================================================================================ SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) Filed by the Registrant [_] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [X] Check the appropriate box: [_] Preliminary Proxy Statement [_] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [_] Definitive Proxy Statement [_] Definitive Additional Materials [X] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12 GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required. [_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (5) Total fee paid: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. [_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Filing Party: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Date Filed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY A LOOK FORWARD NEXT STEPS 1 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] 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 FINANCIAL CORPORATION, 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 GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 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, ("COMMISSION"), INCLUDING A REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 18, 1997, AS AMENDED, AND THE COMMISSION FILINGS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN. 2 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] 1. H.F. AHMANSON - A COMPELLING INVESTMENT . Successful implementation of a powerful strategy 2. NEXT STEPS . Elect independent directors . Reject the WAMU offer . Accept the Ahmanson exhange offer 3 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] H.F. AHMANSON - A COMPELLING INVESTMENT SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF A POWERFUL STRATEGY 4 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] A CONSUMER BANK APRIL 30, 1997 . ASSETS $48.5 BILLION . DEPOSITS $33.9 BILLION . LOANS $45.3 BILLION . MARKET CAPITALIZATION $ 3.8 BILLION . # OF FINANCIAL SERVICE CENTERS / STATES 380 / 3 . # OF LOAN OFFICES / STATES 124 / 9 . MORTGAGE SERVICING $59.4 BILLION 5 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] CASH EARNINGS PER SHARE [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 1Q96 2Q96 3Q96 4Q96 1Q97 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 0.46 0.51 0.57* 0.77 0.90 * 3Q96 excludes SAIF recap and First Interstate branch acquisition charges. 6 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVING RETURNS CASH RETURN ON ASSETS [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 1Q96 2Q96 3Q96 4Q96 1Q97 1Q97* ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- 0.53% 0.58% 0.62% 0.78% 0.88% 0.84% CASH RETURN ON EQUITY [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 1Q96 2Q96 3Q96 4Q96 1Q97 1Q97* ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- 9.60% 10.80% 11.60% 16.60% 19.30% 17.21% 3Q96 excludes SAIF recap and First Interstate branch acquisition charges * Reported 7 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESS 1994 Franchise Rationalization and Enhancement New Mgmt Team Assembled 1995 New Initiatives - Investment Sales, HOME run, Consumer Lending --------------- Technology Development - HOME Run, CPI, Electronic Banking ---------------------- Stock Buybank Program Initiated 1996 Realize Consumer Lending & Investment Acquired 61 First Interstate Branches Business Banking & Cash Management Developed 1997 Exceeded Efficiency Targets Improving Credit Quality Accelerated EPS Growth Exceeded 15% ROE Goal 1998 48% Efficiency Ratio Improving Credit Quality EPS Growth 18% Cash ROE 8 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] FINANCIAL GOALS . ROE - First 15%, now 18% . Efficiency Ratio - below 50% . EPS Growth - achieve 18% ROE, then 15% EPS growth rate thereafter . Capital - "well capitalized" and well managed 9 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] STRATEGIC POSITION . Consumer Bank . Customer driven alternative delivery capabilities . Trusted financial advisor RESULT: ENHANCED MARKET PENETRATION 10 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] GROWTH IN CONSUMER ACCOUNTS ------ ($ in Billions) 12/31/95 3/31/97 % Change -------- ------- -------- Households 1.2 million 1.4 million 17% Accounts with 45,000 370,000 722% Debit Cards Checking balances $2.5 $3.3 32% 11 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] GROWTH IN OTHER FEE INCOME ------ . 