EXHIBIT 99.2
 
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Memorandum

Date:    February 18, 1997

To:      Analysts and Investors

From:    Stephen A. Swartz

Re:      H.F. Ahmanson & Company Proposed Merger with
         Great Western Financial Corporation


To offer you the opportunity to learn more about the proposed merger of H.F. 
Ahmanson & Company with Great Western Financial Corporation, you are invited  
to attend a meeting with Charles R. Rinehart, Chairman and CEO and Kevin Twomey,
Senior Executive Vice President and CFO of H.F. Ahmanson & Company on Tuesday, 
February 18th, at 10:00 AM (EDT). The meeting will be held in the Cotillion Room
(Second Floor) of the Pierre Hotel - 2 E. 61st Street, New York City.

If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to participate via teleconference. 
In order to be connected properly, please call (800) 231-9012 no later than 9:50
AM (EDT).

A recording of this meeting will be available for playback listening beginning 
at 12:00 noon until Friday, February 21st at 12:00 noon, by dialing (800) 839-
1884.

Following are the slides for the analysts' and investors' presentation.

Thank you for your interest.

If you have any questions or if you need a copy of the press release and 
investor package, please call Marion Theiss at (818) 814-7923.


 
      THIS PRESENTATION CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WITH RESPECT
TO THE FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS OF AHMANSON AND,
ASSUMING THE CONSUMMATION OF THE PROPOSED MERGER, A COMBINED AHMANSON/GREAT
WESTERN COMPANY, INCLUDING STATEMENTS RELATING TO: (A) THE COST SAVINGS AND
ACCRETION TO CASH EARNINGS AND REPORTED EARNINGS THAT WILL BE REALIZED FROM THE
PROPOSED MERGER; (B) THE IMPACT ON REVENUES OF THE PROPOSED MERGER, INCLUDING
THE POTENTIAL FOR ENHANCED REVENUES AND THE IMPACT ON REVENUES OF CONSOLIDATION
OF RETAIL BRANCHES AND OTHER OPERATIONS AS PLANNED; (C) AHMANSON'S STOCK
PURCHASE PROGRAM; AND (D) THE RESTRUCTURING CHARGES EXPECTED TO BE INCURRED IN
CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MERGER. THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE
CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER
MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTEMPLATED BY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE,
AMONG OTHERS, THE FOLLOWING POSSIBILITIES: (1) EXPECTED COST SAVINGS FROM THE
PROPOSED MERGER CANNOT BE FULLY REALIZED OR REALIZED WITHIN THE EXPECTED TIME
FRAME; (2) REVENUES FOLLOWING THE PROPOSED MERGER ARE LOWER THAN EXPECTED; (3)
COMPETITIVE PRESSURE AMONG DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY; (4)
COSTS OR DIFFICULTIES RELATED TO THE INTEGRATION OF THE BUSINESSES OF AHMANSON
AND GWF ARE GREATER THAN EXPECTED; (5) CHANGES IN THE INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT
REDUCE INTEREST MARGINS; (6) GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, EITHER NATIONALLY OR
IN THE STATES IN WHICH THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL BE DOING BUSINESS, ARE LESS
FAVORABLE THAN EXPECTED; OR (7) LEGISLATION OR REGULATORY CHANGES ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE BUSINESSES IN WHICH THE COMBINED COMPANY WOULD BE ENGAGED. FURTHER
INFORMATION ON OTHER FACTORS WHICH COULD AFFECT THE FINANCIAL RESULTS OF
AHMANSON AFTER THE PROPOSED MERGER IS INCLUDED IN FILINGS BY AHMANSON WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE "COMMISSION"), INCLUDING A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 18, 1997, AND THE
COMMISSION FILINGS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN.

