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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000928385-97-000444.txt : 19970318
<SEC-HEADER>0000928385-97-000444.hdr.sgml : 19970318
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000928385-97-000444
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	10-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		13
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	19961231
FILED AS OF DATE:		19970317
SROS:			NYSE

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORP /NC/
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000092230
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021]
		IRS NUMBER:				560939887
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			NC
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		10-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-10853
		FILM NUMBER:		97557808

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		200 WEST SECOND STREET
		CITY:			WINSTON-SALEM
		STATE:			NC
		ZIP:			27101
		BUSINESS PHONE:		9107332180

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		200 WEST SECOND STREET
		CITY:			WINSTON-SALEM
		STATE:			NC
		ZIP:			27101
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>10-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 10-K
<TEXT>

<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                 UNITED STATES
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
                                   FORM 10-K
 
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
                                    OF 1934
 
                          FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED:
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-10853
 
                               ----------------
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
            NORTH CAROLINA                           56-0939887
       (STATE OF INCORPORATION)         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
        200 WEST SECOND STREET                          27101
     WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA                   (ZIP CODE)
    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
               OFFICES)
 
                               ----------------
 
                                (910) 733-2000
             (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
 
                               ----------------
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
                                   OF 1934:
 
                                               NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
           TITLE OF EACH CLASS                  ON WHICH REGISTERED
         -----------------------               --------------------- 
 
      COMMON STOCK, $5 PAR VALUE               NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
         SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS                 NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
 
  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.
 
  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.

                               Yes  X     No
                                   ---       ---
 
  The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant at January 31, 1997 was approximately $4.2 billion. The number of
shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding on January 31, 1997 was
109,466,577.
 
  Portions of the Proxy Statement of the Registrant for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 22, 1997, are incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Report.
 
                     The Exhibit Index begins on page 81.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                          ------
 <C>      <C>     <S>                                                     <C>
 PART I    Item 1 Business.............................................     4
           Item 2 Properties...........................................   18, 59
           Item 3 Legal Proceedings....................................     70
           Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Shareholders......     2
                  None.
 PART II   Item 5 Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related    38-39
                   Shareholder Matters.................................
                  On November 7, 1996, the Registrant issued 70,207
                   shares of common stock to the three shareholders of
                   an insurance agency based in Greenville, South
                   Carolina in exchange for the transfer of
                   substantially all of the net assets of such agency
                   to Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"). On
                   November 13, 1996, the Registrant issued 48,120
                   shares of common stock to the two shareholders of a
                   second insurance agency based in Greenville, South
                   Carolina in exchange for the transfer of
                   substantially all of the net assets of such agency
                   to BB&T-NC. On November 22, 1996, the Registrant
                   issued 492,063 shares of common stock to the five
                   shareholders of an insurance agency based in
                   Columbia, South Carolina in exchange for the
                   transfer of substantially all of the net assets of
                   such agency to BB&T-NC. The Registrant made each of
                   the foregoing issuances in reliance on the exemption
                   from registration provided under Section 4(2) of the
                   Securities Act and based on the number of purchasers
                   (as to each transaction and in the aggregate), their
                   ability to evaluate the merits and risks of the
                   investment and the absence of public solicitation of
                   investors.
           Item 6 Selected Financial Data..............................     42
           Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                   Condition and Results of Operations.................     19
           Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..........     41
                  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and
                   1995................................................     45
                  Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the
                   years in the three-year period ended December 31,
                   1996................................................     46
                  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders'
                   Equity for each of the years in the three-year
                   period ended December 31, 1996......................     47
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the
                   years in the three-year period ended December 31,
                   1996................................................     48
                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........     49
                  Report of Independent Public Accountants.............     44
                  Quarterly Financial Summary for 1996 and 1995........     41
           Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
                   Accounting and Financial Disclosures.
                  None.
 PART III Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...   *, 15
          Item 11 Executive Compensation...............................     *
          Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                   Management..........................................     *
          Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.......     *
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
 <C>     <C>     <S>
 PART IV Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-
                  K
          (a)(1) Financial Statements (See Item 8 for reference).
             (2) Financial Statement Schedules normally required on Form 10-K
                  are omitted since they are not applicable.
             (3) Exhibits have been filed separately with the Commission and
                  are available upon written request.
          (b)    Southern National Corporation ("Southern National") filed a
                  Form 8-K on January 22, 1996, under Item 5 to report the
                  results of operations and financial condition as of December
                  31, 1995. Southern National filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on
                  April 15, 1996 to report the results of operations and
                  financial condition as of March 31, 1996. Southern National
                  filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on May 3, 1996 to report plans
                  to acquire Regional Acceptance Corporation of Greenville,
                  North Carolina. Southern National filed a Form 8-K under Item
                  5 on July 12, 1996 to report the results of operations and
                  financial condition as of June 30, 1996. Southern National
                  filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on August 27, 1996 to report
                  plans to acquire Fidelity Financial Bankshares Corporation of
                  Richmond, Virginia. Southern National filed a Form 8-K under
                  Item 5 on September 3, 1996 to report that the acquisition of
                  Regional Acceptance Corporation had been completed through
                  the issuance of 5.85 million shares of common stock. Southern
                  National filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on October 11, 1996 to
                  report the results of operations and financial condition as
                  of September 30, 1996. Southern National filed a Form 8-K
                  under Item 5 on October 11, 1996 to report plans to purchase
                  a number of common shares equal to the amount issued in the
                  Fidelity Financial Bankshares Corporation transaction.
                  Southern National also reported that the transaction would be
                  accounted for as a purchase, instead of a pooling of
                  interests, which was originally planned. Southern National
                  filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on November 4, 1996 to report
                  plans to acquire United Carolina Bancshares Corporation of
                  Whiteville, North Carolina. Southern National filed a Form 8-
                  K under Item 5 on December 19, 1996 to announce the adoption
                  of a shareholder rights plan. Southern National filed a Form
                  8-K under Item 5 on January 14, 1997 to report the results of
                  operations and financial condition as of December 31, 1996.
</TABLE>
- --------
* The information called for by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to
  the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
  to the SNC Meeting--Election of Directors" and "--Section 16(a) Beneficial
  Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the
  1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to
 the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
 to the SNC Meeting--Compensation of Executive Officers", "Retirement Plans"
 and "SNC Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" in the
 Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to
 the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
 to the SNC Meeting--Security Ownership" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial
 Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the
 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to
 the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
 to the SNC Meeting--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
 Participation" and "Transactions with Officers and Directors" in the
 Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  Southern National Corporation ("Southern National" or the "Corporation") is
a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Southern National conducts its operations in North Carolina, South Carolina
and Virginia primarily through its commercial banking subsidiaries and, to a
lesser extent, through its other subsidiaries. Substantially all of Southern
National's loans are to businesses and individuals in the Carolinas and
Virginia. The principal assets of Southern National are all of the outstanding
shares of common stock of Branch Banking and Trust Company, of Winston-Salem,
North Carolina; BB&T Financial Corporation of South Carolina, located in
Greenville, South Carolina, which in turn owns all the outstanding shares of
Branch Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina; BB&T Financial Corporation
of Virginia, which in turn owns all the outstanding shares of Branch Banking
and Trust Company of Virginia; and Regional Acceptance Corporation of
Greenville, North Carolina.
 
