WASHINGTON FEDERAL INC
10-K/A, 1997-12-29
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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<PAGE>   1
================================================================================

                                    FORM 10-K/A

                       Securities and Exchange Commission
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

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

                  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997.

                                       OR

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

         For the transition period from .............. to ..............

                         Commission File Number: 0-25454

                            Washington Federal, Inc.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


             United States                                   91-1661606    
    -------------------------------                     -------------------
    (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer 
     incorporation or organization)                     Identification No.)
                                                                           
   425 Pike Street, Seattle, Washington                         98101     
- ----------------------------------------                -------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)    
                                                            
       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (206) 624-7930

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

     Title of each class            Name of each exchange on which registered

             N/A                                       N/A

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

                     Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
                                (Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the
past 90 days. Yes [X]   No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]

As of December 8, 1997, the aggregate market value of the 46,101,321 shares of
Common Stock of the Registrant issued and outstanding on such date, excluding
1,424,969 shares held by all directors and executive officers of the Registrant
as a group, was $1,504,056,000. This figure is based on the closing sale price
of $32.625 per share of the Registrant's Common Stock on December 8, 1997, as
reported in The Wall Street Journal on December 9, 1997.

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 8, 1997:  47,526,290

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        List hereunder the following documents incorporated by reference and the
Part of Form 10-K into which the document is incorporated:

(1) Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1997 are incorporated into Part II, Items 5-8 of this
Form 10-K.

(2) Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated into Part III, Items 10-13 of this Form
10-K.

================================================================================


<PAGE>   2

                                       2



PART I.

ITEM 1.        BUSINESS

GENERAL

        Washington Federal, Inc. (the "Company"), formed in November 1994, is a
Washington corporation headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The Company is a
non-diversified unitary savings and loan holding company within the meaning of
the Home Owners' Loan Act ("HOLA") which conducts its operations through a
federally insured savings and loan association subsidiary, Washington Federal
Savings and Loan Association ("Washington Federal" or the "Association"). As
such, the Company is registered as a holding company with the Office of Thrift
Supervision ("OTS") and is subject to OTS regulation, examination, supervision
and reporting requirements.

        The Association, doing business as Washington Federal Savings, is a
federally-chartered savings and loan association that began operations in
Washington as a state-chartered mutual association in 1917. In 1935, the
Association converted to a federal charter and became a member of the Federal
Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") System. On November 17, 1982, Washington Federal
converted from a federal mutual to a federal capital stock association.

        The business of Washington Federal consists primarily of attracting
savings deposits from the general public and investing these funds in loans
secured by first mortgage liens on single-family dwellings, including loans for
the construction of such dwellings, and to a significantly lesser extent, on
commercial property and multi-family dwellings. It also originates other types
of loans for its portfolio and invests in certain United States Government and
agency obligations and other investments permitted by applicable laws and
regulations. Washington Federal has 104 offices located in Washington, Oregon,
Idaho, Arizona and Utah, all of which are full service branches. Through
subsidiaries, the Association is engaged in real estate development and
insurance brokerage activities.

        The principal sources of funds for the Association's activities are
retained earnings, loan repayments (including prepayments), net savings inflows,
sales of loans, loan participations and other assets, and deposits and
borrowings. Washington Federal's principal sources of revenue are interest on
loans, interest and dividends on investments and gains on sale of investments
and real estate. Its principal expenses are interest paid on savings, general
and administrative expenses, interest on borrowings and income taxes.

        The Company's growth has been generated both internally and as a result
of eleven mergers and three assumptions of deposits. The most recent acquisition
was completed in November 1996, when the Company purchased Metropolitan Bancorp,
Seattle, Washington ("Metropolitan"). For additional information in this regard,
see Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 14 hereof.

        The Association is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and
examination by the OTS, as its chartering authority and primary federal
regulator, and by the Federal Deposit


<PAGE>   3

                                        3



Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), which insures its deposits up to applicable
limits. Such regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of
activities in which an association may engage and is intended primarily for the
protection of the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") administered by
the FDIC and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory
authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and
enforcement activities. Any change in such regulation, whether by the OTS, the
FDIC or the U.S. Congress, could have a significant impact on the Association
and its operations. See "Regulation."


<PAGE>   4
                                        4



                    AVERAGE STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Year Ended September 30,
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                      1995                             1996
                                       -------------------------------    ------------------------------- 
                                         Average               Average     Average                Average 
                                         Balance    Interest     Rate      Balance    Interest      Rate  
                                       ----------   --------   -------    ----------  --------    ------- 
                                                              (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>          <C>           <C>     <C>         <C>           <C>    
ASSETS

Loans (1)                              $2,635,724   $238,086      9.03%   $3,442,290  $305,372       8.87%  
Mortgage-backed securities              1,109,687     84,125      7.58       966,658    74,126       7.67  
Investment securities                     245,760     18,101      7.37       336,722    20,817       6.18  
FHLB stock                                 54,701      3,454      6.31        50,795     3,896       7.67  
                                       ----------   --------      ----    ----------  --------      ----   
    Total interest-earning assets       4,045,872    343,766      8.50     4,796,465   404,211       8.43  
Other assets                              143,157                            114,126                       
                                       ----------                         ----------
Total assets                           $4,189,029                         $4,910,591                       
                                       ==========                         ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Checking accounts                      $   72,323      1,735       2.40   $   72,376     1,734      2.40 
Passbook and statement accounts           210,286      7,036       3.35      178,616     6,267      3.51 
Insured money market accounts             244,132     10,549       4.32      313,746    13,137      4.19 
Certificate accounts (time deposits)    1,720,238     93,104       5.41    1,847,561   105,285      5.70 
Repurchase agreements with customers       54,617      2,924       5.35       66,048     3,481      5.27 
FHLB advances                             317,590     18,714       5.89      862,966    48,183      5.58 
Securities sold under
     agreements to repurchase             863,379     51,028       5.91      816,857    47,905      5.86 
Federal funds purchased                    46,160      3,163       6.85       50,810     2,753      5.42 
                                       ----------   --------      ----    ----------  --------      ----   
     Total interest-bearing liabilities 3,528,725    188,253       5.33    4,208,980   228,745      5.44 
Other liabilities                          98,657                            123,135                       
                                       ----------                         ----------
     Total liabilities                  3,627,382                          4,332,115                       
Stockholders' equity                      561,647                            578,476                       
                                       ----------                         ----------
     Total liabilities
         and stockholders' equity      $4,189,029                         $4,910,591                       
                                       ==========   --------      ----    ==========  --------      ----   
Net interest income/Interest rate spread            $155,513      3.17%               $175,466      2.99%
                                                    ========      ====                ========      ====
Net interest margin (2)                                           3.84%                             3.66%
                                                                  ====                              ====   
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Year Ended September 30,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                                         1997
                                        ------------------------------------
                                          Average                    Average
                                          Balance      Interest        Rate 
                                        ----------    ----------     -------
                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                     <C>           <C>              <C>  
Loans (1)                               $4,091,571    $  357,571       8.74%
Mortgage-backed securities               1,003,077        74,667       7.44
Investment securities                      305,183        20,140       6.60
FHLB stock                                  84,888         6,704       7.90
                                        ----------    ----------       ---- 
    Total interest-earning assets        5,484,719       459,007       8.37
Other assets                               161,324
                                        ----------  
Total assets                            $5,646,043
                                        ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Checking accounts                           83,991         2,006       2.39
Passbook and statement accounts            183,048         6,371       3.48
Insured money market accounts              374,581        15,391       4.11
Certificate accounts (time deposits)     2,117,792       115,857       5.47
Repurchase agreements with customers        60,671         3,059       5.04
FHLB advances                            1,315,353        73,393       5.58
Securities sold under
     agreements to repurchase              569,203        30,944       5.44
Federal funds purchased                    187,082        10,426       5.57
                                        ----------    ----------       ---- 
     Total interest-bearing liabilities  4,891,721       257,447       5.26
Other liabilities                          106,513
                                        ----------
     Total liabilities                   4,998,234
Stockholders' equity                       647,809
                                        ---------- 
     Total liabilities
         and stockholders' equity       $5,646,043
                                        ==========    ----------       ---- 
Net interest income/Interest rate spread              $  201,560       3.11%
                                                      ==========       ==== 
Net interest margin (2)                                                3.67%
                                                                       ==== 
</TABLE>

- -----------------------------
(1)  The average balance of loans includes non-accruing loans, interest on which
     is recognized on a cash basis.
(2)  Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.



<PAGE>   5

                                        5



LENDING ACTIVITIES

        GENERAL. The Company's net portfolio of loans and mortgage-backed
securities totaled $5.1 billion at September 30, 1997, representing
approximately 90% of its total assets. In recent years the Company has
concentrated its lending activities on the origination of conventional loans,
which are loans that are neither insured nor guaranteed by agencies of the
United States Government. The Company's investment in mortgage-backed securities
issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"),
the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") and certain privately insured mortgage-backed
securities amounted to $947 million (net of discounts and premiums) at September
30, 1997 and is deemed to be part of the Company's loan portfolio.

        Washington Federal has historically concentrated its lending activity on
the origination of long-term, fixed-rate single-family first mortgage loans,
single-family construction loans and land development loans. Although mortgage
loans may be written with adjustable interest rates, the Association does not
emphasize adjustable-rate loans.



<PAGE>   6

                                        6



        The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's gross
loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolio, by loan type and security type,
as of September 30 for the years indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1993                  1994                   1995         
                                         ---------------------- ---------------------  --------------------- 
                                           Amount       Percent   Amount      Percent    Amount      Percent 
                                         ----------     ------- ----------    -------  ----------    ------- 
                                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                      <C>             <C>   <C>             <C>   <C>             <C> 
Loans by type of loan 
Real estate:
   Conventional:
     Permanent                           $1,881,376      63.0% $2,089,769      57.7% $2,635,669      60.1% 
     Land development                       126,640       4.2     132,487       3.7     167,028       3.8  
     Construction(1)                        312,097      10.4     359,812       9.9     443,723      10.1  
   Insured or guaranteed:
     FHA                                     26,731        .9      22,279        .6      20,479        .4  
     VA                                      18,971        .6      18,511        .5      16,434        .4  
   Mortgage-backed
     securities(residential)                615,375      20.6     995,107      27.4   1,095,861      25.0  
Savings account loans                         2,782        .1       2,790        .1       2,344        .1  
Consumer                                      6,071        .2       3,796        .1       2,463        .1  
                                         ----------     -----  ----------     -----  ----------     -----  
    Total(2)                             $2,990,043     100.0% $3,624,551     100.0% $4,384,001     100.0% 
                                         ==========     =====  ==========     =====  ==========     =====  

Loans by type of security 
Residential:
      Single-family(3)                   $2,223,171      74.3% $2,499,458      69.0% $3,168,844      72.2% 

      Other dwelling units                   49,597       1.7      46,260       1.3      54,407       1.2  
Income property                              93,047       3.1      77,140       2.1      60,082       1.4  
Mortgage-backed
  securities(residential)                   615,375      20.6     995,107      27.4   1,095,861      25.0  
Savings account loans                         2,782        .1       2,790        .1       2,344        .1  
Consumer                                      6,071        .2       3,796        .1       2,463        .1  
                                         ----------     -----  ----------     -----  ----------     -----  
      Total(2)                           $2,990,043     100.0% $3,624,551     100.0% $4,384,001     100.0% 
                                         ==========     =====  ==========     =====  ==========     =====  
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996                  1997
                                          --------------------- ---------------------
                                           Amount       Percent   Amount      Percent
                                          ----------    ------- ----------    -------
                                                     (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                       <C>             <C>   <C>             <C>  
Loans by type of loan 
Real estate:
   Conventional:
     Permanent                            $3,241,789      66.6% $3,719,185      68.9%
     Land development                        172,146       3.5     158,706       2.9
     Construction(1)                         548,302      11.2     542,394      10.0
   Insured or guaranteed:
     FHA                                      18,123        .4      26,641        .5
     VA                                       18,169        .4      17,797        .3
   Mortgage-backed
     securities(residential)                 865,887      17.8     931,456      17.3
Savings account loans                          3,576        .1       3,954        .1
Consumer                                       1,488       -         1,089       -
                                          ----------     -----  ----------     ----- 
    Total(2)                              $4,869,480     100.0% $5,401,222     100.0%
                                          ==========     =====  ==========     ===== 

Loans by type of security 
Residential:
      Single-family(3)                    $3,879,092      79.7% $4,222,566      78.2%

      Other dwelling units                    74,108       1.5     122,038       2.2
Income property                               45,329        .9     120,119       2.2
Mortgage-backed
  securities(residential)                    865,887      17.8     931,456      17.3
Savings account loans                          3,576        .1       3,954        .1
Consumer                                       1,488       -         1,089       -
                                          ----------     -----  ----------     ----- 
      Total(2)                            $4,869,480     100.0% $5,401,222     100.0%
                                          ==========     =====  ==========     ===== 
</TABLE>


(1)  Includes construction loans that have been modified to monthly payment
     loans, due in full in approximately one year, in the amount of $16.4
     million, $6.1 million, $6.1 million, $15.9 million and $17.8 million at
     September 30, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.

(2)  After netting undisbursed proceeds on loans in process, deferred fees,
     discounts on loans and allowances for possible losses against the
     applicable loan amounts, the Association's net loan portfolio at September
     30, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 amounted to $2.78 billion, $3.40
     billion, $4.11 billion, $4.60 billion and $5.1 billion, respectively.

(3)  Includes condominium units (which are deemed to be single-family residences
     regardless of the number of units in the structure in which they are
     located), as well as land and construction loans for single family
     residences.



<PAGE>   7

                                        7



        The following table summarizes the scheduled contractual gross loan
maturities for the Association's total loan and mortgage-backed securities
portfolios due for the periods indicated as of September 30, 1997. Amounts are
presented prior to deduction of discounts, premiums, loans in process, deferred
loan origination fees and allowance for loan losses. Adjustable rate loans are
shown in the period in which loan principal payments are contractually due.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Maturity Distribution
                                                                  ----------------------------------
                                          Balance Outstanding at  Less than     1 to 5      After 5
                                            September 30, 1997     1 year       years        years
                                          ----------------------  ---------    --------   ----------
                                                                   (In Thousands)
<S>                                              <C>              <C>          <C>        <C>       
One- to four-family real estate loans            $3,521,466       $ 16,925     $ 77,294   $3,427,247
GNMA, FHLMC, FNMA and other
   mortgage-backed securities                       931,456             --        4,989      926,467
Construction and land development
   loans                                            701,100        645,818       18,866       36,416
Income property loans                               242,157         50,537       45,866      145,754
Savings account loans                                 3,954          3,726           45          183
Consumer loans                                        1,089            515          176          398
                                                 ----------       --------     --------   ----------
                                                 $5,401,222       $717,521     $147,236   $4,536,465
                                                 ==========       ========     ========   ==========
- -----------------------------

Loans maturing after one year:

    Fixed interest rates                         $4,298,518

    Floating or adjustable interest rates           385,183
                                                 ----------
    Total                                        $4,683,701
                                                 ==========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   8

                                        8



        The original contractual loan payment period for residential loans
originated by the Association normally ranges from 15 to 30 years. Experience
during recent years has indicated that, because of prepayments in connection
with refinancing and sales of property, residential loans remain outstanding an
average of less than ten years.

        LENDING PROGRAMS AND POLICIES. The Association specializes in
residential real estate lending and has no present plans to expand its
operations into consumer or commercial business loans. The Association offers
"balloon" payment loans, which are amortized on a 20 or 30 year basis but which
have a maturity date for the principal balance of a much shorter period. The
Association also provides land acquisition and development loans ("land
development loans") and construction loans for single-family residences. The
interest rate on these loans generally adjusts every 90 days in accordance with
a designated index. Land development and construction loans amounted to $701
million or 13% of the Association's gross loan portfolio (including
mortgage-backed securities) at September 30, 1997. The Association offers a
multi-family (five or more dwelling units) lending program with strict
underwriting guidelines, including a $1 million limit on any one loan.

        Many of the associations acquired by Washington Federal offered a
variety of lending products, including commercial real estate and non-real
estate secured loans, consumer secured loans and non-secured lines of credit.
All commercial, consumer and line of credit lending has been discontinued and
lending has been redirected toward the traditional Association lending practices
of single-family residential loans. The loans acquired, other than single-family
residential real estate loans, are being serviced and payoffs are encouraged.

        As a result of activity over the past three decades, the Association
believes that it is a leading construction lender for single-family residences
in the Seattle metropolitan area. Because of this history, the Association has
developed a staff with in-depth land development and construction experience and
working relationships with a group of builders which have been selected based on
their operating histories and financial stability.

        Construction lending is generally considered to involve a higher level
of risk than single-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 real estate developers and managers. Moreover, a
construction loan can involve additional risks because of the inherent
difficulty in estimating both a property's value at completion of the project
and the estimated cost (including interest) of the project. The nature of these
loans also is such that they are generally more difficult to evaluate and
monitor.

        The Association continues to originate medium and long-term, permanent
fixed-rate loans, but in most instances (see below) only under terms, conditions
and documentation which permit sale in the secondary market. Moreover, since
1973 it has been the Association's general policy to include in the
documentation evidencing its conventional mortgage loans the so-called "due on
sale clause," which facilitates adjustment of interest rates on such loans when
the property securing the loan is sold or transferred. At September 30, 1997,
$4.3 billion or 79% of the


<PAGE>   9

                                        9



Association's loan portfolio was represented by medium and long-term, fixed-rate
loans secured by single-family residences (including mortgage-backed
securities).

        The Association offers a 99% loan-to-value ratio conventional loan
program for first time home buyers. The high-ratio conventional lending program
presents greater risk to the Association. To mitigate the risk, the program has
stringent underwriting and property requirements that include home
ownership/money management counseling and property condition inspections. A loss
reserve of 2% of the loan amount is established for each loan granted. The
Association is authorized by its Board to originate $100 million of loans under
this program. As of September 30, 1997, loans under this program amounted to
$71.4 million.

        All of the Association's mortgage lending is subject to its written,
nondiscriminatory underwriting standards, loan origination procedures and
lending policies prescribed by the Association's Board of Directors. Property
valuations are required on all real estate loans and are prepared by independent
appraisers approved by the Association's Board of Directors and the appraisals
are reviewed by the Association's appraisal staff. Detailed loan applications
are obtained to determine the borrower's ability to repay, and the more
significant items on these applications are verified through the use of credit
reports, financial statements and written confirmations. Depending on the size
of the loan involved, a varying number of senior officers of the Association
must approve the application before the loan can be granted.

        Federal regulations limit the amount of a real estate loan made by a
federally-chartered savings institution to a specified percentage of the value
of the property securing the loan, as determined by an appraisal at the time the
loan is originated (referred to as the "loan-to-value ratio"). The regulation
provides that at the time of origination a real estate loan may not exceed 100%
of the appraised value of the security property. Maximum loan-to-value ratios
for each type of real estate loan made by an institution are now established by
the institution's board of directors. In addition, the board of directors must
approve each real estate loan (other than a home loan) with a loan-to-value
ratio in excess of 80%.

        A general reserve is established for all loans with loan-to-value ratios
exceeding 80% that are not insured by private mortgage insurance by placing 1%
of the new loan principal balance into such reserve when the loan is closed.
This total reserve balance at September 30, 1997 amounted to $5.2 million.

        The Association's residential construction loans and land acquisition
and development loans are of a short-term nature and are generally made for 80%
or less of the appraised value of the property upon completion for residential
construction loans and 75% or less for land acquisition and development loans.
Funds are disbursed periodically at various stages of completion as authorized
by the Association's personnel.

        It is the Association's policy to obtain title insurance insuring that
the Association has a valid first lien on the mortgaged real estate. Borrowers
must also obtain hazard insurance prior to closing and, when required by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, flood


<PAGE>   10

                                       10



insurance. Borrowers may be required to advance funds on a monthly basis
together with each payment of principal and interest to a mortgage escrow
account from which the Association makes disbursements for items such as real
estate taxes, hazard insurance premiums and private mortgage insurance premiums
as they fall due.

        ORIGINATION, PURCHASE AND SALE OF LOANS. The Association has general
authority to lend anywhere in the United States. The Association's primary
lending area, however, is western Washington, western Oregon, southern Idaho,
southern Arizona and northern Utah.

        Loan originations come from a number of sources. Residential loan
originations result from referrals from real estate brokers, walk-in customers,
purchasers of property in connection with builder projects financed by the
Association, purchasers of property referred through mortgage brokers and from
refinancing for existing customers. Construction loan originations are obtained
primarily by direct solicitation of builders and continued business from
builders who have previously borrowed from the Association.

        At September 30, 1997, the Association was servicing approximately
$119.9 million of loans for others. Sales are made on a yield basis with the
difference between the yield to the purchaser and the amount paid by the
borrower constituting servicing income to the Association. The sale of loans and
loan participations is subject to federal regulations, which, among other
things, until recently required that sales be made on a non-recourse basis.

        The Association also purchases mortgage-backed securities when lending
rates and mortgage volume for new loan originations in its market area do not
fulfill its needs. Mortgage-backed securities accounted for most of the
Association's loan purchases in recent years. Mortgage-backed securities are
more liquid than individual mortgage loans and may be used to collateralize
borrowings of the Association.


