90,000       245,000
         Amortization of:
           Premiums and discounts on investment
            securities, net-available-for-sale......        5,650        3,960            --
           Premiums and discounts on mortgage-
            backed securities, net-available-
            for-sale ...............................      152,611      (69,176)           --
           Premiums and discounts on investment
            securities, net-held-to-maturity........          712          718        35,583
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-23

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            1996             1995             1994
                                                                            ----             ----             ----
    <S>                                                                 <C>              <C>            <C>
      Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed
       securities, net-held-to-maturity .............................        116,105         (63,793)        342,895
      Deferred loan origination fees ................................        (71,290)       (185,691)       (153,917)
      Goodwill ......................................................        340,000         340,000          42,500
      Dividends reinvested in mutual funds ..........................           --              --          (272,567)
    Origination of loans held for sale ..............................    (39,552,694)    (20,236,000)    (41,226,802)
    Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale ......................     40,749,086      19,834,157      42,688,459
    Stock dividends reinvested in FHLB ..............................       (222,000)       (171,200)       (272,100)
    Depreciation ....................................................        636,499         630,177         428,229
    Net loss (gain) on sales of:
      Investment securities .........................................        324,943            --           (67,265)
      Mortgage-backed securities ....................................       (525,484)       (122,254)       (183,466)
      Other real estate owned .......................................           --              --           (75,664)
      Loans held for sale ...........................................       (774,388)       (344,523)       (890,560)
    Change in:
      Accrued interest receivable ...................................       (237,659)       (345,637)       (580,381)
      Cash surrender value of life insurance ........................       (110,961)       (109,499)       (100,443)
      Other assets ..................................................        (13,150)       (306,940)       (127,403)
      Income taxes payable ..........................................        (26,004)        (89,587)        134,914
      Deferred income taxes .........................................        358,000         419,000         261,800
      Accrued interest payable ......................................        884,285         299,249          74,252
      Accrued expenses and other liabilities ........................      2,485,474        (581,348)       (265,671)
                                                                           ---------        --------        -------- 
             Net cash provided by operating activities ..............   $  7,184,039       1,769,645       2,872,883
                                                                        ============       =========       =========

</TABLE>


(16)  Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
      ------------------------------------------

     A summary of noncash investing and financing activities for the years ended
     June 30 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            1996         1995        1994
                                                            ----         ----        ----
     <S>                                               <C>            <C>         <C>
     Change in unrealized loss on certain
       marketable equity securities...................  $       --           --    714,804
     Change in net unrealized loss on investment
       securities available-for-sale..................       4,234     (717,267)        --
     Change in net unrealized loss on mortgage-backed
       securities available-for-sale .................   2,109,206           --         --
     One-time reclassification of held-to-maturity
       investment securities to available-for-sale....   4,199,030           --         --
     One-time reclassification of held-to-maturity
       mortgage-backed securities to
       available-for-sale.............................  94,723,974           --         --
                                                        ==========     =========    =======               
</TABLE>


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-24

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(17)  Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments
      -----------------------------------------------------

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 107,  "Disclosures
     About Fair Value of Financial  Instruments,"  requires  disclosure  of fair
     value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in
     the balance sheet,  for which it is practicable to estimate that value.  In
     cases where quoted market prices are not  available,  fair values are based
     on estimates  using  present  value or other  valuation  techniques.  Those
     techniques are significantly  affected by the assumptions  used,  including
     the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  In that regard,  the
     derived fair value  estimates  cannot be  substantiated  by  comparison  to
     independent  markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate
     settlement  of the  instrument.  SFAS No. 107  excludes  certain  financial
     instruments   and  all   nonfinancial   instruments   from  its  disclosure
     requirements.  Accordingly,  the aggregate fair value amounts  presented do
     not represent the underlying value of the Bank.

     The following  methods and assumptions  were used by the Bank in estimating
     the fair value for its financial instruments as defined by SFAS No. 107:

     Cash  and  Cash  Equivalents.  The  carrying  amounts  for  cash  and  cash
     equivalents  approximate  fair value because they mature in 90 days or less
     and do not present unanticipated credit concerns.

     Investment  Securities  and Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank. The fair value
     of  investment  securities  is estimated  based on bid prices  published in
     financial  newspapers or bid quotations  received from securities  dealers.
     The fair value of stock in Federal Home Loan Bank  approximates  redemption
     value.

     Mortgage-Backed Securities. The fair value of mortgage-backed securities is
     estimated  based upon bid prices  published in financial  newspapers or bid
     quotations received from securities dealers.

     Loans  Receivable.  Fair  values  are  estimated  by  stratifying  the loan
     portfolio  into  groups of loans with  similar  financial  characteristics.
     Loans are segregated by type such as real estate, commercial, and consumer,
     with  each  category  further  segmented  into  fixed and  adjustable  rate
     interest terms.

     The fair value of fixed rate loans is calculated by  discounting  scheduled
     cash  flows  through  the  anticipated  maturity  adjusted  for  prepayment
     estimates.  For mortgage loans, the Bank uses the secondary market rates in
     effect for loans of similar  size to discount  cash flows.  For other fixed
     rate loans,  cash flows are discounted at prime rate.  Adjustable  interest
     rate loans are assumed to  approximate  fair value  because they  generally
     reprice within the near term.

     The fair values are  adjusted for credit risk based on  assessment  of risk
     identified  with  specific  loans,  and risk  adjustments  on the remaining
     portfolio based on credit loss  experience.  Assumptions  regarding  credit
     risk are  judgmentally  determined  using  specific  borrower  information,
     internal credit quality analysis,  and historical  information on segmented
     loan categories for non-specific borrowers.

     Cash  Surrender  Value of Life  Insurance.  The  carrying  amount  for cash
     surrender value of life insurance  approximates  fair value as policies are
     recorded at redemption value.


                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-25

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     Accrued Interest Receivable.  The fair value of accrued interest receivable
     approximates carrying value as the Bank expects to collect accrued interest
     in the short term.

     Deposits.  Under SFAS No. 107,  the fair value of  deposits  with no stated
     maturity,  such  as  savings  accounts,  NOW  accounts,  and  money  market
     accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of June 30, 1996. The
     fair value of certificates  of deposit is based on the discounted  value of
     contractual  cash flows.  The discount  rate is  estimated  using the rates
     currently offered for deposits of similar maturities.

     Advances  from Federal Home Loan Bank.  The carrying  amount of  short-term
     advances and cash management  advances from FHLB  approximate fair value as
     advances are either due in the very  short-term  or are  variable  rate and
     reprice  in the  short-term.  The fair  value of the fixed  rate  long-term
     advance is calculated by  discounting  scheduled  payments using the Bank's
     current FHLB long-term borrowing rate.

     Accrued  Interest  Payable.  The fair  value of  accrued  interest  payable
     approximates  carrying  value  as the  amounts  accrued  will  be  paid  to
     customers or the Federal Home Loan Bank in the short term.

     Commitments  to Extend  Credit.  The fair  value of  commitments  to extend
     credit is estimated using the fees currently  charged to enter into similar
     arrangements.  The  commitments  to extend  credit are  generally  variable
     interest rate loans, or are originated with the intent to resell, therefore
     no fair value adjustment for interest rates is necessary.

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

     Fair  value  estimates  are  based on  existing  on- and  off-balance-sheet
     financial   instruments   without  attempting  to  estimate  the  value  of
     anticipated  future business and the value of assets and  liabilities  that
     are  not  considered   financial   instruments.   Significant   assets  and
     liabilities  that are not  considered  financial  instruments  include  the
     securities   brokerage  services   operations,   deferred  tax  assets  and
     liabilities, property, plant, equipment, and goodwill. In addition, the tax
     ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses
     can have a  significant  effect on fair value  estimates  and have not been
     considered in the estimates.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-26

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     The estimated fair values of the Company's financial  instruments  required
     to be disclosed under SFAS No. 107 as of June 30 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996                            1995
                                                                        ---------------------------      ---------------------------
                                                                                          Estimated                       Estimated
                                                                          Carrying           fair         Carrying          fair
                                                                            value            value          value           value
                                                                            -----            -----          -----           -----
<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>
Assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents .....................................    $  9,789,678       9,790,000      10,188,922      10,189,000
     Investment securities available-for-sale ......................      20,145,344      20,145,000      13,532,426      13,532,000
     Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale .................      96,551,111      96,551,000       5,291,493       5,291,000
     Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity ...................      34,704,507      33,964,000     140,324,319     139,376,000
     Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank ...............................       3,145,600       3,146,000       2,923,600       2,924,000
     Loans receivable(a) ...........................................     184,903,699     186,085,000     144,070,550     143,740,000
     Loans held for sale ...........................................       2,687,034       2,687,000       3,109,038       3,109,000
     Accrued interest receivable ...................................       2,584,018       2,584,000       2,346,359       2,346,000
     Cash surrender value of life insurance ........................       2,663,427       2,663,000       2,552,466       2,552,000
Liabilities:
     Deposits and repurchase agreements ............................     297,184,264     298,824,000     297,480,437     297,394,000
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank ..........................      36,791,667      36,471,000      19,541,667      19,542,000
     Accrued interest payable ......................................       2,075,161       2,075,000       1,190,876       1,191,000
Off-balance-sheet items:
     Commitments to extend credit ..................................            --            81,738            --            16,000
                                                                         ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
<FN>
- ------------
(a) The carrying value is net of the allowance for loan losses and related unearned income.
</FN>
</TABLE>


(18)  Holding Company Information (Condensed)
      ---------------------------------------

     The  summarized  financial  information  for Security  Bancorp is presented
     below. Intercompany balances and transactions are noted parenthetically.


       Condensed Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      June 30,
                                             --------------------------
       Assets                                   1996            1995
       ------                                   ----            ----

<S>                                          <C>                <C>    
       Cash (NOW account with subsidiary)    $   354,145        215,262
       Investment in subsidiary               30,322,615     30,627,540
       Other                                      26,904         41,314
                                                  ------         ------
            Total assets                     $30,703,664     30,884,116
                                             ===========     ==========
   
       Stockholders' Equity
       --------------------
           Total stockholders' equity        $30,703,664     30,884,116
                                             ===========     ==========
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-27

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     Condensed Statements of Income
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      June 30,
                                                            --------------------------
                                                                 1996          1995
                                                                 ----          ----

<S>                                                         <C>              <C>      
     Cash dividends from subsidiary ....................... $ 1,664,922      1,039,134
     Miscellaneous expense ................................     (57,148)       (23,048)
                                                                -------        ------- 
         Income before equity in
          undistributed earnings of
          subsidiary ......................................   1,607,774      1,016,086
     Equity in undistributed earnings
         of subsidiary ....................................     936,530      1,731,946
                                                                -------      ---------
         Income before income taxes .......................   2,544,304      2,748,032
     Income taxes .........................................       --             --
                                                              ---------      ---------
         Net income ....................................... $ 2,544,304      2,748,032
                                                            ===========      =========

     Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
     Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income ........................................... $ 2,544,304      2,748,032
     Adjustments to reconcile net cash
       provided by operating activities:
         Decrease in other assets .........................      14,410          8,651
         Decrease in accrued expenses .....................        --          (57,652)
         Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary......    (936,530)    (1,731,946)
                                                               --------     ---------- 
            Net cash provided by operating activities .....   1,622,184        967,085
                                                              ---------        -------
     Cash flows from financing activities:
       Cash dividends paid ................................    (981,956)      (896,242)
       Stock options exercised and other ..................    (501,345)        49,373
                                                               --------         ------
            Net cash used in financing activities .........  (1,483,301)      (846,869)
                                                             ----------       -------- 
     Net increase in cash .................................     138,883        120,216
     Cash at beginning of year ............................     215,262         95,046
                                                                -------         ------
     Cash at end of year .................................. $   354,145        215,262
                                                            ===========        =======
</TABLE>


(19)  Acquisition
      -----------

     On May 12, 1994, the Holding  Company  acquired  certain assets and assumed
     certain  liabilities of Montana Bank of Butte, Bank of Montana - Lewistown,
     and  Bank  of  Montana  Anaconda  from  Norwest  Corporation.  These  three
     locations  were  operated  as  branches  of Bank of  Montana  prior  to the
     acquisition  date.  The  transaction  was  accounted for as a purchase and,
     accordingly,  the assets acquired and liabilities  assumed were adjusted to
     fair value on the date of acquisition  and the  consolidated  statements of
     income  for the  years  ended  June 30,  1996,  1995 and 1994  include  the
     branch's results of operations since the date of purchase.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-28

<PAGE>

                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



     The  premium  paid by the  Holding  Company  has been  allocated  solely to
     goodwill as it was determined  the historical  carrying value of the assets
     and liabilities of the branches  approximated  fair value. A summary of the
     assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date follows:

         Cash and cash equivalents.........................   $55,110,104
         Loans and accrued interest receivable
           (net of acquired reserves of $500,000)..........    27,707,137
         Fixed assets, net.................................     1,329,706
                                                                ---------
                Total assets acquired......................    84,146,947
                                                               ----------

         Deposits .........................................   (88,866,545)
         Accrued expenses and other liabilities............      (380,402)
                                                                 -------- 
                Total liabilities assumed..................   (89,246,947)
                                                              ----------- 
         Premium paid (goodwill)...........................     5,100,000
         Less accumulated amortization.....................       722,500
                                                                  -------
         Goodwill, net of amortization at June 30, 1996....   $ 4,377,500
                                                              ===========

(20)  Subsequent Event
      ----------------

     On September 24, 1996,  Security Bancorp signed an agreement to sell all of
     its   outstanding   common   stock  to  WesterFed   Financial   Corporation
     (Westerfed).  The total  purchase  price is  approximately  $44.0  million,
     subject to certain  adjustments.  Completion  of the sales  transaction  is
     subject to various regulatory  approvals and other conditions which must be
     satisfied by each of the parties to the agreement.

     WesterFed  Financial  Corporation intends to fund the acquisition through a
     combination  of cash of  approximately  $24.3  million and the  issuance of
     common  stock  of  approximately  $19.7  million.  Under  the  terms of the
     agreement,  Security  Bancorp  shareholders  may elect to receive  for each
     share of Security  Bancorp  common stock $30 in cash, a number of shares of
     Westerfed  common stock or a  combination  of cash and stock,  provided the
     total consideration to Security Bancorp  shareholders  consists of 55% cash
     and 45% stock.  Subject to satisfaction of the various conditions,  closing
     of the acquisition is scheduled to occur on or before March 31, 1997.

                                                                     (Continued)

                                      SB-29

<PAGE>

 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                               1996           JUNE 30,
                          ASSETS                                             (UNAUDITED)        1996
                          ------                                             -----------    -----------

<S>                                                                           <C>            <C>       
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                   $8,429,163     $9,789,678
  Investment securities available for sale, net, at fair value                19,887,711     20,145,344
  Mortgage-backed securities available for sale, net, at fair value           89,638,407     96,551,111
  Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost                      200,000             --
  Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity, at amortized cost              33,049,827     34,704,507
  Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market value                        1,306,952      2,687,034
  Loans receivable, net                                                      205,746,716    184,903,699
  Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, at cost                          3,208,800      3,145,600
  Accrued interest receivable                                                  3,156,075      2,584,018
  Cash surrender value of life insurance                                       2,692,444      2,663,427
  Real estate held for investment                                                287,306        288,908
  Premises and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation                9,379,059      9,504,502
  Goodwill, net of amortization                                                4,292,500      4,377,500
  Other assets                                                                 1,033,969        893,744
                                                                               ---------        -------
                                                                            $382,308,929   $372,239,072
                                                                            ============   ============
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                      ------------------------------------
Liabilities:
  Deposits                                                                   289,335,830    289,219,498
  Securities sold under repurchase agreements                                  8,389,107      7,964,766
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle                             42,991,667     36,791,667
  Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance                          950,215        880,697
  Income taxes payable                                                          (50,487)         37,728
  Deferred income taxes                                                          308,154        112,083
  Accrued interest payable                                                     2,130,687      2,075,161
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                       7,323,343      4,453,808
                                                                               ---------      ---------
    Total Liabilities                                                        351,378,516    341,535,408
                                                                             -----------    -----------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $1 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding        --             --
  Common stock, $1 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; issued and
      outstanding 1,484,682 shares                                             1,484,682      1,462,182
  Additional paid-in capital                                                   9,015,392      8,765,053
  Retained earnings, substantially restricted                                 21,790,537     22,065,712
  Net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities             (1,360,198)    (1,589,283)
                                                                             -----------    -----------
     Total stockholders' equity                                               30,930,413     30,703,664
                                                                              ----------     ----------
                                                                            $382,308,929   $372,239,072
                                                                            ============   ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     SB-30
<PAGE>


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY                
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                    ------------------------------
                                                                       1996                1995
                                                                       ----                ----
<S>                                                                <C>                  <C>
Interest income:
    Loans receivable                                                $4,350,374          $3,356,299
    Investment securities                                              339,294             474,371
    Mortgage-backed securities                                       2,080,725           2,477,417
    Other                                                               67,301              91,612
                                                                        ------              ------
      TOTAL INTEREST INCOME                                          6,837,694           6,399,699
                                                                     ---------           ---------
Interest expense:
    Deposits                                                         3,085,711           3,331,793
    Securities sold under repurchase agreement                         113,850              97,221
    Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle                    571,374             377,388
                                                                       -------             -------
      TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                                         3,770,935           3,806,402
                                                                     ---------           ---------
    Net interest income                                              3,066,759           2,593,297
Provision for loan losses                                              150,000              30,000
                                                                       -------              ------
    Net interest income after provision for loan losses              2,916,759           2,563,297
                                                                     ---------           ---------
Non-interest income:
    Fees for customer services                                         588,366             474,432
    Securities brokerage services                                       38,035              23,194
    Gain on the sale of investment securities available for sale           319                  --
    Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities available for sale        3,456                  --
    Loss on sale of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity          (962)                  --
    Gain on sale of loans held for sale                                135,614             144,525
    Gain/(loss) on sale of other real estate owned                       (900)                 185
    Other operating income, net                                        507,903             223,747
                                                                       -------             -------
      TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME                                      1,271,831             866,083
                                                                     ---------             -------
Non-interest expense:
    Compensation and benefits                                        1,335,916           1,197,023
    Advertising                                                         44,646              54,970
    Occupancy and equipment                                            345,529             297,346
    FDIC deposit insurance premiums                                    119,372             110,823
    SAIF assessment                                                  1,330,517                  --
    Data processing services                                           191,359             215,272
    Other                                                              757,089             576,793
                                                                       -------             -------
     TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                                      4,124,428           2,452,227
                                                                     ---------           ---------
    Income before income taxes                                          64,162             977,153
Income taxes                                                            24,000             352,000
                                                                        ------             -------
    NET INCOME                                                         $40,162            $625,153
                                                                       =======            ========
Income and dividends per share:
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding                    1,511,180           1,528,801
                                                                     =========           =========
    Income per share                                                     $0.03               $0.41
                                                                         =====               =====
    Dividends per share                                                 $0.215             $0.1975
                                                                        ======             =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     SB-31
<PAGE>


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                           -------------------------------------
                                                                                               UNREALIZED
                                                           ADDITIONAL                         HOLDING GAINS
                                          COMMON            PAID-IN           RETAINED           (LOSSES),
                                           STOCK            CAPITAL           EARNINGS              NET               TOTAL
                                           -----            -------           --------              ---               -----
<S>                                     <C>                <C>              <C>                 <C>                <C> 
Balance at June 30, 1996                $1,462,182          8,765,053         22,065,712        (1,589,283)         30,703,664
Net Income                                      --                 --             40,162                 --             40,162
Dividends paid ($.215 per share)                --                 --          (315,337)                 --          (315,337)
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on
    securities available for sale               --                 --                 --            229,085            229,085
Exercise of stock options                   22,500            250,339                 --                 --            272,839
                                            ------            -------         ----------        -----------         ----------
Balance at September 30, 1996           $1,484,682          9,015,392         21,790,537        (1,360,198)         30,930,413
                                        ==========          =========         ==========        ===========         ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     SB-32
<PAGE>


SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                       SEPTEMBER 30
                                                                               -----------------------------

                                                                                   1996               1995
                                                                                   ----               ----
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net Income                                                                  $40,162            $625,153
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
        by operating activities:
            Provision for:
                Loan losses                                                      150,000              30,000
            Amortization of:
                Premiums and discounts on investment
                  securities, net - held to maturity                                  --               2,744
                Premiums and discounts on investment
                  securities, net - available for sale                             1,479                 506
                Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed
                  securities, net - available for sale                            35,266             (5,092)
                Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed
                  securities, net - held to maturity                              22,862               3,599
                Deferred loan origination fees                                  (14,376)            (22,139)
                Goodwill                                                          85,000              85,000
            Origination of loans held for sale                               (7,521,174)        (10,174,113)
            Proceeds from sales of loans                                       9,036,870           9,991,658
            Stock dividends reinvested in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle     (63,200)                  --
            Depreciation                                                         172,249             133,336
            (Gain)/loss on sale of:
                Loans held for sale                                            (135,614)           (144,525)
                Mortgage-backed securities available for sale                    (3,456)                  --
                Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity                          962                  --
                Investment securities available for sale                           (319)                  --
            Change in:
                Accrued interest receivable                                    (572,057)           (268,220)
                Cash surrender value of life insurance                          (29,017)            (18,332)
                Other assets                                                   (140,225)             (3,943)
                Income taxes payable                                            (88,215)             382,756
                Accrued interest payable                                          55,526             359,603
                Accrued expenses and other liabilities                         2,869,535           (224,727)
                                                                               ---------           ---------
                      Net cash provided by operating activities                3,902,258             753,264
                                                                               ---------             -------
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)
                                     SB-33
<PAGE>

SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                         SEPTEMBER 30
                                                                                 ------------------------------
                                                                                    1996                 1995
                                                                                    ----                 ----
<S>                                                                            <C>                   <C>
Cash flows from investing activities:
         Purchase of investment securities available for sale                            --          (5,003,125)
         Purchase of mortgage-backed securities available for sale              (4,918,750)         (16,178,859)
         Purchase of investment securities held to maturity                       (200,000)                   --
         Proceeds from the call of investment securities available for sale           7,118                   --
         Proceeds from the sale of mortgage-backed securities available for sale 10,014,063                   --
         Proceeds from the sale of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity      255,605                   --
         Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale       240,000               95,631
         Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held to maturity              --            4,999,930
         Principal payments on investment securities available for sale               3,831                   --
         Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities available for sale      2,216,260              539,374
         Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities held to maturity        1,375,251            3,510,988
         Origination of loans receivable                                       (38,007,891)         (16,700,000)
         Repayment of principal on loans receivable                              17,029,251           11,763,100
         Decrease in real estate held for investment                                  1,602                3,951
         Additions to premises and equipment                                       (46,806)            (612,555)
                                                                                   --------            ---------
             Net cash used in investing activities                             (12,030,466)         (17,581,565)
                                                                               ------------         ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
         Net increase in deposits                                                   116,332            3,122,098
         Net increase in securities sold under repurchase agreements                424,341                   --
         Net change in advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle            6,200,000           11,000,000
         Net increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance       69,518               54,028
         Cash dividends paid on common stock                                      (315,337)            (292,139)
         Exercise of stock options                                                  272,839                   --
                                                                                -----------           ----------
             Net cash provided by financing activities                            6,767,693           13,883,987
                                                                                -----------           ----------
             Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                          (1,360,515)          (2,944,314)
                                                                                -----------          -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                  9,789,678           10,188,922
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                       $8,429,163           $7,244,608
                                                                                 ==========           ==========
Cash paid for:
        Interest                                                                 $3,715,409           $3,446,799
        Income Taxes, net                                                                --                   --
                                                                                ===========           ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     SB-34
<PAGE>


                         SECURITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                   (Unaudited)

      1.  Basis  of  Presentation:
          ------------------------

      The accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements have been
      prepared in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles for
      interim financial  information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule
      10-01 of  Regulation  S-X.  Accordingly,  they do not  include  all of the
      information  and  footnotes  required  by  generally  accepted  accounting
      principles  for  complete   financial   statements.   In  the  opinion  of
      management,  adjustments  (consisting  of  normal  recurring  adjustments)
      considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating
      results for the three months ended  September 30, 1996 are not necessarily
      indicative of the results  anticipated  for the year ending June 30, 1997.
      For additional information, refer to the consolidated financial statements
      and footnotes thereto included in Security Bancorp's annual report on Form
      10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996.

      2.  Organizational  Structure:
          --------------------------

      The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
      Security  Bancorp (the Holding  Company) and its wholly owned  subsidiary,
      Security Bank, FSB (the Bank). The consolidated  financial statements also
      include S.F.S Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. All
      significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
      consolidation.  S.F.S.  Industries,  Inc.  provides full service brokerage
      services.

      3. Income Per Share:
         -----------------

      The income per common  share for the three month period  ending  September
      30,  1996 was $0.03,  based on the  weighted  average  number of shares of
      common stock and common stock equivalent  shares  outstanding.  Income per
      common  share for the three month  period  ending  September  30, 1995 was
      $0.41,  based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and
      common stock equivalent shares outstanding. Net income for the three month
      period ended September 30, 1996 included  non-recurring  expenses relating
      to the SAIF  special  premium  assessment  of  $1,330,517  and $198,128 in
      expenses  relating  to  the  proposed  merger  with  Westerfed   Financial
      Corporation.  After tax income for the three month period ending September
      30, 1996 would have been $1,003,208 had these  non-recurring  expenses not
      been  incurred.  This would have  resulted  in income per common  share of
      $0.66 as compared  with the $0.03  actually  reported.  Stock  options are
      outstanding,  under the  Security  Bancorp  1993  Stock  Option  and Stock
      Appreciation  Rights Plan, to purchase  87,700  shares of stock.  No stock
      options were granted  during the three month period  ending  September 30,
      1996.  Stock options totaling 22,500 shares were exercised during the same
      period.  Additionally,  500 stock  options  lapsed  during the three month
      period ended September 30, 1996. These stock options are considered common
      stock  equivalents  for  computation  of  the  income  per  share  in  the
      accompanying financial statements.

                                     SB-35

 <PAGE>

      4.  Dividends:
          ----------
      On August 26, 1996, the Board of Directors of Security  Bancorp declared a
      quarterly  cash dividend of $0.165 per share and a bonus dividend of $0.05
      per share,  paid on  September  30,  1996,  to  stockholders  of record on
      September  13, 1996.

      5.  Investment  Securities  and  Mortgage-Backed Securities  Available
          for Sale:
          ------------------------------------------------------------------
      The amortized cost,  unrealized  gains and losses,  and  approximate  fair
      values of  securities  available  for sale at  September  30,  1996 are as
      follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Gross        Gross
                                                  unrealized   unrealized    Estimated
                                         Cost        gains       losses     fair value
                                         ----        -----       ------     ----------
<S>                                  <C>               <C>        <C>         <C>  
Investment securities:
    U. S. Treasury securities            $299,809        --      (4,841)     294,968
    U. S. Agency securities            15,000,000        --    (152,938)  14,847,062
    Municipal bonds                     2,311,000    15,341    (132,326)   2,194,015
    Mutual funds                        2,780,540       883    (229,757)   2,551,666
                                        ---------    ------    ---------   ---------
                                      $20,391,349    16,224    (519,862)  19,887,711
                                      ===========    ======    =========  ==========
Mortgage-backed securities:
    Agency mortgage-backed
      securities                      $89,478,363   133,135  (1,788,541)  87,822,957
    Private Issue                       1,828,916        --     (13,466)   1,815,450
                                        ---------   -------     --------   ---------
                                      $91,307,279   133,135  (1,802,007)  89,638,407
                                      ===========   =======  ===========  ==========
</TABLE>

The amortized cost,  unrealized gains and losses, and approximate fair values of
securities available for sale at June 30, 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Gross        Gross
                                                  unrealized   unrealized    Estimated
                                         Cost        gains       losses     fair value
                                         ----        -----       ------     ----------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>       <C>        <C>
Investment securities:
    U. S. Treasury securities            $499,761       136      (6,335)     493,562
    U. S. Agency securities            15,000,000        --    (234,782)  14,765,218
    Municipal bonds                     2,351,000    66,096     (80,475)   2,336,621
    Mutual funds                        2,792,707       842    (243,606)   2,549,943
                                        ---------    ------    ---------   ---------
                                      $20,643,468    67,074    (565,198)  20,145,344
                                      ===========    ======    =========  ==========
Mortgage-backed securities:
    Agency mortgage-backed
      securities                      $96,808,239       91,843  (2,132,571)  94,767,511
    Private Issue                       1,828,948           --     (45,348)   1,783,600
                                        ---------           --     --------   ---------
                                      $98,637,187       91,843  (2,177,919)  96,551,111
                                      ===========       ======  ===========  ==========
</TABLE>

      Gross gains of $319 and no losses were  realized on the sale of investment
      securities  available for sale during the three months ended September 30,
      1996. Gross gains of $3,456 and no losses were realized on mortgage-backed
      securities available for sale during the same period. Gross losses of $962
      and no gains were realized on the sale of mortgage-backed  securities held
      to maturity  sold during the three month period ended  September 30, 1996.
      Such  sales  meet the  conditions  for  being  considered  maturities  for
      purposes of the  classification  of  securities  under the  provisions  of
      Statement  of  Financial   Accounting  Standards  No.  115  ("SFAS  115"),
      "Accounting  for Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities."

      6.   Regulatory  Capital:
           --------------------
      The Bank is required to meet three FIRREA-enacted  capital regulations:  a
      tangible  capital  requirement  (stockholders'  equity  adjusted  for  the
      effects  of  intangibles,   investments  and  advances  to   nonincludable
      subsidiaries  and other  factors)  equal to not less than 1.5% of tangible
      assets (as defined in the

                                     SB-36
<PAGE>


      regulations),  a core capital  requirement  (tangible capital adjusted for
      supervisory  goodwill and other defined factors) equal to not less than 3%
      of tangible assets, and a risk-based capital requirement equal to at least
      8.0% of all risk-weighted assets. For risk-weighting,  selected assets are
      given a risk  assignment  of 0% to 100%.  The Bank's  total  risk-weighted
      assets at September 30, 1996 were $199,017,400.

      The following  table  demonstrates as of September 30, 1996, the extent to
      which the Bank  exceeds  in  dollars  and in  percent,  the three  minimum
      capital requirements.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Excess of Actual
                                      Actual            Required        over Requirement
                                      ------            --------        ----------------
<S>                                <C>                 <C>                <C>
Tangible Capital:
    $ amount                        $26,796,456         $5,684,172         $21,112,284
    % of tangible assets                  7.07%                1.5%               5.57%
Core Capital:
    $ amount                        $26,796,456        $11,368,343         $15,428,113
    % of adjusted tangible assets         7.07%                3.0%               4.07%
Risk-Based Capital:
    $ amount                       $28,078,016         $15,921,392         $12,156,624
    % of risk-weighted assets            14.11%                8.0%               6.11%
</TABLE>


      Generally  accepted  accounting  principles  (GAAP)  capital  differs from
      tangible,  core, and risk-based capital at September 30, 1996 and June 30,
      1996 as a result of the following:


                                                 September 30,    June 30,
                                                     1996           1996
                                                     ----           ----

Consolidated capital measured by GAAP             $30,930,413  $30,703,664
    Less Holding Company assets                       464,724      381,049
                                                      -------      -------
Bank capital measured by GAAP                      30,465,689   30,322,615
    Non-includable assets of subsidiary              (594,181)    (582,180)
    Goodwill                                       (4,292,500)  (4,377,500)
    Unrealized losses on certain available
        for sale securities                         1,217,448    1,443,069
                                                    ---------    ---------
Tangible and core capital                          26,796,456   26,806,004
    General valuation reserves                      1,281,560    1,180,866
                                                    ---------    ---------
Risk-based capital                                $28,078,016  $27,986,870
                                                  ===========  ===========


7. SAIF Special  Assessment:
   -------------------------

      The thrift  deposits of the Bank are  insured by the  Savings  Association
      Insurance  Fund  (SAIF),  one of two  funds  administered  by the  Federal
      Deposit Insurance  Corporation (FDIC). The Bank currently pays premiums of
      approximately 0.23% of thrift deposits. The Deposit Insurance Funds Act of
      1996  ("Funds  Act") was enacted in  September,  1996.  The purpose of the
      Funds Act was to impose a special  assessment of 0.657% of SAIF-assessable
      deposits  as of March 31,  1995 in order to  recapitalize  the  SAIF.  The
      special  assessment  resulted  in  an  additional   after-tax  expense  of
      approximately  $838,000 or $0.55 per common share during the quarter ended
      September 30, 1996.

      8. Recent Accounting Statements:
         -----------------------------

      In May 1995,  the FASB  issued  SFAS No.  122,  "Accounting  for  Mortgage
      Servicing Rights." SFAS No.

                                     SB-37
<PAGE>


      122 generally requires that mortgage banking  enterprises,  which includes
      the Bank,  recognize as a separate asset rights to service  mortgage loans
      for  others,  regardless  of how  those  servicing  rights  are  acquired.
      Additionally,  SFAS No. 122 requires that capitalized  mortgage  servicing
      rights be assessed for impairment  based on the fair value of the mortgage
      servicing  rights.  The  provisions  of SFAS  No.  122  are to be  applied
      prospectively  in fiscal years  beginning  after  December  31,  1995,  to
      transactions  in which the Bank sells or  securitizes  mortgage loans with
      servicing  rights  retained and to impairment  evaluations  of all amounts
      capitalized as mortgage servicing rights, including those purchased before
      the adoption of this  statement.  The Bank adopted the  provisions of SFAS
      No. 122 on July 1, 1996,  and adoption  did not have a material  effect on
      the Bank's  consolidated  financial position or results of operations.

      On September 30, 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting  for the
      Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets and for Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed
      of."  SFAS No.  121  provides  that  long-lived  assets  and  identifiable
      intangibles   should  be  reviewed  for  impairment   whenever  events  or
      circumstances  provide  evidence that suggests the carrying  amount of the
      asset may not be  recoverable.  The  determination  of whether an asset is
      impaired is based on undiscounted  cash flows.  An impairment,  if any, is
      measured  based on the fair value of the asset,  if readily  determinable.
      Otherwise  impairment  would be measured based on the present value of the
      expected future net cash flows  calculated  using either a market interest
      rate or the entity's incremental borrowing rate. SFAS No. 121 is effective
      for financial  statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December
      15, 1995, although earlier application is encouraged. The Bank adopted the
      provisions  of SFAS No.  121 on July 1, 1996 and  adoption  did not have a
      material effect on the financial  position or results of operations of the
      Bank.

      In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
      Compensation."  SFAS No.  123  defines  a "fair  value  based  method"  of
      accounting  for an employee  stock  option  whereby  compensation  cost is
      measured  at the  grant  date  based  on the  value  of the  award  and is
      recognized  over the service  period.  The FASB encourages all entities to
      adopt the fair value  based  method,  however,  it will allow  entities to
      continue  the use of the  "intrinsic  value based  method"  prescribed  by
      previous   pronouncements.   Under  the  intrinsic   value  based  method,
      compensation  cost is the excess of the  market  price of the stock at the
      grant date over the  amount an  employee  must pay to  acquire  the stock.
      However,  most stock  option  plans have no  intrinsic  value at the grant
      date,  and, as such, no  compensation  cost is recognized  under  previous
      pronouncements.  Entities  electing  to  continue  use of  the  accounting
      treatment   of  previous   announcements   must  make  certain  pro  forma
      disclosures  as if the fair value based method had been applied.  SFAS No.
      123  is  effective  for  financial  statements  issued  for  fiscal  years
      beginning after December 31, 1995. The Bank adopted the provisions of SFAS
      No. 123 on July 1, 1996.  Management's  current  intention is to not adopt
      the fair value based method of accounting.

      9.  Proposed  Merger:
          -----------------

      On September 24, 1996,  Security Bancorp signed a definitive  agreement to
      merge with and into WesterFed Financial Corporation (Westerfed). The total
      purchase  price  is  approximately  $44.0  million,   subject  to  certain
      adjustments. Completion of the merger, which will be treated as a purchase
      for accounting purposes, is subject to various approvals by regulators and
      shareholders  of both  companies,  as well as the  satisfaction of certain
      other conditions.


      Under the terms of the agreement,  Security Bancorp shareholders may elect
      to receive for each share of Security  Bancorp common stock $30 in cash, a
      number of shares of Westerfed  common stock or a  combination  of cash and
      stock,  provided the total consideration to Security Bancorp  shareholders
      consists of between 40-45% stock and 55-60% cash.  Subject to satisfaction
      of the various conditions,  closing of the merger is scheduled to occur on
      or before March 31, 1997.

                                     SB-38

<PAGE>
                                                               Appendix I

================================================================================



                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                     BETWEEN

                         WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION

                                       AND

                                SECURITY BANCORP

                         DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 24, 1996



================================================================================

<PAGE>
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
ARTICLE I ..........................................................................................    8

   SECTION 1.01 EFFECTS OF THE MERGER ..............................................................    8

   SECTION 1.02 CONVERSION OF STOCK ................................................................    9

   SECTION 1.03 CONVERSION ELECTION PROCEDURES .....................................................    9

   SECTION 1.04 TIME AND PLACE OF CLOSING ..........................................................   12

   SECTION 1.05 EXCHANGE OF SECURITY COMMON STOCK ..................................................   13

   SECTION 1.06 MERGER OF SECURITY BANK, FSB .......................................................   14

ARTICLE II .........................................................................................   15

   SECTION 2.01 ORGANIZATION .......................................................................   15

   SECTION 2.02 AUTHORIZATION ......................................................................   15

   SECTION 2.03 CONFLICTS ..........................................................................   15

   SECTION 2.04 ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS INAPPLICABLE ..............................................   16

   SECTION 2.05 CAPITALIZATION .....................................................................   16

   SECTION 2.06 WESTERFED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; MATERIAL CHANGES ...................................   16

   SECTION 2.07 WESTERFED SUBSIDIARIES .............................................................   17

   SECTION 2.08 WESTERFED FILINGS ..................................................................   18

   SECTION 2.09 WESTERFED REPORTS ..................................................................   18

   SECTION 2.10 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS ...............................................................   19

   SECTION 2.11 DISCLOSURE .........................................................................   19

   SECTION 2.12 LITIGATION .........................................................................   19

   SECTION 2.13 LICENSES ...........................................................................   20

   SECTION 2.14 TAXES ..............................................................................   20
</TABLE>


                                       i

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
   SECTION 2.15 INSURANCE ..........................................................................   21

   SECTION 2.16 LOANS; INVESTMENTS .................................................................   21

   SECTION 2.17 ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES .................................................   22

   SECTION 2.18 WESTERFED BENEFIT PLANS ............................................................   23

   SECTION 2.19 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS .................................................   24

   SECTION 2.20 SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS ............................................................   25

   SECTION 2.21 DEFAULTS ...........................................................................   26

   SECTION 2.22 OPERATIONS SINCE JUNE 30, 1996 .....................................................   26

   SECTION 2.23 CORPORATE RECORDS ..................................................................   26

   SECTION 2.24 UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES ............................................................   26

   SECTION 2.25 ASSETS .............................................................................   27

   SECTION 2.26 INDEMNIFICATION ....................................................................   27

   SECTION 2.27 INSIDER INTERESTS ..................................................................   27

ARTICLE III ........................................................................................   28

   SECTION 3.01 ORGANIZATION .......................................................................   28

   SECTION 3.02 AUTHORIZATION ......................................................................   28

   SECTION 3.03 CONFLICTS ..........................................................................   28

   SECTION 3.04 ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS INAPPLICABLE ..............................................   29

   SECTION 3.05 CAPITALIZATION AND STOCKHOLDERS ....................................................   29

   SECTION 3.06 SECURITY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; MATERIAL CHANGES ....................................   30

   SECTION 3.07 SECURITY SUBSIDIARIES ..............................................................   30

   SECTION 3.08 SECURITY FILINGS ...................................................................   31

   SECTION 3.09 SECURITY REPORTS ...................................................................   31

   SECTION 3.10 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS ...............................................................   31
</TABLE>


                                       ii

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
   SECTION 3.11 DISCLOSURE .........................................................................   32

   SECTION 3.12 LITIGATION .........................................................................   32

   SECTION 3.13 LICENSES ...........................................................................   33

   SECTION 3.14 TAXES ..............................................................................   33

   SECTION 3.15 INSURANCE ..........................................................................   34

   SECTION 3.16 LOANS; INVESTMENTS .................................................................   34

   SECTION 3.17 ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES .................................................   35

   SECTION 3.18 SECURITY BENEFIT PLANS .............................................................   36

   SECTION 3.19 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS .................................................   38

   SECTION 3.20 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS ..........................................................   39

   SECTION 3.21 DEFAULTS ...........................................................................   42

   SECTION 3.22 OPERATIONS SINCE JUNE 30, 1996 .....................................................   42

   SECTION 3.23 CORPORATE RECORDS ..................................................................   44

   SECTION 3.24 UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES ............................................................   44

   SECTION 3.25 ASSETS .............................................................................   44

   SECTION 3.26 INDEMNIFICATION ....................................................................   45

   SECTION 3.27 INSIDER INTERESTS ..................................................................   45

ARTICLE IV .........................................................................................   46

   SECTION 4.01 BUSINESS IN ORDINARY COURSE ........................................................   46

   SECTION 4.02 CONFORMING ACCOUNTING AND RESERVE POLICIES; RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES .................   49

   SECTION 4.03 CERTAIN ACTIONS ....................................................................   50

ARTICLE V ..........................................................................................   51

   SECTION 5.01 INSPECTION OF RECORDS; CONFIDENTIALITY .............................................   50

   SECTION 5.02 REGISTRATION STATEMENT; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL .......................................   51
</TABLE>


                                      iii

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
   SECTION 5.03 AFFILIATE LETTERS ..................................................................   52

   SECTION 5.04 BROKERS ............................................................................   52

   SECTION 5.05 COOPERATION ........................................................................   52

   SECTION 5.06 REGULATORY APPLICATIONS ............................................................   52

   SECTION 5.07 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS ...................................................   53

   SECTION 5.08 NOTICE .............................................................................   53

   SECTION 5.09 PRESS RELEASE ......................................................................   53

   SECTION 5.10 DELIVERY OF SUPPLEMENTS TO DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES ....................................   53

   SECTION 5.11 LITIGATION MATTERS .................................................................   54

   SECTION 5.12 NOTICE OF MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ..................................................   54

   SECTION 5.13 OPTIONS; EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS; BENEFITS AND RELATED MATTERS .......................   54

   SECTION 5.14 EXTENT OF KNOWLEDGE ................................................................   55

   SECTION 5.15 TAX TREATMENT ......................................................................   56

   SECTION 5.16 STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING .............................................................   56

   SECTION 5.17 DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INDEMNIFICATION INSURANCE .................................   56

ARTICLE VI .........................................................................................   56

   SECTION 6.01 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF WESTERFED .........................................   56

   SECTION 6.02 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SECURITY ..........................................   57

   SECTION 6.03 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES .......................................   58

ARTICLE VII ........................................................................................   59

   SECTION 7.01 TERMINATION ........................................................................   59

   SECTION 7.02 LIABILITIES AND REMEDIES ...........................................................   60

   SECTION 7.03 SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENTS .............................................................   61

   SECTION 7.04 AMENDMENT ..........................................................................   61
</TABLE>


                                       iv

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
   SECTION 7.05 WAIVER .............................................................................   61

ARTICLE VIII .......................................................................................   62

   SECTION 8.01 SURVIVAL ...........................................................................   62

   SECTION 8.02 NOTICES ............................................................................   62

   SECTION 8.03 APPLICABLE LAW .....................................................................   63

   SECTION 8.04 HEADINGS, ETC ......................................................................   63

   SECTION 8.05 SEVERABILITY .......................................................................   63

   SECTION 8.06 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; BINDING EFFECT; NON-ASSIGNMENT; COUNTERPARTS .....................   63
</TABLE>



                                       v

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                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

         This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the "Agreement") being made and
entered into as of the 24th day of September 1996, by and between WesterFed
Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("WesterFed"), and Security
Bancorp, a Montana corporation ("Security").

                                WITNESSETH THAT:

         WHEREAS, WesterFed and Security are registered savings and loan holding
companies under the Home Owner's Loan Act, as amended ("HOLA");

         WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of WesterFed and Security deem it
advisable and in the best interests of the stockholders of WesterFed and
Security that WesterFed and Security become affiliated by causing Security to be
merged with and into, and under the charter of, WesterFed in accordance with the
applicable corporation law of the States of Delaware and Montana ("Corporate
Law") with WesterFed deemed to be the continuing and surviving entity (the
"Merger"), pursuant to which the stockholders of Security (other than holders of
Excluded Shares (as defined in Section 1.02(b)) and Dissenting Shares (as
defined in Section 1.03(i))) will receive shares of common stock, $.01 par value
per share, of WesterFed ("WesterFed Common Stock") or cash, or a combination of
both as provided herein, in exchange for their shares of common stock, $1.00 par
value per share, of Security ("Security Common Stock"); and

         WHEREAS, WesterFed and Security desire to make certain representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Merger and also
desire to set forth various conditions precedent to the Merger.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

                                   DEFINITIONS

         (A) DEFINITIONS. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the
following meanings:

         "Acquisition Transaction" means any of the following: (i) a merger or
consolidation, or any similar transaction (other than the Merger) of any company
with either Security or any Security Subsidiary; (ii) a purchase, lease or other
acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of either Security or any
Security Subsidiary; (iii) a purchase or other acquisition of "beneficial
ownership" by any "person" or "group" (as such terms are defined in Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act) (including by way of merger,
consolidation, share exchange, or otherwise) which would cause such person or
group to become the beneficial owner of securities representing more than 24.9%
of the voting power of either Security or any Security Subsidiary, but excluding
the acquisition of beneficial ownership by any employee benefit plan maintained
or sponsored by Security; (iv) a tender or exchange offer to acquire securities
representing 19.9% or 


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<PAGE>
more of the voting power of Security; (v) a public proxy or consent solicitation
made to stockholders of Security seeking proxies in opposition to any proposal
relating to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (vi) the
filing of an application or notice with the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, the
OTS, or any other federal or state regulatory authority (which application has
been accepted for processing) seeking approval to engage in one or more of the
transactions referenced in clauses (i) through (iv) above; or (vii) the making
of a bona fide offer to the Board of Directors of Security by written
communication, that is or becomes the subject of public disclosure, to engage in
one or more of the transactions referenced in clauses (i) through (v) above.

         "Additional Stock Election Shares" has the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 1.03(e)(i)(B).

         "Aggrieved Party" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
7.02(a).

         "Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory
paragraph of this Agreement.

         "Average WesterFed Stock Price" means the average (rounded down to the
nearest whole cent) of the closing per-share price of WesterFed Common Stock on
the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations system
("Nasdaq") for the twenty (20) consecutive trading days commencing on and
including the thirtieth trading day immediately prior to the date of Closing.

         "Bank Merger" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.06.