 Subsidiaries
 
  Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"), Southern National's largest
subsidiary, is the oldest bank in North Carolina and currently operates
through 299 banking offices throughout North Carolina. BB&T-NC focuses on
providing a wide range of banking services in its local market for retail and
commercial customers, including small and mid-sized businesses, public
agencies and local governments, trust customers and individuals. BB&T-NC's
subsidiaries include BB&T Leasing Corp., in Charlotte, North Carolina, which
offers lease financing to commercial businesses. BB&T Investment Services,
Inc., also a wholly-owned subsidiary of BB&T-NC located in Wilson, North
Carolina, offers customers investment alternatives, including discount
brokerage services, fixed-rate and variable-rate annuities, mutual funds and
government and municipal bonds. BB&T Insurance Services, Inc., located in
Raleigh, North Carolina, offers life and property and casualty insurance on an
agency basis. Southern National currently has the largest independent
insurance agency network in North and South Carolina. BB&T-NC has numerous
additional subsidiaries, including Goddard Technology Corporation, which
engages in the design and production of imaging and security devices and
programs, and Prime Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc., which provides
insurance premium financing and services to customers in Virginia and the
Carolinas. BB&T-NC also owns 51% of AutoBase Information Systems, Inc.
("AutoBase"), a Charlotte, North Carolina-based company that uses advanced
technologies to simplify the car-buying process for consumers and automotive
dealers.
 
  Branch Banking & Trust Company of South Carolina ("BB&T-SC") serves South
Carolina through 95 banking offices. BB&T-SC focuses on providing a wide range
of banking services in its local market for retail and commercial customers,
including small and mid-sized businesses, public agencies, local governments,
trust customers and individuals. BB&T-SC's subsidiaries include BB&T
Investment Services of South Carolina, Inc., which is licensed as a general
broker/dealer of securities and is currently engaged in the retailing of
mutual funds, U.S. Government securities, municipal securities, fixed and
variable rate insurance annuity products and unit investment trusts.
 
  Branch Banking & Trust Company of Virginia ("BB&T-VA"), operates 21 banking
offices in the Hampton Roads Region of Virginia. BB&T-VA offers a full range
of commercial and retail banking services and provides Southern National with
a strong initial presence in Virginia.
 
  Regional Acceptance Corporation ("Regional Acceptance"), a subsidiary of
Southern National, was acquired effective September 1, 1996. Regional
Acceptance, which operates 28 branch offices in the Carolinas, Tennessee and
Virginia, specializes in indirect financing for consumer purchases of mid-
model and late-model used automobiles.
 
  Unified Investors Life Insurance Company ("Unified") is a reinsurer and
underwriter of certain credit life and credit accident and health insurance
policies written by a non-affiliated insurance company in connection with
loans made by the bank subsidiaries.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  The following table discloses selected information related to Southern
National's banking subsidiaries:
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 1
                SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF BANKING SUBSIDIARIES
         AS OF / FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      BB&T-NC                           BB&T-SC                       BB&T-VA
                        ----------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------
                           1996        1995        1994        1996       1995       1994      1996     1995     1994
                        ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
Total assets........... $16,595,684 $15,991,534 $15,245,447 $3,826,477 $3,818,547 $4,084,659 $790,955 $737,462 $700,343
Securities.............   4,164,538   4,236,682   4,088,564    929,753    942,193  1,064,061  147,019  154,358  187,461
Loans and leases, net
 of unearned income*...  11,253,963  10,599,611   9,922,471  2,635,833  2,703,600  2,725,868  550,218  505,767  450,798
Deposits...............  11,975,969  11,544,525  10,925,196  2,987,021  2,923,981  2,956,733  690,318  669,000  628,750
Shareholder's equity...   1,307,223   1,111,680   1,104,458    373,622    360,262    303,058   67,039   60,734   47,865
Net interest income....     609,150     555,765     549,231    159,000    153,669    157,550   35,144   31,231   28,863
Provision for loan and
 lease losses..........      36,875      24,772       8,004      7,355      4,718      7,241    2,550    1,910    2,600
Noninterest income.....     277,775     198,122     183,862     54,459     55,094     44,432   10,296    4,650    8,793
Noninterest expense....     543,788     528,477     446,902    128,315    114,915    120,929   24,839   25,965   24,832
Net income.............     208,406     136,016     183,240     52,785     58,566     47,109   11,791    4,853    7,011
</TABLE>
- --------
* Includes loans held for sale.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 Acquisitions and Pending Mergers
 
  Profitability and market share have been enhanced through both internal
growth and acquisitions in recent years. The acquisition strategy of Southern
National is focused on three primary objectives: (1) to pursue in-market
acquisitions of high-quality banks and thrifts in the $250 million to $5
billion range, (2) to acquire companies in niche markets that provide products
or services that can be offered to Southern National's current customer base,
and (3) to build a portfolio of "venture capital" investments by taking an
equity interest in first and second stage companies that have a product with
potential application for the financial services industry.
 
  On September 1, 1996, Southern National acquired Regional Acceptance in a
stock transaction valued at $167 million. Regional Acceptance's shareholders
received .3861 shares of Southern National's common stock for each share of
common stock held.
 
  On August 22, 1996, Southern National announced plans to acquire Fidelity
Financial Bankshares Corporation of Richmond, Virginia, ("Fidelity") in a
stock transaction valued at $59.4 million. Fidelity, with $321 million in
assets, operates seven branches in the Richmond metropolitan area through its
subsidiary, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank. The savings bank will merge into
BB&T-VA. The merger of Fidelity will be accounted for as a purchase.
 
  On August 29, 1996, Southern National announced that it had become a
majority shareholder of AutoBase, by purchasing 51% of the Charlotte, North
Carolina-based company's outstanding common stock. AutoBase will continue to
operate under its name as a subsidiary of BB&T-NC.
 