<PAGE>   11

                                       11



        The table below shows total loan origination, purchase, sale and
repayment activities of the Association on a consolidated basis for the periods
indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Year Ended September 30,
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1993           1994             1995            1996           1997
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                                  (In Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>        
Loans originated(1):
   Construction                                    $   291,777     $   370,845     $   341,001     $   428,317     $   407,135
   Land                                                 66,546          74,508          97,990          92,496          77,270
   Loans on existing property                          464,195         540,561         758,455         972,601         556,063
   Loans refinanced                                     97,387          76,518          27,468          62,854          48,240
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
   Total loans originated                              919,905       1,062,432       1,224,914       1,556,268       1,088,708
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Loans and mortgage backed securities purchased:
   From acquisitions of
     associations                                      316,095              --          27,759              --         627,816
   Other                                               261,056         620,026         216,843          60,888          11,310
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                       577,151         620,026         244,602          60,888         639,126
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

Loans and mortgage-backed
 securities sold                                       (27,239)        (18,702)        (34,156)       (134,275)       (119,851)
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Loan and mortgage-backed
 securities principal
 repayments                                         (1,074,562)     (1,057,659)       (683,383)     (1,016,049)     (1,127,923)
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Net change in loans in
 process, discounts, fees, etc                         (20,855)         18,545         (37,679)          7,908          68,224
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Net loan activity increase
                                                   $   374,400     $   624,642     $   714,298     $   474,740     $   548,284
                                                   ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes undisbursed loans in process and does not include savings account
     loans, which were not material during the periods indicated.


        INTEREST RATES, LOAN FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES. Interest rates charged by
the Association on mortgage loans are primarily determined by the level of
competitive loan rates offered in its lending areas and in the secondary market.
Mortgage loan rates reflect factors such as interest rates generally, the supply
of money available to the savings and loan industry and the demand for such
loans. These factors are in turn affected by general economic conditions, the
regulatory programs and policies of federal and state agencies, changes in tax
laws and governmental budgetary programs.


<PAGE>   12

                                       12



        The Association receives loan origination fees for originating loans and
servicing fees for servicing loans sold by it to others. The Association also
receives commitment fees for making commitments to originate construction,
commercial and multi-family residential loans, as well as various fees and
charges related to existing loans, which include prepayment charges, late
charges and assumption fees.

        In making one- to-four family home mortgage loans, the Association does
not normally charge a commitment fee. As part of the loan application, the
borrower pays the Association for its out-of-pocket costs in reviewing the
application, such as the appraisal fee, whether or not the borrower closes the
loan. The interest rate charged is normally the prevailing rate at the time the
loan application is approved. In the case of larger construction loans, the
Association normally charges a 1% commitment fee, which may be included in the
loan origination charge when the loan is made. Commitment fees and other terms
of commercial and multi-family residential loans are individually negotiated.

        NON-PERFORMING ASSETS. When a borrower fails to make a required payment
on a loan, the Association attempts to cause the deficiency to be cured by
contacting the borrower. Contacts are made after a payment is 30 days past due.
In most cases, deficiencies are cured promptly. If the delinquency is not cured
within 90 days, the Association causes the trustee on the deed of trust to
institute appropriate action to foreclose the property. If foreclosed, the
property will be sold at a public sale and may be purchased by the Association.
There are circumstances under which the Association may choose to foreclose a
deed of trust as mortgagee and when this procedure is followed certain
redemption rights are involved.

        Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in the judgment of
management, the probability of collection of interest is deemed to be
insufficient to warrant further accrual. When a loan is placed on non-accrual
status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is deducted from interest income.
The Association does not accrue interest on loans past due 90 days or more. See
Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 14 hereof.

        Real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu thereof ("REO") is
classified as real estate held for sale until it is sold. When property is
acquired, it is recorded at the lower of carrying or fair value at the date of
acquisition and any writedown resulting therefrom is charged to the allowance
for loan losses. Interest accrual ceases on the date of acquisition and all
costs incurred in maintaining the property from that date forward are expensed.
Costs incurred for the improvement or development of such property are
capitalized. See Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Item 14 hereof.


<PAGE>   13

                                       13



        The following table sets forth information regarding restructured and
non-accrual loans and REO held by the Association at the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         September 30,
                                    -------------------------------------------------------
                                      1993        1994        1995        1996        1997
                                    -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                                     (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>    
Restructured loans (1)              $ 7,658     $11,254     $10,103     $24,046     $ 8,613
Non-accrual loans:
  Single-family residential           4,498       4,215       2,879       5,913       9,571
  Construction and land              13,407       5,484       9,515       7,779       4,629
  Commercial real estate              1,718       1,223          76         482         586
  Consumer                               93         105          --           4           3
                                    -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
     Total non-accrual loans (2)     19,716      11,027      12,470      14,178      14,789
Total REO (3)                         1,936       2,316      19,735      20,417      19,339
                                    -------     -------     -------     -------     -------

Total non-performing assets         $29,310     $24,597     $42,308     $58,641     $42,741
                                    =======     =======     =======     =======     =======

Total non-performing assets as
     a percent of total assets          .93%        .64%        .92%       1.15%        .75%
                                    =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>

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

(1)  Performing in accordance with restructured terms.

(2)  The Association recognized interest income on non-accrual loans of
approximately $206,000 in 1997. Had these loans performed according to their
original contract terms, the Association would have recognized interest income
of approximately $750,000 in 1997.

        In addition to the non-accrual loans reflected in the above table, at
September 30, 1997, the Association had $6.5 million of loans which were less
than 90 days or more delinquent but which it had classified as substandard for
one or more reasons. If these loans were deemed non-performing, the
Association's ratio of total non-performing assets as a percent of total assets
would have been .86% at September 30, 1997. For discussion of the Company's
policy for placing loans on nonaccrual status, see Note A to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 14 hereof.

(3)  Total REO includes real estate held for sale acquired in settlement of
loans or acquired from purchased institutions in settlement of loans. See Note I
to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 14 hereof.






<PAGE>   14

                                       14



        The following table analyzes the Company's allowance for loan losses for
the years indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     September 30,
                                -------------------------------------------------------
                                  1993        1994        1995        1996        1997
                                -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>    
Beginning Balance               $16,896     $14,674     $11,720     $11,651     $15,182
Charge-offs:
     Real estate:
        Permanent                    43           8         450         146         131
        Construction              1,071         977         164         179         592
        Land                         29         184         163          90         413
        Income property           6,860       2,604       6,536         405       4,796
        Other                         3           4          17          --          --
                                -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                  8,006       3,777       7,330         820       5,932
                                -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Recoveries:
     Real estate:
        Permanent                    47         127          10          10          14
        Construction                168          50          50          --           8
        Land                        356          26          21          --          --
        Income property             269         219         654         513       3,340
        Other                       134          --          --          --          --
                                -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                    974         422         735         523       3,362
                                -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Net Charge-offs                   7,032       3,355       6,595         297       2,570
Acquisitions                      2,079          --         281          --      11,198
Provisions for loan losses        2,731         401       6,245       3,828         813
                                -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Ending balance                  $14,674     $11,720     $11,651     $15,182     $24,623
                                =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
Ratio of net charge-offs to
   average loans outstanding        .35%        .15%        .25%        .01%        .06%
                                =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>

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

        The following table sets forth the allocation of the Company's allowance
for loan losses at the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    September 30,
                                ---------------------------------------------------
                                  1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
                                -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                   (In Thousands)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>    
Real estate:
     Permanent single-family    $ 1,323    $ 1,537    $ 3,031    $ 5,239    $ 5,755
     Construction                   230        120          5      2,945      3,053
     Land                            30        255        405      2,525      1,763
     Income Property              4,575      2,750        950      1,843      7,081
Other                                71          2         --         --         --
Unallocated                       8,445      7,056      7,260      2,630      6,971
                                -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                $14,674    $11,720    $11,651    $15,182    $24,623
                                =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>


        As part of the process of determining the adequacy of the allowance for
loan losses, management reviews the loan portfolio for specific weaknesses. A
portion of the allowance is then allocated to reflect the loss exposure.
Residential real estate loans are not individually analyzed for impairment and
loss exposure because of the significant number of loans, their relatively small
balances and historically low level of losses. Residential construction,
commercial real estate and commercial business loans were evaluated individually
for impairment, which resulted in an allocation of $11.9 million of the
allowance for loan loss at year-end 1997, compared with an allocation of $7.3
million a year earlier.



<PAGE>   15

                                       15



        Unallocated reserves are established for loss exposure that may exist in
the remainder of the loan portfolio but has yet to be identified. In determining
the adequacy of unallocated reserves, management considers changes in the size
and composition of the loan portfolio, actual historical loan loss experience,
and current and anticipated economic conditions.

        REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE. As one of the Association's activities, a
subsidiary is engaged in the development and sale of real estate. Also, REO
which was acquired in the acquisitions of insolvent associations has been
recorded as real estate held for sale.

        The business of real estate development involves substantial risks, and
the results of such activities depend upon a number of factors, including
seasonality, the type, location and size of each project, the stage of project
development, general economic conditions and the level of mortgage interest
rates. Consequently, there may be substantial inter-period variations in the
operating results of the Association's real estate development activities.
Moreover, because investing in real estate and real estate development
activities are not permissible activities for national banks, the amount of the
investment in, and loans to, any subsidiary engaged in such activities is
deductible from a savings association's regulatory capital. See "Regulation -
The Association--Regulatory Capital Requirements."

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

        As a federally-chartered savings institution, Washington Federal is
required to maintain certain liquidity ratios and does so by investing in
securities that qualify as liquid assets under federal regulations. These
include, among other things, certain certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances, loans to financial institutions whose deposits are
federally-insured, federal funds and United States Government and agency
obligations.

        The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's
investment portfolio on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                September 30,
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1995                    1996                   1997
                                   ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------
                                   Amortized      Fair     Amortized      Fair     Amortized      Fair
                                     Cost         Value       Cost        Value       Cost        Value
                                   ---------    --------   ---------    --------   ---------    --------
                                                               (In Thousands)
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
U.S. Government and agency
   obligations                      $204,528    $211,816    $270,915    $275,538    $258,279    $266,279
State and political subdivisions      44,845      46,197      23,468      24,967      23,471      25,403
                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                    $249,373    $258,013    $294,383    $300,505    $281,750    $291,682
                                    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

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




<PAGE>   16

                                       16



        The investment portfolio at September 30, 1997 categorized by maturity
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Amortized              Weighted
                                             Cost              Average Yield
                                          ----------           -------------
                                                (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                       <C>                       <C>  
Due in less than one year                 $   93,911                7.48%
Due after one year through five years        149,554                6.81
Due after five years through ten years        15,187                6.98
Due after ten years                           23,098                7.93
                                           ---------
                                           $ 281,750
                                           =========
</TABLE>

SOURCES OF FUNDS

        GENERAL. Savings deposits are an important source of the Association's
funds for use in lending and for other general business purposes. In addition to
savings deposits, Washington Federal derives funds from loan repayments,
advances from the FHLB and other borrowings and, to a lesser extent, from loan
sales. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds while savings
inflows and outflows are significantly influenced by general interest rates and
money market conditions. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to
compensate for reductions in normal sources of funds such as savings inflows at
less than projected levels. They may also be used on a longer-term basis to
support expanded activities.

        SAVINGS. In recent years, the Association has chosen to rely on term
certificate accounts and other deposit alternatives which have no fixed term and
pay interest rates that are more responsive to market interest rates than
passbook accounts. This greater variety of deposits has allowed the Association
to be more competitive in obtaining funds to more effectively manage its
liabilities.

        Certificates with a maturity of one year or less have penalties for
premature withdrawal equal to 90 days of interest. When the maturity is greater
than one year, the penalty is 180 days of interest. For jumbo certificates the
penalty depends on the original term. If the original term is 90 days or less
the penalty is the greater of 30 days interest or all interest earned. If the
original term is 90 days or more the penalty is the greater of 90 days interest
or all interest earned. Early withdrawal penalties during fiscal 1995, 1996 and
1997 amounted to approximately $438,000, $349,000 and $375,000, respectively.

        The Association offers a single "performance" checking account. This
account pays interest on balances over $1,000 and is charged a service fee if
balances drop below $1,000.

        The Association's deposits are obtained primarily from residents of
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona and Utah and the Association does not
advertise for deposits outside of these states. At September 30, 1997,
management believed that less than 3% of the Association's deposits were held by
nonresidents of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona and Utah.


<PAGE>   17

                                       17



        The following table sets forth certain information relating to the
Association's savings deposits at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      September 30,
                               --------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                       1995                1996                    1997
                               -------------------  --------------------    ------------------ 
                                  Amount      Rate    Amount        Rate      Amount      Rate
                               -----------    ----  ----------      ----    ---------     ---- 
                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                            <C>            <C>   <C>              <C>    <C>           <C>  
Balance by interest rate:
  Checking accounts            $    70,011    3.00  $   75,781       3.0%   $  88,811     3.00%
  Regular savings (passbook)
     accounts                      187,812    3.50     175,307       3.50     177,843     3.50
  Money market deposit accounts    271,582    4.91     342,013       4.04     399,056     4.04
                                ----------          ----------             ----------
                                   529,405             593,101                665,710
                                ----------          ----------             ----------
Fixed-rate certificates:
  3.00% -  4.99%                   150,754             137,463                 13,946
  5.00% -  6.99%                 1,599,413           1,642,332              2,063,144
  7.00% -  8.99%                    14,322               1,075                  1,544
  9.00% and above                    1,611                  49                      7

Jumbo certificates ($100,000
or more):
  3.00% -  4.99%                     5,091               4,169                  3,293
  5.00% - 6.99%                     70,027              45,696                150,958
  7.00% - 8.99%                        476                  --                  6,769
                                ----------          ----------             ----------
                                 1,841,694           1,830,784              2,239,661
                                ----------          ----------             ----------
                                $2,371,099          $2,423,885             $2,905,371
                                ==========          ==========             ==========
</TABLE>


        The following table sets forth by various interest rate categories the
amounts of certificates of deposit of the Association at September 30, 1997
which mature during the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Amounts at September 30, 1997 Maturing in
                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1 to 3      4 to 6        7 to 12    13 to 24    25 to 36    37 to 60      After
                      Months      Months        Months      Months      Months      Months     60 Months
                     --------   ----------     --------    --------    --------    --------    ----------
                                                     (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                  <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>   
3.00 to 3.99%       $      --    $      --    $      --  $       54   $      66    $    110    $    --
4.00 to 4.99%          15,451          912          177         465           4          --         --
5.00 to 5.99%         452,360      621,800      641,106     202,829      10,828      45,714         90
6.00 to 6.99%          17,394       11,776       13,439     189,657       6,650         459         --
7.00 to 7.99%           3,308          304          880       2,579       1,107          73          4
8.00 to 8.99%              36           --           --          17           6          --         --
9.00% and above            --           --           --           6          --          --         --
                     --------   ----------     --------    --------    --------     -------      -----
        Total        $488,549     $634,792     $655,602    $395,607     $18,661     $46,356     $   94
                      =======      =======      =======     =======      ======      ======      =====
</TABLE>


        Historically, the majority of certificate holders roll over their
balances into new certificates of the same term at the Association's then
current rate. To ensure a continuity of this trend, the Association expects to
continue to offer market rates of interest. The Association's ability to retain
deposits maturing in negotiated-rate certificate accounts is more difficult to
project. The Association is confident, however, that by competitively pricing
these certificates, balance levels deemed appropriate by management can be
achieved on a continuing basis.

        At September 30, 1997, the Association had $161.0 million of
certificates of deposit in amounts of $100,000 or more outstanding, maturing as
follows: $95.0 million within 3 months; $31.6 million over 3 months through 6
months; $25.2 million over 6 months through 12 months; and $9.2 million
thereafter.


<PAGE>   18

                                       18



        The following table sets forth the customer account activities of the
Association for the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Year Ended September 30,
                                         -----------------------------------------------
                                             1995              1996              1997
                                         -----------       -----------       -----------
                                                         (In Thousands)
<S>                                      <C>                <C>              <C>        
Assumed from acquisitions                $    27,374        $       --       $   379,975
Branch sale                                   (4,743)               --                --
Deposits                                   2,590,714         2,363,515         3,045,581
Withdrawals                                2,565,109         2,458,534         3,070,429
                                         -----------       -----------       -----------
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
   before interest credited                   48,236           (95,019)          355,127
Interest credited                            115,348           129,904           142,684
                                         -----------       -----------       -----------
Net increase in customer accounts        $   163,584       $    34,885       $   497,811
                                         ===========       ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

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

        BORROWINGS. The Association obtains advances from the FHLB upon the
security of the capital stock of the FHLB it owns and certain of its home
mortgages, provided certain standards related to credit worthiness have been
met. See "Regulation - Federal Home Loan Bank System." Such advances are made
pursuant to several different credit programs. Each credit program has its own
interest rate and range of maturities, and the FHLB prescribes acceptable uses
to which the advances pursuant to each program may be put as well as limitations
on the size of such advances. Depending on the program, such limitations are
based either on a fixed percentage of assets or the Association's credit
worthiness. The FHLB is required to review its credit limitations and standards
at least annually. FHLB advances have from time to time been available to meet
seasonal and other withdrawals of savings accounts and to expand lending.

        The Association also uses reverse repurchase agreements as a form of
borrowing. Under reverse repurchase agreements, the Association sells an
investment security to a dealer for a period of time and agrees to buy back that
security at the end of the period and pay the dealer a stated interest rate for
the use of the dealer's funds. The amount of securities sold under such
agreements depends on many factors, including the terms available for such
transactions, the perceived ability to apply the proceeds to investments
yielding a higher return, the demand for the securities and management's
perception of trends in interest rates. The Association had $287.5 million of
securities sold under such agreements at September 30, 1997.

        The Association also offers two forms of repurchase agreements to its
customers. One form has an interest rate that floats like a money market deposit
account and is offered at a $1,000 minimum for an 84-day term. The other form
has a fixed rate and is offered in a minimum denomination of $100,000. Both are
fully collateralized by securities. These obligations are not insured by SAIF
and are classified as borrowings for regulatory purposes. The Association had
$72.7 million of such agreements outstanding at September 30, 1997.


<PAGE>   19

                                       19



        The following table presents certain information regarding borrowings of
Washington Federal at the dates and for the periods indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          At or for the Year Ended September 30,
                                                      --------------------------------------------
                                                         1995             1996             1997
                                                      ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                 (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>              <C>       
Federal funds and securities sold
    to dealers under agreements to repurchase:
         Average balance outstanding                  $  909,539       $  867,667       $  756,290
         Maximum amount outstanding
              at any month-end during the period      $1,094,334       $  936,224       $1,088,904
         Weighted average interest rate
              during the period(1)                          5.96%            5.84%            5.47%
FHLB advances:
         Average balance outstanding                  $  317,590       $  862,966       $1,315,353
         Maximum amount outstanding at any
              month-end during the period             $  527,000       $1,162,000       $1,703,000
         Weighted average interest rate
              during the period(1)                          5.89%            5.58%            5.58%
Securities sold to customers
    under agreements to repurchase:
         Average balance outstanding                  $   54,617       $   66,048       $   60,671
         Maximum amount outstanding at any
              month-end during the period             $   74,236       $   79,406       $   72,660
         Weighted average interest rate
              during the period(1)                          5.35%            5.27%            5.04%

Total average borrowings                              $1,281,746       $1,796,681       $2,132,314
         Weighted-average interest rate
              on total average borrowings(1)                5.92%            5.70%            5.53%
</TABLE>

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

(1)  Month-end balances times month-end average rates divided by the sum of the
     month-end balances.



<PAGE>   20

                                       20



OTHER RATIOS

        The following table sets forth certain ratios relating to the Company
for the periods indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Year Ended September 30,
                                                -------------------------------- 
                                                 1995          1996         1997
                                                -----         -----        -----
<S>                                             <C>           <C>          <C>  
Return on assets(1)(4)                           1.87%         1.82%        1.86%
Return on equity(2)(4)                          13.99         15.37        16.50
Average equity to average assets                13.41         11.78        11.47
Dividend payout ratio(3)                        45.69         42.65        40.72
</TABLE>

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

(1)  Net income divided by average total assets.

(2)  Net income divided by average equity.

(3)  Dividends declared per share divided by net income per share.

(4)  Amounts exclude the effects of a one-time assessment of institutions with
     SAIF-insured deposits to recapitalize the SAIF.



