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

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

[X]      Annual  Report  Pursuant  to  Section  13 or  15(d)  of the  Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000.

                                       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:       0-15213

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


                                                                           
                           DELAWARE                                                        06-1187536
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)                (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

           WEBSTER PLAZA, WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT                                             06702
         (Address of principal executive offices)                                          (Zip Code)


                                 (203) 753-2921
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                 Not Applicable
          (Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act)

                          Common Stock, $.01 par value
          (Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act,
                                 Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
                                                                [X] Yes   [_] 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. [_]

Based upon the closing price of the registrant's common stock as of February 28,
2001,   the  aggregate   market  value  of  the  voting  common  stock  held  by
non-affiliates of the registrant is $1,342,805,066.  Solely for purposes of this
calculation,  the  shares  held  by  directors  and  executive  officers  of the
registrant  have  been  excluded  because  such  persons  may  be  deemed  to be
affiliates.  This reference to affiliate  status is not necessarily a conclusive
determination for other purposes.

The number of shares  outstanding of each of the registrant's  classes of common
stock, as of the latest practicable date is:

Common Stock (par value $ .01)                     49,104,678 Shares
- ------------------------------       -------------------------------------------
            Class                    Issued and Outstanding at February 28, 2001

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III:  Portions of the Definitive  Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2001.

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




                          WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                          2000 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                     PART I
                                                                                                                     Page
                                                                                                                     ----
                                                                                                                   
Item 1.    Business                                                                                                    3
           General                                                                                                     3
           Business Combinations                                                                                       3
           Lending Activities                                                                                          5
           Investment Activities                                                                                       8
           Trust Activities                                                                                            9
           Insurance Activities                                                                                        9
           Financial Advisory Services                                                                                 9
           Sources of Funds                                                                                           10
           Bank Subsidiaries                                                                                          11
           Employees                                                                                                  11
           Market Area and Competition                                                                                12
           Regulation                                                                                                 12
           Taxation                                                                                                   13

Item 2.    Properties                                                                                                 14
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings                                                                                          14
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                                        14


                                     PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters                                      15
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data                                                                                    16
Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of Operations                        17
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk                                                 29
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                                                                29
Item 9.    Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                       29


                                     PART III

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant                                                         29
Item 11.   Executive Compensation                                                                                     30
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management                                             30
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                                                             30


                                     PART IV

Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K                                           30

Signatures                                                                                                            34

Exhibit Index                                                                                                         36



                                       2


                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL

Webster  Financial  Corporation  ("Webster"  or  the  "Company"),   through  its
subsidiaries,  Webster Bank (the "Bank"), Damman Associates, Inc. ("Damman") and
Webster D&P Holdings,  Inc. ("Duff & Phelps"),  delivers  financial  services to
individuals,  families and  businesses  primarily in  Connecticut  and financial
advisory services to public and private companies  throughout the United States.
Webster provides  business and consumer  banking,  mortgage  lending,  trust and
investment services and insurance services through 114 banking offices and other
offices, over 200 ATM's and the internet (www.websterbank.com). Webster's online
mortgage   subsidiary   Nowlending,   LLC,  at   www.nowlending.com   originates
residential mortgages throughout the United States.  Webster Bank was founded in
1935 and converted from a federal mutual to a federal stock institution in 1986.

Webster on a  consolidated  basis at December 31, 2000 and 1999 had total assets
of $11.2  billion and $9.9  billion,  total  securities of $3.4 billion and $3.1
billion and net loans receivable of $6.8 billion and $6.0 billion, respectively.
At December 31, 2000 and 1999 total deposits were $6.9 billion and $6.2 billion,
respectively.  At  December  31, 2000 and 1999  shareholders'  equity was $890.4
million and $635.7 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2000, the assets of Webster on an unconsolidated basis consisted
primarily of its investments in the Bank,  Damman and Duff & Phelps that totaled
$1.0 billion,  investment securities of $95.0 million, $40.4 million of cash and
interest-bearing  deposits and  receivables  and other assets of $24.8  million.
Primary  sources of income to Webster on an  unconsolidated  basis are  dividend
payments  received from the Bank,  interest from and gains on sale of investment
securities  and income  from  interest-bearing  deposits.  Primary  expenses  of
Webster on an unconsolidated  basis are interest expense on borrowings,  capital
securities  and  allocated  operating  expenses.  See  Notes  18  and  21 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Deposits  in the Bank are  federally  insured by the Federal  Deposit  Insurance
Corporation  ("FDIC").  The  Bank  is  a  Bank  Insurance  Fund  ("BIF")  member
institution and at December 31, 2000,  approximately  75% of the Bank's deposits
were subject to BIF assessment rates and 25% were subject to Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF")  assessment  rates. See the  "Regulation"  section under
this item.

Webster,  as a  holding  company,  and the Bank  are  subject  to  comprehensive
regulation, examination and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the
"OTS"), as the primary federal regulator. Webster is also subject to regulation,
examination  and  supervision  by the  FDIC  as to  certain  matters.  Webster's
executive offices are located at Webster Plaza,  Waterbury,  Connecticut  06702.
The telephone number is (203) 753-2921.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

POOLING OF INTERESTS TRANSACTION

Since January 1, 1999, Webster has completed one acquisition which was accounted
for under the pooling of interests  method of accounting and includes  financial
data as if the business  combination  occurred at the  beginning of the earliest
period presented.

THE NECB ACQUISITION
On December 1, 1999,  Webster  acquired New England  Community  Bancorp.,  Inc.,
("NECB"),  a multi-bank holding company  headquartered in Windsor,  Connecticut.
Three of its wholly-owned bank subsidiaries,  New England Bank and Trust, Equity
Bank and Community Bank, were located in Connecticut and one, Olde Port Bank and
Trust,  was located in New Hampshire.  In connection  with the merger with NECB,
Webster issued  7,298,788  shares of its common stock for all of the outstanding
shares of NECB's common  stock.  Under the terms of the merger  agreement,  each
outstanding  share of NECB's  common  stock was  converted  into 1.06  shares of
Webster common stock.


                                       3


PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS

The following acquisitions,  effective since January 1, 1999, were accounted for
as purchase transactions, and as such, results of operations are included in the
Consolidated Financial Statements subsequent to acquisition.

THE DUFF & PHELPS ACQUISITION
In November  2000,  Webster,  through its newly  formed  company  Duff & Phelps,
acquired a 65% interest in Duff & Phelps,  LLC, a privately-owned  company which
has offices in Chicago,  New York, Los Angeles,  and Raleigh-Durham,  NC. Duff &
Phelps provides  expertise in middle-market  mergers and  acquisitions,  private
placements, fairness opinions, valuations, ESOP and ERISA advisory services, and
special financial advisory services.  Duff & Phelps is expected to add in excess
of $20 million of fee-based revenue on an annual basis, and further  accelerates
progress  toward the strategic  objective of broadening  commercial bank product
offerings and increasing revenue from fee-based services.

THE FLEETBOSTON BRANCH ACQUISITION
In August 2000,  Webster  purchased four  Connecticut  branches from FleetBoston
Financial  Corporation that were divested as the result of the  Fleet-BankBoston
merger.  The branches had approximately  $138 million in deposit balances at the
time of closing and are located in Brookfield, Guilford, Meriden, and Thomaston.
The  transaction  includes the purchase of deposits and loans for individual and
small  business  customers  associated  with these  branches.  This  transaction
strengthened and extended the Bank's retail franchise.

THE MECHANICS ACQUISITION
In June 2000, Webster acquired MECH Financial,  Inc. ("Mechanics"),  the holding
company for Mechanics Savings Bank, in a non taxable,  stock-for-stock exchange.
Mechanics Savings Bank was a  state-chartered,  Hartford based savings bank with
$1.1 billion in assets and 16 branch offices in the capital region. Based on the
terms of the agreement,  Mechanics  shareholders received 1.52 shares of Webster
common  stock  for  each  share  of  Mechanics  common  stock.  The  acquisition
strengthened  Webster's market share in Hartford  County,  where Webster already
ranked second in deposit market share.

THE CHASE BRANCH ACQUISITION
In May 2000, Webster purchased six Connecticut branches from The Chase Manhattan
Bank, located in Cheshire,  Middlebury, North Haven, Waterbury (2) and Watertown
with  approximately $135 million in deposit balances.  The transaction  included
the  purchase of consumer  deposits,  small  business  deposits  and loans,  and
brokerage and custody accounts associated with these branches.  This transaction
strengthened and extended the Bank's retail franchise.

THE FOLLIS, WYLIE & LANE ACQUISITION AND THE LEVINE ACQUISITION
Webster  also  actively  engaged  during  2000 in  building a dynamic  statewide
insurance  operation,  purchasing the Louis Levine Agency,  Inc.  ("Levine") and
Follis Wylie & Lane,  Inc.  ("Follis").  Webster  entered the  insurance  agency
business  in 1998.  Webster  Insurance  offers  a full  line of  commercial  and
personal  insurance;  risk management  services;  employee  benefit plans;  life
insurance  and  annuities,  and  writes  in  excess  of $180  million  in annual
premiums.  In April 2000, Webster through its wholly-owned  insurance subsidiary
Damman acquired  Follis, a privately owned Hamden,  Connecticut-based  insurance
agency. Follis offers a full range of insurance services, including property and
casualty,  life and health. In February 2000,  through Damman,  Webster acquired
Levine, a  privately-owned  Waterford and Norwich,  Connecticut  based insurance
agency.  Founded in 1928,  the company  includes  three  entities:  Louis Levine
Agency,   Inc.,  Levine  Financial   Services,   Inc.  and  Retirement  Planning
Associates, Inc.

THE VILLAGE ACQUISITION
In May 1999,  Webster acquired Village Bancorp,  Inc.  ("Village"),  the holding
company for The Village Bank & Trust  Company in a non taxable,  stock-for-stock
exchange.  Village  had  approximately  $215  million  in total  assets and $200
million in deposits at six branches.

THE MARITIME ACQUISITION
In April 1999, Webster acquired Maritime Bank & Trust Company ("Maritime"), in a
non taxable, stock-for-stock exchange. Maritime had approximately $95 million in
total assets and $85 million in deposits at three branches.


                                       4


THE ACCESS ACQUISITION
In January 1999,  Webster completed its acquisition of Access National Mortgage,
Inc.  ("Access").  Access was founded in 1996 as a privately held Internet-based
mortgage lender located in Wilmington,  Massachusetts.  In October 1999,  Access
National Mortgage, LLC was renamed Nowlending,  LLC. Nowlending,  LLC originates
mortgages in 47 states.

SALE TRANSACTION

THE OLDE PORT BANK & TRUST BRANCH SALE
On December 29, 2000,  Webster  completed the sale of its two branches that were
located  in New  Hampshire.  The  branches  were  sold to  Granite  Bank,  a New
Hampshire  state-chartered  commercial bank. The branches had  approximately $43
million of loans and $39 million of deposits at the date of sale.

PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS SUBSEQUENT TO DECEMBER 31, 2000

THE CENTER CAPITAL ACQUISITION
In March 2001, Webster acquired Center Capital Corporation ("Center Capital"), a
privately-owned  Farmington,  Connecticut-based equipment financing company with
assets of $260  million.  Center  Capital  finances  commercial  and  industrial
equipment including trucks,  tractors,  trailers,  machine tools and other heavy
equipment through leasing programs to customers throughout the United States.

THE MUSANTE REIHL ACQUISITION
In January 2001,  through  Damman,  Webster  acquired  Musante Reihl  Associates
("Musante"),  a  privately-owned  Cheshire,  Connecticut based insurance agency.
Musante  specializes in group benefits,  long-term care and life insurance,  has
seven employees and had revenues of $850,000 in 2000.

LENDING ACTIVITIES

GENERAL

Webster,  through its consolidated Bank subsidiary,  originates various types of
residential,  commercial and consumer loans. Total gross loans receivable before
the allowance for loan losses were $6.9 billion and $6.1 billion at December 31,
2000  and  1999,  respectively.  The  Bank  offers  commercial  and  residential
permanent and construction  mortgage loans,  commercial and industrial loans and
various  types of consumer  loans  including  home equity lines of credit,  home
equity loans and other types of small business and consumer  loans.  At December
31, 2000 and 1999,  residential  loans represented 60% and 64% of Webster's loan
portfolio, respectively.

The Bank's middle market lending unit has lending  relationships  with companies
primarily  located in the State of  Connecticut  with annual sales of $5 to $250
million.  This  portfolio  has  grown  due to  internal  growth  as  well as the
retention  of acquired  customers.  The Bank  provides  these  customers  with a
complete  array of traditional  commercial  credit  facilities  such as lines of
credit, term loans, owner occupied commercial mortgages, asset based lending and
interest-rate  protection products. In addition,  the Bank provides state of the
art cash  management  services  including  automated  investments,  lock box and
account  reconciliation   services.  In  support  of  customer's   international
business,  the Bank  provides  letters of credit and offers them various  export
programs of the Ex-Im Bank.

Webster Bank originates construction,  construction-to-permanent,  and permanent
commercial real estate loans throughout the New England region.  At December 31,
2000, outstanding commercial real estate loans totaled $857.0 million,  compared
to $741.2 million as of December 31, 1999.  The Bank's  strategy is to originate
loans with quality income producing real estate as collateral. The Bank develops
relationships  with quality  regional  developers and participates in loans with
selected banks.

Small Business  Banking (SBB) provides a full array of loan and deposit products
to small businesses located throughout Connecticut.  Webster's SBB target market
is businesses with annual revenues of up to $5 million. This market represents a
significant percentage of commercial businesses located in Connecticut. SBB uses
the Bank's branch network as well as dedicated business  development officers to
fully service its existing customer base and call on potential new customers.



                                       5


In addition to personal customer contact,  SBB utilizes a variety of direct mail
and  telemarketing  programs to increase  market  penetration.  SBB also plays a
major  role in  supporting  the  Bank's  Community  Reinvestment  Act  goals  by
providing credit facilities for numerous local not-for-profit organizations. SBB
uses the  Fair-Isaac  credit  scoring model to assist in loan approvals of up to
$250,000  and offers a $50,000  same day line of credit  approval  program.  SBB
provides all  commercial  loan products  including  lines of credit,  letters of
credit,  term loans and mortgages on owner occupied real estate.  The unit has a
conservative loan policy and has a fully staffed portfolio  management  function
to monitor credit quality. As a result of its expansion efforts, SBB serves as a
referral source for other Bank products  including cash  management,  insurance,
international  products  and  investments.  The  Bank is  also a Small  Business
Administration  ("SBA")  preferred  lender  authorized  to  offer  all SBA  loan
guaranty  products and is also active in several loan programs  provided through
the Connecticut Development Authority.