         "Bank Plan of Merger" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.06.

         "Breaching Party" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
7.02(a).

         "Cash Distribution" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.02(b)(i).

         "Cash Election Shares" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
1.03(b).

         "Certificates" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.05(a).

         "Certification" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.03(a).

         "Change in Control Benefit" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.18(a).

         "Closing" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.04(a).

         "Closing Date" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.04(a).

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         "Continuing Employees" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
5.13(d).


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<PAGE>
         "Corporate Law" has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals
to this Agreement.

         "Derivative Securities" means interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option
agreements, and other interest rate management arrangements and other
instruments generally known as "derivatives", "structures notes", "high risk
mortgage derivatives", "capped floating rate notes", or "capped floating rate
mortgage derivatives".

         "Dissenting Shares" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.03(i).

         "Effective Time" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.01(c).

         "Election Deadline" means the date of the Security Stockholders'
Meeting.

         "Election Form" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.03(a).

         "Environmental Laws" means all laws (civil or common), ordinances,
rules, regulations, guidelines, and orders that: (a) regulate air, water, soil,
and solid waste management, including the generation, release, containment,
storage, handling, transportation, disposition, or management of any Hazardous
Substance; (b) regulate or prescribe requirements for air, water, or soil
quality; (c) are intended to protect public health or the environment; or (d)
establish liability for the investigation, removal, or cleanup of, or damage
caused by, any Hazardous Substance.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Acts of 1974, as
amended.

         "Exchange Agent" means a bank or trust company or affiliate thereof
selected by WesterFed and reasonably acceptable to Security to effect the
exchange of the Certificates for the Merger Consideration.

         "Exchange Ratio" means $30.00 divided by the Average WesterFed Stock
Price, except that (a) if the Average WesterFed Stock Price is equal to or less
than $13.05, then the Exchange Ratio shall be 2.2989, (b) if the Average
WesterFed Stock Price is equal to or more than $15.95 but not greater than
$17.50, then the Exchange Ratio shall be 1.8809, (c) if the Average WesterFed
Stock Price exceeds $17.50 and no Triggering Event has occured, then the
Exchange Ratio shall be determined by dividing $32.91 by the Average WesterFed
Stock Price, and (d) if the Average WesterFed Stock Price exceeds $17.50 and a
Triggering Event has occured, then the Exchange Ratio shall be 1.88. The
calculation of the Exchange Ratio shall be rounded to two decimal places.

         "Excluded Shares" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.02(b).

         "FDIC" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

         "FHLB" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(b)(vi).


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<PAGE>
         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles.

         "Hazardous Substance" has the meaning set forth in Section 9601 of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, 42
U.S.C.A., Section 9601 et seq., and also includes any substance now or hereafter
regulated by or subject to any Environmental Laws and any other pollutant,
contaminant, or waste, including petroleum, asbestos, fiberglass, radon, and
polychlorinated biphenyls.

         "HOLA" means the Home Owner's Loan Act, as amended.

         "Liabilities" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.24.

         "Material Adverse Effect" with respect to an entity means any
condition, event, change or occurrence that has or may reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise),
properties, assets, business, deposit liabilities, operations or results of
operations, of such entity on a consolidated basis, it being understood that a
Material Adverse Effect shall not include: (i) a change with respect to, or
effect on, such entity and its Subsidiaries resulting from a change in law,
rule, regulation, GAAP or regulatory accounting principles, as such would apply
to the financial statements of such entity on a consolidated basis (ii) a change
with respect to, or effect on, such entity and its Subsidiaries resulting from
expenses (such as legal, accounting and investment bankers' fees) incurred in
connection with this Agreement; (iii) a change with respect to, or effect on,
such entity and its Subsidiaries resulting from any other matter affecting
depository institutions generally including changes in general economic
conditions and changes in prevailing interest and deposit rates; (iv) any
one-time special insurance premium assessed by the FDIC on deposits insured by
the SAIF; or (v) in the case of Security, any financial change resulting from
adjustments taken pursuant to Section 4.02 hereof.

         "Maximum Stock Consideration Shares" means the number of shares of
WesterFed Common Stock with a market value (calculated at the Average WesterFed
Stock Price) equal to 45% of the aggregate Merger Consideration.

         "Merger" has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals to this
Agreement.

         "Merger Consideration" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
1.02(b).

         "Minimum Stock Consideration Shares" means the number of shares of
WesterFed Common Stock with a market value (calculated at the Average WesterFed
Stock Price) equal to 40% of the aggregate Merger Consideration.

         "Mortgaged Premises" has the meanings assigned to such term in Section 
2.19(c) and Section 3.19(c), as applicable.

         "NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers.


                                       4

<PAGE>
         "No Election Shares" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.03(c).

         "OTS" means the Office of Thrift Supervision.

         "Participating Facility" has the meanings assigned to such term in
Section 2.19(c) and Section 3.19(c), as applicable.

         "PBGC" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.18(e).

         "Proxy Statement" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
2.03.

         "Registration Statement" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 2.03.

         "REO" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.16(a).

         "SAIF" means the FDIC's Savings Association Insurance Fund.

         "SEC" means the Securities & Exchange Commission.

         "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "Securities Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

         "Security" means Security Bancorp, a Montana corporation.

         "Security Bank" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
3.07(c).

         "Security Benefit Plans" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.18(a).

         "Security Common Stock" has the meaning assigned to such term in the
recitals to this Agreement.

         "Security Disclosure Schedule" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.03.

         "Security Financial Statements" has the meaning assigned to such term
in Section 3.06.

         "Security Permitted Lien" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.22(c).

         "Security Premises" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
3.19(b).

         "Security Qualified Plans" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.18(b).

         "Security Stock Options" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.05(b).

         "Security Stock Option Plan" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.05(b).


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<PAGE>
         "Security Stockholders' Meeting" has the meaning assigned to such term
in Section 2.03.

         "Security Subsidiary" means each corporation, savings bank,
association, and other entity in which Security owns or controls directly or
indirectly 10% or more of the outstanding equity securities; provided, however,
there shall not be included any such entity acquired in good faith through
foreclosure, or any such entity to the extent that the equity securities of such
entity are owned or controlled in a bona fide fiduciary capacity.

         "Stock Distribution" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
1.02(b)(ii).

         "Stock Election Shares" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 1.03(b).

         "Stockholders' Meetings" means the WesterFed Stockholders' Meeting and
the Security Stockholders' Meeting.

         "Subsidiaries" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.02.

         "Surviving Corporation" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 1.01(a).

         "Tax" and "Taxes" include any federal, state, local or foreign income,
leasing, franchise, excise, gross receipts, sales, use, occupational,
employment, real property, ad valorem, tangible and intangible personal property
and state taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, levies, duties, imposts, business,
operations or financial condition assessments, fees, charges and withholdings of
any nature whatsoever, together with any related penalties, fines, additions to
tax and interest thereon.

         "Triggering Event" means any of the following: (i) a merger or
consolidation, or any similar transaction (other than the Merger) of any company
with either WesterFed or Western; (ii) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of
all or substantially all the assets of either WesterFed or Western; (iii) a
purchase or other acquisition of "beneficial ownership" by any "person" or
"group" (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities
Exchange Act) (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange, or
otherwise) which would cause such person or group to become the beneficial owner
of securities representing more than 24.9% of the voting power of either
WesterFed or Western, but excluding the acquisition of beneficial ownership by
any employee benefit plan maintained or sponsored by WesterFed; (iv) a tender or
exchange offer to acquire securities representing 19.9% or more of the voting
power of WesterFed; (v) the filing of an application or notice with the Federal
Reserve Board, the OCC, the OTS, or any other federal or state regulatory
authority (which application has been accepted for processing) seeking approval
to engage in one or more of the transactions referenced in clauses (i) through
(iv) above; or (vi) the making of a bona fide offer to the Board of Directors of
WesterFed by written communication, that is or becomes the subject of public
disclosure, to engage in one or more of the transactions referenced in clauses
(i) through (v) above.

         "WesterFed" means WesterFed Financial Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.


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<PAGE>
         "WesterFed Benefit Plans" means all compensation, consulting,
employment, termination or collective bargaining, stock option, stock purchase,
stock appreciation right, management recognition plan, life, health, accident or
other insurance, bonus, deferred or incentive compensation, severance or
separation agreements or any other agreements providing any payment or benefit
resulting from a change in control, profit-sharing, retirement, or other
employee benefit plan, practice, policy or arrangement of any kind, oral or
written, covering employees, former employees, directors or former directors of
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary or their respective beneficiaries,
including any employee benefit plans within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA
which WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary maintains, to which WesterFed or any
WesterFed Subsidiary contributes, or under which any employee, former employee,
director or former director of WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary is covered
or has benefit rights and pursuant to which any liability of WesterFed or any
WesterFed Subsidiary exists or is reasonably likely to occur, provided that the
term "Plan or "Plans" is used in this Agreement for convenience only and does
not constitute an acknowledgment that a particular arrangement is an employee
benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA.

         "WesterFed Common Stock" has the meaning assigned to such in the
recitals to this Agreement.

         "WesterFed Disclosure Schedule" has the meaning assigned to such term
in Section 2.03.

         "WesterFed Financial Statements" has the meaning assigned to such term
in Section 2.06.

         "WesterFed Option Plans" means the employee and director stock option
plans described in Section 2.18 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule.

         "WesterFed Premises" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
2.19(b).

         "WesterFed Qualified Plans" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 2.18(b).

         "WesterFed Stockholders' Meeting" has the meaning assigned to such term
in Section 2.03.

         "WesterFed Subsidiary" means each corporation, financial institution
and other entity in which WesterFed own or controls directly or indirectly 10%
or more of the outstanding equity securities, excluding (i) any such entity
acquired in good faith through foreclosure, and (ii) any such entity to the
extent that the equity securities of such entity are owned or controlled in a
bona fide fiduciary capacity.

         "Western" means Western Federal Savings Bank of Montana.

         (B) GENERAL INTERPRETATION. Except as otherwise expressly provided in
this Agreement or unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the terms
defined in this Agreement include the plural as well as the singular; the words
"hereof," "herein", "hereunder", "in this Agreement" and other words of similar
import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article,
Section or other subdivision; references in this Agreement to Articles,
Sections , Schedules, and Exhibits refer to Articles and Sections of and
Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement; and 


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pronouns used in this Agreement include the masculine, feminine and neuter
gender. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, whenever the words
"include", "includes", or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation". All accounting terms
used in this Agreement that are not expressly defined in this Agreement have the
respective meanings given to them in accordance with GAAP.

                                   ARTICLE I.

                                   THE MERGER

         SECTION 1.01 EFFECTS OF THE MERGER.

                  (a) SURVIVING CORPORATION. Subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, Security shall be merged with and into, and under the charter
of, WesterFed at the Effective Time in accordance with the Corporate Law with
WesterFed being the continuing and surviving corporation (sometimes referred to
hereinafter as the "Surviving Corporation"), and the separate existence of
Security shall cease.

                  (b) ADDITIONAL ACTIONS. If, at any time after the Effective
Time, WesterFed shall consider or be advised that any further deeds, assignments
or assurances or any other acts are necessary or desirable to (a) vest, perfect
or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation its right,
title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of
Security or (b) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement, Security and
each of its officers and directors, shall be deemed to have granted to the
Surviving Corporation an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver
all such deeds, assignments or assurances and to do all acts necessary or
desirable to vest, perfect or confirm title and possession to such rights,
properties or assets in the Surviving Corporation and otherwise to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, and the officers and directors of the Surviving
Corporation are authorized in the name of Security or otherwise to take any and
all such action.

                  (c) EFFECTIVE TIME. The Merger shall become effective when the
Certificate [Articles] of Merger shall be accepted for filing by the Secretaries
of State of the States of Delaware and Montana (the "Effective Time"). On the
Closing Date, the parties shall execute, acknowledge and file, in accordance
with the Corporate Law, the Certificate [Articles] of Merger.

                  (d) RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES. The Surviving Corporation shall be
called "WesterFed Financial Corporation", and shall possess all of the
properties, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises and rights of a public as
well as a private nature and be subject to all of the liabilities, restrictions
and duties of WesterFed and Security and be governed by the laws of the State of
Delaware.

                  (e) CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. The Certificate of
Incorporation of WesterFed shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation until amended in accordance with the provisions thereof
and the applicable Corporate Law.


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<PAGE>
                  (f) BYLAWS. The Bylaws of WesterFed in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation
until altered, amended or repealed as provided therein, or in the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation or the applicable Corporate Law.

                  (g) DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The directors of the Surviving
Corporation shall be the persons who were directors immediately prior to the
Effective Time as well as two current directors of Security selected by
WesterFed after consulting with the Board of Directors of Security. The officers
of the Surviving Corporation shall be the persons who were officers of WesterFed
immediately prior to the Effective Time as well as one current officer of
Security selected by WesterFed after consulting with the Board of Directors of
Security.

         SECTION 1.02 CONVERSION OF STOCK. At the Effective Time, by virtue of
the Merger and without any action on the part of WesterFed or Security:

                  (a) Each share of WesterFed Common Stock that is issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding.

                  (b) Subject to Section 1.03 hereof, the shares of Security
Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall cease to be outstanding and shall be converted into either

                           (i) the right to receive an amount in cash equal to
                  $30.00 per share (the "Cash Distribution"), or

                           (ii) the right to receive a number of shares of
                  WesterFed Common Stock equal to the product of the Exchange
                  Ratio multiplied by the number of shares of Security Common
                  Stock to be converted ("Stock Distribution"),

in such proportions as the holder thereof shall elect or be deemed to have
elected as provided in Section 1.03 of this Agreement (the aggregate of the Cash
Distributions and the Stock Distributions payable or issuable pursuant to the
Merger is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Merger Consideration");
provided, however, that any shares of Security Common Stock held by Security or
any of its "Subsidiaries" (as defined in Rule 1.02 of Regulation S-X promulgated
by the SEC), or by WesterFed or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case other than
in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted, shall be
cancelled and shall not be exchanged for the Merger Consideration ("Excluded
Shares").

         SECTION 1.03 CONVERSION ELECTION PROCEDURES.

                  (a) Concurrently with the mailing of the Proxy Statement to
the stockholders of Security, WesterFed shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail
to each holder of record of Security Common Stock a form of election (an
"Election Form") on which such holder shall make the election as provided for in
Section 1.03(b) of this Agreement. Each Election Form provided to a holder of
Security Common Stock shall incorporate a certificate substantially in the form
of Exhibit A hereto (the "Certification"). WesterFed shall cause an Election
Form and other appropriate materials for purposes of making the election
provided for in Section 1.03(b) of 


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<PAGE>
this Agreement to be sent to each holder of Security Common Stock who Security
advised WesterFed has become a holder after the record date of the Security
Stockholders' Meeting.

                  (b) Each Election Form shall specify the type and amount of
Merger Consideration receivable for each share of Security Common Stock and
shall permit a holder to elect to receive, as provided in Section 1.02 of this
Agreement, (i) the Cash Distribution for all of his shares (in which case, such
holder's shares shall be deemed to be and shall be referred to herein as "Cash
Election Shares"), (ii) the Stock Distribution for all of his shares (in which
case, such holder's shares shall be deemed to be and shall be referred to herein
as "Stock Election Shares"), or (iii) the Cash Distribution for those shares
designated by the holder as Cash Election Shares and the Stock Distribution for
the holder's remaining shares.

                  (c) Any shares of Security Common Stock with respect to which
the holder thereof shall not, as of the Election Deadline, have made an election
to receive either the Cash Distribution or the Stock Distribution (such holder's
shares being deemed to be and shall be referred to herein as "No Election
Shares") by submission to the Exchange Agent of an effective, properly completed
Election Form shall be deemed to be Cash Election Shares, except as otherwise
set forth in Section 1.03(e). Any holder of 1% or more of the Security Common
Stock (determined as of the Closing Date) that shall not, on or before the
Election Deadline, have delivered to the Exchange Agent a properly executed
Certification (or such other representations as Silver, Friedman & Taff, L.L.P.,
in its sole discretion, shall deem acceptable) shall be deemed to have made a
timely election to receive the Cash Distribution, and all shares of Security
Common Stock held by such holder shall be deemed to be Cash Election Shares for
all purposes of this Agreement, including this Section 1.03. (The parties
acknowledge that the foregoing sentence will preclude a holder that acquires
additional shares of Security Common Stock and becomes a holder of 1% or more of
such shares after the Election Deadline from receiving the Stock Distribution.)

                  (d) Any election for purposes of Section 1.03(b) of this
Agreement shall be effective only if the Exchange Agent shall have received a
properly completed Election Form by the Election Deadline. Any Election Form may
be revoked or changed by the person submitting such Election Form or any other
person to whom the subject shares are subsequently transferred by written notice
by such person to the Exchange Agent at or prior to the Election Deadline. All
Election Forms shall be deemed to be revoked if the Exchange Agent is notified
in writing by either WesterFed or Security that this Agreement has been
terminated in accordance with its terms. The Exchange Agent shall have
reasonable discretion to determine when any election, modification or revocation
is received and whether any such election, modification or revocation is
effective, consistent with the duty of the Exchange Agent to give effect to such
elections, modifications or revocations to the maximum extent possible.

                  (e) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, WesterFed
shall cause the Exchange Agent to allocate among the holders of Security Common
Stock the rights to receive the Cash Distribution or the Stock Distribution
pursuant to the Merger as follows:


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<PAGE>
                  (i) if the number of shares of WesterFed Common Stock
distributable in respect of the Stock Election Shares is less than the number of
the Minimum Stock Consideration Shares, then

                           (A) First, all Stock Election Shares will be
                  converted into the right to receive the Stock Distribution;

                           (B) Second, the Exchange Agent shall convert all No
                  Election Shares to Stock Election Shares ("Additional Stock
                  Election Shares") and exchange the same for the Stock
                  Distribution, provided that the aggregate number of Stock
                  Election Shares (including Additional Stock Election Shares)
                  is equal or approximately equal to the number of Maximum Stock
                  Consideration Shares; in the event that conversion of all No
                  Election Shares to Additional Stock Election Shares would
                  cause the aggregate number of Stock Election Shares (including
                  Additional Stock Election Shares) to exceed the number of
                  Maximum Stock Consideration Shares, the number of No Election
                  Shares converted to Additional Stock Election Shares and
                  exchanged for the Stock Distribution shall be reduced so that
                  the aggregate number of Stock Election Shares (including
                  Additional Stock Election Shares) equals or approximately
                  equals the number of Maximum Stock Consideration Shares, with
                  the aggregate Additional Stock Election Shares created upon
                  the conversion of No Election Shares being allocated pro rata
                  to each holder of No Election Shares in the proportion that
                  the total No Election Shares of such holder bear to the total
                  number of No Election Shares of all holders;

                           (C) Third, in the event that conversion of all No
                  Election Shares to Additional Stock Election Shares pursuant
                  to clause (B) of this Section 1.03(e)(i) would cause the
                  aggregate number of Stock Election Shares (including
                  Additional Stock Election Shares) to be less than the number
                  of Minimum Stock Consideration Shares, the Exchange Agent (in
                  addition to converting all No Election Shares) shall convert a
                  number of Cash Election Shares (excluding shares tendered by
                  holders of less than 100 shares) to Stock Election Shares and
                  exchange the same for the Stock Distribution such that the
                  aggregate number of Stock Election Shares (including
                  Additional Stock Election Shares) shall equal or be
                  approximately equal to the number of Minimum Stock
                  Consideration Shares, with the aggregate Stock Election Shares
                  that are to be created upon the conversion of Cash Election
                  Shares being allocated pro rata to each holder of Cash
                  Election Shares in the proportion that the total Cash Election
                  Shares of such holder bear to the total number of Cash
                  Election Shares of all holders (excluding each holder of less
                  than 100 shares); and

                           (D) Fourth, after the allocations set forth in
                  clauses (A) through (C) of this Section 1.03(e)(i) have been
                  made, all remaining shares of Security Common Stock (other
                  than Dissenting Shares) shall be converted into the Cash
                  Distribution.


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<PAGE>
                  (ii) if the number of shares of WesterFed Common Stock
         distributable in respect of the Stock Election Shares is greater than
         the number of Maximum Stock Consideration Shares, then:

                           (A) all Cash Election Shares (including No Election
                  Shares) will be converted into the right to receive the Cash
                  Distribution;

                           (B) the Exchange Agent will reallocate the Merger
                  Consideration payable to each holder of Stock Election Shares
                  pro rata (based upon the number of Stock Election Shares owned
                  by such holder, as compared with the total number of Stock
                  Election Shares owned by all holders) such that the holders of
                  the Stock Election Shares will receive, as Stock
                  Distributions, the number of shares of WesterFed Common Stock
                  which in the aggregate will be equal or approximately equal to
                  the Maximum Stock Consideration Shares and will receive the
                  balance of the Merger Consideration due to them in cash as
                  Cash Distributions.

                  (f) The pro rata computations to be used by the Exchange Agent
pursuant to this Section 1.03(e) shall be made by the Exchange Agent, in the
reasonable exercise of its discretion.

                  (g) For purposes of this Section , Dissenting Shares shall be
deemed to be Cash Election Shares.

                  (h) ACTIONS AFFECTING WESTERFED COMMON STOCK. If, prior to the
Effective Time, shares of WesterFed Common Stock shall be changed into a
different number of shares or a different class of shares by reason of any
reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or
readjustment, or there occurs a distribution of warrants or rights with respect
to WesterFed Common Stock, or a stock dividend, stock split or other general
distribution of WesterFed Common Stock is declared with a record date prior to
the Effective Time, then in any such event the Exchange Ratio shall be
appropriately adjusted.

                  (i) DISSENTING SHARES. Any shares of Security Common Stock
held by a holder who dissents from the Merger in accordance with the Corporate
Law and becomes entitled to obtain payment for the fair value of such shares of
Security Common Stock pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Corporate Law
shall be herein called "Dissenting Shares." Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Agreement, any Dissenting Shares shall not, after the Effective Time, be
entitled to vote for any purpose or receive any dividends or other distributions
and shall be entitled only to such rights as are afforded in respect of
Dissenting Shares pursuant to the Corporate Law. All payments in respect of
Dissenting Shares shall be from funds of WesterFed and not from the acquired
assets of Security.

         SECTION 1.04 TIME AND PLACE OF CLOSING.

                  (a) CLOSING; CLOSING DATE. The closing of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") will be held on a date mutually
agreed upon by WesterFed and Security (the "Closing Date"). In the absence of
such agreement, the Closing shall be held on the 


                                       12

<PAGE>
tenth business day after the last to occur of: (i) the receipt of all consents
and approvals of government regulatory authorities as legally required to
consummate the Merger and the Bank Merger and the expiration of all applicable
statutory waiting periods; and (ii) the requisite approval of the Merger by the
stockholders of Security and WesterFed.

                  (b) CLOSING LOCATION.The closing shall take place at the
offices of WesterFed or such other place as WesterFed and Security may mutually
agree prior to the Closing Date.

         SECTION 1.05 EXCHANGE OF SECURITY COMMON STOCK.

                  (a) EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. As soon as practicable after the
Effective Time, the Exchange Agent, who shall be appointed by WesterFed, shall
mail to each holder of record of a certificate or certificates (other than
certificates representing Dissenting Shares and Excluded Shares) which as of the
Effective Time represented outstanding shares of Security Common Stock (the
"Certificates"): (i) a form letter of transmittal which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall
pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates (or a lost certificate affidavit
and bond in a form reasonably acceptable to the Exchange Agent); and (ii)
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange
for the Merger Consideration. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation
to the Exchange Agent (or a lost certificate affidavit and bond in a form
reasonably acceptable to the Exchange Agent), together with such letter of
transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to
receive within ten business days or as soon thereafter as is practicable, the
Merger Consideration, without any interest thereon and subject to any required
withholding of Taxes, into which the shares of Security Common Stock represented
by the Certificate so surrendered shall have been converted pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement, and the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith
be delivered to the Surviving Corporation for cancellation. If the Merger
Consideration is to be paid to a person or entity other than the holder in whose
name the Certificate is registered as of the Election Deadline, it shall be a
condition of such payment that the Certificate so surrendered shall be properly
endorsed (or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of transfer) and otherwise
in proper form for transfer, and that the person or entity requesting such
exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent, in advance, any applicable transfer or
other Taxes.

                  (b) DELIVERY OF MERGER CONSIDERATION TO EXCHANGE AGENT. At the
Effective Time, WesterFed shall deliver to the Exchange Agent the aggregate
Merger Consideration to be paid for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Security Common Stock other than Dissenting Shares and Excluded Shares. On an
as-required basis, WesterFed shall promptly and timely tender to the Exchange
Agent additional cash funds required for the payment of cash in lieu of
fractional shares. The Merger Consideration remaining in the hands of the Escrow
Agent for non-surrendered Certificates shall be returned to WesterFed at the
expiration of six months from the Effective Time.

                  (c) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. In the case of the Security
Common Stock to be exchanged for the Stock Distribution, until the applicable
holder surrenders for exchange his/her Certificates, no dividends or other
distributions payable to holders of record of WesterFed 


                                       13

<PAGE>
Common Stock shall be paid thereon; however, upon the surrender of any such
Certificate there shall be paid to the holder, without interest, the full amount
of such dividends or distributions.

                  (d) FULL PAYMENT. All shares of WesterFed Common Stock issued
to satisfy Stock Distributions in exchange for Security Common Stock shall be
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and shall not be liable to any
further call, nor shall the holder thereof be liable for any further payments
with respect thereto.

                  (e) FRACTIONAL SHARES. No certificates or scrip representing
fractional shares of WesterFed Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender
for exchange of Certificates, no dividend or distribution of the Surviving
Corporation shall relate to any fractional share, and such fractional share
interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a
stockholder of the Surviving Corporation. In lieu of any fractional share, the
Exchange Agent or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, shall pay to
each holder of shares of Security Common Stock who otherwise would be entitled
to receive a fractional share of WesterFed Common Stock an amount of cash
(without interest) equal to the product achieved when such fraction is
multiplied by $30.00 rounded to the nearest cent.

                  (f) CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS. At the close of business on the
Election Deadline, the transfer books for Security Common Stock shall be closed,
and no transfer of shares shall thereafter be made on such books. If, after the
Election Deadline, Certificates are presented for transfer to the Exchange
Agent, they shall be held until the Effective Time and cancelled and exchanged
for the Merger Consideration as provided in Section 1.03 subject to the
procedures set forth in Section 1.05(a); provided however, such Certificates
shall be promptly returned if the Closing shall not occur for any reason.

                  (g) LIST OF SECURITY STOCKHOLDERS. At the Effective Time,
Security shall deliver a certified copy of a list of its stockholders to the
Exchange Agent. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates representing shares
of Security Common Stock are presented to Security or WesterFed, they shall be
canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article I.

         SECTION 1.06 MERGER OF SECURITY BANK, FSB. WesterFed and Security
understand that it is the intention of WesterFed to have Security Bank merge
with and into Western (the "Bank Merger") at the Effective Time pursuant to a
plan of merger (the "Bank Plan of Merger") in substantially the form attached
hereto as Exhibit B. Security shall, and it shall cause Security Bank to, take
all such actions as are reasonably requested by WesterFed so that the Bank
Merger shall, at WesterFed's election, become effective at the Effective Time.


                                       14

<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE II

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WESTERFED

         WesterFed represents and warrants to Security that:

         SECTION 2.01 ORGANIZATION.

                  (a) WesterFed is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has
all requisite power and authority, corporate and otherwise, to own, operate and
lease its assets, properties and business and to carry on its business
substantially as it has been and is now being conducted. WesterFed is duly
qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the
character of the assets or properties owned or leased by it or the nature of the
business transacted by it requires that it be so qualified, except where the
failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect on WesterFed or
its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. WesterFed has
all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and,
subject to the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals and the expiration
of applicable waiting periods, and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. WesterFed is duly registered as a savings and loan holding company under
the HOLA.

         SECTION 2.02 AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly approved and authorized by WesterFed's Board of Directors, and no
other corporate action on the part of WesterFed is required to be taken, except
the approval of this Agreement and the Merger by its stockholders by the
requisite vote required by its Certificate of Incorporation and the Corporate
Law. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by WesterFed and
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of WesterFed and is enforceable
against WesterFed in accordance with its terms (except to the extent that
enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles and
doctrines).

         SECTION 2.03 CONFLICTS. Subject to the second sentence of this Section 
2.03, the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with or
result in any violation, breach or termination of, or default or loss of a
material benefit under, or permit the acceleration of any obligation under, or
result in the creation of any material lien, charge or encumbrance on any of the
property or assets under, any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws of WesterFed or similar documents of any WesterFed Subsidiary or any
mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement or other instrument, permit, concession,
grant, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance,
rule or regulation applicable to WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary or their
respective properties, other than any such conflicts, violations or defaults
which (i) will be cured or waived prior to the Effective Time, (ii) are not
material to the conduct of business or operations of WesterFed or any WesterFed
Subsidiary, or (iii) are disclosed in Section 2.03 of that certain confidential
writing delivered by WesterFed to Security within two business days prior to the
date hereof (the "WesterFed Disclosure Schedule"). No consent, approval, order
or 


                                       15

<PAGE>
authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any federal or
state governmental authority is required by or with respect to WesterFed in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation
by WesterFed of the transactions contemplated hereby except for: (a) the filing
of all applicable regulatory applications by WesterFed, Security and/or their
respective Subsidiaries for approval of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement; (b) the filing by WesterFed of the registration statement relating to
the WesterFed Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement (the
"Registration Statement") with the SEC and various blue sky authorities, which
Registration Statement shall include the prospectus/proxy statement (the "Proxy
Statement") for use in connection with the meetings of stockholders to be held
by WesterFed (the "WesterFed Stockholders' Meeting") and Security (the "Security
Stockholders' Meeting") to vote on this Agreement and the Merger; (c) the filing
of the Certificate [Articles] of Merger with respect to the Merger with the
Secretaries of State of the States of Delaware and Montana; (d) the filing of
Articles of Combination with the OTS with respect to the Bank Merger; (e) any
filings, approvals or no-action letters with or from state securities
authorities; and (f) any anti-trust filings, consents, waivers or approvals.

         SECTION 2.04 ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS INAPPLICABLE. No "business
combination," "moratorium," "control share" or other state anti-takeover statute
or regulation (i) prohibits or restricts WesterFed's ability to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or its ability to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, (ii) would have the effect of invalidating or voiding this
Agreement or any provision hereof, or (iii) would subject Security to any
material impediment or condition in connection with the exercise of any of its
rights under this Agreement.

         SECTION 2.05 CAPITALIZATION.

                  (a) The authorized capital stock of WesterFed consists of (i)
10,000,000 shares of WesterFed Common Stock of which, as of the date hereof,
4,395,108 shares were issued and outstanding, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, of which none are issued and
outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of WesterFed Common Stock
have been, and all of the shares of WesterFed Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger will be, at the Effective Time, duly and validly authorized and issued,
and are or will be as of the Effective Time, as the case may be, fully paid and
non-assessable. None of the outstanding shares of WesterFed Common Stock has
been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of the current or past
stockholders of WesterFed or are subject to any preemptive rights of the current
or past stockholders of Security, and none of the outstanding shares of
WesterFed Common Stock is or will be entitled to any preemptive rights in
respect of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

                  (b) As of the date hereof, WesterFed does not have outstanding
any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for WesterFed Common
Stock or any commitments, contracts, understandings or arrangements by which
WesterFed is or may be bound to issue additional shares of WesterFed Common
Stock, except pursuant to WesterFed Option Plans.

         SECTION 2.06 WESTERFED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; MATERIAL CHANGES.
WesterFed has heretofore delivered to Security its audited consolidated
financial statements for the fiscal years 


                                       16

<PAGE>
ended June 30, 1994, 1995, and 1996 (together, the "WesterFed Financial
Statements"). The WesterFed Financial Statements (a) are true and correct in all
material respects, (b) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the
notes thereto), and (c) fairly present the consolidated financial position of
WesterFed as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of its
operations, stockholders' equity, cash flows and changes in financial position
for the periods then ended. Since June 30, 1996, WesterFed and the WesterFed
Subsidiaries have not undergone or suffered any changes in their respective
condition (financial or otherwise), properties, business or operations which
have been, in any case or in the aggregate, materially adverse to WesterFed on a
consolidated basis except as disclosed in Section 2.06 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule. No facts or circumstances have been discovered from which
it reasonably appears that there is a significant risk and reasonable
probability that WesterFed will suffer or experience a Material Adverse Effect.

         SECTION 2.07 WESTERFED SUBSIDIARIES.

                  (a) All of the WesterFed Subsidiaries as of the date of this
Agreement are listed in Section 2.07 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule.
WesterFed owns directly or indirectly all of the issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of the WesterFed Subsidiaries. Section 2.07 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule sets forth the number of shares of authorized and
outstanding capital stock of the WesterFed Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in
Section 2.07 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, neither WesterFed nor the
WesterFed Subsidiaries owns directly or indirectly any debt or equity securities
or other proprietary interest in any other corporation, joint venture,
partnership, entity, association or other business. No capital stock of any of
the WesterFed Subsidiaries is, or may become required to be, issued (other than
to WesterFed) by reason of any options, warrants, scrip, right to subscribe to,
calls, or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or
rights convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of the capital stock of any
WesterFed Subsidiary. All of the shares of capital stock of each WesterFed
Subsidiary held by WesterFed or a WesterFed Subsidiary are fully paid and
non-assessable and are owned free and clear of any claim, lien or encumbrance,
except as disclosed in Section 2.07 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule.

                  (b) Each WesterFed Subsidiary is either a federally-chartered
stock savings bank or a corporation and is duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated
or organized, and is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in each
jurisdiction where the character of the assets or properties owned or leased by
it or the nature of the business transacted by it requires it to be so
qualified, except where the failure to so qualify, either individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on WesterFed or the ability
of WesterFed to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. Each WesterFed
Subsidiary has the corporate power and authority necessary for it to own,
operate or lease its assets, properties and business and to carry on its
business as it has been and is now being conducted.

                  (c) Western is a member in good standing of the Federal Home
Loan Bank System. All eligible deposit accounts issued by Western are insured by
the FDIC through the SAIF to the full extent permitted under applicable law.
Western is, and at all times since June 1, 


                                       17

<PAGE>
1990 has been, a "domestic building and loan association" as defined in Section 
7701(a)(19) of the Code and a "qualified thrift lender" as defined in Section 
10(m) of HOLA. The liquidation account established by Western in connection with
its conversion from mutual to stock form has been maintained since its
establishment in accordance with applicable laws and the records with respect to
said account are complete and accurate in all material respects.

         SECTION 2.08 WESTERFED FILINGS. WesterFed has previously made
available, or will make available prior to the Effective Time, to Security true,
correct and complete copies of its (i) proxy statements relating to all meetings
of its stockholders (whether special or annual) during calendar years 1994, 1995
and 1996, and (ii) all other reports, as amended, or filings, as amended,
required to be filed under the Securities Exchange Act by WesterFed with the SEC
since January 1, 1994, including reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.

         SECTION 2.09 WESTERFED REPORTS. Since January 1, 1994, each of
WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries has filed, and will continue to file,
all reports and statements, together with any amendment required to be made with
respect thereto, that it was, or will be required to file with the SEC, the OTS,
the FDIC, the NASD and other applicable banking, securities and other regulatory
authorities (except filings which are not material). As of their respective
dates (and without giving effect to any amendments or modifications filed after
the date of this Agreement with respect to reports and documents filed before
the date of this Agreement), each of such reports and documents, including the
financial statements, exhibits, and schedules thereto, complied in all material
respects with all of the statutes, rules and regulations enforced or promulgated
by the authority with which they were filed and did not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. Except for normal examinations conducted
by the Internal Revenue Service, state and local taxing authorities, the OTS or
the FDIC in the regular course of the business of WesterFed or the WesterFed
Subsidiaries, no federal, state or local governmental agency, commission or
other entity has initiated any proceeding or, to the best knowledge of
WesterFed, investigation into the business or operations of WesterFed or the
WesterFed Subsidiaries within the past three (3) years except as set forth in
Section 2.09 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule. There is no unresolved
violation, criticism or exception by the SEC, OTS, FDIC or other agency,
commission or entity with respect to any report or statement referred to herein
that is material to WesterFed on a consolidated basis.


                                       18

<PAGE>
         SECTION 2.10 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

                  (a) Except as disclosed in Section 2.10 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule, the businesses of WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries
are not being conducted in violation of any law, ordinance or regulation of any
governmental entity, including any laws affecting financial institutions
(including those pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act, the investment of funds,
the lending of money, the collection of interest and the extension of credit),
federal and state securities laws, laws and regulations relating to financial
statements and reports, truth-in-lending, truth-in-savings, usury, fair credit
reporting, consumer protection, occupational safety, fair employment practices,
fair labor standards and laws and regulations relating to employee benefits, and
any statutes or ordinances relating to the properties occupied or used by
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary, except for possible violations which
either singly or in the aggregate do not and, insofar as reasonably can be
foreseen in the future, will not have a Material Adverse Effect on WesterFed.

                  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 2.10 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule, no investigation or review by any governmental entity with
respect to WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary is pending or, to the best
knowledge of WesterFed, threatened, nor has any governmental entity indicated to
WesterFed an intention to conduct the same, other than normal thrift regulatory
examinations and those the outcome of which will not have a Material Adverse
Effect on WesterFed.

                  (c) WesterFed and each of the WesterFed Subsidiaries, where
applicable, are in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the
Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
As of the date of this Agreement, WesterFed has not been advised of the
existence of any fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances which, if
true, would cause WesterFed or any of the WesterFed Subsidiaries to fail to be
in substantial compliance with such provisions. No WesterFed Subsidiary that is
a financial institution has received a rating from an applicable regulatory
authority which is less than "satisfactory."

         SECTION 2.11 DISCLOSURE. None of the information supplied by WesterFed
for inclusion in the Proxy Statement or in the Registration Statement, will, in
the case of the Proxy Statement or any amendments thereof or supplements
thereto, at the time of the Stockholders' Meetings or, in the case of the
Registration Statement, at the time it becomes effective and at the Effective
Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Registration
Statement will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of
the Securities Act.

         SECTION 2.12 LITIGATION. Except as disclosed in Section 2.12 of the
WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, there is no suit, action, investigation or
proceeding, legal, quasi-judicial, administrative or otherwise, pending or, to
the best knowledge of WesterFed, threatened, against or affecting WesterFed or
any WesterFed Subsidiary, or any of their respective officers, directors,
employees or agents, in their capacities as such, which involves a monetary
demand in excess of $25,000 or requests equitable relief in the form of specific
performance or an injunction, or 


                                       19

<PAGE>
which would materially affect the ability of WesterFed to consummate the
transactions contemplated herein or which is seeking to enjoin consummation of
the transactions provided for herein or to obtain other relief in connection
with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, nor is there any
judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any court, governmental
department, commission agency, instrumentality or arbitrator outstanding against
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary or any of their respective officers,
directors, employees or agents, in their capacities as such, having, or which,
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen in the future, would have any material
effect on WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary.

         SECTION 2.13 LICENSES. WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries hold
all licenses, certificates, permits, franchises and all patents, trademarks,
service marks, trade names, copyrights or rights thereto, and required
authorizations, approvals, consents, licenses, clearances and orders or
registrations with all appropriate federal, state or other authorities, that are
material to the conduct of their respective businesses as now conducted and as
presently proposed to be conducted.

         SECTION 2.14 TAXES.

                  (a) Except as disclosed in Section 2.14 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule, WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries have each timely
filed all Tax and information returns required to be filed and have paid (or
WesterFed has paid on behalf of its Subsidiaries), or have accrued on their
respective books and set up an adequate reserve for the payment of, all Taxes
reflected on such returns as required to be paid in respect of the periods
covered by such returns and have accrued on their respective books and set up an
adequate reserve for the payment of all income and other Taxes anticipated to be
payable in respect of periods through the end of the calendar month next
preceding the date hereof. Neither WesterFed nor any WesterFed Subsidiary is
delinquent in the payment of any Tax, assessment or governmental charge. No
deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed against
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary that have not been resolved or settled,
and no requests for waivers of the time to assess any such Tax are pending or
have been agreed to. The income tax returns of WesterFed and the WesterFed
Subsidiaries have not been audited by the Internal Revenue Service since June
1989 and have not been audited by any state, municipal or other taxing authority
since June 1990. Neither WesterFed nor any WesterFed Subsidiary is a party to
any action or proceeding by any governmental authority for the assessment or the
collection of Taxes. Deferred Taxes of WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries
have been accounted for in accordance with GAAP.

                  (b) WesterFed has not filed any consolidated federal income
tax return with an "affiliated group" within the meaning of Section 1504 of the
Code, where WesterFed was not the common parent of the group. Neither WesterFed
nor any WesterFed Subsidiary is or has been a party to any Tax allocation
agreement or arrangement pursuant to which it has any contingent or outstanding
liability to anyone other than WesterFed or a WesterFed Subsidiary.

                  (c) WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries have each
withheld amounts from its employees, stockholders or holders of public deposit
accounts in compliance with the Tax withholding provisions of applicable
federal, state 


                                       20

<PAGE>
and local laws, have filed all federal, state and local returns and reports for
all periods for which such returns or reports would be due with respect to
income tax withholding, social security, unemployment taxes, income and other
Taxes and all payments or deposits with respect to such Taxes have been timely
made and, except as set forth in Section 2.14 of the WesterFed Disclosure
Schedule, have notified all employees, stockholders, and holders of public
deposit accounts of their obligations to file all forms, statements and reports
with it in accordance with applicable federal, state and local Tax laws and have
taken reasonable steps to insure that such employees, stockholders and holders
of public deposit accounts have filed all such forms, statements and reports
with it.

         SECTION 2.15 INSURANCE. WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries
maintain insurance with insurers which in the best judgment of management of
WesterFed are sound and reputable, on their respective assets, and upon their
respective businesses and operations, against loss or damage, risks, hazards and
liabilities as in their judgment they deem appropriate. WesterFed and the
WesterFed Subsidiaries maintain in effect all insurance required to be carried
by law or by any agreement by which they are bound. All material claims under
all policies of insurance maintained by WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries
have been filed in due and timely fashion.

         SECTION 2.16 LOANS; INVESTMENTS.

         (a) Except as otherwise disclosed in Section 2.16 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule, each material loan reflected as an asset on the WesterFed
Financial Statements as of June 30, 1996 is evidenced by appropriate and
sufficient documentation and constitutes, to the best knowledge of WesterFed,
the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named in such
documentation, enforceable in accordance with its terms except to the extent
that the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles or doctrines.
Except as set forth in Section 2.16 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, all
such loans are, and at the Effective Time will be, free and clear of any
security interest, lien, encumbrance or other charge. Except as set forth in
Section 2.16 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, there is no loan or other
asset of WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary in excess of $250,000 that has
been classified by examiners, management, the Board of Directors, or others as
"Other Loans Especially Mentioned," "Substandard," "Doubtful" or "Loss" as of
August 31, 1996. Set forth in Section 2.16 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule
is a list of all real estate owned through the exercise of creditors rights or
deed in lieu thereof ("REO") by, and in-substance foreclosures of, WesterFed and
the WesterFed Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1996.

                  (b) All guarantees of indebtedness owed to WesterFed or any
WesterFed Subsidiary, including those of the Federal Housing Administration, the
Small Business Administration, and other state and federal agencies, are, to the
best knowledge of WesterFed, valid and enforceable, except to the extent
enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles or doctrines
and except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on WesterFed.

                  (c) Section 2.16 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule sets
forth an accurate and complete list of all Derivative Securities to which
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary is 


                                       21

<PAGE>
a party or by which any of their properties or assets may be bound, or that are
owned by WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary. Neither WesterFed nor any
WesterFed Subsidiary has purchased any Derivative Security for, or invested in
any Derivative Security any assets of, any account or person for which it acts
as a trustee, fiduciary, or investment advisor. All Derivative Securities to
which WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their
properties or assets may be bound were entered into in the ordinary course of
business and, to the best knowledge of WesterFed, in accordance with applicable
rules, regulations and policies of thrift regulatory authorities and with
counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time, and are
legal, valid and binding obligations and are in full force and effect. WesterFed
and the WesterFed Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all
of their respective obligations thereunder to the extent that such obligations
to perform have accrued, and to the best knowledge of WesterFed, there are no
material breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such
by any party thereunder. None of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
would permit a counterparty under any Derivative Security, or any party to any
mortgage-backed security financing arrangement, to accelerate, discontinue,
terminate, or otherwise modify any such Derivative Security or arrangement or
would require WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary to recognize any gain or
loss with respect to such Derivative Security or arrangement.

                  (d) Except as set forth in Section 2.16 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule and except for pledges to secure public and trust deposits,
none of the investments reflected in the WesterFed Financial Statements as of
June 30, 1996 under the heading "Investment Securities," and none of the
investments made by WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries since June 30,
1996, is subject to any restriction, whether contractual or statutory, which
materially impairs the ability of WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary to
freely dispose of such investment at any time. With respect to all material
repurchase agreements to which WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary is a party,
WesterFed or such WesterFed Subsidiary has a valid, perfected first lien, or
security interest in the government securities or other collateral securing each
such repurchase agreement, and the value of the collateral securing each such
repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the amount of the debt secured by such
collateral under such agreement.

                  (e) All United States Treasury securities, obligations of
other United States Government agencies and corporations, obligations of any
States of the United States and their political subdivisions, and other
investment securities classified as "held to maturity" and "available for sale"
held by WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries, as reflected in the WesterFed
Financial Statements as of June 30, 1996, were classified and accounted for in
accordance with F.A.S.B. 115 and the intentions of management.

         SECTION 2.17 ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES. The allowance for
possible loan losses shown on the WesterFed Financial Statements as of June 30,
1996, (and as shown on any financial statements to be delivered by WesterFed to
Security pursuant to Section 5.07 hereof), to the best knowledge of WesterFed,
as of such date was (and will be as of such subsequent financial statement
dates) adequate in all respects to provide for possible or specific losses, net
of recoveries relating to loans previously charged off, on loans outstanding,
and contained (or will contain) an additional amount of unallocated reserves for
unanticipated future losses at a level 


                                       22

<PAGE>
considered adequate under the standards applied by applicable federal regulatory
authorities and based upon GAAP applicable to thrift institutions. To the best
knowledge of WesterFed, the aggregate principal amount of loans contained (or to
be contained) in the loan portfolio of WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries
as of the date of this Agreement (and as of the dates of any financial
statements to be delivered by WesterFed to Security pursuant to Section 5.07
hereof) in excess of such reserve was (and will be) fully collectible.

         SECTION 2.18 WESTERFED BENEFIT PLANS.

                  (a) No WesterFed Benefit Plan is a multi-employer plan within
the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA.