<PAGE>   21

                                       21



RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

        The table below sets forth certain information regarding changes in
interest income and interest expense of the Association for the periods
indicated. 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 old rate), (2) changes in rate (changes
in rate multiplied by average volume), and (3) changes in rate-volume (change in
rate multiplied by change in average volume). The change in interest income and
interest expense attributable to change in both volume and rate has been
allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to
rate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Year Ended September 30,
                                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                        1995 vs. 1994                                 1996 vs. 1995                 
                                                 Increase (Decrease) Due to                    Increase (Decrease) Due to           
                                        -------------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------- 
                                         Volume      Rate      Rate/Vol     Total       Volume       Rate      Rate/Vol    Total    
                                        --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------- 
                                                                                   (In Thousands)
<S>                                     <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>      
Interest income:
  Loan portfolio                        $ 30,891   $ (6,696)   $  5,861    $ 30,056    $ 72,833    $ (4,217)   $ (1,330)   $ 67,286 
  Mortgaged-backed securities             27,470        753      (4,839)     23,384     (10,842)        999        (156)     (9,999)
  Investments(1)                           4,787     (2,086)         48       2,749       6,242      (2,374)       (710)      3,158 
                                        --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------- 

     All interest-earning assets          63,148     (8,029)      1,070      56,189      68,233      (5,592)     (2,196)     60,445 
                                        --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------- 

Interest expense:
  Customer accounts                        2,703     22,123         764      25,590       8,855       5,294         407      14,556 
  FHLB advances and other                 33,598      4,181       3,770      41,549      29,908      (2,822)     (1,150)     25,936 
    borrowings                          --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------- 
                

     All interest-bearing liabilities     36,301     26,304       4,534      67,139      38,763       2,472        (743)     40,492 
                                        --------   --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -------- 

Change in net interest income           $ 26,847   $(34,333)   $ (3,464)   $(10,950)   $ 29,470    $ (8,064)   $ (1,453)   $ 19,953 
                                        ========   ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ======== 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Year Ended September 30,
                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                         1997 vs. 1996
                                                  Increase (Decrease) Due to
                                        --------------------------------------------
                                         Volume       Rate      Rate/Vol     Total
                                        --------    --------    --------    --------
                                        
<S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
Interest income:
  Loan portfolio                        $ 57,591    $   (445)   $ (5,022)   $ 52,124
  Mortgaged-backed securities              2,793      (2,223)        (29)        541
  Investments(1)                             163       1,937          31       2,131
                                        --------    --------    --------    --------

     All interest-earning assets          60,547        (731)     (5,020)     54,796
                                        --------    --------    --------    --------

Interest expense:
  Customer accounts                       17,907      (4,461)       (666)     12,780
  FHLB advances and other                 19,471      (2,942)       (607)     15,922
    borrowings                          --------    --------    --------    --------
             

     All interest-bearing liabilities     37,378      (7,403)     (1,273)     28,702
                                        --------    --------    --------    --------

Change in net interest income           $ 23,169       6,672    $ (3,747)   $ 26,094
                                        ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1)  Includes interest on overnight investments and dividends on stock of the
     FHLB of Seattle.


<PAGE>   22


                                              22

INTEREST RATE RISK

        The Company accepts a high level of interest rate volatility as a result
of its policy to originate fixed-rate single family home loans which are
longer-term in nature than the short-term characteristics of its liabilities of
customer accounts and borrowed money. The strong capital position and low
operating costs have allowed the Company to manage interest rate risk, within
guidelines established by the Board of Directors of the Company, through all
interest rate cycles. A significant increase in market interest rate could
adversely affect net interest income of the Company. The Company's interest rate
risk approach has never resulted in the recording of a monthly operating loss.

        One approach used to quantify interest rate risk is the net portfolio
value ("NPV") analysis. This analysis calculates the difference between the
present value of interest-bearing liabilities and the present value of expected
cash flows from interest-earning assets and off-balance sheet contracts. The
following table sets forth, at September 30, 1997, an analysis of the Company's
interest rate risk as measured by the estimated changes in NPV resulting from
instantaneous and sustained parallel shifts in the yield curve (+ or - 400 basis
points, measured in 100 basis point increments.)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Change in          Estimated          Estimated increase
    interest rates         NPV Amount    (Decrease) in NPV Amount        Percent
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Basis Points)                (Dollars in Thousands)
         <S>              <C>                  <C>                        <C>
         +400             $    9,374           $(876,382)                 -99%
         +300                229,093            (656,663)                 -74%
         +200                452,377            (433,379)                 -49%
         +100                682,700            (203,056)                 -23%
            0                885,756                  --                    0%
         -100                993,439             107,683                   12%
         -200              1,034,439             148,683                   17%
         -300              1,101,582             215,826                   24%
         -400              1,176,460             290,704                   33%
</TABLE>

Certain assumptions were used in preparing the above table. These assumptions
relate to interest rates, loan prepayment rates, deposit decay rates and the
market values of certain assets under the various interest rate scenarios. Even
if interest rates change in the designated amounts, there can be no assurance
that the Company's assets and liabilities would perform as set forth above.




<PAGE>   23

                                       23



SUBSIDIARIES

        The Company is a non-diversified unitary savings and loan holding
company who conducts its primary business through its only subsidiary, the
Association. The Association has several wholly-owned subsidiaries which are
discussed further below.

        Washington Federal is permitted by current federal regulations to invest
an amount up to 2% of its assets in stock, paid-in surplus and unsecured loans
in service corporations. The Association may invest an additional 1% of its
assets when the additional funds are utilized for inner-city or community
development purposes. In addition, federally-chartered savings institutions
which are in compliance with regulatory capital requirements and other
conditions also may make loans to service corporations in an aggregate amount of
up to 50% of the institution's capital as defined in federal regulations.

        At September 30, 1997, the Association was authorized under the current
regulations to have a maximum investment of $113.5 million in its service
corporations, exclusive of the additional 1% of assets investments permitted for
inner-city or community development purposes but inclusive of the ability to
make loans to its subsidiaries. On that date, the Association's investment in
and unsecured loans to its five wholly-owned service corporations amounted to
$21.8 million and the Association had $5.4 million in conforming loans
outstanding to its subsidiaries.

        At September 30, 1997, Washington Services, Inc. ("WSI"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Association, was developing a 301-acre light industrial center
in the technology corridor of South Snohomish County, Washington, of which 114
buildable acres, with an investment of $11.0 million, remained unsold as of
September 30, 1997. Based upon the sales history of this development, the
Association believes the net realizable value from the sale of the remaining
properties exceeds the subsidiary's basis in these properties.

        First Insurance Agency, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Association, is an insurance brokerage company which offers a full line of
individual and business insurance products to customers of the Association.

        First Federal Financial Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Association, is incorporated under the laws of Idaho. The subsidiary is engaged
in real estate development activities.

        Freedom Vineyards, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of WSI, is
incorporated under the laws of California for the purpose of operating an
agricultural property located in that state. The Association intends to sell
this property, which is classified as real estate held for sale.

        Statewide Mortgage Services, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Association, is incorporated under the laws of Washington for the purpose of
operating a commercial office building located in that state.


<PAGE>   24

                                       24



        As a result of the acquisition of Metropolitan Bancorp the Company
acquired a 19% interest in the outstanding common stock of Phoenix Mortgage &
Investment, Inc., a mortgage- banking company headquartered in Lynnwood,
Washington which emphasizes the origination of single-family residential loans
through seven loan origination offices located in northwest Washington. In
February 1997, the Company sold its 19% interest in Phoenix Mortgage &
Investment, Inc. to Phoenix's majority stockholders for $585,000. The sale
exceeded the Company's basis in the investment of $354,000 by $231,000, which
was recorded as an adjustment to goodwill.

        A savings association is required to deduct the amount of the investment
in, and extensions of credit to, a subsidiary engaged in any activities not
permissible for national banks. Because the acquisition and development of real
estate is not a permissible activity for national banks, the investments in and
loans to the subsidiary of the Association which is engaged in such activities
are subject to exclusion from the capital calculation. See "Regulation -
Association--Regulatory Capital Requirements."





<PAGE>   25

                                       25



EMPLOYEES

   As of September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately 656 employees,
including the full-time equivalent of 51 part-time employees and its service
corporation employees. None of these employees are represented by a collective
bargaining agent, and the Company has enjoyed harmonious relations with its
personnel.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

   The following table sets forth certain information concerning individuals who
are deemed to be executive officers of Washington Federal as of November 30,
1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Names and Positions
             or Offices                Age      Business Experience during the last five years
- ---------------------------------    ------   -------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                           <C>        
Guy C. Pinkerton                        63    Chairman since November 1994; Chief
Director, President and Chief                 Executive Officer since October 1992; Director
Executive Officer                             since October 1991; President since July 1988

Charles R. Richmond                     58    Executive Vice President and Secretary;
Director, Executive Vice                      Director since February 1995
President and Secretary

Ronald L. Saper                         47    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Executive Vice President and                  Officer
Chief Financial Officer

William A. Cassels                      56    Executive Vice President
Executive Vice President

Lawrence D. Cierpiszewski               54    Executive Vice President since October 1996;
Executive Vice President                      previously served as Senior Vice President

Patrick F. Patrick                      55    Executive Vice President with completion of
Executive Vice President                      merger with Metropolitan Bancorp.; previously
                                              served as President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                              Director of Metropolitan Bancorp.

Keith D. Taylor                         41    Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Senior Vice President and
Treasurer
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   26

                                       26



REGULATION

        Set forth below is a brief description of certain laws and regulations
which relate to the regulation of the Company and the Association. The
description of these laws and regulations, as well as descriptions of laws and
regulations contained elsewhere herein, does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable laws and regulations.

THE COMPANY

        GENERAL. The Company is registered as a savings and loan holding company
under the HOLA and is subject to OTS regulation, examination, supervision and
reporting requirements.

        ACTIVITIES RESTRICTIONS. There are generally no restrictions on the
activities of a savings and loan holding company which holds only one subsidiary
savings institution. However, if the savings institution subsidiary of such a
holding company fails to meet a qualified thrift lender ("QTL") test, then such
unitary holding company also shall become subject to the activities restrictions
applicable to multiple savings and loan holding companies and, unless the
savings institution requalifies as a QTL within one year thereafter, shall
register as, and become subject to the restrictions applicable to, a bank
holding company. See "- The Association--Qualified Thrift Lender Test."

        If the Company were to acquire control of another savings institution,
other than through merger or other business combination with the Association,
the Company would thereupon become a multiple savings and loan holding company.
Except where such acquisition is pursuant to the authority to approve emergency
thrift acquisitions and where each subsidiary savings institution meets the QTL
test, the activities of the Company and any of its subsidiaries (other than the
Association or other subsidiary savings institutions) would thereafter be
subject to further restrictions. Among other things, no multiple savings and
loan holding company or subsidiary thereof which is not a savings institution
shall commence or continue for a limited period of time after becoming a
multiple savings and loan holding company or subsidiary thereof any business
activity, upon prior notice to, and no objection by the OTS, other than: (i)
furnishing or performing management services for a subsidiary savings
institution; (ii) conducting an insurance agency or escrow business; (iii)
holding, managing, or liquidating assets owned by or acquired from a subsidiary
savings institution; (iv) holding or managing properties used or occupied by a
subsidiary savings institution; (v) acting as trustee under deeds of trust; (vi)
those activities authorized by regulation as of March 5, 1987 to be engaged in
by multiple savings and loan holding companies; or (vii) unless the Director of
the OTS by regulation prohibits or limits such activities for savings and loan
holding companies, those activities authorized by the Federal Reserve Board as
permissible for bank holding companies. Those activities described in (vii)
above also must be approved by the Director of the OTS prior to being engaged in
by a multiple savings and loan holding company.

        RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITIONS. Except under limited circumstances,
savings and loan holding companies are prohibited from acquiring, without prior
approval of the Director of the OTS, (i) control of any other savings
institution or savings and loan holding company or substantially all the assets
thereof or (ii) more than 5% of the voting shares of a savings institution or
holding company thereof which is not a subsidiary. Except with the prior
approval of the


<PAGE>   27

                                       27



Director of the OTS, no director or officer of a savings and loan holding
company or person owning or controlling by proxy or otherwise more than 25% of
such company's stock, may acquire control of any savings institution, other than
a subsidiary savings institution, or of any other savings and loan holding
company.

        The Director of the OTS may only approve acquisitions resulting in the
formation of a multiple savings and loan holding company which controls savings
institutions in more than one state if (i) the multiple savings and loan holding
company involved controls a savings institution which operated a home or branch
office located in the state of the institution to be acquired as of March 5,
1987; (ii) the acquiror is authorized to acquire control of the savings
institution pursuant to the emergency acquisition provisions of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA"); or (iii) the statutes of the state in which the
institution to be acquired is located specifically permit institutions to be
acquired by the state-chartered institutions or savings and loan holding
companies located in the state where the acquiring entity is located (or by a
holding company that controls such state-chartered savings institutions).

        FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS. The Company's Common Stock is registered with
the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 12(g) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"). The Company is subject to the
information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other
requirements of the Exchange Act.

THE ASSOCIATION

        GENERAL. The Association is a federally-chartered savings association,
the deposits of which are federally insured and backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Government. Accordingly, the Association is subject
to broad federal regulation and oversight by the OTS and the FDIC extending to
all aspects of its operations. The Association is a member of the FHLB of
Seattle and is subject to certain limited regulation by the Federal Reserve
Board. The Association is a member of the SAIF and its deposits are insured by
the SAIF fund administered by the FDIC. As a result, the FDIC has certain
regulatory and examination authority over the Association.

        FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATION REGULATION. The OTS has extensive authority
over the operations of savings associations. As part of this authority, savings
associations are required to file periodic reports with the OTS and are subject
to periodic examinations by the OTS and the FDIC. Such regulation and
supervision is primarily intended for the protection of depositors.

        The investment and lending authority of the Association is prescribed by
federal laws and regulations, and it is prohibited from engaging in any
activities not permitted by such laws and regulations. These laws and
regulations generally are applicable to all federally-chartered savings
associations and many also apply to state-chartered savings associations.

        INSURANCE OF ACCOUNTS. The deposits of the Association are insured up to
$100,000 per insured member (as defined by law and regulation) by the SAIF and
are backed by the full faith


<PAGE>   28

                                       28



and credit of the United States Government. As insurer, the FDIC 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 threat
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.

        Effective October 1, 1996 assessment rates for SAIF-insured institutions
range from 0% of insured deposits for "well-capitalized" institutions with minor
supervisory concerns to .27% of insured deposits for "undercapitalized"
institutions with substantial supervisory concerns. See "Prompt Corrective
Action" below. In addition, an additional assessment of 6.4 basis points is
added to the regular SAIF-assessment until December 31, 1999 in order to cover
Financing Corporation debt service payments.

        Both the SAIF and the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF"), the federal deposit
insurance fund that covers the deposits of state and national banks and certain
state savings banks, are required by law to attain and thereafter maintain a
reserve ratio of 1.25% of insured deposits. The BIF has achieved the required
reserve ratio, and as a result, the FDIC reduced the average deposit insurance
premium paid by BIF-insured banks to a level substantially below the average
premium paid by savings institutions. Banking legislation was enacted September
30, 1996 to eliminate the premium differential between SAIF-insured institutions
and BIF-insured institutions. The legislation provided that all insured
depository institutions with SAIF-assessable deposits as of March 31, 1995 pay a
special one-time assessment to recapitalize the SAIF. Pursuant to this
legislation, the FDIC promulgated a rule that established the special assessment
necessary to recapitalize the SAIF at 65.7 basis points of SAIF-assessable
deposits held by affected institutions as of March 31, 1995. Based upon its
level of SAIF deposits as of March 31, 1995, the Association paid a special
assessment of $15.0 million. The assessment was accrued in the quarter ended
September 30, 1996.

        Another component of the SAIF recapitalization plan provides for the
merger to the SAIF and the BIF on January 1, 1999, if no insured depository
institution is a savings association on that date. See "Thrift Charter" below.
If legislation is enacted which requires the Association to convert to a bank
charter, the Company would become a bank holding company subject to the more
restrictive activity limits imposed on bank holding companies unless special
grandfather provisions are included in such legislation. The Company does not
believe that its activities would be materially affected in the event that it
was required to become a bank holding company.

        REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. Federally insured savings associations
are required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. Pursuant to
federal law, 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.



<PAGE>   29

                                       29



        The capital regulations create three capital requirements: a tangible
capital requirement, a leverage or core capital requirement and a risk-based
capital requirement. All savings associations must have tangible capital of at
least 1.5% of adjusted total assets (as defined in the regulations). For
purposes of this requirement, tangible capital is core capital less all
intangibles other than certain purchased mortgage servicing rights (of which the
Association has none). Core capital includes common stockholders' equity,
non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority
interests in consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles (unless included under
certain limited conditions, but in no event exceeding 25% of core capital), plus
purchased mortgage servicing rights in an amount not to exceed 50% of core
capital.

        The current leverage or core capital requirement is core capital, as
defined above, of at least 3% of adjusted total assets.

        The risk-based capital standard requires savings associations to
maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8%. Total
capital consists of core capital, defined above, and supplementary capital.
Supplementary capital consists of certain 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 in an amount equal to the amount of
core capital. 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 assets. The risk-weighing
categories range from 0% for low-risk assets such as U.S. Treasury securities
and GNMA securities to 100% for various types of loans and other assets deemed
to be of higher risk. Single family mortgage loans having loan-to-value ratios
not exceeding 80% and meeting certain additional criteria, as well as certain
multi-family residential property loans, qualify for a 50% risk-weight
treatment. The book value of each asset is multiplied by the risk-weighting
applicable to the asset category, and the sum of the products of this
calculation equals total risk-weighted assets.

        OTS regulations impose special capitalization standards for savings
associations that own service corporations and other subsidiaries. In addition,
certain exclusions from capital and assets are required when calculating total
capital in addition to the adjustments for calculating core capital. These
adjustments do not materially affect the regulatory capital of the Association.

        For information regarding the Association's compliance with each of its
three capital requirements at September 30, 1997, see Note P to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

        In August 1993, the OTS adopted a final rule incorporating an
interest-rate risk component into the risk-based capital regulation. Under the
rule, an institution with a greater than "normal" level of interest rate risk is
subject to a deduction of its interest rate risk component from total capital
for purposes of calculating its risk-based capital. As a result, such an
institution is required to maintain additional capital in order to comply with
the risk-based capital requirement. The final rule was originally to be
effective as of January 1, 1994; however, its effectiveness has been delayed
several times. In August 1995, the OTS issued Thrift Bulletin No. 67, which
allows eligible institutions to request adjustment to their interest rate risk
component as calculated by the


<PAGE>   30

                                       30



OTS, or to request to use their own models to calculate their interest rate
component. The OTS also indicated that it will continue to delay the
effectiveness of its interest rate risk rule requiring institutions with above
normal interest rate risk exposure to adjust their regulatory capital
requirement until new procedures are implemented and evaluated.

        Any savings association that fails any of the capital requirements is
subject to possible enforcement actions by the OTS or the FDIC. Such actions
could include a capital directive, a cease and desist order, civil money
penalties, the establishment of restrictions on an association's operations and
the appointment of a conservator or receiver. The OTS' capital regulation
provides that such actions, through enforcement proceedings or otherwise, could
require one or more of a variety of corrective actions.

        PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION. Under federal law, each federal banking agency
has implemented a system of prompt corrective action for institutions which it
regulates. Under OTS regulations, an institution shall be deemed to be (i) "well
capitalized" if it has total risk-based capital of 10.0% or more, has a Tier I
risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or more, has a Tier I leverage capital ratio of
5.0% or more and is not subject to any order or final capital directive to meet
and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (ii) "adequately
capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier
I risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or more and a Tier I leverage capital ratio
of 4.0% or more (3.0% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the
definition of "well capitalized," (iii) "undercapitalized" if it has a total
risk- based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital
ratio that is less than 4.0% or a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less
than 4.0% (3.0% under certain circumstances), (iv) "significantly
undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than
6.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3.0% or a Tier I
leverage capital ratio that is less than 3.0%, and (v) "critically
undercapitalized" if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is
equal to or less than 2.0%. Federal law authorizes the OTS to reclassify a well
capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately
capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with
supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the
FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as
critically undercapitalized). As of September 30, 1997, the Association exceeded
the requirements of a well capitalized institution.

        LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS. All savings associations are required, for each
calendar month, to maintain an average daily balance of liquid assets (including
cash, certain time deposits and savings accounts, bankers' acceptances, certain
government obligations and certain other investments) which is not less than a
certain percentage of the sum of its average daily balance of net withdrawable
deposit accounts and borrowings payable in one year or less during the preceding
calendar month. The liquidity requirement may be changed by the OTS to any
amount between 4% and 10% depending upon economic conditions and savings flows
of all savings associations and is currently 5%.

OTS regulations also require that short-term liquid assets constitute at least
1% of an association's average daily balance of net withdrawable deposit
accounts and short term borrowings during the


<PAGE>   31

                                       31

preceding calendar month. Monetary penalties may be imposed upon associations
for violations of liquidity requirements.

        QUALIFIED THRIFT LENDER TEST. A savings association that does not meet a
QTL test set forth in the HOLA and implementing regulations must either convert
to a bank charter or comply with the following restrictions on its operations:
(i) 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; (ii) the branching powers of the association
shall be restricted to those of a national bank; (iii) the association shall not
be eligible to obtain any advances from its FHLB; and (iv) payment of dividends
by the association shall be subject to the rules regarding payment of dividends
by a national bank. Upon the expiration of three years from 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).

        Under recent legislation and applicable regulations, any savings
institution is a QTL if (i) it qualifies as a domestic building and loan
association under Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code (which
generally requires that at least 60% of the institution's assets constitute
housing-related and other qualifying assets) or (ii) at least 65% of the
institution's "portfolio assets" (as defined) consist of certain housing and
consumer-related assets on a monthly average basis in at least nine out of every
12 months. At September 30, 1997, the Association was in compliance with the QTL
test of a domestic building and loan association as defined in the Code.

        TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Under federal law, all transactions
between and among a savings association and its affiliates, which include
holding companies, are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve
Act. Generally, these requirements limit these transactions to a percentage of
the association's capital and require all of them to be on terms at least as
favorable to the association as transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, a
savings association may not lend to any affiliate engaged in non-banking
activities not permissible for a bank holding company or acquire shares of any
affiliate not a subsidiary. The OTS is authorized to impose additional
restrictions on transactions with affiliates if necessary to protect the safety
and soundness of a savings association. The OTS regulations also set forth
various reporting requirements relating to transactions with affiliates.

        Extensions of credit by a savings association to executive officers,
directors and principal shareholders are subject to Section 22(h) of the Federal
Reserve Act, which, among other things, generally prohibits loans to any such
individual where the aggregate amount exceeds an amount equal to 15% of an
institution's unimpaired capital and surplus, plus an additional 10% of
unimpaired capital and surplus in the case of loans that are fully secured by
readily marketable collateral.

        Section 22(h) permits loans to directors, executive officers and
principal stockholders made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that
is widely available to employees of a subject savings association provided that
no preference is given to any officer, director, or principal


<PAGE>   32

                                       32



shareholder or related interest thereto over any other employee. In addition,
the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a savings institution to all
insiders cannot exceed the institution's unimpaired capital and surplus.
Furthermore, Section 22(g) places additional restrictions on loans to executive
officers.

        RESTRICTIONS ON CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS. OTS regulations impose
limitations on capital distributions by savings associations, including cash
dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers, interest payments
on certain convertible debt and other transactions charged to the capital
account of a savings association to make capital distributions. Generally, the
regulation creates 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. Associations and distributions that do not qualify for the safe
harbor are required to obtain prior OTS approval before making any capital
distributions.

        As of September 30, 1997, the Association is a Tier 1 institution which
can make capital distributions during any calendar year equivalent to 100% of
net income for the calendar year-to-date plus 50% 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, and
"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. The OTS has approved the
Association's capital distribution plan through the calendar year 1998.

        On December 5, 1994, the OTS published a notice of proposed rulemaking
to amend its capital distribution regulation. Under the proposal, savings
institutions would be permitted to only make capital distributions that would
not result in their capital being reduced below the level required to remain
"adequately capitalized" as defined in the OTS prompt corrective action
regulations. The Association would continue to be required to provide notice to
the OTS of its intent to make a capital distribution. Management does not
believe that the proposal will adversely affect the Association's ability to
make capital distributions if it is adopted substantially as proposed.

        FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK SYSTEM. The Association 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. At
September 30, 1997, the Association's advances from the FHLB amounted to $1.6
billion.

        As a member, the Association 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 obligations at
the beginning of each year. At September 30, 1997, the Association had $93.6
million in FHLB stock, which was in compliance with this requirement.



<PAGE>   33

                                       33



        Recent changes in federal law now require the FHLBs 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 and 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.

        COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT AND THE FAIR LENDING LAWS. Savings
associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA")
and related regulations of the OTS to help meet the credit needs of their
communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In addition, the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act (together, the "Fair
Lending Laws") prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices
on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. An institution's
failure to comply with the provisions of CRA could, at a minimum, result in
regulatory restrictions on its activities, and failure to comply with the Fair
Lending Laws could result in enforcement actions by the OTS, as well as other
federal regulatory agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice.


<PAGE>   34

                                       34



                                    TAXATION


FEDERAL TAXATION

        For federal and state income tax purposes, the Company reports its
income and expenses on the accrual basis method of accounting and files its
federal and state income tax returns on a September 30 fiscal year basis. The
Company files consolidated federal and state income tax returns with its
wholly-owned subsidiaries.

        For tax years beginning prior to January 1, 1996, a qualified thrift
institution was allowed a bad debt deduction based on a percentage of taxable
income or on actual experience. The Association used the percentage of taxable
income method in tax years 1996 and 1995.

        The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (the "Act") requires
qualified thrift institutions such as the Association to recapture the portion
of their tax bad debt reserves that exceeds the September 30, 1988 balance. Such
recaptured amounts are to be taken into ordinary income ratably over a six-year
period beginning in 1997. Accordingly, the Company will have to pay
approximately $2,664,000 in additional federal income taxes, all of which has
been previously accrued for financial reporting purposes, each year of the
six-year period.

        The Act also repeals the reserve method of accounting for tax bad debt
deductions and requires thrifts to calculate the tax bad debt deduction based on
actual current loan losses.

        A deferred tax liability has not been recognized for the tax bad debt
base year reserves of the Association. The base year reserves are the balance of
reserves as of September 30, 1988 reduced proportionately for reductions in the
Association's loan portfolio since that date. At September 30, 1997, the amount
of those reserves was approximately $4,017,000. The amount of the unrecognized
deferred tax liability at September 30, 1997 was approximately $1,406,000.

        Washington Federal's tax returns have been examined through the year
ended September 30, 1990.




<PAGE>   35

                                       35



STATE TAXATION

        The State of Washington does not have an income tax. A business and
occupation tax based on a percentage of gross receipts is assessed against
businesses; however, interest received on loans secured by mortgages or deeds of
trust on residential properties is not subject to this tax.

        The State of Idaho has a corporate income tax with a statutory rate of
8% of apportionable income.

        The State of Oregon has a corporate excise tax with a statutory rate of
6.6% of apportionable income.

        The State of Utah has a corporate franchise tax with a statutory rate of
5% of apportionable income.

        The State of Arizona has a corporate income tax with a statutory rate of
9.0% of apportionable income.




<PAGE>   36

                                       36



ITEM 2.        PROPERTIES

   The Association owns the building in which its home and executive offices are
located, in Seattle, Washington. The following table sets forth certain
information concerning the Association's offices:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                           
                                      Building
                    Number of    -------------------      Net Book Value at
Location             Offices     Owned     Leased(1)     September 30, 1997(2)
- --------            ---------    -----     ---------     ---------------------
                                                            (In Thousands)
<S>                     <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>    
Washington              39         22          17              $16,852
Idaho                   19         16           3                6,274
Oregon                  23         15           8                6,884
Utah                    11          6           5                7,894
Arizona                 12          5           7                4,235
                       ---         --          --              -------
     Total             104         64          40              $42,139
                       ===         ==          ==               ======
</TABLE>

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

(1)  The leases have varying terms expiring from 1997 through 2070, including
     renewal options.

(2)  Amount represents land and improvements with respect to properties owned by
     the Association and represents the book value of leasehold improvements,
     where applicable.


        Washington Federal evaluates on a continuing basis the suitability and
adequacy of its offices, both branches and administrative centers, and has an
active program of opening, relocating, remodeling, or closing them as necessary
to maintain efficient and attractive premises.

        Washington Federal's net investment in premises, equipment and
leaseholds was $47.5 million at September 30, 1997.

ITEM 3.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        The Association is involved in legal proceedings occurring in the
ordinary course of business which in the aggregate are believed by management to
be immaterial to the financial condition of the Association.

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

        Not applicable.




<PAGE>   37

                                       37



PART II

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

        The information required herein is incorporated by reference from page
27 of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for Fiscal 1997 ("Annual
Report"), which is included herein as Exhibit 13.

ITEM 6.        SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The information required herein is incorporated by reference from page
26 of the Annual Report.

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

        The information required herein is incorporated by reference on pages 4
through 7 of the Annual Report.

ITEM 8.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The financial statements and supplementary data required herein are
incorporated by reference from pages 8 through 25 and page 27 of the Annual
Report.


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

   Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10.       DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        The information required herein is included under Item 1 hereof.

ITEM 11.       EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information required herein is incorporated by reference to pages 12
to 15 of the proxy statement dated December 23, 1997.

ITEM 12.       SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The information required herein is incorporated by reference to pages 2
to 3 and 5 to 9 of the proxy statement dated December 23, 1997.



<PAGE>   38

                                       38



ITEM 13.       CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        The information required herein is incorporated by reference to page 17
        of the proxy statement dated December 23, 1997.

PART IV

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

        (a)(1) The following financial statements are incorporated herein by
        reference from pages 8 through 25 and page 27 of the Annual Report.

        Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants

        Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 1997
        and 1996

        Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the years in the
        three-year period ended September 30, 1997

        Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the years in
        the three-year period ended September 30, 1997

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the
        three-year period ended September 30, 1997

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

        (a)(2) There are no financial statement schedules filed herewith.

        (a)(3) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
No.                             Exhibit                                   Page
- ---                             -------                                   ----
<S>           <C>                                                          <C>
3.1           Articles of Incorporation of the Company                     (1)
3.2           Bylaws of the Company                                        (1)
4             Specimen Common Stock Certificate                            (1)
10.1          1982 Employee Stock Compensation Program*                    (1)
10.2          1987 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan*        (1)
10.3          1994 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan*        (1)
13            Annual Report to Stockholders
21            Subsidiaries of the Company - Reference is made
              to Item 1, "Business - Subsidiaries" for the
              required information                                          --
23            Consent of Independent Public Accountants
</TABLE>

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

*  Management contract or compensation plan.



<PAGE>   39

                                       39



        (1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form 8-B filed with the SEC on January 26, 1995.

        (c) See (a)(3) above for all exhibits filed herewith and the Exhibit
Index.

        (d) All schedules are omitted as the required information is not
applicable or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial
Statements or related notes.


<PAGE>   40

                                       40



                                   SIGNATURES


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



                                       WASHINGTON FEDERAL, INC.



December 22, 1997                      By: /s/ Guy C. Pinkerton
Date                                      --------------------------------------
                                           Guy C. Pinkerton, Chairman,
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer

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


<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
 /s/ Kermit O. Hanson                                 December 22, 1997
- ------------------------------------                  -----------------
Kermit O. Hanson, Director                            Date



 /s/ W. Alden Harris                                  December 22, 1997
- ------------------------------------                  -----------------
W. Alden Harris, Director                             Date



 /s/ Anna C. Johnson                                  December 22, 1997
- ------------------------------------                  -----------------
Anna C. Johnson, Director                             Date



 /s/ John F. Clearman                                 December 22, 1997
- ------------------------------------                  -----------------
John F. Clearman, Director                            Date



 /s/ H. Dennis Halvorson                              December 22, 1997
- ------------------------------------                  -----------------
H. Dennis Halvorson, Director                         Date
</TABLE>









<PAGE>   41

                                       41



<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
 /s/ E. W. Mersereau                                   December 22, 1997
- --------------------------------------------           -----------------
E. W. Mersereau, Jr., Director                         Date
and Vice Chairman of the Board



 /s/ Guy C. Pinkerton                                  December 22, 1997
- --------------------------------------------           -----------------
Guy C. Pinkerton, Director, Chairman,                  Date
President and Chief Executive Officer



 /s/ Richard C. Reed                                   December 22, 1997
- --------------------------------------------           -----------------
Richard C. Reed, Director                              Date



 /s/ Charles R. Richmond                               December 22, 1997
- --------------------------------------------           -----------------
Charles R. Richmond, Director,                         Date
Executive Vice President and Secretary



 /s/ Ronald L. Saper                                   December 22, 1997
- --------------------------------------------           -----------------
Ronald L. Saper, CPA, Executive                        Date
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (principal financial officer)



 /s/ Keith D. Taylor                                   December 22, 1997
- --------------------------------------------           -----------------
Keith D. Taylor, CPA, Senior Vice President            Date
and Treasurer
(principal accounting officer)
</TABLE>







<PAGE>   1















                       [WASHINGTON FEDERAL SAVINGS LOGO]




                            WASHINGTON FEDERAL, INC.

                       425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101

                  
























Bowne of Seattle - Phone (206) 223-0725 - FAX (206) 623-3613
BPX/ V25539 - Control 3 - Proof 1 - 12/16/97 - RUSH




<PAGE>   2

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

       Financial Highlights                                             1
       To Our Stockholders                                              2
       Management's Discussion                                          4
       Financial Statements                                             8
       Notes to Financial Statements                                   12
       Selected Financial Data                                         26
       Accountant's Report                                             27
       General Information                                             27
       Directors, Officers, Offices                                    28



A SHORT HISTORY


         Washington Federal, Inc. (the "Company") is a savings and loan holding
company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Its principal subsidiary is
Washington Federal Savings ("the Association") which operates 104 branches in
five Western states.

         The Association had its origin on April 24, 1917 as Ballard Savings and
Loan Association. In 1935, the state-chartered Association converted to a
federal charter and became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System with
account insurance provided through the FSLIC. In 1958, Ballard Federal Savings
and Loan Association merged with Washington Federal Savings and Loan Association
of Bothell, and the latter name was retained for its wider geographic
acceptance. In 1971, Seattle Federal Savings and Loan Association, then with
three offices, was merged into the Association and at the end of 1978, was
joined by the ten offices of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Mount
Vernon. On November 17, 1982, the Association converted from a federal mutual to
a federal stock association.

         In 1987 and 1988, acquisitions of United First Federal, Provident
Federal Savings and Loan and Northwest Federal Savings and Loan, all
headquartered in Boise, Idaho added 28 Idaho offices to the Company. In 1988,
the acquisition of Freedom Federal Savings and Loan added 13 Oregon offices,
followed in 1990 by the eight Oregon offices of Family Federal Savings. In 1991,
the acquisition of First Federal Savings and Loan of Idaho Falls, Idaho added
three branches to the system. That same year, the Company acquired the deposits
of First Western Savings, doing business in Oregon as Metropolitan Savings, in
Eugene and Portland, Oregon.

         In 1992, the Company changed the name of its Oregon division branches
from Freedom Federal Savings to Washington Federal Savings and shortened its
corporate name to Washington Federal Savings.

         In 1993, the Company purchased First Federal Savings Bank of Salt Lake
City, Utah adding ten new branches in that state. Then, during 1994, the Company
expanded to Arizona and began operating five branch offices in Tucson.

         In 1995, the Company purchased West Coast Mutual Savings Bank with the
one branch office in Centralia, Washington. The Company sold the Burley, Idaho
branch office and opened three new offices in Washington, two more in Tucson and
one each in Utah and in Oregon.

         In 1996, the Company opened one new office in Oregon, one in Washington
and three in Phoenix. The Company also purchased Metropolitan Bancorp of
Seattle, Washington which added eight branches in the Puget Sound region to the
Association.

         In 1997, the Company opened four new offices, one each in Portland,
Oregon, and Tucson, Arizona and two in Phoenix, Arizona. The Company also closed
a branch office in Idaho Falls, consolidating the deposits into the main Idaho
Falls office.

         The Company has a wholly-owned subsidiary, First Insurance Agency,
Inc., which provides general insurance to the public.

         The Company obtains funds primarily through savings deposits from the
general public, from repayment of loans and from borrowings and retained
earnings. These funds are used largely to make first lien loans to borrowers for
the purchase of new and existing homes, the acquisition and development of land
into residential lots, the construction of homes, the financing of other real
estate and for investment in obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies
and municipalities.




<PAGE>   3

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30,                                                                        1997         1996    % Change
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                                               <C>          <C>             <C>
Assets .........................................................................  $5,719,589   $5,114,978   +  12%
Investment securities ..........................................................     289,749      299,006   -   3
Loans receivable ...............................................................   4,190,776    3,723,016   +  13
Mortgage-backed securities .....................................................     947,129      866,605   +   9
Customer accounts ..............................................................   2,978,031    2,480,220   +  20
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings ...........................   1,904,544    1,959,549   -   3
Stockholders' equity ...........................................................     717,745      577,702   +  24
Net income .....................................................................     105,050       79,895   +  31
Net income per share ...........................................................        2.21         1.71   +  29
Dividends per share ............................................................         .90          .82   +  10
Stockholders' equity per share .................................................       15.11        13.12   +  15
Shares outstanding .............................................................      47,509       40,695   +  17
Return on average stockholders' equity .........................................       16.50%       13.73%  +  20
Return on average assets .......................................................        1.86%        1.63%  +  14
Return on average stockholders' equity, excluding Savings
   Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") special assessment in 1996 ..............       16.50%       15.37%  +   7
Return on average assets, excluding SAIF special assessment in 1996 ............        1.86%        1.82%  +   2

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




TOTAL ASSETS


Dollars in Millions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(At September 30)
<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
1977                                              421
1982                                              665
1987                                            1,860
1992                                            2,792
1997                                            5,720
        
</TABLE>



STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


Dollars in Millions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(At September 30)


<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
1977                                               32
1982                                               46
1987                                              196
1992                                              424
1997                                              718
</TABLE>


NET INCOME PER SHARE
(Before SAIF special assessment in 1996)

$
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.25




<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C> 
1993                                             1.87
1994                                             1.92
1995                                             1.63
1996                                             1.92
1997                                             2.21
</TABLE>




CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

$
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.00


<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C> 
1993                                             0.62
1994                                             0.68
1995                                             0.75
1996                                             0.82
1997                                              0.9
</TABLE>



RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY
(Before SAIF special assessment in 1996)
Annualized %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.0


<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>  
1993                                            20.39
1994                                            18.19
1995                                            13.99
1996                                            15.37
1997                                             16.5
</TABLE>





PRIMARY INTEREST SPREAD


End of Quarter %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Fiscal 1995         Fiscal 1996            Fiscal 1997
<S>                  <C>                 <C>                   <C> 
Dec 31                  3.1                 2.55                  2.88
Mar 31                 2.79                 2.78                  2.88
Jun 30                  2.6                  2.9                  2.82
Sep 30                 2.57                 2.95                  2.83
</TABLE>






                                                                              1

<PAGE>   4


TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

         Our fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 was another record year as we
surpassed $100 million in earnings for the first time in our history. Since
becoming a public company, this was the thirteenth time in the past fourteen
years that we have reported year-over-year earnings per share gains. We are
quite proud of this achievement.

         For the year, earnings were $105,050,000 or $2.21 per share compared to
the $89,436,000 or $1.92 per share for the prior year, a 15% per share increase.
Prior year amounts exclude the one-time after-tax charge of $9,541,000, or $.21
per share, to recapitalize the Savings Association Insurance Fund.

         This year produced a return on average assets of 1.86% and on average
stockholders' equity of 16.50%. As of September 30, 1997, Washington Federal's
net worth increased to $718 million or 12.5% of total assets compared to $578
million or 11.3% of total assets at the beginning of the fiscal year. Customer
funds increased 20% during the year to $2.98 billion and total assets increased
12% to $5.72 billion. Washington Federal's earnings and capital ratios continue
near the top in the nation for all types of financial institutions.

         This record performance was achieved in spite of a decrease in our net
interest spread to 2.83% from 2.95% at the beginning of the fiscal year. The
decrease was primarily a result of the Federal Reserve increase in short-term
rates of 1/4% in March of 1997.

         Our expense ratio for the year was .79% of average assets and our
efficiency ratio (total operating expense divided by net interest income plus
other income) averaged 18.9%. Both of these figures are less than one-half the
industry average.

         During the latter part of our fiscal year, we took advantage of gains
realized on the sale of some of our securities and real estate owned in order to
reduce borrowings and increase our capital ratio to prepare Washington Federal
for expansion opportunities out ahead.

         This year, we closed $1.089 billion in residential loans, down from our
fiscal 1996 record production of $1.556 billion. This was partially by design as
we placed more emphasis on our branch lending program and slowed our wholesale
mortgage brokerage operation. We continue to place emphasis on developing our
branch lending capabilities. In this regard, we would appreciate referrals of
friends or acquaintances you may have that need real estate mortgage financing
in our five-state service areas. We also negotiated some favorable sales of
non-performing commercial properties acquired in our mergers and have reduced
non-performing assets to a low .54% of total assets.

         Our merger with Metropolitan Bancorp closed on November 29, 1996 and
their operation was successfully integrated into the Washington Federal system.
In connection with this transition, we sold $110 million of the $200 million
derivative portfolio we acquired. This merger added eight more offices to our
Puget Sound branch system. We also opened offices in Portland, Oregon; Tucson,
Arizona; two locations in Phoenix, Arizona and closed one of our offices in
Idaho Falls, Idaho. We now have 104 offices with 39 in Washington, 19 in Idaho,
23 in Oregon, 11 in Utah and 12 in Arizona.

         During the year we distributed $42.7 million in cash dividends, or $.90
per share, and declared a 10% stock dividend to stockholders of record on
February 7, 1997. This was the thirteenth stock dividend we have distributed in
the last fifteen years. We also increased the cash dividend twice during the
fiscal year. We have increased the cash dividend twenty-nine times since
becoming a stock company in 1982.

         During the year, we made an extensive effort to identify year 2000
issues which impact our in-house computer system and outside systems with which
we interface. As a result of our review and the corrections performed to date,
we are confident in our ability to evaluate and correct all of our systems and
programs prior to the end of 1998. Management is reporting monthly to the Board
of Directors regarding progress made in this area.

         In November 1996, we added two directors to our board bringing the
total to nine. Both John F. Clearman and H. Dennis Halvorson have many years of
financial institution experience and bring added expertise to your company.