1Q97 annual run rate is $79 million or $0.42 EPS higher than 1995 results [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] ($ in millions) 1Q96 2Q96 3Q96 4Q96 1Q97 2Q97* ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- $27 $31 $34 $44 $46 $48 * Run rate based on April results 12 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] GROWTH IN INVESTMENT PRODUCT SALES ------ AVERAGE DAILY CORE SALES [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] ($ in millions) 1995 1996 1Q97 APR-97 ---- ---- ---- ----- $0.6 $2.2 $3.5 $4.2 13 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] GROWTH IN HIGHER MARGIN BUSINESS ------- CONSUMER LOANS FUNDED [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] ($ in millions) Quarters: 1Q96 2Q96 3Q96 4Q96 1Q97 2Q97* ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- $17 $52 $71 $131 $136 $219 *Run rate based on April results 14 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] ASSET ORIGINATION IMPROVING EARNING ASSET COMPOSITION LOAN ORIGINATION MIX 1Q 1995 1997 ------ ------ Residential 99% 87% Consumer 1 12 Business 0 1 15 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] COST CONTAINMENT IMPROVED EFFICIENCY RATIOS [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 1995 1Q96 1Q97 ---- ---- ---- Efficiency Ratio: 59% 54% 49% 16 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] ASSET QUALITY . Credit costs down 36% . Loan Loss Reserves strong and stable [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] ($ in millions) 1Q96 2Q96 3Q96 4Q96 1Q97 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Provision 46 34 36 29 24 REO 26 27 25 28 22 Loan Loss Reserves 385 382 398 389 388 17 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] ASSET QUALITY RESIDENTIAL 1-4 FAMILY 60 DAY DELINQUENCIES KEY LEADING INDICATOR OF NONPERFORMING ASSETS [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 12/95 3/96 6/96 9/96 12/96 3/97 4/97 ($ in millions): $144 $134 $134 $121 $121 $100 $83* * Lowest level since October 1989 18 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL 1-4 FAMILY 90+ DAYS DELINQUENT [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 3/31/96 3/31/97 YEAR OF ORIGINATION % % - ------------------- ---- ---- PRE86 2.14 1.17 86 2.31 1.44 87 2.67 2.42 88 3.94 2.50 89 4.20 2.79 90 4.74 3.23 91 4.26 3.42 92 3.25 2.02 93 1.31 1.42 94 0.57 0.93 95 0.22 0.64 96 0.00 0.08 19 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] RESIDENTIAL 1-4 FAMILY NONPERFORMING LOANS [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] . Cumulative decline since February 1996: $202 million . 14 consecutive declines ($ 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 2/97 3/97 4/97 Monthly Change 29 29 -21 -26 -19 -11 -22 -19 -10 -13 -8 -2 -1 -11 -14 -25 20 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] ASSET QUALITY NONPERFORMING ASSETS DOWN 23% LEADING INDICATOR OF CREDIT COSTS [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 3/96 6/96 9/96 12/96 3/97 4/97 ($ in millions): $977 $954 $898 $846 $793 $752* * Lowest level since November 1990 21 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] COMPONENTS OF CREDIT COSTS FIRST QUARTER 1997 [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] Pre-'93 Post-'92 Total Loans Portfolio Portfolio ----------- --------- --------- % of Loans & REO: 0.40% 0.71% 0.13% Peer Group Average: 20 bps (a) (a) 1996 average of BVFS, GWF, WAMU, COFI and TCB 22 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] THE VALUE OF FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN ASSET QUALITY ON EPS * Each 10 bps of credit cost improvement adds $0.24 to EPS [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 10 bps 15 bps 20 bps ------ ------ ------ $0.24 $0.36 $0.48 23 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] A CONSUMER BANK WITH BUSINESS BANKING CAPABILITY . Large, profitable and underserved segment . Fully utilizes existing distribution system . Leverages strong loyalty and name recognition . High ROE . Built capabilities for First Interstate acquisition . In process of rollout to entire California franchise 24 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] CAPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMON STOCK BUYBACK ACTIVITY -- 16% of Common Stock repurchased since start of programs # Shares Avg Price (millions) Paid ---------- --------- Programs to date 19.2 $27.11 Remaining: --------- Prior Program $131 million New Program 250 million ------------ $381 million 25 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] 1997 FIRST