                  (b) Each of the WesterFed Benefit Plans that is intended to be
a pension, profit sharing, stock bonus, thrift, savings or employee stock
ownership plan that is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code ("WesterFed
Qualified Plans") has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to qualify
under Section 401(a) of the Code, or an application for determination of such
qualification has been timely made to the Internal Revenue Service prior to the
end of the applicable remedial amendment period under Section 401(b) of the
Code, and, to the best of WesterFed's knowledge, there exist no circumstances
likely to materially adversely affect the qualified status of any such WesterFed
Qualified Plan. All such WesterFed Qualified Plans established or maintained by
WesterFed or any of the WesterFed Subsidiaries or to which WesterFed or any of
the WesterFed Subsidiaries contribute are in compliance in all material respects
with all applicable requirements of ERISA, and are in compliance in all material
respects with all applicable requirements (including qualification and
non-discrimination requirements in effect as of the Effective Time) of the Code
for obtaining the Tax benefits the Code thereupon permits with respect to such
WesterFed Qualified Plans. All accrued contributions and other payments required
to be made by WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary to any WesterFed Benefit
Plan through June 30, 1996 have been made or reserves adequate for such purposes
as of such date have been set aside therefor and reflected in the WesterFed
Financial Statements as of June 30, 1996. Neither WesterFed nor any WesterFed
Subsidiary is in material default in performing any of its respective
contractual obligations under any of the WesterFed Benefit Plans or any related
trust agreement or insurance contract, and there are no material outstanding
liabilities of any such Plan other than liabilities for benefits to be paid to
participants in such Plan and their beneficiaries in accordance with the terms
of such Plan.

                  (c) Under each WesterFed Qualified Plan that is a defined
benefit plan, as of the last day of the most recent plan year, the actuarially
determined present value of all "benefit liabilities", within the meaning of
Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA (as determined on the basis of the actuarial
assumptions contained in the Plan's most recent actuarial valuation) did not
exceed the then current value of the assets of such Plan, and there has been no
material change in the financial condition of such Plan since the last day of
the most recent plan year.

                  (d) There is no pending or, to the best knowledge of
WesterFed, threatened litigation or pending claim (other than benefit claims
made in the ordinary course) by or on behalf of or against any of the WesterFed
Benefit Plans (or with respect to the administration of 


                                       23

<PAGE>
any of the such Plans) now or heretofore maintained by WesterFed or any
WesterFed Subsidiary which allege violations of applicable state or federal law
which are reasonably likely to result in a liability on the part of WesterFed or
any WesterFed Subsidiary or any such Plan.

                  (e) WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries and all other
persons having fiduciary or other responsibilities or duties with respect to any
WesterFed Benefit Plan are and have since the inception of each such Plan been
in substantial compliance with, and each such Plan is and has been operated in
substantial accordance with, its provisions and in substantial compliance with
the applicable laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of
Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") and the Internal
Revenue Service under ERISA, the Code or any other applicable law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation is made with respect to
compliance by a third party insurance company. No "reportable event" (as defined
in Section 4043(b) of ERISA) has occurred with respect to any WesterFed
Qualified Plan. Neither WesterFed, any WesterFed Subsidiary nor any WesterFed
Benefit Plan has incurred or is reasonably likely to incur any liability for any
"prohibited transactions" (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975(c)
of the Code), or any material liability under Section 601 of ERISA or Section 
4980B of the Code.

                  (f) WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries have filed or
caused to be filed, and will continue to file or cause to be filed, in a timely
manner all filings pertaining to each WesterFed Benefit Plan with the Internal
Revenue Service, the PBGC, the Department of Labor, and as prescribed by the
Code or ERISA, or regulations issued thereunder. All such filings, as amended,
were complete and accurate in all material respects as of the dates of such
filings, and there were no misstatements or omissions in any such filing which
would be material to the financial condition of WesterFed on a consolidated
basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation is made with respect to
filings by a third party insurance company.

         SECTION 2.19 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.

                  (a) Except as set forth in Section 2.19 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule: (i) to the best knowledge of WesterFed, the operations of
WesterFed and each of the WesterFed Subsidiaries comply in all material respects
with all applicable past and present Environmental Laws; (ii) to the best
knowledge of WesterFed, none of the operations of WesterFed or any WesterFed
Subsidiary, no assets presently or formerly owned or leased by WesterFed or any
WesterFed Subsidiary and no Mortgaged Premises or a Participating Facility are
subject to any judicial or administrative proceedings alleging the violation of
any past or present Environmental Law, nor are they the subject of any claims
alleging damages to health or property, pursuant to which WesterFed, any
WesterFed Subsidiary or any owner of a Mortgaged Premises or a Participating
Facility would be liable in law or equity; (iii) none of the operations of
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary, no assets presently owned or, to the best
knowledge of WesterFed, formerly owned by WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary,
and, to the best knowledge of WesterFed, no Mortgaged Premises or Participating
Facility, is the subject of any federal, state or local investigation evaluating
whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a release or threatened
release of any Hazardous Substance, or any other substance into the environment,
nor has WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary, or, to the best knowledge of
WesterFed, any owner of a Mortgaged Premises or a Participating Facility, been
directed to conduct such investigation, 


                                       24

<PAGE>
formally or informally, by any governmental agency, nor has WesterFed or any
WesterFed Subsidiary, or, to the best knowledge of WesterFed, any owner of a
Mortgaged Premises or a Participating Facility, agreed with any governmental
agency or private person to conduct any such investigation; and (iv) neither
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary, nor, to the best knowledge of WesterFed,
any owner of a Mortgaged Premises or a Participating Facility has filed any
notice under any Environmental Law indicating past or present treatment, storage
or disposal of a hazardous or toxic waste or reporting a spill or release of a
Hazardous Substance, or any other substance into the environment.

                  (b) With respect to real property presently or formerly owned
(including REO) or currently leased by WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary
(the "WesterFed Premises"), to the best knowledge of WesterFed: (i) no part of
the WesterFed Premises has been used for the generation, manufacture, unlawful
handling, unlawful storage, or unlawful disposal of Hazardous Substances; (ii)
except as set forth in Section 2.19 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, the
WesterFed Premises do not contain any underground storage tank; and (iii) the
WesterFed Premises do not contain and are not contaminated by any quantity of a
Hazardous Substance from any source. With respect to any underground storage
tank listed in Section 2.19 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule as an exception
to the foregoing, to the best knowledge of WesterFed, such underground storage
tank located on a WesterFed Premises is being maintained in compliance with the
Environmental Laws, and has not been the source of any release of a Hazardous
Substance into the environment, unless otherwise set forth in Section 2.19 of
the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule.

                  (c) For purposes of this Section 2.19, "Mortgaged Premises"
shall mean each (i) real property interest (including any fee or leasehold
interest) which is encumbered or affected by any mortgage, deed of trust, deed
to secure debt or other similar document or instrument granting to WesterFed or
any WesterFed Subsidiary a lien on or security interest in such real property
interest, and (ii) any other real property interest upon which is situated
assets or other property affected or encumbered by any document or instrument
granting to WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary a lien thereon or security
interest therein. For purposes of this Section , "Participating Facility" means
any property in which WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary participates in the
management of such property and, where the context requires, includes the owner
or operator of such property.

         SECTION 2.20 SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS. Section 2.20 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule contains, and shall be supplemented by WesterFed, as
required by Section 5.10 hereof, so as to contain at the Closing Date, copies of
each of the following documents, certified by an officer of WesterFed to be true
and correct copies of such documents on the dates of such certificates.

                  (a) The Certificate of Incorporation, Charters and Bylaws and
specimen certificates of each type of security issued by WesterFed and each
WesterFed Subsidiary.

                  (b) All judgments, orders, injunctions, court decrees or
settlement agreements arising out of or relating to the labor and employment
practices or decisions of WesterFed or any 


                                       25

<PAGE>
WesterFed Subsidiary which, by their terms, continue to bind or affect WesterFed
or any WesterFed Subsidiary.

                  (c) All orders, decrees, memorandums, agreements or
understandings with regulatory agencies binding upon or affecting the current
operations of WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary or any of their directors or
officers in their capacities as such.

         SECTION 2.21 DEFAULTS. There has not been any default in any material
obligation to be performed by WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary under any
material contract or commitment, and neither WesterFed nor any WesterFed
Subsidiary has waived, and will not waive prior to the Effective Time, any
material right under any material contract or commitment. To the best knowledge
of WesterFed, no other party to any material contract or commitment is in
default in any material obligation to be performed by such party.

         SECTION 2.22 OPERATIONS SINCE JUNE 30, 1996. Between June 30, 1996 and
the date of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.22 of the WesterFed
Disclosure Schedule, there has not been:

                  (a) any payment of dividends by WesterFed or any other
distribution to its stockholders generally, other than the payment on August 20,
1996, of a dividend in the aggregate amount of $0.123 per share;

                  (b) any creation or assumption of indebtedness (including the
extension or renewal of any existing indebtedness, or the increase thereof) by
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary for borrowed money, or otherwise, other
than in the ordinary course of business, none of which (except those which are
being disputed in good faith) is in default;

                  (c) any change in WesterFed's independent auditors, historic
methods of accounting (other than as required by GAAP or regulatory accounting
principles), or in its system for maintaining its equipment and real estate; or

                  (d) any event or condition of any character (other than
changes in legal, economic or other conditions which are not specially or
uniquely applicable to WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary) materially
adversely affecting the business, assets, deposit liabilities, operations or
financial condition of WesterFed on a consolidated basis.

         SECTION 2.23 CORPORATE RECORDS. The corporate record books, transfer
books and stock ledgers of WesterFed and each WesterFed Subsidiary are complete
and accurate in all material respects and reflect all meetings, consents and
other material actions of the organizers, incorporators, stockholders, Boards of
Directors and committees of the Boards of Directors of WesterFed and each such
WesterFed Subsidiary, and all transactions in their respective capital stocks,
since their respective inceptions.

         SECTION 2.24 UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. All of the obligations or
liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise,
whether due or to become due, and regardless of when asserted) arising out of
transactions or events heretofore entered into, or any action or inaction,
including Taxes with respect to or based upon transactions or events


                                       26

<PAGE>
heretofore occurring, that are required to be reflected, disclosed or reserved
against in audited consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP
("Liabilities") have, in the case of WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries,
been so reflected, disclosed or reserved against in the audited consolidated
financial statements of WesterFed as of June 30, 1996 or in the notes thereto,
and WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries have no other Liabilities except
(a) Liabilities incurred since June 30, 1996 in the ordinary course of business,
or (b) as disclosed in Section 2.24 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule.

         SECTION 2.25 ASSETS.

                  (a) WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries have good, and
marketable title to their real properties, including leaseholds, and their other
assets and properties, all as reflected as owned or held by WesterFed in the
WesterFed Financial Statements dated as of June 30, 1996, and those acquired
since such date, except for (i) assets and properties disposed of since such
date in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) liens that, in the aggregate,
except as set forth in Section 2.25 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, are
not material to the assets of WesterFed on a consolidated basis. All buildings,
structures, fixtures and appurtenances comprising part of the real properties of
WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries (whether owned or leased) are in good
operating condition and have been well maintained, reasonable wear and tear
excepted. Title to all real property owned by WesterFed and the WesterFed
Subsidiaries is held in fee simple, except as otherwise noted in the WesterFed
Financial Statements dated as of June 30, 1996 or as set forth in Section 2.25
of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule. WesterFed and the WesterFed Subsidiaries
have title or other rights to its assets sufficient in all material respects for
the conduct of their respective businesses as presently conducted, and except as
set forth in the WesterFed Financial Statements dated as of June 30, 1996, or in
Section 2.25 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, free, clear and discharged of
and from any and all liens, charges, encumbrances, security interests and/or
equities which are material to WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary.

                  (b) All leases pursuant to which WesterFed or any WesterFed
Subsidiary, as lessee, leases real or personal property which are material to
the business of WesterFed on a consolidated basis are, to the best knowledge of
WesterFed, valid, effective, and enforceable against the lessor in accordance
with their respective terms. There is not under any of such leases any existing
default, or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default, with respect to WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary, or
to the best knowledge of WesterFed, the other party.

         SECTION 2.26 INDEMNIFICATION. To the best knowledge of WesterFed,
except as set forth in Section 2.26 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, no
action or failure to take action by any director, officer, employee or agent of
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary has occurred which would give rise to a
claim by any such person for indemnification from WesterFed or any WesterFed
Subsidiary under the corporate indemnification provisions of the charter,
bylaws, or Corporate Law applicable to such entity on the date of this
Agreement.

         SECTION 2.27 INSIDER INTERESTS. All outstanding loans and other
contractual arrangements (including deposit relationships) between WesterFed or
any WesterFed Subsidiary 


                                       27

<PAGE>
and any of its officers, directors or employees conform to applicable rules and
regulations and requirements of all applicable regulatory agencies which were in
effect when such loans and other contractual arrangements were entered into.
Except as set forth in Section 2.27 of the WesterFed Disclosure Schedule, no
officer, director or employee of WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary has any
material interest in any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible,
used in or pertaining to the business of WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary.

                                  ARTICLE III.

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SECURITY

         Security represents and warrants to WesterFed that:

         SECTION 3.01 ORGANIZATION. Security is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Montana and
has all requisite power and authority, corporate and otherwise, to own, operate
and lease its assets, properties and business and to carry on its business
substantially as it has been and is now being conducted. Security is duly
qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the
character of the assets or properties owned or leased by it or the nature of the
business transacted by it requires that it be so qualified, except where the
failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Security or
its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. Security has all
requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and,
subject to receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals and the expiration of
any applicable waiting periods, to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. Security is duly registered as a savings and loan holding company under
HOLA.

         SECTION 3.02 AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly approved and authorized by Security's Board of Directors, and no other
corporate action on the part of Security is required to be taken, except the
approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of Security by the
requisite vote required by its Articles of Incorporation and the Corporate Law.
This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Security and constitutes
the valid and binding obligation of Security and is enforceable against Security
in accordance with its terms (except to the extent that enforceability thereof
may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
or similar laws or equitable principles or doctrines).

         SECTION 3.03 CONFLICTS. Subject to the second sentence of this Section 
3.03, the execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with or
result in any violation, breach or termination of, or default or loss of a
material benefit under, or permit the acceleration of any obligation under, or
result in the creation of any material lien, charge or encumbrance on any
property or assets under, any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or
Bylaws of Security or similar documents of any Security Subsidiary, or any
mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement or other instrument, permit, concession,
grant, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance,
rule or regulation applicable to Security or any Security Subsidiary or their
respective properties, other 


                                       28

<PAGE>
than any such conflicts, violations or defaults which (i) will be cured or
waived prior to the Effective Time, (ii) are not material to the conduct of
business or operations of Security or any Security Subsidiary, or (iii) are
disclosed in Section 3.03 of that certain confidential writing delivered by
Security to WesterFed within two business days prior to the date hereof (the
"Security Disclosure Schedule"). No consent, approval, order or authorization
of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any federal or state
governmental authority is required by or with respect to Security in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation by
Security of the transactions contemplated hereby except for: (a) the filing of
all applicable regulatory applications by WesterFed, Security and/or their
respective Subsidiaries for approval of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, (b) the filing by WesterFed of the Registration Statement with the
SEC and various blue sky authorities, (c) the filing of the Certificate
[Articles] of Merger with respect to the Merger with the Secretaries of State of
the States of Delaware and Montana, (d) the filing of Articles of Combination
with the OTS with respect to the Bank Merger, (e) any filings, approvals or
no-action letters with or from state securities authorities, and (f) any
anti-trust filings, consents, waivers or approvals.

         SECTION 3.04 ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS INAPPLICABLE. No "business
combination," "moratorium," "control share" or other state anti-takeover statute
or regulation, (i) prohibits or restricts Security's ability to perform its
obligations under this Agreement, or its ability to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, (ii) would have the effect of invalidating or voiding this
Agreement or any provision hereof, or (iii) would subject WesterFed to any
material impediment or condition in connection with the exercise of any of its
rights under this Agreement.

         SECTION 3.05 CAPITALIZATION AND STOCKHOLDERS.

                  (a) The authorized capital stock of Security consists of (i)
10,000,000 shares of Security Common Stock, $1.00 par value, of which, as of the
date of this Agreement, 1,466,682 shares were issued and outstanding and no
shares were held as treasury, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$1.00 par value, of which none are issued and outstanding. All of the issued and
outstanding shares of Security Common Stock have been duly and validly
authorized and issued, and are fully paid and non-assessable. None of the
outstanding shares of Security Common Stock has been issued in violation of any
preemptive rights of current or past stockholders or are subject to any
preemptive rights of the current or past stockholders of Security. All of the
issued and outstanding shares of Security Common Stock will be entitled to vote
to approve this Agreement and the Merger.

                  (b) As of the date of this Agreement, Security has 146,000
shares of Security Common Stock reserved for issuance under Security's 1993
Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Security Stock Option
Plan") for the benefit of employees and directors of Security and Security Bank,
pursuant to which options covering 105,700 shares of Security Common Stock are
outstanding (the "Security Stock Options") with an average exercise price of
$14.00 per share. Except as set forth in this Section , there are no shares of
capital stock or other equity securities of Security outstanding and no
outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or
commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights
convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of the capital stock of Security,
or contracts, 


                                       29

<PAGE>
commitments, understandings, or arrangements by which Security is or may be
bound to issue additional shares of its capital stock or options, warrants, or
rights to purchase or acquire any additional shares of its capital stock.

         SECTION 3.06 SECURITY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; MATERIAL CHANGES. Security
has heretofore delivered to WesterFed its audited, consolidated financial
statements for fiscal years ended June 30, 1996, June 30, 1995, and June 30,
1994 (together the "Security Financial Statements"). The Security Financial
Statements (a) are true and correct in all material respects, (b) have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the
periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), and (c)
fairly present the consolidated financial position of Security as of the dates
thereof and the consolidated results of its operations, stockholders' equity,
cash flows and changes in financial position for the periods then ended. Since
June 30, 1996, Security and the Security Subsidiaries have not undergone or
suffered any changes in their respective condition (financial or otherwise),
properties, business or operations which have been, in any case or in the
aggregate, materially adverse to Security on a consolidated basis except as
disclosed in Section 3.06 of the Security Disclosure Schedule. No facts or
circumstances have been discovered from which it reasonably appears that there
is a significant risk and reasonable probability that Security will suffer or
experience a Material Adverse Effect.

         SECTION 3.07 SECURITY SUBSIDIARIES.

                  (a) All of the Security Subsidiaries as of the date of this
Agreement are listed in Section 3.07 of the Security Disclosure Schedule.
Security owns directly or indirectly all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Security Subsidiaries. Section 3.07 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule sets forth the number of shares of authorized and
outstanding capital stock of the Security Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in
Section 3.07 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, neither Security nor the
Security Subsidiaries own directly or indirectly any debt or equity securities,
or other proprietary interest in any other corporation, joint venture,
partnership, entity, association or other business. No capital stock of any of
the Security Subsidiaries is or may become required to be issued (other than to
Security) by reason of any options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to,
calls, or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or
rights convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of the capital stock of any
Security Subsidiary. There are no contracts, commitments, understandings or
arrangements relating to the rights of Security to vote or to dispose of shares
of the capital stock of any Security Subsidiary. All of the shares of capital
stock of each Security Subsidiary held by Security or any Security Subsidiary
are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned free and clear of any claim,
lien or encumbrance, except as disclosed in Section 3.07 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule.

                  (b) Each Security Subsidiary is either a federally-chartered
stock savings bank or a corporation and is duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated
or organized, and is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in each
jurisdiction where the character of the assets or properties owned or leased by
it or the nature of the business transacted by it requires it to be so
qualified, except where the failure to so qualify, either individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material 


                                       30

<PAGE>
Adverse Effect on Security or its ability to consummate the transactions
contemplated herein. Each Security Subsidiary has the corporate power and
authority necessary for it to own, operate or lease its assets, properties and
business and to carry on its business substantially as it has been and is now
being conducted.

                  (c) Security Bank, FSB ("Security Bank") is a member in good
standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. All eligible deposit accounts
issued by Security Bank are insured by the FDIC through the SAIF to the full
extent permitted under applicable law. Security Bank is, and at all times since
June 1, 1990 has been, a "domestic building and loan association" as defined in
Section 7701(a)(19) of the Code and a "qualified thrift lender" as defined in
Section 10(m) of HOLA. The liquidation account established by Security Bank in
connection with its conversion from mutual to stock form has been maintained
since its establishment in accordance with applicable laws and the records with
respect to said account are complete and accurate in all material respects.

         SECTION 3.08 SECURITY FILINGS. Security has previously made available,
or will make available prior to the Effective Time, to WesterFed true, correct,
and complete copies of the (i) proxy statements relating to all meetings of
stockholders (whether special or annual) of Security during calendar years 1994,
1995 and 1996, and (ii) all other reports, as amended, or filings, as amended,
required to be filed under the Securities Exchange Act by Security with the SEC
since January 1, 1994, including reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.

         SECTION 3.09 SECURITY REPORTS. Since January 1, 1994, each of Security
and the Security Subsidiaries has filed, and will continue to file, all reports
and statements, together with any amendment required to be made with respect
thereto, that it has, or will be, required to file with the SEC, the OTS, the
FDIC, and the NASD. As of their respective dates (and without giving effect to
any amendments or modifications filed after the date of this Agreement with
respect to reports and documents filed before the date of this Agreement), each
of such reports and documents, including the financial statements, exhibits, and
schedules thereto, complied in all material respects with all of the statutes,
rules and regulations enforced or promulgated by the authority with which they
were filed and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Except for normal examinations conducted by the Internal Revenue
Service, state and local taxing authorities, the OTS or the FDIC in the regular
course of the business of Security or the Security Subsidiaries, no federal,
state or local governmental agency, commission or other entity has initiated any
proceeding or, to the best knowledge of Security, investigation into the
business or operations of Security or the Security Subsidiaries within the past
three (3) years except as set forth in Section 3.09 of the Security Disclosure
Schedule. There is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by the SEC,
OTS, FDIC or other agency, commission or entity with respect to any report or
statement referred to herein that is material to Security or any Security
Subsidiary.

         SECTION 3.10 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

                  (a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.10 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule, the businesses of Security and the Security Subsidiaries
are being conducted, in all material 


                                       31

<PAGE>
respects, in compliance with all laws, ordinances or regulations of governmental
authorities, including laws affecting financial institutions (including those
pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act, the investment of funds, the lending of
money, the collection of interest and the extension of credit), federal and
state securities laws, laws and regulations relating to financial statements and
reports, truth-in-lending, truth-in-savings, usury, fair credit reporting,
consumer protection, occupational safety, fair employment practices, fair labor
standards and laws and regulations relating to employee benefits, and any
statutes or ordinances relating to the properties occupied or used by Security
or any Security Subsidiary, except for possible violations which, singly or in
the aggregate, do not and, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen in the future,
will not have a Material Adverse Effect on Security.

                  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.10 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule, no investigation or review by any governmental entity with
respect to Security or any Security Subsidiary is pending or, to the best
knowledge of Security, threatened, nor has any governmental entity indicated to
Security an intention to conduct the same, other than normal thrift regulatory
examinations and those the outcome of which will not have a Material Adverse
Effect on Security.

                  (c) Security and each of the Security Subsidiaries, where
applicable, are in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the
Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
As of the date of this Agreement, Security has not been advised of the existence
of any fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances which, if true,
would cause Security or any of the Security Subsidiaries to fail to be in
substantial compliance with such provisions. Security Bank does not have a
rating from an applicable regulatory authority which is less than
"satisfactory."

         SECTION 3.11 DISCLOSURE. None of the information supplied by Security
for inclusion in the Proxy Statement or in the Registration Statement, will, in
the case of the Proxy Statement or any amendments thereof, at the time of the
Stockholders' Meetings or, in the case of the Registration Statement, at the
time it becomes effective and at the Effective Time, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading.

         SECTION 3.12 LITIGATION. Except as disclosed in Section 3.12 of the
Security Disclosure Schedule, there is no suit, action, investigation or
proceeding, legal, quasi-judicial, administrative or otherwise, pending or, to
the best knowledge of Security threatened, against or affecting Security or any
Security Subsidiary, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees
or agents, in their capacities as such, which is seeking equitable relief or
damages against Security, any Security Subsidiary, or any of their respective
officers, directors, employees or agents, in their capacities as such, in excess
of $25,000, or which would materially affect the ability of Security to
consummate the transactions contemplated herein or which is seeking to enjoin
consummation of the transactions provided for herein or to obtain other relief
in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, nor
is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any court,
governmental department, commission, agency, instrumentality or arbitrator
outstanding against Security or any Security Subsidiary or any of 


                                       32

<PAGE>
their respective officers, directors, employees or agents, in their capacities
as such, having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen in the future,
would have any such effect.

         SECTION 3.13 LICENSES. Security and the Security Subsidiaries hold all
licenses, certificates, permits, franchises and all patents, trademarks, service
marks, trade names, copyrights or right thereto, and required authorizations,
approvals, consents, licenses, clearances and orders or registrations with all
appropriate federal, state or other authorities, that are material to the
conduct of their respective businesses as now conducted and as presently
proposed to be conducted.

         SECTION 3.14 TAXES.

                  (a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.14 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule, Security and the Security Subsidiaries have each timely
filed all Tax and information returns required to be filed and have paid (or
Security has paid on behalf of its Subsidiaries), or have accrued on their
respective books and set up an adequate reserve for the payment of, all Taxes
reflected on such returns as required to be paid in respect of the periods
covered by such returns and have accrued on their respective books and set up an
adequate reserve for the payment of all income and other Taxes anticipated to be
payable in respect of periods through the end of the calendar month next
preceding the date hereof. Neither Security nor any Security Subsidiary is
delinquent in the payment of any Tax, assessment or governmental charge. No
deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed against
Security or any Security Subsidiary that have not been resolved or settled and
no requests for waivers of the time to assess any such Tax are pending or have
been agreed to. The income tax returns of Security and Security Subsidiaries
have not been audited by the Internal Revenue Service, state, municipal or other
taxing authority for any of the last three (3) years. Neither Security nor any
Security Subsidiary is a party to any action or proceeding by any governmental
authority for the assessment or the collection of Taxes. Deferred Taxes of
Security and the Security Subsidiaries have been accounted for in accordance
with GAAP.

                  (b) Security has not filed any consolidated federal income tax
return with an "affiliated group" (within the meaning of Section 1504 of the
Code) where Security was not the common parent of the group. Neither Security
nor any Security Subsidiary is, or has been, a party to any Tax allocation
agreement or arrangement pursuant to which it has any contingent or outstanding
liability to anyone other than Security or any Security Subsidiary.

                  (c) Security and the Security Subsidiaries have each withheld
amounts from its employees, stockholders, or holders of public deposit accounts
in compliance with the Tax withholding provisions of applicable federal, state
and local laws, have filed all federal, state and local returns and reports for
all periods for which such returns or reports would be due with respect to
income tax withholding, social security, unemployment taxes, income and other
Taxes and all payments or deposits with respect to such Taxes have been timely
made and except as set forth in Section 3.14 of the Security Disclosure
Schedule, have notified all employees, stockholders and holders of public
deposit accounts of their obligations to file all forms, statements and reports
with it in accordance with applicable federal, state and local Tax laws and 


                                       33

<PAGE>
have taken reasonable steps to insure that such employees, stockholders and
holders of public deposit accounts have filed all such forms statements and
reports with it.

         SECTION 3.15 INSURANCE. Security and the Security Subsidiaries maintain
insurance with insurers which in the best judgment of management of Security are
sound and reputable, on their respective assets, and upon their respective
businesses and operations, against loss or damage, risks, hazards and
liabilities as in their judgment they deem appropriate. Security and the
Security Subsidiaries maintain in effect all insurance required to be carried by
law or by any agreement by which they are bound. All material claims under all
policies of insurance maintained by Security and the Security Subsidiaries have
been filed in due and timely fashion.

         SECTION 3.16 LOANS; INVESTMENTS.

                  (a) Except as otherwise disclosed in Section 3.16 of the
Security Disclosure Schedule, each material loan reflected as an asset on the
Security Financial Statements dated as of June 30, 1996, is evidenced by
appropriate and sufficient documentation and constitutes, to the best knowledge
of Security, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named in
such documentation, enforceable in accordance with its terms except to the
extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles or doctrines.
Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, all
such loans are, and at the Effective Time will be, free and clear of any
security interest, lien, encumbrance or other charge. Except as set forth in
Section 3.16 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, there is no loan or other
asset of Security or of any Security Subsidiary in excess of $250,000 that has
been classified by examiners, management, the Board of Directors, or others as
"Other Loans Especially Mentioned," "Substandard," "Doubtful" or "Loss" as of
August 31, 1996. Set forth in Section 3.16 of the Security Disclosure Schedule
is a complete list of the REO and in-substance foreclosures of Security and the
Security Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1996.

                  (b) All guarantees of indebtedness owed to Security or any
Security Subsidiary, including those of the Federal Housing Administration, the
Small Business Administration, and other state and federal agencies, are, to the
best knowledge of Security, valid and enforceable, except to the extent
enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles or doctrines
and except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Security.

                  (c) Section 3.16 of the Security Disclosure Schedule sets
forth an accurate and complete list of all Derivative Securities to which
Security or any Security Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their
properties or assets may be bound, or that are owned by Security or any Security
Subsidiary. Neither Security nor any Security Subsidiary has purchased any
Derivative Security for, or invested in any Derivative Security any assets of,
any account or person for which it acts as a trustee, fiduciary, or investment
advisor. All Derivative Securities to which Security or any Security Subsidiary
is a party or by which any of their properties or assets may be bound were
entered into in the ordinary course of business and, to the best knowledge of
Security, in accordance with then-customary practice and applicable rules,
regulations and policies of thrift regulatory authorities and with
counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time 


                                       34

<PAGE>
and are legal, valid and binding obligations and are in full force and effect.
Security and the Security Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material
respects all of their respective obligations thereunder to the extent that such
obligations to perform have accrued, and to the best knowledge of Security,
there are no material breaches, violations or defaults or allegation or
assertions of such by any party thereunder. None of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement would permit a counterparty under any Derivative
Security or any party to any mortgage-backed security financing arrangement to
accelerate, discontinue, terminate or otherwise modify any such Derivative
Security or arrangement or would require Security or any Security Subsidiary to
recognize any gain or loss with respect to such Derivative Security or
arrangement.

                  (d) Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule and except for pledges to secure public and trust deposits,
none of the investments reflected in the Security Financial Statements dated as
of June 30, 1996 under the heading "Investment Securities, " and none of the
investments made by Security and the Security Subsidiaries since June 30, 1996,
is subject to any restriction, whether contractual or statutory, which
materially impairs the ability of Security or any Security Subsidiary to freely
dispose of such investment at any time. With respect to all material repurchase
agreements to which Security or any Security Subsidiary is a party, Security or
such Subsidiary has a valid, perfected first lien or security interest in the
government securities or other collateral securing each such repurchase
agreement, and the value of the collateral securing each such repurchase
agreement equals or exceeds the amount of the debt secured by such collateral
under such agreement. Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule, neither Security nor any Security Subsidiary has sold or
otherwise disposed of any assets in a transaction in which the acquirer of such
assets or other person has a right of recourse (other than with respect to
warranty of title) against Security or any Security Subsidiary or the right,
either conditionally or absolutely, to require Security or any Security
Subsidiary to repurchase or otherwise reacquire any such assets. Set forth in
Section 3.16 of the Security Disclosure Schedule is a complete and accurate list
of each investment and debt security, mortgage-backed and related securities,
marketable equity securities and securities purchased under agreements to resell
owned by Security or any Security Subsidiary, showing as of August 31, 1996, the
carrying values and estimated fair values of investment and debt securities, the
gross carrying value and estimated fair value of the mortgage-backed and related
securities and the estimated cost and estimated fair value of the marketable
equity securities.

                  (e) All United States Treasury securities, obligations of
other United States Government agencies and corporations, obligations of States
of the United States and their political subdivisions, and other investment
securities classified as "held to maturity" and "available for sale" held by
Security and the Security Subsidiaries, as reflected in the Security Financial
Statements dated as of June 30, 1996, were classified and accounted for in
accordance with F.A.S.B. 115 and the intentions of management.

         SECTION 3.17 ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES. The allowance for
possible loan losses shown on the Security Financial Statements dated as of June
30, 1996 (and as shown on any financial statements to be delivered by Security
to WesterFed pursuant to Section 5.07 hereof), to the best knowledge of
Security, as of such date was (and will be as of such subsequent 


                                       35

<PAGE>
financial statement dates) adequate in all respects to provide for possible or
specific losses, net of recoveries relating to loans previously charged off, on
loans outstanding, and contained or will contain an additional amount of
unallocated reserves for unanticipated future losses at a level considered
adequate under the standards applied by applicable federal regulatory
authorities and based upon GAAP applicable to thrift institutions. To the best
knowledge of Security, the aggregate principal amount of loans contained (or to
be contained) in the loan portfolio of Security and the Security Subsidiaries as
of the date of this Agreement (and as of the dates of any financial statements
to be delivered by Security to WesterFed pursuant to Section 5.07 hereof) in
excess of such reserve was (and will be) fully collectible.

         SECTION 3.18 SECURITY BENEFIT PLANS.

                  (a) Section 3.18 of the Security Disclosure Schedule contains
a list and a true and correct copy (or, a description with respect to any oral
employee benefit plan, practice, policy or arrangement), including all
amendments thereto, of each compensation, consulting, employment, termination or
collective bargaining, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation right,
life, health, accident or other insurance, bonus, deferred or incentive
compensation, severance or separation agreements or any other agreements
providing any payment or benefit resulting from a change in control, profit
sharing, retirement, or other employee benefit plan, practice, policy or
arrangement of any kind, oral or written, covering employees, former employees,
directors or former directors of Security or any Security Subsidiary or their
respective beneficiaries, including any employee benefit plans within the
meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which Security or any Security Subsidiary
maintains, to which Security or any Security Subsidiary contributes, or under
which any employee, former employee, director or former director of Security or
any Security Subsidiary is covered or has benefit rights and pursuant to which
any liability of Security or any Security Subsidiary exists or is reasonably
likely to occur (the "Security Benefit Plans"). Except as set forth in Section 
3.18 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, Security and the Security Subsidiaries
neither maintain nor have entered into any Security Benefit Plan or other
document, plan or agreement which contains any change in control provisions
which would cause an increase or acceleration of benefits or benefit
entitlements to employees or former employees of Security or any Security
Subsidiary or their respective beneficiaries, or other provisions which would
cause an increase in the liability of Security or any Security Subsidiary or to
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary as a result of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or any related action thereafter (a "Change in
Control Benefit"). The term "Security Benefit Plans" as used herein refers to
all plans contemplated under the preceding sentences of this Section 3.18,
provided that the term "Plan" or "Plans" is used in this Agreement for
convenience only and does not constitute an acknowledgment that a particular
arrangement is an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of
ERISA. Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule of Security, no Security
Benefit Plan is a multi-employer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37) of
ERISA.

                  (b) Each of the Security Benefit Plans that is intended to be
a pension, profit sharing, stock bonus, thrift, savings plan that is qualified
under Section 401(a) of the Code ("Security Qualified Plans") has been
determined by the Internal Revenue Service to qualify under Section 401(a) of
the Code, or an application for determination of such qualification has been
timely made to the Internal Revenue Service prior to the end of the applicable
remedial 


                                       36

<PAGE>
amendment period under Section 401(b) of the Code (a copy of each such
determination letter or pending application is included in Section 3.18 of the
Security Disclosure Schedule) and, to the best of Security's knowledge, there
exist no circumstances likely to materially adversely affect the qualified
status of any such Security Qualified Plan. All such Security Qualified Plans
established or maintained by Security or any of the Security Subsidiaries or to
which Security or any of the Security Subsidiaries contribute are in compliance
in all material respects with all applicable requirements of ERISA, and are in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable requirements (including
qualification and non-discrimination requirements in effect as of the Effective
Time) of the Code for obtaining the Tax benefits the Code thereupon permits with
respect to such Security Qualified Plans. All accrued contributions and other
payments required to be made by Security or any Security Subsidiary to any
Security Benefit Plan through June 30, 1996, have been made or reserves adequate
for such purposes as of June 30, 1996, have been set aside therefor and will be
reflected in the Security Financial Statements dated as of June 30, 1996.
Neither Security nor any Security Subsidiary is in material default in
performing any of its respective contractual obligations under any of the
Security Benefit Plans or any related trust agreement or insurance contract, and
there are no material outstanding liabilities of any such Plan other than
liabilities for benefits to be paid to participants in such Plan and their
beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of such Plan.

                  (c) Under each Security Qualified Plan that is a defined
benefit plan, as of the last day of the most recent plan year, the actuarially
determined present value of all "benefit liabilities", within the meaning of
Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA (as determined on the basis of the actuarial
assumptions contained in the Plan's most recent actuarial valuation) did not
exceed the then current value of the assets of such Plan, and there has been no
material change in the financial condition of such Plan since the last day of
the most recent plan year.

                  (d) There is no pending or, to the best knowledge of Security,
threatened litigation or pending claim (other than benefit claims made in the
ordinary course) by or on behalf of or against any of the Security Benefit Plans
(or with respect to the administration of any such Plans) now or heretofore
maintained by Security or any Security Subsidiary which allege violations of
applicable state or federal law which are reasonably likely to result in a
liability on the part of Security or any Security Subsidiary or any such Plan.

                  (e) Security and the Security Subsidiaries and all other
persons having fiduciary or other responsibilities or duties with respect to any
Security Benefit Plan are and have since the inception of each such Plan been in
substantial compliance with, and each such Plan is and has been operated in
substantial accordance with, its provisions and in substantial compliance with
the applicable laws, rules and regulations governing such Plan, including the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Labor, the PBGC and the
Internal Revenue Service under ERISA, the Code or any other applicable law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation is made with respect to
compliance by a third party insurance company. No "reportable event" (as defined
in Section 4043(b) of ERISA) has occurred with respect to any Security Benefit
Plan. No Security Benefit Plan has engaged in or been a party to a "prohibited
transaction" (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975(c) of the
Code). All Security Benefit Plans that are group health plans have been operated
in compliance with the 


                                       37

<PAGE>
group health plan continuation requirements of Section 4980B of the Code and
Section 601 of ERISA.

                  (f) Neither Security nor any Security Subsidiary has made any
payments, or is or has been a party to any agreement or any Security Benefit
Plan, that under any circumstances could obligate it to make payments that are
or will not be deductible because of Sections 162(m) or 280G of the Code.

                  (g) Section 3.18 of the Security Disclosure Schedule describes
any obligation that Security or any Security Subsidiary has to provide health or
welfare benefits to retirees or other former employees, directors or their
dependents (other than rights under Section 4980B of the Code or Section 601 of
ERISA), including information as to the number of retirees, other former
employees or directors and dependents entitled to such coverage and their ages.

                  (h) Section 3.18 of the Security Disclosure Schedule lists:
(i) each officer and director of Security and any Security Subsidiary who is
eligible to receive a Change in Control Benefit, showing the amount of each such
Change in Control Benefit, estimated compensation for 1996 based upon
compensation received to the date of this Agreement, the individual's
participation in any bonus or other employee benefit plan, and such individual's
compensation from Security or any Security Subsidiary for each of the calendar
years 1991 through 1995 as reported by Security or a Security Subsidiary on Form
W-2 or Form 1099; (ii) each other employee of Security or the Security
Subsidiaries who may be eligible for a Change in Control Benefit, showing the
number of years of service of each such employee together with his or her
estimated compensation for 1996; and (iii) a listing of each Security Stock
Option, showing the holder thereof, the number of shares, the exercise price per
share, the vesting dates thereof, and a copy of the option agreements relating
thereto.

                  (i) Security and the Security Subsidiaries have filed or
caused to be filed, and will continue to file or cause to be filed, in a timely
manner all filings pertaining to each Security Benefit Plan with the Internal
Revenue Service, the PBGC, and the Department of Labor, as prescribed by the
Code or ERISA, or regulations issued thereunder. All such filings, as amended,
were complete and accurate in all material respects as of the dates of such
filings, and there were no misstatements or omissions in any such filing which
would be material to the financial condition of Security on a consolidated
basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation is made with respect to
filings by a third party insurance company.

         SECTION 3.19 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.

                  (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.19 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule: (i) to the best knowledge of Security, the operations of
Security and each of the Security Subsidiaries comply in all material respects
with all applicable past and present Environmental Laws; (ii) to the best
knowledge of Security, none of the operations of Security or any Security
Subsidiary, no assets presently or formerly owned or leased by Security or any
Security Subsidiary and no Mortgaged Premises or Participating Facility are
subject to any judicial or administrative proceedings alleging the violation of
any past or present Environmental Law, nor are they the subject of any claims
alleging damages to health or property, pursuant to which 


                                       38

<PAGE>
Security, any Security Subsidiary or any owner of a Mortgaged Premises or a
Participating Facility would be liable in law or equity; (iii) none of the
operations of Security or any Security Subsidiary, no assets presently owned or,
to the best knowledge of Security, formerly owned by Security or any Security
Subsidiary, and to the best knowledge of Security, no Mortgaged Premises or a
Participating Facility, is the subject of any federal, state or local
investigation evaluating whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a
release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance, or any other substance
into the environment, nor has Security or any Security Subsidiary, or, to the
best knowledge of Security, any owner of a Mortgaged Premises or a Participating
Facility, been directed to conduct such investigation, formally or informally,
by any governmental agency, nor has Security or any Security Subsidiary, or, to
the best knowledge of Security, any owner of a Mortgaged Premises or a
Participating Facility, agreed with any governmental agency or private person to
conduct any such investigation; and (iv) neither Security nor any Security
Subsidiary, nor, to the best knowledge of Security, any owner of a Mortgaged
Premises or a Participating Facility has filed any notice under any
Environmental Law indicating past or present treatment, storage of disposal of a
Hazardous Substance or reporting a spill or release of a Hazardous Substance, or
any other substance into the environment.

                  (b) With respect to real property presently or formerly owned
(including REO) or currently leased by Security or any Security Subsidiary (the
"Security Premises") to the best knowledge of Security: (i) no part of the
Security Premises has been used for the generation, manufacture, unlawful
handling, unlawful storage, or unlawful disposal of Hazardous Substances; (ii)
except as disclosed in Section 3.19 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, the
Security Premises do not contain any underground storage tank; and (iii) the
Security Premises do not contain and are not contaminated by any quantity of a
Hazardous Substance from any source. With respect to any underground storage
tank listed in Section 3.19 of the Security Disclosure Statement as an exception
to the foregoing, to the best knowledge of Security, such underground storage
tank located on a Security Premises is being maintained in compliance with the
Environmental Laws, and has not been the source of any release of a Hazardous
Substance into the environment, unless otherwise set forth in Section 3.19 of
the Security Disclosure Schedule.

                  (c) For purposes of this Section 3.19, "Mortgaged Premises"
shall mean each (i) real property interest (including any fee or leasehold
interest) which is encumbered or affected by any mortgage, deed of trust, deed
to secure debt or other similar document or instrument granting to Security or
any Security Subsidiary a lien on or security interest in such real property
interest and (ii) any other real property interest upon which is situated assets
or other property affected or encumbered by any document or instrument granting
to Security or any Security Subsidiary a lien thereon or security interest
therein. For purposes of this Section 3.19, "Participating Facility" means any
property in which Security or any Security Subsidiary participates in the
management of such property and, where the context requires, includes the owner
or operator of such property.

         SECTION 3.20 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Section 3.20 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule contains, and shall be supplemented by Security, as required
by Section 5.10 hereof, so as to contain at the Closing Date, copies of each of
the following documents, certified by an 


                                       39

<PAGE>
officer of Security to be true and correct copies of such documents on the dates
of such certificates:

                  (a) A list of each outstanding loan or commitment to extend
credit to any officer or director of Security or any Security Subsidiary, as
well as a listing of all deposits or deposit surrogates, including the amount,
type and interest being paid thereon, to which Security or any Security
Subsidiary is a party under which it may (contingently or otherwise) have any
liability involving any officer or director of Security or any Security
Subsidiary;

                  (b) A list of each outstanding letter of credit and each
commitment to issue a letter of credit in excess of $25,000 to which Security or
any Security Subsidiary is a party and/or under which it may (contingently or
otherwise) have any liability;

                  (c) A list of each contract or agreement (not otherwise
included in the Security Disclosure Schedule or specifically excluded therefrom
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) involving goods, services or
occupancy and which (i) has a term of more than six months, (ii) cannot be
terminated on thirty days (or less) written notice without penalty, and (iii)
involves an annual expenditure by Security or any Security Subsidiary in excess
of $25,000;

                  (d) A list of each contract or commitment (other than Security
Permitted Liens) affecting ownership of, title to, use of, or any interest in,
real property which is currently owned by Security or any Security Subsidiary,
and a list of all real property owned, leased or licensed by Security or any
Security Subsidiary.

                  (e) A list of all fees, salaries, bonuses and other forms of
compensation, including country club memberships, automobiles available for
personal use, and credit cards available for personal use, provided by Security
or any Security Subsidiary to any employee, officer, or director or former
employee, officer or director of Security or any Security Subsidiary who earns
in excess of $35,000 annually.

                  (f) A list of each commitment made by Security or any Security
Subsidiary to or with any of its officers, directors or employees extending for
a period of more than six months from the date hereof or providing for earlier
termination only upon the payment of a penalty or equivalent thereto.

                  (g) The Articles of Incorporation, Charters and Bylaws and
specimen certificates of each type of security issued by Security and each
Security Subsidiary.

                  (h) A list of each other contract or commitment providing for
payment based in any manner upon outstanding loans or profits of Security or any
Security Subsidiary.

                  (i) A list of all powers of attorney granted by Security or
any Security Subsidiary which are currently in force.

                  (j) A list of all policies of insurance currently maintained
by Security or any Security Subsidiary and a list and description of all
unsettled or outstanding claims of Security or any Security Subsidiary which
have been, or to the best knowledge of Security, will be, filed with 


                                       40

<PAGE>
the companies providing insurance coverage for Security or any Security
Subsidiary (except for routine claims for health benefits).

                  (k) Each collective bargaining agreement to which Security or
any Security Subsidiary is a party and all affirmative action plans or programs
covering employees of Security or any Security Subsidiary, as well as all
employee handbooks, policy manuals, rules and standards of employment
promulgated by Security or any Security Subsidiary.

                  (l) Each lease or license with respect to real or personal
property, whether as lessor, lessee, licensor or licensee, with annual rental or
other payments due thereunder in excess of $10,000 to which Security or any
Security Subsidiary is a party, which does not expire within six months from the
date hereof and cannot be terminated upon thirty days (or less) written notice
without penalty.

                  (m) All employment, consulting and professional services
contracts to which Security or any Security Subsidiary is a party.

                  (n) All judgments, orders, injunctions, court decrees or
settlement agreements arising out of or relating to the labor and employment
practices or decisions of Security or any Security Subsidiary which, by their
terms, continue to bind or affect Security or any Security Subsidiary.