         We have also added Patrick F. Patrick, former President and Chief
Executive Officer of Metropolitan Bancorp, to our Executive Management team,
which includes Charles R. Richmond, Ronald L. Saper, William A. Cassels and
Lawrence D. Cierpiszewski. I thank each of them for their leadership in
achieving the record results of your Company during this last fiscal year.




2

<PAGE>   5


         You may have noticed that our annual report this year is simpler than
in years past. We feel this new format better reflects Washington Federal's
conservative philosophy and our desire to maximize profitability for our
shareholders. Please let us know what you think about this new format. We
welcome your comments.

         I also want to thank our employees and directors for their extra
efforts that have made this year so successful, and our customers and
stockholders for their continued support. I hope to see you at our annual
meeting on Wednesday January 28, 1998, at 2:00 p.m. at the Westin Hotel in
Seattle, Washington.

Sincerely,


/S/  GUY C. PINKERTON


Guy C. Pinkerton
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer

























                                                                              3


<PAGE>   6

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

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



GENERAL                    On February 3, 1995, Washington Federal, Inc. (the
                           "Company") completed its reorganization into a
                           savings and loan holding company structure (the
                           "reorganization"). The Company's predecessor,
                           Washington Federal Savings (the "Association") became
                           a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company as a result
                           of the reorganization.




INTEREST                   The Company accepts a high level of interest rate   
RATE RISK                  volatility as a result of its policy to originate   
                           fixed-rate single family home loans which are       
                           longer-term in nature than the short-term           
                           characteristics of its liabilities of customer      
                           accounts and borrowed money. At September 30, 1997, 
                           the Company had approximately $2,860,000,000 more   
                           liabilities subject to repricing in the next year   
                           than assets subject to repricing which amounted to a
                           negative maturity gap of 50% of total assets. The   
                           Company's interest rate risk approach has never     
                           resulted in the recording of a monthly operating    
                           loss.                                               

                           Fiscal 1997 began with a trend of expanding interest 
                           rate spreads. The first quarter closed with a 2.88%  
                           interest rate spread, down from 2.95% at the         
                           beginning of the year. The decline was, in large     
                           part, due to the combination with Metropolitan       
                           Bancorp which was completed during the quarter.      
                           Interest rate spreads for the next three quarters    
                           were relatively flat. During this phase of the       
                           interest rate cycle the Company chose to control its 
                           asset growth, strengthen its capital position and    
                           deleverage the balance sheet by reducing its borrowed
                           money. Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances and  
                           other borrowed money declined to an equivalent of    
                           33.3% of total assets at September 30, 1997, compared
                           to 38.3% of total assets at September 30, 1996.      



LIQUIDITY                  The Company's net worth at September 30, 1997 was    
AND CAPITAL                $717,745,000 or 12.5% of total assets. This is an    
RESOURCES                  increase of $140,043,000 from September 30, 1996 when
                           net worth was $577,702,000 or 11.3% of total assets. 
                           The ratio of net worth to total assets remains at a  
                           high level despite a 12% increase in assets during   
                           fiscal 1997 and the distribution of $42,691,000 in   
                           cash dividends.                                      

                           The $140,043,000 increase in the Company's net worth
                           includes $105,050,000 generated from net income,
                           $58,495,000 of common stock issued with the
                           Metropolitan Bancorp merger, $17,000,000 of
                           appreciation in the valuation reserve for
                           available-for-sale securities and $2,189,000 of
                           proceeds received with the exercise of common stock
                           options and purchases by the Employee Stock Ownership
                           Plan. Net worth was reduced by the $42,691,000 of
                           cash dividends paid. During fiscal 1997, no shares of
                           common stock were repurchased under the March 1996
                           authorized stock repurchase program.

                           The Association's percentage of net worth to total
                           assets is among the highest in the nation and is
                           approximately three times the minimum required under
                           Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") regulations (see
                           Note P). Management believes this strong net worth
                           position will help protect earnings against interest
                           rate risk and will enable it to compete more
                           effectively for controlled growth through
                           acquisitions and customer deposit increases.

                           Excluding the $379,975,000 of customer accounts
                           acquired with the Metropolitan Bancorp merger,
                           customer accounts increased $117,836,000, or 5%, from
                           a year ago, largely due to our branch expansion in
                           Arizona and Washington and several successful new
                           account marketing campaigns. Also, during fiscal
                           1997, the Company reduced the amount of high-cost
                           brokered deposits which had been acquired in the
                           Metropolitan Bancorp merger by approximately
                           $28,679,000.

                           The Company's cash and investment securities amounted
                           to $313,194,000, a $5,447,000 decrease from a year
                           ago. The $44,187,000 of investment securities
                           purchased during the year were U.S. government agency
                           securities which replaced the $57,213,000 of
                           investment securities that matured during the year.

                           The minimum liquidity levels of the Association are
                           governed by the regulations of the OTS. Liquidity is
                           defined as the ratio of average cash and eligible
                           unpledged investment securities to the sum of average
                           withdrawable savings plus short-term (one year)
                           borrowings. Currently the Association is required to
                           maintain total liquidity at five percent (reduced to
                           four percent on November 24, 1997). At September 30,
                           1997, total liquidity was 5.06% compared to 5.82% at
                           September 30, 1996.














4

<PAGE>   7


CHANGES IN                 Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities. 
FINANCIAL                  The Company acquired $280,507,000 of collateralized  
POSITION                   mortgage obligations with its acquisition of         
                           Metropolitan Bancorp, all of which have been         
                           categorized as available-for-sale. Additionally, the 
                           Company purchased $44,187,000 of U.S. government     
                           agency and $10,000,000 of mortgage-backed securities,
                           respectively, during the year, all of which were     
                           categorized as available-for-sale.                   

                           The Company had $119,851,000 of gross sales of
                           securities resulting in $1,096,000 of gains and
                           $158,000 of losses. All sales were mortgage-backed
                           securities which were categorized as
                           available-for-sale. All but $10,000,000 of the
                           securities sold were collateralized mortgage
                           obligations acquired in the Metropolitan Bancorp
                           merger which did not fit within the investment policy
                           of the Company. As of September 30, 1997, the Company
                           had unrealized gains on its available-for-sale
                           portfolio of $30,000,000, net of tax, which are
                           recorded as part of stockholders' equity.

                           Loans receivable. Loans receivable grew 13% to
                           $4,190,776,000 at September 30, 1997 from
                           $3,723,016,000 a year earlier. The loans receivable
                           balance, after excluding $347,309,000 acquired in the
                           Metropolitan Bancorp merger, increased $120,451,000
                           despite a significant decline in loan originations to
                           $1,088,708,000, a decrease of 30% from the prior
                           year. The decline in loan originations was partially
                           by design as the Company placed more emphasis on the
                           branch lending program and slowed production within
                           the wholesale mortgage brokerage operation.

                           Real estate held for sale. The balance at September
                           30, 1997 was $30,189,000, a 10% decrease from the
                           $33,491,000 of one year ago.

                           FHLB stock. The Company purchased $9,057,000 of FHLB
                           stock during the fiscal year, exclusive of
                           $13,314,000 acquired in the Metropolitan Bancorp
                           merger, while the dividend yield ranged between 
                           7 1/4% and 8%. The Company had a balance of 
                           $93,584,000 at September 30, 1997 compared with 
                           $64,530,000 one year ago.

                           Costs in excess of net assets acquired. Costs in
                           excess of net assets acquired of $36,909,000 were
                           recorded with the Metropolitan Bancorp merger. As of
                           September 30, 1997, costs in excess of net assets
                           acquired totalled $58,774,000. The Company
                           periodically monitors these assets for potential
                           impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 121
                           "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
                           Assets to be Disposed of". As of September 30, 1997,
                           there was no impairment of costs in excess of net
                           assets acquired. The Company will provide for any
                           diminuation in value of these assets should an
                           impairment be identified.

                           Customer accounts. Customer accounts at September,
                           30, 1997 were $2,978,031,000 compared with
                           $2,480,220,000 at September 30, 1996, a 20% increase.
                           See Liquidity and Capital Resources above.

                           FHLB advances and other borrowings. Total borrowings
                           decreased 3% to $1,904,544,000. See Interest Rate
                           Risk above.














                                                                              5

<PAGE>   8

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


RESULTS OF                 GENERAL
OPERATIONS                 Fiscal 1997 net income increased 31% over fiscal     
                           1996. See Note S - Selected Quarterly Financial Data 
                           (Unaudited) highlighting the quarter-by-quarter      
                           results for the years ended September 30, 1997 and   
                           1996.                                                

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Dec 31  Mar 31  Jun 30  Sep 30  Dec 31  Mar 31  Jun 30   Sep 30
                                                                1995    1996    1996    1996    1996    1997    1997     1997
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                            <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>  
                            Interest rate on loans and
                               mortgage-backed securities ...   8.22%   8.15%   8.14%   8.16%   8.13%   8.15%   8.18%    8.17%
                            Interest rate on
                               investment securities* .......   7.55    7.34    7.62    7.47    7.56    7.34    7.53     7.72
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                  Combined ..................   8.17    8.10    8.10    8.11    8.09    8.09    8.13     8.14
                            Interest rate on
                               customer accounts ............   5.52    5.19    4.98    4.93    5.01    5.04    5.16     5.18
                            Interest rate on
                               borrowings ...................   5.77    5.50    5.49    5.45    5.45    5.44    5.53     5.51
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                  Combined ..................   5.62    5.32    5.20    5.16    5.21    5.21    5.31     5.031
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------------- 
                            Interest rate spread ............   2.55%   2.78%   2.90%   2.95%   2.88%   2.88%   2.82%    2.83%
                                                                ============================================================= 
</TABLE>

                           *Includes municipal bonds at tax-equivalent rates.

                           The interest rate spread declined during fiscal 1997
                           from 2.95% at September 30, 1996 to 2.83% at
                           September 30, 1997.

                           COMPARISON OF FISCAL 1997 RESULTS WITH FISCAL 1996

                           Net interest income increased $26,094,000 (15%) in
                           fiscal 1997 over fiscal 1996. This resulted from the
                           Company's balance sheet expansion as a result of the
                           Metropolitan Bancorp merger and despite the
                           relatively stable interest rate spread the last three
                           quarters of fiscal 1997.

                           Interest on loans and mortgaged-backed securities
                           increased $52,665,000 (14%) in fiscal 1997 from 1996.
                           The increase is associated with the merger described
                           earlier resulting in total outstanding loan and
                           mortgage-backed securities increasing to
                           $5,137,905,000 at September 30, 1997 from
                           $4,589,621,000 at the beginning of fiscal 1997.
                           Average interest rates on loans and mortgage-backed
                           securities were basically unchanged at 8.17% from
                           8.16% one year ago.

                           Interest and dividends on investment securities
                           increased $2,131,000 (9%) in fiscal 1997 from fiscal
                           1996. The weighted average yield improved to 7.72% at
                           September 30, 1997 compared with 7.47% at September
                           30, 1996. The combined investment securities and FHLB
                           stock portfolio increased to $383,334,000 at
                           September 30, 1997 versus $363,536,000 one year ago.

                           Interest on customer accounts increased 10% to
                           $142,684,000 for fiscal 1997 from $129,904,000 for
                           fiscal 1996. The average cost of customer accounts
                           increased to 5.18% at year end, compared to the 4.93%
                           rate of one year ago.

                           Interest on FHLB advances and other borrowings
                           increased $15,922,000 (16%) in fiscal 1997 over
                           fiscal 1996 despite a reduction in total borrowings
                           from $1,959,549,000 to $1,904,544,000. Average rates
                           paid increased to 5.51% at September 30, 1997 versus
                           5.45% at September 30, 1996.

                           The provision for loan losses decreased $3,015,000
                           (79%) in fiscal 1997 from fiscal 1996. All of the
                           provision for loan losses were for general reserves
                           which were established to provide for the inherent
                           risks associated with the expanded loan portfolio.

                           Other income decreased $840,000 (14%) in fiscal 1997
                           over fiscal 1996. Net gains on the sale of
                           available-for-sale securities totalled $938,000 in
                           fiscal 1997 compared to $1,444,000 in fiscal 1996.


                           Other expense increased $6,262,000 (16%) in fiscal
                           1997 over fiscal 1996 after excluding the $15,026,000
                           related to the SAIF special assessment, a
                           nonrecurring charge realized in 1996. The increase is
                           due to overall expansion, including the Metropolitan
                           Bancorp merger and general inflationary increases.
                           The branch network expanded to 104 offices at
                           September 30, 1997 versus 93 offices at September 30,
                           1996. Other expense for fiscal 1997 equaled .79% of
                           average assets compared with .78% in fiscal 1996.
                           Total employees, including part-time employees on a
                           full-time equivalent basis, were 656 and 602, for the
                           same periods, respectively.

                           Income taxes increased $13,733,000 (31%) in fiscal
                           1997. The effective tax rate was 35.7% for fiscal
                           1997 compared with 35.8% for fiscal 1996.







6

<PAGE>   9

                           COMPARISON OF FISCAL 1996 RESULTS WITH FISCAL 1995

                           Net interest income increased $19,953,000 (13%) in
                           fiscal 1996 over fiscal 1995. This resulted from the
                           Company's balance sheet expansion and the improved
                           interest rate spread the last three quarters of
                           fiscal 1996.

                           Interest on loans and mortgaged-backed securities
                           increased $57,287,000 (18%) in fiscal 1996 from
                           fiscal 1995. Total outstanding loans and
                           mortgage-backed securities increased to
                           $4,589,621,000 at September 30, 1996 from
                           $4,114,881,000 at the beginning of fiscal 1996.
                           Average interest rates on loans and mortgage-backed
                           securities decreased to 8.16% at September 30, 1996
                           from 8.26% one year before.

                           Interest and dividends on investment securities
                           increased $3,158,000 (15%) in fiscal 1996 from fiscal
                           1995. The weighted average yield declined to 7.47% at
                           September 30, 1996 compared with 7.69% at September
                           30, 1995. The combined investment securities and FHLB
                           stock portfolio increased to $363,536,000 at
                           September 30, 1996 versus $301,795,000 one year
                           before.

                           Interest on customer accounts increased 13% to
                           $129,904,000 for fiscal 1996 from $115,348,000 for
                           fiscal 1995. The average cost of customer accounts
                           decreased to 4.93% at year end compared with the
                           5.51% rate the preceding year.

                           Interest on FHLB advances and other borrowings
                           increased $25,936,000 (36%) in fiscal 1996 over
                           fiscal 1995. Average rates paid declined at September
                           30, 1996 to 5.45% from 5.87% at September 30, 1995.

                           The provision for loan losses increased $3,828,000
                           (39%) in fiscal 1996 from fiscal 1995. All of the
                           provision for loan losses were for general reserves
                           which were established to provide for the inherent
                           risks associated with the expanded loan portfolio.

                           Other income decreased $3,787,000 (39%) in fiscal
                           1996 over fiscal 1995. Net gains on the sale of
                           available-for-sale securities totalled $1,444,000 in
                           fiscal 1996 compared to $4,518,000 in fiscal 1995.

                           Other expense increased $17,082,000 (47%) in fiscal
                           1996 over fiscal 1995. Of the increase, $15,026,000
                           related to the special SAIF assessment, a
                           nonrecurring charge. The remainder of the increase
                           was due to general inflationary increases plus the
                           incremental costs associated with branch network
                           expansion. The branch network expanded to 93 offices
                           at September 30, 1996 versus 87 offices at September
                           30, 1995. Other expense for fiscal 1996 equaled .78%
                           of average assets compared with .86% in fiscal 1995.
                           Total employees, including part-time employees on a
                           full-time equivalent basis, increased to 602 from
                           563.

                           Income taxes decreased $191,000 in fiscal 1997. The
                           effective tax rate was 36% for both fiscal 1996 and
                           fiscal 1995.

                           MERGER WITH METROPOLITAN BANCORP

                           On November 29, 1996, the Company completed its
                           merger with Metropolitan Bancorp of Seattle,
                           Washington. At the time of the merger Metropolitan
                           Bancorp was comprised of 10 offices located in the
                           Seattle area (two of which were subsequently merged
                           into existing offices of the Company), $699,938,000
                           of assets, $379,975,000 of deposits and $58,495,000
                           of stockholders' equity. The merger was accounted for
                           by the purchase method and $36,909,000 of costs in
                           excess of net assets acquired will be amortized
                           utilizing the straight-line method over 15 years.

IMPACT OF                  The Consolidated Financial Statements and related
INFLATION                  Notes presented elsewhere herein have been prepared
AND                        in accordance with generally accepted accounting
CHANGING                   principles, which require the measurement of
PRICES                     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.

                           Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all
                           of the assets and virtually all of the liabilities of
                           the Company are monetary in nature. As a result,
                           interest rates have a more significant impact on the
                           Company's performance than the general level of
                           inflation. Over short periods of time, interest rates
                           may not necessarily move in the same direction or in
                           the same magnitude as inflation.








                                                                              7

<PAGE>   10

WASHINGTON FEDERAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30,                                                                                     1997            1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                                                          <C>             <C>    
ASSETS
Cash ....................................................................................    $    23,444     $    19,635
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost $626,132 and $512,696 .....................        672,132         533,615
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value $578,124 and $629,649 ...........................        564,747         631,996
Loans receivable ........................................................................      4,190,776       3,723,016
Interest receivable .....................................................................         36,383          34,628
Premises and equipment, net .............................................................         47,552          41,885
Real estate held for sale ...............................................................         30,189          33,491
FHLB stock ..............................................................................         93,584          64,530
Costs in excess of net assets acquired ..................................................         58,774          27,457
Other assets ............................................................................          2,008           4,725
                                                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                                             $ 5,719,589     $ 5,114,978
                                                                                             ===========================

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Customer accounts
   Savings and demand accounts ..........................................................    $ 2,905,371     $ 2,423,885
   Repurchase agreements with customers .................................................         72,660          56,335
                                                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                                               2,978,031       2,480,220
FHLB advances ...........................................................................      1,601,000       1,162,000
Other borrowings, primarily securities sold under agreements to repurchase ..............        303,544         797,549
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance ...................................         26,340          23,516
Federal and state income taxes, including net deferred liabilities of $53,659 and $37,910         52,259          38,040
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ..................................................         40,670          35,951
                                                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                                               5,001,844       4,537,276
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,137,889 and 44,011,776
   shares issued; 47,508,759 and 40,695,450 shares outstanding ..........................         51,138          44,012
Paid-in capital .........................................................................        573,241         405,563
Valuation adjustment for available-for-sale securities, net of tax ......................         30,000          13,000
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,629,130 and 3,316,326 shares .................................        (68,266)        (68,499)
Retained earnings .......................................................................        131,632         183,626
                                                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                                                 717,745         577,702
                                                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                                             $ 5,719,589     $ 5,114,978
                                                                                             ---------------------------
</TABLE>









SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





8

<PAGE>   11

WASHINGTON FEDERAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended September 30,                                     1997           1996           1995
                                                         -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                             (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>        
INTEREST INCOME
Loans .................................................  $   357,496    $   305,372    $   238,086
Mortgage-backed securities ............................       74,667         74,126         84,125
Investment securities .................................       26,844         24,713         21,555
                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                             459,007        404,211        343,766
INTEREST EXPENSE
Customer accounts .....................................      142,684        129,904        115,348
FHLB advances and other borrowings ....................      114,763         98,841         72,905
                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                             257,447        228,745        188,253
                                                         -----------------------------------------
Net interest income ...................................      201,560        175,466        155,513
Provision for loan losses .............................          813          3,828          6,245
                                                         -----------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses ...      200,747        171,638        149,268
OTHER INCOME
Gain on sale of securities ............................          938          1,444          4,518
Other .................................................        4,139          4,473          5,186
                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                               5,077          5,917          9,704
OTHER EXPENSE
Compensation and fringe benefits ......................       24,051         20,231         18,627
Amortization of intangibles ...........................        5,593          3,545          3,536
SAIF special assessment ...............................           --         15,026             --
SAIF deposit insurance premiums .......................        2,392          5,530          5,013
Occupancy expense .....................................        4,282          3,417          2,959
Other .................................................        8,081          5,414          5,946
                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                              44,399         53,163         36,081
Gain on real estate acquired through foreclosure, net..        1,913             58            198
                                                         -----------------------------------------
Income before income taxes ............................      163,338        124,450        123,089
Income taxes
   Current ............................................       50,620         38,222         39,373
   Deferred ...........................................        7,668          6,333          5,373
                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                              58,288         44,555         44,746
                                                         -----------------------------------------
NET INCOME ............................................  $   105,050    $    79,895    $    78,343
                                                         =========================================
PER SHARE DATA
Net income ............................................  $      2.21    $      1.71    $      1.63
Cash dividends ........................................  $       .90    $       .82    $       .74
Weighted average number of shares outstanding,
   including dilutive stock options ...................   47,496,140     46,683,758     48,136,702
</TABLE>







SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS









                                                                              9

<PAGE>   12

WASHINGTON FEDERAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Valuation
                                                                                 Adjustment for
                                          Common        Paid-in       Retained    Available-for-   Treasury
                                          Stock         Capital       Earnings   Sale Securities     Stock          Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>      
Balance at October 1, 1994 ..........   $  39,852      $ 320,310      $ 186,611      $      --     $      --      $ 546,773
Cumulative effect of change in
   accounting method for available-
   for-sale securities, net of tax...                                                    1,551                        1,551
Net income ..........................                                    78,343                                      78,343
Dividends ...........................                                   (35,476)                                    (35,476)
Proceeds from exercise of
   common stock options .............          91            610                                                        701
Treasury stock ......................                                                                (22,412)       (22,412)
Valuation adjustment for
   available-for-sale securities ....                                                    6,449                        6,449
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 1995 .......      39,943        320,920        229,478          8,000       (22,412)       575,929
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Eleven-for-ten stock split
   distributed March 1, 1996 ........       3,997         83,937        (87,934)
Net income ..........................                                    79,895                                      79,895
Dividends ...........................                                   (37,813)                                    (37,813)
Proceeds from exercise of
   common stock options .............          72            706                                                        778
Treasury stock ......................                                                                (46,087)       (46,087)
Valuation adjustment for
   available-for-sale securities ....                                                    5,000                        5,000
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 1996 .......      44,012        405,563        183,626         13,000       (68,499)       577,702
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Common stock issued with
   Metropolitan Bancorp merger ......       2,443         57,189                                      (1,137)        58,495
Eleven-for-ten stock split
   distributed February 21, 1997 ....       4,644        109,709       (114,353)
Net income ..........................                                   105,050                                     105,050
Dividends ...........................                                   (42,691)                                    (42,691)
Proceeds from exercise of
   common stock options .............          39            311                                                        350
Proceeds from Employee
   Stock Ownership Plan .............                        469                                       1,370          1,839
Valuation adjustment for
   available-for-sale securities ....                                                   17,000                       17,000
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 1997 .......   $  51,138      $ 573,241      $ 131,632      $  30,000     $ (68,266)     $ 717,745
                                        ===================================================================================
</TABLE>








10                               SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<PAGE>   13

WASHINGTON FEDERAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended September 30,                                                          1997           1996             1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             (In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C>           <C>        
Net income .....................................................................  $   105,050   $    79,895   $    78,343
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
   Amortization of fees, discounts and premiums, net ...........................      (14,674)      (19,481)      (17,936)
   SAIF special assessment .....................................................           --        15,026            --
   Amortization of costs in excess of net assets acquired ......................        5,593         3,545         3,536
   Depreciation ................................................................        2,132         1,912         1,814
   Gain on investment securities and real estate held for sale .................       (2,627)       (1,502)       (4,876)
   Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable ..........................        2,431        (3,187)       (4,884)
   Increase in income taxes payable ............................................       10,204         2,325         1,767
   FHLB stock dividends ........................................................       (6,683)       (3,896)       (3,455)
   Decrease (increase) in other assets .........................................        8,350        (1,669)           36
   Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities ...............          238         4,638        (3,378)
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities ......................................      110,014        77,606        50,967
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Loans and contracts originated
   Loans on existing property ..................................................     (556,063)     (972,601)     (758,455)
   Construction loans ..........................................................     (407,135)     (428,317)     (341,001)
   Land loans ..................................................................      (77,270)      (92,496)      (97,990)
   Loans refinanced ............................................................      (48,240)      (62,854)      (27,468)
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
                                                                                   (1,088,708)   (1,556,268)   (1,224,914)
Savings account loans originated ...............................................       (7,818)       (7,065)       (4,754)
Loan principal repayments ......................................................    1,010,333       863,577       608,449
Increase (decrease) in undisbursed loans in process ............................      (26,000)       24,628        47,040
Loans purchased ................................................................       (1,310)         (888)       (5,132)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities .....................................      (54,187)     (241,230)     (135,651)
Principal payments and maturities of available-for-sale securities .............      106,918       129,888        51,089
Sales of available-for-sale securities .........................................      119,851       165,719        65,984
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities .......................................           --            --      (213,720)
Principal payments and maturities of held-to-maturity securities ...............       67,885       129,768        89,880
Proceeds from sales of real estate held for sale ...............................       12,313         2,580         1,241
Premises and equipment purchased, net ..........................................       (4,115)       (3,867)       (2,927)
FHLB stock (purchased) sold ....................................................       (9,057)      (15,500)       35,000
Cash received (paid) for acquisitions ..........................................        3,590            --        (4,016)
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities ...............................      129,695      (508,658)     (692,431)
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in customer accounts ..............................................      117,836        34,885       140,963
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings ...............................     (665,363)      845,462       399,383
Proceeds from long-term borrowings .............................................      350,000            --       150,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings .............................................           --      (370,000)           --
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options .................................          350           778           701
Dividends ......................................................................      (42,691)      (37,813)      (35,476)
Proceeds from employee stock ownership plan ....................................          469            --            --
Treasury stock (purchased) sold ................................................        1,370       (46,087)      (22,412)
Increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance ..............        2,129           294         1,001
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities ...............................     (235,900)      427,519       634,160
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash ....................................................        3,809        (3,533)       (7,304)
Cash at beginning of year ......................................................       19,635        23,168        30,472
                                                                                  ---------------------------------------
Cash at end of year ............................................................  $    23,444   $    19,635   $    23,168
                                                                                  =======================================

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Noncash investing activities
   Real estate acquired through foreclosure ....................................  $     5,547   $     3,884   $     8,894
   Implementation of new accounting standard-reclass to available-
      for-sale portfolio .......................................................           --       215,489       324,904
Cash paid during the year for
   Interest ....................................................................  $   256,822   $   228,756   $   185,686
   Income taxes ................................................................       49,492        43,794        43,315
</TABLE>








SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                               11



<PAGE>   14
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995

NOTE A      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

            Principles of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements
            include the accounts of Washington Federal, Inc., (the "Company")
            and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
            transactions and balances have been eliminated.

            Description of business. Washington Federal, Inc. is a savings and
            loan holding company. The Company's principal operating subsidiary
            is Washington Federal Savings (the "Association"). The Company is
            principally engaged in the business of attracting savings deposits
            from the general public and investing these funds, together with
            borrowings and other funds, in one-to-four family residential real
            estate loans, and in limited circumstances income-producing property
            real estate loans. The Company conducts its activities from a
            network of 104 full-service branch offices located in Washington,
            Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Arizona.

            Investment and mortgage-backed securities. The Company accounts for
            investment and mortgage-backed securities in two categories:
            held-to-maturity and available-for-sale.

            Held-To-Maturity Securities - Securities classified as
            held-to-maturity are accounted for at amortized cost, but the
            Company must have both the positive intent and the ability to hold
            those securities to maturity. There are very limited circumstances
            under which securities in the held-to-maturity category can be sold
            without jeopardizing the cost basis of accounting for the remainder
            of the securities in this category. Recognition is provided for
            unrealized losses in the debt portfolio if any market valuation
            differences are deemed to be other than temporary.

            Available-For-Sale Securities - Securities not classified as
            held-to-maturity are considered to be available-for-sale. Gains and
            losses realized on the sale of these securities are based on the
            specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses for
            available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and
            reported as a net amount in a separate component of stockholders'
            equity until realized.

            Forward contracts to purchase mortgage-backed securities are
            designated as available-for-sale. Changes in the fair value of
            forward contracts designated as available-for-sale are recognized as
            a component of stockholders' equity until realized unless a decline
            in the fair value of the underlying securities is other than
            temporary. Securities purchased under a forward contract are
            recorded at their fair values at the settlement date.

            Hedging Activity. The Company from time to time may enter into
            certain forward contracts to sell mortgage-backed securities to
            hedge the price risk in certain forward purchase contracts accounted
            for as available-for-sale securities. To the extent forward sales
            contracts meet current hedging criteria, the market value change
            associated with the contract is recorded through an equity
            adjustment consistent with the forward sales contract. To the extent
            that forward sales contracts fail to meet hedging criteria, the
            market value will be recorded through the income statement.

            The Company has also obtained through acquisition certain interest
            rate swap agreements that are designated against adjustable rate
            mortgage-backed securities. These interest rate swap agreements are
            carried at historical cost with the related interest differential
            paid or received as an adjustment to interest income.

            Loans receivable. Loans receivable more than 90 days past due are
            placed on nonaccrual status and an allowance for accrued interest is
            established. Any interest ultimately collected is credited to income
            in the period of recovery.

            An allowance for losses on specific loans is provided to record
            loans receivable at their estimated fair value when losses are
            probable and estimable. Such provisions are based on management's
            estimate of fair value of the collateral considering current and
            anticipated future market conditions. General loan loss allowances
            are established to provide for inherent risks in the portfolio. The
            allowances are provided based on management's continuing evaluation
            of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loan
            portfolio, including changes in the size and composition of the loan
            portfolio, actual loan loss experience and current and anticipated
            economic conditions. The recovery of the carrying value of loans is
            susceptible to future market conditions beyond the Company's control
            which may result in losses or recoveries differing from those
            provided.

            Loans receivable that will not be repaid in accordance with their
            contractual terms are measured using a discounted cash flow
            methodology or the fair value of the collateral for certain loans.
            Smaller balance loans are excluded with limited exceptions.

12   

<PAGE>   15



            Premises and equipment. Premises and equipment are stated at cost,
            less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and
            amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the
            estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

            Expenditures are capitalized for betterments and major renewals, and
            charges for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to
            operations as incurred.

            Real estate held for sale. Properties acquired in settlement of
            loans, purchased in acquisitions or acquired for development are
            recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. 

            Costs in excess of net assets acquired. Costs in excess of fair
            value of net assets acquired in business combinations are amortized
            to expense over a period not to exceed 15 years using the
            straight-line method. Under the Financial Institutions Reform,
            Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 ("FIRREA"), goodwill and core
            deposit intangibles are treated as reductions from stockholders'
            equity in computing the Association's tangible capital. From time to
            time, the Association reviews the status of costs in excess of net
            assets acquired to determine that no impairment of this asset has
            occurred. 

            Deferred fees and discounts on loans. Loan discounts and loan fees
            are deferred and recognized over the life of the loans using the
            interest method based on actual loan payments.

            Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in
            conformity with general accepted accounting principles requires
            management to make estimates and assumptions that effect 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 these
            estimates. 

            Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the
            financial statements for years prior to September 30, 1997 to
            conform to the classifications used in 1997.

NOTE B      ACQUISITIONS

            On November 29, 1996, Washington Federal, Inc. completed its merger
            with Metropolitan Bancorp of Seattle, Washington. At the time of the
            merger Metropolitan had 10 offices located in the Seattle area, (two
            of which were subsequently merged into existing offices of the
            Company), $699,938,000 of assets, $379,975,000 of deposits and
            $58,495,000 of stockholders' equity. The merger was accounted for by
            the purchase method and the $36,909,000 of costs in excess of net
            assets acquired will be amortized utilizing the straight-line method
            over 15 years.

            The Company issued 2,442,908 shares of its common stock with a fair
            value of $58,495,000 in exchange for all the common stock of
            Metropolitan Bancorp. Assets with a fair value of $699,938,000,
            including costs in excess of net assets acquired, were acquired in
            conjunction with the transaction with $641,443,000 of liabilities
            assumed.

            From the Metropolitan acquisition, additional discounts of
            $8,359,000 and $11,101,000 were recorded to yield a market rate of
            interest on loans and mortgage-backed securities, respectively.
            These discounts will be amortized utilizing the interest method over
            the estimated lives of the assets. During the period ended September
            30, 1997, the combined amortization of these discounts was
            $2,473,000. 

            Had the merger with Metropolitan Bancorp occurred at the beginning
            of the Company's fiscal year total revenue, net income and net
            income per share would have been enhanced for the additional two
            months by $9,803,000, $1,142,000 and $.02, respectively, to combined
            proforma amounts of $475,800,000, $106,192,000 and $2.23,
            respectively.










                                                                             13

<PAGE>   16

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


NOTE C      INVESTMENT SECURITIES



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                    1997
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (In thousands)
                                                                     Gross Unrealized             
                                                      Amortized   -----------------------    Fair
                                                         Cost       Gains        Losses     Value        Yield
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>             <C>     <C>            <C>  
            AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
            U.S. government and agency securities due
               Less than 1 year .....................  $  93,911  $   1,801     $  --     $  95,712       7.48%
               1 to 5 years .........................    139,903      2,151      (103)      141,951       6.80
               5 to 10 years ........................     15,187        767        --        15,954       6.98
               Over 10 years ........................      9,278      3,384        --        12,662      10.41
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                         258,279      8,103      (103)      266,279       7.19
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
            HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
            Tax-exempt municipal bonds due
               1 to 5 years .........................      9,651        806        --        10,457       6.90
               Over 10 years ........................     13,820      1,126        --        14,946       6.26
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                          23,471      1,932        --        25,403       6.52
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                       $ 281,750  $  10,035     $(103)    $ 291,682       7.13%
                                                       =======================================================
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                  1996
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (In thousands)
                                                                     Gross Unrealized            
                                                       Amortized  -----------------------   Fair
                                                          Cost       Gains      Losses      Value        Yield
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>  
            AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
            U.S. government and agency securities due
               Less than 1 year .....................  $  68,717  $     130   $   (18)    $  68,829       7.96%
               1 to 5 years .........................    177,705      2,035      (867)      178,873       6.74
               5 to 10 years ........................     15,215        332        --        15,547       6.98
               Over 10 years ........................      9,278      3,011        --        12,289      10.41
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                         270,915      5,508      (885)      275,538       7.19
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
            HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
            Tax-exempt municipal bonds due
               1 to 5 years .........................      2,000        145        --         2,145       7.80
               5 to 10 years ........................      7,652        756        --         8,408       6.67
               Over 10 years ........................     13,816        600        (2)       14,414       6.26
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                          23,468      1,501        (2)       24,967       6.52
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                       $ 294,383  $   7,009   $   (887)   $ 300,505       7.13%
                                                       =======================================================
</TABLE>

            There were no sales of investment securities during 1997. Proceeds
            from sales of investment securities in the available-for-sale
            portfolio during 1996 and 1995 were $29.6 million and $31.8 million,
            respectively. The Company realized no gains during 1997 and 1996 and
            realized gains of $912,000 in 1995. The Company had losses on sales
            of $401,000 and $39,000, respectively, during 1996 and 1995.
            Investment securities with a book value of $3.3 million and a fair
            value of $4.4 million at September 30, 1997 were pledged to secure
            public deposits.

NOTE D      MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                          1997
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              (In thousands)
                                                              Gross Unrealized            
                                                Amortized  ---------------------     Fair
                                                   Cost      Gains       Losses      Value       Yield
                                                ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>  
            AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
               GNMA pass-through certificates   $  20,214  $      53   $    (247)  $  20,020     6.93%
               FNMA pass-through certificates      26,313      2,243          --      28,556     8.51
               FHLMC pass-through certificates    189,464      9,016        (952)    197,528     7.67
               FHLMC .........................     67,577      5,164      (1,527)     71,214     6.92
               FNMA ..........................     37,157      2,771      (1,199)     38,729     6.91
               Private issues ................     27,128      2,036        (920)     28,244     6.71
               Forward Commitments ...........       --       21,562          --      21,562
                                                -----------------------------------------------------
                                                $ 367,853     42,845      (4,845)    405,853     7.39
                                                -----------------------------------------------------
            HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
               GNMA pass-through certificates         336         31          (1)        366     9.37
               FNMA pass-through certificates      16,577        641         (20)     17,198     8.12
               FHLMC pass-through certificates    523,249     13,006      (2,266)    533,989     7.39
               Private issues ................      1,114         54          --       1,168     8.00
                                                -----------------------------------------------------
                                                  541,276     13,732      (2,287)    552,721     7.42
                                                -----------------------------------------------------
                                                $ 909,129   $ 56,577     $(7,132)   $958,574     7.41%
                                                =====================================================
</TABLE>









14


<PAGE>   17

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                          1996
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              (In thousands)
                                                              Gross Unrealized           
                                                Amortized  ---------------------     Fair
                                                   Cost      Gains       Losses      Value      Yield
                                                ---------  ---------   ---------   ---------      ---- 
<S>                                             <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C> 
            AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
               FNMA pass-through certificates   $  29,879  $   1,892   $      --   $  31,771      8.71%
               FHLMC pass-through certificates    211,902      6,095      (1,979)    216,018      7.80
               Forward commitments ...........         --     10,288          --      10,288
                                                ------------------------------------------------------
                                                  241,781     18,275      (1,979)    258,077      7.91%
                                                ------------------------------------------------------
            HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
               GNMA pass-through certificates         475         39          (3)        511      9.47
               FNMA pass-through certificates      19,070        789        (269)     19,590      8.51
               FHLMC pass-through certificates    587,612      5,632     (10,147)    583,097      7.43
               Private issues ................      1,371        113          --       1,484      8.67
                                                ------------------------------------------------------
                                                  608,528      6,573     (10,419)    604,682      7.47
                                                ------------------------------------------------------
                                                $ 850,309  $  24,848   $ (12,398)  $ 862,759      7.60%
                                                ======================================================
</TABLE>

            Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities in the
            available-for-sale portfolio during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $119.8
            million, $77.5 million and $34.2 million, respectively. The Company
            realized gains of $1.1 million, $3.4 million and $3.6 million during
            1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company had losses on sales
            of $158,000 and $1.5 million during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
            There were no losses on sales recorded during 1995.

            Available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities with a book value of
            $83.6 million and a fair value of $89.1 million at September 30,
            1997 were pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under
            agreements to repurchase and other borrowings. Mortgage-backed
            securities categorized as held-to-maturity with a fair market value
            of approximately $232,582,000 were pledged as collateral on
            September 30, 1997 for securities sold under agreements to
            repurchase (see Note L), or secured repurchase agreements with
            customers (see Note J). Substantially all mortgage-backed securities
            have contractual due dates which exceed ten years.

            The Company enters into forward contracts to purchase
            mortgage-backed securities as part of its interest rate risk
            management program. In certain circumstances, the Company may hedge
            these contracts by entering into forward commitments to sell
            mortgage-backed securities. The related mortgage-backed securities
            will be designated as available-for-sale securities upon exercise of
            the commitments. Forward purchase and sales contracts were as
            follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                               1997             1996
            -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               (In thousands)
                                                           Market              Market
                                                 Cost      Value     Cost      Value
                                               --------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>     
            Commitments to purchase .........  $226,271  $248,575  $239,956  $250,244
            Commitments to sell .............    29,202    29,944        --        --
                                               --------------------------------------
                                               $197,069  $218,631  $239,956  $250,244
                                               ======================================
</TABLE>

            All forward purchase and sales commitments at September 30, 1997
            were scheduled to be executed before September 30, 1998.

            The Company acquired the following interest rate swaps in the merger
            with Metropolitan Bancorp. The book value of pledged collateral at
            September 30, 1997 was $2.7 million. No interest rate swap
            agreements were purchased, terminated or expired during the year
            ended September 30, 1997. Scheduled maturities of interest rate swap
            agreements were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Notional     Long-term   Short term(1)     Fair
            September 30, 1997                                 Amount     receipt rate  payment rate     Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>     
Designated against adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities:
            Due less than 3 years .......................     $60,000         5.07         5.59         $  (595)
</TABLE>


(1) The rate of each agreement is tied to the 1 year constant maturity U.S.
    Treasury index. Each swap reprices on an annual basis.

Financial data pertaining to the net cost, weighted average net effective cost
and the level of interest swap agreements follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Year ended September 30,                                                                 1997
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                                                  <C>  
            Weighted average net cost at end of year .............................................   -0.52%
            Weighted average net cost during the year ............................................   -0.38%
            Monthly average notional amount of interest rate swap agreements .....................  $60,000
            Maximum notional amount of interest rate swap agreement at any month end .............   60,000
            Net cost included with adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities during the year.....      226
</TABLE>















                                                                             15
<PAGE>   18

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


NOTE E      LOANS RECEIVABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                              1997         1996
            --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>       
            Conventional real estate
               Permanent single-family residential  $3,521,466  $3,158,644
               Income property ...................     242,157     119,437
               Land ..............................     158,706     172,146
               Construction ......................     542,394     548,302
            Other ................................       5,043       5,064
                                                    ----------------------
                                                     4,469,766   4,003,593
                                                    ----------------------
            Less
               Allowance for possible losses .....      24,623      15,182
               Discount on loans .................      14,185       7,796
               Loans in process ..................     210,849     227,393
               Deferred loan origination fees ....      29,333      30,206
                                                    ----------------------
                                                       278,990     280,577
                                                    ----------------------
                                                    $4,190,776  $3,723,016
                                                    ======================
</TABLE>

The Company originates adjustable and fixed interest rate loans, which at
September 30, 1997, consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Fixed Rate
            -----------------------------------------------------------
                                 (In thousands)
            Term to Maturity                                 Book Value
            -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>       
            Less than 1 year .............................  $  116,474
            1 to 3 years .................................      98,734
            3 to 5 years .................................     118,126
            5 to 10 years ................................      49,424
            10 to 20 years ...............................     488,019
            Over 20 years ................................   2,752,471
                                                            ----------
                                                            $3,623,248
                                                            ==========
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Adjustable Rate
            --------------------------------------------------------
                                 (In thousands)
            Term to Rate Adjustment                       Book Value      
            --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>     
            Less than 1 year .............................  $671,004
            1 to 3 years .................................   175,514
            3 to 5 years .................................        -- 
            5 to 10 years ................................        -- 
            10 to 20 years ...............................        -- 
            Over 20 years ................................        -- 
                                                            --------
                                                            $846,518
                                                            ========
</TABLE>

            At September 30, 1997 and 1996, approximately $40,643,000 and
            $69,051,000 of fixed rate loan origination commitments were
            outstanding. Loans serviced for others at September 30, 1997 and
            1996 were approximately $119,897,000 and $112,638,000, respectively.