The Bank, as part of its strategy to expand its commercial loan  portfolio,  has
formed a specialized  lending unit. The specialized  lending unit's objective is
to obtain geographic and industry  diversification within the overall commercial
loan portfolio by  participating  in the syndicated  lending  market.  The loans
administered  by the  specialized  lending  unit  are  monitored  by the  Shared
National  Credit Program  ("SNCP").  The SNCP is designed to provide  consistent
review  and  classification  by bank  regulatory  agencies  of any  loan or loan
commitment  that  totals  $20  million  or more and is  shared  by three or more
supervised  institutions.  These bank regulatory  agencies  include the Board of
Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System,  the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

At December 31, 2000 and 1999, the specialized  lending unit administered $439.9
million and $296.6 million, respectively, of funded loans against commitments of
$637.9 million and $461.2 million. This represented  approximately 6.4% and 4.9%
of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

A summary of loans administered by the specialized lending unit follows:



(In thousands)
                                                                          PRINCIPAL BALANCES OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRY                                                                           2000                       1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  
Manufacturing                                                                $    128,704               $     77,031
Wireless Communications                                                            71,706                     43,402
Cable                                                                              56,163                     53,042
Collateralized debt obligations                                                    45,480                     38,520
Radio/TV broadcasting                                                              33,146                     26,068
Other Telecom (a)                                                                  34,306                      9,370
Advertising/Publishing                                                             33,067                     23,011
All other (b)                                                                      37,372                     26,131
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                        $    439,944               $    296,575
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
(a) Includes PCS, CLEC, ICP and Towers
(b) Includes Service, Leisure and Environmental services
</FN>


In addition to the loans  administered by the specialized  lending unit, Webster
had $130.5  million of  participation  loans that are also monitored by the SNCP
against  commitments of $198.1 million at December 31, 2000. These participation
loans are  located  primarily  in the  Northeast  region and  represent  service
related  industrial  loans and real estate loans.  The loans are funded  through
Webster's regional commercial divisions,  whose focus is primarily middle market
lending.  The SNCP  participation  loans are distinguished  from the specialized
lending unit SNCP loans by being relatively smaller  transactions where the Bank
in most cases, has a direct relationship with the borrower.

The Bank's credit administration department monitors credit risk, which includes
risk that may result from the  participation in the specialized  lending market.
At December 31, 2000, the Bank had one specialized lending borrower with a total
nonaccrual relationship of $5.1 million.


                                       6


The Bank  originates both fixed-rate and  adjustable-rate  residential  mortgage
loans.  At December  31,  2000,  approximately  $2.3 billion or 57% of Webster's
total  residential  mortgage loans were  adjustable-rate  loans.  Webster offers
adjustable-rate  mortgage loans at initial  interest rates  discounted  from the
fully indexed rate.  Adjustable-rate loans originated during 2000 and 1999, when
fully indexed,  will be 2.75% above the constant maturity one-year U.S. Treasury
yield  index.  At  December  31,  2000,  approximately  $1.8  billion  or 43% of
Webster's  total  residential  mortgage  loans had a fixed rate.  Webster  sells
residential  mortgage loans in the secondary market in a manner  consistent with
its  asset/liability  management  objectives.  At December 31, 2000, Webster had
$17.7 million of residential mortgage loans held for sale.

The following  table sets forth the  composition of the Bank's loan portfolio in
dollar amounts and percentages at the dates shown.


                                                                      At December 31,
                                                 2000                      1999                      1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                     Amount         %          Amount         %          Amount         %
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         
Residential mortgage loans:
   1-4 family units                     $ 3,778,522     55.41%    $ 3,544,060     58.85%    $ 3,679,213     66.81%
   Construction                             302,776      4.44         302,310      5.02         200,417      3.64
   Multi-family units                        65,482      0.96          52,573      0.87             689      0.01
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total residential mortgage loans     4,146,780     60.81       3,898,943     64.74       3,880,319     70.46
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial loans:
   Commercial non-mortgage                1,207,398     17.70         915,035     15.20         548,734      9.96
   Commercial real estate                   784,817     11.51         695,520     11.55         548,487      9.96
   Commercial construction                   72,216      1.06          45,648      0.76          67,717      1.23
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total commercial loans                 2,064,431     30.27       1,656,203     27.51       1,164,938     21.15
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer loans:
   Home equity credit loans                 609,293      8.93         492,684      8.18         458,981      8.33
   Other consumer                            89,514      1.32          47,064      0.78          68,081      1.24
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total consumer loans                   698,807     10.25         539,748      8.96         527,062      9.57
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans receivable (net of fees
   and costs)                             6,910,018    101.33       6,094,894    101.21       5,572,319    101.18
Allowance for loan losses                   (90,809)    (1.33)        (72,658)    (1.21)        (65,201)    (1.18)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Loans receivable, net                $ 6,819,209    100.00%    $ 6,022,236    100.00%    $ 5,507,118    100.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                            At December 31,
                                                     1997                      1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                        Amount         %          Amount         %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
Residential mortgage loans:
   1-4 family units                        $ 3,900,224     70.60%    $ 3,720,878     70.66%
   Construction                                117,619      2.13         109,923      2.09
   Multi-family units                           16,736      0.30          39,257      0.75
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total residential mortgage loans        4,034,579     73.03       3,870,058     73.50
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial loans:
   Commercial non-mortgage                     369,658      6.69         328,375      6.24
   Commercial real estate                      530,080      9.59         525,697      9.98
   Commercial construction                      58,888      1.07          34,749      0.66
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total commercial loans                      958,626     17.35         888,821     16.88
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer loans:
   Home equity credit loans                    494,537      8.95         465,220      8.83
   Other consumer                              108,775      1.97         104,681      1.99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total consumer loans                      603,312     10.92         569,901     10.82
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans receivable (net of fees
   and costs)                                5,596,517    101.30       5,328,780    101.20
Allowance for loan losses                      (71,599)    (1.30)        (63,047)    (1.20)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Loans receivable, net                   $ 5,524,918    100.00%    $ 5,265,733    100.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                       7


The  following  table  sets forth the  contractual  maturity  and  interest-rate
sensitivity  of  residential  and  commercial  construction  mortgage  loans and
commercial  non-mortgage loans at December 31, 2000.  Additionally,  at December
31, 2000, the amount of these loans due after one year with fixed interest rates
was $452.3 million and with adjustable or floating rates was $716.4 million.



                                                                   Contractual Maturity
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                One Year              One to                 More Than
(In thousands)                                   or Less            Five Years              Five Years                Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   
CONTRACTUAL MATURITY
   Construction loans:
      Residential mortgage                   $          --        $      302,776          $           --       $       302,776
      Commercial mortgage                           38,567                19,486                  14,163                72,216
   Commercial non-mortgage loans                   375,100               469,459                 362,839             1,207,398
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                  $     413,667        $      791,721          $      377,002       $     1,582,390
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST-RATE SENSITIVITY
   Fixed rates                               $      32,343        $      305,743          $      146,568       $       484,654
   Variable rates                                  381,324               485,978                 230,434             1,097,736
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                  $     413,667        $      791,721          $      377,002       $     1,582,390
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WHOLESALE LENDING
Webster's  wholesale  expansion  initiative allows Webster to expand outside its
footprint absent the costs associated with retail offices.  The Bank anticipates
increased  loan  origination  volume with the use of licensed  mortgage  brokers
initially  throughout the eastern  United  States.  Mortgage loans are approved,
closed,  and  funded by  Webster  Bank.  The  majority  of loans are sold in the
secondary market primarily to Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
or Government  National Mortgage  Association as  mortgage-backed  securities in
order to achieve  optimal  pricing  while not  retaining the assets on Webster's
balance sheet.  Through the wholesale  initiative,  Webster Bank also expects to
offer consumer  lending and insurance  products.  These products  include equity
loans, equity lines of credit, as well as homeowners and auto insurance.

NONACCRUAL ASSETS AND DELINQUENCIES
See "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" Item 7 - "Asset Quality" within this report.

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

Webster  has the  authority  to  acquire,  hold and  transact  various  types of
investment   securities  that  are  in  accordance   with   applicable   federal
regulations, state statutes and within the guidelines of its internal investment
policy.  The  types  of  investments  that  the  Bank  may  invest  in  include:
interest-bearing  deposits of  federally  insured  banks,  federal  funds,  U.S.
government treasuries and agencies including agency  mortgage-backed  securities
("MBS") and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"),  private issue MBS and
CMOs,  municipal   securities,   corporate  debt,   commercial  paper,  banker's
acceptances,  structured  notes,  trust preferred  securities,  mutual funds and
equity  securities  subject to  restrictions  applicable to federally  chartered
institutions.  The  Corporation's  asset/liability  management  objectives  also
influence  investment  activities at both the holding company and Bank. The Bank
is required to maintain liquid assets at regulatory  minimum levels,  which vary
from time to time. The Bank uses various  investments as permitted by regulation
for meeting its liquidity  requirement.  See  "Regulation"  section  within this
report.

Webster,  directly  or through  its bank  subsidiary,  maintains  an  investment
portfolio  that is primarily  structured  to provide a source of  liquidity  for
operating  demands,  generate  interest income and to provide a means to balance
interest-rate  sensitivity.  The investment  portfolio is classified  into three
major  categories  consisting  of:  available  for sale,  held to maturity,  and
trading securities.

The  Bank  uses  interest-rate  financial  instruments  within  internal  policy
guidelines to hedge and manage interest-rate risk as part of its asset/liability
strategy.  See Note 10 to the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  within  this
report.


                                       8


At December 31, 2000, the combined investment portfolios of Webster and the Bank
totaled $3.4  billion,  with $3.3 billion and $95.0 million held by the Bank and
Webster,  respectively.  At  December  31, 2000 and 1999,  the Bank's  portfolio
consisted  primarily of  mortgage-backed  securities and agency  securities.  At
December 31, 1999,  the combined  investment  portfolios of the Bank and Webster
totaled $3.1 billion,  with $2.9 billion and $118.6 million held by the Bank and
Webster, respectively. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, all of Webster's portfolio
was classified as available for sale and consisted  primarily of equity,  mutual
funds and corporate trust preferred securities.

The securities  and investment  portfolio of the Bank and Webster are managed by
the  Bank's  Treasury  Group  in  accordance  with  regulatory   guidelines  and
established internal corporate investment policy. See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements within this report.

TRUST ACTIVITIES

The Bank,  through its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Webster Trust  Company,  N.A.
("Webster Trust"),  manages the assets of and provides a comprehensive  range of
trust,  custody,  estate and  administrative  services to individuals,  small to
medium  size  companies  and   not-for-profit   organizations   (endowments  and
foundations).  At December  31,  2000 and 1999,  there were  approximately  $1.0
billion and $828.0  million of trust  assets held and $706.0  million and $620.0
million of assets under management, respectively.

In 2000 Webster Trust established  Webster Financial Advisors ("WFA"), a team of
professionals  that offers a full range of financial services for high-net-worth
individuals and institutions.  WFA offers clients one  comprehensive  source for
all their financial needs.  Services include  investment  management,  trust and
estate planning, retirement wealth management and tax planning and sophisticated
credit  and  banking  solutions.  WFA  also  offers  institutional  services  to
Connecticut businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

WFA delivers tailored and sophisticated  services through professionals who live
and  work  in   Connecticut   and  who  are  readily   available  for  in-person
consultations.  In addition,  WFA has the expertise  that  business  clients and
not-for-profit  organizations  require for  addressing  their  retirement  plan,
foundation  and  endowment  needs.  WFA is based in Waterbury and has offices in
several  Connecticut  communities,  including Hartford,  Kensington,  New Haven,
Westport and Wethersfield.

INSURANCE ACTIVITIES

Webster,  through its wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Damman,  offers a full range of
insurance plans to both individuals and businesses. Damman, which operates under
the name Webster Insurance,  is a regional insurance brokerage agency with three
operating divisions:  individual and family insurance,  financial services,  and
business and professional  insurance.  Insurance  products and services include:
commercial  and  personal  property  and  casualty   insurance;   life,  health,
disability  and  long-term  care  insurance  for   individuals  and  businesses;
annuities and investment  products;  risk management  services;  and pension and
401(k) plan  administration.  Webster  Insurance is one of the largest insurance
agencies  based in  Connecticut  and writes in excess of $180  million in annual
premiums with $14.4 million of insurance commissions in 2000.

FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES

In November  2000,  Webster,  through its newly  formed  company  Duff & Phelps,
acquired a 65% interest in Duff & Phelps,  LLC, a privately-owned  company which
has offices in Chicago,  New York, Los Angeles,  and Raleigh-Durham,  NC. Duff &
Phelps provides  expertise in middle-market  mergers and  acquisitions,  private
placements, fairness opinions, valuations, ESOP and ERISA advisory services, and
special financial advisory services.  Duff & Phelps is expected to add in excess
of $20 million of fee-based revenue on an annual basis, and further  accelerates
progress  toward the strategic  objective of broadening  commercial bank product
offerings and increasing revenue from fee-based services.


                                       9


SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits, loan repayments,  securities sales proceeds and maturities, borrowings
and earnings are the primary  sources of the Bank's funds  available  for use in
its lending and  investment  activities  and in meeting its  operational  needs.
While scheduled loan repayments and securities  payments are a relatively stable
source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are influenced by prevailing
interest  rates and local economic  conditions.  The Bank also uses funding from
Federal Home Loan Bank  ("FHLB")  advances,  repurchase  agreements  and various
other borrowings.

Webster's  main sources of liquidity are dividends  from the Bank,  interest and
dividends on securities and net proceeds from borrowings and capital  offerings.
The main outflow of funds are payments of dividends to common  stockholders  and
interest expense on capital securities, senior notes and other borrowings.

Webster attempts to control the flow of funds in its deposit accounts  according
to its need for  funds and the cost of  alternative  sources  of funds.  Webster
controls  the flow of funds  primarily  by the  pricing  of  deposits,  which is
influenced  to a large  extent by  competitive  factors in its  market  area and
asset/liability management strategies.

DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES
The Bank has  developed  a  variety  of  innovative  deposit  programs  that are
designed to meet  depositors  needs and attract both  short-term  and  long-term
deposits from the general public.  The Bank's checking  account programs offer a
full line of accounts with varying features that include noninterest-bearing and
interest-bearing  account types.  The Bank's savings  account  programs  include
statement and passbook  accounts,  money market savings accounts,  club accounts
and  certificate  of deposit  accounts that offer short and  long-term  maturity
options.  The Bank offers IRA savings and  certificate of deposit  accounts that
earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. The Bank also offers special rollover IRA
accounts for individuals who have received  lump-sum  distributions.  The Bank's
checking and savings deposit  accounts have several  features that include:  ATM
Card and Check Card use, direct deposit, combined statements,  24-hour automated
telephone  banking  services,  bank by mail services and  overdraft  protection.
Deposit customers can access their accounts in a variety of ways including ATMs,
Web  banking,  telephone  banking or by visiting a nearby  branch.  The Bank had
$25.0 million and $50.0 million of brokered certificate of deposits, at December
31, 2000, and 1999,  respectively.  The decrease in brokered deposits was due to
the maturity of $25.0 million during 2000.