                 SHARES OF GREAT WESTERN CORPORATION ("GWF")
                 COMMON STOCK HELD BY H.F. AHMANSON & COMPANY
              ("AHMANSON"), ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
           AND CERTAIN EMPLOYEES, OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF AHMANSON
             AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY SOLICIT PROXIES OR
                CONSENTS, AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ANY
                                OF THEM AND GWF

      Ahmanson and certain other persons named below may solicit proxies (a) to
elect three nominees and one or more alternate nominees (the "Nominees") as
directors of GWF at the annual meeting of stockholders of GWF to be held on
April 22, 1997 (the "Annual Meeting") and (b) in favor of the adoption at the
Annual Meeting of a non-binding stockholder resolution and seven proposals to
amend the By-laws of GWF. Ahmanson and certain other persons named below may
also solicit consents from stockholders of GWF to approve proposals, without a
stockholders' meeting, to adopt a non-binding resolution of stockholders and an
amendment to the By-laws of GWF. The participants in this solicitation may
include Ahmanson; the directors of Ahmanson (Byron Allumbaugh, Harold A. Black,
Richard M. Bressler, David R. Carpenter, Phillip D. Matthews, Richard L. Nolan,
Della M. Reyes, Charles R. Rinehart, Frank M. Sanchez, Elizabeth A. Sanders,
Arthur W. Schmutz, William D. Shulte, and Bruce G. Willison); the following
executive officers and employees of Ahmanson or its subsidiaries: Kevin M.
Twomey (Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), Anne-Drue
M. Anderson (Executive Vice President and Treasurer), Madeleine A. Kleiner
(Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel), Stephen Swartz (Senior
Vice President and Director of Investor Relations), Eric Warmstein (Senior Vice
President and Director of Corporate Development), Mary Trigg (Senior Vice
President and Director of Public Relations), Linda McCall (Senior Vice President
and Director of Corporate Taxes), Adrian Rodriguez (Vice President of Public
Relations), Samantha Davies (Vice President of Public Relations), Peter Bennett
(Assistant Vice President of Public Relations), Barbara Timmer (Senior Vice
President and Director of Government and Legislative Affairs), and Tim Glassett



 
(First Vice President and Assistant General Counsel); and the following 
Nominees: Lawrence A. Del Santo, Robert T. Gelber, Wolfgang Schoellkopf, Hugh 
M. Grant and John E. Merow.

     As of the date of this communication, Ahmanson is the beneficial owner of  
100 shares of GWF Common Stock. Other than Mr. Gelber, who owns 332 shares of 
GWF Common Stock, none of the Nominees is the beneficial owner of any GWF Common
Stock.

     Other than set forth herein, as of the date of this communication, neither 
Ahmanson, nor any of its directors, executive officers or other representatives 
or employees of Ahmanson, any Nominees or other persons known to Ahmanson, who 
may solicit proxies has any security holdings in GWF. Ahmanson disclaims 
beneficial ownership of any securities of GWF held by any pension plan or other 
employee benefit plan of Ahmanson or by any affiliate of Ahmanson. Ahmanson 
further disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities of GWF held by Ahmanson
or any of its subsidiaries for the benefit of third parties or in customer or 
fiduciary accounts in the ordinary course of business.

     Although Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation ("CSFB") and Montgomery 
Securities ("Montgomery"), financial advisors to Ahmanson, do not admit that 
they or any of their directors, officers, employees or affiliates is a 
"participant," as defined in Schedule 14A promulgated under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or that Schedule
14A requires the disclosure of certain information concerning CSFB or 
Montgomery, CSFB and Montgomery may assist Ahmanson in such a solicitation. Each
of CSFB and Montgomery engages in a full range of investment banking, securities
trading, market-making and brokerage services for institutional and individual 
clients. In the normal course of their respective businesses, each of CSFB and 
Montgomery may trade securities of GWF for their own account and the account of 
their customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position 
in such securities. As of the most recent practicable date prior to the date 
hereof as such information was available, CSFB holds a net long position of 24 
shares of GWF Common Stock and Montgomery does not hold any shares of GWF Common
Stock.

     Except as disclosed above, to the knowledge of Ahmanson, none of Ahmanson, 
the directors or executive officers of Ahmanson, the employees or other 
representatives of Ahmanson or the Nominees named above has any interest, direct
or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in GWF.