  Southern National also purchased certain assets and liabilities of four
insurance agencies during 1996 with combined premiums of $65 million. These
agencies were Boyle-Vaughan Associates, Inc., of Columbia, South Carolina, the
William Goldsmith Agency Inc. and the C. Dan Joyner Insurance Agency, both of
Greenville, South Carolina and the James R. Lingle Agency, Inc. of Florence,
South Carolina. These acquisitions solidify Southern National's position as
the Carolinas' largest network of independent insurance agencies.
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  On November 4, 1996, Southern National and United Carolina Bancshares
Corporation ("UCB") jointly announced the signing of a merger agreement. The
merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests in which UCB
shareholders will receive 1.135 shares of Southern National common stock for
each share of UCB common stock held. The transaction is valued at $985
million.
 
  On January 23, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Refloat,
Inc. of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and its principal subsidiary, Sheffield
Financial Corp., a finance company in Clemmons, North Carolina that
specializes in loans to small commercial lawn care businesses across the
country.
 
  On February 4, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Phillips
Factors Corporation and its subsidiaries, Phillips Financial Corporation and
Phillips Acceptance Corporation, all of High Point, North Carolina. Phillips
Financial Corporation, which will operate as a subsidiary of Southern
National, purchases and manages receivables in the temporary staffing industry
nationwide. It also provides payroll processing services to that industry.
Phillips Factors Corporation buys and manages account receivables primarily in
the furniture, textiles and home furnishings-related industries.
 
 Competition
 
  The banking industry is highly competitive and dramatic change continues to
occur. The banking subsidiaries of Southern National compete actively with
national and state banks, savings and loan associations, securities dealers,
mortgage bankers, finance companies and insurance companies. Competition for
financial products continues to grow as customers move to nontraditional
financial institutions. For additional information on markets, Southern
National's competitive position and strategies, see "Market Area" and "Lending
Activities" below.
 
MARKET AREA
 
  Southern National's primary market area consists of North Carolina, South
Carolina and Virginia. The area's employment base consists of manufacturing
industries, service, wholesale/retail, financial centers and agricultural
enterprises. Among the primary area industries in which Southern National has
significant commercial lending relationships are textiles, furniture and
health care. Southern National believes its current market area is adequate to
support consistent growth in assets and deposits in the future. Even so,
management expects to continue to employ aggressive growth strategies,
including possible expansion into neighboring states. The current market area
includes numerous small communities that Southern National seeks to serve.
Management believes that maintaining a community bank approach as asset size
and available services grow will strengthen the Corporation's ability to move
into new states and communities and to target small to mid-sized commercial
customers in these areas.
 
LENDING ACTIVITIES
 
  The primary goal of the Southern National lending function is to help
customers achieve their financial goals and secure their financial futures.
This purpose can best be accomplished by building strong, profitable customer
relationships over time, with Southern National becoming an important
contributor to the prosperity and well-being of its customers. Southern
National's philosophy of lending is to attempt to meet all legitimate business
and consumer credit needs within defined market segments where standards of
safety, profitability and liquidity can be met.
 
  Southern National focuses lending efforts on small to intermediate
commercial and industrial loans, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans
and other consumer loans. Typically, fixed-rate mortgage loans are sold in the
secondary mortgage market and adjustable-rate mortgages are retained for the
portfolio. Loan growth typically follows economic cycles and has been steady,
with increasing momentum, during 1996. Management's lending strategy is to
establish market share in strategic cities and develop customer relationships
by providing quality products and services to the customer base. Once the
relationship is established, management focuses on
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
small business lending and retail banking through the branches to generate
additional growth. During 1996, management's lending focus emphasized
marketing loan products from a quality, service-driven perspective. After the
merger of Southern National and BB&T Financial Corporation in early 1995,
pricing strategies surrounding loans and deposits were very competitive in
order to protect current market positions and retain customer relationships.
However, market research performed during and after the merger identified
quality service as the primary concern of borrowers.
 
  It is Southern National's intention to conduct lending activities in the
context of the Corporation's community bank focus, with decentralized lending
decisions made as close to the customer as practicable.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 2
                   COMPOSITION OF LOAN AND LEASE PORTFOLIO*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31,
                         -----------------------------------------------------------
                            1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Loans--
 Commercial, financial
  and agricultural...... $ 2,375,121 $ 2,098,306 $ 2,679,046 $ 2,031,561 $ 1,868,658
 Real estate--
  construction and land
  development...........   1,228,043     949,513     701,181     702,108     592,267
 Real estate--mortgage..   8,513,945   8,671,941   7,787,792   7,114,136   5,947,434
 Consumer...............   1,830,519   1,716,399   1,702,058   1,608,443   1,532,536
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  Loans held for invest-
   ment.................  13,947,628  13,436,159  12,870,077  11,456,248   9,940,895
  Loans held for sale...     219,469     245,280     136,855     682,097     426,281
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
   Total loans..........  14,167,097  13,681,439  13,006,932  12,138,345  10,367,176
Leases..................     576,991     376,152     304,544     225,312     170,358
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  Total loans and
   leases............... $14,744,088 $14,057,591 $13,311,476 $12,363,657 $10,537,534
                         =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Balances are gross of unearned income.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 One-to-Four Family Residential Mortgage Lending
 
  Southern National engages in mortgage loan originations by offering fixed-
and adjustable-rate government and conventional loans for the purpose of
constructing, purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied properties. As
mentioned above, the Corporation usually retains adjustable-rate loans for the
portfolio and sells fixed-rate loans and government loans within the secondary
mortgage market. Servicing rights on loans sold are typically retained by
Southern National. Loans are generally offered in amounts up to 95% of the
appraised value of the collateral for terms up to 30 years based on the
qualifications of the borrower. Except in the Community Reinvestment Act
("CRA") program discussed below, private mortgage insurance is required in an
amount sufficient to reduce Southern National's exposure to less than 80% of
the loan-to-value ratio. Pricing for mortgage loans is established to be
highly-competitive with area lenders. Southern National does not originate
loans with negative amortization. Risks associated with the residential
lending function include interest rate risk, which is mitigated through the
sale of substantially all fixed-rate loans, and default risk by the borrower,
which is lessened through underwriting procedures and private mortgage
insurance. Southern National also purchases mortgage loans through various
correspondents and subjects them to the same underwriting and investment
strategies as loans originated through the branch delivery system.
 