The Bank receives retail and commercial  deposits  through its 114  full-service
banking offices in Connecticut. The Bank relies primarily on competitive pricing
policies  and  effective  advertising  to  attract  and  retain  deposits  while
emphasizing the objectives of quality customer service and customer convenience.
The  WebsterOne  account is a banking  relationship  that affords  customers the
opportunity  to avoid fees,  receive free checks,  earn premium rates on savings
and simplify their  bookkeeping with one combined  account  statement that links
account  balances.  The Bank's Check Card can be used at over  eighteen  million
Visa merchants  worldwide to pay for purchases  with money in a linked  checking
account.  The Check  Card also  serves as an ATM Card for  receiving  cash,  for
processing  deposits and transfers and obtaining  account  balances 24 hours per
day.

Customer  services  also  include  ATM  facilities  that  use   state-of-the-art
technology  with membership in NYCE and PLUS networks and provide 24-hour access
to linked  accounts.  The Bank's Internet  Banking service allows  customers the
ability to transfer money between accounts,  review  statements,  check balances
and pay bills  through  personal  computer  use.  The Bank's  telephone  banking
service provides automated  customer access to account  information 24 hours per
day, seven days per week, and to service  representatives at certain established
hours.  Customers  can transfer  account  balances,  process  stop  payments and
address  changes,  place check reorders,  open deposit  accounts,  inquire about
account  transactions and request general  information about The Bank's products
and services.  The Bank's services  provide for automatic loan payment  features
from its accounts as well as for direct deposit of Social Security, payroll, and
other retirement benefits.  See Note 7 to the Consolidated  Financial Statements
for deposit information.

BORROWINGS
The FHLB system functions in a reserve credit capacity for savings  institutions
and certain other home  financing  institutions.  Members of the FHLB system are
required to own capital stock in the FHLB.  Members are  authorized to apply for
advances  on the  security of such stock and certain  home  mortgages  and other
assets  (principally  securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the
United States Government) provided certain creditworthiness



                                       10


standards  have been met.  Under its current  credit  policies,  the FHLB limits
advances based on a member's assets, total borrowings and net worth.

The Bank uses long-term and  short-term  FHLB advances as a source of funding to
meet  liquidity and planning needs when the cost of these funds are favorable as
compared to  alternate  funding  sources.  At December  31, 2000 and 1999,  FHLB
advances  totaled  $2.4 billion and $1.7  billion and  represented  79% and 61%,
respectively, of total outstanding borrowed funds.

Additional  funding  sources are available to the Bank through  securities  sold
under agreement to repurchase,  purchased federal funds and lines of credit with
correspondent banks. Total other borrowings were $650.2 million and $1.1 billion
at December  31, 2000 and 1999 and  represented  21% and 39%,  respectively,  of
borrowed funds.  Outstanding  borrowings through securities sold under agreement
to repurchase  totaled  $489.4 and $943.8 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.

In November 2000,  Webster completed a registered  offering of $126.0 million of
8.72% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "Senior Notes"). The net proceeds from the note
placement were generated for general  corporate  purposes.  The Senior Notes are
not redeemable prior to the maturity date of November 30, 2007. The senior notes
outstanding  as of  December  31,  1999,  in the amount of $40 million at 8.75%,
originated from a 1993 offering that matured on June 30, 2000.

BANK SUBSIDIARIES

The Bank's investment in its service corporation subsidiary,  Webster Investment
Services,  Inc.,  totaled $4.4 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2000 and
1999,  respectively.  The activities of this  broker-dealer  subsidiary  consist
primarily  of the  selling of mutual  funds and  annuities.  Webster  Investment
Services  plans  to  introduce  new  products  and  services,   including  asset
management products and various financial planning tools.

The  Bank's  investment  in its trust  subsidiary  corporation,  Webster  Trust,
totaled $8.2 and $8.6 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999,  respectively.  The
trust had approximately $1.0 billion and $828.0 million of trust assets held and
$706.0  million and $620.0  million in assets under  management  at December 31,
2000 and 1999, respectively.

The Bank's investment in its operating subsidiary  corporation,  FCB Properties,
Inc.,  totaled  $157,000  and $2.0  million  at  December  31,  2000  and  1999,
respectively. The primary function of this operating subsidiary is to dispose of
foreclosed properties.

The Bank's  investment in its real estate  investment  trust ("REIT")  operating
subsidiary  corporation,  Webster Preferred Capital Corporation,  totaled $917.8
million and $916.7  million at December  31,  2000 and 1999,  respectively.  The
primary  function  of the REIT is to provide a  cost-effective  means of raising
funds,  including  capital,  on a  consolidated  basis for the Bank.  The REIT's
strategy is to acquire, hold and manage real estate mortgage assets.

The Bank's  investment  in its  internet  lending  subsidiary,  Nowlending  LLC,
totaled   $3.0  million  and  $2.3  million  at  December  31,  2000  and  1999,
respectively. The primary function of this subsidiary is to provide an efficient
national  network  for the  origination  of  residential  mortgages  through the
internet.

The Bank's  investment in its passive  investment  subsidiary,  Webster Mortgage
Investment  Corporation  totaled  $2.5  billion and $2.1 billion at December 31,
2000 and 1999,  respectively.  The  primary  function of this  subsidiary  is to
provide  servicing on passive  investments,  which include loans secured by real
estate.  This passive  investment  company derives  additional  state income tax
benefits.

EMPLOYEES

At December 31,  2000,  Webster had 2,197  employees  (including  369  part-time
employees),  none of whom were  represented  by a collective  bargaining  group.
Webster  maintains a comprehensive  employee  benefit program  providing,  among
other benefits, group medical and dental insurance,  life insurance,  disability
insurance, a pension plan, an



                                       11


employee 401(k) investment plan, an employee stock purchase plan and an employee
stock  ownership  plan.   Management  considers  Webster's  relations  with  its
employees to be good.

MARKET AREA AND COMPETITION

The Bank is  headquartered  in  Waterbury,  Connecticut  (New Haven  County) and
conducts  business  from its home  office in downtown  Waterbury  and 113 branch
offices  that are  located  in the state of  Connecticut.  The  branches  are in
Waterbury,  Ansonia, Bethany,  Branford,  Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford,
Hamden,  Madison,  Meriden,  Middlebury,  Milford,  Naugatuck,  New Haven, North
Haven, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Southbury,  Wallingford and West Haven
(New Haven County); New Milford,  Thomaston,  Torrington,  Watertown and Winsted
(Litchfield  County);  Brookfield,  Danbury,  Fairfield,   Ridgefield,  Shelton,
Stratford,  Trumbull,  Westport and Wilton  (Fairfield  County);  Avon,  Berlin,
Bloomfield,  Bristol, Canton, East Hartford, East Windsor, Enfield,  Farmington,
Forestville,   Glastonbury,   Hartford,  Kensington,  Manchester,  New  Britain,
Newington,  Plainville,  Poquonock,  Rocky Hill,  Simsbury,  Southington,  South
Windsor, Suffield, Terryville, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor (Hartford
County);  Cromwell,  Essex,  Middletown and Old Saybrook (Middlesex County); Old
Lyme (New London  County) and  Ellington,  Somers and Vernon  (Tolland  County).
Waterbury  is  approximately  30 miles  southwest  of Hartford and is located on
Route 8 midway between Torrington and the New Haven and Bridgeport  metropolitan
areas. Most of the Bank's  depositors live, and most of the properties  securing
its mortgage loans are located, in the same area or the adjoining counties.  The
Bank's  market  area  has a  diversified  economy  with the  workforce  employed
primarily in  manufacturing,  financial  services,  healthcare,  industrial  and
technology companies.

The Bank faces  substantial  competition  for deposits and loans  throughout its
market areas. The primary factors stressed by the Bank in competing for deposits
are interest rates,  personalized  services,  the quality and range of financial
services,  convenience of office locations, automated services and office hours.
Competition  for  deposits  comes  primarily  from other  savings  institutions,
commercial banks, credit unions, mutual funds and other investment alternatives.
The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates,  loan origination
fees,  the  quality  and range of lending  services  and  personalized  service.
Competition  for  origination of first mortgage loans comes primarily from other
savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, mortgage brokers, commercial banks
and  insurance  companies.  The Bank faces  competition  for  deposits and loans
throughout  its  market  area not only  from  local  institutions  but also from
out-of-state financial institutions which have opened loan production offices or
which solicit deposits in its market area.

Webster Trust has offices located in Kensington, New Haven, Waterbury,  Westport
and Wethersfield,  Connecticut.  Webster Investment Services is headquartered in
Bristol,  Connecticut with offices located throughout  Webster's branch network.
Webster Insurance has offices in Cheshire, East Hartford, Norwich,  Wallingford,
Westport and Waterford,  Connecticut.  Duff & Phelps has offices in Chicago, New
York, Los Angeles and Raleigh-Durham.

REGULATION

Webster, as a savings and loan holding company, and Webster Bank, as a federally
chartered  savings bank, are subject to extensive  regulation,  supervision  and
examination by the OTS as their primary federal regulator.  Webster Bank is also
subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the FDIC and as to certain
matters by the Board of Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System (the  "Federal
Reserve Board"). See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
& Results  of  Operations  and Notes to the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements
within this report as to the impact of certain laws,  rules and  regulations  on
the  operations of the Company and the Bank. Set forth below is a description of
certain regulatory developments.

The Bank is subject to substantial regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay
dividends to Webster.  Under OTS capital  distribution  regulations  that became
effective in early 1999, provided that as long as the Bank meets the OTS capital
requirements  before  and  after  the  payment  of  dividends,  the Bank may pay
dividends to Webster,  without  prior OTS  approval,  equal to the net income to
date over the calendar  year,  plus  retained net income over the  preceding two
years. In addition,  the OTS has discretion to prohibit any otherwise  permitted
capital distributions on general safety and soundness grounds, and must be given
30 days' advance notice of all capital  distributions,  during which time it may
object to any proposed distribution.



                                       12


Legislation,  adopted in  December  2000,  deleted  the  provisions  of the Home
Owners'  Loan  Act  that  required  federal  savings  banks  to hold a  specific
percentage  of liquid  assets.  It is  anticipated  that the OTS will revise its
liquidity regulations to conform to the legislative changes.

This  legislation  also made  revisions  to the Home  Owners' Loan Act that will
allow   savings  and  loan  holding   companies   such  as  Webster  to  acquire
non-controlling  interests  of up to 24.9% in  another  savings  association  or
savings and loan holding company, subject to receiving the prior approval of the
OTS. Webster does not have any plans to make such an acquisition at this time.

TAXATION

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Webster,  on behalf of itself and its  subsidiaries,  files a calendar  tax year
consolidated  federal income tax return,  except for the Bank's REIT  subsidiary
and Duff &  Phelps,  LLC,  which  file  stand  alone  returns.  Webster  and its
subsidiaries  report income and expenses using the accrual method of accounting.
Tax law changes  were  enacted in August 1996 to  eliminate  the thrift bad debt
method of calculating bad debt deductions for tax years after 1995 and to impose
a requirement to recapture into taxable income (over a six-year  period) all bad
debt  reserves  accumulated  after 1987.  Since  Webster  previously  recorded a
deferred tax liability with respect to these post-1987  reserves,  its total tax
expense for financial  reporting  purposes will not be affected by the recapture
requirement.  The tax law changes also provide  that taxes  associated  with the
recapture of pre-1988 bad debt reserves  would become payable under more limited
circumstances than under prior law. Under the tax laws, as amended,  events that
would result in recapture of the pre-1988 bad debt  reserves  include  stock and
cash  distributions  to the holding company from the Bank in excess of specified
amounts.  Webster does not expect such  reserves to be  recaptured  into taxable
income.  At  December  31,  2000 and 1999,  Webster  had  pre-1988  reserves  of
approximately $50.0 million and $41.0 million, respectively.

Webster  will be subject to the  alternative  minimum  tax if such tax is larger
than the regular federal tax otherwise payable.  Generally,  alternative minimum
taxable  income  is a  taxpayer's  regular  taxable  income,  increased  by  the
taxpayer's tax preference  items for the year and adjusted by computing  certain
deductions in a special manner which negates the acceleration of such deductions
under the  regular  federal  tax.  This amount is then  reduced by an  exemption
amount  and is  subject  to tax at a 20%  rate.  In the  past,  Webster  has not
generally paid alternative minimum tax and does not expect to do so for the 2000
year.

Webster's  federal income tax returns have been examined by the Internal Revenue
Service or the statute of limitations have expired for tax years through 1996.

Webster and its  subsidiaries  are under  examination  by the  Internal  Revenue
Service  for the tax years ended  December  31,  1997 and 1998.  No  significant
changes to the Company's  financial statement position are anticipated to result
from these examinations.

STATE INCOME TAXES
The State of Connecticut  enacted tax law changes in May 1998,  allowing for the
formation of a Passive  Investment  Company  ("PIC") by financial  institutions.
This  legislation  exempts PIC's from state income taxation in Connecticut,  and
exempts from inclusion in  Connecticut  taxable income the dividends paid from a
PIC to a related  financial  institution.  Webster Bank qualifies as a financial
institution under the statute,  and has organized a PIC that began operations in
the first quarter of 1999.  The  legislation is effective for tax year beginning
on or after  January 1,  1999.  Webster's  formation  of a PIC has  reduced  its
Connecticut  tax  expense  in 1999 and,  as a result of the PIC's  formation,  a
deferred  tax  charge  was taken in the fourth  quarter  of 1998.  State  income
taxation is in  accordance  with the  corporate  income tax laws of the State of
Connecticut  and  other  states  on an  apportioned  basis.  For  the  State  of
Connecticut,  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries,  exclusive  of the  REIT
subsidiary and PIC subsidiary, are required to pay taxes under the larger of two
methods but no less than the minimum tax of $250 per entity.  Method one is 7.5%
of the year's  taxable  income  (which,  with  certain  exceptions,  is equal to
taxable income for federal  purposes) or method two (additional tax on capital),
is an amount  equal to 3 and 1/10 mills per dollar on its average  capital.  The
Bank is not required to compute tax under method two.



                                       13


Webster expects to pay no state taxes to Connecticut for the foreseeable future,
due to the operation of its PIC  subsidiary.  Webster also pays state tax in the
States of  Massachusetts  and New Hampshire due to having business  locations in
New Hampshire and business activity in  Massachusetts.  Duff & Phelps pays state
taxes  in  Illinois,  California,  New  York  and  North  Carolina,  due  to its
investment in Duff & Phelps, LLC. These state taxes are minimal.


ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

At  December  31,  2000,  Webster  had 114  offices,  which  includes 31 banking
offices,  including its main office,  in New Haven County, 53 banking offices in
Hartford  County,  13 banking offices in Fairfield  County, 9 banking offices in
Litchfield  County, 4 banking offices in Middlesex  County, 3 banking offices in
Tolland County,  and 1 banking office in New London County. Of these, 55 offices
are owned and 59 offices are leased.  Lease  expiration dates range from 1 to 87
years with renewal  options of 3 to 35 years.  Additionally,  the Bank maintains
five trust offices:  one in Fairfield County,  two in Hartford County and two in
New Haven County.

The total net book value of properties and furniture and fixtures owned and used
for  banking  and trust  offices at December  31,  2000 was $94.3  million.  The
following table provides detail for the total book value amount.



                                                                                                      At December 31, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                                                             Book Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        
Land & improvements, net                                                                                   $    12,325
Buildings & improvements, net                                                                                   39,112
Leasehold improvements, net                                                                                      7,060
Furniture & equipment, net                                                                                      35,766
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                                                                                                   $    94,263
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material  pending legal  proceedings,  other than ordinary  routine
litigation  incidental  to  its  business,  to  which  Webster  or  any  of  its
subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.


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

(a)      Not applicable
(b)      Not applicable
(c)      Not applicable
(d)      Not applicable


                                       14


                                     PART II

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

The common stock of Webster is traded on the Nasdaq National Market System under
the symbol "WBST."

The following table shows  dividends  declared and the market price per share by
quarter for 2000 and 1999.  Webster increased its quarterly dividend to $.16 per
share in 2000.



- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    COMMON STOCK (PER SHARE)

                                              Cash
                                            Dividends                 Market Price                   End of
                    2000                    Declared              Low                High            Period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      
                   Fourth                 $  .16              $  21.88            $  29.63        $   28.31
                   Third                     .16                 21.19               27.06            26.94
                   Second                    .16                 20.19               25.19            22.19
                   First                     .14                 20.13               24.19            23.00



                                              Cash
                                            Dividends                 Market Price                   End of
                    1999                    Declared              Low                High            Period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      
                   Fourth                 $  .12              $  21.88            $  28.75        $   23.56
                   Third                     .12                 24.75               28.81            25.50
                   Second                    .12                 26.19               32.00            27.13
                   First                     .11                 27.44               31.13            28.88


Webster had  approximately  12,437  shareholders of common stock at February 28,
2001. The number of  shareholders  of record was  determined by Webster's  stock
transfer agent, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.

Payment of dividends  from the Bank to Webster is subject to certain  regulatory
and other restrictions.  Payment of dividends by Webster on its stock is subject
to various restrictions,  none of which is expected to limit any dividend policy
which the Board of Directors may in the future decide to adopt.  Under  Delaware
law,  Webster  may pay  dividends  out of surplus  or, in the event  there is no
surplus,  out of net  profits  for the  fiscal  year in which  the  dividend  is
declared and/or the two preceding fiscal years. Dividends may not be paid out of
net profits, however, if the capital of Webster has been diminished to an amount
less than the aggregate  amount of capital  represented by all classes of issued
and outstanding preferred stock.

OTHER EVENTS

The annual meeting of shareholders of Webster will be held on April 26, 2001.


                                       15


ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



                                                                          December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)            2000            1999             1998             1997            1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       
STATEMENT OF CONDITION
Total assets                                      $   11,249,508   $    9,931,744   $   9,836,029   $    9,902,775    $  8,061,569
Loans receivable, net                                  6,819,209        6,022,236       5,507,118        5,524,918       5,265,733
Securities                                             3,405,080        3,066,901       3,662,829        3,770,670       2,263,374
Intangible assets                                        326,142          138,829          83,227           83,731          86,400
Deposits                                               6,941,522        6,191,091       6,312,974        6,411,505       6,441,412
FHLB advances and other borrowings                     3,030,225        2,788,445       2,575,608        2,588,178         963,614
Shareholders' equity                                     890,374          635,667         626,454          585,603         535,087

OPERATING INCOME
Net interest income                               $      326,516   $      303,513   $     282,611   $      285,758      $  252,643
Provision for loan losses                                 11,800            9,000           8,103           26,449          15,741
Noninterest income                                       128,821           92,630          82,638           47,723          56,833
Noninterest expenses:
   Acquisition-related expenses                               --            9,500          20,993           31,989             500
   Other noninterest expenses                            267,130          234,961         208,440          197,544         196,686
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total noninterest expenses                            267,130          244,461         229,433          229,533         197,186
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                               176,407          142,682         127,713           77,499          96,549
Income taxes                                              58,116           47,332          49,694           29,887          35,713
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                               118,291           95,350          78,019           47,612          60,836
Preferred stock dividends                                     --               --              --               --           1,149
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income available to common shareholders           $      118,291   $       95,350   $      78,019   $       47,612       $  59,687

SIGNIFICANT STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Interest-rate spread                                        3.16%           3.18%            2.83%           3.18%            3.22%
Net interest margin                                         3.29            3.32             2.97            3.35             3.40
Return on average shareholders' equity                     16.72           15.33            12.82            8.61            11.44
Return on average assets                                    1.11            0.98             0.77            0.53             0.75
Allowance for loan losses/gross loans                       1.31            1.19             1.17            1.28             1.18
Net income per common share:
   Basic                                          $         2.58   $        2.14    $        1.72   $        1.06          $  1.38
   Diluted                                                  2.55            2.10             1.69            1.04             1.32
Dividends declared per common share                         0.62            0.47             0.44            0.40             0.33
Dividend payout ratio                                      24.31%          22.38%           26.04%          38.46%           25.00%
Fee income as a percentage of total revenue                25.20           21.67            17.48           12.81            12.73
Noninterest expenses to average assets                      2.51            2.51             2.28            2.57             2.52
Noninterest expenses to average assets,
   adjusted (a)                                             2.11            2.07             1.78            2.04             2.40
Diluted weighted-average shares                           46,428          45,393           46,118          45,966           46,434
Book value per common share                       $        18.19   $       14.09    $       14.02   $       13.15         $  12.08
Tangible book value per common share                       11.53           11.02            12.16           11.27            10.10
Average shareholders' equity to average assets              6.65%           6.38%            6.04%           6.18%            6.80%
<FN>
(a) Excludes non-recurring items, intangible amortization, capital securities, preferred dividend and foreclosed property expenses.
</FN>



                                       16


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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the year 2000,  Webster reported net income of $118.3 million,  or $2.55 per
diluted common share which exceeded net income of $95.4 million for the previous
year period by $22.9 million or 24%. The improvement for the current year period
was the result of increased net interest income combined with higher noninterest
income that more than offset an increase in operating expenses.  The increase in
net interest income primarily  reflects an increase of $720.5 million in average
interest-earning  assets and higher realized yields for the current year period.
Interest-rate  spread was 3.16% and  interest  margin was 3.29% for the  current
year period.  Noninterest  income  reached  $128.8  million and increased  $36.2
million or 39% when compared to $92.6 million for the previous year period.  The
increase in noninterest  income was primarily due to increased income from fees,
service  charges,  commissions and financial  advisory  services that were $27.0
million over the  previous  year period.  Noninterest  expenses  compared to the
previous year, excluding $9.5 million of  acquisition-related  costs,  increased
$32.2 million. The increase in noninterest expenses, for the current year period
is primarily the result of purchase  acquisitions that were completed during the
2000 year period that increased compensation and benefits expense, occupancy and
furniture and fixture expenses and intangible  amortization  expense. See Note 2
to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning the purchase
acquisitions.

COMPARISON OF 2000 AND 1999 YEARS

NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income before  provision for loan losses increased $23.0 million in
2000 to  $326.5  million  from  $303.5  million  in 1999.  The  increase  is due
primarily to a higher  level of average  interest-earning  assets and  increased
yields on the assets that more than offset the effect of higher interest-bearing
liabilities  and higher  costs on the  liabilities.  See  "Interest  Income" and
"Interest Expense"  discussions that follow.  Interest-rate  spread for 2000 was
3.16% as compared to 3.18% for 1999.  The decrease in  interest-rate  spread was
primarily due to higher costs incurred on time deposits and borrowed funds.

INTEREST INCOME
Total interest income for 2000 amounted to $738.9 million,  an increase of $93.1
million or 14.4% when compared to $645.8  million in 1999.  The higher  interest
income for 2000 was due primarily to an increase in the average  volume of loans
and higher yields realized on loans and securities. The average balance on loans
increased $739.2 million in 2000 and the rate earned on loans increased 42 basis
points when 2000 is compared to 1999.  The  increase on the average  balance for
loans is due primarily to higher balances for commercial loans of $458.2 million
and  residential  mortgages of $188.3 million for 2000.  The average  balance on
securities  decreased  $18.7  million in 2000,  however  the rate  earned on the
securities increased 19 basis points when compared to 1999.

INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest  expense for 2000 totaled $412.4 million,  an increase of $70.1 million
when compared to $342.3 million in 1999. The increased  interest expense was due
primarily to higher  interest costs on borrowings that increased 92 basis points
for 2000. Average funds for borrowings  increased by $410.5 million for 2000 due
primarily to FHLB  advances  that  increased  $462.3  million  which were offset
partially by lower  repurchase  agreement  borrowings of $43.0  million.  Higher
costs on interest-bearing deposits, particularly time deposits, combined with an
average  fund  increase  of $261.8  million  were also  contributing  factors to
increased interest expense in 2000 when compared to 1999.


                                       17


The following  table shows the major  categories  of average  assets and average
liabilities  together with their  respective  interest income or expense and the
rates earned or paid by Webster.



                                                            Years ended December 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              2000                                                1999
                             Average                         Average              Average                      Average
(Dollars in thousands)       Balance        Interest         Yields               Balance       Interest        Yields
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               
Loans, net (a)             $ 6,541,659    $   518,315(b)      7.92%            $ 5,802,453    $   435,326(b)     7.50%
Securities and interest-
  bearing deposits           3,298,959        220,596         6.49(c)            3,317,708        210,466        6.30(c)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest-earning
  assets                   $ 9,840,618    $   738,911         7.43%            $ 9,120,161    $   645,792        7.06%
Other assets                   799,597                                             624,963
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets               $10,640,215                                         $ 9,745,124
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Savings and escrow         $ 1,509,414    $    31,036         2.06%            $ 1,477,856    $    34,058        2.30%
Money market savings,
  NOW and DDA                1,821,948         19,894         1.09               1,519,929         15,185        1.00
Time deposits                3,308,228        173,364         5.24               3,228,480        154,562        4.79
FHLB advances                2,047,743        128,447         6.27               1,585,458         84,498        5.33
Repurchase agreements
  and other borrowings         935,629         56,744         6.06                 978,581         50,316        5.14
Senior notes                    31,142          2,910         9.34                  40,000          3,660        9.15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest-bearing
  liabilities              $ 9,654,104    $   412,395         4.27%            $ 8,830,304    $   342,279        3.88%
Other liabilities               78,870                                              93,252
Capital securities and
  minority interest            199,577                                             199,577
Shareholders' equity           707,664                                             621,991
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income and
  interest-rate spread                    $   326,516         3.16%                           $   303,513        3.18%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity     $10,640,215                                         $ 9,745,124
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INTEREST MARGIN                                           3.29%                                              3.32%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                   Years ended December 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1998
                              Average                      Average
(Dollars in thousands)        Balance       Interest        Yields
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans, net (a)              $ 5,416,531   $   430,636(b)    7.95%
Securities and interest-
  bearing deposits            4,058,354       251,601       6.15(c)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest-earning
  assets                    $ 9,474,885   $   682,237       7.16%
Other assets                    604,943
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                $10,079,828
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Savings and escrow          $ 1,399,519   $    34,503       2.47%
Money market savings,
  NOW and DDA                 1,346,043        13,798       1.03
Time deposits                 3,651,017       192,880       5.28
FHLB advances                 1,675,789        96,140       5.74
Repurchase agreements
  and other borrowings        1,049,520        58,645       5.59
Senior notes                     40,000         3,660       9.15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest-bearing
  liabilities               $ 9,161,888   $   399,626       4.33%
Other liabilities               109,993
Capital securities and
  minority interest             199,577
Shareholders' equity            608,370
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income and
  interest-rate spread                    $   282,611       2.83%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity      $10,079,828
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INTEREST MARGIN                                         2.97%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
(a)  Interest on nonaccrual  loans has been included only to the extent reflected in the Consolidated  Statements of Income.
     Nonaccrual loans, however, are included in the average balances outstanding.

(b)  Includes amortization of net deferred loan costs (net of fees) and premiums (net of discounts) of: $1.5 million, $496,000
     and $1.9 million in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

(c)  Unrealized gains (losses) are excluded from the average yield calculations.
</FN>



                                       18


Net interest  income also can be  understood  in terms of the impact of changing
rates and changing  volumes.  The following  table describes the extent to which
changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of  interest-earning  assets
and  interest-bearing  liabilities have impacted  Webster's  interest income and
interest expense during the periods  indicated.  Information is provided in each
category with respect to (i) changes  attributable to changes in volume (changes
in volume  multiplied by prior rate),  (ii) changes  attributable  to changes in
rates  (changes in rates  multiplied  by prior volume) and (iii) the net change.
The  change  attributable  to the  combined  impact of volume  and rate has been
allocated  proportionately  to the  change  due to volume  and the change due to
rate.



                                                  Years ended December 31,                       Years ended December 31,
                                                        2000 v. 1999                                   1999 v. 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Increase (Decrease) Due to                     Increase (Decrease) Due to
(In thousands)                                 Rate         Volume         Total            Rate         Volume          Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     
Interest on Interest-earning Assets:
  Loans                                    $   25,341     $  57,648     $   82,989     $  (17,729)   $    22,419         $ 4,690
  Securities                                   17,737         (7,607)       10,130          6,694        (47,829)        (41,135)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                                 $   43,078     $  50,041     $   93,119     $  (11,035)   $   (25,410)      $ (36,445)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on Interest-bearing Liabilities:
  Deposits                                 $    6,891     $  13,598     $   20,489     $  (31,096)   $    (6,280)      $ (37,376)
  FHLB advances and other
    borrowings                                 25,962        23,665         49,627        (11,028)        (8,943)        (19,971)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                                 $   32,853     $  37,263     $   70,116     $  (42,124)   $   (15,223)      $ (57,347)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in net interest income          $   10,225     $  12,778     $   23,003     $    31,089   $   (10,187)      $ 20,902
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
The  provision  for loan  losses  for 2000 was $11.8  million  compared  to $9.0
million in 1999. The increase for 2000 is primarily attributable to the increase
in gross loans of $815.1  million  and a shift  within the loan  portfolio  to a
higher  concentration  of  commercial  loans.  The allowance for losses on loans
totaled $90.8 million and represented  221% of nonaccrual  loans at December 31,
2000 versus $72.7 million or 189% of nonaccrual  loans at December 31, 1999. The
allowance for loan losses to gross loans increased to 1.31% at December 31, 2000
from 1.19% at December 1999, reflecting the changing asset mix.