                  (o) All orders, decrees, memorandums, agreements or
understandings with regulatory agencies binding upon or affecting the current
operations of Security or any Security Subsidiary or any of their directors of
officers in their capacities as such.

                  (p) All trademarks, trade names, service marks, patents, or
copyrights, whether registered or the subject of an application for
registration, which are owned by Security or any Security Subsidiary or licensed
from a third party.

                  (q) All policies formally adopted by the Board of Directors of
Security or any Security Subsidiary as currently in effect with respect to
environmental matters and copies of all policies that have been in effect during
the last five (5) years regarding the performance of environmental
investigations of properties accepted as collateral for loans, including the
effective dates of all such policies.

                  (r) Each other agreement to which Security or any Security
Subsidiary is a party (which does not expire within six months from the date
hereof and cannot be terminated upon thirty days (or less) written notice
without penalty) which individually during its term could commit Security or any
Security Subsidiary to an expenditure (either individually or through a series
of installments) in excess of $25,000 or which creates a material right or
benefit to receive payments, goods or services, not referred to elsewhere in
this Section 3.20, including:

                           (i)      each agreement of guaranty or
                                    indemnification running to any person;


                                       41

<PAGE>
                           (ii)     each agreement containing any covenant
                                    limiting the right of Security or any
                                    Security Subsidiary to engage in any line of
                                    business or to compete with any person;

                           (iii)    each agreement with respect to any license,
                                    permit and similar matter that is necessary
                                    to the operations of Security or any
                                    Security Subsidiary;

                           (iv)     each agreement that requires the consent or
                                    approval of any other party in order to
                                    consummate the Merger or the Bank Merger;

                           (v)      each agreement relating to the servicing of
                                    loans and each mortgage forward commitment
                                    and similar agreement pursuant to which
                                    Security or any Security Subsidiary sells to
                                    others mortgages which it originates;

                           (vi)     each contract relating to the purchase or
                                    sale of financial or other futures, or any
                                    put or call option relating to cash,
                                    securities or commodities and each
                                    Derivative Security and each agreement or
                                    arrangement described in Section 3.16(d)
                                    hereof; and

                           (vii)    each contract or agreement (with the
                                    exception of the Federal National Mortgage
                                    Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                                    Corporation Seller's Guide), including each
                                    contract or agreement pursuant to which
                                    Security or any Security Subsidiary has
                                    sold, transferred, assigned or agreed to
                                    service any loan, which provides for any
                                    recourse obligation on the part of Security
                                    or any Security Subsidiary; the name and
                                    address of each person which might or could
                                    have been entitled to recourse against
                                    Security or any Security Subsidiary; and the
                                    monetary amount of each actual or potential
                                    recourse obligation under each such contract
                                    or agreement.

         SECTION 3.21 DEFAULTS. There has not been any default in any material
obligation to be performed by Security or any Security Subsidiary under any
material contract or commitment, and neither Security or any Security Subsidiary
has waived, and will not waive prior to the Effective Time, any material right
under any material contract or commitment. To the best knowledge of Security, no
other party to any material contract or commitment is in default in any material
obligation to be performed by such party.

         SECTION 3.22 OPERATIONS SINCE JUNE 30, 1996. Between June 30, 1996 and
the date of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 3.22 of the Security
Disclosure Schedule, there has not been:


                                       42

<PAGE>
                  (a) any material increase in the compensation payable or to
become payable by Security or any Security Subsidiary to any executive officer
or director other than normal annual salary and bonus increases;

                  (b) any payment of dividends or other distributions by
Security to its stockholders or any redemption by Security of its capital stock;

                  (c) any mortgage, pledge or subjection to lien, charge or
encumbrance of any kind of or on any asset, tangible or intangible, of Security
or any Security Subsidiary, except the following (each of which, whether arising
before or after the date hereof, is herein referred to as a "Security Permitted
Lien"): (i) liens arising out of judgments or awards in respect of which
Security or any Security Subsidiary is in good faith prosecuting an appeal or
proceeding for review and in respect of which it has secured a subsisting stay
of execution pending such appeal of proceeding; (ii) liens for Taxes,
assessments, and other governmental charges or levies, the payment of which is
not past due, or as to which Security or any Security Subsidiary is diligently
contesting in good faith and by appropriate proceeding either the amount thereof
or the liability therefor or both; (iii) deposits, liens or pledges to secure
payments of worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, pensions, or other
social security obligations, or the performance of bids, tenders, leases,
contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), public or statutory
obligations, surety, stay or appeal bonds, or similar obligations arising in the
ordinary course of business; (iv) zoning restrictions, easements, licenses and
other restrictions on the use of real property or any interest therein, or minor
irregularities in title thereto, which do not materially impair the use of such
property in the operation of the business of Security or any Security Subsidiary
or the merchantability or the value of such property or interest therein for the
purpose of such business; (v) purchase money mortgages or other purchase money
or vendor's liens or security interest (including finance leases), provided that
no such mortgage, lien or security interest shall extend to or cover any other
property of Security or any Security Subsidiary other than that so purchased;
and (vi) pledges and liens given to secure deposits and other liabilities of
Security or any Security Subsidiary arising in the ordinary course of its
banking business;

                  (d) any creation or assumption of indebtedness (including the
extension or renewal of any existing indebtedness, or the increase thereof) by
Security or any Security Subsidiary for borrowed money, or otherwise, other than
in the ordinary course of business, none of which (except those which are being
disputed in good faith) is in default;

                  (e) the establishment of any new, or increase in the formula
for contributions to or benefits under any existing, retirement, pension, profit
sharing, stock bonus, savings or thrift plan, or any similar plan, whether
funded or unfunded and whether qualified or unqualified (within the meaning of
the Code) by Security or any Security Subsidiary;

                  (f) any action by Security or any Security Subsidiary seeking
any cancellation of, or decrease in the insured limit under, or increase in the
deductible amount or the insured's retention (whether pursuant to coinsurance or
otherwise) of or under, any policy of insurance maintained directly or
indirectly by Security or any Security Subsidiary on any of their respective
assets or businesses, including fire and other hazard insurance on its assets,
automobile liability 


                                       43

<PAGE>
insurance, general public liability insurance, and directors' and officers'
liability insurance; and if an insurer takes any such action, Security shall
promptly notify WesterFed;

                  (g) any change in Security's independent auditors, historic
methods of accounting (other than as required by GAAP or regulatory accounting
principles), or in its system for maintaining its equipment and real estate;

                  (h) any purchase, whether for cash or secured or unsecured
obligations (including finance leases) by Security or any Security Subsidiary,
of any fixed asset which either (i) has a purchase price individually or in the
aggregate in excess of $25,000, or (ii) is outside of the ordinary course of
business;

                  (i) any sale or transfer of any asset in excess of $25,000 of
Security or any Security Subsidiary or outside of the ordinary course of
business with the exception of loans and marketable securities that are held for
sale and sold in the ordinary course of business at market prices;

                  (j) any cancellation or compromise of any debt to, claim by or
right of, Security or any Security Subsidiary except in the ordinary course of
business;

                  (k) any amendment or termination of any material contract or
commitment to which Security or any Security Subsidiary is a party, other than
in the ordinary course of business;

                  (l) any material damage or destruction to any material assets
or property of Security or any Security Subsidiary whether or not covered by
insurance; or

                  (m) any event or condition of any character (other than
changes in legal, economic or other conditions which are not specially or
uniquely applicable to Security or any Security Subsidiary) materially adversely
affecting the business, assets, deposit liabilities, operations or financial
condition of Security on a consolidated basis.

         SECTION 3.23 CORPORATE RECORDS. To the best knowledge of Security's
management, the corporate record books, transfer books and stock ledgers of
Security and each Security Subsidiary are complete and accurate in all material
respects and reflect all meetings, consents and other material actions of the
organizers, incorporators, stockholders, Boards of Directors and committees of
the Boards of Directors of Security and each Security Subsidiary, and all
transactions in their respective capital stocks, since their respective
inceptions.

         SECTION 3.24 UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. All Liabilities of Security and
the Security Subsidiaries have been reflected, disclosed or reserved against in
Security Financial Statements dated as of June 30, 1996 or in the notes thereto,
and Security and the Security Subsidiaries have no other Liabilities except (a)
Liabilities incurred since June 30, 1996 in the ordinary course of business, and
(b) as disclosed in Section 3.24 of the Security Disclosure Schedule.

         SECTION 3.25 ASSETS.


                                       44

<PAGE>
                  (a) Security and the Security Subsidiaries have good and
marketable title to their real properties, including any leaseholds, and their
other assets and properties, all as reflected as owned or held by Security or
any Security Subsidiary in the Security Financial Statements dated as of June
30, 1996, and those acquired since such date, except for (i) assets and
properties disposed of since such date in the ordinary course of business, and
(ii) Security Permitted Liens none of which, in the aggregate, except as set
forth in Section 3.25 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, are material to the
assets of Security on a consolidated basis. All buildings, structures, fixtures
and appurtenances comprising part of the real properties of Security and the
Security Subsidiaries (whether owned or leased) are in good operating condition
and have been well maintained, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Title to all
real property owned by Security and the Security Subsidiaries is held in fee
simple, except as otherwise noted in the Security Financial Statements dated as
of June 30, 1996, or as set forth in Section 3.25 of the Security Disclosure
Schedule. Security or the Security Subsidiaries have title or other rights to
its assets sufficient in all material respects for the conduct of their
respective businesses as presently conducted, and except as set forth in the
Security Financial Statements dated as of June 30, 1996 or in Section 3.25 of
the Security Disclosure Schedule, free, clear and discharged of and from any and
all liens, charges, encumbrances, security interests and/or equities which are
material to Security or any Security Subsidiary.

                  (b) All leases pursuant to which Security or any Security
Subsidiary, as lessee, leases real or personal property which are material to
the business of Security on a consolidated basis are, to the best knowledge of
Security, valid, effective, and enforceable against the lessor in accordance
with their respective terms. There is not under any of such leases any existing
default, or any event which with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute a default, with respect to either Security or any Security
Subsidiary, or to the best knowledge of Security, the other party. Except as
disclosed in Section 3.25 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, none of such
leases contains a prohibition against assignment by Security or any Security
Subsidiary, by operation of law or otherwise, or any other provision which would
preclude the surviving entity in the Merger and Bank Merger or any WesterFed
Subsidiary from possessing and using the leased premises for the same purposes
and upon the same rental and other terms upon the consummation of the Merger and
the Bank Merger as are applicable to the use by Security or any Security
Subsidiary as of the date of this Agreement.

         SECTION 3.26 INDEMNIFICATION. To the best knowledge of Security, except
as set forth in Section 3.26 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, no action or
failure to take action by any director, officer, employee or agent of Security
or any Security Subsidiary has occurred which would give rise to a claim or a
potential claim by any such person for indemnification from Security or any
Security Subsidiary under the corporate indemnification provisions of the
charter, bylaws, or Corporate Law applicable to Security or any Security
Subsidiary on the date of this Agreement.

         SECTION 3.27 INSIDER INTERESTS. All outstanding loans and other
contractual arrangements (including deposit relationships) between Security or
any Security Subsidiary and any officer, director or employee of Security or any
Security Subsidiary conform to the applicable rules and regulations and
requirements of all applicable regulatory agencies which were in effect when
such loans and other contractual arrangements were entered into. Except as set
forth in 


                                       45

<PAGE>
Section 3.27 of the Security Disclosure Schedule, no officer, director or
employee of Security or any Security Subsidiary has any material interest in any
property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, used in or pertaining to the
business of Security or any Security Subsidiary.

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                              COVENANTS OF SECURITY

         SECTION 4.01 BUSINESS IN ORDINARY COURSE.

                  (a) Without the prior written consent of WesterFed, Security
shall not declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution with
respect to its capital stock whether in cash, stock or other property, after the
date of this Agreement except regular periodic dividends in amounts (or, if
applicable, with such increases in amounts), and at points of time, not
inconsistent with past practices; provided, however, that (i) the foregoing
shall not be construed to prohibit the payment of the dividend declared by
Security on September 11, 1996, and (ii) the declaration of the last dividend by
Security prior to consummation of the Merger and the payment thereof shall be
coordinated with WesterFed so as to preclude duplication of dividend benefits.

                  (b) Security and the Security Subsidiaries shall continue to
carry on, after the date hereof, their respective businesses and the discharge
or incurring of obligations and liabilities, only in the usual, regular and
ordinary course of business, as heretofore conducted, and by way of
amplification and not limitation, Security and each of the Security Subsidiaries
will not, without the prior written consent of WesterFed:

                           (i)      issue any capital stock or any options,
                                    warrants, or other rights to subscribe for
                                    or purchase capital stock or any securities
                                    convertible into or exchangeable for any
                                    capital stock, except pursuant to options
                                    outstanding on the date hereof under the
                                    Security Stock Option Plan;

                           (ii)     directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or
                                    otherwise acquire any capital stock or
                                    ownership interests of Security or any of
                                    the Security Subsidiaries;

                           (iii)    effect a reclassification, recapitalization,
                                    split-up, exchange of shares, readjustment
                                    or other similar change in or to any capital
                                    stock or otherwise reorganize or
                                    recapitalize;

                           (iv)     change its Articles of Incorporation,
                                    Charter, or Bylaws;

                           (v)      enter into any employment agreement (except
                                    as otherwise permitted pursuant in Section 
                                    5.13(b) of this Agreement), severance
                                    agreement, change of control agreement, or
                                    plan relative to the foregoing; or grant any
                                    increase (other than ordinary and normal
                                    increases consistent with past practices) in
                                    the 


                                       46

<PAGE>
                                    compensation payable or to become payable to
                                    directors, officers or employees except as
                                    required by law; pay or agree to pay any
                                    bonus inconsistent with past practices, or
                                    adopt or make any material change in any
                                    bonus, insurance, pension, or other Security
                                    Benefit Plan; or, except as required by law
                                    or necessary in connection with insurance
                                    requirements, adopt any change to any
                                    Security Qualified Plan; 

                           (vi)     except for the short-term renewal of Federal
                                    Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances outstanding
                                    at the date of this Agreement, raising
                                    short-term funds against its existing line
                                    of credit with the FHLB, and engaging in
                                    repurchase transactions and deposit-taking
                                    in the ordinary course of its business,
                                    borrow or agree to borrow any funds or
                                    indirectly guarantee or agree to guarantee
                                    any obligations of others;

                           (vii)    make or commit to make any new loan or
                                    letter of credit or any new or additional
                                    discretionary advance under any existing
                                    line of credit, in a principal amount in
                                    excess of $500,000 or that would increase
                                    the aggregate credit outstanding to any one
                                    borrower (or group of affiliated borrowers)
                                    to more than $1,500,000 (excluding for this
                                    purpose any accrued interest or overdrafts),
                                    without the prior written consent of
                                    WesterFed acting through its Chief Executive
                                    Officer in a written notice to Security,
                                    which approval shall not be unreasonably
                                    withheld and approval or rejection shall be
                                    given within two business days after
                                    delivery by Security to such officer of
                                    WesterFed of the complete loan package;

                           (viii)   make any changes in its policies concerning
                                    which persons may approve loans;

                           (ix)     enter into any securities transaction for
                                    its own account or purchase or otherwise
                                    acquire any investment security for its own
                                    account, provided that (A) Security and the
                                    Security Subsidiaries may enter into
                                    transactions for its own account involving,
                                    and purchase or sell for its own account,
                                    U.S. Treasury obligations and securities
                                    issued or guaranteed by the Government
                                    National Mortgage Association, the Federal
                                    National Mortgage Association or the Federal
                                    Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, (B) Security
                                    and the Security Subsidiaries may make
                                    deposits in an overnight account at the FHLB
                                    of Seattle, and (C) WesterFed's consent to
                                    transactions otherwise restricted by this
                                    paragraph (ix) shall not be unreasonably
                                    withheld or delayed;


                                       47

<PAGE>
                           (x)      increase or decrease the rate of interest
                                    paid on time deposits or on certificates of
                                    deposit, except in a manner and pursuant to
                                    policies consistent with past practices;

                           (xi)     enter into, modify or extend any agreement,
                                    contract or commitment out of the ordinary
                                    course of business or having a term in
                                    excess of six months and involving an
                                    expenditure in excess of ten thousand
                                    dollars ($25,000), other than letters of
                                    credit, loan agreements, deposit agreements,
                                    and other lending, credit and deposit
                                    documents made in the ordinary course of
                                    business;

                           (xii)    except in the ordinary course of business,
                                    place on any of its assets or properties any
                                    mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, or other
                                    encumbrance;

                           (xiii)   cancel any material indebtedness owing to it
                                    or any material claims which it may possess
                                    or waive any rights of material value;

                           (xiv)    sell or otherwise dispose of any real
                                    property or any material amount of tangible
                                    or intangible personal property other than
                                    (A) properties acquired in foreclosure or
                                    otherwise in the ordinary collection of
                                    indebtedness owed to Security Bank, (B)
                                    student loans, or (C) loans which are held
                                    for sale by Security Bank and are sold in
                                    the secondary market within sixty (60) days
                                    of origination;

                           (xv)     foreclose upon or otherwise take title to or
                                    possession or control of any real property
                                    without first obtaining a phase one
                                    environmental report thereon; provided,
                                    however, that Security Bank and its
                                    Subsidiaries shall not be required to obtain
                                    such a report with respect to single family,
                                    non-agricultural residential property of one
                                    acre or less to be foreclosed upon unless it
                                    has reason to believe that such property
                                    might contain Hazardous Substances;

                           (xvi)    knowingly or willfully commit any act or
                                    fail to commit any act which will cause a
                                    material breach of any material agreement,
                                    contract or commitment;

                           (xvii)   violate any law, statute, rule, governmental
                                    regulation, or order, which violation might
                                    have a Material Adverse Effect on Security;

                           (xviii)  purchase any real or personal property or
                                    make any capital expenditure where the
                                    amount paid or committed therefor is in
                                    excess of twenty-five thousand dollars
                                    ($25,000), except for outstanding
                                    commitments set forth in Section 3.20 of the
                                    Security Disclosure Schedule;


                                       48

<PAGE>
                           (xix)    in the case of Security Bank, voluntarily
                                    make any material changes in or to its asset
                                    and deposit mix;

                           (xx)     engage in any activity or transaction
                                    outside the ordinary course of business;

                           (xxi)    enter into or acquire, or modify, amend or 
                                    extend the terms of any existing, 
                                    Derivative Securities; or

                           (xxii)   enter into any new, or modify, amend or
                                    extend the terms of any existing, contracts
                                    relating to the purchase or sale of
                                    financial or other futures, or any put or
                                    call option relating to cash, securities or
                                    commodities.

                  (c) Security and the Security Subsidiaries shall not, without
the prior written consent of WesterFed, willfully engage in any transaction or
willfully take any action that would render untrue any of the representations
and warranties of Security contained in Article III hereof, if such
representations and warranties were given as of the date of such transaction or
action.

                  (d) Security will, and will cause each of the Security
Subsidiaries to, use its best efforts to maintain its respective properties and
assets in their present state of repair, order and condition, reasonable wear
and tear excepted, and to maintain and keep in full force and effect all
policies of insurance presently in effect, including the insurance of accounts
with the FDIC. Security will, and will cause each of the Security Subsidiaries
to, take all requisite action (including the making of claims and the giving of
notices) pursuant to its directors' and officers' liability insurance policy or
policies in order to (i) increase by $1,000,000 the amount of coverage available
under such policy or policies, and (ii) preserve all rights thereunder with
respect to all matters known by Security which could reasonably give rise to a
claim prior to the Effective Time.

                  (e) Security shall promptly notify WesterFed in writing of the
occurrence of any matter or event known to and directly involving Security or
any Security Subsidiary that is reasonably likely to result in a Material
Adverse Effect on Security or impair the ability of Security to consummate the
transactions contemplated herein.

                  (f) Security shall not make or cause to be made any material
change to the credit underwriting policies of Security Bank without the prior
written consent of WesterFed, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed.

                  (g) Security shall provide to WesterFed such reports on
litigation involving Security and each of the Security Subsidiaries as WesterFed
shall reasonably request, provided that Security shall not be required to
divulge information to the extent that, in the good faith opinion of its
counsel, by doing so, it would risk waiver of the attorney-client privilege to
its detriment.

         SECTION 4.02 CONFORMING ACCOUNTING AND RESERVE POLICIES; RESTRUCTURING
EXPENSES. At the request of WesterFed, Security shall cause Security Bank,
immediately prior to 


                                       49

<PAGE>
Closing and after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to Closing set forth
in Article VI hereof, to establish and take such reserves and accruals as
WesterFed reasonably shall request to conform Security Bank's loan, accrual,
reserve and other accounting policies to the policies of Western; provided,
however, that such requested conforming adjustment shall not be taken into
account in determining whether Security has experienced a Material Adverse
Effect.

         SECTION 4.03 CERTAIN ACTIONS. Neither Security nor any of the Security
Subsidiaries shall (a) solicit, initiate, or encourage or take any other action
to facilitate (including by way of the disclosing or furnishing of any
information that it is not legally obligated to disclose or furnish) any inquiry
or the making of any proposal relating to any Acquisition Transaction, or (b)(i)
solicit, initiate, or encourage or take any other action to facilitate any
inquiry or proposal, or (ii) enter into any agreement, arrangement, or
understanding (whether written or oral) regarding any proposal or transaction,
providing for or requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate this
Agreement, or compensating it or any of the Security Subsidiaries under any of
the instances described in this clause. Security shall immediately instruct and
otherwise use its best efforts to cause its directors, officers, employees,
agents, advisors (including any investment banker, attorney, or accountant
retained by it or any of the Security Subsidiaries), consultants and other
representatives to comply with such prohibitions. Security shall immediately
cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities, discussions, or
negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to such
activities. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Security
may provide information at the request of or enter into negotiations with a
third party with respect to an Acquisition Transaction if the Board of Directors
of Security determines, in good faith after consultation with counsel, that the
exercise of its fiduciary duties to Security's stockholders under applicable law
requires it to take such action; provided, however, that Security may not, in
any event, provide to such third party any information which it has not provided
to WesterFed. Security shall promptly notify WesterFed orally and in writing in
the event it receives any such inquiry or proposal and shall provide reasonable
detail of all relevant facts relating to such inquiries. Nothing in this
Agreement shall prohibit accurate disclosure by Security in any document
(including the Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement) or other
disclosure under applicable law if in the opinion of the Board of Directors of
Security, disclosure is appropriate under applicable law.

                                   ARTICLE V.

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

         SECTION 5.01 INSPECTION OF RECORDS; CONFIDENTIALITY.

                  (a) WesterFed and Security shall each afford to the other and
to the other's accountants, counsel and other representatives (and their
respective Subsidiaries) full access during normal business hours during the
period prior to the Effective Time to all of their respective properties, books,
contracts, commitments and records, including all attorneys' responses to
auditors' requests for information, and accountants' work papers, developed by
either of them or their respective Subsidiaries or their respective accountants
or attorneys, and will permit each other and their respective representatives to
discuss such information directly with each other's officers, directors,
employees, attorneys and accountants. WesterFed and 


                                       50

<PAGE>
Security shall each use their best efforts to furnish to the other all other
information concerning its business, properties and personnel as such other
party may reasonably request. Any failure to comply with this covenant shall be
disregarded if promptly corrected without material adverse consequences to the
other party. The availability or actual delivery of information shall not affect
the representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements of the party
providing such information that are contained in this Agreement or in any
certificates or other documents delivered pursuant hereto. Nothing in this
Section 5.01(a) shall be construed to obligate WesterFed or Security to take any
action or omit to take any action to the extent that, in the good faith opinion
of its counsel, such action or omission would risk waiver of the attorney-client
privilege.

                  (b) In the event that this Agreement is terminated, each party
shall return all non-public documents furnished hereunder, shall destroy all
documents or portions thereof prepared by such other party that contain
non-public information furnished by the other party pursuant hereto and, in any
event, shall hold all non-public information confidential unless or until such
information is or becomes a matter of public knowledge or is or becomes known to
the party receiving the information through persons other than the party
providing such information.

                  (c) Security shall consider in good faith any request by
WesterFed to allow a representative of WesterFed to attend as an observer (i)
any meeting of the Board of Directors of Security and the Security Subsidiaries,
(ii) any meeting of any committee of either such Board, including the audit and
executive committees thereof, or (iii) any other meeting of Security officials
at which policy is being made, except for any such meeting if and to the extent
that any amendment to this Agreement or the merits of any Acquisition
Transaction described in Section 4.03 hereof is discussed. Security shall give
reasonable notice to WesterFed of any such meeting and, if known, the agenda for
or business to be discussed at such meeting. Security shall provide to WesterFed
all written information provided to the directors on all such boards and
committees in connection with all such meetings or otherwise provided in writing
to the directors, and shall provide any other written financial reports or other
analysis prepared for senior management of Security. In the event that Security
grants any request by WesterFed to participate in any such meeting, it is
understood by the parties that WesterFed's representative will not have any
voting rights with respect to matters discussed at these meetings and that
WesterFed is not managing the business or affairs of Security or any Security
Subsidiary. All information obtained by WesterFed at or in connection with these
meetings shall be treated as confidential to the extent provided in Section 
5.01(b) hereof.

         SECTION 5.02 REGISTRATION STATEMENT; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. As soon as
practicable after the date of this Agreement, WesterFed shall file the
Registration Statement with the SEC, and Security and WesterFed shall use their
best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective under the
Securities Act. WesterFed will take any action required to be taken under the
applicable blue sky or securities laws in connection with the issuance of the
shares of WesterFed Common Stock in the Merger. Each party shall furnish all
information concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as the other
party may reasonably request in connection with such action. WesterFed and
Security shall call the Stockholders' Meetings as soon as reasonably practicable
after the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC for the
purpose of voting upon this Agreement and the Merger. In connection with the
Stockholders' Meetings, (a) 


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<PAGE>
WesterFed and Security shall jointly prepare the Proxy Statement as part of the
Registration Statement and WesterFed and Security shall mail the Proxy Statement
to their respective stockholders, and (b) the Board of Directors of WesterFed
and Security shall recommend to their respective stockholders the approval of
this Agreement and the Merger; provided, however, that such recommendation by
Security may be withdrawn, modified, or amended, or not made at all, after the
receipt by Security of an offer to effect an Acquisition Transaction with
Security to the extent the Board of Directors of Security reasonably determines
that, in the exercise of its fiduciary obligations after consultation with
counsel, it has a duty to do so.

         SECTION 5.03 AFFILIATE LETTERS. Security shall use its best efforts to
obtain and deliver to WesterFed as promptly as practicable after (and shall use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain and deliver within five (5) business days
after) the date hereof a signed representation letter substantially in the form
of Exhibit C from each executive officer and director of Security and each
stockholder of Security who Security reasonably believes is an "affiliate" of
Security within the meaning of such term as used in Rule 145 under the
Securities Act and shall use its best efforts to obtain and deliver to WesterFed
a signed representation letter substantially in the form of Exhibit C from any
person who becomes an executive officer or director of Security or any
stockholder who becomes such an "affiliate" after the date hereof as promptly as
practicable after (and shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and
deliver within five business days after) such person achieves such status.

         SECTION 5.04 BROKERS. Each of WesterFed and Security represents, as to
itself and its Subsidiaries, that no agent, broker, investment banker or other
firm or person or officer or director of either is or will be entitled to any
broker's or finder's fee or any other commission, bonus or similar fee in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other
than as to WesterFed, Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated and as to Security,
Montgomery Securities, which has provided advice to Security at its request in
connection with the Merger.

         SECTION 5.05 COOPERATION. Each party to this Agreement covenants that
it will use its best efforts to bring about the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement as soon as practicable, unless this Agreement is terminated as
provided herein. Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, each of
the parties hereto agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper
or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the earliest
practicable time. In case at any time after the Effective Time any further
action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement,
the proper officers and/or directors of WesterFed or Security or their
respective Subsidiaries, as the case may be, shall take all such necessary
action. Each party shall use its reasonable best efforts to preserve for itself
and the other party each available legal privilege with respect to the
confidentiality of their negotiations and related communications, including the
attorney-client privilege.

         SECTION 5.06 REGULATORY APPLICATIONS. WesterFed, Security and/or their
respective Subsidiaries shall, as soon as practicable after the date of this
Agreement, file all necessary applications with all applicable regulatory
authorities, and shall use their best efforts to respond as promptly as
practicable to all inquiries received concerning said applications. In the event
the 


                                       52

<PAGE>
Merger or Bank Merger is challenged or opposed by any administrative or legal
proceeding, whether by the United States Department of Justice or otherwise, the
determination of whether and to what extent to seek appeal or review,
administrative or otherwise, or other appropriate remedies shall be made by
WesterFed. The party filing an application shall deliver a copy thereof to the
other party in advance of filing and copies of all responses or written
communications from regulatory authorities relating to the Merger, the Bank
Merger or this Agreement (to the extent permitted by law), and the filing party
shall also deliver a final copy of each regulatory application to the other
party promptly after it is filed with the appropriate regulatory authority. Each
party shall advise the other party periodically of the status of each regulatory
application.

         SECTION 5.07 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS. From the date of this
Agreement and prior to the Effective Time: (a) each party will deliver to the
other, not later than ninety (90) days after the end of any fiscal year, its
Annual Report on Form 10-K (and all schedules and exhibits thereto) for the
fiscal period then ended prepared in conformity with GAAP, and not later than
forty-five (45) days after the end of any fiscal quarter, its thrift financial
reports as filed with the OTS; (b) each party will deliver to the other not
later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarter, its Report on
Form 10-Q for such quarter as filed with the SEC, which shall be prepared in
conformity with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the SEC; and (c) each
party will deliver to the other any and all other material reports filed with
the SEC, the FDIC, the OTS, or any other regulatory agency within five (5)
business days of the filing of any such report.

         SECTION 5.08 NOTICE. At all times prior to the Effective Time, each
party shall promptly notify the other in writing of the occurrence of any event
which will or may result in the failure to satisfy any of the conditions
specified in Sections 6.01 or 6.02. In the event that either party becomes aware
of the occurrence or impending occurrence of any event which would constitute or
cause a breach by it of any of its representations and warranties, covenants or
agreements herein in any material respect, or would have constituted or caused a
breach by it of its representations and warranties, covenants or agreements
herein in any material respect, had such an event occurred or been known prior
to the date hereof, said party shall immediately give detailed and written
notice thereof to the other party, and shall, unless the same has been waived in
writing by the other party, use its reasonable efforts to remedy the same within
30 days, provided that such efforts, if not successful, shall not be deemed to
satisfy any condition precedent to the Merger.

         SECTION 5.09 PRESS RELEASE. Except as provided in Section 4.03(a) or as
otherwise reasonably determined by a party to comply with its legal obligations,
at all times prior to the Effective Time, each party shall mutually agree with
the other prior to the issuance of any press release or other information to the
press or any third party for general circulation with respect to this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 5.10 DELIVERY OF SUPPLEMENTS TO DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES. Five (5)
business days prior to the Effective Time, each party will supplement or amend
its Disclosure Schedule with respect to any matter hereafter arising which, if
existing or occurring at or prior to the date of this Agreement, would have been
required to be set forth or described in such Disclosure Schedule or which is
necessary to correct any information in the Disclosure Schedule or in any


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<PAGE>
representation and warranty made by the disclosing party which has been rendered
inaccurate thereby. For purposes of determining the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of WesterFed and Security contained,
respectively, in Articles II and III hereof in order to determine the
fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01(a) and 6.02(a) as of
the date of this Agreement, the Disclosure Schedule of each party shall be
deemed to include only that information contained therein on the date it is
initially delivered to the other party.

         SECTION 5.11 LITIGATION MATTERS. Security will consult with WesterFed
about any proposed settlement, or any disposition of, any litigation involving
amounts in excess of $10,000.

         SECTION 5.12 NOTICE OF MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. WesterFed shall
promptly notify Security in writing of the occurrence of any matter or event
known to and directly involving WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary that is
reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect on WesterFed or impair
the ability of WesterFed to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.

         SECTION 5.13 OPTIONS; EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS; BENEFITS AND RELATED
MATTERS.

                  (a) SECURITY STOCK OPTIONS HELD BY NON-EMPLOYEES. At the
Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger, and without any action on the part of
any person or entity, each Security Stock Option outstanding on the date hereof
and remaining outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and held by a
holder who is not an employee of Security or any Security Subsidiary immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become a right to
receive from WesterFed, whether or not the option is then exercisable or vested,
a cash payment in an amount equal to the product of (A) the number of shares of
Security Common Stock subject to such option immediately prior to the Effective
Time, and (B) the excess, if any, of $30 over the exercise price per share of
such option, net of any cash which must be withheld under federal and state
income and employment tax requirements. Such cash payments shall be in
consideration of, and shall result in, the settlement and cancellation of all
such options. As a condition to the receipt of a cash payment in cancellation of
options, each such holder of a Security Stock Option shall execute a
cancellation agreement in the form of Exhibit D.

                  (b) SECURITY STOCK OPTIONS HELD BY EMPLOYEES. At the Effective
Time, by virtue of the Merger, and without any action on the part of any person
or entity, each Security Stock Option outstanding on the date hereof and
remaining outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and held by a
holder who is an employee of Security or a Security Subsidiary immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become, upon the election of
such holder, either the right to receive cash on the terms set forth in Section 
5.13(a) or an option to purchase shares of WesterFed Common Stock on the same
terms as are in effect with respect to the Security Stock Option immediately
prior to the Effective Time, except that (i) each such converted option will be
exercisable solely for shares of WesterFed Common Stock, (ii) the number of
shares of WesterFed Common Stock subject to such converted option shall be equal
to the number of shares of Security Common Stock subject to the Security Stock
Option immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by the Exchange Ratio,
the product being rounded, if necessary, up or down to the nearest whole share,
and (iii) the per-share exercise price under each such converted option shall be
adjusted by dividing the per-share exercise price of the 


                                       54

<PAGE>
Security Stock Option by the Exchange Ratio, and rounding up to the nearest
cent. The failure of any holder of a Security Stock Option to deliver to
WesterFed prior to the Effective Time written evidence of the election referred
to in this Section 5.13(b) shall be deemed to be an election by such holder to
receive, in exchange for such Security Stock Option, an option to purchase
shares of WesterFed Common Stock on the terms set forth in this Section 5.13(b).
As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, WesterFed shall take all action
necessary to register under the Securities Act the shares of WesterFed Common
Stock subject to options resulting from the conversion of Security Stock Options
pursuant to this Section 5.13(b).

                  (c) WRITTEN AGREEMENTS WITH EMPLOYEES. Simultaneously with the
execution of this Agreement, Western and the seven (7) Security/Security Bank
employees listed in Exhibit E shall execute new employment agreements in the
form attached to Exhibit E, which new employment agreements shall supersede and
replace the existing employment agreements of said employees at the Effective
Time.

                  (d) CONTINUING EMPLOYEES. To the extent permitted by
applicable law, the former employees of Security and the Security Subsidiaries
who become employees of WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary (the "Continuing
Employees") shall continue to participate in the Security Benefit Plans.
WesterFed or any WesterFed Subsidiary may amend or terminate any Security
Benefit Plan at any time, provided, that if the termination or amendment
adversely affects the benefits provided to the Continuing Employees, WesterFed
or a WesterFed Subsidiary shall provide the Continuing Employees with benefits
that are substantially equivalent to the benefits being received by other
similarly situated employees of WesterFed or a WesterFed Subsidiary under
comparable plans then in effect. Neither WesterFed nor any WesterFed Subsidiary
shall amend any Security Qualified Plan in a manner which adversely affects the
benefits to participants therein, except (i) to comply with applicable laws and
regulations including the Code and ERISA, or (ii) when a similar amendment is
being made to a comparable WesterFed Qualified Plan. Nothing herein shall
preclude WesterFed or a WesterFed Subsidiary from terminating a Security
Qualified Plan or merging a Security Qualified Plan into a WesterFed Qualified
Plan, provided that in doing so WesterFed complies with the applicable
comparability test under the Code, ERISA and any other applicable laws and
regulations and the other provisions of this paragraph. Whenever a Continuing
Employee becomes a participant in a WesterFed Benefit Plan, such Continuing
Employee shall receive full credit for his past service with Security or a
Security Subsidiary for purposes of determining eligibility to participate in
and the vesting benefits of such WesterFed Benefit Plan (but not for the purpose
of accrual of benefits thereunder). In such regard, years of service with
Security or any Security Subsidiary shall be deemed service with WesterFed or a
WesterFed Subsidiary. Continuing Employees will not be subject to any exclusion
or penalty for pre-existing conditions that were covered under the Security
health plan immediately prior to the Effective Time or any waiting period
relating to coverage under the WesterFed health plan.

         SECTION 5.14 EXTENT OF KNOWLEDGE. For purposes of this Agreement and
any other certificate or document delivered by one party to the other pursuant
hereto, the "best knowledge" of WesterFed or Security shall be limited to
matters actually known to each of its directors and each of its officers holding
the position of Senior Vice President or above.


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<PAGE>
         SECTION 5.15 TAX TREATMENT. Neither Security or any of the Security
Subsidiaries, nor WesterFed or any of the WesterFed Subsidiaries, shall
voluntarily take any action which would disqualify the Merger or Bank Merger as
a "reorganization" pursuant to Section 368(a) of the Code.

         SECTION 5.16 STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING. WesterFed shall use its best
efforts to list on the Nasdaq National Market, subject to official notice of
issuance, the shares of WesterFed Common Stock to be issued in the Merger.

         SECTION 5.17 DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INDEMNIFICATION INSURANCE. For a
period of six years following the Effective Time, WesterFed shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the present and former directors, officers and
employees of Security and the Security Subsidiaries (each, an "Indemnified
Party") against all costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection
with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, and arising out of matters existing
or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the agreements executed pursuant to this
Agreement), whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective
Time, to the fullest extent that Security would have been permitted under
Montana law and its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws in effect on the date of
this Agreement to indemnify such person (and WesterFed will also advance
expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law so
long as the person to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to
repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not
entitled to indemnification); provided, however, that (a) any determination
required to be made with respect to whether a person's conduct complies with the
standards set forth under Montana law and Security's Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws shall be made by independent counsel mutually agreed upon between
WesterFed and the Indemnified Party, and (b) WesterFed shall be obligated
pursuant to this Section 5.17 to pay for only one firm of counsel for all
Indemnified Parties, unless an Indemnified Party shall have reasonably
concluded, based on the advice of counsel, that in order to be adequately
represented, separate counsel is necessary for such Indemnified Party, in which
case WesterFed shall be obligated to pay for such separate counsel. WesterFed
shall cause the persons serving as officers and directors of Security and the
Security Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time to be covered for
a period of six years following the Effective Time by the directors' and
officers' liability insurance policy maintained by WesterFed and Western
(provided that WesterFed may substitute or cause Security to substitute therefor
single premium tail coverage with a policy limit equal to Security's existing
annual coverage limit) with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to the
Effective Time which were committed by such officers and directors in their
capacity as such, provided that the additional premium cost to WesterFed does
not exceed 300% of Security's present annual premium cost and that the insurance
is available.

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                                   CONDITIONS

         SECTION 6.01 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF WESTERFED.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the obligations of
WesterFed to consummate the Merger are subject 


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<PAGE>
to the following conditions precedent (except as to those which WesterFed may
choose to waive in writing):

                  (a) Subject to the cure provisions set forth in Section 5.08,
all of the representations and warranties made by Security in this Agreement and
in any documents or certificates provided by Security shall have been true and
correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
Effective Time as though made on and as of the Effective Time, except (i) to the
extent that such representations and warranties are by their express provisions
made as of a specified date, in which case such representations and warranties
shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such specified
date, and (ii) for information contained in a subsequent Disclosure Schedule of
Security relating to an event or series of events arising after the date hereof
which does not have a Material Adverse Effect on Security;

                  (b) Subject to the cure provisions set forth in Section 5.08,
Security shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and shall
have complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at
the Effective Time;

                  (c) Since the date hereof, Security shall not have suffered a
Material Adverse Effect; 

                  (d) WesterFed shall have received the opinion of Graham &
Dunn, counsel to Security, in form and substance satisfactory to WesterFed;

                  (e) WesterFed shall have received from Hanson, Roybal, Lee &
Todd, Montana counsel for Security, a written opinion satisfactory in form and
substance to WesterFed, dated the Closing Date, with respect to (i) the
corporate status, corporate authority, good standing, capitalization, and
litigation proceedings of Security, (ii) the enforceability of the Agreement,
and (iii) and such other matters with respect to which legal opinions are
customarily given in transactions such as the Merger; and

                  (f) WesterFed shall have received a certificate signed by the
President and Chief Executive Officer of Security, dated as of the Effective
Time, certifying that based upon his best knowledge, the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.01(a), (b), and (c) hereof have been satisfied.

         SECTION 6.02 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SECURITY. Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, the obligations of Security to consummate
the Merger are subject to the following conditions precedent (except as to those
which Security may choose to waive in writing):

                  (a) Subject to the cure provisions set forth in Section 5.08,
all of the representations and warranties made by WesterFed in this Agreement
and in any documents or certificates provided by WesterFed shall have been true
and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of
the Effective Time as though made on and as of the Effective Time, except (i) to
the extent that such representations and warranties are by their 


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<PAGE>
express provisions made as of a specified date, in which case such
representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material
respects as of such specified date, and (ii) for information contained in a
subsequent Disclosure Schedule of WesterFed relating to an event or series of
events arising after the date hereof which does not have a Material Adverse
Effect on WesterFed;

                  (b) Subject to the cure provisions set forth in Section 5.08,
WesterFed shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and
shall have complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at
the Effective Time;

                  (c) Since the date hereof, WesterFed shall not have suffered a
Material Adverse Effect; 

                  (d) Security shall have received the opinion of Silver,
Freedman & Taff, L.L.P., counsel to WesterFed, in form and substance
satisfactory to Security; and

                  (e) Security shall have received a certificate signed by the
President and Chief Executive Officer of WesterFed, dated as of the Effective
Time, that based upon his best knowledge, the conditions set forth in Sections 
6.02(a), (b), and (c) have been satisfied.

         SECTION 6.03 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the obligations of
WesterFed on the one hand, and Security on the other hand, to consummate the
Merger are subject to the following conditions precedent (except as to those
which WesterFed or Security may choose to waive in writing):

                  (a) Each party to this Agreement shall have received from its
financial advisor a written fairness opinion, dated on or about the date on
which the Proxy Statement is distributed to such party's stockholders, to the
effect that the Merger Consideration is fair to such party's stockholders from a
financial point of view;

                  (b) As of the date of this Agreement, each member of the Board
of Directors of Security and any executive officer who is a stockholder of
Security owning 1,000 shares or more of Security Common Stock shall have
executed and delivered to WesterFed a Stockholder Voting Agreement in the form
of Exhibit F;

                  (c) As of the date of this Agreement, Security and WesterFed
shall execute and deliver to each other Stock Option Agreement #1 and Stock
Option Agreement #2, in the forms of Exhibits G and H, respectively;

                  (d) As of the date of the Agreement, the new employment
agreements referred to in Section 5.13(c) shall have been executed and delivered
by the parties named therein;

                  (e) No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order by
any federal or state court which prevents the consummation of the Merger or Bank
Merger shall have been issued and shall remain in effect;


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<PAGE>
                  (f) The parties shall have received all applicable regulatory
approvals and consents to consummate the transactions contemplated in this
Agreement and all required waiting periods shall have expired;

                  (g) The Registration Statement shall have been declared
effective under the Securities Act and no stop orders shall be in effect and no
proceedings for such purpose shall be pending or threatened by the SEC;

                  (h) Each of WesterFed and Security shall have received from
Silver, Friedman & Taff, L.L.P. a written opinion, dated the Closing Date,
substantially to the effect that the Merger and the Bank Merger will each
constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

                  (i) The WesterFed Common Stock to be issued to holders of
Security Common Stock shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq
National Market subject to official notice of issuance; and

                  (j) There shall not have been any action taken or any statute,
rule, regulation or order enacted, promulgated or issued or deemed applicable to
the Merger by any federal or state government or governmental agency or
instrumentality or court, which would prohibit WesterFed's ownership or
operation of all or a material portion of the business or assets of Security, or
would compel WesterFed or Western to dispose of all or a material portion of the
business or assets of Security Bank or would prohibit the Bank Merger, as a
result of this Agreement, or which would render WesterFed or Security unable to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

                                  ARTICLE VII.

                         TERMINATION; AMENDMENT; WAIVER

         SECTION 7.01 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Effective Time:

                  (a) By the mutual written consent of the Boards of Directors
of WesterFed and Security;

                  (b) At any time prior to the Effective Time, by WesterFed or
Security if there shall have been a final judicial or regulatory determination
(as to which all periods for appeal shall have expired and no appeal shall be
pending) that any material provision of this Agreement is illegal, invalid or
unenforceable (unless the enforcement thereof is waived by the affected party)
or denying any regulatory application the approval of which is a condition
precedent to either party's obligations hereunder;

                  (c) At any time on or before the date specified in 7.01(f)
hereof, by WesterFed or Security in the event that any of the conditions
precedent to the obligations of the other party 


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<PAGE>
to the Merger or Bank Merger are rendered impossible to be satisfied or
fulfilled by said date (other than by reason of a breach by the party seeking to
terminate);

                  (d) By either party at any time after the stockholders of
WesterFed or Security fail to approve this Agreement and the Merger by the
required vote at the respective Stockholders' Meetings;

                  (e) By WesterFed or Security, in the event of a material
breach by the other party of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement
contained herein or in any Schedule or document delivered pursuant hereto, which
breach would result in the failure to satisfy the closing condition set forth in
Section 6.01(a) or 6.01(b), in the case of WesterFed, or Section 6.02(a) or
6.02(b), in the case of Security, and which breach cannot be or is not cured
within thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach is given by the
non-breaching party to the party committing such breach; or

                  (f) By either party on or after 270 days following the date of
this Agreement, in the event the Merger has not been consummated by such date
(provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein); or

                  (g)      By Security if:

                                    (i)      the Average WesterFed Stock Price
                                             is less than $11.75; and

                                    (ii)     the Board of WesterFed does not
                                             increase the Exchange Ratio such
                                             that the shareholders of Security
                                             who are entitled to exchange their
                                             shares for WesterFed Common Stock
                                             will receive a Stock Distribution
                                             equal to $27.01 per share based
                                             upon the Average WesterFed Stock
                                             Price.

                  In the event either party elects to effect any termination
pursuant to Section 7.01(b) through 7.01(g) above, it shall give written notice
to the other party hereto specifying the basis for such termination and
certifying that such termination has been approved by the vote of a majority of
the members of its Board of Directors.

         SECTION 7.02 LIABILITIES AND REMEDIES.