 
[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]



                            H.F. AHMANSON & COMPANY

                             PROPOSED MERGER WITH

                      GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION


                            A POWERFUL COMBINATION



                               FEBRUARY 18, 1997
 


[LOGO]                        TRANSACTION SUMMARY                         [LOGO]

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Price per Great Western Share*      $42.53

Exchange Ratio                      1.05x, Fixed

Premium to Market                   24% vs Friday, February 14 close
Multiple of Book                    2.4X
Multiple of Tangible Book           2.7X
 
Accounting Method                   Purchase Accounting
                                    100% stock, Tax Free Exchange
                               
Projected Cost Savings              45%, Over 15 months
                                    Over $400 million per year
                               
Assumed Closing                     3rd Quarter 1997
                               
Accretion:                     
     Reported Earnings              (3)% in 1998
                                    9% in 1999
                               
     Cash Earnings                  15% in 1998
                                    26% in 1999


- -------------------
*Based on AHM closing price on 2/14/97

                                      -2-


[LOGO]                     TRANSACTION FUNDAMENTALS                       [LOGO]
                                                    
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SIMPLE TRANSACTION, BASED ON PROVEN FORMULA


Significant Cost Savings             Enhanced Shareholder Value:
[Inside Graphic Arrow]

          +                     =    1.  Significant accretion
                                     2.  Accelerated Earnings Per Share
                                         ("EPS")  growth

Accelerated Stock Repurchase
[Inside Graphic Arrow]

                                      -3-


[LOGO]                        STRATEGIC RATIONALE                         [LOGO]
                                                  
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   .  Financially Powerful Combination

      .    Significant earnings accretion
      .    Accelerated EPS growth
      .    Pro forma market cap over $10 billion

   .  Compelling Strategic Fit

      .    First tier California consumer and small business bank
      .    13% California market share
      .    #1, 2, or 3 position in top of 5 major California markets
      .    Accelerates consumer banking transformation

   .  Low Risk Transaction

      .    Cost savings
      .    Stock buybacks

                                      -4-


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                               WE ARE COMMITTED

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WE HOPE TO NEGOTIATE A FRIENDLY TRANSACTION BUT ARE PREPARED TO PROCEED IN THE 
ABSENCE OF NEGOTIATIONS

 .     File acquisition of control applications immediately

 .     Shareholders meeting scheduled April 22, 1997 

 .     Nomination of 3 directors

      .    Nominees already selected

 .     By-law amendments

 .     Consent solicitations

                                      -5-


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                            AHM:  THE FUTURE IS NOW



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                                      -6-


[LOGO]                      AHM: THE FUTURE IS NOW                        [LOGO]

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ENHANCING SHAREHOLDER VALUE

 .     Lower credit costs

 .     Higher fee income

 .     Expense control

 .     Capital management

 .     Franchise consolidation and development

                                      -7-


[LOGO]                      AHM: THE FUTURE IS NOW                        [LOGO]

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                      LOWER GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("G&A") EXPENSE    
                                                                        
                                     [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]               

                                           
Quarters:                    4Q95   1Q96   2Q96   3Q96*   4Q96          
G&A                                                     
(Dollars in Millions):       $199   $193   $190   $190    $188          
 

 
 
                                      HIGHER FEE INCOME  
                                                          
                                     [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 
                                           
Quarters:                    4Q95   1Q96   2Q96   3Q96   4Q96
Other Fee Income 
(Dollars in Millions):       $27    $27    $31    $34    $44  
 

 
 
                                      IMPROVED EFFICIENCY                    
                                                                        
                                      [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]                   
                                                      
Quarters:                    1995   1Q96   2Q96   3Q96*  4Q96          
                                                                        
Efficiency Ratio:            58.9%  53.8%  52.8%  53.1%  49.5%         


 
 
                                     POWER OF STOCK BUYBACK    

                                      [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]     

                                                        
                             $ Net Income         Fully-Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS)
4Q96 Percent Increase 
over 4Q95:                        50%                               85%
 


*   3Q96 excludes Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") recap and First 
    Interstate branch ("FIB") acquisition charges

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[LOGO]                      AHM: THE FUTURE IS NOW                        [LOGO]