QUARTER /(1)/ IMPROVED NET INCOME AND EPS PERCENT INCREASE FROM 1996 [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] Dollars Fully-Diluted EPS %: 59% 93% (1) First quarter 1997 includes gain on sale of Arizona branches ($9.5 million or $0.08 EPS) Excluding gain on sale, 45% increase in dollars and 76% increase in fully diluted EPS. 26 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] ACCELERATED CASH EPS GROWTH Street estimates indicate continued above average growth . Street Estimates CAGR (Cash Earnings) - 1996 to 1998 = 31% - 1996 to 1999 = 23% [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 1995 1996 1997E 1998E 1999E ---- ---- ----- ----- ----- $1.42 $2.31 $3.35/(1)/ $3.81/(1)/ $4.20/(2)/ (1) Based on First Call estimates, adjusted for goodwill and CDI amortization (2) 1999E reflects 10% growth rate over 1998 First Call estimate, adjusted for goodwill and CDI amortization Note: 1995 excludes goodwill accounting change and gain on sale of New York branches 1996 excludes SAIF recap and First Interstate branch acquisition charges 27 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] NEXT STEPS STEPS TO ENHANCING GWF SHAREHOLDER VALUE 1. ELECT INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS 2. REJECT THE WAMU OFFER 3. ACCEPT THE AHMANSON EXHANGE OFFER 28 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] NEXT STEPS STEP 1: ELECTION OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS 29 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] ELECT THREE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS . Wolfgang Schoellkopf, 64, retired vice chairman and chief financial officer of First Fidelity Bancorp. . Lawrence A. Del Santo, 63, retired chairman and chief executive officer of The Vons Companies, Inc. . Robert T. Gelber, 61, retired partner of the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. 30 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] WHY SUPPORT THESE DIRECTORS . Not committed to any specific merger proposal . Committed to equal treatment for any company that has made a bona fide proposal to Great Western . Committed to the best value for Great Western stockholders These individuals, none of whom is a director, officer or employee of Ahmanson, have committed that they will act on behalf of all of the Great Western stockholders and not at the direction of Ahmanson. 31 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] NEXT STEPS VOTE THE WHITE PROXY CARD ----- WHY The incumbent Great Western directors have publicly stated that they are committed to the WAMU merger and their actions demonstrate a disregard for maximization of shareholder value. 1. Discussions and negotiations with WAMU, but not Ahmanson 2. Material information provided to WAMU, but not to Ahmanson 3. Lock-ups 4. Extraordinary efforts to force Ahmanson to drop its bid 5. Attempt to stifle stockholders' expression of their views 32 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] NEXT STEPS STEP 2: REJECT THE WAMU OFFER 33 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] NEXT STEPS WHY REJECT THE WAMU OFFER? 34 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] AHMANSON'S MERGER BENEFITS ASSUMPTIONS CONSERVATIVE - -- PLUS AHM HAS THE IN-MARKET ADVANTAGE [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] (in millions) Revenue Total Merger Cost Savings Enhancements Benefits ------------ ------------ ------------ AHM: $454 $ 50 $504 WAMU: $340 $334 $674 35 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] AHM+GWF COMBINATION PROVIDES SUPERIOR CA MARKET SHARE [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] TOTAL DEPOSITS -------------- (in billions) --45% larger base AHM + GWF $50.2 WAMU + GWF $34.6 CA MARKET SHARE --------------- --WAMU/GWF inferior #3 player B OF A 21% WELLS FARGO 15% AHM + GWF 13% WAMU + GWF 9% 36 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] AHM+GWF COMBINATION CREATES LARGER AND MORE EFFICIENT CA FRANCHISE [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] NUMBER OF BRANCHES ------------------ --18% larger franchise AHM + GWF 417 WAMU + GWF 354 DEPOSITS/BRANCH/(a)/ -------------------- (in millions) --23% more efficient AHM + GWF $120.4 WAMU + GWF $ 97.7 (a) After branch consolidations: AHM (180), WAMU (100) 37 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] AHMANSON'S REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS PRUDENT WAMU'S ARE SUBSTANTIALLY OVERSTATED Assumed Incremental Revenue Enhancements as a % of GWF