                  (a) In the event that this Agreement is terminated by a party
(the "Aggrieved Party") solely by reason of the willful material breach by the
other party ("Breaching Party") of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained herein, then the Aggrieved Party shall be
entitled to such remedies and relief against the Breaching Party as are
available at law or in equity. Moreover, the Aggrieved Party without terminating
this Agreement shall be entitled to specifically enforce the terms hereof
against the Breaching Party in order to cause the Merger and the Bank Merger to
be consummated. Each party acknowledges that there is not an adequate remedy at
law to compensate the other party relating to the non-consummation of the Merger
and the Bank Merger. To this end, each party, to the extent permitted by law,


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<PAGE>
irrevocably waives any defense it might have based on the adequacy of a remedy
at law which might be asserted as a bar to specific performance, injunctive
relief or other equitable relief.

                  (b) Except as provided in Section 7.02(a), each of the parties
to this Agreement shall bear its own costs, fees and expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby;
provided, however, all application and filing fees to be paid by either party to
regulatory authorities in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the printing and mailing costs of the Proxy Statement shall be
shared equally by the parties.

         SECTION 7.03 SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENTS. In the event of termination of
this Agreement by either WesterFed or Security as provided in Section 7.01, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect except that the
agreements contained in Sections 5.01(b) and 7.02 hereof shall survive the
termination hereof.

         SECTION 7.04 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto by action taken by their respective Boards of Directors at any time
before or after approval hereof by their stockholders but, after such
stockholder approval, no amendment shall be made which changes the form of
consideration or the value of the consideration to be received by the
stockholders of Security without the approval of the stockholders of Security.
This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on
behalf of each of the parties hereto. WesterFed and Security may, without
approval of their respective Boards of Directors, make such changes to this
Agreement, not inconsistent with the purposes hereof, as may be required to
effect or facilitate any regulatory approval or acceptance of the Merger, the
Bank Merger or this Agreement or to effect or facilitate any regulatory or
governmental filing or recording required for the consummation of any of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 7.05 WAIVER. Any term, provision or condition of this Agreement
(other than the requirement of stockholders' approval) may be waived in writing
at any time by the party which is entitled to the benefits hereof. Each and
every right granted to any party hereunder, or under any other document
delivered in connection herewith or therewith, and each and every right allowed
it by law or equity, shall be cumulative and may be exercised from time to time.
The failure of either party at any time or times to require performance of any
provision hereof shall in no manner affect such party's right at a later time to
enforce the same. No waiver by any party of a condition or of the breach of any
term, covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement, whether
by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed to be or
construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a
waiver of any other condition or of the breach of any other term, covenant,
representation or warranty of this Agreement. No investigation, review or audit
by WesterFed of Security or Security of WesterFed prior to or after the date
hereof shall estop or prevent either party from exercising any right hereunder
or be deemed to be a waiver of any such right.


                                       61

<PAGE>
                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

         SECTION 8.01 SURVIVAL. None of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements of the parties in this Agreement or in any instrument
delivered by the parties pursuant to this Agreement (other than the agreements,
covenants and obligations set forth herein which are contemplated to be
performed after the Effective Time) shall survive the Effective Time, provided
that no such representations, warranties or covenants shall be deemed to be
terminated or extinguished so as to deprive WesterFed or Security (or any of
their respective directors, officers, employees or agents) of any defense in law
or equity which otherwise would be available against the claims of any person,
including any stockholder or former stockholder of either WesterFed of Security,
the aforesaid representations, warranties, and covenants being material
inducements to consummation by WesterFed, Security and the Surviving Corporation
of the Merger contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 8.02 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, by
facsimile transmission or by registered or certified mail to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified
by like notice) and shall be deemed to be delivered on the date so delivered:

                  (a) if to WesterFed: Lyle R. Grimes
                                       President and Chief Executive Officer
                                       WesterFed Financial Corporation
                                       100 East Broadway
                                       Missoula, Montana  59802

                      copy to:         Silver, Freedman & Taff
                                       1100 New York Avenue, Suite 700 East
                                       Washington, D.C. 20005
                                       Attn: Barry Taff

                  (b) if to Security:  David W. Jorgenson
                                       President and Chief Executive Officer
                                       Security Bancorp
                                       219 North 26th Street
                                       Billings, Montana

                      copy to:         Graham & Dunn
                                       1420 Fifth Avenue
                                       Suite 3300
                                       Seattle, WA 98101
                                       Attention: Stephen M. Klein


                                       62

<PAGE>
         SECTION 8.03 APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and
interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to
conflicts of laws principles thereof, except to the extent that the federal laws
of the United States apply.

         SECTION 8.04 HEADINGS, ETC. The article headings and section headings
contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

         SECTION 8.05 SEVERABILITY. If any term, provision, covenant, or
restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a final and unappealable
order of a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or
unenforceable, then the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants, and
restrictions contained in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect,
and shall in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated unless the effect
would be to cause this Agreement to not achieve its essential purposes.

         SECTION 8.06 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; BINDING EFFECT; NON-ASSIGNMENT;
COUNTERPARTS. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement
(including the documents and instruments referred to herein) (a) constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all other prior
agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, between the parties, with
respect to the subject matter hereof; and (b) is not intended to confer upon any
other person any rights or remedies hereunder except as specifically provided
herein. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties named herein and their respective successors. Neither this Agreement nor
any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any
party hereto without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts which together shall
constitute a single agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                      WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                     
                                      By:  /s/ Lyle R. Grimes
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Lyle R. Grimes
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer
                          
/s/ Wendy Lambson
- -------------------------------------
Wendy Lambson, Secretary


                                       63

<PAGE>
                                      SECURITY BANCORP

                                      By:  /s/ David W. Jorgenson
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           David W. Jorgenson
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Elaine F. Hine
- -------------------------------------
Elaine F. Hine,  Secretary


                                       64


<PAGE>
                                                            Appendix II

                        [ALEX. BROWN & SONS LETTERHEAD]


                                                      September 24, 1996

The Board of Directors
WesterFed Financial Corporation
100 East Broadway
Missoula, MT  59801

Dear Sirs:

         WesterFed  Financial  Corporation  ("WesterFed")  and Security  Bancorp
("Security")  have  entered  into an  Agreement  and Plan of Merger  dated as of
September 24, 1996 (the  "Agreement")  providing for the merger of Security with
and into WesterFed  (the  "Merger").  Pursuant to the  Agreement,  each share of
Security common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Security Common Stock"), will
be  converted  into  $30.00  per  share  in cash,  or,  to the  extent  Security
shareholders  elect to receive  some or all of the  consideration  in  WesterFed
common  stock,  par  value  $.01 per  share  ("WesterFed  Common  Stock"),  into
approximately  $30.00 in value of  WesterFed  Common  Stock,  subject to certain
adjustments and  limitations set forth in the Agreement.  You have requested our
opinion as to the  fairness,  from a financial  point of view, to the holders of
WesterFed  Common  Stock of the  consideration  to be paid by  WesterFed  to the
holders of Security Common Stock.

         Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated ("Alex. Brown"), as a customary part of
its investment  banking business,  is engaged in the valuation of businesses and
their  securities  in  connection  with  mergers  and  acquisitions,  negotiated
underwritings, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other
purposes.  We have  acted as  financial  advisor  to the Board of  Directors  of
WesterFed in connection with the transaction  described above and will receive a
fee for our services,  a portion of which is contingent upon consummation of the
Merger. Alex. Brown regularly publishes research reports regarding the financial
services  industry and the businesses and securities of publicly owned companies
in that industry.

         In connection  with this opinion,  we have  reviewed  certain  publicly
available financial  information  concerning  WesterFed and Security and certain
internal financial  analyses and other information  furnished to us by WesterFed
and  Security.  We  have  also  held  discussions  with  members  of the  senior
management  of WesterFed  and Security  regarding  the business and prospects of
their respective financial  institutions.  In addition, we have (i) reviewed the
reported  price and  trading  activity  of the  WesterFed  Common  Stock and the
Security  Common  Stock,  (ii)  compared  certain  financial  and  stock  market
information of WesterFed and Security, respectively, with similar information of
certain  comparable  companies  whose  securities  are  publicly  traded,  (iii)
reviewed the  Agreement,  (iv)  reviewed the financial  terms of certain  recent
business  combinations  which we  deemed  comparable  in  whole or in part,  (v)
reviewed the potential pro forma impact of the Merger on  WesterFed's  financial
condition, operating results and per share figures and (vi) performed such other
studies and analyses and considered such other factors as we deemed appropriate.


<PAGE>






The Board of Directors
WesterFed Financial Corporation
September 24, 1996




         We have not independently  verified the information described above and
for  purposes of this  opinion  have  assumed  the  accuracy,  completeness  and
fairness  thereof.  With  respect to  information  relating to the  prospects of
WesterFed and Security  (including,  without limitation,  projected cost savings
from the  Merger),  we have  assumed  that such  information  reflects  the best
currently  available  estimates and judgments of the  respective  managements of
WesterFed  and  Security  as to  the  likely  future  financial  performance  of
WesterFed and Security. In addition, we have not made an independent  evaluation
or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of WesterFed or Security,  nor have we
been  furnished with any such  evaluation or appraisal.  Our opinion is based on
market,  economic and other  conditions as they exist and can be evaluated as of
the date of this letter.

         Our opinion  expressed  herein was prepared for the use of the Board of
Directors  of the  Company  and  does not  constitute  a  recommendation  to the
Company's  shareholders as to how they should vote at the shareholders'  meeting
in connection with the Merger. We hereby consent,  however,  to the inclusion of
this opinion as an exhibit to any proxy or registration statement distributed in
connection with the Merger.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing,  it is our opinion that, as of
the  date of this  letter,  the  consideration  to be paid by  WesterFed  to the
holders of Security Common Stock is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of WesterFed Common Stock.

                                                Very truly yours,

                                                ALEX. BROWN & SONS INCORPORATED



                                                 By: /s/ Jean-Luc Servat
                                                     --------------------------
                                                         Jean-Luc Servat
                                                         Managing Director




<PAGE>
                                                            Appendix III

September 24, 1996


Board of Directors
Security Bancorp
219 North 26th Street
Billings, MT  59101


Members of the Board:

         We   understand   that   Security   Bancorp,   a  Montana   corporation
("Security"),  and  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation,  a  Deleware  corporation
(WesterFed"),  propose to enter an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated  September
24, 1996 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  pursuant to which  Security  will be merged
with and into  WesterFed,  which will be the  surviving  entity (the  "Merger").
Pursuant to the Merger,  as more fully  described in the draft Merger  Agreement
dated September 19, 1996 provided to us by Security, and as further described to
us by management of Security, we understand that each oustanding share of common
stock, $1.00 par value per share, of Security ("Security Common Stock"), will at
the option of the Shareholder be exchanged for (i) $30.00 cash; (ii) that number
of  shares  of the  Common  stock,  $.01  par  value  per  share,  of  WesterFed
("WesterFed Common Stock"), equal to (a) $30.00 divided by the Average WesterFed
Stock Price (as defined in the Merger  Agreement) if the Average WesterFed Stock
Price is equal to or greater  than $13.05 and less than or equal to $15.95,  (b)
2.2989 if the Average WesterFed Stock Price is equal to or less than $13.05, (c)
1.8809 if the Average  WesterFed  Stock Price is equal to or greater than $15.95
but not greater than  $17.50,(d)  $32.91 divided by the Average  WesterFed Stock
Price if such price is greater than $17.50 and no Triggering  Event has occured,
and (e) 1.88 if the Average  WesterFed  Stock Price is greater than $17.50 and a
Triggering  Event has  occured,  or (iii) a  combination  of (i) and (ii) above,
subject to certain adjustments and limitations (the "Consideration").  The terms
and  conditions  of the  Merger  are set  forth  in more  detail  in the  Merger
Agreement.


<PAGE>

Security Bancorp
September 24, 1996
Page 2


       You have asked for our  opinion as  investment  bankers as to whether the
Consideration  to be received by the  shareholders  of Security  pursuant to the
Merger Agreement is fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view, as
of the date  hereof.  We were not  requested  to nor did we  solicit  or  assist
Security in soliciting indications of interest from third parties for all or any
part of Security.

         In  connection  with our  opinion,  we have,  among other  things:  (i)
reviewed  certain  publicly  available  financial and other data with respect to
Security and WesterFed, including the audited, consolidated financial statements
for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995  prepared in  accordance  with
generally accepted  accounting  principles as applied to financial  institutions
(GAAP) and preliminary audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal year
ended June 30, 1996 prepared in accordance  with GAAP and certain other relevant
financial and operating  data relating to Security and WesterFed  made available
to us from  published  sources and from the  internal  records of  Security  and
WesterFed;  (ii) reviewed the draft Merger  Agreement  dated September 19, 1996,
(iii) reviewed the certain publicly available information concerning the trading
of, and the trading  market for,  Security  Common  Stock and  WesterFed  Common
Stock; (iv) compared WesterFed from a financial point of view with certain other
companies in the thrift industry which we deemed to be relevant;  (v) considered
the  financial  terms,  to the extent  publicly  available,  of selected  recent
business combinations which we deemed to be comparable,  in whole or in part, to
the Merger;  (vi) reviewed and discussed with  representatives of the management
of Security and WesterFed certain information of a business and financial nature
regarding Security and WesterFed,  furnished to us by them,  including financial
forecasts  prepared by their respective  managements and related  assumptions of
Security and WesterFed;  (vii) made inquiries regarding and discussed the Merger
and the Merger  Agreement  and other  matters  related  thereto with  Security's
counsel;  and (viii)  performed such other analyses and  examinations as we have
deemed appropriate.

         In  connection  with our  review,  and with your  consent,  we have not
assumed any obligation  independently  to verify the foregoing  information  and
have relied on its being  accurate and complete in all material  respects.  With
respect to the financial  forecasts for Security and WesterFed provided to us by
their  respective  managements,  upon their advice and with your consent we have
assumed for  purposes of our opinion  that the  forecasts  have been  reasonably
prepared  on  bases  reflecting  the  best  currently  available  estimates  and
judgments of their respective managements as to the future financial performance
of Security and WesterFed and that they provide a reasonable basis upon which we
can form our  opinion.  We have also  assumed  that there have been no  material
changes in Security's or WesterFed's assets, financial condition, results of 
operations, business or prospects since the respective dates of their
last  financial  statements  made  available  to us. We have relied on advice of
counsel to Security as to all legal matters with respect to Security, the Merger
and the Merger Agreement. We have assumed that the Merger will be consummated in
a manner that  complies in all respects  with the  applicable  provisions of the
Securities Act of 1993 (the "Securities Act"), the


<PAGE>


Security Bancorp
September 24, 1996
Page 3


Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934 and all  other  applicable  federal  and state
statutes, rules and regulations. In addition, we have not assumed responsibility
for reviewing any individual  credit files, or making an independent  evalution,
appraisal or physical inspection of any of the assets or liabilities (contingent
or otherwise) of Security or WesterFed, nor have we been furnished with any such
appraisals. We are not experts in the evaluation of loan portfolios for purposes
of assessing the adequacy of the allowances for losses with respect  thereto and
have assumed,  with your consent,  that such allowances for each of Security and
WesterFed are in the aggregate  adequate to cover such losses. You have informed
us, and we have  assumed,  that the Merger will be recorded as a purchase  under
GAAP. Finally,  our opinion is based on economic,  monetary and market and other
conditions as in effect on, and the information  made available to us as of, the
date  hereof.  Accordingly,  although  subsequent  developments  may affect this
opinion,  we have not asumed any  obligation to update,  revise or reaffirm this
opinion.

         We have  further  assumed  with your  consent  that the Merger  will be
consummated  in  accordance  with the terms  described in the Merger  Agreement,
without any further amendments thereto, and without waiver by Security of any of
the conditions to its obligations thereunder.

         We have acted as financial  advisor to Security in connection  with the
Merger  and  will  receive  a fee for our  services,  including  rendering  this
opinion,  a significant  portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of
the Merger.

         Based upon the foregoing and in reliance  theron,  it is our opinion as
investment  bankers that the Consideration to be received by the shareholders of
Security is fair to such  shareholders from a financial point of view, as of the
date hereof.

         This  opinion is directed to the Board of  Directors of Security in its
consideration of the Merger and is not a recommendation to any shareholder as to
how such  shareholder  should  vote with  respect to the Merger.  Further,  this
opinion  adresses  only  the  financial  fairness  of the  Consideration  to the
shareholders  and does not address any other aspect of the Merger.  This opinion
may not be used or referred to by Security, or quoted or disclosed to any person
in any manner,  without our prior written consent, which consent is hereby given
to the  inclusion  of  this  opinion  in any  proxy  statement  or  registration
statement  filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission in connection with
the Merger.  In  furnishing  this  opinion,  we do not admit that we are experts
within the meaning of term "experts" as used in the Securities Act and the rules
and  regulations  promulgated  thereunder,  nor do we admit  that  this  opinion
constitutes  a report or  valuation  within  the  meaning  of  Section 11 of the
Securities Act.



                                                        Very truly yours


                                                        MONTGOMERY SECURITIES

<PAGE>
                                                          Appendix IV



                           STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT #1

         THIS  STOCK  OPTION  AGREEMENT  #1 (the  "Agreement")  is  dated  as of
September 24, 1996 between  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation  ("WesterFed"),  a
Delaware corporation  registered as a savings and loan holding company under the
Home Owner's Loan Act, as amended ("HOLA"), and Security Bancorp ("Bancorp"),  a
Montana  corporation  registered as a savings and loan holding company under the
HOLA.

                                   WITNESSETH

         WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of WesterFed and Bancorp have approved
an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of the date  hereof  (the  "Merger
Agreement"),  providing for the merger of Bancorp with and into  WesterFed  (the
"Merger"); and

         WHEREAS,   to  further  induce  WesterFed  to  enter  into  the  Merger
Agreement, WesterFed has required that Bancorp agree, and Bancorp has agreed, to
grant to WesterFed  the option set forth herein to purchase  shares of Bancorp's
authorized but unissued common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Bancorp Common
Stock").

         NOW THEREFORE,  in consideration of the premises herein contained,  the
parties agree as follows:

         l.  Definitions.  Capitalized terms defined in the Merger Agreement and
used herein shall have the same meaning as in the Merger Agreement.

         2.  Grant of  Options.  Subject to the terms and  conditions  set forth
herein, Bancorp hereby grants to WesterFed an unconditional,  irrevocable option
(the  "Option")  to purchase up to 390,642  shares of Bancorp  Common Stock (the
"Option  Shares") at an  exercise  price of $26.00 per share (with the number of
Option Shares and exercise price per share being subject to adjustment  pursuant
to Section 7 hereof), payable in cash as provided in Section 4 hereof; provided,
however,  that in the event  Bancorp  issues  or  agrees to issue any  shares of
Bancorp Common Stock (except for shares issued  pursuant to options  outstanding
on the date hereof  under  Bancorp's  1993 Stock  Option and Stock  Appreciation
Rights Plan  ("Bancorp  Stock  Options"))  after the date hereof at a price less
than $26.00 per share (as adjusted  pursuant to Section 7 hereof),  the exercise
price with  respect to the Option  Shares  shall be equal to such lesser  price;
provided  further,  that in no event shall the aggregate number of Option Shares
issuable under the Option exceed 19.9% of the number of shares of Bancorp Common
Stock then issued and outstanding after giving effect to the issuance of Bancorp
Stock Options and the Option Shares.

         3. Exercise of Option.

         (a)  Expiration  of  Option.  Subject  to  compliance  with  applicable
provisions of law,  WesterFed  may exercise the Option,  in whole or in part, at
any time or from  time to time  after the  occurrence  of a  Purchase  Event (as
defined below); provided,  however, that to the extent the Option shall not have
been  previously  exercised,  it shall  terminate and be of no further force and
effect

                                       1


<PAGE>
upon the earliest to occur of the following:  (i) the Effective  Time;  (ii) the
termination of the Merger  Agreement after approval of the Merger by the Bancorp
stockholders,  except a termination by WesterFed  pursuant to Section 7.01(e) of
the Merger  Agreement;  (iii) the termination of the Merger Agreement by Bancorp
pursuant  to  Section  7.01(e)  thereof;  (iv)  the  termination  of the  Merger
Agreement after the stockholders of WesterFed  reject the Merger;  (v) any other
termination  of the Merger  Agreement  pursuant to Section 7.01 thereof except a
termination by WesterFed under Section 7.01(e),  if no Purchase Event shall have
occurred prior to such termination; (vi) except as set forth in clauses (ii) and
(iii) of this Section 3(a), on the 730th day after the termination of the Merger
Agreement  (such 730-day  period after  termination  of the Merger  Agreement is
referred to herein as the  "Post-Termination  Period") if no Purchase  Event has
occurred during the term of the Merger Agreement or during the  Post-Termination
Period;  (vii) on the 730th day after the  discontinuance of all Purchase Events
that  occurred   during  the  term  of  the  Merger   Agreement  or  during  the
Post-Termination  Period if a Purchase Event occurred during any such period; or
(viii) termination of the Option as provided in Section 10(b) hereof.

         (b) Purchase  Event.  As used herein,  "Purchase  Event" shall mean any
person  (other than  WesterFed  or its  Subsidiaries)  shall have  commenced  or
initiated  an  Acquisition  Transaction.  If more  than one of the  transactions
giving  rise to a  Purchase  Event  under this  Section  3(b) is  undertaken  or
effected, then all such transactions shall give rise only to one Purchase Event,
which  Purchase Event shall be deemed  continuing for all purposes  hereof until
all such transactions are abandoned.  As used in this Agreement,  "person" shall
have the meanings  specified in Sections  3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         (c) Notice of Purchase Event.  Bancorp shall notify WesterFed  promptly
in writing of the occurrence of any Purchase Event; provided,  however, that the
giving  of such  notice by  Bancorp  shall  not be a  condition  to the right of
WesterFed to exercise the Option.

         (d) Notice of Exercise.  In the event WesterFed  wishes to exercise the
Option,  it shall  send to  Bancorp a written  notice  (the date of which  being
herein  referred to as the "Notice  Date")  specifying  (i) the total  number of
shares it will purchase pursuant to such exercise, and (ii) a place and date not
earlier  than ten  business  days nor later than twenty  business  days from the
Notice  Date  for  the  closing  of  such   purchase   (the   "Closing   Date").
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if prior notification to or approval of the OTS
or any other  regulatory  agency is required in connection  with such  purchase,
WesterFed  shall promptly file the required  notice or application  for approval
and shall expeditiously  process the same, and the period of time that otherwise
would run pursuant to the preceding  sentence shall run instead from the date on
which any required  notification periods have expired or been terminated or such
approvals  have been obtained and any requisite  waiting period or periods shall
have  passed.  Any exercise of the Option shall be deemed to occur on the Notice
Date relating thereto.

         4. Payment and Delivery of Certificates.

         (a)  Payment.  At the  closing  referred  to in  Section  3(d)  hereof,
WesterFed  shall pay to  Bancorp  the  aggregate  purchase  price for the shares
purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option in immediately  available funds
by a wire transfer to a bank designated by Bancorp;





                                       2

<PAGE>
provided that the failure or refusal of Bancorp to designate such a bank account
shall not preclude WesterFed from exercising the Option.

         (b) Delivery of Certificate.  At such closing,  simultaneously with the
delivery  of cash as  provided  in  subsection  (a),  Bancorp  shall  deliver to
WesterFed a certificate  or  certificates  representing  the number of shares of
Bancorp Common Stock  purchased by WesterFed,  which  certificates  may bear the
legend set forth in Section 4(c) below, and WesterFed shall deliver to Bancorp a
letter  agreeing that WesterFed  will not offer to sell or otherwise  dispose of
such shares in violation of this Agreement or applicable law or in a manner that
would result in WesterFed  becoming an "underwriter"  within the meaning of that
term under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as  amended  (the  "Securities  Act").
Bancorp shall pay all expenses and any and all United States federal,  state and
local  taxes  and other  charges  that may be  payable  in  connection  with the
preparation, issuance and delivery of stock certificates under this Section 4 in
the name of WesterFed or its assignee,  transferee or designee.  Upon the giving
by WesterFed to Bancorp of the written notice of exercise of the Option provided
for under Section 3(d) above and the tender of the applicable  purchase price in
immediately  available  funds,  WesterFed  shall be deemed  to be the  holder of
record of the  shares of  Bancorp  Common  Stock  issuable  upon such  exercise,
notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of Bancorp shall then be closed or
that  certificates  representing  such shares of Bancorp  Common Stock shall not
then be actually delivered to WesterFed.

         (c) Restrictive legend. Certificates for Bancorp Common Stock delivered
at a closing hereunder may be endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read
substantially as follows:

                  "The transfer of the shares represented by this certificate is
         subject to certain  provisions of an agreement  between the  registered
         holder hereof and the Issuer,  a copy of which  agreement is on file at
         the  principal  place  of  business  of  the  Issuer,   and  to  resa1e
         restrictions  arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
         any applicable  state securities laws. A copy of such agreement will be
         mailed to the holder hereof  without  charge within five days after the
         receipt by the Issuer of a written request."

It is  understood  that (i) the  reference  to the  resale  restrictions  of the
Securities  Act in the above legend  shall be removed by delivery of  substitute
certificate(s)  without  such  reference if  WesterFed  shall have  delivered to
Bancorp a copy of a letter  from the staff of the SEC, or an opinion of counsel,
in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to Bancorp,  to the effect that
such  legend is not  required  for  purposes  of the  Securities  Act;  (ii) the
reference  to the  provisions  of this  Agreement  in the above  legend shall be
removed by delivery of substitute  certificate(s)  without such reference if the
shares have been sold or transferred  in compliance  with the provisions of this
Agreement  and under  circumstances  that do not require the  retention  of such
reference;  and  (iii)  the  legend  shall be  removed  in its  entirety  if the
conditions  in the  preceding  clauses  (i) and  (ii)  are  both  satisfied.  In
addition,  such  certificates  shall bear any other legend as may be required by
law.

         5. Bancorp  Representations.  Bancorp hereby represents and warrants to
WesterFed as follows:





                                       3

<PAGE>
         (a)  Reservation of Shares.  Bancorp has taken all necessary  corporate
action to authorize  and reserve for  issuance a sufficient  number of shares of
Bancorp Common Stock to satisfy its obligations  upon the exercise of the Option
without additional  authorization of Bancorp Common Stock after giving effect to
all other options, warrants, convertible securities and other rights to purchase
Bancorp  Common  Stock.  Bancorp  shall  not,  by charter  amendment  or through
reorganization,  consolidation,  merger, dissolution or sale of assets or by any
other voluntary act, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any
of the  covenants,  stipulations  or  conditions  to be  observed  or  performed
hereunder by Bancorp.

         (b) Duly  Authorized  Shares.  The shares of Bancorp Common Stock to be
issued  upon  exercise,  in whole or in part,  of the  Option,  when paid for as
provided  herein,  will be duly  authorized,  validly  issued,  fully  paid  and
nonassessable,  and will be  delivered  free and  clear  of all  claims,  liens,
encumbrances  and security  interests and will not be subject to any  preemptive
rights.

         (c)  Additional  Actions.  Bancorp shall  promptly take all  reasonable
action as may from time to time be  required  to be taken by it  (including  (A)
complying  with  all  pre-merger  notification,  reporting  and  waiting  period
requirements  applicable  to it and (B) in the event  that,  under the HOLA or a
state  thrift or banking law,  prior  approval of or notice to the OTS or to any
state or other federal  regulatory  authority is necessary before the Option may
be exercised, cooperating fully with WesterFed in preparing such applications or
notices and providing such information to the applicable  regulatory body as may
be  required)  in order to permit  WesterFed  to exercise the Option and Bancorp
duly and  effectively to issue shares of Bancorp Common Stock pursuant  thereto.
Bancorp  shall  promptly take all other  reasonable  action  provided  herein to
protect the rights of WesterFed against dilution as set forth in Section 7.

         6. WesterFed Representations.  WesterFed hereby represents and warrants
to Bancorp that WesterFed shall not transfer or otherwise  dispose of any shares
purchased  by  WesterFed  pursuant  to this  Agreement  except in a  transaction
registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act.

         7. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization.

         (a)  Stock  Dividends.  In the event of any  change in the  outstanding
Bancorp  Common  Stock  by  reason  of stock  dividends,  split-  ups,  mergers,
recapitalizations, combinations, exchanges of shares, or the like (but excluding
any exercise of Bancorp Stock Options)(each an "Adjustment Event"), the type and
number of shares subject to the Option,  or the purchase price per share, as the
case may be, shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision shall be made
in the agreements governing any such transaction so that WesterFed shall receive
upon exercise of the Option the number and class of shares,  other securities or
property that WesterFed  would have received in respect of the shares of Bancorp
Common  Stock  subject to the Option if the  Option had been  exercised  and the
Bancorp  Common  Stock  subject  to the  Option  had been  issued  to  WesterFed
immediately  prior to such  Adjustment  Event or the record  date  therefor,  as
applicable.





                                       4

<PAGE>
         (b) Issuance of  Additional  Shares.  In the event that any  additional
shares of  Bancorp  Common  Stock are  issued  after the date of this  Agreement
(other than pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with an Adjustment Event
or the exercise of Bancorp Stock  Options),  the number of shares subject to the
Option  shall be adjusted  after such  issuance,  so that it equals 19.9% of the
number of shares of Bancorp  Common  Stock then  issued  and  outstanding  after
giving  effect to the issuance of the Option  Shares;  provided,  however,  that
nothing  contained  in this  Section 7 shall be deemed to  authorize  Bancorp to
issue any shares of its Common Stock in breach of the  provisions  of the Merger
Agreement;  and  provided  further,  that in no event shall the number of shares
subject to the Option exceed 19.9% of Bancorp's  issued and  outstanding  Common
Stock,  after  giving  effect to the issuance of Bancorp  Stock  Options and the
Option Shares.

         8. Registration Rights.

         (a)  Registration  Procedure.  If  requested  by  WesterFed at any time
during the four-year  period  beginning on the date of the first  acquisition of
any of the Option Shares,  Bancorp,  as expeditiously as possible,  will use its
best  efforts to effect the  registration  of the  Option  Shares,  on a form of
general  use  under the  Securities  Act,  in order to permit  the sale or other
disposition  of such shares in  accordance  with the intended  method of sale or
other  disposition  requested by WesterFed  and by any  underwriter  selected by
WesterFed; provided, however, that Bancorp shall not be required to register the
Option Shares under the Securities Act (i) on more than one occasion  during any
calendar year or on more than two occasions  during the term of this  Agreement,
(ii) prior to the earlier of  termination  of the Merger  Agreement  pursuant to
Section 7 thereof or the  occurrence  of a Purchase  Event,  or (iii) within 120
days after the effective date of a registration  with respect to which WesterFed
exercised  "piggy-back"  rights  under  this  Section  8(a).  The  registrations
effected  under this Section 8(a) shall be at Bancorp's  expense.  In connection
with such  registrations or any piggy-back  registrations,  each party shall pay
the fees and  expenses of its own legal  counsel,  and  WesterFed  shall pay all
underwriting  discounts and commissions applicable to the sale of Option Shares.
WesterFed  shall  provide such  information  as may be necessary  for  Bancorp's
preparation of the registration statement.  Bancorp will use its best efforts to
cause such  registration  statement first to become effective and then to remain
effective  for  such  period  not in  excess  of 180  days  from  the  day  such
registration  statement  first becomes  effective or such shorter time as may be
reasonably necessary to effect such sales or other dispositions. The obligations
of Bancorp  hereunder  to file a  registration  statement  and to  maintain  its
effectiveness  may be  suspended  for one or more  periods  of time  that do not
exceed 180 days in the aggregate if the Board of Directors of Bancorp shall have
determined that the filing of such registration  statement or the maintenance of
its  effectiveness  would  require  a  special  audit of  Bancorp  or any of its
Subsidiaries or the disclosure of nonpublic  information  that would  materially
and adversely affect Bancorp. In addition to the foregoing, WesterFed shall have
unlimited  piggy-back  registration  rights  relating  to the  Option  Shares in
connection with any  registration of an underwritten  public offering of Bancorp
Common Stock,  and the costs of such piggy-back  registration  shall be borne by
Bancorp.  The  foregoing  notwithstanding,  if,  at the time of any  request  by
WesterFed for piggy-back registration of the Option Shares as provided above, in
the good faith judgment of the managing  underwriter  or managing  underwriters,
or,  if  none,  the sole  underwriter  or  underwriters  of such  offering,  the
inclusion of the Option Shares would interfere with the successful  marketing of
the shares of Bancorp  Common  Stock  offered by  Bancorp,  the number of shares
represented by Option Shares





                                       5

<PAGE>
which are to be covered in the registration statement may be reduced;  provided,
however,  that after any such required  reduction of the number of Option Shares
to be included in such offering for the account of WesterFed shall constitute at
least 5% of the total  number of shares to be sold by  WesterFed  and Bancorp in
such offering in the  aggregate;  and provided  further,  that if such reduction
occurs,  then Bancorp  shall file a  registration  statement  for the balance as
promptly as practical and no reduction shall thereafter occur.

         (b) Registration Indemnification.  In connection with the filing of any
such registration statement, Bancorp shall indemnify and hold harmless WesterFed
or its transferee against any losses, claims,  damages or liabilities,  joint or
several,  to which  WesterFed or its transferee may become  subject,  insofar as
such losses,  claims,  damages or  liabilities  (or actions in respect  thereof)
arise out of or are based upon any untrue  statement or alleged untrue statement
of any material  fact  contained in any  registration  statement,  including any
prospectus  included therein,  or any amendment or supplement  thereto, or arise
out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading;  and Bancorp shall reimburse WesterFed or its transferee
for  any  legal  or  other  expense  reasonably  incurred  by  WesterFed  or its
transferee in connection with  investigating or defending any such loss,  claim,
damage, liability or action; provided, however, that Bancorp shall not be liable
in any case to the extent that any such loss, claim,  damage or liability arises
out of or is based upon an untrue  statement  or omission  or an alleged  untrue
statement or omission made in such  registration  statement,  and any prospectus
included therein,  or any amendment or supplement  thereto, in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of WesterFed or
its transferee specifically for use in the preparation thereof. WesterFed or its
transferee  shall indemnify and hold harmless  Bancorp to the same extent as set
forth in the immediately  preceding  sentence but only with reference to written
information  furnished by or on behalf of WesterFed or its transferee for use in
the  preparation of such  registration  statement,  and any prospectus  included
therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto; and WesterFed or its transferee
shall reimburse Bancorp for any legal or other expenses  reasonably  incurred by
Bancorp in connection  with  investigation  or defense of any such loss,  claim,
damage, liability or action.

         9.  Severability.  If any  term,  provision,  covenant  or  restriction
contained in this Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state  regulatory
agency of  competent  jurisdiction  to be invalid,  void or  unenforceable,  the
remainder of the terms,  provisions and covenants and restrictions  contained in
this  Agreement  shall  remain in full force and effect,  and shall in no way be
affected,  impaired or  invalidated.  If for any reason such court or regulatory
agency determines that the Option will not permit the holder to acquire the full
number of Option  Shares  provided in Section 2 hereof (as adjusted  pursuant to
Section 7 hereof), it is the express intention of Bancorp to allow the holder to
acquire  such  lesser  number  of  shares  as may be  permissible,  without  any
amendment or modification hereof.

         10. Miscellaneous.

         (a) Expenses.  Except as otherwise provided herein, each of the parties
hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf
in connection with the





                                       6

<PAGE>
transactions  contemplated  hereunder,  including  fees and  expenses of its own
financial consultants, investment bankers, accountants and counsel.

         (b) Stock  Option  Agreement  #2.  The  parties  are  contemporaneously
entering into Stock Option Agreement #2 pursuant to which separate option rights
are being granted by Bancorp to WesterFed.  Notwithstanding  anything  contained
herein to the  contrary,  if WesterFed  acquires  any option  shares under Stock
Option  Agreement #2, then its rights under this Agreement  shall cease and this
Agreement shall have no further force or effect.

         (c) Entire Agreement.  Except as otherwise  expressly  provided herein,
this Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to
the transaction  contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements or
understandings  with respect thereto,  written or oral. The terms and conditions
of this Agreement  shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective  successors and assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement,
expressed  or implied,  is  intended  to confer  upon any party,  other than the
parties  hereto,  and their  respective  successors  and  assigns,  any  rights,
remedies,  obligations  or  liabilities  under or by reason  of this  Agreement,
except as expressly provided herein.

         (d)  Assignment.  Neither of the  parties  hereto may assign any of its
rights or  obligations  under this  Agreement or the Option to any other person,
without the express written consent of the other party, except that in the event
a Purchase  Event shall have occurred and be continuing  WesterFed may assign in
whole or in part the Option, and its rights and obligations hereunder.

         (e) Notices.  All notices or other communications which are required or
permitted  hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered  personally
or by  reliable  overnight  courier or sent by  registered  or  certified  mail,
postage prepaid, addressed as follows:



                 If to WesterFed:        Lyle R. Grimes
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer
                                         WesterFed Financial Corporation
                                         100 East Broadway
                                         Missoula, Montana 59802

                 with a copy to:         Silver, Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.
                                         1100 New York Avenue, N.W.
                                         Seventh Floor, East Tower
                                         Washington, D.C. 20005
                                         Attn: Barry P. Taff, P.C.

                 If to Bancorp:          David W. Jorgenson
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer
                                         Security Bancorp
                                         219 North 26th Street
                                         Billings, Montana






                                       7

<PAGE>


                 with a copy to:         Graham & Dunn
                                         1420 Fifth Avenue
                                         Suite 3300
                                         Seattle, Washington 98101
                                         Attn: Stephen M. Klein


A party may change its  address  for notice  purposes  by written  notice to the
other  party  hereto.  All such  notices  and  communications  shall  be  deemed
delivered when received by all parties entitled to such receipt hereunder.

         (f)  Extension  of Time.  All time  periods  specified  herein shall be
extended,  if  necessary,  by the  length  of time  required  for any  necessary
governmental  approval to be sought and  received or  governmental  notice to be
given  and  the  waiting  period  to  expire,  provided  that  any  governmental
application or notice shall be made or given promptly. All of the parties hereto
shall use their best efforts to secure any required governmental approval and to
give any required governmental notice.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained  herein,  no party shall be required to proceed  with any  transaction
described  herein if any required  governmental  approval is not obtained or if,
upon the giving of any required  governmental notice, the notified  governmental
agency prohibits any such transaction.  If any required governmental approval is
not obtained or if a governmental  agency  prohibits any such  transaction  upon
receipt of a required notice,  the decision to appeal such  governmental  action
shall be solely that of WesterFed;  provided, however, that WesterFed shall bear
all of the costs and expenses,  including legal and accounting fees, incurred by
any of the parties  hereto in prosecuting  such an appeal.  Periods of time that
otherwise  would run under the terms of this Agreement shall also be extended to
the extent  necessary to avoid  liability  under Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         (g)  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in any number of
counterparts,  and each  such  counterpart  shall be  deemed  to be an  original
instrument,  but  all  such  counterparts  together  shall  constitute  but  one
agreement.

         (h) Specific  Performance.  The parties  agree that damages would be an
inadequate  remedy for a breach of the  provisions of this  Agreement by Bancorp
and that this Agreement may be enforced by WesterFed through injunctive or other
equitable relief.

         (i) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance  with the law of the State of Montana  applicable to agreements  made
and entirely to be  performed  within such state and such federal laws as may be
applicable.

                                       8

<PAGE>

         IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each of the  parties  hereto has  executed  this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.


                                  WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION




                                  BY:   /s/ Lyle R. Grimes 
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Lyle R. Grimes 
                                       President and Chief Executive Officer




                                  SECURITY BANCORP


                                  BY: /s/ David W. Jorgenson
                                      -----------------------------------   
                                      David W. Jorgenson
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer





                                       9

<PAGE>
                                                             Appendix V


                        STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT NUMBER #2


         THIS  STOCK  OPTION  AGREEMENT  #2 (the  "Agreement")  is  dated  as of
September 24, 1996 between  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation  ("WesterFed"),  a
Delaware corporation  registered as a savings and loan holding company under the
Home Owner's Loan Act, as amended ("HOLA"), and Security Bancorp ("Bancorp"),  a
Montana  corporation  registered as a savings and loan holding company under the
HOLA.

                              W I T N E S S E T H

         WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of WesterFed and Bancorp have approved
an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of the date  hereof  (the  "Merger
Agreement"),  providing for the merger of Bancorp with and into  WesterFed  (the
"Merger"); and

         WHEREAS,   to  further  induce  WesterFed  to  enter  into  the  Merger
Agreement, WesterFed has required that Bancorp agree, and Bancorp has agreed, to
grant to  WesterFed  the option set forth in Stock Option  Agreement  No. #1, of
even date herewith  ("Stock Option  Agreement #1") to purchase certain shares of
Bancorp's  authorized  but  unissued  common  stock,  par value  $1.00 per share
("Bancorp  Common Stock"),  and to separately  grant to WesterFed the option set
forth herein to purchase certain shares of Bancorp's Common Stock upon the terms
and conditions set forth herein.

         NOW THEREFORE,  in consideration of the premises herein contained,  the
parties agree as follows:


         1.  Definitions.  Capitalized terms defined in the Merger Agreement and
used herein shall have the same meaning as in the Merger Agreement.

         2.  Grant of  Options.  Subject to the terms and  conditions  set forth
herein, Bancorp hereby grants to WesterFed an unconditional,  irrevocable option
(the  "Option")  to purchase up to 100,000  shares of Bancorp  Common Stock (the
"Option  Shares") at an  exercise  price of $24.00 per share (with the number of
Option Shares and exercise price per share being subject to adjustment  pursuant
to Section 7 hereof), payable in cash as provided in Section 4 hereof; provided,
however,  that in the event  Bancorp  issues  or  agrees to issue any  shares of
Bancorp Common Stock (except for shares issued  pursuant to options  outstanding
on the date hereof  under  Bancorp's  1993 Stock  Option and Stock  Appreciation
Rights Plan  ("Bancorp  Stock  Options"))  after the date hereof at a price less
than $24.00 per share (as adjusted  pursuant to Section 7 hereof),  the exercise
price with  respect to the Option  Shares  shall be equal to such lesser  price;
provided  further,  that in no event shall the aggregate number of Option Shares
issuable under the Option exceed 5.98% of the number of shares of Bancorp Common
Stock then issued and outstanding after giving effect to the issuance of Bancorp
Stock Options and the Option Shares.



                                       1


<PAGE>


         3. Exercise of Option.

         (a)  Expiration  of  Option.  Subject  to  compliance  with  applicable
provisions of law,  WesterFed may exercise the Option,  in whole or part, at any
time or from time to time  following  the  failure  of Bancorp  Stockholders  to
approve the Merger Agreement at a duly held  stockholder  meeting or the failure
of Bancorp to hold a meeting to vote on the Merger (each such event, a "Purchase
Event"),  provided that to the extent the Option shall not have been  previously
exercised,  it shall  terminate  and be of no further  force and effect upon the
earliest to occur of the following:  (i) the Effective Time; (ii) termination of
the Merger Agreement by Bancorp  pursuant to Section 7.01(e)  thereof;  (iii) on
the date two years  after  termination  of the  Merger  Agreement,  pursuant  to
provisions  of  the  Merger  Agreement  other  than  Section  7.01(e);  or  (iv)
termination of the Option as provided in Section 10(b) hereof.

         (b) Notice of Stockholder Vote. Bancorp shall notify WesterFed promptly
in  writing  of the  failure  to  achieve  the  requisite  approval  of  Bancorp
stockholders of the Merger Agreement; provided, however, that the giving of such
notice by Bancorp shall not be a condition to the right of WesterFed to exercise
the Option.

         (c) Notice of Exercise.  In the event WesterFed  wishes to exercise the
Option,  it shall  send to  Bancorp a written  notice  (the date of which  being
herein  referred to as the "Notice  Date")  specifying  (i) the total  number of
shares it will purchase pursuant to such exercise, and (ii) a place and date not
earlier  than ten  business  days nor later than twenty  business  days from the
Notice  Date  for  the  closing  of  such   purchase   (the   "Closing   Date").
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if prior notification to or approval of the OTS
or any other  regulatory  agency is required in connection  with such  purchase,
WesterFed  shall promptly file the required  notice or application  for approval
and shall expeditiously  process the same, and the period of time that otherwise
would run pursuant to the preceding  sentence shall run instead from the date on
which any required  notification periods have expired or been terminated or such
approvals  have been obtained and any requisite  waiting period or periods shall
have  passed.  Any exercise of the Option shall be deemed to occur on the Notice
Date relating thereto.

         4. Payment and Delivery of Certificates.


         (a)  Payment.  At the  closing  referred  to in  Section  3(c)  hereof,
WesterFed  shall pay to  Bancorp  the  aggregate  purchase  price for the shares
purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option in immediately  available funds
by a wire transfer to a bank designated by Bancorp; provided that the failure or
refusal of Bancorp to designate such a bank account shall not preclude WesterFed
from exercising the Option.

         (b) Delivery of Certificate.  At such closing,  simultaneously with the
delivery  of cash as  provided  in  subsection  (a),  Bancorp  shall  deliver to
WesterFed a certificate  or  certificates  representing  the number of shares of
Bancorp Common Stock  purchased by WesterFed,  which  certificates  may bear the
legend set forth in Section 4(c) below, and WesterFed shall deliver to Bancorp a
letter  agreeing that WesterFed  will not offer to sell or otherwise  dispose of
such shares in violation of this Agreement or applicable law or in a manner that
would result in WesterFed  becoming an "underwriter"  within the meaning of that
term under the Securities Act of 1933, as





                                       2

<PAGE>


amended (the "Securities  Act").  Bancorp shall pay all expenses and any and all
United  States  federal,  state and local  taxes and other  charges  that may be
payable in  connection  with the  preparation,  issuance  and  delivery of stock
certificates  under this  Section 4 in the name of  WesterFed  or its  assignee,
transferee  or designee.  Upon the giving by WesterFed to Bancorp of the written
notice of exercise of the Option  provided for under  Section 3(c) above and the
tender  of  the  applicable  purchase  price  in  immediately  available  funds,
WesterFed  shall be deemed to be the  holder of record of the  shares of Bancorp
Common  Stock  issuable  upon  such  exercise,  notwithstanding  that the  stock
transfer books of Bancorp shall then be closed or that certificates representing
such shares of Bancorp  Common  Stock shall not then be  actually  delivered  to
WesterFed.

         (c) Restrictive Legend. Certificates for Bancorp Common Stock delivered
at a closing hereunder may be endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read
substantially as follows:

                  "The transfer of the shares represented by this certificate is
         subject to certain  provisions of an agreement  between the  registered
         holder hereof and the Issuer,  a copy of which  agreement is on file at
         the principal office of the Issuer, and to resale restrictions  arising
         under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  and any applicable state
         securities  laws. A copy of such agreement will be mailed to the holder
         hereof  without charge within five days after the receipt by the Issuer
         of a written request."