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                                   IMPROVING CREDIT                     
                                                                        
                                 [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]                   
                                                      
                             12/95  3/96   6/96   9/96    12/96
                                                                        
Nonperforming Assets 
(Dollars in Millions):       $949   $977   $954   $898    $846
 

 
 
                               DECREASING CREDIT COSTS*
                                                           
                                 [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]       
                                            
Quarters:                    4Q95   1Q96   2Q96   3Q96    4Q96
                                                           
Credit Costs (Dollars in                                        
Millions):                   $63    $72    $61    $61     $57  
 

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

*  Loan loss provision and REO expenses

            SINGLE FAMILY NONPERFORMING LOANS ("NPLs")
                                                                    
                       [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]                         
                                                                    
                      Monthly Change                                
                      (Dollars in Millions):                        
 
 
1/96      2/96      3/96      4/96      5/96      6/96     7/96      8/96      9/96     10/96     11/96     12/96    1/97
                                                                                 
$ 29      $ 29      $(21)     $(26)     $(19)     $(11)    $(22)     $(19)     $(10)     $(13)     $ (8)     $ (2)   $(1)
 

             SINGLE FAMILY REAL ESTATE OWNED ("REO")
                                                            
                      [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]                  
                                                            
                      Monthly Change                                
                      (Dollars in Millions):                         
 

1/96     2/96     3/96      4/96      5/96      6/96     7/96     8/96     9/96     10/96     11/96     12/96     1/97
                                                                              
$  6     $ (1)    $ (3)    $   8     $  11     $   6     $  7     $  7     $  5     $  (1)    $ (12)    $ (13)    $  (1)
 

                                      -9-


[LOGO]                        AHM:  THE FUTURE IS NOW                     [LOGO]

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SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED RETURNS


 
 
                            CASH RETURN ON ASSETS                   
                                                                  
                            [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]                  
                                                                  
                                                
                                                      4Q96        
Quarters:         1Q96     2Q96    3Q96    4Q96    (Reported)     
                                                                  
                  0.53%    0.58%   0.62%   0.78%     0.73%        


 
 
                     CASH RETURN ON EQUITY                
                                                            
                      [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]                  
                                                            
                                          
                                                      4Q96  
Quarters:     1Q96       2Q96     3Q96     4Q96     (Reported)
                                                            
              9.6%      10.8%     11.6%    16.6%      14.7%  
 

- ------------------
3Q96 excludes SAIF recap and First Interstate branch acquisition charges
 
                                     -10-


[LOGO]                       AHM:  THE FUTURE IS NOW                      [LOGO]

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DEPOSIT FRANCHISE CONSOLIDATION/(*)/





                             BOUGHT LOW, SOLD HIGH
 
 
                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]


               Deposits Bought/Sold
               (Dollars in Billions)    Deposit Premium
                                         
               Bought:      $ 6.8             2.9%

               Sold:        $12.7             7.1%

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

/(*)/ June 1992 - Present, excluding First Interstate acquisition.

                                      -11-


[LOGO]                        AHM:  THE FUTURE IS NOW                     [LOGO]

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BANKING FRANCHISE ACQUIRED

     .     Acquired 61 former First Interstate branches in 1996

           .     Accretive to 4Q 1996 results

           .     Strengthened consumer and small business banking

           .     Successful conversion

           .     Achieved cost savings

           .     Added important new capabilities

                                      -12-


[LOGO]                        AHM:  THE FUTURE IS NOW                     [LOGO]

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INITIATIVES CONTRIBUTED TO STRONG MARKET PERFORMANCE AND ENHANCED SHAREHOLDER
VALUE

                              [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]


                                AHM    KBW Regional    Thrift Index
                                        Bank Index                
                                                                  