Revenue Base/(a)/ [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] % Revenue Enhancements --- -------------------- AHM: 3% $ 50 WAMU: 19% $334 (a) Great Western Financial 1Q 1997 Total Revenues annualized 38 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] WAMU EXECUTION RISK "PICK YOUR POISON" . COST SAVES OVERSTATED - ABILITY TO ACHIEVE $340MM IN EXPENSE REDUCTIONS . REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS UNACHIEVABLE - ABILITY TO ACHIEVE $334MM IN INCREMENTAL REVENUE - CURRENT LENDING PROGRAMS BY WAMU INCONSISTENT WITH SPREAD CLAIMS - COMBINATION OF AGGRESSIVE COST SAVES AND REVENUE ENHANCEMENTS IS UNPRECEDENTED . INTEREST RATE RISK EXPOSURE HIGH - FIXED RATE LOANS - WHOLESALE FUNDING . QUADRUPLE SIZE OF COMPANY IN 1 YEAR . LACK OF RELEVANT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE . WAMU TRANSACTION STRUCTURE IS INFLEXIBLE - NO BUYBACK 39 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] INTEREST RATE RISK/(1)/ [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] --AHM holds less fixed rate assets in portfolio FIXED RATE/TOTAL LOANS ---------------------- AHM: 5% WAMU: 24% --AHM less reliant on wholesale funding WHOLESALE FUNDING/INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES ---------------------------------------------- AHM: 24% WAMU: 43% (1) As of 3/31/97 40 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] RELEVANT MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE WAMU AHM ------- ----- California market experience Limited Yes Florida market experience No Yes California credit cycle knowledge Limited Yes Consumer finance expertise No Yes Relevant asset / liability experience No Yes Local executive management No Yes 41 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] AHM/HOME SAVINGS SENIOR MANAGERS Years at Name Position AHM/HSA Prior Bank and Non-Bank Experience ---- --------------------------------------- -------- ---------------------------------- Charles Rinehart Chairman & CEO 7 7 years at a major consumer finance company including 5 years as president; 14 years in various positions at a major insurance company Bruce Willison President & COO 1 23 years at a major commercial bank, including 10 years as a commercial bank CEO Kevin Twomey Sr. Exec.Vice President & CFO 4 4 years as CFO of a large thrift; 9 years in various financial positions at large regional commercial banks Madeleine Kleiner Sr. Exec. Vice President, General 2 18 years at a large L.A. law firm working in Counsel & Secretary and Chief the financial institutions practice, partner Administrative Officer for 12 years Anne-Drue Anderson EVP, Treasurer & Director of Marketing 4 4 years of commercial banking, 4 years at a large thrift Carl Forsythe EVP, Personal Financial Services 1.5 9 years at large regional and major commercial banks, 4 years thrift experience and 3 years at a Big Three automotive company in finance positions Nancy Markle EVP, CIO 3 4 years bank and GSE experience, 23 years of additional information technology experience in various industries Jan Cloyde EVP, Director of Banking Services 1 22 years of commercial banking Will Barrett EVP, Director of Consumer Lending 6 24 years of consumer lending Bob McAuslan Chief Credit Officer .5 23 years of commercial banking 42 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] INTEGRATION RISK HOW FAR IS TOO FAR? --- IRWINDALE TO CHATSWORTH = 48 MILES SEATTLE TO CHATSWORTH = 1,124 MILES [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] [MAP OF UNITED STATES SHOWING DISTANCE OF SEATTLE TO CHATSWORTH AND IRWINDALE TO CHATSWORTH ALSO MINNEAPOLIS TO NEW YORK 1,233 MILES LITTLE ROCK TO NEW YORK 1,219 MILES ATLANTA TO NEW YORK 870 MILES] 43 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] WAMU'S TRANSACTION STRUCTURE IS HIGHLY INFLEXIBLE WAMU'S TRANSACTION LEAVES NO MARGIN FOR ERROR: . INABILITY TO PROFITABLY REDIRECT CAPITAL IN THE EVENT THAT LOAN GROWTH PROJECTIONS ARE EVEN LESS ACHIEVABLE IN A RISING RATE ENVIRONMENT . INABILITY TO OPTIMIZE THE EFFICIENCY OF THEIR CAPITAL STRUCTURE WITH PREFERRED IN PLACE OF COMMON . WILL BE RESTRICTED FROM DIVESTING MATERIAL ASSETS FOR 2 YEARS - ARISTAR - FLORIDA 44 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] NEXT STEPS STEP 3: ACCEPT THE AHMANSON EXCHANGE OFFER 45 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] AHMANSON EXCHANGE OFFER TERMS . FORMULA UNCHANGED - FLOATING EXCHANGE RATIO AHM Stock Price Exchange Ratio Below $41.67 1.20x Betweeen $41.67 and