It is  understood  that (i) the  reference  to the  resale  restrictions  of the
Securities  Act in the above legend  shall be removed by delivery of  substitute
certificate(s)  without  such  reference if  WesterFed  shall have  delivered to
Bancorp a copy of a letter  from the staff of the SEC, or an opinion of counsel,
in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to Bancorp,  to the effect that
such  legend is not  required  for  purposes  of the  Securities  Act;  (ii) the
reference  to the  provisions  of this  Agreement  in the above  legend shall be
removed by delivery of substitute  certificate(s)  without such reference if the
shares have been sold or transferred  in compliance  with the provisions of this
Agreement  and under  circumstances  that do not require the  retention  of such
reference;  and  (iii)  the  legend  shall be  removed  in its  entirety  if the
conditions  in the  preceding  clauses  (i) and  (ii)  are  both  satisfied.  In
addition,  such  certificates  shall bear any other legend as may be required by
law.



         5. Bancorp  Representations.  Bancorp hereby represents and warrants to
WesterFed as follows:

         (a)  Reservation of Shares.  Bancorp has taken all necessary  corporate
action to authorize  and reserve for  issuance a sufficient  number of shares of
Bancorp Common Stock to satisfy its obligations  upon the exercise of the Option
without additional  authorization of Bancorp Common Stock after giving effect to
all other options, warrants, convertible securities and other rights to purchase
Bancorp  Common  Stock.  Bancorp  shall  not,  by charter  amendment  or through
reorganization,  consolidation,  merger, dissolution or sale of assets or by any
other





                                       3

<PAGE>





voluntary  act,  avoid or seek to avoid the  observance or performance of any of
the covenants,  stipulations or conditions to be observed or performed hereunder
by Bancorp.

         (b) Duly  Authorized  Shares.  The shares of Bancorp Common Stock to be
issued  upon  exercise,  in whole or in part,  of the  Option,  when paid for as
provided  herein,  will be duly  authorized,  validly  issued,  fully  paid  and
nonassessable,  and will be  delivered  free and  clear  of all  claims,  liens,
encumbrances  and security  interests and will not be subject to any  preemptive
rights.

         (c)  Additional  Actions.  Bancorp shall  promptly take all  reasonable
action as may from time to time be  required  to be taken by it  (including  (A)
complying  with  all  pre-merger  notification,  reporting  and  waiting  period
requirements  applicable  to it, and (B) in the event that,  under the HOLA or a
state  thrift or banking law,  prior  approval of or notice to the OTS or to any
state or other federal  regulatory  authority is necessary before the Option may
be exercised, cooperating fully with WesterFed in preparing such applications or
notices and providing such information to the applicable  regulatory body as may
be  required)  in order to permit  WesterFed  to exercise the Option and Bancorp
duly and  effectively to issue shares of Bancorp Common Stock pursuant  thereto.
Bancorp  shall  promptly take all other  reasonable  action  provided  herein to
protect the rights of WesterFed against dilution as set forth in Section 7.

         6. WesterFed Representations.  WesterFed hereby represents and warrants
to Bancorp that WesterFed  will not transfer or otherwise  dispose of any shares
purchased  by  WesterFed  pursuant  to this  Agreement  except in a  transaction
registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act.

         7. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization.

         (a)  Stock  Dividends.  In the event of any  change in the  outstanding
Bancorp  Common  Stock  by  reason  of  stock  dividends,   split-ups,  mergers,
recapitalizations, combinations, exchanges of shares, or the like (but excluding
any exercise of Bancorp Stock Options)(each an "Adjustment Event"), the type and
number of shares subject to the Option,  or the purchase price per share, as the
case may be, shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision shall be made
in the agreements governing any such transaction so that WesterFed shall receive
upon exercise of the Option the number and class of shares,  other securities or
property that WesterFed  would have received in respect of the shares of Bancorp
Common  Stock  subject to the Option if the  Option had been  exercised  and the
Bancorp  Common  Stock  subject  to the  Option  had been  issued  to  WesterFed
immediately  prior to such  Adjustment  Event or the record  date  therefor,  as
applicable.

         (b) Issuance of  Additional  Shares.  In the event that any  additional
shares of  Bancorp  Common  Stock are  issued  after the date of this  Agreement
(other than pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with an Adjustment Event
or the exercise of Bancorp Stock  Options),  the number of shares subject to the
Option  shall be adjusted  after such  issuance,  so that it equals 4.85% of the
number of shares of Bancorp  Common  Stock then  issued  and  outstanding  after
giving  effect to the issuance of the Option  Shares;  provided,  however,  that
nothing  contained  in this  Section 7 shall be deemed to  authorize  Bancorp to
issue any shares of its





                                       4

<PAGE>


Common Stock in breach of the provisions of the Merger  Agreement;  and provided
further,  that in no event  shall the  number of shares  subject  to the  Option
exceed 4.85% of Bancorp's  issued and  outstanding  Common  Stock,  after giving
effect to the issuance of Bancorp Stock Options and the Option Shares.

         8. Registration Rights.

         (a)  Registration  Procedure.  If  requested  by  WesterFed at any time
during the four-year  period  beginning on the date of the first  acquisition of
any of the Option Shares,  Bancorp,  as expeditiously as possible,  will use its
best  efforts to effect the  registration  of the  Option  Shares,  on a form of
general  use  under the  Securities  Act,  in order to permit  the sale or other
disposition  of such shares in  accordance  with the intended  method of sale or
other  disposition  requested by WesterFed  and by any  underwriter  selected by
WesterFed; provided, however, that Bancorp shall not be required to register the
Option Shares under the Securities Act (i) on more than one occasion  during any
calendar year or on more than two occasions  during the term of this  Agreement,
(ii) prior to the earlier of  termination  of the Merger  Agreement  pursuant to
Section 7 thereof or the  occurrence  of a Purchase  Event,  or (iii) within 120
days after the effective date of a registration  with respect to which WesterFed
exercised  "piggy-back"  rights under this Section 8(a). The first  registration
effected  under this  Section  8(a)  shall be at  Bancorp's  expense;  provided,
however,   that  WesterFed  shall  reimburse  Bancorp  for  actual   accountable
out-of-pocket  expenses up to a maximum of $25,000.  If a second registration is
requested hereunder by WesterFed,  it shall be paid for equally by WesterFed and
Bancorp. In connection with such registrations or any piggy-back  registrations,
each  party  shall  pay the fees and  expenses  of its own  legal  counsel,  and
WesterFed shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the
sale of Option  Shares.  WesterFed  shall  provide  such  information  as may be
necessary for Bancorp's preparation of the registration statement.  Bancorp will
use its best  efforts  to cause  such  registration  statement  first to  become
effective and then to remain effective for such period not in excess of 180 days
from the day such registration statement first becomes effective or such shorter
time as may be reasonably  necessary to effect such sales or other dispositions.
The  obligations of Bancorp  hereunder to file a  registration  statement and to
maintain its effectiveness may be suspended for one or more periods of time that
do not exceed 180 days in the  aggregate  if the Board of  Directors  of Bancorp
shall have  determined  that the filing of such  registration  statement  or the
maintenance of its effectiveness would require a special audit of Bancorp or any
of its  Subsidiaries  or the  disclosure  of  nonpublic  information  that would
materially and adversely affect Bancorp. In addition to the foregoing, WesterFed
shall have  unlimited  piggy-back  registration  rights  relating  to the Option
Shares in connection with any registration of an underwritten public offering of
Bancorp Common Stock,  and the costs of such  piggy-back  registration  shall be
borne by Bancorp. The foregoing notwithstanding,  if, at the time of any request
by WesterFed for piggy-back registration of the Option Shares as provided above,
in the good faith judgment of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters,
or,  if none,  the sole  underwriter  or  underwriters,  of such  offering,  the
inclusion of the Option Shares would interfere with the successful  marketing of
the shares of Bancorp  Common  Stock  offered by  Bancorp,  the number of shares
represented  by  Option  Shares  which  are to be  covered  in the  registration
statement  may be  reduced;  provided,  however,  that  after any such  required
reduction of the number of Option Shares to be included in such offering for the





                                       5

<PAGE>


account of WesterFed shall  constitute at least 5% of the total number of shares
to be sold by  WesterFed  and  Bancorp in such  offering in the  aggregate;  and
provided  further,  that if such  reduction  occurs,  then Bancorp  shall file a
registration statement for the balance as promptly as practical and no reduction
shall thereafter occur.

         (b) Registration Indemnification.  In connection with the filing of any
such registration statement, Bancorp shall indemnify and hold harmless WesterFed
or its transferee against any losses, claims,  damages or liabilities,  joint or
several,  to which  WesterFed or its transferee may become  subject,  insofar as
such losses,  claims,  damages or  liabilities  (or actions in respect  thereof)
arise out of or are based upon any untrue  statement or alleged untrue statement
of any material  fact  contained in any  registration  statement,  including any
prospectus  included therein,  or any amendment or supplement  thereto, or arise
out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading;  and Bancorp shall reimburse WesterFed or its transferee
for  any  legal  or  other  expense  reasonably  incurred  by  WesterFed  or its
transferee in connection with  investigating or defending any such loss,  claim,
damage, liability or action; provided, however, that Bancorp shall not be liable
in any case to the extent that any such loss, claim,  damage or liability arises
out of or is based upon an untrue  statement  or omission  or an alleged  untrue
statement or omission made in such  registration  statement,  and any prospectus
included therein,  or any amendment or supplement  thereto, in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of WesterFed or
its transferee specifically for use in the preparation thereof. WesterFed or its
transferee  shall indemnify and hold harmless  Bancorp to the same extent as set
forth in the immediately  preceding  sentence but only with reference to written
information  furnished by or on behalf of WesterFed or its transferee for use in
the  preparation of such  registration  statement,  and any prospectus  included
therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto; and WesterFed or its transferee
shall reimburse Bancorp for any legal or other expenses  reasonably  incurred by
Bancorp in connection  with  investigation  or defense of any such loss,  claim,
damage, liability or action.

         9.  Severability.  If any  term,  provision,  covenant  or  restriction
contained in this Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state  regulatory
agency of  competent  jurisdiction  to be invalid,  void or  unenforceable,  the
remainder of the terms,  provisions and covenants and restrictions  contained in
this  Agreement  shall  remain in full force and effect,  and shall in no way be
affected,  impaired or  invalidated.  If for any reason such court or regulatory
agency determines that the Option will not permit the holder to acquire the full
number of Option  Shares  provided in Section 2 hereof (as adjusted  pursuant to
Section 7 hereof), it is the express intention of Bancorp to allow the holder to
acquire  such  lesser  number  of  shares  as may be  permissible,  without  any
amendment or modification hereof.

         10. Miscellaneous.

         (a) Expenses.  Except as otherwise provided herein, each of the parties
hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf
in connection with the transactions  contemplated hereunder,  including fees and
expenses of its own financial consultants,  investment bankers,  accountants and
counsel.





                                       6

<PAGE>


         (b) Stock  Option  Agreement  #1.  The  parties  are  contemporaneously
entering into Stock Option Agreement #1 pursuant to which separate option rights
are being granted by Bancorp to WesterFed.  Notwithstanding  anything  contained
herein to the  contrary,  if WesterFed  acquires  any option  shares under Stock
Option  Agreement #1, then its rights under this Agreement  shall cease and this
Agreement shall have no further force or effect.

         (c) Entire Agreement.  Except as otherwise  expressly  provided herein,
this Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to
the transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements or
understandings  with respect thereto,  written or oral. The terms and conditions
of this Agreement  shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective  successors and assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement,
expressed  or implied,  is  intended  to confer  upon any party,  other than the
parties  hereto  and  their  respective  successors  and  assigns,  any  rights,
remedies,  obligations  or  liabilities  under or by reason  of this  Agreement,
except as expressly provided herein.

         (d)  Assignment.  Neither of the  parties  hereto may assign any of its
rights or  obligations  under this  Agreement or the Option to any other person,
without the express written consent of the other party, except that in the event
the Option  becomes  exercisable,  WesterFed  may assign in whole or in part the
Option, and its rights and obligations  hereunder,  to one or more third parties
approved  by  Bancorp,  which  approval  shall not be  unreasonably  withheld or
delayed.

         (e) Notices.  All notices or other communications which are required or
permitted  hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered  personally
or by  reliable  overnight  courier or sent by  registered  or  certified  mail,
postage prepaid, addressed as follows:


             If to WesterFed:         Lyle R. Grimes
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer
                                      WesterFed Financial Corporation
                                      100 East Broadway
                                      Missoula, Montana  59802


             with a copy to:          Silver, Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.
                                      1100 New York Avenue, N.W.
                                      Seventh Floor, East Tower
                                      Washington, D.C.  20005
                                      Attn:  Barry P. Taff, P.C.


             If to Bancorp:           David W. Jorgenson
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer
                                      Security Bancorp
                                      219 North 26th Street
                                      Billings, Montana



                                       7

<PAGE>



             with a copy to:         Graham & Dunn
                                     1420 Fifth Avenue
                                     Suite 3300
                                     Seattle, Washington  98101
                                     Attn:  Stephen M. Klein


A party may change its  address  for notice  purposes  by written  notice to the
other  party  hereto.  All such  notices  and  communications  shall  be  deemed
delivered when received by all parties entitled to such receipt hereunder.



         (f)  Extension  of Time.  All time  periods  specified  herein shall be
extended,  if  necessary,  by the  length  of time  required  for any  necessary
governmental  approval to be sought and  received or  governmental  notice to be
given  and  the  waiting  period  to  expire,  provided  that  any  governmental
application or notice shall be made or given promptly. All of the parties hereto
shall use their best efforts to secure any required governmental approval and to
give any required governmental notice.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained  herein,  no party shall be required to proceed  with any  transaction
described  herein if any required  governmental  approval is not obtained or if,
upon the giving of any required  governmental notice, the notified  governmental
agency prohibits any such transaction.  If any required governmental approval is
not obtained or if a governmental  agency  prohibits any such  transaction  upon
receipt of a required notice,  the decision to appeal such  governmental  action
shall be solely that of WesterFed;  provided, however, that WesterFed shall bear
all of the costs and expenses,  including legal and accounting fees, incurred by
any of the parties  hereto in prosecuting  such an appeal.  Periods of time that
otherwise  would run under the terms of this Agreement shall also be extended to
the extent  necessary to avoid  liability  under Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         (g)  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in any number of
counterparts,  and each  such  counterpart  shall be  deemed  to be an  original
instrument,  but  all  such  counterparts  together  shall  constitute  but  one
agreement.

         (h) Specific  Performance.  The parties  agree that damages would be an
inadequate  remedy for a breach of the  provisions of this  Agreement by Bancorp
and that this Agreement may be enforced by WesterFed through injunctive or other
equitable relief.

         (i) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance  with the laws of the State of Montana  applicable to agreements made
and entirely to be  performed  within such state and such federal laws as may be
applicable.


                                       8

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.



                                WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION


                                BY:  /s/ Lyle R. Grimes                        
                                    -----------------------------
                                    Lyle R. Grimes
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer


                                SECURITY BANCORP


                                BY:  /s/ David W. Jorgenson            
                                    -----------------------------
                                    David W. Jorgenson
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer





                                       9


<PAGE>
                                                                    APPENDIX VI


35-1-827  RIGHT TO DISSENT.  --(1) A shareholder is entitled to dissent from and
obtain  payment of the fair value of the1  shareholder's  shares in the event of
any of the following corporate actions:

         (a)  consummation  of a plan of merger to which  the  corporation  is a
party if:

         (i) shareholder  approval is required for the merger by 35-1-815 or the
articles of incorporation and the shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger;
or

         (ii) the  corporation  is a  subsidiary  that is merger with its parent
corporation under 35- 1-818;

         (b)  consummation  of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation
is a party as the  corporation  whose shares will be acquired if the shareholder
is entitled to vote on the plan;

         (c) consummation of a sale or exchange of all or  substantially  all of
the property of the  corporation  other than in the usual and regular  course of
business  if the  shareholder  is  entitled  to  vote in the  sale or  exchange,
including a sale in dissolution but not including a sale pursuant to court order
or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by which all or  substantially  all of the
net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to the  shareholders  within 1 year
after the date of sale;

         (d) an amendment of the articles of  incorporation  that materially and
adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's share because it:

         (i) alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares;

         (ii) creates,  alters,  or abolishes a right in respect of  redemption,
including a  provision  with  respect to a sinking  fund for the  redemption  or
repurchase of the shares;

         (iii)  alters or  abolishes  a  preemptive  right of the  holder of the
shares to acquire shares or other securities;

         (iv)  excludes  or limits  the  right of the  shares to be voted on any
matter or to2  cumulate  votes,  other than a  limitation  by  dilution  through
issuance of shares or other securities with similar voting rights; or

         (v) reduces the number of shares owned by the shareholder to a fraction
of a share if the  fractional  share so created is to be acquired for cash under
35-1-621; or

         (e) any corporate  action taken  pursuant to a shareholder  vote to the
extent the articles of  incorporation,  by laws, or a resolution of the board of
directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to dissent
and obtain  payment for their shares.

- --------

Ch. 249, L. '93, eff.  10-1-93,  added matter in italic and deleted 1"his" and 2
"accumulated."


<PAGE>



         (2) A shareholder entitled to dissent and to obtain payment for2 shares
under 35-1-826  through 35-1-839 may not challenge the corporate action creating
the shareholder's  entitlement  unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with
respect to the shareholder of the corporation. (Last amended by Ch. 249, L. '93,
eff. 10-1-93.)



35-1-828 DISSENT BY NOMINEES AND BENEFICIAL  OWNERS.-- (1) A record  shareholder
may assert  dissenters' rights as to fewer than all the shares registered in his
name only if he dissents  with respect to all shares  beneficially  owned by any
one person and  notifies the  corporation  in writing of the name and address of
each  person on whose  behalf he  asserts  dissenters'  rights.  The rights of a
partial  dissenter  under this  subsection are determined as if the shares as to
which he dissents and his other shares were registered in the names of different
shareholders.

         (2) A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares
held on his behalf only if;

         (a) he submits to the  corporation  the  record  shareholder's  written
consent  to the  dissent  not  later  than the time the  beneficial  shareholder
asserts dissenters' rights; and

         (b) he does so with respect to all shares of which he is the beneficial
shareholder or over which he has power to direct the vote.

35-1-829  NOTICE OF  DISSENTERS'  RIGHTS.--(1)  If a proposed  corporate  action
creating  dissenters'  rights  under  35-1-827  is  submitted  to  a  vote  at a
shareholders'  meeting,  the meeting notice must state that  shareholders are or
may be entitled to assert dissenters' rights under 35-1-826 through 35-1-839 and
must be accompanied by a copy of 35-1-826 through 85-1- 839.

         (2) If a corporate action creating dissenters' rights under 35-1-827 is
taken  without  a vote of  shareholders,  the  corporation  shall  give  written
notification to all shareholders  entitled to assert dissenters' rights that the
action  was taken  and  shall  send them the  dissenters'  notice  described  in
35-1-831.

35-1-830 NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND  PAYMENT.--(1) If proposed  corporate action
creating  dissenters'  rights  under  35-1-827  is  submitted  to  a  vote  at a
shareholders' meeting, a shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters' rights:

         (a) shall deliver to the  corporation  before the vote is taken written
notice of his intent to demand payment for his shares if the proposed  action is
effectuated; and

         (b) may not vote his shares in favor of the proposed action.

         (2) A shareholder  who does not satisfy the  requirements of subsection
(1)(a)  is not  entitled  to  payment  for his  shares  under  35-1-826  through
35-1-389.
- --------

Ch. 249, L. '93, eff. 10-1-93,  added matter in italic and deleted 1 "his" and 2
"accumulate."


<PAGE>


35-1-831   DISSENTERS'   NOTICE.--(1)  If  proposed  corporate  action  creating
dissenters' rights under 35-1-827 is authorized at a shareholders'  meeting, the
corporation shall deliver a written  dissenters'  notice to all shareholders who
satisfied the requirements of 35-1-830.

         (2) The dissenters' notice must be sent no later than 10 days after the
corporate action was taken and must:

         (a) state  where  the  payment  demand  must be sent and where and when
certificates for certified shares must be deposited;

         (b) inform  shareholders of uncertified  shares to what extend transfer
of the shares will be restricted after the payment is received;

         (c) supply a form for  demanding  payment that includes the date of the
first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed
corporate action and that requires the person  asserting the dissenters'  rights
to certify whether or not he acquired beneficial  ownership of the shares before
that date;

         (d) set a date by  which  the  corporation  must  receive  the  payment
demand,  which may not be fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days after the date the
required notice under subsection (1) is delivered; and

         (e) be accompanied by a copy of 35-1-826 through 35-1-839.


<PAGE>
                                                                  APPENDIX VII


                         WesterFed Financial Corporation

                              Equity Incentive Plan


         1. Plan  Purpose.  The purpose of the Plan is to promote the  long-term
interests  of the  Corporation  and its  stockholders  by  providing a means for
attracting and retaining directors,  advisory directors,  officers and employees
of the Corporation and its Affiliates.

         2. Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to the Plan:

               "Affiliate"  -- means any  "parent  corporation"  or  "subsidiary
corporation"  of the Corporation as such terms are defined in Section 425(e) and
(f), respectively, of the Code.

               "Award" -- means the grant by the Committee of an Incentive Stock
Option, a Non-Qualified  Stock Option, a Stock  Appreciation  Right,  Restricted
Stock or other property or securities,  or any combination  thereof, as provided
in the Plan.

               "Award Agreement" -- means the agreement  evidencing the grant of
an Award made under the Plan.

               "Cause" -- means  Termination  of  Service by reason of  personal
dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving
personal  profit,   intentional  failure  to  perform  stated  duties  or  gross
negligence.

               "Code" -- means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

               "Committee"  -- means  the  Committee  referred  to in  Section 3
hereof.

               "Corporation"  --  means  WesterFed  Financial   Corporation,   a
Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.

               "Incentive  Stock  Option" -- means an option to purchase  Shares
granted by the  Committee  which is  intended to qualify as an  Incentive  Stock
Option under Section 422(b) of the Code. Unless otherwise set forth in the Award
Agreement any Option which does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option for any
reason shall be deemed a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

               "Market  Value" -- means the  average  of the high and low quoted
sales  price on the date in question  (or, if there is no reported  sale on such
date, on the last preceding date on which any reported sale occurred) of a Share
on the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange-Listed  Stocks, or, if on such
date the  Shares  are not quoted on the  Composite  Tape,  on the New York Stock
Exchange,  or if the  Shares  are not  listed or  admitted  to  trading  on such
Exchange,  on the principal United States securities  exchange  registered under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") on which the Shares are
listed or admitted to

                                        1

<PAGE>



trading,  or, if the Shares are not  listed or  admitted  to trading on any such
exchange,  the mean between the closing high bid and low asked  quotations  with
respect  to a Share on such date on the  Nasdaq  Stock  Market,  or any  similar
system then in use, or, if no such  quotations  are  available,  the fair market
value on such date of a Share as the Committee shall determine.

               "Non-Qualified  Stock  Option"  -- means an  option  to  purchase
Shares granted by the Committee  which does not qualify,  for any reason,  as an
Incentive Stock Option under Section 422(b) of the Code.

               "Option" -- means an Incentive  Stock  Option or a  Non-Qualified
Stock Option.

               "Participant" -- means any director,  advisory director,  officer
or employee of the Corporation or any Affiliate who is selected by the Committee
to receive an Award.

               "Plan" -- means this 1996 Stock Option and Incentive  Plan of the
Corporation.

               "Related"  -- means (i) in the case of a Right,  a Right which is
granted in connection with, and to the extent exercisable,  in whole or in part,
in lieu of, an Option or  another  Right and (ii) in the case of an  Option,  an
Option with respect to which and to the extent a Right is exercisable,  in whole
or in part, in lieu thereof.

               "Restricted  Stock" -- means Shares  awarded to a Participant  by
the Committee pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof.

               "Right" -- means a Stock Appreciation Right.

               "Shares" -- means the shares of common stock of the Corporation.

               "Stock  Appreciation  Right" -- means a stock  appreciation right
with respect to Shares granted by the Committee pursuant to the Plan.

               "Termination of Service" -- means  cessation of service,  for any
reason,  whether  voluntary or involuntary,  as a director,  advisory  director,
officer or employee of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates.

         3.  Administration.  The Plan  shall  be  administered  by a  Committee
consisting of two or more members of the Board of Directors of the  Corporation,
each of whom (i) shall be an outside director as defined under Section 162(m) of
the Code  and the  regulations  thereunder  and  (ii)  shall  be a  Non-Employee
Director as defined under Rule 16(b) of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 or
any  similar or  successor  provision.  The  members of the  Committee  shall be
appointed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Except as limited by the
express  provisions  of the  Plan or by  resolutions  adopted  by the  Board  of
Directors  of the  Corporation,  the  Committee  shall  have  sole and  complete
authority and  discretion  to (i) select  Participants  and grant  Awards;  (ii)
determine  the number of Shares to be subject to types of Awards  generally,  as
well as to individual  Awards granted under the Plan;  (iii) determine the terms
and conditions upon which Awards shall be granted under the Plan; (iv) prescribe
the form and terms of instruments evidencing such grants; and (v) establish from
time to time regulations for the

                                        2

<PAGE>



administration  of the Plan,  interpret  the Plan,  and make all  determinations
deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

         A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum,  and the acts of
a majority of the  members  present at any meeting at which a quorum is present,
or acts  approved in writing by a majority of the  Committee  without a meeting,
shall be acts of the Committee.

         4. Shares Subject to Plan.

               (a)  Subject to  adjustment  by the  operation  of Section 6, the
maximum number of shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan
is _________  shares plus (i) _________  shares  authorized  but unissued  under
prior Corporation stock option plans; plus (ii) the number of shares repurchased
by the  Corporation in the open market or otherwise  with an aggregate  price no
greater than the cash proceeds  received by the Corporation from the exercise of
Shares under the Plan;  plus (iii) any Shares  surrendered to the Corporation in
payment of the exercise  price of Options issued under the Plan. The Shares with
respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan may be either  authorized and
unissued  shares or  previously  issued shares  reacquired  and held as treasury
shares.  Shares which are subject to Related Rights and Related Options shall be
counted  only once in  determining  whether  the  maximum  number of Shares with
respect  to which  Awards may be granted  under the Plan has been  exceeded.  An
Award shall not be  considered  to have been made under the Plan with respect to
any Option or Right which  terminates or with respect to Restricted  Stock which
is  forfeited,  and new Awards may be granted under the Plan with respect to the
number of Shares as to which such termination or forfeiture has occurred.

               (b) During  any  calendar  year,  no  Participant  may be granted
Awards  under the Plan with  respect  to more than  50,000  Shares,  subject  to
adjustment as provided in Section 6.

         5. Awards.

               (a) Options.  The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Options
to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional
terms and  conditions  not  inconsistent  with the provisions of the Plan as the
Committee  shall  determine,  including  the  granting of Options in tandem with
other Awards under the Plan:

                  (i) Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share for an Option
         shall be  determined by the  Committee;  provided,  however,  that such
         exercise  price  shall not be less than 100% of the  Market  Value of a
         Share on the date of grant of such Option.

                  (ii) Option  Term.  The term of each Option  shall be fixed by
         the Committee, but shall be no greater than 15 years.

                  (iii)  Time  and  Method  of  Exercise.  The  Committee  shall
         determine  the time or times at which an  Option  may be  exercised  in
         whole or in part and the method or  methods  by which,  and the form or
         forms (including, without

                                        3

<PAGE>



         limitation,  cash,  Shares,  other Awards or any  combination  thereof,
         having  a market  value  on the  exercise  date  equal to the  relevant
         exercise  price) in which,  payment of the exercise  price with respect
         thereto may be made or deemed to have been made.

                  (iv) Incentive  Stock Options.  Incentive Stock Options may be
         granted by the Committee  only to employees of the  Corporation  or its
         Affiliates.

                  (v) Termination of Service. Unless otherwise determined by the
         Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement  evidencing the grant of
         the Option,  upon  Termination  of Service of the  Participant  for any
         reason  other than for Cause,  all Options then  currently  exercisable
         shall remain  exercisable for three years following such Termination of
         Service.  Upon  Termination  of Service  for  Cause,  all  Options  not
         previously exercised shall immediately be forfeited.

         (b) Stock  Appreciation  Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right shall, upon
its exercise,  entitle the Participant to whom such Stock Appreciation Right was
granted to  receive a number of Shares or cash or  combination  thereof,  as the
Committee in its discretion shall determine, the aggregate value of which (i.e.,
the sum of the  amount of cash  and/or  Market  Value of such  Shares on date of
exercise)  shall  equal (as nearly as  possible,  it being  understood  that the
Corporation  shall not  issue any  fractional  shares)  the  amount by which the
Market  Value per Share on the date of such  exercise  shall exceed the exercise
price of such Stock Appreciation Right,  multiplied by the number of Shares with
respect to which such Stock  Appreciation  Right  shall have been  exercised.  A
Stock  Appreciation  Right  may be  Related  to an  Option  or  may  be  granted
independently  of any  Option as the  Committee  shall from time to time in each
case determine. In the case of a Related Option, such Related Option shall cease
to be  exercisable to the extent of the Shares with respect to which the Related
Stock  Appreciation  Right was exercised.  Upon the exercise or termination of a
Related  Option,  any Related Stock  Appreciation  Right shall  terminate to the
extent of the Shares with respect to which the Related  Option was  exercised or
terminated.

         (c)  Restricted  Stock.  The  Committee is hereby  authorized  to grant
Awards  of  Restricted  Stock to  Participants  with  the  following  terms  and
conditions and with such additional terms and conditions not  inconsistent  with
the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine:

                  (i) Restrictions.  Shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject
         to such  restrictions as the Committee may impose  (including,  without
         limitation,  any  limitation on the right to vote a Share of Restricted
         Stock or the right to receive  any  dividend or other right or property
         with respect  thereto),  which  restrictions may lapse separately or in
         combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise as
         the Committee may deem appropriate.

                  (ii) Stock  Certificates.  Any Restricted  Stock granted under
         the Plan shall be  evidenced  by  issuance  of a stock  certificate  or
         certificates,  which  certificate or certificates  shall be held by the
         Corporation. Such certificate or

                                        4

<PAGE>



         certificates  shall be  registered in the name of the  Participant  and
         shall  bear  an  appropriate   legend  referring  to  the  restrictions
         applicable to such Restricted Stock.

                  (iii)  Forfeiture;  Delivery  of Shares.  Except as  otherwise
         determined by the  Committee,  upon  Termination  of Service during the
         applicable  restriction  period, all Shares of Restricted Stock at such
         time subject to  restriction  shall be forfeited and  reacquired by the
         Corporation;  provided,  however, that the Committee may waive in whole
         or in part any or all remaining  restrictions with respect to Shares of
         Restricted  Stock.  Shares  representing  Restricted  Stock  that is no
         longer subject to restrictions shall be delivered to the holder thereof
         promptly after the applicable restrictions lapse or are waived.

               (d)  Performance  Awards.  The Committee is hereby  authorized to
grant  performance  Awards to Participants  subject to the terms of the Plan and
any applicable Award Agreement.  A performance  Award granted under the Plan (i)
may be denominated or payable in cash, Shares  (including,  without  limitation,
Restricted  Stock),  other  securities,  other Awards or other property and (ii)
shall confer on the holder thereof the right to receive payments, in whole or in
part, upon the  achievement of such  performance  goals during such  performance
periods as the Committee shall  establish.  Subject to the terms of the Plan and
any applicable Award Agreement,  the performance goals to be achieved during any
performance  period,  the length of any  performance  period,  the amount of any
performance  Award  granted and the amount of any payment or transfer to be made
pursuant to any performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.

         6.  Adjustments  Upon  Changes in  Capitalization.  In the event of any
change in the outstanding Shares subsequent to the effective date of the Plan by
reason of any  reorganization,  recapitalization,  stock split,  stock dividend,
combination or exchange of shares,  merger,  consolidation  or any change in the
corporate  structure or Shares of the Corporation,  the maximum aggregate number
and class of shares and exercise price of the Award,  if any, as to which Awards
may be granted  under the Plan and the  number and class of shares and  exercise
price of the Award, if any, with respect to which Awards have been granted under
the Plan shall be appropriately  adjusted by the Committee,  whose determination
shall be  conclusive.  Any Award which is adjusted as a result of this Section 6
shall be subject to the same restrictions as the original Award.

         7.  Effect of Merger on Options or Rights.  In the case of any  merger,
consolidation   or  combination  of  the  Corporation   (other  than  a  merger,
consolidation  or  combination  in  which  the  Corporation  is  the  continuing
corporation and which does not result in the outstanding  Shares being converted
into or exchanged  for  different  securities,  cash or other  property,  or any
combination  thereof),  any  Participant  to whom an  Option  or Right  has been
granted shall have the  additional  right (subject to the provisions of the Plan
and any  limitation  applicable to such Option or Right),  thereafter and during
the term of each such  Option or Right,  to receive  upon  exercise  of any such
Option or Right an amount  equal to the excess of the fair  market  value on the
date of such exercise of the securities,  cash or other property, or combination
thereof, receivable upon such merger, consolidation or combination in respect of
a Share  over the  exercise  price of such Right or  Option,  multiplied  by the
number of Shares  with  respect  to which such  Option or Right  shall have been
exercised. Such amount may be payable fully in cash,

                                        5

<PAGE>



fully in one or more of the kind or kinds of  property  payable in such  merger,
consolidation  or  combination,  or partly in cash and  partly in one or more of
such kind or kinds of property, all in the discretion of the Committee.

         8. Effect of Change in  Control.  Each of the events  specified  in the
following  clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 8 shall be deemed a "change
of  control":  (i) any third  person,  including a "group" as defined in Section
13(d)(3) of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,  shall become the  beneficial
owner of  shares of the  Corporation  with  respect  to which 25% or more of the
total  number  of  votes  for the  election  of the  Board of  Directors  of the
Corporation  may be cast,  (ii) as a result of, or in connection  with, any cash
tender offer, merger or other business combination,  sale of assets or contested
election, or combination of the foregoing, the persons who were directors of the
Corporation  shall cease to  constitute  a majority of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation,  or (iii) the stockholders of the Corporation  shall approve an
agreement providing either for a transaction in which the Corporation will cease
to  be  an  independent  publicly-owned  corporation  or  for a  sale  or  other
disposition of all or substantially  all the assets of the  Corporation.  Upon a
change in control,  unless the Committee  shall have  otherwise  provided in the
Award Agreement,  any restricted period with respect to Restricted Stock awarded
to such Participant shall lapse and all Shares awarded as Restricted Stock shall
become fully vested in the  Participant  to whom such Shares were awarded.  If a
tender  offer or  exchange  offer for  Shares  (other  than such an offer by the
Corporation) is commenced, or if the event specified in clause (iii) above shall
occur,  unless  the  Committee  shall  have  otherwise  provided  in  the  Award
Agreement,  all  Options  and Stock  Appreciation  Rights  granted and not fully
exercisable  shall become  exercisable in full upon the happening of such event;
provided,  however,  that no  Option  or  Stock  Appreciation  Right  which  has
previously been exercised or otherwise terminated shall become exercisable.

         9. Assignments and Transfers.  No Award granted under the Plan shall be
transferable  otherwise  than by will, the laws of descent and  distribution  or
pursuant  to a  qualified  domestic  relations  order,  except  an Award  may be
transferred by gift to any member of the Participant's  immediate family or to a
trust for the  benefit of one or more of such  immediate  family  members if the
Committee so specifies in the Award  Agreement.  During the lifetime of an Award
recipient,  an Award shall be exercisable  only by the Award recipient unless it
has been transferred as permitted  hereby, in which case it shall be exercisable
only by such  transferee.  For the  purpose  of this  Section 9 a  Participant's
"immediate   family"  shall  mean  the   Participant's   spouse,   children  and
grandchildren.

         10.  Employee Rights Under the Plan. No person shall have a right to be
selected as a Participant nor, having been so selected,  to be selected again as
a Participant  and no officer,  employee or other person shall have any claim or
right to be  granted  an Award  under the Plan or under any other  incentive  or
similar  plan of the  Corporation  or any  Affiliate.  Neither  the Plan nor any
action taken  thereunder  shall be construed as giving any employee any right to
be retained in the employ of the Corporation or any Affiliate.

         11. Delivery and Registration of Stock. The Corporation's obligation to
deliver Shares with respect to an Award shall, if the Committee so requests,  be
conditioned upon the receipt of a representation as to the investment  intention
of the Participant to whom such Shares are to be delivered,  in such form as the
Committee shall determine to be necessary or advisable

                                        6

<PAGE>



to  comply  with  the  provisions  of the  Securities  Act of 1933 or any  other
federal,  state or local  securities  legislation.  It may be provided  that any
representation  requirement shall become  inoperative upon a registration of the
Shares or other action  eliminating the necessity of such  representation  under
such Securities Act or other securities  legislation.  The Corporation shall not
be required to deliver any Shares  under the Plan prior to (i) the  admission of
such Shares to listing on any stock exchange on which Shares may then be listed,
and (ii) the  completion of such  registration  or other  qualification  of such
Shares  under any state or federal law,  rule or  regulation,  as the  committee
shall determine to be necessary or advisable.

         12. Withholding Tax. Upon the termination of the restricted period with
respect to any shares of Restricted  Stock (or at any such earlier time, if any,
that an election is made by the Participant  under Section 83(b) of the Code, or
any successor  provision thereto, to include the value of such shares in taxable
income),  the  Corporation  shall have the right to require the  Participant  or
other  person  receiving  such shares to pay the  Corporation  the amount of any
taxes which the Corporation is required to withhold with respect to such shares,
or, in lieu thereof,  to retain or sell without notice,  a sufficient  number of
shares held by it to cover the amount  required to be withheld.  The Corporation
shall have the right to deduct from all dividends paid with respect to shares of
Restricted  Stock the amount of any taxes which the  Corporation  is required to
withhold with respect to such dividend payments.

         The Corporation shall have the right to deduct from all amounts paid in
cash with respect to the  exercise of a Right under the Plan any taxes  required
by law to be withheld with respect to such cash payments. Where a Participant or
other person is entitled to receive Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Option
or Right pursuant to the Plan, the  Corporation  shall have the right to require
the  Participant or such other person to pay the  Corporation  the amount of any
taxes which the Corporation is required to withhold with respect to such Shares,
or, in lieu thereof,  to retain, or sell without notice, a number of such Shares
sufficient to cover the amount required to be withheld.

         All withholding  decisions  pursuant to this Section 12 shall be at the
sole discretion of the Committee or the Corporation.

         13. Amendment or Termination.

               (a) The Board of Directors of the Corporation  may amend,  alter,
suspend,  discontinue, or terminate the Plan without the consent of shareholders
or Participants,  except that any such action will be subject to the approval of
the  Corporation's  shareholders  if,  when and to the extent  such  shareholder
approval is  necessary or required  for  purposes of any  applicable  federal or
state  law or  regulation  or the  rules  of any  stock  exchange  or  automated
quotation  system on which the Shares  may then be listed or  quoted,  or if the
Board of Directors of the  Corporation,  in its  discretion,  determines to seek
such shareholder approval.

               (b) Except  with  respect to Awards  granted  pursuant to Section
5(e) of the Plan,  the  Committee  may waive any  conditions of or rights of the
Corporation or modify or amend the terms of any outstanding Award. The Committee
may  not,  however,   amend,  alter,  suspend,   discontinue  or  terminate  any
outstanding  Award  without the consent of the  Participant  or holder  thereof,
except as otherwise herein provided.

                                        7

<PAGE>


         14.  Effective Date and Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become  effective
upon its adoption by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, and the approval
of the Plan by the shareholders of the Corporation.  It shall continue in effect
for a term of fifteen years unless sooner terminated under Section 13 hereof.

                                        8

<PAGE>
                                     PART II

                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS


Item 20.          Indemnification of Directors and Officers

         Section  145 of  the  General  Corporation  Law  of  Delaware  empowers
WesterFed to indemnify,  subject to the standards therein prescribed, any person
in  connection  with any action,  suit or  proceeding  brought or  threatened by
reason of the fact that such person is or was a director,  officer,  employee or
agent  of  WesterFed  or is or was  serving  as such  with  respect  to  another
corporation  or other  entity at the  request of  WesterFed.  Section  Eleven of
WesterFed's Certificate of Incorporation provides that each person who was or is
made a  party  to (or is  threatened  to be  made a  party  to) or is  otherwise
involved  in any  action,  suit or  proceeding  by  reason of the fact that such
person is or was a director,  officer,  employee or agent of WesterFed or acting
at the request of WesterFed as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or other entity shall be indemnified  and held harmless by WesterFed
to the fullest  extent  authorized  by the General  Corporation  Law of Delaware
against  all  expenses,   liability  and  loss  (including   without  limitation
attorney's  fees,  judgments,  fines and amounts paid in settlement)  reasonably
incurred by such person in connection therewith. The rights conferred by Section
Eleven are contractual  rights and include the right to be paid by WesterFed the
expenses incurred in defending such action, suit or proceeding in advance of the
final disposition thereof.

         Section Twelve of WesterFed's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides
that  WesterFed's  directors  will not be personally  liable to WesterFed or its
stockholders  for monetary  damages  resulting from breaches of their  fiduciary
duty as directors  except (i) for any breach of the duty of loyalty to WesterFed
or its  stockholders,  (ii) for  acts or  omissions  not in good  faith or which
involve  intentional  misconduct  or a knowing  violation  of law,  (iii)  under
Section 174 of the General  Corporation  Law of Delaware  (which makes directors
liable for unlawful  dividends or unlawful stock  repurchases or redemptions) or
(iv) for transactions from which directors derive improper personal benefit.

         WesterFed maintains directors and officers liability insurance.




                                      II-1

<PAGE>



Item 21.          Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

         The  following   Exhibits  are  filed  as  part  of  this  Registration
Statement.


       2.1    Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  September  24,  1996
              (included as Appendix I to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

       4.1    Certificate  of  Incorporation  (incorporated  by  reference as an
              Exhibit to WesterFed's Registration Statement No. 33-69168).*

       4.2    Bylaws  of  WesterFed  Financial   Corporation   (incorporated  by
              reference as an Exhibit to WesterFed's  Registration Statement No.
              33-69168).*

       4.3    Specimen common stock certificate (incorporated by reference as an
              Exhibit to WesterFed's Registration Statement No. 33-69168).*

       5      Opinion of Silver,  Freedman & Taff,  L.L.P. as to legality of the
              securities being registered.

       8      Opinion  of  Silver,  Freedman & Taff,  L.L.P.  regarding  federal
              income tax consequences of the transaction.**

       10.1   Employment Agreement of David W. Jorgenson.

       10.2   Employment Agreement of Elaine F. Hine.

       10.3   Employment Agreement of Stanley R. Hill.

       10.4   Employment Agreement of Scott W. Sanders.

       10.5   Stock  Option  Agreement # 1 of  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation
              (included as Appendix II to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

       10.6   Stock  Option  Agreement # 2 of  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation
              (included as Appendix III to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

       10.7   Form of WesterFed Financial  Corporation's  Equity Investment Plan
              (included as Appendix VII to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

       21.1   Subsidiaries of WesterFed Financial Corporation.

       21.2   Subsidiaries of Security Bancorp.

       23.1   Consents of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

       23.2   Consent of Silver,  Freedman & Taff,  L.L.P.  (included in Exhibit
              5).

       23.3   Consent  of  Alex.  Brown & Sons  Incorporated  (contained  in the
              Fairness   Opinion   included   as   Appendix   IV  to  the  Proxy
              Statement/Prospectus).

       23.4   Consent  of  Montgomery  Securities  (contained  in  the  Fairness
              Opinion included as Appendix V to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

       24     Power of Attorney (contained on signature page).

       27     Financial Data Schedule of WesterFed Financial Corporation.



                                      II-2

<PAGE>




       99.1   Form of Proxy Card of WesterFed Financial Corporation.

       99.2   Form of Proxy Card of Security Bancorp.

       99.3   Form of Election of Security Bancorp Stockholders.

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

* Registrant  hereby agrees to furnish a copy of the  instrument to the SEC upon
request.

** To be filed by amendment.

                                      II-3

<PAGE>



Item 22. Undertakings

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

       (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

              (i) To include any prospectus  required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
       Securities Act of 1933;

              (ii) To  reflect  in the  prospectus  any facts or events  arising
       after  the  effective  date of the  Registration  Statement  (or the most
       recent  post-effective  amendment thereof) which,  individually or in the
       aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
       the Registration Statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  any increase
       or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
       securities  offered would not exceed that which was  registered)  and any
       deviation  from the low or high  end of the  estimated  maximum  offering
       range  may  be  reflected  in the  form  of  prospectus  filed  with  the
       Commission  pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,  the changes in
       volume  and  price  represent  no more than a 20%  change in the  maximum
       aggregate  offering price set forth in the  "Calculation  of Registration
       Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and

              (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
       of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
       any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.

       (2)  That,  for the  purpose  of  determining  any  liability  under  the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such  securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

       (3) To remove from  registration by means of a  post-effective  amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

(b)  The  undersigned   registrant  hereby  undertakes  that,  for  purposes  of
determining  any  liability  under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  each filing of
WesterFed's  annual  report  pursuant to Section  13(a) or Section  15(d) of the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934  (and,  where  applicable,  each  filing of an
employee  benefit  plan's  annual  report  pursuant  to  Section  15(d)  of  the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934)  that is  incorporated  by  reference  in the
Registration  Statement  shall  be  deemed  to be a new  registration  statement
relating to the securities offered therein,  and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) The undersigned  registrant hereby undertakes as follows:  that prior to any
public  reoffering  of the  securities  registered  hereunder  through  use of a
prospectus  which is a part of this  Registration  Statement,  by any  person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter  within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer  undertakes that such reoffering  prospectus will contain the information
called for by the  applicable  registration  form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed  underwriters,  in addition to the information  called
for by the other Items of the applicable form.

(d) WesterFed  undertakes  that every  prospectus  (i) that is filed pursuant to
paragraph  (c)  immediately  preceding,  or  (ii)  that  purports  to  meet  the
requirements  of Section  10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection  with an
offering  of  securities  subject  to  Rule  415,  will be  filed  as part of an
amendment  to the  Registration  Statement  and  will  not be  used  until  such
amendment is  effective,  and that,  for purposes of  determining  any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933,  each such  post-effective  amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities and at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(e) Insofar as indemnification  for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be  permitted to  directors,  officers  and  controlling  persons of
WesterFed pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, WesterFed has been
advised  that in the opinion of the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  such
indemnification  is  against  public  policy  as  expressed  in the  Act and is,
therefore,  unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such  liabilities  (other than the payment by WesterFed of expenses  incurred or
paid by a

                                      II-4

<PAGE>



director,  officer or controlling  person of WesterFed in the successful defense
of any action,  suit or  proceeding)  is asserted by such  director,  officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, WesterFed
will,  unless in the  opinion of its  counsel  the  matter  has been  settled by
controlling  precedent,  submit  to a  court  of  appropriate  jurisdiction  the
question  whether  such  indemnification  by  it is  against  public  policy  as
expressed  in the Act and will be  governed  by the final  adjudication  of such
issue.