NONINTEREST INCOME
Noninterest income for 2000 totaled $128.8 million, compared to $92.6 million in
1999. Fees and service charges were $93.9 million in 2000, which was an increase
of $27.0 million, or 40% from 1999 due primarily to revenue related to trust and
investment  services,  financial  advisory services,  insurance  commissions and
expanded product offerings to Webster's growing customer base. Trust, investment
service and financial  advisory services increased $9.2 million to $19.5 million
in 2000 compared to $10.2 million in 1999. Insurance  commissions increased $7.2
million  or 100%,  to $14.4  million  in  2000.  Gain on the sale of  securities
amounted to $8.4 million in 2000  compared to $4.2 million in 1999.  The gain on
the sale of  deposits  of $4.9  million  was the  result  of the sale of two New
Hampshire  branches in December 2000. A one-time life insurance  benefit of $1.1
million is included in noninterest income for the year 2000.

NONINTEREST EXPENSES
Noninterest  expenses for 2000 were $267.1 million compared to $244.5 million in
1999.  The 1999  results  include  acquisition-related  expenses  totaling  $9.5
million  related  to the  NECB  acquisition  that  occurred  in  December  1999.
Excluding acquisition-related expenses,  noninterest expenses for 2000 increased
$32.2 million compared to 1999. The increase in noninterest  expense for 2000 is
due  primarily to purchase  acquisitions  that were  completed  during 2000 that
increased  compensation  and  benefits  expense,  occupancy  and  furniture  and
equipment expense and intangible  amortization expense.  Included in noninterest
expenses  for  2000 was  $1.7  million  in  non-recurring  facilities  expenses.
Intangible amortization expense increased $8.6 million to $22.4 million in 2000.


                                       19


INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense for 2000  increased to $58.1  million  from $47.3  million in
1999.  The increase in income tax expense is due  primarily  to a $33.7  million
increase in income  before  taxes.  The effective tax rate was 33% for the years
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999.

COMPARISON OF 1999 AND 1998 YEARS

GENERAL
For 1999,  Webster  reported net income of $95.4  million,  or $2.10 per diluted
share. Included in the 1999 results are before-tax  acquisition-related expenses
of $9.5  million.  Excluding  the effect of  acquisition-related  expenses,  net
income for the 1999 year was  $102.2  million or $2.25 per  diluted  share.  Net
income for 1998 amounted to $78.0 million or $1.69 per share on a diluted basis.
Included in the 1998  results  are  before-tax  acquisition-related  expenses of
$21.0  million  and  provisions  for loan  losses of $1.5  million  specifically
related  to the Eagle  acquisition.  Also,  included  in the 1998  results  is a
non-recurring  net  tax  expense  of  $3.2  million.  Excluding  the  effect  of
acquisition-related  expenses,  provisions for loan losses and non-recurring net
tax expense, net income for the 1998 year was $97.0 million or $2.10 per diluted
share.

NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income before  provision for loan losses increased $20.9 million in
1999 to $303.5  million from $282.6  million in 1998.  The increase is primarily
attributable  to a reduction of the cost of  interest-bearing  liabilities.  The
cost of  interest-bearing  liabilities  was lower in 1999 due primarily to lower
rates on  deposits  and  borrowings.  The average  balance for  interest-bearing
deposits  was  $5.6  billion  with a yield of 3.63%  for 1999  compared  to $5.8
billion with a yield of 4.13% for 1998.  Interest-rate spread for 1999 increased
to 3.18% compared to 2.83% in 1998.

INTEREST INCOME
Total interest income for 1999 amounted to $645.8  million,  a decrease of $36.4
million,  or 5.3% compared to $682.2 million in 1998. The lower interest  income
for 1999 was due  primarily  to a  decrease  in total  average  interest-earning
assets and lower yields that were partially  offset by an increase in net loans.
The yield on the  interest-earning  assets  was 7.06% in 1999 and 7.16% in 1998.
The average  balance for investment  securities was $3.3 billion with a yield of
6.30% for the 1999 year compared to $4.1 billion with a yield of 6.15% for 1998.

INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest  expense for 1999 totaled $342.3  million,  a decrease of $57.3 million
compared to $399.6 million in 1998. The lower interest  expense for 1999 was due
primarily to a decrease in total  interest-bearing  liabilities and a lower cost
on these  funds.  The cost of deposits  and  borrowings  decreased  for the 1999
period.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
The provision for loan losses for 1999 was $9.0 million compared to $8.1 million
in 1998.  The increase for 1999 is  attributable  to the increase in gross loans
and a shift within the loan  portfolio to a higher  concentration  of commercial
loans.  The allowance for losses on loans totaled $72.7 million and  represented
189% of  nonaccrual  loans at December 31, 1999 versus $65.2  million or 212% of
nonaccrual loans at December 31, 1998.

NONINTEREST INCOME
Noninterest  income for 1999 totaled $92.6 million  compared to $82.6 million in
1998.  Fees and service charges were $66.9 million in 1999, an increase of $19.7
million,  or 42% from 1998 due primarily to an increase in the customer base and
fees  generated  as a  result  of  our  expanded  product  offerings,  including
insurance  and  trust  and  investment  services.  Gain on the sale of loans and
mortgage  loan  servicing  rights  decreased to $4.4 million in 1999 compared to
$5.8  million  in 1998,  due  primarily  to the  1998  sale of the  credit  card
portfolio.  Gain on the sale of  securities  amounted  to $4.2  million  in 1999
compared to $17.0 million in 1998. Other noninterest  income was $9.1 million in
1999, an increase of $2.1 million from $7.0 million in 1998.

NONINTEREST EXPENSES
Noninterest  expenses for 1999 were $244.5 million compared to $229.4 million in
1998. Included in the 1999 total are acquisition-related  expenses totaling $9.5
million for the NECB acquisition.  The 1998 results include  acquisition-related
expenses  totaling  $21.0 million,  which  include:  $17.4 million for the Eagle
acquisition, $3.4 million for the Bank of



                                       20


South Windsor acquisition and $200,000 for the Olde Port acquisition.  Excluding
acquisition-related  expenses,  noninterest  expenses for 1999  increased  $26.5
million compared to 1998. In 1998,  compensation and benefits expense included a
$1.5 million  reduction in expenses  related to the  consolidation of the former
Eagle pension and post-retirement benefits plans into Webster's plans.

INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense for 1999  decreased to $47.3  million  from $49.7  million in
1998. The decrease in income tax expense is due to a $3.2 million  non-recurring
net tax expense in 1998,  related  primarily to the  formation of a  Connecticut
Passive  Investment  Company and the related reduction in Connecticut income tax
in 1999 (see "Tax Legislation").

FINANCIAL CONDITION

At December 31, 2000,  Webster's  total assets were $11.2 billion  reflecting an
increase of $1.3 billion or 13.3% as compared to total assets of $9.9 billion at
December 31, 1999.  The increase in total assets for the current year period was
primarily due to increases in net loans receivable and investment  securities of
$797.0  million  and $338.0  million,  respectively,  as compared to balances at
December 31, 1999.  At December 31, 2000,  Webster's  allowance  for loan losses
totaled  $90.8  million  and was  221% of  nonaccrual  loans  and was  1.31%  of
outstanding  loans. See "Asset Quality" within this section for more information
concerning the allowance for loan losses and  delinquencies.  Total  liabilities
increased $1.1 billion for the current year period primarily due to increases in
deposits and  borrowings  of $750.4  million and $241.8  million,  respectively.
Total  equity at December 31, 2000 totaled  $890.4  million,  which was a $254.7
million  increase  from $635.7  million at December  31,  1999.  Webster  Bank's
capital ratios  presented in the following table remained strong at December 31,
2000 and exceeded all required  regulatory  capital ratio levels. See Note 13 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for information  concerning  shareholder's
equity.

At  December  31,  2000  and  1999,  the Bank  was in full  compliance  with all
applicable regulatory capital requirements as detailed below:


                                                                                     OTS Minimum
                                                   Actual                        Capital Requirements         Well Capitalized
(Dollars in thousands)                             Amount           Ratio         Amount        Ratio        Amount        Ratio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       
AT DECEMBER 31, 2000
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)         $   773,773      11.45%       $   540,672      8.00%      $   675,839    10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)            689,234      10.20            270,336      4.00           405,504     6.00
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)           689,234       6.39            431,200      4.00           539,000     5.00
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)         686,166       6.37            217,388      2.00            No Requirement

AT DECEMBER 31, 1999
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)         $   727,399      12.30%       $   473,243      8.00%      $   591,554    10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)            656,561      11.10            236,621      4.00           354,932     6.00
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)           656,561       6.73            390,374      4.00           487,967     5.00
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)         652,439       6.69            195,104      2.00            No Requirement


The Bank is required to maintain  minimum  levels of liquid assets as defined by
regulations  adopted  by  the  Office  of  Thrift  Supervision   ("OTS").   This
requirement,  which may be varied by the OTS, is based upon a percentage  of net
withdrawable deposits and short-term borrowings. The required liquidity ratio is
currently 4.00% and the Bank's liquidity ratio at December 31, 2000 exceeded the
requirement.  Webster Bank is also required by regulation to maintain sufficient
liquidity to ensure safe and sound operations. Adequate liquidity as assessed by
the OTS may vary from  institution to  institution  depending on such factors as
the  institution's  overall   asset/liability   structure,   market  conditions,
competition and the nature of the institution's deposit and loan customers.  The
OTS  considers  both an  institution's  liquidity  ratio as well as  safety  and
soundness issues in assessing whether an institution has sufficient liquidity.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity  management  allows  Webster to meet cash needs at a  reasonable  cost
under various operating environments. Liquidity is actively managed and reviewed
in order to maintain stable cost effective funding to support the balance



                                       21


sheet.  Liquidity  comes from a variety  of  sources  such as the cash flow from
operating  activities  including  principal  and interest  payments on loans and
investments,  unpledged  securities  which  can be sold or  utilized  to  secure
funding and by maintaining  the ability to attract new deposits.  Webster's goal
is to  maintain a strong base of core  deposits  to support its growing  balance
sheet.

Management  monitors  current and projected cash needs and adjusts  liquidity as
necessary.  Webster has a detailed liquidity contingency plan, which is designed
to respond to liquidity  concerns in a prompt and  comprehensive  manner.  It is
designed to provide early detection of potential  problems and details  specific
actions required to address liquidity risks.

Webster  is a member  of the  Federal  Home Loan Bank  ("FHLB")  system  and has
additional  borrowing  capacity from the FHLB of  approximately  $2.0 billion at
December 31, 2000. At that date, the Bank had FHLB advances  outstanding of $2.4
billion  compared  to $1.7  billion  at  December  31,  1999.  See Note 8 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Webster's  main sources of liquidity at the holding  company level are dividends
from the Bank,  investment  income and net proceeds from  borrowings and capital
offerings.  The main uses of  liquidity  are  purchases  of  available  for sale
securities,  the payment of dividends  to common  stockholders,  repurchases  of
Webster's  common  stock,  and the payment of  interest to holders of  Webster's
Senior Notes and capital  securities.  In November  2000,  Webster issued $126.0
million  of  Senior  Notes  with  a  fixed  rate  of  8.72%.  See  Note 9 to the
Consolidated  Financial  Statements for further information on the Senior Notes.
There are  certain  restrictions  on the  payment  of  dividends  by the Bank to
Webster.  See  Note 13 to the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  further
information on dividend  restrictions.  Webster also maintains $100.0 million in
revolving lines of credit with correspondent banks.

During 2000, Webster repurchased a total of 4,952,814 shares of its common stock
under a repurchase program. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for further information concerning stock repurchases.

Applicable  OTS  regulations  require the Bank,  as a federal  savings  bank, to
satisfy  certain  minimum  capital  requirements,  including a leverage  capital
requirement and risk-based  capital  requirements.  As an OTS regulated  savings
institution, the Bank is also subject to a minimum tangible capital requirement.
At  December  31,  2000,  the Bank was in full  compliance  with all  applicable
capital requirements.  See Note 13 to the Consolidated  Financial Statements for
further information concerning capital.

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT AND MARKET RISK

Interest-rate  risk  is  the  sensitivity  of  the  market  value  of  Webster's
interest-sensitive  assets and  liabilities  and the  sensitivity  of  Webster's
earnings  to changes  in  interest  rates over  short-term  and  long-term  time
horizons.  The primary goal of interest-rate  risk management is to control risk
within limits  approved by the Board of Directors.  Webster's  Asset & Liability
Management Committee manages  interest-rate risk to maximize net interest income
and  net  market  value  over  time  in  changing  interest-rate   environments.
Management measures interest-rate risk using simulation analyses with particular
emphasis on measuring  changes in net market  value and net  interest  income in
different rate  environments.  Market value is measured as the net present value
of future cash flows. Simulation analysis incorporates assumptions about balance
sheet changes such as asset and liability  growth,  loan and deposit pricing and
changes due to the mix of assets and liabilities.  Key assumptions relate to the
behavior  of  interest  rates and  spreads,  fluctuations  in product  balances,
prepayment   speeds  and  decay  rates  on  deposits.   From  such  simulations,
interest-rate  risk is quantified and appropriate  strategies are formulated and
implemented.

To a limited degree, Webster also uses various interest-rate contracts including
futures and  options,  interest-rate  swaps and  interest-rate  caps and floors.
Webster  utilizes these financial  instruments to manage  interest-rate  risk by
reducing net exposures.  These interest-rate  financial  instruments involve, to
varying  degrees,  credit risk and market risk.  Credit risk is the  possibility
that a loss may  occur  if a  counterparty  to a  transaction  fails to  perform
according to the terms of the contract. Market risk is the effect of a change in
interest  rates  on the  value  of  the  instruments.  The  notional  amount  of
interest-rate  financial instruments is the amount upon which interest and other
payments under the contract are based.  The notional amount is not exchanged and
therefore, the notional amounts should not be taken as a measure of credit risk.
See Notes 3 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                       22


Webster  holds  futures and options  positions  and  interest-rate  contracts to
minimize  the price  volatility  of certain  assets held as trading  securities.
Changes  in  the  market  value  of  these   positions  are  recognized  in  the
Consolidated Statements of Income in the period for which the change occurred.

The  following  table   summarizes  the  estimated  market  value  of  Webster's
interest-sensitive  assets and  interest-sensitive  liabilities  at December 31,
2000 and 1999,  and the  projected  change to market  values if  interest  rates
instantaneously increase or decrease by 100 basis points.