  The Corporation also offers, as part of its CRA program, more flexible
underwriting criteria to broaden the availability of mortgage loans in the
communities Southern National serves. CRA loans are available at loan-to-
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
value ratios up to 97% for households with incomes up to a specified
percentage of county median incomes. Such loans do not require private
mortgage insurance. These loans are currently retained in the portfolio since
they do not meet the necessary requirements to be sold in the secondary
mortgage market at the time of origination.
 
 Commercial Lending
 
  Southern National's commercial lending program is generally targeted to
serve small to middle-market businesses with sales of $250 million or less,
although in-house limits do allow lending to larger customers, including
national customers who have some reasonable business connections with the
Corporation's geographically-served markets. Commercial lending includes
commercial, financial, agricultural, industrial and real estate loans. Pricing
on commercial loans, driven largely by competition, is usually tied to the
prime rate.
 
 Construction Lending
 
  Real estate construction loans include 12 month contract housing loans which
are intended to convert to permanent one-to-four family residential mortgage
loans upon completion of the construction. These loans have terms and options
similar to residential mortgage loans and allow a rate to be "locked in" by
the borrower during the 12 month construction period. The loans also allow a
"float down" option once during the term of the construction loan. Southern
National also originates commercial construction loans. These loans are
usually to in-market developers, businesses, individuals or real estate
investors for the construction of commercial structures in the Corporation's
market area, including, but not limited to, industrial facilities, apartments,
shopping centers, office buildings, hotels and warehouses. The properties may
be for sale, lease or owner-occupancy. The Corporation generally requires the
borrower to make a commitment to "take-out" the construction loan and
typically requires significant levels of pre-sales, pre-leasing or, in the
case of owner-occupied properties, that the owner has adequate resources to
repay the debt. Generally, these loans carry floating interest rates tied to
the Corporation's prime interest rate or some other similar index, and range
in term from six to eighteen months.
 
 Consumer Lending
 
  Southern National offers various consumer loan products. Both secured and
unsecured loans are marketed to existing clients and to any other creditworthy
candidates. Standard Home Equity Loans and Lines are underwritten with note
amounts and credit limits that ensure consistency with the Corporation's loan-
to-value policy (80% for consumer loans secured by real estate). Numerous
forms of unsecured loans, including revolving credits (bankcards, DDA
overdraft protection and personal lines of credit) are provided and various
installment loan products, including vehicle loans, are offered. Pricing of
such loans is based, to a great degree, on in-market competition. Closed-end
installment loans are usually priced as fixed-rate simple interest loans,
while most revolving products are priced with variable rates.
 
  Through the acquisition of Regional Acceptance, Southern National is
expanding the sales finance function by accepting riskier loans on customer
purchases of mid-model to late-model used automobiles. Such loans are priced
higher than Southern National's normal grade consumer loans based on the
higher level of risk associated with these types of loans.
 
 Leasing
 
  Southern National provides commercial leasing products and services in North
Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia primarily through BB&T Leasing Corp.
("Leasing"). Since Leasing is a separate subsidiary, it is not restricted to
North and South Carolina to obtain business. Leasing provides three primary
products: finance or capital leases, true leases (as defined under the
Internal Revenue Code) and other operating leases. Leasing provides products
and services for small to medium-sized commercial customers primarily in
Southern National's market area. Such products include vehicles, rolling stock
and tangible personal property. Leasing is
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
seeking to augment the existing customer base with larger commercial
customers. For the twenty-two year history with Southern National, the sales
effort of Leasing has been directed at fleet leasing. The mix of vehicle and
equipment leases has remained approximately 75% vehicle to 25% equipment.
 
  Southern National also solicits leasing business from municipalities in
North and South Carolina through its subsidiary banks.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 3
              SELECTED LOAN MATURITIES AND INTEREST SENSITIVITY*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           COMMERCIAL,
                                            FINANCIAL
                                               AND      REAL ESTATE:
                                           AGRICULTURAL CONSTRUCTION   TOTAL
                                           ------------ ------------ ----------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
Fixed rate:
  1 year or less (2)......................  $  185,734   $  189,241  $  374,975
  1-5 years...............................     294,990       93,208     388,198
  After 5 years...........................      65,553          --       65,553
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
    Total.................................     546,277      282,449     828,726
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
Variable rate:
  1 year or less (2)......................     859,556      633,547   1,493,103
  1-5 years...............................     877,845      312,047   1,189,892
  After 5 years...........................      91,443          --       91,443
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
    Total.................................   1,828,844      945,594   2,774,438
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
      Total loans and leases (1)..........  $2,375,121   $1,228,043  $3,603,164
                                            ==========   ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Balances are gross of unearned income.
 
(1) The table excludes:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                           <C>
      (i)   consumer loans to individuals for household, family and
            other personal expenditures............................ $  1,830,519
      (ii)  real estate mortgage loans..............................   8,513,945
      (iii) loans held for sale....................................      219,469
      (iv)  leases..................................................     576,991
                                                                    ------------
                                                                    $ 11,140,924
                                                                    ============
</TABLE>
 
(2) Includes loans due on demand.
 
  Scheduled repayments are reported in the maturity category in which the
payment is due. Determinations of maturities are based upon contract terms.
Southern National's credit policy does not permit automatic renewals of loans.
At the scheduled maturity date (including balloon payment date), the customer
must request a new loan to replace the matured loan and execute a new note
with rate, terms and conditions renegotiated at that time.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES
 
  It is Southern National's policy to place commercial loans and leases on
nonaccrual status when full collection of principal and interest becomes
doubtful, or when any portion of principal or interest becomes 90 days past
due, whichever occurs first. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status,
interest receivable is reversed
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
against interest income in the current period and any prior year interest is
charged off. Interest payments received thereafter are applied as a reduction
to the remaining principal balance so long as concern exists as to the
ultimate collection of the principal. Loans and leases are removed from
nonaccrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest
and when the collectability of principal or interest is no longer doubtful.
 
  Mortgage loans and other consumer loans are also placed on nonaccrual status
when full collection of principal and interest becomes doubtful, but they are
subject to longer periods of time before they are automatically placed on
nonaccrual. This period of time varies for different types of consumer loans.
 