            Permanent loans represented approximately 84% of all loans
            outstanding. Approximately 93% of the permanent loans are fixed rate
            with an average maturity of approximately 21 years.

            Permanent single family residential loans receivable included
            adjustable rate loans of $177,374,000 and $66,987,000 at September
            30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. These loans have interest rate
            adjustment limitations and are generally indexed to the 1-year
            Treasury Bill rate or the monthly weighted average cost of funds for
            Eleventh District savings institutions as published by the FHLB.


            Loans by geographic concentration were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30, 1997          Washington     Idaho      Oregon      Utah        Arizona      Other       Total
            ------------------          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       
            Conventional real estate
               Permanent single-family
                  residential ........  $1,877,719  $  432,423  $  601,715  $  504,527  $   76,193  $   28,889  $3,521,466
               Income property .......     130,886      27,383      27,195      18,048       3,133      35,512     242,157
               Land ..................      96,364      14,348      11,489      17,195      18,278       1,032     158,706
               Construction ..........     273,527      57,730     118,069      59,485      31,824       1,759     542,394
            Other ....................       3,965         561          25         123          --         369       5,043
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        $2,382,461  $  532,445  $  758,493  $  599,378  $  129,428  $   67,561  $4,469,766
                                        ==================================================================================
</TABLE>

            At September 30, 1997 the Company's recorded investment in impaired
            loans was $10.0 million of which $6.3 million had allocated reserves
            of $2.2 million. At September 30, 1996 the Company's recorded
            investment in impaired loans was $7.2 million of which $2.0 million
            had allocated reserves of $995,000. The average balance of impaired
            loans during 1997 and 1996 was $13.7 million and $6.0 million and
            interest income from impaired loans was $368,000 and $93,000,
            respectively.










16


<PAGE>   19

NOTE F      ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES ON LOANS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Year ended September 30,                      1997       1996      1995
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                (In thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>     
            Balance at beginning of year .............   $15,182    $11,651    $11,720
            Loss allowances from acquired institutions    11,198       --          281
            Provision for loan losses ................       813      3,828      6,245
            Charge-offs ..............................    (5,932)      (820)    (7,330)
            Recoveries ...............................     3,362        523        735
                                                         -----------------------------
            Balance at end of year ...................   $24,623    $15,182    $11,651
                                                         =============================
</TABLE>


NOTE G      INTEREST RECEIVABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                             1997       1996
            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (In thousands)
<S>                                                                  <C>        <C>     
            Loans receivable .....................................   $28,741    $25,687
            Allowance for uncollected interest on loans receivable    (1,708)    (1,797)
            Mortgage-backed securities ...........................     4,844      5,804
            Investment securities ................................     4,506      4,934
                                                                     ------------------
                                                                     $36,383    $34,628
                                                                    ===================
</TABLE>



NOTE H      PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                1997      1996
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (In thousands)
                                                           Estimated
                                                          Useful Life
                                                          -----------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>        <C>     
            Land .........................................      --     $ 10,767   $  8,979
            Buildings ....................................   25 - 40     43,586     40,671
            Leasehold improvements .......................    7 - 15      4,653      3,927
            Furniture, fixtures and equipment ............    4 - 10     12,181     11,204
                                                                       -------------------
                                                                         71,187     64,781
            Less accumulated depreciation and amortization              (23,635)   (22,896)
                                                                       -------------------
                                                                       $ 47,552   $ 41,885
                                                                       ===================
</TABLE>


            The Company has noncancelable operating leases for branch offices.
            Rental expense, including amounts paid under month-to-month
            cancelable leases, amounted to $1,455,000, $1,094,000 and $953,000
            in 1997, 1996 and 1995. Future minimum net rental commitments for
            all noncancelable leases, including maintenance and associated
            costs, are immaterial.


NOTE I      REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                 1997     1996
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                                                      <C>      <C>    
            Acquired for development ..................................  $10,850  $13,074
            Acquired in settlement of loans ...........................    5,328    4,624
            Acquired from purchased institutions in settlement of loans   14,011   15,793
                                                                         ----------------
                                                                         $30,189  $33,491
                                                                         ================
</TABLE>











                                                                             17

<PAGE>   20

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


NOTE J      CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                       1997          1996
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  (In thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>       
            Checking accounts, 3.00% and under ..........   $   88,811   $   75,781
            Passbook and statement accounts, 3.50% ......      177,843      175,307
            Insured money market accounts, 2.90% to 4.04%      399,056      342,013
            Certificate accounts
               Less than 4.00% ..........................          230          808
               4.00% to 4.99% ...........................       17,009      140,825
               5.00% to 5.99% ...........................    1,974,727    1,579,802
               6.00% to 6.99% ...........................      239,375      108,226
               7.00% and over ...........................        8,320        1,123
                                                            -----------------------
            Total certificates ..........................    2,239,661    1,830,784
                                                            -----------------------
            Repurchase agreements with customers ........       72,660       56,335
                                                            -----------------------
                                                            $2,978,031   $2,480,220
                                                            =======================
</TABLE>


            Certificate maturities were as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                      1997          1996
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  (In thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>       
            Less than 1 year ............................   $1,778,943   $1,603,957
            1 to 2 years ................................      395,607      172,577
            2 to 3 years ................................       18,660       27,575
            Over 3 years ................................       46,451       26,675
                                                            -----------------------
                                                            $2,239,661   $1,830,784
                                                            =======================
</TABLE>


            Interest expense on customer accounts consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Year ended September 30,                                  1997         1996          1995
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>           <C>      
            Checking accounts ..................................   $   2,006     $   1,734     $   1,735
            Passbook and statement accounts ....................       6,371         6,267         7,036
            Insured money market accounts ......................      15,391        13,137        10,549
            Certificate accounts ...............................     116,232       105,634        93,542
                                                                   -------------------------------------
                                                                     140,000       126,772       112,862
            Repurchase agreements with customers ...............       3,059         3,481         2,924
                                                                   -------------------------------------
                                                                     143,059       130,253       115,786
            Less early withdrawal penalties ....................        (375)         (349)         (438)
                                                                   -------------------------------------
                                                                   $ 142,684     $ 129,904     $ 115,348
                                                                   =====================================
            Weighted average interest rate at end of year ......        5.18%         4.93%         5.51%
            Weighted daily average interest rate during the year        5.06%         5.24%         5.00%
</TABLE>


            During fiscal 1996, the Deposit Insurance Fund Act of 1996 was
            enacted calling for a special assessment to capitalize the Savings
            Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). The special assessment rate was
            65.7 basis points of SAIF-insured institutions' March 31, 1995
            reported deposits. Accordingly, the Association recorded a one-time
            pre-tax charge of $15,026,000 before an offsetting tax benefit of
            $5,485,000 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. The special
            assessment was paid during the first quarter of fiscal 1997. The
            Association's annual SAIF premium rates were reduced beginning
            January 1, 1997 from 23 basis points to 6.5 basis points.










18

<PAGE>   21




NOTE K      FHLB ADVANCES


            FHLB advances had weighted average interest rates at September 30,
            1997 and 1996 of 5.51% and 5.48%, respectively. Maturity dates of
            advances were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                      1997        1996
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                (In thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>       
            FHLB advances due
               Less than 1 year .........................   $1,248,500   $1,112,000
               1 to 2 years .............................      152,500       50,000
               4 to 5 years .............................      200,000           --
                                                            -----------------------
                                                            $1,601,000   $1,162,000
                                                            =======================
</TABLE>


            FHLB advances are collateralized as provided for in the Advance,
            Pledge and Security Agreements with the FHLB, by all FHLB stock
            owned by the Association, deposits with the FHLB and certain
            mortgages or deeds of trust securing such properties as provided in
            the agreements with the FHLB. As a member of the FHLB of Seattle,
            the Association currently has a credit line of 35 percent of the
            total assets of the Association, subject to collateralization
            requirements.


NOTE L      OTHER BORROWINGS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                           1997      1996
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    (In thousands)
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>     
            Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
               Due within 30 days ............................................   $287,544   $427,496
               After 30 but within 90 days ...................................         --    159,053
                                                                                 -------------------
                                                                                  287,544    586,549
                                                                                 -------------------
            Other borrowings
            Credit facility, weighted average rate of 5.84% and 5.72%, due
               October 4, 1997 ...............................................      1,000     11,000
            Federal funds purchased, weighted average rate of 6.38% and 6.00%,
               due on demand .................................................     15,000    200,000
                                                                                 -------------------
                                                                                 $303,544   $797,549
                                                                                 ===================
</TABLE>


            The Company has a $40,000,000 credit facility with another financial
            institution which expires February 28, 1998. The credit facility
            bears interest at the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") plus
            25 basis points. There was $1,000,000 outstanding on this credit
            facility at September 30, 1997.

            The Company enters into sales of securities under agreements to
            repurchase (reverse repurchase agreements). Fixed-coupon reverse
            repurchase agreements are treated as financings, and the obligations
            to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the
            Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. During the two years
            ended September 30, 1997, all of the Company's transactions were
            fixed-coupon reverse repurchase agreements. The dollar amount of
            securities underlying the agreements remain in the asset accounts.
            The securities pledged are registered in the Company's name and
            principal and interest payments are received by the Company;
            however, the securities are held by the designated trustee of the
            broker. Upon maturity of the agreements the identical securities
            pledged as collateral will be returned to the Company. 

            Financial data pertaining to the weighted average cost and the
            amount of securities sold under agreements to repurchase were as
            follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                  1997          1996          1995
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    (In thousands)
<S>                                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>  
            Weighted average interest rate at end of year ........         5.81%         5.47%         5.83%
            Weighted daily average interest rate during the year .         5.44%         5.76%         5.92%
            Daily average of securities sold under agreements
               to repurchase .....................................   $  569,203    $  831,676    $  862,623
            Maximum securities sold under agreements to repurchase
               at any month end ..................................      822,904       971,173     1,009,334
            Interest expense during the year .....................       30,944        47,905        51,028
</TABLE>


            Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 125,
            "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
            Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("SFAS No. 125"), was issued in June
            1996 and established, among other things, new criteria for
            determining whether a transfer of financial assets in exchange for
            cash or other consideration should be accounted for as a sale or as
            a pledge of collateral in a secured borrowing. As issued, SFAS No.
            125 is effective for all transfers and servicing of financial assets
            and extinguishments of liabilities occuring after December 31, 1996.
            In December 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the
            Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125"
            (SFAS No. 127"). In general, SFAS No. 127 defers for one year the
            effective date of SFAS No. 125. The Company will implement SFAS No.
            125, as amended by SFAS No. 127, as required. The adoption is not
            anticipated to have a material impact on the results of operations
            or financial condition of the Company.









                                                                             19



<PAGE>   22

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)




NOTE M      INCOME TAXES

            The Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30,
            1997 and 1996 include deferred taxes of $53,659,000 and $37,910,000,
            respectively, that have been provided for the temporary differences
            between the tax basis and the financial statement carrying amounts
            of assets and liabilities. The major sources of these temporary
            differences and their deferred tax effect at September 30, 1997
            follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                1997     1996
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                                                    <C>       <C>    
            Deferred tax assets
               Real estate valuation reserves ......................   $ 3,867   $ 3,941
               Discounts ...........................................       109       178
                                                                       -----------------
               Total deferred tax assets ...........................     3,976     4,119
                                                                       -----------------
            Deferred tax liabilities
               Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends ..............    14,610    10,545
               Loan loss reserves ..................................    15,714    13,993
               Valuation adjustment on available-for-sale securities    16,000     7,919
               Depreciation ........................................     3,339     3,255
               Loan origination costs ..............................     4,102     4,460
               Accrued interest - pre-1985 loans ...................       394       397
               Deferred costs from farming operations ..............       849       866
               Prepaid expenses ....................................        57       417
               Other, net ..........................................     2,570       177
                                                                       -----------------
               Total deferred tax liabilities ......................    57,635    42,029
                                                                       -----------------
            Net deferred tax liability .............................   $53,659   $37,910
                                                                       =================
</TABLE>


            A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the
            effective income tax rate follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Year ended September 30,                        1997    1996     1995
            --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>     <C>     <C>
            Statutory income tax rate ...................    35%     35%     35%
            Tax-exempt interest .........................    --      (1)     (1)
            State income tax ............................     2       3       3
            Other, net ..................................    (1)     (1)     (1)
                                                            -------------------
            Effective income tax rate ...................    36%     36%     36%
                                                            ===================
</TABLE>


            For tax years beginning prior to January 1, 1996, a qualified thrift
            institution was allowed a bad debt deduction based on a percentage
            of taxable income or on actual experience. The Association used the
            percentage of taxable income method in tax years 1996 and 1995.

            The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 ("the Act") requires
            qualified thrift institutions, such as the Association to recapture
            the portion of their tax bad debt reserves that exceeds the
            September 30, 1988 balance. Such recaptured amounts are to be taken
            into ordinary income ratably over a six-year period beginning in
            1997. Accordingly, the Company will have to pay approximately
            $2,664,000 in additional federal income taxes, all of which has been
            previously provided for, each year of the six-year period due to the
            Act.

            The Act also repeals the reserve method of accounting for tax bad
            debt deductions and requires thrifts to calculate the tax bad debt
            deduction based on actual current loan losses.

            A deferred tax liability has not been recognized for the tax bad
            debt base year reserves of the Association. The base year reserves
            are the balance of reserves as of September 30, 1988 reduced
            proportionately for reductions in the Association's loan portfolio
            since that date. At September 30, 1997, the amount of those reserves
            was approximately $4,017,000. The amount of the unrecognized
            deferred tax liability at September 30, 1997 was approximately
            $1,406,000.

            The Company has been examined by the Internal Revenue Service
            through the year ended September 30, 1990. There were no material
            changes made to the Company's taxable income as originally reported.

NOTE N      PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

            The Company maintains a Profit Sharing Retirement and Employee Stock
            Ownership Plan (the "Plan") for the benefit of its employees.
            Contributions are made semi-annually as approved by the Board of
            Directors. Such amounts are not in excess of amounts permitted by
            the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

            Employees may contribute up to 7% of their base salaries to the Plan
            or 10% of their base salaries on a tax-deferred basis through the
            401(k) provisions of the Plan with a combined maximum of 12%. Under
            provisions of the Plan, employees are eligible to participate on the
            date of hire and become vested in the Company's contributions
            following seven years of service. During August 1995, the Company
            received a favorable determination from the Internal Revenue Service
            to include an Employee Stock Ownership feature as part of the Plan.
            Contributions to the Plan amounted to $1,654,000, $1,497,000, and
            $1,351,000, for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
            respectively.









20

<PAGE>   23


NOTE O      STOCK OPTION PLANS

            The Company has three employee stock option plans which provide a
            combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock
            grants. Stockholders authorized 4,020,675; 1,268,276 and 2,090,000
            unissued shares of common stock to be reserved pursuant to the 1982
            Employee Stock Compensation Program (the "1982 Plan"), the 1987
            Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the "1987 Plan")
            and the 1994 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the
            "1994 Plan"), respectively. The 1987 Plan and 1994 Plan are
            substantially similar to the 1982 Plan, but incorporate changes in
            the Internal Revenue Code affecting incentive stock options and do
            not provide for the grant of performance share awards.

            Options granted under each plan are exercisable at varying
            percentages commencing as early as three years after the date of
            grant, with expiration dates between six and ten years after the
            date of grant.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Weighted Average
                                                                                         Fair Value of Option
                                                     Average Price(1)  Number(1)            Shares Granted
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>                   <C>
            Outstanding, October 1, 1994 ..            $   15.23          1,430,624
            Granted in 1995 ...............                13.63            154,638
            Exercised in 1995 .............                 7.71           (168,049)
            Forfeited in 1995 .............                16.55           (119,540)
                                                       ------------------------------------------------------
            Outstanding, September 30, 1995                14.34          1,297,673
            Granted in 1996 ...............                18.41            369,261             $   3.25
            Exercised in 1996 .............                 9.43           (132,617)
            Forfeited in 1996 .............                15.92            (80,743)
                                                       ------------------------------------------------------
            Outstanding, September 30, 1996                15.74          1,453,574
            Granted in 1997 ...............                21.19            120,445                 3.81
            Exercised in 1997 .............                13.04           (145,408)
            Forfeited in 1997 .............                16.33           (129,305)
                                                       ------------------------------------------------------
            Outstanding September 30, 1997             $   16.48          1,299,306
                                                       ======================================================
</TABLE>


            (1) Average price and number of stock options granted, exercised and
            forfeited have been adjusted for 10 percent stock dividends in the
            second quarter of both 1997 and 1996, which had the effect of an
            eleven-for-ten stock split.


            Financial data pertaining to outstanding stock options were as
            follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         September 30, 1997
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                            Weighted
                                                     Weighted           Weighted                             Average
                                                      Average            Average          Number of     Exercisable Price
                  Ranges of        Number of        Remaining       Exercise Price of    Exercisable     of Exercisable
               Exercise Prices   Option Shares   Contractual Life    Options Shares     Option Shares     Option Shares
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>         <C>                   <C>              <C>                  <C>               <C>               <C>   
            $  6.42  -  8.35         33,616          1.2 years           $ 7.55             33,616           $ 7.55
               10.58 - 15.82        605,865          6.4                  14.58            149,597            14.83
               16.50 - 21.02        654,825          7.3                  18.62             56,052            17.64
                       25.00          5,000          9.7                  25.00                --               --
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1,299,306          6.7 years           $16.47            239,265           $14.47
                                ==========================================================================================
</TABLE>


            In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
            Stock-based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"). SFAS No. 123 requires
            expanded disclosures of stock-based compensation arrangements with
            employees and encourages application of the fair value recognition
            provisions in the statement. SFAS No. 123 does not rescind or
            interpret the existing accounting rules for employee stock-based
            arrangements. Companies may continue following those rules to
            recognize and measure compensation as outlined in Accounting
            Principles Board Opinion Number 25 ("APB No. 25"), but they will now
            be required to disclose the pro forma amounts of net income and
            earnings per share that would have been reported had the company
            elected to follow the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No.
            123. Effective October 1, 1996, the Company adopted the disclosure
            requirements of SFAS No. 123, but has determined that it will
            continue to measure its employee stock-based compensation
            arrangements under the provisions of APB No. 25. Had compensation
            cost for the Company's compensation plans been determined consistent
            with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income attributable to common
            stock would have been reduced by $220,000 and $558,000 for 1997 and
            1996, respectively, and net income per share would have remained the
            same for 1997 and been reduced $.01 for 1996.

            The fair value of options granted under the Company's stock option
            plan is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
            option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions
            used for grants in 1997 and 1996: annual dividend yield of 3.25%;
            expected volatility of 16.43%; risk-free interest rate of 6.00%; and
            expected life of five years. 







                                                                             21

<PAGE>   24

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


NOTE P      STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

            In the second quarter of both fiscal 1997 and 1996, the Company
            declared eleven-for-ten stock splits in the form of a 10 percent
            stock dividend in addition to the regular quarterly cash dividends
            on its shares of common stock.

            The Association is subject to various regulatory capital
            requirements administered by the Office of Thrift Supervision
            ("OTS"). Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate
            certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary action by
            regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect
            on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy
            guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective
            action, the Association must meeting specific capital guidelines
            that involve quantitative measures of the Association's assets,
            liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under
            regulatory accounting practices. The Association's capital amounts
            and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the
            regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors.

            As of September 30, 1997 and 1996, the OTS categorized the
            Association as Well Capitalized under the regulatory framework for
            prompt corrective action. To be categorized as Well Capitalized, the
            Association must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1
            risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table.
            There are no conditions or events since that notification that
            management believes have changed the institution's categorization.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           To be categorized as
                                                                                        For capital        well capitalized under
                                                                   Actual            adequacy purposes       prompt corrective
                                                            -------------------     -------------------      action provisions
                                                            Amount        Ratio     Amount        Ratio      Amount      Ratio
            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            September 30, 1997                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>   <C>            <C>       <C>          <C>   
               Total capital to risk-weighted assets ..    $608,315       19.67%   $247,376       8.00%     $309,220     10.00%
               Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets .     600,395       19.42%         NA         NA       185,532      6.00%
               Core capital to adjusted tangible assets     600,395       10.74%         NA         NA       279,407      5.00%
               Core capital to total assets ...........     600,395       10.74%    167,644       3.00%           NA        NA
               Tangible capital to tangible assets ....     600,395       10.74%     83,822       1.50%           NA        NA
            September 30, 1996                                                     
               Total capital to risk-weighted assets ..    $508,744       19.22%   $211,770       8.00%     $264,713     10.00%
               Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets .     511,836       19.34%         NA         NA       158,828      6.00%
               Core capital to adjusted tangible assets     511,836       10.16%         NA         NA       251,772      5.00%
               Core capital to total assets ...........     511,836       10.16%    151,063       3.00%           NA        NA
               Tangible capital to tangible assets ....     511,836       10.16%     75,531       1.50%           NA        NA
</TABLE>


            At periodic intervals, the OTS and the Federal Deposit Insurance
            Corporation ("FDIC") routinely examine the Company's financial
            statements as part of their legally prescribed oversight of the
            savings and loan industry. Based on their examinations, these
            regulators can direct that the Company's financial statements be
            adjusted in accordance with their findings. The extent to which
            forthcoming regulatory examinations may result in adjustments to the
            financial statements cannot be determined; however, no adjustments
            were proposed as a result of the most recent OTS examination which
            concluded in February 1997.

            SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share" ("SFAS No. 128") was issued in
            February, 1997. SFAS No. 128 simplifies the standards found in
            Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15 ("APB No. 15") for
            computing earnings per share ("EPS"), and makes them comparable to
            international standards.

            Under SFAS No. 128, the Company is required to present both basic
            and diluted EPS on the face of its statements of operations. Basic
            EPS, which replaces primary EPS required by APB No. 15 for entities
            with complex capital structures, excludes common stock equivalents
            and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders
            by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the
            period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential common
            shares that were outstanding during the period. 

            SFAS No. 128 is effective after December 15, 1997. Upon adoption of
            SFAS No. 128, all prior-period EPS data will be restated. The
            Company will adopt SFAS No. 128 effective September 30, 1998.
            Adoption is anticipated not to have a material impact on the
            Company's financial statements.


NOTE Q      FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

            SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
            Instruments" ("SFAS No. 107"), requires disclosure of fair value
            information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized
            on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that
            value. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all
            nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements.
            Accordingly, the aggregate fair value estimates presented do not
            reflect the underlying fair value of the Company. Although
            management is not aware of any factors that would materially affect
            the estimated fair value amounts presented, such amounts have not
            been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial
            statements since that date and, therefore, estimates of fair value
            subsequent to that date may differ significantly from the amounts
            presented below.








22

<PAGE>   25


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                         1997                           1996
            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (In thousands)
                                                  Carrying      Estimated       Carrying        Estimated
                                                   Amount       Fair Value       Amount        Fair Value
                                                ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>        
            Financial assets
               Cash ........................    $    23,444    $    23,444     $    19,635    $    19,635
               Available-for-sale securities        672,132        672,132         533,615        533,615
               Held-to-maturity securities .        564,747        578,124         631,996        629,649
               Loans receivable ............      4,190,776      4,401,679       3,723,016      3,673,693
               FHLB stock ..................         93,584         93,584          64,530         64,530

            Financial liabilities
               Customer accounts ...........      2,978,031      2,986,062       2,480,220      2,484,492
               FHLB advances ...............      1,601,000      1,594,196       1,162,000      1,159,468
               Other borrowings ............        303,544        303,544         797,549        797,394
               Interest rate swaps .........             --           (595)             --             --
</TABLE>

            The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair
            value of financial instruments: 

            CASH - The carrying amount of these items is a reasonable estimate
            of their fair value.

            INVESTMENT SECURITIES - The fair value is based on quoted market
            prices or dealer estimates.

            LOANS RECEIVABLE - For certain homogeneous categories of loans, such
            as fixed and variable residential mortgages, fair value is estimated
            using quoted market prices for securities backed by similar loans,
            adjusted for differences in loan characteristics. The fair value of
            other loan types is estimated by discounting the future cash flows
            and estimated prepayments using the current rates at which similar
            loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for
            the same remaining term. Some loan types were valued at carrying
            value because of their floating rate or expected maturity
            characteristics.

            MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES - Estimated fair value for
            mortgage-backed securities issued by quasi-governmental agencies is
            based on quoted market prices. The fair value of all other
            mortgage-backed securities is based on dealer estimates.

            FHLB STOCK - The fair value is based upon the redemption value of
            the stock which equates to its carrying value.

            CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS - The fair value of demand deposits, savings
            accounts and money market accounts is the amount payable on demand
            at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates
            of deposit is estimated by discounting the estimated future cash
            flows using the rates currently offered for deposits with similar
            remaining maturities.

            FHLB ADVANCES AND OTHER BORROWINGS - The fair value of FHLB advances
            and other borrowings is estimated by discounting the estimated
            future cash flows using rates currently available to the Association
            for debt with similar remaining maturities. 

            INTEREST RATE SWAPS - The market value for interest rate swaps was
            determined using the discounted cash flow method.

























                                                                             23

<PAGE>   26

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


NOTE R      FINANCIAL INFORMATION - WASHINGTON FEDERAL, INC.

            The following Washington Federal, Inc. (parent company only)
            financial information should be read in conjunction with the other
            notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
           
            STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                                                            1997         1996
            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        (In thousands)
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C>      
            ASSETS
            Cash .............................................................    $   1,617     $   1,401
            Investment in subsidiaries .......................................      716,332       586,326
            Dividend receivable ..............................................       11,000         9,000
            Other assets .....................................................          725         1,342
                                                                                  -----------------------
               Total assets ..................................................    $ 729,674     $ 598,069
                                                                                  =======================


            LIABILITIES
            Borrowed money ...................................................    $   1,000     $  11,000
            Dividend payable .................................................       10,927         9,360
            Other liabilities ................................................            2             7
                                                                                  -----------------------
               Total liabilities .............................................       11,929        20,367
                                                                                  -----------------------
            STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
            Common stock, $1.00 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized -
               51,137,889 and 44,011,776 shares issued;
               47,508,759 and 40,695,450 shares outstanding ..................       51,138        44,012
            Paid-in capital ..................................................      573,241       405,563
            Valuation adjustment for available-for-sale securities, net of tax       30,000        13,000
            Treasury stock, at cost - 3,629,130 and 3,316,326 shares .........      (68,266)      (68,499)
            Retained earnings ................................................      131,632       183,626
                                                                                  -----------------------
               Total stockholders' equity ....................................      717,745       577,702
                                                                                  -----------------------
               Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ....................    $ 729,674     $ 598,069
                                                                                  =======================
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

            Year ended September 30,                                                    1997        1996
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                                                                    <C>         <C>     
            INCOME
               Dividends from subsidiary ..........................................    $ 52,000    $ 77,000

            EXPENSE
               Borrowings .........................................................         240         559
               Other ..............................................................         270           3
                                                                                       --------------------
               Total expense ......................................................         510         562
                                                                                       --------------------
               Net income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries      51,490      76,438
            Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries ....................      53,375       3,252
                                                                                       --------------------
            Income before income taxes ............................................     104,865      79,690
            Income tax benefit ....................................................         185         205
                                                                                       --------------------
            Net Income ............................................................    $105,050    $ 79,895
                                                                                       ====================
</TABLE>

















24
<PAGE>   27

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

            Year ended September 30,                                    1997          1996
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                                                  <C>           <C>      
            CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
            Net income ..........................................    $ 105,050     $  79,895
            Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
               cash provided by operating activities
               Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries      (53,375)       (3,252)
               Increase in other assets .........................         (952)       (1,342)
               Increase (decrease) in other liabilities .........           (5)          422
                                                                     -----------------------
               Net cash provided by operating activities ........       50,718        75,723

            CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
            Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings ........      (10,000)        6,000
            Issuance of common stock through stock option plan ..          350           778
            Treasury stock (purchased) issued ...................        1,839       (46,087)
            Dividends ...........................................      (42,691)      (37,813)
                                                                     -----------------------
               Net cash used by financing activities ............      (50,502)      (77,122)
                                                                     -----------------------
               Increase (decrease) in cash ......................          216        (1,399)
               Cash at beginning of year ........................        1,401         2,800
                                                                     -----------------------
               Cash at end of year ..............................    $   1,617     $   1,401
                                                                     =======================
</TABLE>



NOTE S      SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)


            The following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of
            operations by quarter:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      First       Second       Third       Fourth
            Year ended September 30, 1997            Quarter      Quarter     Quarter      Quarter
            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>     
            Interest income ....................    $108,810     $116,863     $116,281     $117,053
            Interest expense ...................      60,981       64,993       65,400       66,073
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
            Net interest income ................      47,829       51,870       50,881       50,980
            Provision for loan losses ..........         229          184          201          199
            Other operating income .............         964          814        1,426        1,873
            Other operating expense ............      10,848       10,994       10,666        9,978
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
            Income before income taxes .........      37,716       41,506       41,440       42,676
            Income taxes .......................      13,615       15,100       14,425       15,148
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
            Net income .........................    $ 24,101     $ 26,406     $ 27,015     $ 27,528
                                                    ===============================================
            Net income per share ...............    $    .53     $    .55     $    .56     $    .57
                                                    ===============================================
            Return on average assets ...........        1.76%        1.82%        1.89%        1.93%
                                                    ===============================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     First       Second        Third        Fourth
            Year ended September 30, 1996           Quarter      Quarter      Quarter      Quarter
            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>     
            Interest income ....................    $ 96,840     $100,084     $102,992     $104,295
            Interest expense ...................      57,504       56,931       56,939       57,371
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
            Net interest income ................      39,336       43,153       46,053       46,924
            Provision for loan losses ..........         483          301        1,276        1,768
            Other operating income .............       1,737        1,252        1,828        1,100
            Other operating expense ............       8,780        9,595        9,589       25,141
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
            Income before income taxes .........      31,810       34,509       37,016       21,115
            Income taxes .......................      11,556       12,700       13,546        6,753
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
            Net income .........................    $ 20,254     $ 21,809     $ 23,470     $ 14,362
                                                    ===============================================
            Net income per share ...............    $    .43     $    .46     $    .50     $    .32
                                                    ===============================================
            Return on average assets ...........        1.73%        1.79%        1.87%        1.13%
                                                    ===============================================
</TABLE>









                                                                             25








<PAGE>   28

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Year ended September 30,                      1997         1996        1995         1994         1993
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      
            Interest income .......................    $ 459,007    $ 404,211    $ 343,766    $ 287,577    $ 275,345
            Interest expense ......................      257,447      228,745      188,253      121,114      116,677
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------
            Net interest income ...................      201,560      175,466      155,513      166,463      158,668
            Provision for loan losses .............          813        3,828        6,245          401        2,731
            Other income ..........................        5,077        5,917        9,704        8,359       12,852
            Other expense .........................       42,486       53,105       35,883       32,034       29,656
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------
               Income before income taxes
                 and extraordinary loss ...........      163,338      124,450      123,089      142,387      139,133
            Income taxes ..........................       58,288       44,555       44,746       49,600       45,843
            Extraordinary loss, net of tax benefit            --           --           --           --       (2,122)
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------
               Net income .........................    $ 105,050    $  79,895    $  78,343    $  92,787    $  91,168
                                                       =============================================================

            Per share data
               Net income before extraordinary loss    $    2.21    $    1.71    $    1.63    $    1.91    $    1.92
               Extraordinary loss, net of
                 income tax benefit ...............           --           --           --           --         (.04)
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------
               Net income .........................    $    2.21    $    1.71    $    1.63    $    1.91    $    1.88
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------

               Cash dividends .....................    $     .90    $     .82    $     .74    $     .68    $     .62
                                                       =============================================================
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            September 30,                              1997          1996          1995          1994          1993
            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              (In thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>       
            Total assets .......................    $5,719,589    $5,114,978    $4,577,402    $3,830,053    $3,159,267
            Loans and mortgage-backed securities     5,137,905     4,589,621     4,114,881     3,400,583     2,775,941
            Investment securities ..............       289,750       299,006       256,661       195,165       168,847
            Customer accounts ..................     2,978,031     2,480,220     2,445,335     2,281,751     2,216,381
            FHLB advances ......................     1,601,000     1,162,000       527,000       310,100       336,000
            Other borrowings ...................       303,544       797,549       957,087       624,604        60,000
            Stockholders' equity ...............       717,745       577,702       575,929       546,773       486,183

            Number of
               Customer accounts ...............       180,957       160,968       161,295       153,000       148,204
               Mortgage loans ..................        41,820        39,570        35,641        32,057        32,552
               Offices .........................           104            93            87            82            74
</TABLE>

















26

<PAGE>   29

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


Board of Directors
Washington Federal, Inc.
Seattle, Washington

            We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of
financial condition of Washington Federal, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September
30, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

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

            In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1997 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.




/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Seattle, Washington
October 20, 1997




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL CORPORATE AND
STOCKHOLDERS' INFORMATION


Corporate          425 Pike Street
Headquarters       Seattle, Washington 98101
                   (206) 624-7930
Independent        Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Accountants        Seattle, Washington
Special Counsel    Elias, Matz, Tiernan & Herrick LLP
                   Washington, D.C.
Transfer Agent,    Stockholder inquiries regarding transfer
Registrar and      requirements, cash or stock dividends, lost
Dividend           certificates, consolidating records, correcting
Disbursing         a name or changing an address should be
Agent              directed to the transfer agent:
                   ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
                   Shareholder Relations Department
                   85 Challenger Road
                   Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
                   Telephone: 1-800-356-2017
Annual Meeting     The annual meeting of stockholders will be
                   held on January 28, 1998, at 2 p.m. at the
                   Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Avenue,
                   Seattle, Washington.
Form 10-K          This report is available to stockholders of record
                   upon written request to:
                     Cathy Cooper
                     Assistant Vice President
                     Washington Federal, Inc.
                     425 Pike Street
                     Seattle, Washington 98101
Stock Information  Washington Federal, Inc. is traded on the
                   NASD National Market. The common stock symbol is WFSL. At
                   September 30, 1997, there were approximately 3,094
                   shareholders of record.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Stock Prices
                                                 -----------------------
                   Quarter Ended                  High              Low         Dividends
                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>               <C>             <C>
                   December 31, 1995             21 5/8            18  3/8         20
                   March 31, 1996                21 3/8            18  3/4         20
                   June 30, 1996                 20 1/8            18  3/8         21
                   September 30, 1996            21 1/2            17  1/2         21
                   December 31, 1996             25 3/8            20  7/8         22
                   March 31, 1997                28 1/8            22  3/4         22
                   June 30, 1997                 28 1/4            22  3/8         23
                   September 30, 1997            30 1/4            25 3/16         23
</TABLE>

                   All prices shown have been     
                   adjusted for stock splits
                   Market Makers:
                   Dain, Bosworth, Inc.
                   Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
                   Fox-Pitt, Kelton Inc.
                   Herzog, Heine, Geduld, Inc.
                   Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
                   Knight Securities L.P.
                   Lehman Brothers, Inc.
                   Mayer & Schweitzer, Inc.
                   Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
                     Fenner & Smith Inc.
                   Nationsbanc Montgomery Securities
                   Piper Jaffray Companies, Inc.
                   Ragen MacKenzie, Inc.
                   Sherwood Securities Corp.
                   Smith Barney, Inc.
                   Troster Singer Corp.








                                                                             27

<PAGE>   30

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND OFFICES


CORPORATE                   EXECUTIVE                   HUMAN RESOURCES
HEADQUARTERS                MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE        ARLINE FONDA  
425 Pike Street                                         Vice President
Seattle, WA 98101           WILLIAM A. CASSELS                         
(206) 624-7930              Executive Vice President    KAREN CARLSON
                                                                  
BOARD OF                    LAWRENCE D.                 BOBBY FASSIO
DIRECTORS                   CIERPISZEWSKI                          
GUY C. PINKERTON            Executive Vice President    INTERNAL AUDIT
Chairman, President and                                 BARBARA A.
Chief Executive Officer     PATRICK F. PATRICK          MURPHY
                            Executive Vice President          
E.W. MERSEREAU, JR.                                     LOAN OPERATIONS
Vice Chairman               GUY C. PINKERTON            MICHAEL BUSH
                            Chairman, President and     Vice President
JOHN F. CLEARMAN            Chief Executive Officer              
Retired, Former                                         LEANN BURKE
President and Chief         CHARLES R.                             
Executive Officer,          RICHMOND                    LOAN SERVICING
NC Machinery Co.            Executive Vice President    TERRY O.   
                            and Secretary               PERMENTER 
H. DENNIS HALVORSON                                     Vice President 
Retired, Former Chief       RONALD L. SAPER                            
Executive Officer,          Executive Vice President    VIVIAN L. YORITA
United Bank                 and Chief Financial         Vice President and
                            Officer                     Assistant Manager
KERMIT O. HANSON                                                      
Dean Emeritus               DEPARTMENT                  MIKE CULALA
University of Washington    OFFICERS                             
Graduate School of                                      LOIS L.
Business Administration     ACCOUNTING                  KRISTJANSSON
                            KEITH D. TAYLOR 
W. ALDEN HARRIS             C.P.A.                      MARY TOMLINSON
Former Executive            Senior Vice President                    
Vice President              and Treasurer               LEGAL, REGULATORY
                                                        and Compliance
ANNA C. JOHNSON             JOESEPH R. RUNTE            JOSEPH M. VINCENT
Senior Partner              Vice President and          Vice President
Scan East West Travel       Controller                             
                                                        MANUALS/TRAINING
RICHARD C. REED             MARTINE ANDREWS             LINDA NICHOLL
Management Consultant       Assistant Manager                       
Altman Weil Pensa                                       MARKETING AND
                            KAREN MEFFORD               INVESTOR RELATIONS
CHARLES R. RICHMOND                                     CATHY COOPER
Executive Vice President    APPRAISAL                   Assistant Vice President
and Secretary               EILEEN E. HIRAMI            
                            Vice President              MULTI-FAMILY LOANS
DIRECTOR                                                TOBIAS W.
EMERITUS                    JAMES N. IBABAO             WASHINGTON
HAROLD C. KEAN                                          Vice President
                            CONSTRUCTION AND                    
                            LAND LOANS                  PERMANENT LOAN
                            LORELEI G. STOVES           PRODUCTION
                            Senior Vice President       JANE A. NOGLE
                                                        Senior Vice President
                            DEPOSIT OPERATIONS          
                            BEN A. WHITMARSH            COLLEEN WELLS
                            Vice President              Assistant Vice President
                                                        and Divisional Loan
                            CAROLYN J. LOBDELL          Brokerage Manager
                            Assistant Vice President                    
                            and Assistant Manager       CHRISTA TULLY
                                                        Assistant Divisional
                            MARTY DAVIES                Loan Brokerage Manager
                                                                    
                            FACILITIES                  QUALITY CONTROL
                            KELLY PERNELA               NANCY C. ELLWEIN
                            Manager                     Vice President


SAVINGS                     SOUTHERN                   CENTRAL              
ADMINISTRATION              WASHINGTON                 OREGON               
CYNTHIA L. ARNOLD                                                           
Vice President              29 Office Locations        16 Office Locations
                            REGION MANAGERS            Division Manager 
SPECIAL CREDITS             JAMES E. CADY              NATE LOWE      
JACK B. JACOBSON            Vice President             Senior Vice President
Vice President              DALE B. CULVER                                  
                            Vice President             PORTLAND,  
GEORGE W. CORLEY            E. CRAIG WILSON            OREGON     
Vice President              Vice President               
                                                       7 Office Locations
SUBSIDIARIES                NORTHERN                   Region Manager   
                            WASHINGTON                 WILLIAM V. READ  
FIRST INSURANCE                                        Vice President  
AGENCY, INC.                10 Office Locations         
406 South Second Street     Division Manager           UTAH   
Mount Vernon, WA 98273      DOUGLAS A. ROWELL             
1-800-562-2555              Senior Vice President      11 Office Locations
(360) 336-9630                                         Division Manager
MICHAEL L. MINOR            WESTERN                    RICHARD FISHER 
President                   IDAHO                      Vice President
                            
WASHINGTON                  15 Office Locations        PHOENIX,
Services, Inc.              Division Manager           ARIZONA
425 Pike Street             ROBERT P. LINK               
Seattle, WA 98101           Senior Vice President      4 Office Locations
(206) 624-7930                                         Division Manager
                            EASTERN                    RON SHERIDAN
                            IDAHO                      Vice President
                            
                            4 Office Locations         TUCSON,
                            Region Manager             ARIZONA
                            LARRY WADSWORTH              
                            Vice President             8 Office Locations
                                                       Division Manager
                                                       PATTY MCCARTHY-HOWARD
                                                       Senior Vice President
                            
                                                       








28


<PAGE>   1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No.
33-89082 and No. 33-97900 of Washington Federal, Inc. on Forms S-8 of our
report dated October 20, 1997, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Washington Federal, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 1997.




/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
- ----------------------------
    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


December 26, 1997
Seattle, Washington

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 9
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          23,444
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                               0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    672,132
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         564,747
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           578,124
<LOANS>                                      4,190,776
<ALLOWANCE>                                     24,623
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               5,719,589
<DEPOSITS>                                   2,978,031
<SHORT-TERM>                                 1,552,044
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                            119,269
<LONG-TERM>                                    352,500
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       624,379
<OTHER-SE>                                      93,366
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>               5,719,589
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                357,496
<INTEREST-INVEST>                              101,511
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                     0
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                               459,007
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                             142,684
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             114,763
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                          201,560
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                      813
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 938
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 44,399
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                163,338
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                     163,338
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   105,050
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.21
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.21
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    8.14
<LOANS-NON>                                     14,789
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                14,772
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                15,182
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    5,932
<RECOVERIES>                                     3,362
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                               24,623
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                            17,652
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                          6,971
        

</TABLE>


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