                                                                                               Estimated Market Value
                                                 Book                 Market                           Impact
 (Dollars in thousands)                          Value                 Value                 -100 BP            +100 BP
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                
 2000
 Interest Sensitive Assets:
           Trading                              $         6       $           6          $         --       $         --
           Non-trading                           10,111,134          10,166,579               197,377           (232,838)
 Interest Sensitive Liabilities                  10,011,353          10,033,507              (175,746)           165,869

           Net Impact                                                                          21,631            (66,969)
           Net Impact as % of interest
              sensitive assets                                                                    .21%             (.66)%

 1999
 Interest Sensitive Assets:
           Trading                              $    50,854       $      50,854          $       181        $       (479)
           Non-trading                            8,780,473           8,695,323              223,137            (256,650)
 Interest Sensitive Liabilities                   9,219,951           8,838,371             (139,222)            129,373

           Net Impact                                                                         84,096            (127,756)
           Net Impact as % of interest
             sensitive assets                                                                   .96%            (1.46)%

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


The tables above exclude  interest-earning assets that are not directly impacted
by changes in interest rates.  These assets include equity  securities of $175.7
million at  December  31,  2000 and  $198.0  million at  December  31,  1999 and
nonaccrual  loans of $41.0  million at December  31,  2000 and $38.4  million at
December 31, 1999.  Values for mortgage  servicing  rights have been included in
the tables  above as movements  in interest  rates  affect the  valuation of the
servicing  rights.  Equity  securities and nonaccrual assets not included in the
above  tables are,  however,  subject to  fluctuations  in market value based on
other risks. The equity securities include $125.3 million of FHLB stock which is
not  sensitive to market  fluctuations.  The  remaining  $50.4 million of equity
securities  includes $8.2 million of preferred stock and $42.2 million in common
stock at December 31, 2000. See Note 3 to the Consolidated  Financial Statements
for  further  information  concerning  investment  securities.  Also see  "Asset
Quality"  within  the  MD&A  section  of this  report  for  further  information
concerning nonaccrual loans

Interest-sensitive assets, net of interest-sensitive  liabilities, when impacted
by a minus 100 basis  point rate  change,  result in a favorable  $21.6  million
change in net market values for 2000  compared to a favorable  $84.1 million net
market value change in 1999. These changes represent .21% of  interest-sensitive
assets in 2000 and .96% in 1999.  A plus 100 basis point rate change  results in
an  unfavorable  $67.0 million or .66% change in 2000 compared to an unfavorable
$127.8 million or 1.46% change in 1999.

Based  on  Webster's  asset/liability  mix  at  December  31,  2000,  management
estimates that an instantaneous 100 basis point increase in interest rates would
decrease net interest  income over the next twelve  months by 3.6% compared to a
3.4% decrease at December 31, 1999. An instantaneous  100 basis point decline in
interest  rates would  increase net interest  income by 0.7% compared to 5.0% at
December 31, 1999.  These estimates  assume that  management  takes no action to
mitigate any negative effects from changing interest rates.

The market values and net interest income  estimates are subject to factors that
could  cause  actual  results  to differ.  Management  believes  that  Webster's
interest-rate risk position at December 31, 2000,  represents a reasonable level
of risk.


                                       23


ASSET QUALITY

Nonaccrual assets,  loan delinquency and credit losses are considered by Webster
to be key  measures  of  asset  quality.  Asset  quality,  accordingly,  affects
Webster's  determination  of the allowance for loan losses.  See  "Allowance for
Loan Losses" within this section for further loan allowance information.

NONACCRUAL ASSETS
Webster devotes significant  attention to maintaining high asset quality through
conservative underwriting standards,  active servicing of loans and aggressively
managing  nonaccrual assets.  Nonaccrual assets,  which include nonaccrual loans
and foreclosed  properties  were $44.3 million and $43.3 million at December 31,
2000 and 1999, respectively. Nonaccrual loans increased $2.6 million in 2000 and
foreclosed properties decreased $1.6 million. The aggregate amount of nonaccrual
assets  decreased as a  percentage  of total assets to .39% at December 31, 2000
from .44% at December 31, 1999.  Total allowances for loan losses and nonaccrual
assets  of  $91.0  million  and  $72.9  million  represented  204%  and  167% of
nonaccrual assets, respectively, at December 31, 2000 and 1999.

Nonaccrual  loans were $41.0  million at December  31,  2000,  compared to $38.4
million at December 31, 1999.  The ratio of nonaccrual  loans to total loans was
 .59% and .63% at December 31, 2000 and 1999,  respectively.  The  allowance  for
loan losses at  December  31, 2000 was $90.8  million  and  represented  221% of
nonaccrual  loans and 1.3% of total  loans.  The  allowance  for loan  losses at
December 31, 1999 was $72.7 million and represented 189% of nonaccrual loans and
1.2% of total loans.  See  "Allowance  for Loan Losses"  within this section for
further allowance for loan loss  information.  Interest on nonaccrual loans that
would have been recorded as additional  income for the years ended  December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998 had the loans been current in accordance with their original
terms approximated $3.6 million,  $3.0 million, and $2.8 million,  respectively.
See Note 1 of the  "Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements"  within  this
report for information concerning Webster's nonaccrual loan policy.

The following table details nonaccrual assets for the last five years.


                                                                              December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                            2000           1999              1998           1997            1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
NONACCRUAL ASSETS:
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis:
   Residential                                      $    8,842     $   11,490        $   12,418     $   34,731       $  37,073
   Commercial                                           29,868         25,722            16,449         13,626          18,416
   Consumer                                              2,324          1,182             1,852          3,624           6,143
FORECLOSED PROPERTIES:
   Residential and Consumer                              2,284          2,698             1,715          8,804          11,099
   Commercial                                            1,011          2,210             3,447          6,335          11,157
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                         $   44,329     $   43,302        $   35,881     $   67,120       $  83,888
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LOANS PAST DUE 90 DAYS OR MORE AND ACCRUING
The  following  table  shows the Bank's  loans  ninety days or more past due and
accruing at the periods indicated.



                                                                           Years ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                            2000            1999            1998           1997            1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       
LOANS PAST DUE 90 DAYS OR MORE AND ACCRUING:
    Residential                                      $      --       $      --       $      --      $      --          $   --
    Commercial Real Estate                                  --              --              --             --              --
    Commercial and Industrial                               --             698           1,209          1,060             395
    Consumer                                                --              --              --             --              --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                            $      --       $     698       $   1,209      $   1,060         $   395
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                       24


It is  Webster's  policy  that all loans 90 or more days past due are  placed in
nonaccruing status. Occasionally, there are circumstances that cause loans to be
placed in the 90 days and accruing  category,  for example,  a matured loan that
will be  renewed,  or the  timing of proper  file  documentation  to effect  the
nonaccrual change.

PAST DUE LOANS
The following table sets forth information as to the Bank's loans past due 30-89
days.



                                                                    December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       2000                     1999                    1998                     1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Percent                  Percent                  Percent                  Percent
                               Principal  of loans     Principal   of loans     Principal   of loans     Principal   of loans
(Dollars  in  thousands)       Balances  outstanding   Balances   outstanding   Balances   outstanding   Balances   outstanding
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               
PAST DUE 30-89 DAYS:
   Residential                $  20,974     0.30%      $  20,499     0.34%      $  26,727     0.48%      $ 31,479      0.56%
   Commercial Real Estate        16,101     0.23          11,865     0.19          12,369     0.22          8,686      0.16
   Commercial and Industrial     10,883     0.16           7,104     0.12           5,613     0.10          4,061      0.07
   Consumer                       6,135     0.09           4,746     0.08           6,873     0.13          6,466      0.12
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                      $  54,093     0.78%      $  44,214     0.73%      $  51,582     0.93%      $ 50,692      0.91%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                        1996
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                              Percent
                                 Principal   of loans
(Dollars  in  thousands)         Balances   outstanding
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                          
PAST DUE 30-89 DAYS:
   Residential                   $  29,826      0.56%
   Commercial Real Estate            4,138      0.08
   Commercial and Industrial           794      0.01
   Consumer                          4,074      0.08
- -------------------------------------------------------
   Total                         $  38,832      0.73%
- -------------------------------------------------------


ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

METHODOLOGY
The allowance  for loan losses is maintained at a level  estimated by management
to provide  adequately  for  probable  losses  inherent  in the loan  portfolio.
Probable  losses  are  estimated  based  upon a  quarterly  review  of the  loan
portfolio,  loss  experience,  specific problem loans,  economic  conditions and
other  pertinent  factors  which,  in  management's  judgment,  deserve  current
recognition in estimating loan losses.  In assessing the specific risks inherent
in the  portfolio,  management  takes  into  consideration  the  risk of loss on
Webster's  nonaccrual loans,  classified loans and watch list loans including an
analysis of the  collateral for the loans.  Provisions,  charged to the business
lines,  increase the  allowance  for loan losses.  Webster's  allowance for loan
losses at December 31, 2000 and 1999 totaled  $90.8  million and $72.7  million,
respectively. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at December
31, 2000 is adequate to cover expected losses in the portfolio.

Webster's  methodology  for  assessing  the  appropriateness  of  the  allowance
consists of several key elements.  The loan portfolio is segmented into pools of
loans that are similar in type and risk characteristic.  These homogeneous pools
are tracked over time and historic delinquency,  nonaccrual and loss information
is  collected  and  analyzed.  In addition,  problem  loans are  identified  and
analyzed  individually on a periodic basis to detect specific  probable  losses.
Webster collects industry  delinquency,  nonaccrual and loss data using the same
portfolio segments for comparison purposes.

Webster  analyzes the data and estimates its probable losses in the portfolio by
calculating  formula and specific  allowances for nonaccruing loans. The formula
allowance is  calculated  by applying loss factors to the loan pools and certain
unused commitments,  based on the historic default and loss rates, internal risk
ratings,  and other  risk-based  characteristics.  Changes in risk ratings,  and
other risk factors,  from period to period for both performing and nonperforming
loans affect the calculation of the formula allowance. Loss factors are based on
Webster's loss experience,  and may be adjusted for significant factors that, in
management's  judgment,  affect the  collectibility  of the  portfolio as of the
evaluation  date.  Webster  considers the following  when  determining  probable
losses:

o        Webster  utilizes  migration  models,  which track the dynamic business
         characteristics  inherent in the specific  portfolios.  The assumptions
         are updated periodically to match changes in the business cycle.

o        Pooled loan loss factors (not  individually  graded loans) are based on
         expected net  charge-offs.  Pooled loans are loans that are homogeneous
         in nature, such as residential and consumer loans.

o        The loan portfolios are characterized by historical  statistics such as
         default rates,  cure rates, loss in event of default rates and internal
         risk ratings.



                                       25


o        Webster statistically  evaluates the impact of larger concentrations in
         the commercial loan portfolio.

o        Comparable industry charge-off statistics by line of business,  broadly
         defined  as  residential,  consumer,  home  equity & second  mortgages,
         commercial  real  estate  and  commercial  &  industrial  lending,  are
         utilized as factors in  calculating  loss estimates in the Webster loan
         portfolios.

o        Webster  reviews  actual  losses  by  portfolio   segment  to  validate
         estimated future probable losses.

At December 31, 2000,  Webster's allowance for loan losses was $90.8 million, or
1.31% of the total loan  portfolio,  and 221% of total  nonaccrual  loans.  This
compares  with an  allowance  for loan  losses of $72.7  million or 1.19% of the
total loan portfolio, and 189% of total nonaccrual loans at December 31, 1999.

The increase in Webster's allowance for loan losses for commercial loans was due
to a  reallocation  of the loan loss  allowance  from the  residential  mortgage
loans.  The  residential  allowance for loan losses were $18.3 million and $25.2
million at December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999,  respectively.  The decrease
of $6.9  million in the  allowance  for loan  losses for  residential  mortgages
reflects a lower estimated  requirement based upon the actual losses experienced
over the preceding two years.  Management  considered the actual loss experience
as part of its decision to reallocate a portion of the residential mortgage loan
loss allowance to the commercial  loan loss allowance.  In addition,  the mix of
the overall loan portfolio changed,  which resulted in an increase in commercial
loans.  This was due to  internal  growth and the  acquisitions  of New  England
Community Bank and Mechanics Savings Bank.

A summary of the  activity  in the  allowance  for loan losses for the last five
years follows:



                                                                            For the Years Ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                                    2000           1999              1998           1997            1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     
Balance at beginning of period                      $   72,658     $   65,201        $   71,599     $   63,047      $   69,091
CHARGE-OFFS:
   Residential                                          (1,583)        (3,246)          (13,662)       (16,281)       (21,218)
   Commercial                                           (3,781)        (2,376)           (4,044)        (6,039)        (8,895)
   Consumer                                             (1,452)        (1,784)           (3,556)        (4,305)        (4,350)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        (6,816)        (7,406)          (21,262)       (26,625)       (34,463)
RECOVERIES:
   Residential                                             372            838             1,081          4,368           1,103
   Commercial                                            1,571          1,079             2,755          1,697           2,278
   Consumer                                                244            299               302            555             416
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net charge-offs                                         (4,629)        (5,190)          (17,124)       (20,005)       (30,666)
Allowances from purchase transactions                   10,980          3,647                --          2,108           8,881
Reclassification of allowance for segregated
   asset losses                                             --             --             2,623             --              --
Provisions charged to operations                        11,800          9,000             8,103         26,449          15,741
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period                            $   90,809     $   72,658        $   65,201     $   71,599      $   63,047
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding      0.1%           0.1%              0.3%           0.4%            0.6%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LOAN LOSSES
Net  charge-offs  for 2000  totaled $4.6 million as compared to $5.2 million for
1999  reflecting  a decrease  in net  charge-offs  of  $561,000  for the current
period.  The decrease was primarily the result of  residential  and consumer net
charge-offs  being  $1.5  million  lower for 2000 that was  partially  offset by
commercial  loan net  charge-offs  being  $913,000  higher for the current  year
period.  The  increase in the  allowance  for loan losses of $18.2  million from
December  31, 1999 to 2000 is the result of a  provision  of $11.8  million,  an
allowance of $11.0 million acquired in a purchase  acquisition  completed during
2000 and net  charge-offs  of $4.6  million.  The  $11.0  million  increase  was
primarily related to the Mechanics purchase acquisition  completed in June 2000.
See Item 1 "Business  Combinations"  under Part I of this report for information
concerning  acquisitions completed during 2000. Included in the 1998 charge-offs
were  write-downs of $8.6 million  related to the bulk sales of $26.3 million of
primarily nonaccrual and delinquent loans. Included in the 1997



                                       26


charge-offs  were  write-downs  of $5.8 million  related to a bulk sale of $17.7
million of nonaccrual  residential  loans and  foreclosed  properties.  The 1998
provisions  charged to operations include $1.5 million  specifically  related to
the acquisition of Eagle.

The following  table  presents an  allocation  of the Bank's  allowance for loan
losses  at the  dates  indicated  and the  related  percentage  of loans in each
category to the Bank's loan receivable portfolio.