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
  The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision
for loan and lease losses based on management's evaluation of the risk
inherent in the loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of loan
activity. This evaluation, which includes a review of loans for which full
collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers the loans' risk
grades, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, economic
conditions, historical loan loss experience and other factors that warrant
consideration in providing for an adequate reserve. Southern National utilizes
ten "risk grades" to determine the repayment capacity of borrowers. Southern
National's objective is to maintain a loan portfolio that is diverse in terms
of loan type, industry concentration, geographic distribution and borrower
concentration in order to reduce overall credit risk by minimizing the adverse
impact of any single event or combination of related events. Although
management believes that the best information available is used to determine
the adequacy of the allowance, the nature of the process by which management
determines the appropriate allowance for credit losses requires the exercise
of considerable judgment. Unforeseen market conditions could result in
adjustments in the allowance which would affect earnings. Future additions to
Southern National's allowance will be the result of periodic loan, property
and collateral reviews as well as projected changes in overall economic and
real estate markets.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 4
                       ALLOCATION OF RESERVE BY CATEGORY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                1996              1995              1994              1993              1992
                          ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                   % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS
                                   IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH
                           AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY
                          -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Balance at end of period
 applicable to:
 Commercial, financial
  and agricultural......  $ 25,750    16%   $ 27,824    15%   $ 35,869    20%   $ 44,018    17%   $ 31,036    18%
Real estate:
 Construction and land
  development...........    11,036     8      13,443     7      10,874     5      12,311     6      10,260     5
 Mortgage...............    77,251    60      76,079    63      63,186    60      63,996    62      50,444    60
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
 Real estate--total.....    88,287    68      89,522    70      74,060    65      76,307    68      60,704    65
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
Consumer................    38,626    12      27,254    13      25,812    13      24,581    14      21,677    15
Leases..................     3,679     4       3,443     2         906     2       1,218     1       1,313     2
Unallocated.............    27,590   --       27,545   --       37,455   --       24,664   --       21,910   --
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
 Total..................  $183,932   100%   $175,588   100%   $174,102   100%   $170,788   100%   $136,640   100%
                          ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to Southern
National's allowance for loan and lease losses for the most recent five years.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 5
              COMPOSITION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------
                             1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance, beginning of
 period.................  $   175,588  $   174,102  $   170,788  $   138,456  $   117,113
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Charge-offs:
  Commercial, financial
   and agricultural.....       (8,966)     (10,151)     (10,759)     (23,912)     (27,131)
  Real estate...........      (10,555)      (9,993)      (6,694)      (7,502)     (10,796)
  Consumer..............      (39,195)     (23,969)     (13,467)     (14,369)     (18,873)
  Lease receivables.....         (768)        (614)        (647)        (771)      (1,428)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Total charge-offs....      (59,484)     (44,727)     (31,567)     (46,554)     (58,228)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Recoveries:
  Commercial, financial
   and agricultural.....        4,632        4,177        6,770        5,892        3,872
  Real estate...........        4,501        2,567        2,308        1,261        3,340
  Consumer..............        4,898        4,442        4,208        3,716        3,096
  Lease receivables.....          136          395          295          149          188
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Total recoveries.....       14,167       11,581       13,581       11,018       10,496
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net charge-offs.........      (45,317)     (33,146)     (17,986)     (35,536)     (47,732)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Provision charged to
  expense...............       53,661       34,632       20,181       54,558       63,584
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Allowance of loans
  acquired in purchase
  transactions..........          --           --         1,119       13,310        3,675
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance, end of period..  $   183,932  $   175,588  $   174,102  $   170,788  $   136,640
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Average loans and
 leases*................  $14,190,985  $13,768,629  $12,456,509  $11,235,092  $10,194,358
Net charge-offs as a
 percentage of average
 loans and leases.......         0.32%        0.24%        0.14%        0.32%        0.47%
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and include loans held for sale.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NONPERFORMING ASSETS AND CLASSIFIED ASSETS
 
  Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and leases, foreclosed real
estate and other repossessions. Loans are considered delinquent in most cases
the first day after payment is due. After a loan has been delinquent for ten
days, Southern National mails a reminder notice to borrowers, and if the
borrower does not contact a collection officer, late charges are assessed on
the sixteenth day after the due date. Numerous attempts to work with the
borrower to establish a repayment plan are made throughout the delinquent
period of the loan. When a commercial loan or unsecured consumer loan becomes
90 days past due, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. For mortgage and
most other consumer loans, the period of time before a delinquent loan is
placed on nonaccrual status varies, as discussed above. In some cases, loans
may be placed on nonaccrual status earlier based on specific circumstances
surrounding the loan. If the collection of principal and/or interest becomes
doubtful at any time during the collection process, the loan is placed on
nonaccrual status. Every effort is made to reach an
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
agreement on payment with the borrower. If it becomes necessary to foreclose
on loans, acquired assets are aggressively marketed to minimize the cost of
carrying such assets.
 
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
 
  Southern National maintains a portion of its assets as investment
securities. Banks are allowed to purchase, sell, deal in and hold certain
investment securities as prescribed by bank regulations. These investments
include all obligations of the U.S. Treasury, agencies of the Federal
government, obligations of any state or political subdivision, various types
of corporate debt, mutual funds, limited equity securities and certain
derivative securities.
 
  Investment portfolio activities are governed internally by a written, board-
approved investment policy. Investment policy is carried out by the
Corporation's Asset and Liability Committee ("ALCO") which meets regularly to
review the economic environment, assess current activities for appropriateness
and establish investment strategies. The ALCO also has much broader
responsibilities which are discussed in the section, Market Risk Management,
of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
  Investment strategies are established by the ALCO in consideration of the
interest rate cycle, balance sheet mix, actual and anticipated loan demand,
funding opportunities and the overall interest rate sensitivity of the
Corporation. In general, the investment portfolio is managed in a manner
appropriate to the attainment of the following goals: (i) to provide a
sufficient margin of liquid assets and liabilities to cover unanticipated
deposit and loan fluctuations, seasonal funds flow variations and overall
funds management objectives; (ii) to provide eligible securities to secure
public funds and trust deposits as prescribed by law; and (iii) to earn the
maximum return on funds invested that is commensurate with meeting the
requirements of (i) and (ii).
 
  Within the overall context of the primary purposes of portfolio management
as just described, investment strategy during 1996 was established and
continually adjusted within an environment of stable short-term interest rates
since the second quarter, as set by the Federal Reserve's Open Market
Committee.
 
  At December 31, 1996, the investment portfolio represented approximately 25%
of the total assets of the Corporation. Management has judged overall
liquidity and interest rate sensitivity to be adequate to allow the continued
growth of both the investment and loan portfolios. As described below, during
1996 and 1995 whole mortgage loans were securitized and placed in the
investment portfolio, increasing investment yields, improving the liquidity of
those assets, and reducing required loan reserves. A similar amount of lower-
yielding investments was allowed to mature; thus, the total amount of
securities holdings was only slightly reduced as a percentage of total assets.
Overall liquidity was maintained at acceptable levels and balance sheet
profitability was increased.
 