Floats to provide $50.00 $45.45 to GWF stockholders Over $45.45 1.10x . OFFER TO COMMENCE AFTER SEC CLEARANCE (ORIGINAL TIMETABLE SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED) . SUCCESSFUL EXCHANGE OFFER WOULD BE FOLLOWED PROMPTLY BY A MERGER WITH GWF 46 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] AHM OFFER LOW RISK AHM OFFER REMAINS PREDICATED ON A SIMPLE, PROVEN FORMULA: Significant Cost Savings Enhanced Shareholder Value: plus equals 1. Significant accretion 2. Accelerated EPS growth Accelerated Stock Repurchase 47 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] THE AHMANSON MERGER OFFER PROVIDES SUPERIOR RESULTS THE FACTS ARE ON AHMANSON'S SIDE - -------------------------------- . PROVIDES GWF STOCKHOLDERS WITH HIGHER CURRENT MARKET VALUE . AHMANSON'S CURRENCY MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN WAMU'S OVER THE LONGER TERM: - LOWER RISK STRATEGY - LESS INTEREST RATE RISK - MORE ATTRACTIVELY PRICED WITH GREAT "UPSIDE" POTENTIAL - MORE CREDIBLE PROJECTIONS . TRANSACTION PREDICATED UPON SIMPLE AND IRREFUTABLE STRATEGIES: - IN-MARKET DRIVEN COST SAVINGS - SHARE REPURCHASES . CREATES A CLEARLY SUPERIOR CALIFORNIA AND FLORIDA FRANCHISE 48 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] IMPACT ON ACCRETION / (DILUTION) % Accretion (Dilution) ---------------------- Exchange Ratio 1998 1999 -------- ------ ------ Reported EPS AHM = $40.00 1.20x (12)% 1% AHM = $43.50 1.15 (11) 3 AHM = $45.50 1.10 (8) 5 Cash EPS AHM = $40.00 1.20x 8% 20% AHM = $43.50 1.15 11 23 AHM = $45.50 1.10 14 27 49 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] ENHANCED OPERATING PERFORMANCE EFFICIENCY RATIO ---------------- 1997E 1998E 1999E ----- ----- ----- 45% 39% 36% CASH ROE -------- 1997E 1998E 1999E ----- ----- ----- 19% 28% 32% 50 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] A COMPELLING INVESTMENT . Clear low risk path to fundamental operating improvement exists . AHM attractively priced, with or without GWF . Marketplace does not appear to fully reflect: - Reduction in credit costs - Share repurchases - Growing power of new capabilities on operating earnings . Goodwill lawsuit . Federal tax benefit 51 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] SHARES OF GREAT WESTERN FINANCIAL 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 a date to be announced (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 are also soliciting consents from stockholders of GWF to approve proposals, without a stockholders' meeting, to adopt non-binding resolutions of stockholders and amendments 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, Delia M. Reyes, Charles R. Rinehart, Frank M. Sanchez, Elizabeth A. Sanders, Arthur W. Schmutz, William D. Schulte, 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), Madeleine A. Kleiner (Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel), Anne-Drue M. Anderson (Executive Vice President and Treasurer), Tim S. Glassett (First Vice President and Assistant General Counsel), Linda McCall (Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Taxes), Stephen A. Swartz (Senior Vice President and Director of Investor Relations), Barbara Timmer (Senior Vice President and Director of Government and Legislative Affairs), Mary A. Trigg (Senior Vice President and Director of Public Relations), Eric Warmstein (Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Development), Samantha Davies (Vice President of Public Relations), Adrian Rodriguez (Vice President of Public Relations), and Peter Bennett (Assistant Vice President of Public Relations); and the following Nominees: Lawrence A. Del Santo, Robert T. Gelber, Wolfgang Schoellkopf, Hugh M. Grant and John E. Merow. 52 [LOGO OF H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY] [LOGO OF HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA] As of May 15, 1997, Ahmanson is the beneficial owner of 3,560,500 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 May 15, 1997, 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 are a "participant," as defined in Schedule 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or that such 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 May 15, 1997, CSFB held a net long position of 11,524 shares of GWF common stock and Montgomery held no 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 who may participate in this solicitation or the Nominees named above has any interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in GWF. 53