                                                                    December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        2000               1999                1998                  1997             1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Percent            Percent             Percent               Percent           Percent
                                           of loans          of loans            of loans              of loans          of loans
                                           in each            in each             in each               in each           in each
                                           category          category            category              category          category
                                           to total          to total            to total              to total          to total
 (Dollars in thousands)           Amount     loans   Amount    loans     Amount    loans      Amount     loans    Amount   loans
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             
Allowance for loan losses at end
  of period applicable to:
   Residential mortgage loans   $ 18,321   60.01%   $ 25,196   63.97%   $ 23,237   69.64%    $30,635    72.09%  $ 22,397   72.63%
   Commercial mortgage loans      20,865   12.40      20,630   12.16      22,309   11.06      17,702    10.52     17,948   10.52
   Commercial non-mortgage loans  43,798   17.48      20,566   15.01      13,430    9.85      12,096     6.61     12,923    6.16
   Consumer loans                  7,825   10.11       6,266    8.86       6,225    9.45      11,166    10.78      9,779   10.69
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                     $ 90,809  100.00%   $ 72,658  100.00%   $ 65,201  100.00%    $71,599   100.00%  $ 63,047  100.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CLASSIFICATION OF ASSETS
Under the OTS' problem assets  classification  system,  a savings  institution's
problem   assets  are   classified  as   "substandard,"   "doubtful"  or  "loss"
(collectively  "classified  assets"),  depending  on  the  presence  of  certain
characteristics.  An asset is considered "substandard" if inadequately protected
by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral
pledged,  if  any.  "Substandard"  assets  include  those  characterized  by the
"distinct  possibility"  that the  institution  will sustain  "some loss" if the
deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as "doubtful" have all of the
weaknesses   inherent  in  those   classified   "substandard"   with  the  added
characteristic  that  the  weaknesses  that  are  present  make  "collection  or
liquidation in full" on the basis of currently  existing  facts,  conditions and
values, "highly questionable and improbable." Assets classified "loss" are those
considered  "uncollectible"  and of such little value that to continue to report
them as assets  without  the  establishment  of a specific  loss  reserve is not
warranted.  In addition,  assets that do not currently warrant classification in
one of the foregoing  categories but which are deserving of  management's  close
attention are designated as "special mention" assets.

When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either "substandard" or
"doubtful," it is required to establish general allowances for loan losses in an
amount  deemed  prudent  by  management.   General  allowances   represent  loss
allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated
with lending activities,  but which, unlike specific  allowances,  have not been
allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured  institution  classifies
problem  assets as  "loss,"  it is  required  either  to  establish  a  specific
allowance  for losses equal to 100% of the amount of the asset so  classified or
to  charge-off  such  amount.   An   institution's   determination   as  to  the
classification  of its  assets  and the amount of its  valuation  allowances  is
subject  to review by the OTS which can order the  establishment  of  additional
valuation allowances.

At December  31,  2000,  the Bank's  classified  loans  totaled  $78.3  million,
consisting of $71.9 million in loans classified as "substandard," of which $31.0
million are commercial loans that are accruing  interest,  $6.4 million in loans
classified as "doubtful"  and none  classified as "loss".  At December 31, 1999,
the Bank's  classified loans totaled $40.0 million,  consisting of $38.3 million
in loans  classified  as  "substandard,"  $1.7  million in loans  classified  as
"doubtful" and none classified as "loss."

At December 31, 2000,  the Bank had $17.3 million of potential  problem loans or
commitments in its commercial loan portfolio for which  management has doubts as
to the ability of such  borrowers  to comply  with  present  repayment  terms or
commitment conditions.


                                       27


IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

The financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in
accordance  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  which require the
measurement of financial  position and operating  results in terms of historical
dollars without  considering  changes in the relative  purchasing power of money
over time due to inflation.

Unlike  most  industrial   companies,   substantially  all  of  the  assets  and
liabilities  of a banking  institution  are  monetary  in  nature.  As a result,
interest rates have a more significant impact on Webster's  performance than the
effects of general levels of inflation.  Interest rates do not necessarily  move
in the  same  direction  or in the same  magnitude  as the  price  of goods  and
services.

RECENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial  Accounting Standard ("SFAS"),  No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" (the "Standard"). This statement establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts  (collectively referred to as
derivatives), and for hedging activities. The accounting for changes in the fair
value of a  derivative  depends on the intended  use of the  derivative  and the
resulting  designation.  Under this  statement,  an entity  that elects to apply
hedge  accounting  is required to  establish  at the  inception of the hedge the
method it will use for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and
the measurement  approach for  determining the ineffective  aspect of the hedge.
Those methods must be consistent  with the entity's  approach to managing  risk.
SFAS No.  133,  as  amended by SFAS No.  137,  is now  effective  for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years  beginning  after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB
issued  SFAS  No.  138,  "Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging
Activities,  an amendment to the SFAS Statement No. 133". This statement  amends
the  accounting and reporting  standards of SFAS No. 133 for certain  derivative
instruments and certain hedging activities. The Company adopted SFAS No. 133 and
the  related  amendments  on  January  1,  2001.  The  effect  of  adoption  was
approximately a $3 million, net of taxes, charge to earnings on January 1, 2001.
On January 1, 2001, in accordance  with the provisions of SFAS No. 133,  Webster
reclassified all held to maturity securities as available for sale securities.

In September  2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140,  "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities", a replacement
of SFAS  No.  125.  SFAS No.  140  addresses  implementation  issues  that  were
identified in applying SFAS No. 125.  This  statement  revises the standards for
accounting  for  securitizations  and other  transfers of  financial  assets and
collateral  and requires  certain  disclosures,  but it carries over most of the
provisions  of SFAS No. 125 without  reconsideration.  SFAS 140 is effective for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and  extinguishments  of liabilities
occurring  after March 31, 2001.  SFAS No. 140 is effective for  recognition and
reclassification  of collateral and for disclosures  relating to  securitization
transactions  and  collateral  for fiscal years ending after  December 15, 2000.
This statement is to be applied  prospectively  with certain  exceptions.  Other
than those exceptions, earlier or retroactive application is not permitted.

TAX LEGISLATION

Federal tax law changes were enacted in August 1996 to eliminate the "thrift bad
debt" method of calculating  bad debt deductions for tax years after 1995 and to
impose a requirement to recapture  into taxable income (over a six-year  period)
all bad debt reserves  accumulated after 1987. Since Webster previously recorded
a deferred tax  liability  with respect to these post 1987  reserves,  its total
income tax expense for financial  reporting purposes will not be affected by the
recapture  requirement.  The tax law changes also provide that taxes  associated
with the recapture of pre-1988 bad debt reserves would become payable under more
limited  circumstances  than under  prior law.  Under the tax laws,  as amended,
events that would result in recapture of the pre-1988 bad debt reserves  include
stock and cash  distributions  to the holding company from the Bank in excess of
specified  amounts.  Webster does not expect such reserves to be recaptured into
taxable income.


                                       28


The State of Connecticut  enacted tax law changes in May 1998,  allowing for the
formation of a Passive  Investment  Company  ("PIC") by financial  institutions.
This  legislation  exempts PICs from state income taxation in  Connecticut,  and
exempts from inclusion in  Connecticut  taxable income the dividends paid from a
passive  investment  company to a related  financial  institution.  Webster Bank
qualifies as a financial  institution under the statute, and has organized a PIC
that began operations in the first quarter of 1999. The legislation is effective
for tax years  beginning on or after January 1, 1999.  Webster's  formation of a
PIC has  reduced  its  Connecticut  tax  expense in 1999 and, as a result of the
PIC's formation, a deferred tax charge was taken in the fourth quarter of 1998.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Securities  and Exchange Act of 1934,  as amended.  Actual  results could differ
materially  from  those  management  expectations,  projections  and  estimates.
Factors  that  could  cause  future  results  to vary  from  current  management
expectations  include,  but are not limited  to,  general  economic  conditions,
legislative and regulatory changes,  monetary and fiscal policies of the federal
government, changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and
local tax  authorities,  changes in interest rates,  deposit flows,  the cost of
funds,  demand for loan products,  demand for financial  services,  competition,
changes  in  the  quality  or  composition  of  Webster's  loan  and  investment
portfolios, changes in accounting principles,  policies or guidelines, and other
economic,   competitive,   governmental  and  technological   factors  affecting
Webster's operations,  markets,  products services and prices. Such developments
could have an adverse  impact on  Webster's  financial  position  and results of
operations.


ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
appears  under  Item 7,  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial
Condition and Results of  Operations,"  on pages 22 through 23 under the caption
"Asset/Liability Management and Market Risk".


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See Pages F-1 through F-43.


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

None.


                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information regarding the directors and executive officers of the Corporation is
omitted  from this  report as the  Corporation  has filed its  definitive  proxy
statement  within  120 days  after the end of the  fiscal  year  covered by this
Report,  and  the  information   included  therein  is  incorporated  herein  by
reference.


                                       29


ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information  regarding  compensation  of  executive  officers  and  directors is
omitted  from  this  Report as the  Corporation  has  filed a  definitive  proxy
statement  within  120 days  after the end of the  fiscal  year  covered by this
Report, and the information  included therein (excluding the Personnel Resources
Committee  Report  on  Executive   Compensation  and  the  Comparative   Company
Performance information) is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Information required by this Item is omitted from this Report as the Corporation
has filed a  definitive  proxy  statement  within  120 days after the end of the
fiscal year  covered by this Report,  and the  information  included  therein is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Information  regarding certain relationships and related transactions is omitted
from this  Report as the  Corporation  has filed a  definitive  proxy  statement
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report, and the
information included therein is incorporated herein by reference.


                                     PART IV

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

(a)(1) The Consolidated  Financial Statements of Registrant and its subsidiaries
are included within Item 8 of Part II of this report.

(a)(2) All schedules for which  provision is made in the  applicable  accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

(a)(3) The  following  exhibits  are either  filed as part of this Report or are
incorporated  herein by  reference;  references  to First  Federal Bank now mean
Webster Bank:

EXHIBIT NO.                        EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exhibit No. 3.      Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.

           3.1      Second  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  (filed  as
                    Exhibit 3.1 to the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K
                    filed  within  the SEC on March  29,  2000 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

           3.2      Certificate  of  Amendment  (filed  as  Exhibit  3.2  to the
                    Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC
                    on March 29, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).

           3.3      Bylaws,  as amended (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Corporation's
                    Registration  Statement  on Form S-8  filed  with the SEC on
                    July 25, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).

Exhibit No. 4       Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders.

           4.1      Specimen common stock  certificate  (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to
                    the Corporation's  Registration  Statement on Form S-3 (File
                    No.  333-81563)  filed  with  the SEC on June  25,  1999 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).



                                       30


           4.2      Rights Agreement,  dated as of February 5, 1996, between the
                    Corporation and Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
                    (filed as Exhibit 1 to the  Corporation's  Current Report on
                    Form  8-K  filed  with  the SEC on  February  12,  1996  and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

           4.3      Amendment  No. 1 to  Rights  Agreement,  entered  into as of
                    November  4,  1996,  by  and  between  the  Corporation  and
                    ChaseMellon  Shareholder  Services,   L.L.C.  (filed  as  an
                    exhibit  to the  Corporation's  Current  Report  on Form 8-K
                    filed with the SEC on  November  25,  1996 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

           4.4      Amendment  No. 2 to  Rights  Agreement,  entered  into as of
                    October 30, 1998, between the Corporation and American Stock
                    Transfer  &  Trust  Company  (filed  as  Exhibit  1  to  the
                    Corporation's  Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
                    on October 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

Exhibit No. 10.     Material Contracts.

          10.1      1986 Stock Option  Plan,  of Webster  Financial  Corporation
                    (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the  Corporation's  Annual Report
                    on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986 and
                    incorporated here in by reference).

          10.2      Amendment to [1986] Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3
                    to the  Corporation's  Annual  Report  on Form  10-K for the
                    fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated  herein
                    by reference).

          10.3      Mechanics  Savings  Bank 1996  Officer  Stock Plan (filed as
                    Exhibit 10.1 of MECH Financial, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form
                    10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1997 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

          10.4      Amendment No. 1 to Mechanics Savings Bank 1996 Officer Stock
                    Option  Plan  (filed as  Exhibit  4.1 (b) of MECH  Financial
                    Inc.'s Registration  Statement on Form S-8 as filed with the
                    SEC on April 2, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

          10.5      Mechanics  Savings  Bank 1996  Director  Stock  Option  Plan
                    (incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit  10.2  of  MECH
                    Financial,  Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
                    SEC on March 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

          10.6      Amendment No.1 to Mechanics Savings Bank 1996 Director Stock
                    Option  Plan  (filed as Exhibit  4.2 (b) of MECH  Financial,
                    Inc.'s Registration  Statement on Form S-8 as filed with the
                    SEC on April 2, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

          10.7      New England  Community  Bancorp,  Inc.,  1997  Non-Officer's
                    Directors'  Stock  Option  Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.1 of New
                    England Community Bancorp,  Inc.'s Registration Statement on
                    Form  S-8 as  filed  with  the SEC on  October  6,  1998 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

          10.8      1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to
                    the Corporation's  Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed
                    with the SEC on October 25, 2000 and incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

          10.9      Economic Value Added Incentive Plan (the  description of the
                    plan in the last  paragraph  that  begins  on page 17 of the
                    Corporation's definitive proxy materials for the 2000 Annual
                    Meeting   of   Shareholders   is   incorporated   herein  by
                    reference).

          10.10     Performance  Incentive  Plan  (filed  as  Exhibit  A to  the
                    Corporation's    definitive    proxy   materials   for   the
                    Corporation's   1996  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  and
                    incorporated herein by reference).



                                       31


          10.11     Amendment  to  Webster  Financial  Corporation   Performance
                    Incentive Plan as amended and restated  effective January 1,
                    1996  (filed as Exhibit  10.11 to the  Corporation's  Annual
                    Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December  31,
                    1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

          10.12     Amended  and  Restated   Deferred   Compensation   Plan  for
                    Directors  and  Officers  of Webster  Bank (filed as Exhibit
                    10.12 to the  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for
                    the fiscal year ended  December  31,  1998 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

          10.13     First  Amended and  Restated  Directors  Retainer  Fees Plan
                    (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report
                    on Form  10-Q  filed  with the SEC on  August  14,  1998 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

          10.14     Supplemental  Retirement Plan for Employees of First Federal
                    Bank,  as amended and  restated  effective  as of October 1,
                    1994  (filed as Exhibit  10.26 to the  Corporation's  Annual
                    Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December  31,
                    1994 and incorporated herein by reference).

          10.15     Amendment  No.  1 to the  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan for
                    Employees of First  Federal Bank (filed as Exhibit  10.15 to
                    the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                    year ended  December  31,  1998 and  incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

          10.16     Amendment  No.  2 to the  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan for
                    Employees of First  Federal Bank (filed as Exhibit  10.16 to
                    the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                    year ended  December  31,  1998 and  incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

          10.17     Amendment  No.  3 to the  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan for
                    Employees  of Webster  Bank  (filed as Exhibit  10.17 to the
                    Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                    ended   December  31,  1998  and   incorporated   herein  by
                    reference).