  As has been the case for the past several years, investment activity during
1996 was centered on obligations of the U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies.
Including mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasuries and Federal agencies
comprised 92% of the total book value of the portfolio at year end. The value
of these securities from return and quality perspectives made them relatively
more attractive than other types of investments. Emphasis continued to be
placed on short and intermediate-term maturities, balancing reasonable
stability between liquidity and yield. The average contractual maturity of the
entire portfolio at December 31, 1996 was 7 years and 4 months compared to 3
years at December 31, 1995. This increase in maturity reflects rapid growth in
Southern National's holdings of mortgage-backed securities resulting from the
securitization of $1.2 billion of mortgage loans during 1995 and 1996. These
mortgage-backed securities have replaced U.S. Treasuries in the portfolio
which have significantly shorter contractual maturities than mortgage-backed
securities. However, the actual cash flows relating to the investment
portfolio, particularly for mortgage-backed securities, are expected to be
significantly shorter than contractual maturity because the actual payments of
the securities and the resultant opportunity to reinvest those cash flows are
subject to prepayments. At December 31, 1996, the approximate
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
expected maturity of Southern National's investment portfolio was 3 years.
Table 11--"Securities" shows the maturity distribution by category of Southern
National's investment portfolio at December 31, 1996.
 
  The following table provides information regarding the composition of
Southern National's securities portfolio.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 6
                      COMPOSITION OF SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                              --------------------------------
                                                 1996       1995       1994
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Securities held to maturity (at amortized
 cost):
  U.S. Treasury, government and agency obli-
   gations................................... $    6,283 $    9,461 $1,190,558
  States and political subdivisions..........    118,435    144,508    165,520
  Mortgage-backed securities.................        --         --     608,676
  Other securities...........................        --         --         665
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total securities held to maturity........    124,718    153,969  1,965,419
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Securities available for sale (at estimated
 fair value):
  U.S. Treasury, government and agency
   obligations...............................  3,115,625  4,060,423  3,024,792
  States and political subdivisions..........     22,875     20,773     16,918
  Mortgage-backed securities.................  1,725,715    977,727    310,314
  Other securities...........................    272,574    142,421    107,674
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total securities available for sale......  5,136,789  5,201,344  3,459,698
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Total securities............................. $5,261,507 $5,355,313 $5,425,117
                                              ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SOURCES OF FUNDS
 
  Deposits are the primary source of funds for lending and investing
activities. The amortization and scheduled payment of loans and maturities of
investment securities provide a stable source of funds, while deposit
fluctuations and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by the overall
interest rate environment and other market conditions. Federal Home Loan Bank
("FHLB") advances, Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowed funds
all provide supplemental liquidity sources based on specific needs, or if
management determines that these are the best sources of funds to meet current
requirements.
 
 Deposits
 
  Customer deposits are attracted principally from within Southern National's
market area through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments
including demand deposits, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, passbook
and statement savings accounts, money rate savings, certificates of deposit
and individual retirement accounts. Deposit account terms vary with respect to
the minimum balance required, the time period the funds must remain on deposit
and the interest rate. Interest rates paid on specific deposits are set by the
ALCO and are determined based on (i) the interest rates offered by
competitors, (ii) anticipated needs for cash and the timing of the cash flow
needs offset by the availability of more cost-effective funding sources and
(iii) anticipated future economic conditions and interest rates. Customer
deposits are attractive sources of liquidity because of stability, pricing
control and the ability to generate fee income through the cross-sale of
deposit-related services.
 
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 7
                        TIME DEPOSITS $100,000 AND OVER
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>
Maturity
  Less than three months.................................       $  881,276
  Four through six months................................          451,835
  Seven through twelve months............................          352,348
  Over twelve months.....................................          318,921
                                                                ----------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996.............................       $2,004,380
                                                                ==========
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1996, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are $5.7
billion, $2.1 billion, $214.2 million, $151.7 million and $57.9 million for
each of the next five years. The maturities for 2002 and later years total
$22.7 million.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 Short-Term Borrowed Funds
 
  Southern National's ability to borrow significant funds through non-deposit
sources generates additional flexibility to meet the needs of customers by
offsetting liquidity risk and to reach the goals set by the ALCO. Components
of short-term borrowed funds at year end were master notes, securities sold
under repurchase agreements, FHLB advances, Federal funds purchased and U.S.
Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 8
                           SHORT-TERM BORROWED FUNDS
 
  The following information summarizes certain pertinent information for the
past three years on short-term borrowed funds:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996        1995        1994
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
Maximum outstanding at any month-end
 during the year.......................... $2,326,704  $3,828,258  $3,060,225
Average outstanding during the year.......  2,011,565   3,148,179   2,389,428
Average interest rate during the year.....       5.27%       5.91%       4.33%
Average interest rate at end of year......       4.79        5.36        5.48
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND RESOURCES
 
  Overall capital adequacy is monitored on an ongoing basis by management and
reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. Southern National's principal
capital planning goals are to provide an adequate return to shareholders while
retaining a sufficient base from which to provide future growth and compliance
with all regulatory standards. Close attention is given to regulatory levels
of capital as percentages of assets and risk-weighted assets. The accompanying
table outlines the regulatory minimums for Tier 1 capital, total risk-based
capital and the leverage ratio, as well as such amounts for Southern National
as of December 31, 1996.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 9
                               CAPITAL ADEQUACY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        REGULATORY SOUTHERN BB&T-  BB&T-  BB&T-
                                         MINIMUMS  NATIONAL  NC     SC     VA
                                        ---------- -------- -----  -----  -----
<S>                                     <C>        <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>
Risk-based capital ratios:
  Tier 1 capital (1)...................    4.0%      11.7%  11.0%  14.4%  11.7%
  Total risk-based capital (2).........    8.0       14.7   12.3   15.7   12.9
Tier 1 leverage ratio (3)..............    3.0        8.0    7.5    9.7    8.6
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Shareholders' equity less non-qualifying intangible assets; computed as a
    ratio of risk-weighted assets, as defined in the risk-based capital
    guidelines.
(2) Tier 1 capital plus qualifying loan loss allowance and subordinated debt;
    computed as a ratio of risk-weighted assets as defined in the risk-based
    capital guidelines.
(3) Tier 1 capital computed as a ratio of fourth quarter average assets less
    goodwill.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF SOUTHERN NATIONAL
 