                                                      
            January 1996        100%       100%            100%   

            March 1996          100        110             103    

            April 1996          105        112             106    

            May 1996            103        109             103    

            June 1996           115        112             108    

            July 1996           106        110             105    

            August 1996         112        120             108    

            September 1996      120        125             112    

            November 1996       135        135             135    

            December 1996       140        140             139    

            January 1997        143        142             140    

            February 1997       163        152             160     


Note:  Thrift Index comprised of top 11 thrifts based on market capitalization:
       Wash. Mutual, Great Western, Golden West, Green Point, Charter One, Dime
       Bancorp, TCF, Peoples Bank, Wash. Federal, First Financial and Glendale
       Federal

                                      -13-


[LOGO]                      AHM:  THE FUTURE IS NOW                       [LOGO]

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STREET ESTIMATES INDICATE CONTINUED ABOVE AVERAGE GROWTH




                   .  Street Estimates CAGR (Cash Earnings)
                             - 1996 to 1998 = 24%
                             - 1996 to 1999 = 19%
 
                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
                                                  
  
            Year:      1995     1996    1997E        1998E       1999E
 
                       $1.42    $2.31   $3.08/(1)/   $3.58/(1)/  $3.94/(2)/

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

/(1)/  Based on First Call estimates, adjusted for goodwill and Core Deposit
       Intangible ("CDI") amortization
/(2)/  1999E reflects 10% growth rate over 1998 First Call estimate
 
Note:  1995 excludes goodwill accounting change and gain on sale of New York 
       branches 

       1996 excludes SAIF recap and First Interstate branch acquisition charges

                                      -14-


[LOGO]                      AHM:  THE FUTURE IS NOW                       [LOGO]

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FINANCIAL GOALS:

 
                                                
       Return on Equity ("ROE")              -    18%
 
       Efficiency Ratio                      -    below 50%
 
       EPS Growth 

        Capital                              -    "well capitalized"
 

                                      -15-


[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]

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                              FINANCIALLY POWERFUL

                                  COMBINATION



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

                                      -16-


[LOGO]                 FINANCIALLY POWERFUL COMBINATION                   [LOGO]

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ENHANCES SHAREHOLDER VALUE

 .     Immediate and substantial cash EPS accretion
      -- 15% in 1998
      -- 26% in 1999

 .     Reported EPS accretion
      -- positive by 4Q98
      -- 9% in 1999

 .     Improves operating performance
 
                                      -17-


[LOGO]                  FINANCIALLY POWERFUL COMBINATION                  [LOGO]

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KEY ASSUMPTIONS

 .     Achievable cost savings

 .     Revenue enhancements not reflected in projections

 .     Capital management strategy consistent with AHM's ongoing share
      repurchases

 .     No divestitures

                                      -18-


[LOGO]                  FINANCIALLY POWERFUL COMBINATION                  [LOGO]

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BASED ON STREET ESTIMATES - FULLY DILUTED



                                                             Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions - after tax)                            1997/(1)/ 1998      1999
                                                             ----      ----      ----
                                                                       
Projected Combined Net Income Available to Common           $  434    $  774    $  806
Cost Savings                                                    22       184       255
Amortization of Net New Intangibles                            (37)     (149)     (149)
Other                                                            1         6        11
New Preferred Dividends                                         (1)      (15)      (24)
                                                            ------    ------    ------
PROJECTED REPORTED NI AVAILABLE TO COMMON                   $  419    $  800    $  899
  Intangible Amortization                                       59       188       188
                                                            ------    ------    ------
PROJECTED CASH EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO COMMON                 $  478    $  988    $1,087
Projected Average Shares (millions)                          147.8     241.2     219.6
 
FULLY DILUTED EPS EFFECT:
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PROJECTED REPORTED EPS                                      $ 2.84    $ 3.32    $ 4.10
  ACCRETION/(DILUTION)                                          (3)%      (3)%       9%
PROJECTED CASH EPS                                          $ 3.24    $ 4.10    $ 4.95
  ACCRETION/(DILUTION)                                           5%       15%       26%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
(1)  Excludes non-recurring and one time charges of up to $135 million after tax
     Assumes transaction closes 9/30/97

                                      -19-


[LOGO]                  FINANCIALLY POWERFUL COMBINATION                  [LOGO]

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TRANSACTION SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES PROJECTED OPERATING PERFORMANCE