          10.18     Qualified  Performance-Based  Compensation  Plan  (filed  as
                    Exhibit A to the  Corporation's  definitive  proxy materials
                    for the  Corporation's  1998 Annual Meeting of  Shareholders
                    and incorporated herein by reference).

          10.19     Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (filed as Appendix A to the
                    Company's  Definitive  Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on
                    March 23, 2000).

          10.20     Employment  Agreement,  dated as of January  1, 1998,  among
                    James C. Smith,  the  Corporation and Webster Bank (filed as
                    Exhibit  10.27 to the  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form
                    10-K  for the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31,  1997  and
                    incorporated herein by reference; see Schedule 10.27 to that
                    (Exhibit  10.27) for a list of other  executive  officers of
                    the  Corporation  and  Webster  Bank who have an  Employment
                    Agreement  substantially  identical in all material respects
                    to the Employment  Agreement of Mr. Smith,  except as to the
                    name of the executive who is a party to the agreement and as
                    otherwise indicated on Schedule 10.27).

          10.21     Amendment to Employment Agreement,  entered into as of March
                    17, 1998,  by and among Webster Bank,  the  Corporation  and
                    James C. Smith (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the  Corporation's
                    Annual  Report  on Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended
                    December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference;  see
                    Schedule  10.28 to that (Exhibit  10.28) for a list of other
                    executive  officers of the  Corporation and Webster Bank who
                    have an  Amendment  to  Employment  Agreement  substantially
                    identical  in all  material  respects  to the  Amendment  to
                    Employment  Agreement of Mr. Smith, except as to the name of
                    the executive who is a party to the agreement).

          10.22     Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated as of December
                    15, 1997, by and between the  Corporation and James C. Smith
                    (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the  Corporation's  Annual Report
                    on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and
                    incorporated herein by reference; see Schedule



                                       32


                    10.29 to that (Exhibit  10.29) for a list of other executive
                    officers  of the  Corporation  who have a Change of  Control
                    Employment Agreement substantially identical in all material
                    respects to the Change of Control  Employment  Agreement  of
                    Mr.  Smith,  except as to the name of the executive who is a
                    party to the agreement).

          10.23     Purchase and  Assumption  Agreement,  dated as of October 2,
                    1992, among the Federal Deposit  Insurance  Corporation (the
                    "FDIC"),  in its  corporate  capacity  as  receiver of First
                    Constitution Bank, the FDIC and First Federal Bank (filed as
                    Exhibit 2 to the  Corporation's  Current  Report on Form 8-K
                    filed  with the SEC on  October  19,  1992 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

          10.24     Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Assumption  Agreement,  made
                    as of August 8, 1994,  by and between the FDIC,  the FDIC as
                    receiver of First  Constitution Bank, and First Federal Bank
                    (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the  Corporation's  Annual Report
                    on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

          10.25     Indenture,   dated  as  of  June  15,   1993,   between  the
                    Corporation  and Chemical Bank, as trustee,  relating to the
                    Corporation's 8 3/4% Senior Notes due 2000 (filed as Exhibit
                    99.5 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed
                    with the SEC on November 10, 1993 and incorporated herein by
                    reference).

          10.26     Junior Subordinated Indenture,  dated as of January 29, 1997
                    between  the  Corporation  and  The  Bank  of New  York,  as
                    trustee,  relating to the Corporation's  Junior Subordinated
                    Deferrable  Interest  Debentures  (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to
                    the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                    year ended  December  31,  1996 and  incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

Exhibit No. 21      Subsidiaries.

Exhibit No. 23      Consent of KPMG L.L.P.

         (b)      Reports on Form 8-K

          No reports were filed for the fourth  quarter  period ending  December
31, 2000.

         (c)      Exhibits to this Form 10-K are attached or incorporated herein
by reference as stated above.

         (d)      Not applicable.


                                       33


                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  the registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto duly  authorized,  as of
March 1, 2001.


                                        WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION


                                        By   /s/  James C. Smith
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            James C. Smith
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


       Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant and in the capacities indicated as of March 1, 2001.

              Name:                                   Title:
              -----                                   ------


  /s/ James C. Smith                    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 --------------------------------       (Principal Executive Officer)
 James C. Smith



  /s/ Peter J. Swiatek                  Controller
 --------------------------------       (Acting Principal Financial Officer and
 Peter J. Swiatek                          Acting Principal Accounting Officer)



  /s/ Richard H. Alden                  Director
 --------------------------------
 Richard H. Alden



  /s/ Achille A. Apicella               Director
 --------------------------------
 Achille A. Apicella



  /s/ Joel S. Becker                    Director
 --------------------------------
 Joel S. Becker



  /s/ O. Joseph Bizzozero, Jr.          Director
 --------------------------------
 O. Joseph Bizzozero, Jr.



  /s/ George T. Carpenter               Director
 --------------------------------
 George T. Carpenter



                                       34


  /s/ John J. Crawford                  Director
 --------------------------------
 John J. Crawford



  /s/ Robert A. Finkenzeller            Director
 --------------------------------
 Robert A. Finkenzeller



 /s/ Edgar C. Gerwig                    Director
 --------------------------------
 Edgar C. Gerwig



  /s/ P. Anthony Giorgio                Director
 --------------------------------
 P. Anthony Giorgio



 /s/ C. Michael Jacobi                  Director
 --------------------------------
 C. Michael Jacobi



  /s/ John F. McCarthy                  Director
 --------------------------------
 John F. McCarthy



 /s/ Michael G. Morris                  Director
 --------------------------------
 Michael G. Morris



 /s/ Sister Marguerite F. Waite         Director
 --------------------------------
 Sister Marguerite F. Waite


                                       35


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NO.                     EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exhibit No. 3.      Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.

            3.2     Second  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  (filed  as
                    Exhibit 3.1 to the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K
                    filed  within  the SEC on March  29,  2000 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

            3.2     Certificate  of  Amendment  (filed  as  Exhibit  3.2  to the
                    Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC
                    on March 29, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).

            3.3     Bylaws,  as amended (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Corporation's
                    Registration  Statement  on Form S-8  filed  with the SEC on
                    July 25, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).

Exhibit No. 4       Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders.

            4.1     Specimen common stock  certificate  (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to
                    the Corporation's  Registration  Statement on Form S-3 (File
                    No.  333-81563)  filed  with  the SEC on June  25,  1999 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

            4.2     Rights Agreement,  dated as of February 5, 1996, between the
                    Corporation and Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
                    (filed as Exhibit 1 to the  Corporation's  Current Report on
                    Form  8-K  filed  with  the SEC on  February  12,  1996  and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

            4.3     Amendment  No. 1 to  Rights  Agreement,  entered  into as of
                    November  4,  1996,  by  and  between  the  Corporation  and
                    ChaseMellon  Shareholder  Services,   L.L.C.  (filed  as  an
                    exhibit  to the  Corporation's  Current  Report  on Form 8-K
                    filed with the SEC on  November  25,  1996 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

            4.5     Amendment  No. 2 to  Rights  Agreement,  entered  into as of
                    October 30, 1998, between the Corporation and American Stock
                    Transfer  &  Trust  Company  (filed  as  Exhibit  1  to  the
                    Corporation's  Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
                    on October 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

Exhibit No. 10.     Material Contracts.

           10.1     1986 Stock Option  Plan,  of Webster  Financial  Corporation
                    (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the  Corporation's  Annual Report
                    on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986 and
                    incorporated here in by reference).

           10.2     Amendment to [1986] Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3
                    to the  Corporation's  Annual  Report  on Form  10-K for the
                    fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated  herein
                    by reference).

           10.3     Mechanics  Savings  Bank 1996  Officer  Stock Plan (filed as
                    Exhibit 10.1 of MECH Financial, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form
                    10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1997 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

           10.4     Amendment No. 1 to Mechanics Savings Bank 1996 Officer Stock
                    Option  Plan  (filed as  Exhibit  4.1 (b) of MECH  Financial
                    Inc.'s Registration  Statement on Form S-8 as filed with the
                    SEC on April 2, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

           10.5     Mechanics  Savings  Bank 1996  Director  Stock  Option  Plan
                    (incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit  10.2  of  MECH
                    Financial,  Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
                    SEC on March 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

                                       36


           10.6     Amendment  No. 1 to  Mechanics  Savings  Bank 1996  Director
                    Stock  Option  Plan  (filed  as  Exhibit  4.2  (b)  of  MECH
                    Financial,  Inc.'s  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-8 as
                    filed with the SEC on April 2, 1998 and incorporated  herein
                    by reference).

           10.7     New England  Community  Bancorp,  Inc.,  1997  Non-Officer's
                    Directors'  Stock  Option  Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.1 of New
                    England Community Bancorp,  Inc.'s Registration Statement on
                    Form  S-8 as  filed  with  the SEC on  October  6,  1998 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

           10.8     1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to
                    the Corporation's  Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed
                    with the SEC on October 25, 2000 and incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

           10.9     Economic Value Added Incentive Plan (the  description of the
                    plan in the last  paragraph  that  begins  on page 17 of the
                    Corporation's definitive proxy materials for the 2000 Annual
                    Meeting   of   Shareholders   is   incorporated   herein  by
                    reference).

           10.10    Performance  Incentive  Plan  (filed  as  Exhibit  A to  the
                    Corporation's    definitive    proxy   materials   for   the
                    Corporation's   1996  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

           10.11    Amendment  to  Webster  Financial  Corporation   Performance
                    Incentive Plan as amended and restated  effective January 1,
                    1996  (filed as Exhibit  10.11 to the  Corporation's  Annual
                    Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December  31,
                    1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

           10.12    Amended  and  Restated   Deferred   Compensation   Plan  for
                    Directors  and  Officers  of Webster  Bank (filed as Exhibit
                    10.12 to the  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for
                    the fiscal year ended  December  31,  1998 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

           10.13    First  Amended and  Restated  Directors  Retainer  Fees Plan
                    (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report
                    on Form  10-Q  filed  with the SEC on  August  14,  1998 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

           10.14    Supplemental  Retirement Plan for Employees of First Federal
                    Bank,  as amended and  restated  effective  as of October 1,
                    1994  (filed as Exhibit  10.26 to the  Corporation's  Annual
                    Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December  31,
                    1994 and incorporated herein by reference).

           10.15    Amendment  No.  1 to the  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan for
                    Employees of First  Federal Bank (filed as Exhibit  10.15 to
                    the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                    year ended  December  31,  1998 and  incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

           10.16    Amendment  No.  2 to the  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan for
                    Employees of First  Federal Bank (filed as Exhibit  10.16 to
                    the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                    year ended  December  31,  1998 and  incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

           10.17    Amendment  No.  3 to the  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan for
                    Employees  of Webster  Bank  (filed as Exhibit  10.17 to the
                    Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                    ended   December  31,  1998  and   incorporated   herein  by
                    reference).

           10.18    Qualified  Performance-Based  Compensation  Plan  (filed  as
                    Exhibit A to the  Corporation's  definitive  proxy materials
                    for the  Corporation's  1998 Annual Meeting of  Shareholders
                    and incorporated herein by reference).

           10.19    Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (filed as Appendix A to the
                    Company's  Definitive  Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on
                    March 23, 2000).

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           10.20    Employment  Agreement,  dated as of January  1, 1998,  among
                    James C. Smith,  the  Corporation and Webster Bank (filed as
                    Exhibit  10.27 to the  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form
                    10-K  for the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31,  1997  and
                    incorporated herein by reference; see Schedule 10.27 to that
                    (Exhibit  10.27) for a list of other  executive  officers of
                    the  Corporation  and  Webster  Bank who have an  Employment
                    Agreement  substantially  identical in all material respects
                    to the Employment  Agreement of Mr. Smith,  except as to the
                    name of the executive who is a party to the agreement and as
                    otherwise indicated on Schedule 10.27).

           10.21    Amendment to Employment Agreement,  entered into as of March
                    17, 1998,  by and among Webster Bank,  the  Corporation  and
                    James C. Smith (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the  Corporation's
                    Annual  Report  on Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended
                    December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference;  see
                    Schedule  10.28 to that (Exhibit  10.28) for a list of other
                    executive  officers of the  Corporation and Webster Bank who
                    have an  Amendment  to  Employment  Agreement  substantially
                    identical  in all  material  respects  to the  Amendment  to
                    Employment  Agreement of Mr. Smith, except as to the name of
                    the executive who is a party to the agreement).

           10.22    Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated as of December
                    15, 1997, by and between the  Corporation and James C. Smith
                    (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the  Corporation's  Annual Report
                    on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and
                    incorporated herein by reference; see Schedule 10.29 to that
                    (Exhibit  10.29) for a list of other  executive  officers of
                    the  Corporation  who have a Change  of  Control  Employment
                    Agreement  substantially  identical in all material respects
                    to the Change of Control Employment  Agreement of Mr. Smith,
                    except as to the name of the executive who is a party to the
                    agreement).

           10.23    Purchase and  Assumption  Agreement,  dated as of October 2,
                    1992, among the Federal Deposit  Insurance  Corporation (the
                    "FDIC"),  in its  corporate  capacity  as  receiver of First
                    Constitution Bank, the FDIC and First Federal Bank (filed as
                    Exhibit 2 to the  Corporation's  Current  Report on Form 8-K
                    filed  with the SEC on  October  19,  1992 and  incorporated
                    herein by reference).

           10.24    Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Assumption  Agreement,  made
                    as of August 8, 1994,  by and between the FDIC,  the FDIC as
                    receiver of First  Constitution Bank, and First Federal Bank
                    (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the  Corporation's  Annual Report
                    on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and
                    incorporated herein by reference).

           10.25    Indenture,   dated  as  of  June  15,   1993,   between  the
                    Corporation  and Chemical Bank, as trustee,  relating to the
                    Corporation's 8 3/4% Senior Notes due 2000 (filed as Exhibit
                    99.5 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed
                    with the SEC on November 10, 1993 and incorporated herein by
                    reference).

           10.26    Junior Subordinated Indenture,  dated as of January 29, 1997
                    between  the  Corporation  and  The  Bank  of New  York,  as
                    trustee,  relating to the Corporation's  Junior Subordinated
                    Deferrable  Interest  Debentures  (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to
                    the Corporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                    year ended  December  31,  1996 and  incorporated  herein by
                    reference).

Exhibit No. 21      Subsidiaries.

Exhibit No. 23      Consent of KPMG L.L.P.

         (b)      Reports on Form 8-K

          No reports were filed for the fourth  quarter  period ending  December
31, 2000.

         (c)      Exhibits to this Form 10-K are attached or incorporated herein
by reference as stated above.

         (d)      Not applicable.

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