  Southern National's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is John A. Allison,
IV. Mr. Allison is 48 and has 26 years of service with the Corporation. (For
purposes of this paragraph, the term "Corporation" refers to both Southern
National Corporation and the former BB&T Financial Corporation.) W. Kendall
Chalk is the Senior Executive Vice President for the Lending Group. Mr. Chalk
is 51 and has served for 22 years. Robert E. Greene is the President of Branch
Banking and Trust Company and is the Senior Executive Vice President for
Administrative Services for the Corporation. Mr. Greene is 47 and has served
the Corporation for 24 years. Kelly S. King is the President of Southern
National Corporation and is the Senior Executive Vice President for the
Branching Network. Mr. King is 48 and has 25 years of service with the
Corporation. Morris D. Marley is the Senior Executive Vice President for Funds
Management. Mr. Marley is 46 and has served the Corporation for 12 years.
Scott E. Reed is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer. Mr. Reed is 48 and has 25 years of service with the Corporation.
Michael W. Sperry is the Senior Executive Vice President for Corporate
Banking. Mr. Sperry is 52 and has 7 years of service with the Corporation.
Henry G. Williamson, Jr. is the Chief Operating Officer for the Corporate
Group. Mr. Williamson is 49 and has 25 years of service with the Corporation.
Prior to the merger of BB&T Financial Corporation with Southern National
Corporation in 1995, Messrs. Allison, Chalk, King, Reed and Williamson served
in substantially the same positions with BB&T Financial Corporation.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                       CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
  As a bank holding company, Southern National is subject to regulation under
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (as amended, the "BHCA") and the
examination and reporting requirements of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). Under the BHCA, a bank
holding company may not directly or indirectly acquire ownership or control of
more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any
additional bank or merge or consolidate with another bank holding company
without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. The BHCA also
generally limits the activities of a bank holding company to that of banking,
managing or controlling banks, or any other activity which is determined to be
so closely related to banking or to managing or controlling banks that an
exception is allowed for those activities.
 
  As state-chartered commercial banks, BB&T-NC, BB&T-SC and BB&T-VA
(collectively, the "Banks") are subject to regulation, supervision and
examination by state bank authorities in their respective home states. These
authorities include the North Carolina Commissioner, in the case of BB&T-NC,
the South Carolina Commissioner, in the case of BB&T-SC, and the Virginia
State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Financial Institutions, in the case
of BB&T-VA. Each of the Banks is also subject to regulation, supervision and
examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). State
and federal law also govern the activities in which the Banks engage, the
investments they make and the aggregate amount of loans that may be granted to
one borrower. Various consumer and compliance laws and regulations also affect
the Banks' operations.
 
  The earnings of Southern National's subsidiaries, and therefore the earnings
of Southern National, are affected by general economic conditions, management
policies and the legislative and governmental actions of various regulatory
authorities, including those referred to above. The following description
summarizes some of the state and federal laws to which Southern National and
the Banks are subject. To the extent statutory or regulatory provisions or
proposals are described, the description is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the particular statutory or regulatory provisions or proposals.
 
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
 
  Southern National is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking
and other subsidiaries. A major portion of the revenues of Southern National
result from amounts paid as dividends to Southern National by its bank
subsidiaries. Southern National's banking subsidiaries are subject to state
laws and regulations that limit the amount of dividends they can pay. In
addition, both Southern National and the Banks are subject to various general
regulatory policies relating to the payment of dividends, including
requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The
Federal Reserve Board has indicated that banking organizations should
generally pay dividends only if (1) the organization's net income available to
common shareholders over the past year has been sufficient to fund fully the
dividends and (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention appears
consistent with the organization's capital needs, asset quality and overall
financial condition. Southern National does not expect that any of these laws,
regulations or policies will materially impact the ability of its Banks to pay
dividends. During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Banks recorded $125.7
million in cash dividends to Southern National.
 
CAPITAL
 
  The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have issued substantially similar
risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to banking organizations
they supervise. Under the risk-based capital requirements, Southern National
and the Banks are each generally required to maintain a minimum ratio of total
capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet
activities, such as standby letters of credit), of 8%. At least half of the
total capital is to be composed of common equity, retained earnings and
qualifying perpetual preferred stock, less certain intangibles ("Tier 1
capital"). The remainder may consist of certain subordinated
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
debt, certain hybrid capital instruments and other qualifying preferred stock
and a limited amount of the loan loss allowance ("Tier 2 capital" and,
together with Tier 1 capital, "total capital"). At December 31, 1996, Southern
National's Tier 1 capital and total capital ratios were 11.7% and 14.7%,
respectively, and the ratio of total capital to total risk-adjusted assets for
BB&T-NC, BB&T-SC, and BB&T-VA were 12.3%, 15.7% and 12.9%, respectively.
 
  In addition, each of the Federal bank regulatory agencies has established
minimum leverage capital ratio requirements for banking organizations. These
requirements provide for a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to
adjusted average quarterly assets equal to 3% for banks and bank holding
companies that meet certain specified criteria. All other banks and bank
holding companies will generally be required to maintain a leverage ratio of
at least 100 to 200 basis points above the stated minimum. Southern National's
leverage ratio at December 31, 1996 was 8.0%, and the Banks' leverage ratios
were 7.5%, 9.7% and 8.6%, respectively.
 
  The risk-based capital standards of both the Federal Reserve Board and the
FDIC explicitly identify concentrations of credit risk and the risk arising
from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution's ability to manage
these risks, as important factors to be taken into account by the agency in
assessing an institution's overall capital adequacy. The capital guidelines
also provide that an institution's exposure to a decline in the economic value
of its capital due to changes in interest rates be considered by the agency as
a factor in evaluating a bank's capital adequacy. The Federal Reserve Board
also has recently issued additional capital guidelines for bank holding
companies that engage in certain trading activities.
 
DEPOSIT INSURANCE ASSESSMENTS
 
  The deposits of each Bank are insured by the FDIC up to the limits set forth
under applicable law. A majority of the deposits of the Banks are subject to
the deposit insurance assessments of the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") of the
FDIC. However, approximately 40% of the deposits of BB&T-NC and BB&T-SC
(relating to the Banks' acquisitions of various savings associations) are
subject to assessments imposed by the Savings Association Insurance Fund
("SAIF") of the FDIC.
 