(f) The  undersigned  registrant  hereby  undertakes  to  supply  by  means of a
post-effective  amendment  all  information  concerning a  transaction,  and the
company  being  acquired  involved  therein,  that  was not the  subject  of and
included in the Registration Statement when it became effective.

(g) The  undersigned  registrant  hereby  undertakes  to respond to requests for
information  that is incorporated  by reference into the prospectus  pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b),  11, or 13 of this Form,  within one  business day of receipt of
such  request,  and to send the  incorporated  documents  by first class mail or
other equally  prompt means.  This includes  information  contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement through the
date of responding to the request.



                                      II-5

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES


       Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  Registration  Statement  to be signed on its
behalf  by  the   undersigned,   thereunto  duly   authorized  in  the  City  of
Chesterfield, State of Missouri, on November 19, 1996.

                                                WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION



                                                By:/s/Lyle R. Grimes
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                   Lyle R. Grimes
                                                   President, Chief Executive 
                                                      Officer and Chairman of
                                                      the Board
                                                (Duly Authorized Representative)


       Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has  been  signed  by  the  following  persons  in  the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

         We, the undersigned  directors and officers of the  Registrant,  hereby
severally  constitute and appoint Lyle R. Grimes,  our true and lawful  attorney
and  agent,  to do any and all things in our names in the  capacities  indicated
below  which  Lyle R.  Grimes  may deem  necessary  or  advisable  to enable the
Registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules,
regulations  and  requirements  of the  Securities and Exchange  Commission,  in
connection with the registration  statement on Form S-4 relating to the offering
of the registrant's common stock,  including  specifically,  but not limited to,
power  and  authority  to sign for us in our names in the  capacities  indicated
below  this  registration  statement  and  any  and  all  amendments  (including
post-effective  amendments) thereto; and, we hereby approve,  ratify and confirm
all that Lyle R. Grimes shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.




By:  /s/Lyle R. Grimes                         By: /s/James A. Salisbury
     -----------------                             ---------------------
     Lyle R. Grimes                                James A. Salisbury
     President, Chief Executive Officer and        Treasurer and Chief Financial
       Chairman of the Board                          Officer          
     (Principal Executive Officer)                 (Principal Financial and
                                                      Accounting Officer)
     

Date: November 19, 1996                        Date: November 19, 1996
     ------------------                              -----------------




By:  /s/Dr. Marvin Reynolds                     By: /s/Dr. Otto G. Klein, Jr.
     ----------------------                         ------------------------
     Dr. Marvin Reynolds                            Dr. Otto G. Klein, Jr.
     Director                                       Director

Date: November 19, 1996                         Date: November 19, 1996
      -----------------                               -----------------



                                      II-6

<PAGE>




By:  /s/John E. Roemer                          By: /s/Laurie C. DeMarois
     -----------------                              ---------------------
     John E. Roemer                                 Laurie C. DeMarois
     Director                                       Director

Date: November 19, 1996                         Date: November 19, 1996
      -----------------                               -----------------




By:  /s/Robert F. Burke
     ------------------
     Robert F. Burke
     Director

Date: November 19, 1996
      -----------------
 

                                      II-7

<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


The following  Exhibits are filed in connection with the Registration  Statement
of WesterFed Financial  Corporation on Form S-4, pursuant to the requirements of
Item 601 of Regulation S-K:


Exhibit No.



2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 24, 1996 (included as
       Appendix I to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

4.1    Certificate of Incorporation  (incorporated by reference as an exhibit to
       WesterFed Financial Corporation's Registration Statement No. 33-69168).*

4.2    Bylaws of WesterFed Financial  Corporation  (incorporated by reference as
       an exhibit to WesterFed Financial  Corporation's  Registration  Statement
       No. 33-69168). *

4.3    Specimen  common  stock  certificate  (incorporated  by  reference  as an
       exhibit to WesterFed Financial  Corporation's  Registration Statement No.
       33-69168).*

5      Opinion of Silver,  Freedman & Taff,  L.L.P.  as to the  legality  of the
       securities being registered.

8      Opinion of Silver,  Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.  regarding federal income tax
       consequences of the transaction.**

10.1   Employment Agreement of David W. Jorgenson.

10.2   Employment Agreement of Elaine F. Hine.

10.3   Employment Agreement of Stanley R. Hill.

10.4   Employment Agreement of Scott W. Sanders.

10.5   Stock Option Agreement # 1 of WesterFed Financial  Corporation  (included
       as Appendix II to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

10.6   Stock Option Agreement # 2 of WesterFed Financial  Corporation  (included
       as Appendix III to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

10.7   Form  of  WesterFed  Financial   Corporation's   Equity  Investment  Plan
       (included as Appendix VII to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

21.1   Subsidiaries of WesterFed Financial Corporation.

21.2   Subsidiaries of Security Bancorp.

23.1   Consents of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.



                                      II-8

<PAGE>



23.2   Consent of Silver, Freedman & Taff, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5).

23.3   Consent of Alex.  Brown & Sons  Incorporated  (contained  in the Fairness
       Opinion included as Appendix IV to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

23.4   Consent of  Montgomery  Securities  (contained  in the  Fairness  Opinion
       included as Appendix V to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).

24     Power of Attorney (contained on signature page).

27     Financial Data Schedule of WesterFed Financial Corporation.

99.1   Form of Proxy Card of WesterFed Financial Corporation.

99.2   Form of Proxy Card of Security Bancorp.

99.3   Form of Election of Security Bancorp Stockholders.

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

* Registrant  hereby agrees to furnish a copy of the  instrument to the SEC upon
request.
** To be filed by amendment.

                                      II-9




                                                                   EXHIBIT 5










                                November 15, 1996


WesterFed Financial Corporation
100 East Broadway
Missoula, Montana  59802

         Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-4

Members of the Board of Directors:

         We have examined  (i) the  Agreement and Plan of  Merger by and between
WesterFed  Financial  Corporation  (the  "Company"),  and Security  Bancorp (the
"Merger  Agreement"),   (ii)  the  Registration   Statement  on  Form  S-4  (the
"Registration  Statement") filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission")  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus,  relating to the issuance
by the Company of up to  1,660,000  shares of common  stock,  par value $.01 per
share  (the  "Common  Stock"),  in the  manner  set  forth  in the  Registration
Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, (iii) the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws and (iv) records of the Company's corporate proceedings
relative to its organization and to the issuance of the Common Stock.

         We have examined  originals,  or copies identified to our satisfaction,
of such corporate  records of the Company and have made such examinations of law
as we have deemed  relevant.  In our  examination,  we have assumed and have not
verified (i) the  genuineness of all  signatures,  (ii) the  authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals,  (iii) the conformity with the originals
of  all  documents  supplied  to  us  as  copies,  and  (iv)  the  accuracy  and
completeness  of all corporate  records and documents and all  certificates  and
statements of fact,  in each case given or made  available to us by the Company.
We have  relied  upon  certificates  and other  written  documents  from  public
officials  and  government  agencies  and  departments  and we have  assumed the
accuracy and authenticity of such certificates and documents.

         Based  upon  the  foregoing,   and  having  a  regard  for  such  legal
considerations as we deem relevant,  we are of the opinion that the Common Stock
will be, upon issuance,  against payment  therefor as contemplated in the Merger
Agreement, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         We  consent  to the  use of  this  opinion,  to  the  incorporation  by
reference of such opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the
reference to our firm and our opinion under the heading  "Legal  Matters" in the
Registration  Statement  filed by the Company,  and all amendments  thereto.  In
giving this consent,  we do not admit that we are within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission thereunder.

                                             Very truly yours,

                                             /s/ Silver, Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.

                                             SILVER, FREEDMAN & TAFF, L.L.P.



                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.1


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                    THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION
                     PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM ARBITRATION ACT
         CONTAINED IN CHAPTER 5, TITLE 27 OF THE MONTANA CODE ANNOTATED

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT  ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this 24th day of September, 1996, by and between Western Federal Savings Bank of
Montana, Missoula, Montana (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank"), and David W.
Jorgenson (the "Employee").

         WHEREAS,  the  Bank's  parent  holding  company,   WesterFed  Financial
Corporation  ("WesterFed"  or  the  "Holding  Company"),  has  entered  into  an
agreement dated September 24, 1996,  with Security  Bancorp,  the parent holding
company of Security Bank, FSB  ("Security"),  under which Security Bancorp shall
be merged  into  WesterFed  (the  "Merger"),  and such  agreement  calls for the
Employee and the Bank to enter into an employment  agreement in the form of this
agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Employee is  currently  serving as  President  and Chief
Executive Officer of Security and of Security Bancorp and has agreed to serve as
an Executive  Vice  President of the Bank effective at the effective time of the
Merger; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Employee has agreed that upon the  effectiveness  of the
Merger,  that  certain  Employment  Agreement  between  himself and Security and
Security Bancorp, dated June 19, 1995 (the "Prior Employment Agreement"),  shall
terminate  without any obligation  thereunder to him on the part of any employer
or  successor  thereto and that this  Agreement  shall  entirely  supersede  and
replace the Prior Employment Agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the Board of Directors of the Bank (the "Board of Directors")
believes it is in the best  interests  of the Bank to enter into this  Agreement
with the  Employee  in order to  induce  the  Employee  to serve  the Bank as an
Executive  Vice  President  following  the  Merger and to assure  continuity  of
management after the Merger; and

         WHEREAS, although it is contemplated that Security shall merge into the
Bank in  connection  with the Merger,  the  Employee has agreed that if Security
does not merge into the Bank,  the Bank may assign and  transfer to Security all
of the Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Board of  Directors  has  approved  and  authorized  the
execution  of this  Agreement  with the  Employee  to take  effect  as stated in
Section 2 hereof;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective
covenants and agreements of the parties herein, it is AGREED as follows:

         1.  Definitions.

                                        1

<PAGE>



                  (a) The term "Change in Control"  means (1) an  acquisition by
any  acquiror,  directly  or  indirectly,  through one or more  subsidiaries  or
transactions,  or acting in concert  with one or more persons or  companies,  of
more than 25% of the outstanding  voting  securities of the Holding Company,  or
(2) a reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Bank or the Holding Company or a similar  transaction in which
the Bank or the Holding Company is not the resulting entity. The term "Change in
Control" shall not include an  acquisition of securities by an employee  benefit
plan of the Bank or the Holding Company.

                  (b) The term "Commencement Date" means the date upon which the
Merger is effective.

                  (c) The term "Date of  Termination"  means the  earlier of (1)
the date upon which the Bank gives notice to the Employee of the  termination of
the Employee's  employment with the Bank or (2) the date upon which the Employee
ceases to serve as an employee of the Bank.

                  (d) The term "Involuntarily  Termination" means termination of
the employment of Employee without the Employee's  express written consent,  and
shall  include a material  diminution  of or  interference  with the  Employee's
duties, responsibilities and benefits as an Executive Vice President of the Bank
with respect to commercial  lending,  including (without  limitation) any of the
following  actions unless consented to in writing by the Employee:  (1) a change
in the principal workplace of the Employee which would reasonably require him to
commute more than 30 miles each way from his principal  residence as of the date
of this  Agreement;  (2) the assignment to the Employee of duties  substantially
inconsistent  with and in diminution of the position,  duties,  responsibilities
and  status  contemplated  by  Section 3 of this  Agreement;  and (3) a material
adverse  change in the  Employee's  salary,  perquisites,  benefits,  contingent
benefits or vacation, other than as part of an overall program applied uniformly
and with equitable effect to all members of the senior management of the Bank or
the  Holding  Company.  The term  "Involuntary  Termination"  does  not  include
Termination  for Cause or termination  of employment  due to retirement,  death,
disability   or   suspension   or  temporary  or  permanent   prohibition   from
participation  in the  conduct  of the  Bank's  affairs  under  Section 8 of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA").

                  (e) The terms  "Termination  for  Cause" and  "Terminated  for
Cause"  mean  termination  of the  employment  of the  Employee  because  of the
Employee's personal dishonesty,  incompetence,  willful misconduct,  breach of a
fiduciary duty involving personal profit,  intentional failure to perform stated
duties,  willful  violation of any law, rule, or regulation  (other than traffic
violations or similar  offenses) or final  cease-and-desist  order,  or material
breach of any provision of this  Agreement.  The Employee shall not be deemed to
have been  Terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered
to the Employee a copy of a resolution,  duly adopted by the affirmative vote of
not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board of Directors at a
meeting  called  and held for  such  purpose  (after  reasonable  notice  to the
Employee stating why the Board of Directors would consider Termination for Cause
and an opportunity for the Employee, together with the Employee's counsel, to be
heard before the Board), stating that in the good faith opinion of the Board the
Employee  has  engaged  in  conduct  described  in the  preceding  sentence  and
specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

                                        2

<PAGE>



         2. Term;  Termination of Prior Employment  Agreement.  The term of this
Agreement shall be a period of three years commencing on the Commencement  Date,
subject to earlier termination as provided herein. Upon the effectiveness of the
Merger,  the Prior  Employment  Agreement  shall  terminate  with no  obligation
thereunder to the Employee on the part of any employer or successor thereto, and
this  Agreement  shall  entirely  supersede  and replace  such Prior  Employment
Agreement.

         3. Employment.  The Employee is employed as an Executive Vice President
of the Bank. As such,  the Employee shall render  administrative  and management
services as are customarily  performed by persons situated in similar  executive
capacities  with respect to commercial  lending by the Bank, and shall have such
other powers and duties of such an officer of the Bank as the Board of Directors
may prescribe from time to time.

         4.  Compensation.

                  (a)  Salary.  The Bank agrees to pay the  Employee  during the
term of this  Agreement  a salary of  $160,200  per year,  subject to  customary
withholding,  and payable in such installments as the Bank customarily  utilizes
in paying its executive employees.  In the discretion of the Board of Directors,
such salary may be increased from time to time.

                  (b) Discretionary  Bonuses.  The Employee shall be entitled to
participate in an equitable manner with all other executive officers of the Bank
in discretionary bonuses as authorized and declared by the Board of Directors to
its executive  employees.  No other compensation  provided for in this Agreement
shall be deemed a substitute  for the  Employee's  right to  participate in such
bonuses when and as declared by the Board of Directors.

                  (c) Expenses. The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in performing
services  under this  Agreement in accordance  with the policies and  procedures
applicable  to the  executive  officers of the Bank,  provided that the Employee
accounts for such expenses as required under such policies and procedures.

                  (d)  Company   Car.  So  long  as  the  Employee  is  employed
hereunder,  the Bank shall  provide him with the use of a car owned by the Bank,
provided  that,  in  accordance  with the policies of the Bank as in effect from
time to time,  the Employee  shall (i) keep records of personal and business use
of the automobile,  and (ii) reimburse the Employer for expenses  connected with
the personal use of the automobile by the Employee or his spouse.

         5. Participation in Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans. The Employee
shall be  entitled to  participate  in all plans  relating  to pension,  thrift,
profit-sharing,  group life insurance,  medical and dental coverage,  education,
and other  retirement or employee  benefits or  combinations  thereof,  in which
continuing employees of Security are entitled to participate after the Merger.

         6. Vacations;  Leave. The Employee shall be entitled to (i) annual paid
vacation in  accordance  with the  policies  established  by the Bank's Board of
Directors,  provided  that such  vacation  shall not be less than four weeks per
year, and (ii) to voluntary leave of absence, with

                                        3

<PAGE>



or without pay, from time to time at such times and upon such  conditions as the
Board of Directors may determine in its discretion.

         7.  Termination of Employment.

                  (a)  Involuntary  Termination.  The  Board  of  Directors  may
terminate  the  Employee's  employment at any time,  but,  except in the case of
Termination for Cause,  such termination of employment by action of the Board of
Directors  shall not prejudice the  Employee's  right to  compensation  or other
benefits under this  Agreement.  In the event of Involuntary  Termination of the
employment of the Employee by the Bank other than in  connection  with or within
12  months  after a  Change  in  Control,  the Bank  shall,  through  the  third
anniversary  of the  Commencement  Date, (i) continue to pay to the Employee his
salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination, which
salary  shall be payable in such manner and at such times as such  salary  would
have been  payable  to the  Employee  under  Section  4(a) if the  Employee  had
continued to be employed by the Bank,  and (ii)  provide to the Employee  health
benefits as  maintained  by the Bank for the benefit of its  executive  officers
from  time to time  during  the  remaining  term of this  Agreement  or,  at the
election of the Board of Directors,  substantially  the same health  benefits as
the Bank maintained for the Employee.

                  In the event of  Involuntary  Termination of the employment of
the Employee by the Bank in  connection  with or within 12 months after a Change
in Control,  the Bank shall, during the longer of the period remaining until the
third  anniversary of the Commencement Date or the period of 18 months following
the Date of  Termination,  (i) continue to pay to the Employee his salary at the
rate in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination,  which salary shall
be payable  in such  manner  and at such  times as such  salary  would have been
payable to the Employee  under  Section 4(a) if the Employee had continued to be
employed  by the Bank,  and (ii)  provide to the  Employee  health  benefits  as
maintained  by the Bank for the benefit of its  executive  officers from time to
time  during  such  period  or,  at the  election  of the  Board  of  Directors,
substantially the same health benefits as the Bank maintained for the Employee.

                  (b)  Termination  for "Good  Reason."  In the  event  that the
Employee  reasonably  believes  that  the  Bank  has  taken  any of the  actions
specified  in clauses  (1),  (2) or (3) of  Section  1(d) of this  Agreement  or
otherwise materially breached this Agreement,  the Employee shall have the right
to provide to the Board of  Directors a written  notice  asserting  the right to
terminate  his  employment  for good  reason  and  specifying  (i) the facts and
circumstances  supporting the Employee's belief that the Bank has taken any such
action or  materially  breached  this  Agreement  and the date upon  which  such
termination  of employment  for good reason shall become  effective,  which date
shall be at least 30 days  after the date of such  notice,  and (ii) a period of
not less than ten business days during which the Bank shall have the opportunity
to rescind such actions or cure such breach. In the event that the Bank does not
rescind such actions or cure such breach with such  period,  the Employee  shall
have the right to terminate his  employment and to receive from the Bank through
the third  anniversary  of the  Commencement  Date the same  salary  and  health
benefits as he would have received in the event of  Involuntary  Termination  as
described in subsection 7(a) of this Agreement.


                                        4

<PAGE>



                  (c)  Termination  for Cause.  In the event of Termination  for
Cause, the Bank shall pay the Employee the Employee's salary through the Date of
Termination, and the Bank shall have no further obligation to the Employee under
this Agreement.

                  (d) Voluntary  Termination.  The Employee's  employment may be
voluntarily  terminated by the Employee at any time upon 90 days' written notice
to the Bank or such  shorter  period as may be agreed upon  between the Employee
and the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Bank.  In the  event  of  such  voluntary
termination,  the Bank shall be obligated to continue to pay to the Employee the
Employee's salary and benefits only through the Date of Termination, at the time
such  payments  are due,  and the Bank shall have no further  obligation  to the
Employee under this Agreement.

                  (e)  Death;  Disability.  In the  event  of the  death  of the
Employee while  employed  under this  Agreement and prior to any  termination of
employment,  the  Employee's  estate,  or such person as the  Employee  may have
previously designated in writing, shall be entitled to receive from the Bank the
salary of the Employee  through the last day of the calendar  month in which the
Employee  died. If the Employee  becomes  disabled as defined in the Bank's then
current  disability  plan, if any, or if the Employee is otherwise unable due to
disability  to serve as an  Executive  Vice  President,  the  Employee  shall be
entitled to receive group and other  disability  income benefits of the type, if
any, then provided by the Bank for executive officers.

                  (f) Temporary  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by a notice served under Section  8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C. ss. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1), the Bank's obligations under this Agreement
shall be  suspended  as of the date of  service,  unless  stayed by  appropriate
proceedings.  If the  charges in the notice are  dismissed,  the Bank may in its
discretion (i) pay the Employee all or part of the  compensation  withheld while
its obligations  under this Agreement were suspended and (ii) reinstate in whole
or in part any of its obligations which were suspended.

                  (g) Permanent  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
removed and/or  permanently  prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by an order issued under Section  8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C.  ss.  1818(e)(4)  and (g)(1),  all  obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement  shall  terminate as of the  effective  date of the order,  but vested
rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

                  (h) Default of the Bank. If the Bank is in default (as defined
in Section  3(x)(1) of the FDIA),  all  obligations  under this Agreement  shall
terminate  as of the date of default,  but this  provision  shall not affect any
vested rights of the contracting parties.

                  (i)  Termination by  Regulators.  All  obligations  under this
Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation
of this  Agreement is necessary for the continued  operation of the Bank: (1) by
the Director of the Office of Thrift  Supervision (the "Director") or his or her
designee,  at  the  time  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  or  the
Resolution Trust Corporation  enters into an agreement to provide  assistance to
or on behalf of the Bank under the  authority  contained in Section 13(c) of the
FDIA; or (2) by the Director or his or her designee, at the time the Director or
his or her designee approves a supervisory

                                        5

<PAGE>



merger to resolve  problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is
determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound  condition.  Any rights
of the parties that have already vested,  however,  shall not be affected by any
such action.

                  (j) Limitations on Payments. Any payments made to the Employee
pursuant to this Agreement,  or otherwise,  are subject to and conditioned  upon
their  compliance  with  12  U.S.C.  1828(k)  and  any  regulations  promulgated
thereunder.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the value
of payments and benefits under this  Agreement,  together with any other amounts
and the value of benefits received or to be received by the Employee would cause
any amount to be  nondeductible  by the Bank or the Holding  Company for federal
income tax purposes  pursuant to Section  280G of the  Internal  Revenue Code of
1986, as amended,  then payments under this Agreement shall be reduced (not less
than zero) to the extent  necessary  so as to maximize  amounts and the value of
benefits to the Employee  without causing any amount to become  nondeductible by
the Bank or the Holding Company pursuant to or by reason of such Section 280G.

         8.  Confidential Information; Loyalty; Non-competition

                  (a) During the term of the Employee's employment hereunder and
thereafter,  the  Employee  shall not,  except as may be required to perform his
duties  hereunder  or as  required by law,  disclose  to others or use,  whether
directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information. "Confidential Information"
means  information  about the Bank and the Bank's clients and customers which is
not available to the general  public and was or shall be learned by the Employee
in the course of his employment by the Bank,  including  without  limitation any
data, formulae,  information,  proprietary knowledge,  trade secrets, and credit
reports and analyses owned,  developed and used in the course of the business of
the Bank,  including client and customer lists and information  related thereto;
and all papers,  resumes,  records and other  documents (and all copies thereof)
containing such Confidential  Information.  The Employee  acknowledges that such
Confidential Information is specialized,  unique in nature and of great value to
the Bank. The Employee agrees that upon the expiration of the Employee's term of
employment  hereunder  or in the event the  Employee's  employment  hereunder is
terminated prior thereto for any reason  whatsoever,  the Employee will promptly
deliver  to the Bank all  documents  (and all  copies  thereof)  containing  any
Confidential Information.

                  (b) The Employee shall devote his full time to the performance
of his employment under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Employee may
serve,   without   compensation,   with   charitable,   community  and  industry
organizations  and continue to serve,  with  compensation,  as a director of any
business  corporation  of which he is  currently  a director  to the extent such
directorships  do not  inhibit  the  performance  of his  duties  thereunder  or
conflict  with the  business  of the  Bank.  During  the term of the  Employee's
employment hereunder,  the Employee shall not engage in any business or activity
contrary to the business affairs or interests of the Bank.

                  (c)  Upon  the  expiration  of  the  term  of  the  Employee's
employment  hereunder  or in  the  event  the  Employee's  employment  hereunder
terminates prior thereto for any reason whatsoever,  the Employee shall not, for
a period of three years after the occurrence of such event,  for himself,  or as
the agent of, on behalf of, or in conjunction with, any person or entity,

                                        6

<PAGE>



solicit or attempt to solicit, whether directly or indirectly:  (i) any employee
of the Bank to terminate such employee's employment  relationship with the Bank;
or (ii) any savings  and loan,  banking or similar  business  from any person or
entity that is or was a client,  employee, or customer of the Bank and had dealt
with the Employee or any other employee of the Bank under the supervision of the
Employee.

                  (d)  In  the  event   Employee   voluntarily   terminates  his
employment hereunder pursuant to Section 7(d) of this Agreement, or in the event
the Employee's  employment hereunder is Terminated for Cause, the Employee shall
not,  for a period of one (1) year  from the Date of  Termination,  directly  or
indirectly,  own, manage,  operate or control,  or participate in the ownership,
management,  operation  or control  of, or be employed  by or  connected  in any
manner with,  any financial  institution  having an office located within twenty
(20) miles of any office of the Bank as of the Date of Termination.

                  (e) The provisions of subsections  (b) and (d) of this Section
8 shall not prevent the Employee from  purchasing,  solely for  investment,  not
more  than  five  percent  (5%) of any  financial  institution's  stock or other
securities which are traded on any national or regional  securities  exchange or
are actively traded in the over-the-counter  market and registered under Section
12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                  (f)  The  provisions  of this  Section  8  shall  survive  the
termination of the Employee's  employment hereunder whether by expiration of the
term thereof or otherwise.

         9. No  Mitigation.  The Employee  shall not be required to mitigate the
amount of any salary or other payment or benefit  provided for in this Agreement
by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Agreement be reduced by any compensation  earned by
the Employee as the result of  employment  by another  employer,  by  retirement
benefits after the Date of Termination or otherwise.

         10. Stock and Stock Option Awards.

                  (a) On the  Commencement  Date,  WesterFed  shall grant to the
Employee  under the  WesterFed  Financial  Corporation  1993  Stock  Option  and
Incentive  Plan (the "Plan")  options to purchase  12,000 shares of Common Stock
(as defined in the Plan) at an Exercise  Price (as defined in the Plan) equal to
the Market  Value (as defined in the Plan) of a share of the Common Stock on the
date on which the Merger  becomes  effective.  Such award  shall vest based upon
Continuous  Service  (as defined in the Plan) at the rate of 20 percent per year
over  the  five  years  following  the  date of the  grant,  but  vesting  shall
accelerate  in the event of a change in  control  or  merger,  consolidation  or
combination of WesterFed  into another  corporation in the same manner as awards
made under the Plan  prior to the  Merger to  executive  officers  of  WesterFed
accelerate in such events.

                  (b) Furthermore,  if prior to the Merger,  the shareholders of
WesterFed  are asked to  approve an  increase  in the number of shares of Common
Stock which may be awarded under the Plan, or approve a plan similar to the Plan
under which stock options are to be awarded to executive  officers of WesterFed,
and such shareholders vote to approve such an increase or plan,  WesterFed shall
on the Commencement Date award to the Employee options to purchase an

                                        7

<PAGE>



additional  30,000 shares of the Common Stock at an Exercise  Price equal to the
Market  Value of the Common  Stock on the date of the grant,  which  award shall
vest based upon  Continuous  Service at the rate of 20 percent per year over the
five years following the date of the grant,  but vesting shall accelerate in the
event of a change  in  control,  or  merger,  consolidation  or  combination  of
WesterFed into another  corporation in same manner as awards made under the Plan
prior to the  Merger to  executive  officers  of  WesterFed  accelerate  in such
events; provided that if the shareholders of WesterFed are asked to approve such
an increase or plan and vote not to approve it, then the Employee's rights under
this Section 10(b) shall expire.

                  (c) On the  Commencement  Date,  WesterFed shall make the same
award to the Employee under the WesterFed Financial Corporation  Recognition and
Retention Plan as he would have received if on that date he had been elected and
qualified for the first time as a non-employee director of WesterFed.

         11.  Attorneys  Fees.  In the  event  the Bank  exercises  its right of
Termination for Cause, but it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
or by an  arbitrator  pursuant  to  Section 18 that cause did not exist for such
termination, or if in any event it is determined by any such court or arbitrator
that the Bank has  failed to make  timely  payment  of any  amounts  owed to the
Employee under this Agreement,  the Employee shall be entitled to  reimbursement
for all reasonable  costs,  including  attorneys' fees,  incurred in challenging
such  termination or collecting  such amounts.  Such  reimbursement  shall be in
addition to all rights to which the  Employee is otherwise  entitled  under this
Agreement.

         12.  Assignments.

                  (a) In the event that  Security  does not merge into the Bank,
the Bank  shall  have the right to assign  and  transfer  all of its  rights and
obligations  under this  Agreement to  Security.  If the Bank elects to exercise
this right, it shall so notify the Employee in writing.

                  (b) This  Agreement  is a personal  services  contract and the
Employee may not assign or delegate any of his rights or obligations hereunder.

                  (c) This  Agreement  and all rights of the Employee  hereunder
shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee's  personal and
legal   representatives,    executors,   administrators,    successors,   heirs,
distributees, devisees and legatees.

         13. Notice.  For the purposes of this Agreement,  notices and all other
communications  provided for in the  Agreement  shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when  personally  delivered  or sent by certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Bank at its home office,
to the  attention of the Board of Directors  with a copy to the Secretary of the
Bank, or, if to the Employee,  to such home or other address as the Employee has
most recently provided in writing to the Bank.

         14.  Amendments.  No amendments or additions to this Agreement shall be
binding unless in writing and signed by both parties, except as herein otherwise
provided.


                                        8

<PAGE>


         15.  Headings.  The headings used in this Agreement are included solely
for  convenience  and shall  not  affect,  or be used in  connection  with,  the
interpretation of this Agreement.

         16.  Severability.  The  provisions of this  Agreement  shall be deemed
severable and the  invalidity  or  unenforceability  of any provision  shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

         17.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
United States to the extent applicable and otherwise by the laws of the State of
Montana.

         18.  Arbitration.  Any  dispute  or  controversy  arising  under  or in
connection  with this Agreement  shall be settled  exclusively by arbitration in
accordance  with  the  rules of the  American  Arbitration  Association  then in
effect.  Judgment may be entered on the  arbitrator's  award in any court having
jurisdiction.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.


         THIS AGREEMENT  CONTAINS A BINDING  ARBITRATION  PROVISION WHICH MAY BE
ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.


Attest:                                         Western Federal Savings Bank
                                                   of Montana

/s/ Wendy Lambson                               /s/  Lyle R. Grimes
- -----------------                               ------------------- 
Secretary                                       Lyle R. Grimes, President
                                                   and Chief Executive Officer



                                                 Employee

                                                 /s/  David W. Jorgenson
                                                 ----------------------- 
                                                 David W. Jorgenson


                                        9

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.2


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                    THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION
                     PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM ARBITRATION ACT
         CONTAINED IN CHAPTER 5, TITLE 27 OF THE MONTANA CODE ANNOTATED

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT  ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this 24th day of September, 1996, by and between Western Federal Savings Bank of
Montana,  Missoula,  Montana (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank"), and Elaine
F. Hine (the "Employee").

         WHEREAS,  the  Bank's  parent  holding  company,   WesterFed  Financial
Corporation  ("WesterFed"  or  the  "Holding  Company"),  has  entered  into  an
agreement dated September 24, 1996,  with Security  Bancorp,  the parent holding
company of Security Bank, FSB  ("Security"),  under which Security Bancorp shall
be merged  into  WesterFed  (the  "Merger"),  and such  agreement  calls for the
Employee and the Bank to enter into an employment  agreement in the form of this
agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the Employee is currently  serving as a Senior Vice President
of  Security  and has  agreed to serve as a Senior  Vice  President  of the Bank
effective at the effective time of the Merger"); and

         WHEREAS,  the  Employee has agreed that upon the  effectiveness  of the
Merger,  that certain Employment  Agreement between herself and Security,  dated
July 1, 1996 (the "Prior  Employment  Agreement"),  shall terminate  without any
obligation to her on the part of any employer or successor thereto and that this
Agreement shall entirely  supersede and replace the Prior Employment  Agreement;
and

         WHEREAS,  the Board of Directors of the Bank (the "Board of Directors")
believes it is in the best  interests  of the Bank to enter into this  Agreement
with the  Employee in order to induce the Employee to serve the Bank as a Senior
Vice President following the Merger and to assure continuity of management after
the Merger; and

         WHEREAS, although it is contemplated that Security shall merge into the
Bank in  connection  with the Merger,  the  Employee has agreed that if Security
does not merge into the Bank,  the Bank may assign and  transfer to Security all
of the Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Board of  Directors  has  approved  and  authorized  the
execution  of this  Agreement  with the  Employee  to take  effect  as stated in
Section 2 hereof;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective
covenants and agreements of the parties herein, it is AGREED as follows:

         1.  Definitions.

                                        1

<PAGE>



                  (a) The term "Commencement Date" means the date upon which the
Merger is effective.

                  (b) The term "Date of  Termination"  means the  earlier of (1)
the date upon which the Bank gives notice to the Employee of the  termination of
the Employee's  employment with the Bank or (2) the date upon which the Employee
ceases to serve as an employee of the Bank.

                  (c) The term "Involuntarily  Termination" means termination of
the employment of Employee without the Employee's  express written consent,  and
shall  include a material  diminution  of or  interference  with the  Employee's
duties as a Senior Vice President of the Bank,  including  (without  limitation)
any of the following actions unless consented to in writing by the Employee: (1)
the assignment to the Employee of duties substantially  inconsistent with and in
diminution  of the  duties of a Senior  Vice  President  of the Bank;  and (2) a
material adverse change in the Employee's salary or benefits, other than as part
of  an  overall  program  applied  uniformly  and  with  equitable  effect  to a
substantial  number  of  similarly  situated  personnel  of the  Bank.  The term
"Involuntary  Termination" does not include Termination for Cause or termination
of employment due to retirement, death, disability or suspension or temporary or
permanent  prohibition  from  participation in the conduct of the Bank's affairs
under Section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA").

                  (d) The terms  "Termination  for  Cause" and  "Terminated  for
Cause"  mean  termination  of the  employment  of the  Employee  because  of the
Employee's personal dishonesty,  incompetence,  willful misconduct,  breach of a
fiduciary duty involving personal profit,  intentional failure to perform stated
duties,  willful  violation of any law, rule, or regulation  (other than traffic
violations or similar  offenses) or final  cease-and-desist  order,  or material
breach of any provision of this  Agreement.  The Employee shall not be deemed to
have been  Terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered
to the Employee a copy of a resolution,  duly adopted by the affirmative vote of
not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board of Directors at a
meeting  called  and held for  such  purpose  (after  reasonable  notice  to the
Employee and an  opportunity  for the  Employee,  together  with the  Employee's
counsel,  to be heard before the Board),  stating that in the good faith opinion
of the Board the  Employee  has engaged in conduct  described  in the  preceding
sentence and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

         2. Term;  Termination of Prior Employment  Agreement.  The term of this
Agreement shall be a period of two years  commencing on the  Commencement  Date,
subject  to earlier  termination  as  provided  herein.  Beginning  on the first
anniversary of the Commencement  Date, and on each anniversary  thereafter,  the
term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year in addition to
the then-remaining  term, provided that (1) the Bank has not given notice to the
Employee in writing at least 90 days prior to such  anniversary that the term of
this Agreement shall not be extended further; and (2) prior to such anniversary,
the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Bank  explicitly  reviews  and  approves  the
extension.  Reference  herein to the term of this Agreement  shall refer to both
such initial term and such extended terms. Upon the effectiveness of the Merger,
the Prior Employment Agreement shall terminate with no obligation  thereunder to
the  Employee  on the  part of any  employer  or  successor  thereto,  and  this
Agreement shall entirely supersede and replace such Prior Employment Agreement.


                                        2

<PAGE>



         3.  Employment.  The Employee is employed as a Senior Vice President of
the Bank. As such, the Employee shall render such  administrative and management
services  as are  assigned  to the  Employee  by the  President  of the  Bank or
prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time. 4. Compensation.

                  (a)  Salary.  The Bank agrees to pay the  Employee  during the
term of this  Agreement  a salary of  $76,648  per year,  subject  to  customary
withholding,  and payable in such installments as the Bank customarily  utilizes
in paying its  employees  generally.  In the  discretion  of the Bank's Board of
Directors, such salary may be increased from time to time.

                  (b) Discretionary  Bonuses.  The Employee shall be entitled to
participate  in  an  equitable  manner  with  similarly  situated  personnel  in
discretionary  bonuses as authorized and declared by the Board of Directors.  No
other  compensation  provided for in this Agreement shall be deemed a substitute
for the Employee's  right to participate in such bonuses when and as declared by
the Board of Directors.

                  (c) Expenses. The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in performing
services  under this  Agreement  in  accordance  with  applicable  policies  and
procedures of the Bank, provided that the Employee accounts for such expenses as
required under such policies and procedures.

         (d) Company  Car. So long as the  Employee is employed  hereunder,  she
shall be entitled,  for business  purposes only, to  non-exclusive  use of a car
owned by the Bank.

         5. Participation in Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans. The Employee
shall be  entitled to  participate  in all plans  relating  to pension,  thrift,
profit-sharing,  group life insurance,  medical and dental coverage,  education,
and other  retirement or employee  benefits or  combinations  thereof,  in which
continuing employees of Security are entitled to participate after the Merger.

         6. Vacations;  Leave. The Employee shall be entitled (i) to annual paid
vacation in  accordance  with the  policies  established  by the Bank's Board of
Directors,  provided  that such  vacation  shall not be less than four weeks per
year, and (ii) to voluntary leave of absence,  with or without pay, from time to
time at such  times  and upon such  conditions  as the  Board of  Directors  may
determine in its discretion.

         7.  Termination of Employment.

                  (a)  Involuntary  Termination.  The  Board  of  Directors  may
terminate  the  Employee's  employment at any time,  but,  except in the case of
Termination for Cause,  such termination of employment by the Board of Directors
shall not prejudice the Employee's right to compensation or other benefits under
this Agreement. In the event of Involuntary Termination of the employment of the
Employee by the Bank,  the Bank shall,  through the period of the remaining term
of this  Agreement,  pay to the Employee her salary at the annual rate in effect
immediately  prior to the Date of Termination,  which salary shall be payable in
such

                                        3

<PAGE>



manner and at such times as such salary  would have been payable to the Employee
under Section 4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the Bank.

                  (b)  Termination  for "Good  Reason."  In the  event  that the
Employee  reasonably  believes  that  the  Bank  has  taken  any of the  actions
specified in clauses (1) or (2) of Section  1(c) of this  Agreement or otherwise
materially breached this Agreement, the Employee shall have the right to provide
to the Bank a written notice asserting the right to terminate her employment for
good  reason  and  specifying  (i) the facts and  circumstances  supporting  the
Employee's belief that the Bank has taken any such action or materially breached
this  Agreement and the date upon which such  termination of employment for good
reason is effective, which date shall be at least 30 days after the date of such
notice,  and (ii) a period of not less than ten  business  days during which the
Bank shall have the opportunity to rescind such actions or cure such breach.  In
the event that the Bank does not rescind  such  actions or cure such breach with
such period,  the Employee  shall have the right to terminate her employment and
the Bank  shall pay to the  Employee  her  salary at the  annual  rate in effect
immediately  prior to the Date of Termination,  which salary shall be payable in
such  manner and at such  times as such  salary  would have been  payable to the
Employee  under Section 4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the
Bank.

                  (c)  Termination  for Cause.  In the event of Termination  for
Cause, the Bank shall pay the Employee the Employee's salary through the Date of
Termination, and the Bank shall have no further obligation to the Employee under
this Agreement.

                  (d) Voluntary  Termination.  The Employee's  employment may be
voluntarily  terminated by the Employee at any time upon 90 days' written notice
to the Bank or such  shorter  period as may be agreed upon  between the Employee
and the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Bank.  In the  event  of  such  voluntary
termination,  the Bank shall be obligated to continue to pay to the Employee the
Employee's salary and benefits only through the Date of Termination, at the time
such  payments  are due,  and the Bank shall have no further  obligation  to the
Employee under this Agreement.

                  (e)  Death;  Disability.  In the  event  of the  death  of the
Employee while  employed  under this  Agreement and prior to any  termination of
employment,  the  Employee's  estate,  or such person as the  Employee  may have
previously designated in writing, shall be entitled to receive from the Bank the
salary of the Employee  through the last day of the calendar  month in which the
Employee  died. If the Employee  becomes  disabled as defined in the Bank's then
current  disability  plan, if any, or if the Employee is otherwise unable due to
disability to serve as a Senior Vice  President of the Bank,  the Employee shall
be entitled to receive group and other  disability  income benefits of the type,
if any, then provided by the Bank for similarly situated personnel.

                  (f) Temporary  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by a notice served under Section  8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C. ss. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1), the Bank's obligations under this Agreement
shall be  suspended  as of the date of  service,  unless  stayed by  appropriate
proceedings.  If the  charges in the notice are  dismissed,  the Bank may in its
discretion (i) pay the Employee all or part of the  compensation  withheld while
its obligations

                                        4

<PAGE>



under this  Agreement  were suspended and (ii) reinstate in whole or in part any
of its obligations which were suspended.

                  (g) Permanent  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
removed and/or  permanently  prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by an order issued under Section  8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C.  ss.  1818(e)(4)  and (g)(1),  all  obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement  shall  terminate as of the  effective  date of the order,  but vested
rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

                  (h) Default of the Bank. If the Bank is in default (as defined
in Section  3(x)(1) of the FDIA),  all  obligations  under this Agreement  shall
terminate  as of the date of default,  but this  provision  shall not affect any
vested rights of the contracting parties.

                  (i)  Termination by  Regulators.  All  obligations  under this
Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation
of this  Agreement is necessary for the continued  operation of the Bank: (1) by
the Director of the Office of Thrift  Supervision (the "Director") or his or her
designee,  at  the  time  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  or  the
Resolution Trust Corporation  enters into an agreement to provide  assistance to
or on behalf of the Bank under the  authority  contained in Section 13(c) of the
FDIA; or (2) by the Director or his or her designee, at the time the Director or
his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to
operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an
unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested,
however, shall not be affected by any such action.

                  (j) Limitations on Payments. Any payments made to the Employee
pursuant to this Agreement,  or otherwise,  are subject to and conditioned  upon
their  compliance  with  12  U.S.C.  1828(k)  and  any  regulations  promulgated
thereunder.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the value
of payments under this Agreement,  together with any other amounts and the value
of benefits  received or to be received  by the  Employee in  connection  with a
Change in Control would cause any amount to be  nondeductible by the Bank or the
Holding Company for federal income tax purposes  pursuant to Section 280G of the
Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,  then payments  under this Agreement
shall be reduced (not less than zero) to the extent  necessary so as to maximize
amounts and the value of benefits to the Employee  without causing any amount to
become nondeductible by the Bank or the Holding Company pursuant to or by reason
of such Section 280G.

         8. No  Mitigation.  The Employee  shall not be required to mitigate the
amount of any salary or other payment or benefit  provided for in this Agreement
by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Agreement be reduced by any compensation  earned by
the Employee as the result of  employment  by another  employer,  by  retirement
benefits after the Date of Termination or otherwise.

         9.  Attorneys  Fees.  In the  event  the Bank  exercises  its  right of
Termination for Cause, but it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
or by an  arbitrator  pursuant  to  Section 16 that cause did not exist for such
termination, or if in any event it is determined by any such court or arbitrator
that the Bank has  failed to make  timely  payment  of any  amounts  owed to the
Employee under this Agreement, the Employee shall be entitled to reimbursement

                                        5

<PAGE>



for all reasonable  costs,  including  attorneys' fees,  incurred in challenging
such  termination or collecting  such amounts.  Such  reimbursement  shall be in
addition to all rights to which the  Employee is otherwise  entitled  under this
Agreement.

         10.  Assignments.

                  (a) In the event that  Security  does not merge into the Bank,
the Bank  shall  have the right to assign  and  transfer  all of its  rights and
obligations  under this  Agreement to  Security.  If the Bank elects to exercise
this right, it shall so notify the Employee in writing.

                  (b) This  Agreement  is a personal  services  contract and the
Employee may not assign or delegate any of her rights or obligations hereunder.

                  (c) This  Agreement  and all rights of the Employee  hereunder
shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee's  personal and
legal   representatives,    executors,   administrators,    successors,   heirs,
distributees, devisees and legatees.

         11. Notice.  For the purposes of this Agreement,  notices and all other
communications  provided for in the  Agreement  shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when  personally  delivered  or sent by certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Bank at its home office,
to the  attention of the Board of Directors  with a copy to the Secretary of the
Bank, or, if to the Employee,  to such home or other address as the Employee has
most recently provided in writing to the Bank.

         12.  Amendments.  No amendments or additions to this Agreement shall be
binding unless in writing and signed by both parties, except as herein otherwise
provided.

         13.  Headings.  The headings used in this Agreement are included solely
for  convenience  and shall  not  affect,  or be used in  connection  with,  the
interpretation of this Agreement.

         14.  Severability.  The  provisions of this  Agreement  shall be deemed
severable and the  invalidity  or  unenforceability  of any provision  shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

         15.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
United States to the extent applicable and otherwise by the laws of the State of
Montana.

         16.  Arbitration.  Any  dispute  or  controversy  arising  under  or in
connection  with this Agreement  shall be settled  exclusively by arbitration in
accordance  with  the  rules of the  American  Arbitration  Association  then in
effect.  Judgment may be entered on the  arbitrator's  award in any court having
jurisdiction.


                                        6

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.

         THIS AGREEMENT  CONTAINS A BINDING  ARBITRATION  PROVISION WHICH MAY BE
ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.

Attest:                                        Western Federal Savings Bank
                                                  of Montana

/s/ Wendy Lambson                              /s/  Lyle R. Grimes
- -----------------                              -------------------   
Secretary                                      Lyle R. Grimes, President and
                                                 Chief Executive Officer



                                               Employee

                                               /s/  Elaine F. Hine
                                               ------------------- 
                                               Elaine F. Hine

                                                         7


                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.3


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                    THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION
                     PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM ARBITRATION ACT
         CONTAINED IN CHAPTER 5, TITLE 27 OF THE MONTANA CODE ANNOTATED

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT  ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this 24th day of September, 1996, by and between Western Federal Savings Bank of
Montana,  Missoula, Montana (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank"), and Stanley
R. Hill (the "Employee").