                               EFFICIENCY RATIO
 
                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                                            
        Year:         1997           1998            1999

                        46%            41%             38%




                                  CASH ROE
 
                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
                                            
        Year:         1997           1998            1999

                        18%            25%             28%


                                      -20-


[LOGO]                 FINANCIALLY POWERFUL COMBINATION                   [LOGO]

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PROJECTED EPS GROWTH SIGNIFICANTLY ACCELERATED

                               . Projected (Cash Earnings)  CAGR
                                  -- 1996 to 1998 = 33%
                                  -- 1996 to 1999 = 29%
                               . Street Estimates  

Year:            1996      1997E       1988E        1999E
              
                 $2.31   $3.08/(1)/    $3.58/(1)/   $3.94/(2)/
                         +5%           +15%         +26%
                         $3.24         $4.10        $4.95


(1)  Based on First Call estimates, adjusted for goodwill and CDI amortization
(2)  1999E reflects 10% growth rate over 1998 First Call estimate

Note:  1996 excludes SAIF recap and First Interstate branch acquisition charges

                                      -21-


[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]

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                            COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT



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

                                      -22-


[LOGO]                      COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT                      [LOGO]

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 .         Creates consumer banking powerhouse

          .     Solidifies, enhances and deepens position in California and 
                Florida
          .     Major market position in all key markets
          .     Creates 10th largest U.S. depository institution

 .         Provides additional scale in key businesses

          .     Mortgage banking/servicing
          .     Small business banking
          .     Retail banking and consumer lending
          .     Investment products

 .         Consistent with both AHM's and GWF's strategic plans

                                      -23-


[LOGO]                      COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT                      [LOGO]

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                            AHM            GWF             Combined
                            ---            ---             --------
                                                
Assets                  $50 billion    $43 billion       $ 93 billion
                                                       
Loans and MBS            46             39                 85
                                                       
Deposits                 35             29                 64
                                                       
Loan Servicing           59             50/(1)/           109
                                                       
Branches                391            416                606/(2)/
                                                       
Households              1.7 million    2.7 million/(1)/   4.4 million

Business Customers      82,000         96,000/(1)/        178,000

Checking Accounts       0.9 million    1.6 million/(1)/   2.5 million



(1)  Estimated
(2)  After 201 consolidations in California and Florida

                                      -24-


[LOGO]                       COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT                     [LOGO]

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STRENGTHEN AHM'S POSITION AS CA'S THIRD LARGEST INSTITUTION

         CALIFORNIA'S MOST EFFICIENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM




   Rank    Institution           Branches      Deposits       Deposits/Branch     Share
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           
First Tier Institutions    
                                                                  
    1      BankAmerica           1,047       78.1 billion     $74.6 million       21%
    2      Wells Fargo             680/(1)/      55.5              81.6           15
    3      AHM & GWF               432/(2)/      50.2             116.1           13
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           
    *      AHMANSON                316           28.4              89.8            8
    *      GREAT WESTERN           296           21.8              73.6            6
                                                                           
    5      Union BanCal            261           17.9              68.4            5
    6      First Nationwide        203           14.0              69.2            4
    7      American                158           12.8              81.0            3
    8      Glendale                162            9.2              56.6            2


(1)  Estimated
(2)  After consolidation of 180 California branches


Source:  SNL Securities; as of 6/30/96 adjusted for announced acquisitions

                                      -25-


LOGO                        COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT                        LOGO

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               MARKET RANK IMPROVES IN 18 OF 21 OVERLAPPING MSAs



             CA DEPOSIT MARKET SHARE                     PRO FORMA MARKET SHARE RANK

              [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]                           [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 

                                                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                                  Rank     
B of A                   :             21%            Top 5 CA MSAs*                                  
Wells                    :             15%            .  #1                     1 of 5           
AHM + GWF                :             13%            .  #2                     3 of 5           
                                                      .  #3                     1 of 5            
                                                                                -------         
                                                      .  #1, 2 or  3            5 of 5          
                                                      Top 10 CA MSAs*                                 
                                                      .  #1                     1 of 10          
                                                      .  #2                     4 of 10           
                                                      .  #3                     3 of 10           
                                                                                -------          
                                                      .  #1, 2 or 3             8 of 10           
 


Source:  SNL Securities; as of 6/30/96 adjusted for announced acquisitions

*  Based on population.
 