         WHEREAS,  the  Bank's  parent  holding  company,   WesterFed  Financial
Corporation  ("WesterFed"  or  the  "Holding  Company"),  has  entered  into  an
agreement dated September 24, 1996,  with Security  Bancorp,  the parent holding
company of Security Bank, FSB  ("Security"),  under which Security Bancorp shall
be merged  into  WesterFed  (the  "Merger"),  and such  agreement  calls for the
Employee and the Bank to enter into an employment  agreement in the form of this
agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the Employee is currently  serving as a Senior Vice President
of Security and has agreed to serve as a Senior Vice  President and a Commercial
Lending Officer of the Bank effective at the effective time of the Merger; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Employee has agreed that upon the  effectiveness  of the
Merger,  that certain Employment  Agreement between himself and Security,  dated
February 1, 1996 (the "Prior Employment Agreement"), shall terminate without any
obligation to him on the part of any employer or successor thereto and that this
Agreement shall entirely  supersede and replace the Prior Employment  Agreement;
and

         WHEREAS,  the Board of Directors of the Bank (the "Board of Directors")
believes it is in the best  interests  of the Bank to enter into this  Agreement
with the  Employee in order to induce the Employee to serve the Bank as a Senior
Vice President and a Commercial Lending Officer of the Bank following the Merger
and to assure continuity of management after the Merger; and

         WHEREAS, although it is contemplated that Security shall merge into the
Bank in  connection  with the Merger,  the  Employee has agreed that if Security
does not merge into the Bank,  the Bank may assign and  transfer to Security all
of the Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Board of  Directors  has  approved  and  authorized  the
execution  of this  Agreement  with the  Employee  to take  effect  as stated in
Section 2 hereof;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective
covenants and agreements of the parties herein, it is AGREED as follows:


                                        1

<PAGE>



         1.  Definitions.

                  (a) The term "Change in Control"  means (1) an  acquisition by
any  acquiror,  directly  or  indirectly,  through one or more  subsidiaries  or
transactions,  or acting in concert  with one or more persons or  companies,  of
more than 25% of the outstanding  voting  securities of the Holding Company,  or
(2) a reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Bank or the Holding Company or a similar  transaction in which
the Bank or the Holding Company is not the resulting entity. The term "Change in
Control" shall not include an  acquisition of securities by an employee  benefit
plan of the Bank or the Holding Company.

                  (b) The term "Commencement Date" means the date upon which the
Merger is effective.

                  (c) The term "Date of  Termination"  means the  earlier of (1)
the date upon which the Bank gives notice to the Employee of the  termination of
the Employee's  employment with the Bank or (2) the date upon which the Employee
ceases to serve as an employee of the Bank.

                  (d) The term "Involuntarily  Termination" means termination of
the employment of Employee without the Employee's  express written consent,  and
shall  include a material  diminution  of or  interference  with the  Employee's
duties as a Senior Vice President and a Commercial  Lending Officer of the Bank,
including (without  limitation) any of the following actions unless consented to
in  writing  by the  Employee:  (1) the  assignment  to the  Employee  of duties
substantially inconsistent with and in diminution of the duties of a Senior Vice
President  and a  Commercial  Lending  Officer  of the Bank;  and (2) a material
adverse  change in the Employee's  salary or benefits,  other than as part of an
overall  program  applied  uniformly and with equitable  effect to a substantial
number  of  similarly  situated  personnel  of the Bank.  The term  "Involuntary
Termination" does not include Termination for Cause or termination of employment
due to  retirement,  death,  disability  or suspension or temporary or permanent
prohibition  from  participation  in the  conduct  of the Bank's  affairs  under
Section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA").

                  (e) The terms  "Termination  for  Cause" and  "Terminated  for
Cause"  mean  termination  of the  employment  of the  Employee  because  of the
Employee's personal dishonesty,  incompetence,  willful misconduct,  breach of a
fiduciary duty involving personal profit,  intentional failure to perform stated
duties,  willful  violation of any law, rule, or regulation  (other than traffic
violations or similar  offenses) or final  cease-and-desist  order,  or material
breach of any provision of this  Agreement.  The Employee shall not be deemed to
have been  Terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered
to the Employee a copy of a resolution,  duly adopted by the affirmative vote of
not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board of Directors at a
meeting  called  and held for  such  purpose  (after  reasonable  notice  to the
Employee and an  opportunity  for the  Employee,  together  with the  Employee's
counsel,  to be heard before the Board),  stating that in the good faith opinion
of the Board the  Employee  has engaged in conduct  described  in the  preceding
sentence and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.


                                        2

<PAGE>



         2. Term;  Termination of Prior Employment  Agreement.  The term of this
Agreement shall be a period of two years  commencing on the  Commencement  Date,
subject  to earlier  termination  as  provided  herein.  Beginning  on the first
anniversary of the Commencement  Date, and on each anniversary  thereafter,  the
term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year in addition to
the then-remaining  term, provided that (1) the Bank has not given notice to the
Employee in writing at least 90 days prior to such  anniversary that the term of
this Agreement shall not be extended further; and (2) prior to such anniversary,
the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Bank  explicitly  reviews  and  approves  the
extension.  Reference  herein to the term of this Agreement  shall refer to both
such initial term and such extended terms. Upon the effectiveness of the Merger,
the Prior Employment Agreement shall terminate with no obligation  thereunder to
the  Employee  on the  part of any  employer  or  successor  thereto,  and  this
Agreement shall entirely supersede and replace such Prior Employment Agreement.

         3. Employment.  The Employee is employed as a Senior Vice President and
a Commercial Lending Officer of the Bank at the Billings,  Montana office of the
Bank. As such,  the Employee shall perform all duties  commonly  discharged by a
Senior Vice President and a Commercial Lending Officer of the Bank,  pursuant to
guidelines and directions  issued by superior officers or the Board of Directors
from time to time,  and such other duties of a similar nature as may be assigned
to him by  superior  officers  or the  Board  of  Directors  from  time to time,
provided that such other duties shall be  reasonably  related to the duties of a
Senior Vice President and a Commercial Lending Officer of the Bank.

         4.  Compensation.

                  (a)  Salary.  The Bank agrees to pay the  Employee  during the
term of this  Agreement  a salary of  $71,500  per year,  subject  to  customary
withholding,  and payable in such installments as the Bank customarily  utilizes
in paying its  employees  generally.  In the  discretion  of the Bank's Board of
Directors, such salary may be increased from time to time.

                  (b) Discretionary  Bonuses.  The Employee shall be entitled to
participate  in  an  equitable  manner  with  similarly  situated  personnel  in
discretionary  bonuses as authorized and declared by the Board of Directors.  No
other  compensation  provided for in this Agreement shall be deemed a substitute
for the Employee's  right to participate in such bonuses when and as declared by
the Board of Directors.

                  (c) Expenses. The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in performing
services  under this  Agreement  in  accordance  with  applicable  policies  and
procedures of the Bank, provided that the Employee accounts for such expenses as
required under such policies and procedures.

         (d) Company  Car. So long as the  Employee  is employed  hereunder,  he
shall be entitled,  for business  purposes only, to  non-exclusive  use of a car
owned by the Bank.


                                        3

<PAGE>



         5. Participation in Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans. The Employee
shall be  entitled to  participate  in all plans  relating  to pension,  thrift,
profit-sharing,  group life insurance,  medical and dental coverage,  education,
and other  retirement or employee  benefits or  combinations  thereof,  in which
continuing employees of Security are entitled to participate after the Merger.

         6. Vacations;  Leave. The Employee shall be entitled to (i) annual paid
vacation in  accordance  with the  policies  established  by the Bank's Board of
Directors,  provided  that such  vacation  shall not be less than four weeks per
year, and (ii) to voluntary leave of absence,  with or without pay, from time to
time at such  times  and upon such  conditions  as the  Board of  Directors  may
determine in its discretion.

         7.  Termination of Employment.

                  (a)  Involuntary  Termination.  The  Board  of  Directors  may
terminate  the  Employee's  employment at any time,  but,  except in the case of
Termination for Cause,  such termination of employment by the Board of Directors
shall not prejudice the Employee's right to compensation or other benefits under
this Agreement. In the event of Involuntary Termination of the employment of the
Employee by the Bank other than in  connection  with or within 12 months after a
Change in Control,  the Bank shall,  through the period of the remaining term of
this  Agreement,  pay to the  Employee  his salary at the annual  rate in effect
immediately  prior to the Date of Termination,  which salary shall be payable in
such  manner and at such  times as such  salary  would have been  payable to the
Employee  under Section 4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the
Bank.

         In the  event  of  Involuntary  Termination  of the  employment  of the
Employee by the Bank in  connection  with or within 12 months  after a Change in
Control, the Bank shall, during the 24 months following the Date of Termination,
pay to the Employee his salary at the annual rate in effect immediately prior to
the Date of  Termination,  which  salary  shall be payable in such manner and at
such times as such salary would have been payable to the Employee  under Section
4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the Bank.

                  (b)  Termination  for "Good  Reason."  In the  event  that the
Employee  reasonably  believes  that  the  Bank  has  taken  any of the  actions
specified in clauses (1) or (2) of Section  1(d) of this  Agreement or otherwise
materially breached this Agreement, the Employee shall have the right to provide
to the Bank a written notice asserting the right to terminate his employment for
good  reason  and  specifying  (i) the facts and  circumstances  supporting  the
Employee's belief that the Bank has taken any such action or materially breached
this  Agreement and the date upon which such  termination of employment for good
reason is effective, which date shall be at least 30 days after the date of such
notice,  and (ii) a period of not less than ten  business  days during which the
Bank shall have the opportunity to rescind such actions or cure such breach.  In
the event that the Bank does not rescind  such  actions or cure such breach with
such period,  the Employee  shall have the right to terminate his employment and
the Bank  shall pay to the  Employee  his  salary at the  annual  rate in effect
immediately  prior to the Date of Termination,  which salary shall be payable in
such  manner and at such  times as such  salary  would have been  payable to the
Employee  under Section 4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the
Bank.

                                        4

<PAGE>



                  (c)  Termination  for Cause.  In the event of Termination  for
Cause, the Bank shall pay the Employee the Employee's salary through the Date of
Termination, and the Bank shall have no further obligation to the Employee under
this Agreement.

                  (d) Voluntary  Termination.  The Employee's  employment may be
voluntarily  terminated by the Employee at any time upon 90 days' written notice
to the Bank or such  shorter  period as may be agreed upon  between the Employee
and the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Bank.  In the  event  of  such  voluntary
termination,  the Bank shall be obligated to continue to pay to the Employee the
Employee's salary and benefits only through the Date of Termination, at the time
such  payments  are due,  and the Bank shall have no further  obligation  to the
Employee under this Agreement.

                  (e)  Death;  Disability.  In the  event  of the  death  of the
Employee while  employed  under this  Agreement and prior to any  termination of
employment,  the  Employee's  estate,  or such person as the  Employee  may have
previously designated in writing, shall be entitled to receive from the Bank the
salary of the Employee  through the last day of the calendar  month in which the
Employee  died. If the Employee  becomes  disabled as defined in the Bank's then
current  disability  plan, if any, or if the Employee is otherwise unable due to
disability to serve as a Senior Vice President and a Commercial  Lending Officer
of the  Bank,  the  Employee  shall be  entitled  to  receive  group  and  other
disability  income  benefits of the type,  if any, then provided by the Bank for
similarly situated personnel.

                  (f) Temporary  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by a notice served under Section  8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C. ss. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1), the Bank's obligations under this Agreement
shall be  suspended  as of the date of  service,  unless  stayed by  appropriate
proceedings.  If the  charges in the notice are  dismissed,  the Bank may in its
discretion (i) pay the Employee all or part of the  compensation  withheld while
its obligations  under this Agreement were suspended and (ii) reinstate in whole
or in part any of its obligations which were suspended.

                  (g) Permanent  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
removed and/or  permanently  prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by an order issued under Section  8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C.  ss.  1818(e)(4)  and (g)(1),  all  obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement  shall  terminate as of the  effective  date of the order,  but vested
rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

                  (h) Default of the Bank. If the Bank is in default (as defined
in Section  3(x)(1) of the FDIA),  all  obligations  under this Agreement  shall
terminate  as of the date of default,  but this  provision  shall not affect any
vested rights of the contracting parties.

                  (i)  Termination by  Regulators.  All  obligations  under this
Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation
of this  Agreement is necessary for the continued  operation of the Bank: (1) by
the Director of the Office of Thrift  Supervision (the "Director") or his or her
designee,  at  the  time  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  or  the
Resolution Trust Corporation  enters into an agreement to provide  assistance to
or on behalf of the Bank under the  authority  contained in Section 13(c) of the
FDIA; or (2) by the Director or

                                        5

<PAGE>



his or her designee,  at the time the Director or his or her designee approves a
supervisory  merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when
the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound  condition.
Any  rights of the  parties  that have  already  vested,  however,  shall not be
affected by any such action.

                  (j) Limitations on Payments. Any payments made to the Employee
pursuant to this Agreement,  or otherwise,  are subject to and conditioned  upon
their  compliance  with  12  U.S.C.  1828(k)  and  any  regulations  promulgated
thereunder.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the value
of payments under this Agreement,  together with any other amounts and the value
of benefits received or to be received by the Employee would cause any amount to
be  nondeductible  by the Bank or the Holding  Company  for  federal  income tax
purposes  pursuant to Section  280G of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as
amended,  then  payments  under this  Agreement  shall be reduced (not less than
zero)  to the  extent  necessary  so as to  maximize  amounts  and the  value of
benefits to the Employee  without causing any amount to become  nondeductible by
the Bank or the Holding Company pursuant to or by reason of such Section 280G.

         8. No  Mitigation.  The Employee  shall not be required to mitigate the
amount of any salary or other payment or benefit  provided for in this Agreement
by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Agreement be reduced by any compensation  earned by
the Employee as the result of  employment  by another  employer,  by  retirement
benefits after the Date of Termination or otherwise.

         9.  Attorneys  Fees.  In the  event  the Bank  exercises  its  right of
Termination for Cause, but it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
or by an  arbitrator  pursuant  to  Section 16 that cause did not exist for such
termination, or if in any event it is determined by any such court or arbitrator
that the Bank has  failed to make  timely  payment  of any  amounts  owed to the
Employee under this Agreement,  the Employee shall be entitled to  reimbursement
for all reasonable  costs,  including  attorneys' fees,  incurred in challenging
such  termination or collecting  such amounts.  Such  reimbursement  shall be in
addition to all rights to which the  Employee is otherwise  entitled  under this
Agreement.

         10.  Assignments.

                  (a) In the event that  Security  does not merge into the Bank,
the Bank  shall  have the right to assign  and  transfer  all of its  rights and
obligations  under this  Agreement to  Security.  If the Bank elects to exercise
this right, it shall so notify the Employee in writing.

                  (b) This  Agreement  is a personal  services  contract and the
Employee may not assign or delegate any of his rights or obligations hereunder.

                  (c) This  Agreement  and all rights of the Employee  hereunder
shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee's  personal and
legal   representatives,    executors,   administrators,    successors,   heirs,
distributees, devisees and legatees.

         11. Notice.  For the purposes of this Agreement,  notices and all other
communications  provided for in the  Agreement  shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given

                                        6

<PAGE>


when personally  delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt  requested,
postage prepaid,  to the Bank at its home office,  to the attention of the Board
of Directors  with a copy to the Secretary of the Bank,  or, if to the Employee,
to such home or other  address as the  Employee  has most  recently  provided in
writing to the Bank.

         12.  Amendments.  No amendments or additions to this Agreement shall be
binding unless in writing and signed by both parties, except as herein otherwise
provided.

         13.  Headings.  The headings used in this Agreement are included solely
for  convenience  and shall  not  affect,  or be used in  connection  with,  the
interpretation of this Agreement.

         14.  Severability.  The  provisions of this  Agreement  shall be deemed
severable and the  invalidity  or  unenforceability  of any provision  shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

         15.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
United States to the extent applicable and otherwise by the laws of the State of
Montana.

         16.  Arbitration.  Any  dispute  or  controversy  arising  under  or in
connection  with this Agreement  shall be settled  exclusively by arbitration in
accordance  with  the  rules of the  American  Arbitration  Association  then in
effect.  Judgment may be entered on the  arbitrator's  award in any court having
jurisdiction.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.

         THIS AGREEMENT  CONTAINS A BINDING  ARBITRATION  PROVISION WHICH MAY BE
ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.

Attest:                                          Western Federal Savings Bank
                                                    of Montana


/s/  Wendy Lambson                              /s/  Lyle R. Grimes
- ------------------                              -------------------
Secretary                                       Lyle R. Grimes, President and
                                                   Chief Executive Officer

                                                Employee


                                                /s/  Stanley R. Hill
                                                --------------------
                                                Stanley R. Hill

                                        7


                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.4


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                    THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION
                     PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM ARBITRATION ACT
         CONTAINED IN CHAPTER 5, TITLE 27 OF THE MONTANA CODE ANNOTATED

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT  ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this 24th day of September, 1996, by and between Western Federal Savings Bank of
Montana, Missoula, Montana (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank"), and Scott W.
Sanders (the "Employee").

         WHEREAS,  the  Bank's  parent  holding  company,   WesterFed  Financial
Corporation  ("WesterFed"  or  the  "Holding  Company"),  has  entered  into  an
agreement dated September 24, 1996,  with Security  Bancorp,  the parent holding
company of Security Bank, FSB  ("Security"),  under which Security Bancorp shall
be merged  into  WesterFed  (the  "Merger"),  and such  agreement  calls for the
Employee and the Bank to enter into an employment  agreement in the form of this
agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the Employee is currently  serving as a Senior Vice President
of  Security  and has agreed to serve as a Senior Vice  President  and a Lending
Officer of the Bank effective at the effective time of the Merger; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Employee has agreed that upon the  effectiveness  of the
Merger,  that certain Employment  Agreement between himself and Security,  dated
February 1, 1996 (the "Prior Employment Agreement"), shall terminate without any
obligation to him on the part of any employer or successor thereto and that this
Agreement shall entirely  supersede and replace the Prior Employment  Agreement;
and

         WHEREAS,  the Board of Directors of the Bank (the "Board of Directors")
believes it is in the best  interests  of the Bank to enter into this  Agreement
with the  Employee in order to induce the Employee to serve the Bank as a Senior
Vice  President  and a Lending  Officer of the Bank  following the Merger and to
assure continuity of management after the Merger; and

         WHEREAS, although it is contemplated that Security shall merge into the
Bank in  connection  with the Merger,  the  Employee has agreed that if Security
does not merge into the Bank,  the Bank may assign and  transfer to Security all
of the Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the  Board of  Directors  has  approved  and  authorized  the
execution  of this  Agreement  with the  Employee  to take  effect  as stated in
Section 2 hereof;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective
covenants and agreements of the parties herein, it is AGREED as follows:

         1.  Definitions.

                                        1

<PAGE>



                  (a) The term "Change in Control"  means (1) an  acquisition by
any  acquiror,  directly  or  indirectly,  through one or more  subsidiaries  or
transactions,  or acting in concert  with one or more persons or  companies,  of
more than 25% of the outstanding  voting  securities of the Holding Company,  or
(2) a reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Bank or the Holding Company or a similar  transaction in which
the Bank or the Holding Company is not the resulting entity. The term "Change in
Control" shall not include an  acquisition of securities by an employee  benefit
plan of the Bank or the Holding Company.

                  (b) The term "Commencement Date" means the date upon which the
Merger is effective.

                  (c) The term "Date of  Termination"  means the  earlier of (1)
the date upon which the Bank gives notice to the Employee of the  termination of
the Employee's  employment with the Bank or (2) the date upon which the Employee
ceases to serve as an employee of the Bank.

                  (d) The term "Involuntarily  Termination" means termination of
the employment of Employee without the Employee's  express written consent,  and
shall  include a material  diminution  of or  interference  with the  Employee's
duties as a Senior Vice President and a Lending  Officer of the Bank,  including
(without limitation) any of the following actions unless consented to in writing
by the  Employee:  (1) the  assignment  to the Employee of duties  substantially
inconsistent with and in diminution of the duties of a Senior Vice President and
a  Lending  Officer  of the  Bank;  and (2) a  material  adverse  change  in the
Employee's salary or benefits,  other than as part of an overall program applied
uniformly  and with  equitable  effect  to a  substantial  number  of  similarly
situated  personnel of the Bank.  The term  "Involuntary  Termination"  does not
include  Termination  for Cause or  termination of employment due to retirement,
death,  disability  or  suspension  or temporary or permanent  prohibition  from
participation  in the  conduct  of the  Bank's  affairs  under  Section 8 of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA").

                  (e) The terms  "Termination  for  Cause" and  "Terminated  for
Cause"  mean  termination  of the  employment  of the  Employee  because  of the
Employee's personal dishonesty,  incompetence,  willful misconduct,  breach of a
fiduciary duty involving personal profit,  intentional failure to perform stated
duties,  willful  violation of any law, rule, or regulation  (other than traffic
violations or similar  offenses) or final  cease-and-desist  order,  or material
breach of any provision of this  Agreement.  The Employee shall not be deemed to
have been  Terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered
to the Employee a copy of a resolution,  duly adopted by the affirmative vote of
not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board of Directors at a
meeting  called  and held for  such  purpose  (after  reasonable  notice  to the
Employee and an  opportunity  for the  Employee,  together  with the  Employee's
counsel,  to be heard before the Board),  stating that in the good faith opinion
of the Board the  Employee  has engaged in conduct  described  in the  preceding
sentence and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

         2. Term;  Termination of Prior Employment  Agreement.  The term of this
Agreement shall be a period of two years  commencing on the  Commencement  Date,
subject  to earlier  termination  as  provided  herein.  Beginning  on the first
anniversary of the Commencement Date,

                                        2

<PAGE>



and on each anniversary thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be extended
for a period of one year in addition to the then-remaining  term,  provided that
(1) the Bank has not given  notice to the  Employee  in writing at least 90 days
prior to such  anniversary that the term of this Agreement shall not be extended
further;  and (2) prior to such anniversary,  the Board of Directors of the Bank
explicitly  reviews and approves the extension.  Reference herein to the term of
this  Agreement  shall refer to both such initial term and such extended  terms.
Upon the  effectiveness  of the Merger,  the Prior  Employment  Agreement  shall
terminate  with no  obligation  thereunder  to the  Employee  on the part of any
employer or successor  thereto,  and this Agreement shall entirely supersede and
replace such Prior Employment Agreement.

         3. Employment.  The Employee is employed as a Senior Vice President and
a Lending  Officer of the Bank. As such,  the Employee  shall perform all duties
commonly  discharged  by a Senior Vice  President  and a Lending  Officer of the
Bank,  pursuant to guidelines and directions  issued by superior officers or the
Board of Directors  from time to time, and such other duties of a similar nature
as may be assigned to him by superior  officers or the Board of  Directors  from
time to time, provided that such other duties shall be reasonably related to the
duties of a Senior Vice President and a Lending Officer of the Bank.

         4.  Compensation.

                  (a)  Salary.  The Bank agrees to pay the  Employee  during the
term of this  Agreement  a salary of  $71,500  per year,  subject  to  customary
withholding,  and payable in such installments as the Bank customarily  utilizes
in paying its  employees  generally.  In the  discretion  of the Bank's Board of
Directors, such salary may be increased from time to time.

                  (b) Discretionary  Bonuses.  The Employee shall be entitled to
participate  in  an  equitable  manner  with  similarly  situated  personnel  in
discretionary  bonuses as authorized and declared by the Board of Directors.  No
other  compensation  provided for in this Agreement shall be deemed a substitute
for the Employee's  right to participate in such bonuses when and as declared by
the Board of Directors.

                  (c) Expenses. The Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in performing
services  under this  Agreement  in  accordance  with  applicable  policies  and
procedures of the Bank, provided that the Employee accounts for such expenses as
required under such policies and procedures.

                  (d)  Company   Car.  So  long  as  the  Employee  is  employed
hereunder,  he shall be entitled,  for business  purposes only, to non-exclusive
use of a car owned by the Bank.

         5. Participation in Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans. The Employee
shall be  entitled to  participate  in all plans  relating  to pension,  thrift,
profit-sharing,  group life insurance,  medical and dental coverage,  education,
and other  retirement or employee  benefits or  combinations  thereof,  in which
continuing employees of Security are entitled to participate after the Merger.

         6. Vacations;  Leave. The Employee shall be entitled (i) to annual paid
vacation in  accordance  with the  policies  established  by the Bank's Board of
Directors, provided that such

                                        3

<PAGE>



vacation shall not be less than four weeks per year, and (ii) to voluntary leave
of absence,  with or without pay,  from time to time at such times and upon such
conditions as the Board of Directors may determine in its discretion.

         7.  Termination of Employment.

                  (a)  Involuntary  Termination.  The  Board  of  Directors  may
terminate  the  Employee's  employment at any time,  but,  except in the case of
Termination for Cause,  such termination of employment by the Board of Directors
shall not prejudice the Employee's right to compensation or other benefits under
this Agreement. In the event of Involuntary Termination of the employment of the
Employee by the Bank other than in  connection  with or within 12 months after a
Change in Control,  the Bank shall,  through the period of the remaining term of
this  Agreement,  pay to the  Employee  his salary at the annual  rate in effect
immediately  prior to the Date of Termination,  which salary shall be payable in
such  manner and at such  times as such  salary  would have been  payable to the
Employee  under Section 4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the
Bank.

         In the  event  of  Involuntary  Termination  of the  employment  of the
Employee by the Bank in  connection  with or within 12 months  after a Change in
Control, the Bank shall, during the 24 months following the Date of Termination,
pay to the Employee his salary at the annual rate in effect immediately prior to
the Date of  Termination,  which  salary  shall be payable in such manner and at
such times as such salary would have been payable to the Employee  under Section
4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the Bank.

                  (b)  Termination  for "Good  Reason."  In the  event  that the
Employee  reasonably  believes  that  the  Bank  has  taken  any of the  actions
specified in clauses (1) or (2) of Section  1(d) of this  Agreement or otherwise
materially breached this Agreement, the Employee shall have the right to provide
to the Bank a written notice asserting the right to terminate his employment for
good  reason  and  specifying  (i) the facts and  circumstances  supporting  the
Employee's belief that the Bank has taken any such action or materially breached
this  Agreement and the date upon which such  termination of employment for good
reason is effective, which date shall be at least 30 days after the date of such
notice,  and (ii) a period of not less than ten  business  days during which the
Bank shall have the opportunity to rescind such actions or cure such breach.  In
the event that the Bank does not rescind  such  actions or cure such breach with
such period,  the Employee  shall have the right to terminate his employment and
the Bank  shall pay to the  Employee  his  salary at the  annual  rate in effect
immediately  prior to the Date of Termination,  which salary shall be payable in
such  manner and at such  times as such  salary  would have been  payable to the
Employee  under Section 4(a) if the Employee had continued to be employed by the
Bank.

                  (c)  Termination  for Cause.  In the event of Termination  for
Cause, the Bank shall pay the Employee the Employee's salary through the Date of
Termination, and the Bank shall have no further obligation to the Employee under
this Agreement.

                  (d) Voluntary  Termination.  The Employee's  employment may be
voluntarily  terminated by the Employee at any time upon 90 days' written notice
to the Bank or such  shorter  period as may be agreed upon  between the Employee
and the Board of Directors of the Bank.

                                        4

<PAGE>



In the event of such  voluntary  termination,  the Bank  shall be  obligated  to
continue to pay to the Employee the Employee's  salary and benefits only through
the Date of  Termination,  at the time such payments are due, and the Bank shall
have no further obligation to the Employee under this Agreement.

                  (e)  Death;  Disability.  In the  event  of the  death  of the
Employee while  employed  under this  Agreement and prior to any  termination of
employment,  the  Employee's  estate,  or such person as the  Employee  may have
previously designated in writing, shall be entitled to receive from the Bank the
salary of the Employee  through the last day of the calendar  month in which the
Employee  died. If the Employee  becomes  disabled as defined in the Bank's then
current  disability  plan, if any, or if the Employee is otherwise unable due to
disability  to serve as a Senior  Vice  President  and a Lending  Officer of the
Bank,  the  Employee  shall be  entitled to receive  group and other  disability
income  benefits of the type,  if any,  then  provided by the Bank for similarly
situated personnel.

                  (f) Temporary  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by a notice served under Section  8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C. ss. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1), the Bank's obligations under this Agreement
shall be  suspended  as of the date of  service,  unless  stayed by  appropriate
proceedings.  If the  charges in the notice are  dismissed,  the Bank may in its
discretion (i) pay the Employee all or part of the  compensation  withheld while
its obligations  under this Agreement were suspended and (ii) reinstate in whole
or in part any of its obligations which were suspended.

                  (g) Permanent  Suspension or  Prohibition.  If the Employee is
removed and/or  permanently  prohibited from participating in the conduct of the
Bank's  affairs by an order issued under Section  8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA,
12 U.S.C.  ss.  1818(e)(4)  and (g)(1),  all  obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement  shall  terminate as of the  effective  date of the order,  but vested
rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

                  (h) Default of the Bank. If the Bank is in default (as defined
in Section  3(x)(1) of the FDIA),  all  obligations  under this Agreement  shall
terminate  as of the date of default,  but this  provision  shall not affect any
vested rights of the contracting parties.

                  (i)  Termination by  Regulators.  All  obligations  under this
Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation
of this  Agreement is necessary for the continued  operation of the Bank: (1) by
the Director of the Office of Thrift  Supervision (the "Director") or his or her
designee,  at  the  time  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  or  the
Resolution Trust Corporation  enters into an agreement to provide  assistance to
or on behalf of the Bank under the  authority  contained in Section 13(c) of the
FDIA; or (2) by the Director or his or her designee, at the time the Director or
his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to
operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an
unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested,
however, shall not be affected by any such action.

                  (j) Limitations on Payments. Any payments made to the Employee
pursuant to this Agreement,  or otherwise,  are subject to and conditioned  upon
their compliance with 12

                                        5

<PAGE>



U.S.C. 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated  thereunder.  Notwithstanding any
other  provision  of  this  Agreement,  if the  value  of  payments  under  this
Agreement, together with any other amounts and the value of benefits received or
to be received by the Employee would cause any amount to be nondeductible by the
Bank or the Holding Company for federal income tax purposes  pursuant to Section
280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,  then payments under this
Agreement shall be reduced (not less than zero) to the extent necessary so as to
maximize  amounts and the value of benefits to the Employee  without causing any
amount to become nondeductible by the Bank or the Holding Company pursuant to or
by reason of such Section 280G.

         8. No  Mitigation.  The Employee  shall not be required to mitigate the
amount of any salary or other payment or benefit  provided for in this Agreement
by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Agreement be reduced by any compensation  earned by
the Employee as the result of  employment  by another  employer,  by  retirement
benefits after the Date of Termination or otherwise.

         9.  Attorneys  Fees.  In the  event  the Bank  exercises  its  right of
Termination for Cause, but it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
or by an  arbitrator  pursuant  to  Section 16 that cause did not exist for such
termination, or if in any event it is determined by any such court or arbitrator
that the Bank has  failed to make  timely  payment  of any  amounts  owed to the
Employee under this Agreement,  the Employee shall be entitled to  reimbursement
for all reasonable  costs,  including  attorneys' fees,  incurred in challenging
such  termination or collecting  such amounts.  Such  reimbursement  shall be in
addition to all rights to which the  Employee is otherwise  entitled  under this
Agreement.

         10.  Assignments.

                  (a) In the event that  Security  does not merge into the Bank,
the Bank  shall  have the right to assign  and  transfer  all of its  rights and
obligations  under this  Agreement to  Security.  If the Bank elects to exercise
this right, it shall so notify the Employee in writing.

                  (b) This  Agreement  is a personal  services  contract and the
Employee may not assign or delegate any of his rights or obligations hereunder.

                  (c) This  Agreement  and all rights of the Employee  hereunder
shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee's  personal and
legal   representatives,    executors,   administrators,    successors,   heirs,
distributees, devisees and legatees.

         11. Notice.  For the purposes of this Agreement,  notices and all other
communications  provided for in the  Agreement  shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when  personally  delivered  or sent by certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Bank at its home office,
to the  attention of the Board of Directors  with a copy to the Secretary of the
Bank, or, if to the Employee,  to such home or other address as the Employee has
most recently provided in writing to the Bank.

         12.  Amendments.  No amendments or additions to this Agreement shall be
binding unless in writing and signed by both parties, except as herein otherwise
provided.

                                        6

<PAGE>


         13.  Headings.  The headings used in this Agreement are included solely
for  convenience  and shall  not  affect,  or be used in  connection  with,  the
interpretation of this Agreement.

         14.  Severability.  The  provisions of this  Agreement  shall be deemed
severable and the  invalidity  or  unenforceability  of any provision  shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

         15.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
United States to the extent applicable and otherwise by the laws of the State of
Montana.

         16.  Arbitration.  Any  dispute  or  controversy  arising  under  or in
connection  with this Agreement  shall be settled  exclusively by arbitration in
accordance  with  the  rules of the  American  Arbitration  Association  then in
effect.  Judgment may be entered on the  arbitrator's  award in any court having
jurisdiction.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.

         THIS AGREEMENT  CONTAINS A BINDING  ARBITRATION  PROVISION WHICH MAY BE
ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.

Attest:                                       Western Federal Savings Bank
                                                 of Montana


/s/  Wendy Lambson                            /s/  Lyle R. Grimes
- ------------------                            -------------------
Secretary                                     Lyle R. Grimes, President and
                                                Chief Executive Officer

                                              Employee


                                              /s/  Scott W. Sanders
                                              ---------------------
                                              Scott W. Sanders

                                        7



                                                                 EXHIBIT 21.1


                 SUBSIDIARIES OF WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                         PERCENT       STATE OF
                                                                                           OF        INCORPORATION
PARENT                                       SUBSIDIARY                                 OWNERSHIP         OR
- ------                                       ----------                                 ---------    ORGANIZATION
                                                                                                     ------------  
<C>                                          <C>                                          <C>          <C>  
WESTERFED FINANCIAL CORPORATION              WESTERN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK OF              100%         FEDERAL
                                             MONTANA
WESTERN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK OF              MONTE MAC I                                  100%         MONTANA
MONTANA
WESTERN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK OF              SERVICE CORPORATION OF MONTANA               100%         MONTANA
MONTANA
WESTERN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK OF              WESTERFED INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.           100%         MONTANA
MONTANA


</TABLE>


                                                                 EXHIBIT 21.2


                        SUBSIDIARIES OF SECURITY BANCORP

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                         PERCENT       STATE OF
                                                                                           OF        INCORPORATION
PARENT                                       SUBSIDIARY                                 OWNERSHIP         OR
- ------                                       ----------                                 ---------    ORGANIZATION
                                                                                                     ------------
<S>                                          <C>                                          <C>          <C> 

SECURITY BANCORP                             SECURITY BANK, FSB                           100%         FEDERAL
SECURITY BANK, FSB                           S.F.S. INDUSTRIES, INC.                      100%         MONTANA


</TABLE>


                                                            Exhibit 23.1


                       [KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Letterhead]



The Board of Directors
WesterFed Financial Corporation:

We consent to the use of our report  included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading 'Experts' in the prospectus. Our report refers to changes
in the methods of accounting for securities and income taxes.

                                                /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Billings, Montana
November 14, 1996

<PAGE>


                       [KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Letterhead]



The Board of Directors
Security Bancorp:

We consent to the use of our report  included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading 'Experts' in the prospectus. Our report refers to changes
in the methods of accounting for investment and mortgage-backed securities.

                                                /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Billings, Montana
November 14, 1996




<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  9
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE  CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  EXTRACTED FROM THE ANNUAL
REPORT  ON FORM  10-Q  FOR THE  FISCAL  YEAR  ENDED  SEPTEMBER  30,  1996 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
                   
                        
<MULTIPLIER>                                     1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           6,256
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                          11,133 
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                     82,609
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                          72,496
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                            72,432
<LOANS>                                        371,228
<ALLOWANCE>                                      2,001
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 566,109
<DEPOSITS>                                     342,986
<SHORT-TERM>                                    34,000
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             14,483
<LONG-TERM>                                     96,351
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            46
<OTHER-SE>                                      78,243
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 566,109
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                  7,710
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                2,837
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                    46
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                10,593
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                               3,865
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,950
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                            4,643
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                       15
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                   0
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                    720
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  (268)
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                       (179)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     (179)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.04)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.04)
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                       0
<LOANS-NON>                                        316
<LOANS-PAST>                                       957
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                    199
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 2,005
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                       20
<RECOVERIES>                                         1
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                2,001
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             2,001
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                            904
        


</TABLE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 99.1



                                 REVOCABLE PROXY
                         WesterFed Financial Corporation
                                Missoula, Montana

                         SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                     , 1997


         The  undersigned  hereby  appoints Lyle R. Grimes,  with full powers of
substitution,  to act as proxy for the undersigned, to vote all shares of common
stock of WesterFed Financial Corporation  ("WesterFed") which the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled to be held at
the office  of_______________________  on February _____, 1997 at _________, and
at any and all adjournments thereof, as follows:

                                                                  VOTE
                                                                  ----
                                                             FOR      AGAINST
                                                             ---      -------

1)       The approval of the Agreement and
         Plan of Merger dated September 24,
         1996 between WesterFed Financial and Security
         (including the exhibits and
         schedules thereto) (the "Merger
         Agreement"), and the transactions
         contemplated thereby; and                          [   ]      [   ]

2)       The ratification of the adoption of the
         Equity Investment Plan.                            [   ]      [   ]

         THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE  PROPOSITIONS  SET
FORTH ABOVE

         THIS  PROXY  WILL BE  VOTED AS  DIRECTED,  BUT IF NO  INSTRUCTIONS  ARE
SPECIFIED,  THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE  PROPOSITION  STATED.  IF ANY OTHER
BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING,  THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THOSE
NAMED IN THIS PROXY AS DETERMINED  BY A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS.  AT
THE  PRESENT  TIME,  THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  KNOWS OF NO OTHER  BUSINESS  TO BE
PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING. THIS PROXY CONFERS DISCRETIONARY  AUTHORITY ON
THE HOLDERS  THEREOF TO VOTE WITH RESPECT TO MATTERS  INCIDENT TO THE CONDUCT OF
THE SPECIAL MEETING. HOWEVER, PROXIES INSTRUCTED TO VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSAL TO
APPROVE THE MERGER  AGREEMENT AND THE EQUITY  INVESTMENT  PLAN WILL NOT BE VOTED
FOR A PROPOSAL TO APPROVE  ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL  MEETING IN THE EVENT THAT
THERE ARE NOT  SUFFICIENT  SHARES  PRESENT IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AT THE  SPECIAL
MEETING TO APPROVE THE MERGER.



<PAGE>


                THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


         Should  the  undersigned  be present  and elect to vote at the  Special
Meeting or at any adjournment thereof and after notification to the Secretary of
WesterFed  Financial  at the Special  Meeting of the  stockholder's  decision to
terminate this proxy,  then the power of said attorney and proxy shall be deemed
terminated and of no further force and effect.

         The undersigned  acknowledges receipt from WesterFed Financial prior to
the  execution of this proxy of the Notice of the Special  Meeting and the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus dated                      , 1997.

Dated: _________________________, 1997


                                                     --------------------------
                                                     SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER



                                                     --------------------------
                                                     SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER

                                                     Please sign exactly as your
                                                     name appears  herein.  When
                                                     signing    as     attorney,
                                                     executor,    administrator,
                                                     trustee or guardian, please
                                                     give  your full  title.  If
                                                     shares  are  held  jointly,
                                                     each holder should sign.

            PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY
                  IN THE ACCOMPANYING POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE



                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.2


                                 REVOCABLE PROXY
                                Security Bancorp
                                Billings, Montana

                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                 _________, 1997

This Proxy Is Being  Solicited  on Behalf of the Board of  Directors of Security
Bancorp

         The undersigned,  being a stockholder of Security Bancorp  ("Security")
hereby  appoints  the  Board of  Directors  of  Security,  with  full  powers of
substitution,  to act as proxy for the undersigned, to vote all shares of common
stock of  Security  which the  undersigned  is  entitled  to vote at the  Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled to be held at the office of , on February __,
1997 at .m, and at any and all adjournments thereof, as follows:

                                                              VOTE
                                                              ----
                                                  FOR     AGAINST       ABSTAIN
                                                  ---     -------       -------

1)       The approval of the Agreement and
         Plan of Merger dated September 24,
         1996 between Westerfed Financial
         Corporation and Security Bancorp
         (the "Merger Agreement"), and
         the transactions contemplated thereby;

2)       The election of the following three directors:

         A.  I vote FOR all nominees  listed below (except as marked to the
                  contrary below)                                          [ ]

         B.  I WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below    [ ]

         [INSTRUCTION: To withhold  authority to vote for any individual nominee
                  strike a line through the nominee's name in the list below.)

             ELAINE F. HINE - DAVID W. JORGENSON - WILLIAM M. LESLIE

                                                               VOTE
                                                               ----
                                                   FOR      AGAINST     ABSTAIN
                                                   ---      -------     -------

3)       The ratification of the appointment of
         KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP as auditors
         for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997.[  ]        [  ]        [  ]

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSITIONS SET FORTH ABOVE

         THIS  PROXY  WILL BE  VOTED AS  DIRECTED,  BUT IF NO  INSTRUCTIONS  ARE
SPECIFIED,  THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSITIONS  STATED.  IF ANY OTHER
BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL  MEETING,  THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THOSE
NAMED IN THIS PROXY AS DETERMINED  BY A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS.  AT
THE  PRESENT  TIME,  THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  KNOWS OF NO OTHER  BUSINESS  TO BE
PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. THIS PROXY CONFERS  DISCRETIONARY  AUTHORITY ON
THE HOLDERS  THEREOF TO VOTE WITH RESPECT TO MATTERS  INCIDENT TO THE CONDUCT OF
THE ANNUAL MEETING.  HOWEVER, PROXIES INSTRUCTED TO VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSAL TO
APPROVE  THE MERGER  AGREEMENT,  THE  ELECTION  OF THE THREE  DIRECTORS  AND THE
RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS WILL NOT BE VOTED FOR A PROPOSAL TO APPROVE ADJOURNMENT
OF THE ANNUAL MEETING IN THE EVENT THAT THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT  SHARES PRESENT
IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AT THE ANNUAL MEETING TO APPROVE THE MERGER.


<PAGE>


                THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         Should  the  undersigned  be  present  and elect to vote at the  Annual
Meeting or at any adjournment thereof and after notification to the Secretary of
Security at the Annual Meeting of the  stockholder's  decision to terminate this
proxy,  then the power of said attorney and proxies  shall be deemed  terminated
and of no further force and effect.

         The  undersigned  acknowledges  receipt  from  Security  prior  to  the
execution of this proxy of the Notice of the Annual  Meeting and the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus dated , 1997.


Dated: _________________________, 1997


                                                     --------------------------
                                                     SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER



                                                     --------------------------
                                                     SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER

                                                     Please sign exactly as your
                                                     name appears  herein.  When
                                                     signing    as     attorney,
                                                     executor,    administrator,
                                                     trustee or guardian, please
                                                     give  your full  title.  If
                                                     shares  are  held  jointly,
                                                     each holder should sign.


            PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY
                  IN THE ACCOMPANYING POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE



                                                                EXHIBIT 99.3


                    ELECTION FORM FOR USE BY STOCKHOLDERS OF
                             SECURITY BANCORP, INC.
Gentlemen:

         Pursuant to the terms of the  Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger
Agreement") between WesterFed Financial Corporation  ("WesterFed Financial") and
Security Bancorp, Inc. ("Security"),  the undersigned stockholder(s) of Security
elects the following  alternative as to the  consideration  that the undersigned
elects to receive in  conversion  of his or her shares of Security  Common Stock
upon consummation of the merger. This election is subject to the stock component
being 40% to 45% of the aggregate  consideration paid by WesterFed  Financial to
Security stockholders.

             CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOXE(S) TO INDICATE YOUR ELECTION

[ ]      (i) Stock  Election--_______  shares  of  Security  Common  Stock to be
         converted into shares of WesterFed  Financial common stock based on the
         "Exchange Ratio." The "exchange ratio" is $30.00 divided by the average
         closing  price of  WesterFed  Financial  common  stock  for the  twenty
         trading days commencing thirty days prior to closing.  However,  if the
         average  WesterFed  Financial  stock price is (a) equal to or less than
         $13.05, the exchange ratio will be 2.2989, (b) equal to or greater than
         $15.95 but not greater than $17.50,  the exchange ratio will be 1.8809,
         or (c) in  excess  of  $17.50,  the  exchange  ratio  will  be  (absent
         extraordinary circumstances) $32.91 divided by the average price.

[ ]      (ii) Cash  Election--  _____  shares  of  Security  Common  Stock to be
         converted  to an  amount  equal to $30.00  per share for each  share of
         Security Common Stock.

[ ]      Stock and Cash Election-- a combination of cash and stock as follows:

         _____ shares of Security stock for cash; and

         _____ shares of Security stock for WesterFed Financial stock.

         PLEASE  NOTE THAT THE TOTAL  NUMBER OF SHARES  SPECIFIED  ABOVE  CANNOT
EXCEED THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OF SECURITY COMMON STOCK YOU OWN OF RECORD.

         The undersigned acknowledges that the deadline for filing this Election
Form  with  ___________________________  is  by  5:00  p.m.,  Montana  Time,  on
_______________, 1997, the day of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Security
in which Security stockholders will consider and vote upon the Merger Agreement.
Any    stockholder    who   fails   to   deliver    the    Election    Form   to
___________________________  by the deadline  will be deemed to have elected the
Cash Election but will be treated  differently than other  stockholders who have
made a Cash Election by filing this Election Form. In addition, any holder of 1%
or  more  of the  Security  Common  Stock  that  shall  not  have  delivered  to
_________________________   on  or  before   5:00   p.m.,   Montana   Time,   on
_______________, 1997, in properly executed form, the accompanying certification
regarding  certain  tax  matters,  shall be deemed  to have  made a timely  Cash
Election.  The undersigned further acknowledges that the election to receive the
indicated  category  of  consideration  is  subject  to the  limitations  on the
issuance of not more than ______ shares of Common Stock.  See the section of the
accompanying  Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  entitled "THE  MERGER--  Merger
Consideration"  for a description  of the situations in which the Exchange Agent
may be required to pay to stockholders consideration


<PAGE>


other  than  from the  elected  category  of  consideration  and the  priorities
governing such adjustments.

         Prior  to 5:00  p.m.,  Montana  Time,  on  _______________,  1997,  the
undersigned may, at any time or from time to time, change his or her election by
filing a new Election Form with
- ---------------------------.

         Stockholders who have questions regarding the election process,  and/or
the tax consequences  associated with such election process,  should consult, at
their own expense, their own tax, legal and investment advisors.



Date:____________________ , 1997       ________________________
                                       Signature of Stockholder



                                       ________________________ 
                                       Signature of Stockholder
                                    (To be  signed  by the  holder(s)  of record
                                    exactly as the  names(s)  of such  holder(s)
                                    appears  on  the  stock  certificate.   When
                                    signing    as   an    attorney,    executor,
                                    administrator,  trustee or guardian,  please
                                    give  full  title.  All  joint  owners  must
                                    sign.)




                                        --------------------------------
                                        Print Signature of Stockholder(s)


THIS ELECTION FORM IS NOT A FORM OF PROXY.  PLEASE RETUN THIS ELECTION FORM ONLY
TO__________________________________________________.


             PLEASE RETURN TO _______________________________ USING
                 THE ENCLOSED, PRE-PAID, PRE-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.




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