                                      -26-


[LOGO]                      COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT                      [LOGO]

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TOP 5 MSAS* REPRESENT 62% OF CALIFORNIA POPULATION AND 61% OF DEPOSITS


                              [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                               % of MSA Deposits


                         Los Angeles     Riverside       San Diego        Orange County     Oakland   
                                                                                   
Wells:                           9%          10%              18%               13%             14%   
AHM+GWF:                        16%          18%              23%               17%             10%   
B of A:                         20%          20%              18%               18%             31%   
                                                                                                
Population (000)             9,324        3,024            2,702             2,615           2,234    
                                                                                                
Deposits (billions)         $123.5        $18.2            $23.1             $31.8           $29.7   


Source:  SNL Securities; as of 6/30/96 adjusted for announced acquisitions

* Based on population
 
                                      -27-


[LOGO]                       COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT                     [LOGO]

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CREATES SOUTHEAST FLORIDA'S 4TH LARGEST BANKING INSTITUTION



                              [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                               % of MSA Deposits



                          Miami    Fort Lauderdale    West Palm Beach
                                                 
AHM+GWF:                     10%           14%                15%
                                    
Barnett:                     13%           18%                15%
                                    
NationsBank:                 13%           17%                10%
                                    
First Union:                 18%           18%                16%
                                    
Population (000)          2,061         1,434                991
                                    
Deposits (billions)      $ 34.5        $ 22.0              $17.1


Source:  SNL Securities; as of 6/30/96 adjusted for announced acquisitions

                                      -28-


[LOGO]                     COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT                       [LOGO]

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

SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES AHM'S MORTGAGE BANKING BUSINESS

  .  Over $10 billion in annual originations, with $109 billion servicing 
     portfolio

  .  Enhances efficiency of origination and delivery system

  .  Low marginal cost of servicing


                   --------------------------------------------------
                                                            1996
                                                            PRO FORMA
                                                            RANK
                                                            ---------

                   --------------------------------------------------
                         SINGLE FAMILY ORIGINATIONS

                         California                         3rd

                         Florida                            3rd

                         National                           10th

                         SERVICING                          7TH
                   --------------------------------------------------

                                      -29-


[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]

                           COMPELLING STRATEGIC FIT

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


ADDS SCALE TO KEY BUSINESS LINES AND LEVERAGES INVESTMENTS



                          AHM        GWF
                          ---   --------------
                          
LINE OF BUSINESS

Consumer Lending           X
Cash Management            X
Business Lending           X          X
Consumer Finance                      X
Asset Management           X    Potential Sale

SYSTEMS

CPI - Loan Servicing       X          X
Project HOME Run           X


                                      -30-


[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]



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



                             LOW RISK TRANSACTION



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

                                      -31-


[LOGO]                       LOW RISK TRANSACTION                         [LOGO]

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

EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM EXECUTING A LOW RISK TRANSACTION


  .  Cost savings

  .  Capital management

  .  Focused consumer banking strategy
 
                                      -32-


[LOGO]                           COST SAVINGS                             [LOGO]

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

SIGNIFICANT BRANCH OVERLAP



 
                                      BRANCHES WITHIN
                              0.5 MILES       1 MILE    2 MILES
                                               
CALIFORNIA                        97            135        197
% of Total/(1)/                33%            46%        67%
 
FLORIDA                           10             14         27
% of Total/(2)/                37%            52%       100%
 




(1) Reflects percent of GWF branches in California
(2) Reflects percent of AHM branches in Florida, after West Florida sale

                                      -33-


[LOGO]                           COST SAVINGS                             [LOGO]

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

ASSUMES RESTRUCTURING CHARGE EQUAL TO 100% OF FULLY PHASED IN ANNUAL COST 
SAVINGS

  . Additional credit reserve up to $150 million

  . Cost savings fully phased in by year-end 1998



(Dollars in Millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Estimated 1997   % Projected      Projected
                                Base        Cost Savings    Cost Savings
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   
 
Administration                  $141             73%            $103
Data Processing and  
 Operations                      124             52               64
Retail Banking                   318             45              144
Lending                          143             43               61
Loan Servicing                    37             54               20
                                ----                            ----
  SUB-TOTAL                     $763             51%            $392

FDIC Assessment                   17              0                0
Aristar                          120             10               12
                                ----                            ----
  TOTAL                         $900             45%            $404


                                      -34-


[LOGO]                           COST SAVINGS                             [LOGO]

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


ASSUMPTIONS CONSISTENT WITH PRIOR IN-MARKET TRANSACTIONS



TRANSACTION                  ASSUMED COST      RESTRUCTURING
                             SAVINGS (%)          CHARGE/
                                             COST SAVINGS/(1)/
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                                       
Bank Boston/BayBanks              39%                74%
Chemical/Chase                    40                112
Fleet/Shawmut                     43                100
Mercantile/Roosevelt              37                107
NationsBank/BankSouth             60                 49
Wells/First Interstate            46                 90
  AVERAGE                         44%                89%
  AHM/GWF                         45%                99%
 

(1)  Excludes credit provisions.  Based on fully phased-in cost savings.

                                      -35-


[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]

                           ADDITIONAL VALUE CREATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CURRENT ANALYSIS DOES NOT INCORPORATE POTENTIAL REVENUE GAINS

 . First tier market position in all major markets

 . Expanded franchise for new business initiatives

  *  Consumer banking

  *  Business banking

 . Cross-selling opportunities

 . Aristar

 . Revenue enhancements more than offset potential revenue loss

CALIFORNIA'S CONSUMER AND SMALL BUSINESS BANKING ALTERNATIVE
 
                                      -36-


[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]

                          PROJECTED CAPITAL STRUCTURE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROJECTED CAPITAL LEVELS REMAIN ABOVE WELL CAPITALIZED LEVELS



 
(Dollars in Millions)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                              At 12/31/96                 Adjustments
                        --------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                                  Projected
                           AHM        GWF        Other/(1)/    Acquisition/(2)/   at Closing
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                   
 
Intangibles              $   308    $   286       $ (48)           $3,805          $ 4,351
Total Assets              49,901     42,874         554             3,805           97,134
Trust Preferred              148        100         300               --               548
Preferred Equity             482        165          --               --               647
Common Equity              1,951      2,430          28             3,512            7,921
Total Equity               2,433      2,595          28             3,512            8,568
 
Ratios:
  Equity/Assets             4.88%      6.05%                                          8.82%
  Bank Core Capital         5.54%      5.85%                                          5.30%

(1) Reflects AHM and GWF estimated balance sheet changes from 12/31/96 to 
    9/30/97
(2) Reflects estimated purchase accounting adjustments and $325 million pre-tax 
    restructuring charges

                                      -37-


[LOGO]                        CAPITAL MANAGEMENT                          [LOGO]

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

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT PRACTICE

 . Repurchasing over $2 billion of common through 1999

 . Maintaining preferred to tangible equity ratio below 25%



(Dollars in Millions)
- --------------------------------------------------
 
                           Years Ended December 31,
                           ------------------------
                           1997     1998     1999
 
                                   
Cash Earnings              
 Available to Common       $ 478    $ 988   $1,087 
Plus:  Capital
 Issuances
  Options                     15       15       15
  Net Preferred              (65)      63        0
                           -----    -----   ------
                             (50)      78       15
Less:  Dividends             170      200      186
                           -----    -----   ------

- --------------------------------------------------
CASH GENERATED TO BUYBACK 
 COMMON                    $ 258    $ 866   $  916
- --------------------------------------------------


                                      -38-


[LOGO]                                                                    [LOGO]

                                    SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  .  Enhances shareholder value

  .  Financially and strategically powerful transaction

  .  We will remain financially disciplined

  .  We are committed

                                      -39-