  Pursuant to budget reconciliation legislation enacted in 1996, the FDIC
imposed a special assessment on SAIF-assessable deposits of $.657 per $100 of
SAIF-assessable deposits in order to increase the SAIF's net worth to 1.25% of
SAIF-insured deposits as of October 1, 1996. Certain institutions that engaged
in thrift acquisitions, including BB&T-NC and BB&T-VA, received a 20% discount
on the assessment. As a result, the pre-tax impact of the special assessment
on Southern National was approximately $33 million and was recorded as an
expense as of September 30, 1996.
 
  The FDIC thereafter equalized the assessment rates for BIF-insured and SAIF-
insured deposits effective January 1, 1997. Thus, for the semi-annual period
beginning January 1, 1997, the assessments imposed on all FDIC deposits for
deposit insurance have an effective rate ranging from 0 to 27 basis points per
$100 of insured deposits, depending on the institution's capital position and
other supervisory factors. However, because the legislation enacted in 1996
requires that both SAIF-insured and BIF-insured deposits pay a pro rata
portion of the interest due on the obligations issued by the Financing
Corporation ("FICO"), the FDIC is assessing BIF-insured deposits an additional
1.30 basis points per $100 of deposits, and SAIF-insured deposits an
additional 6.48 basis points per $100 of deposits, to cover those obligations.
 
OTHER SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS REGULATIONS
 
  There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding
companies and their depository institution subsidiaries by Federal law and
regulatory policy that are designed to reduce potential loss exposure to the
depositors of such depository institutions and to the FDIC insurance funds in
the event the depository institution becomes in danger of default or is in
default. For example, under a policy of the Federal Reserve Board with respect
to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company is required to
serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository
institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
in circumstances where it might not do so otherwise. In addition, the "cross-
guarantee" provisions of Federal law require insured depository institutions
under common control to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered or reasonably
anticipated by either the SAIF or the BIF as a result of the default of a
commonly controlled insured depository institution or for any assistance
provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution
in danger of default. The FDIC may decline to enforce the cross-guarantee
provision if it determines that a waiver is in the best interests of the SAIF
or the BIF or both. The FDIC's claim for reimbursement is superior to claims
of shareholders of the insured depository institution or its holding company
but is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors and holders of
subordinated debt (other than affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured
depository institution.
 
  The Federal banking agencies also have broad powers under current Federal
law to take prompt corrective action to resolve problems of insured depository
institutions. The extent of these powers depends upon whether the institution
in question is well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized,
significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, as defined by
the law. As of December 31, 1996, Southern National and each of the Banks were
classified as well-capitalized.
 
  State regulatory authorities also have broad enforcement powers over the
Banks, including the power to impose fines and other civil and criminal
penalties, and to appoint a conservator (with the approval of the Governor in
the case of North Carolina) in order to conserve the assets of any such
institution for the benefit of depositors and other creditors. The North
Carolina Commissioner also has the authority to take possession of a state
bank in certain circumstances, including, among other things, when it appears
that such bank has violated its charter or any applicable laws, is conducting
its business in an unauthorized or unsafe manner, is in an unsafe or unsound
condition to transact its business or has an impairment of its capital stock.
 
INTERSTATE BANKING AND BRANCHING
 
  Current Federal law authorizes interstate acquisitions of banks and bank
holding companies without geographic limitation. Effective June 1, 1997, a
bank headquartered in one state will be authorized to merge with a bank
headquartered in another state, as long as neither of the states has opted out
of such interstate merger authority prior to such date. States are authorized
to enact laws permitting such interstate bank merger transactions prior to
June 1, 1997, as well as authorizing a bank to establish "de novo" interstate
branches. North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia have enacted early "opt
in" laws, permitting interstate bank merger transactions. Once a bank has
established branches in a state through an interstate merger transaction, the
bank may establish and acquire additional branches at any location in the
state where a bank headquartered in that state could have established or
acquired branches under applicable Federal or state law.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  At December 31, 1996, Southern National had approximately 7,800 full-time-
equivalent employees.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  Southern National and its significant subsidiaries occupy headquarters
offices that are either owned or operated under long-term leases and also own
free-standing operations centers in Wilson, Charlotte and Lumberton, North
Carolina. Branch office locations are variously owned or leased. The premises
occupied by Southern National and its subsidiaries are considered to be well-
located and suitably equipped to serve as financial service facilities. See
Note F. "Premises and Equipment" of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
in this report.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results
of operations of Southern National Corporation ("Southern National" or the
"Corporation") for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, and related financial information are presented in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes to assist in the
evaluation of Southern National's 1996 performance.
 
  This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the
financial condition, results of operations and business of Southern National.
These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties.
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the
following possibilities: (1) competitive pressure in the banking industry
increases significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment reduce
margins; (3) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, are
less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a
deterioration in credit quality; (4) changes occur in the regulatory
environment; (5) changes occur in business conditions and inflation; (6)
expected cost savings associated with pending mergers cannot be fully
realized; (7) deposit attrition, customer loss or revenue loss following
pending mergers is greater than expected; (8) required operational
divestitures associated with pending mergers are greater than expected; and
(9) changes occur in the securities markets.
 
  Economic indicators during 1996 revealed steady, modest growth in the
economy and relatively low pressure on inflation. Job growth, retail sales,
auto sales and home sales were moderate, with growth rates easing by the end
of the year. Consumer confidence remained high throughout 1996, despite low
levels of growth in the gross domestic product. The Federal Reserve's Open
Market Committee, which determines pricing on key central funding sources,
voted to cut the Federal funds rate 25 basis points to 5.25% in January, 1996.
This was the central bank's only action on interest rates during the year. The
commercial banking industry experienced slower growth in loans, with overall
loan growth falling into the single digits. 1996 continued to be a year of
industry consolidation, with several large bank mergers. Credit quality also
began to modestly erode during the year, particularly in revolving credit
portfolios, creating concern for institutions with large credit card
portfolios.
 
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
  Average assets totaled $20.6 billion in 1996, an increase of approximately
 .8% over the average of $20.4 billion in 1995. Average assets increased 7.0%
in 1995 compared to 1994. At the end of 1996, assets totaled $21.2 billion.
The modest growth during 1996 reflects a restructuring of the balance sheet
undertaken by management during 1995. As further discussed below, Southern
National has changed the composition of assets by securitizing mortgage loans
and replacing U.S. Treasuries in the securities portfolio with the resulting
mortgage-backed securities. These efforts have improved net interest margin by
improving the yields of both the loans and securities portfolios while
enabling management to pay down more volatile short-term borrowed funds. These
actions have served to improve earnings while maintaining a steady level of
total and average assets.
 
  Southern National's other assets increased $120.9 million in 1996 as a
result of increases in cash surrender value of life insurance, up $58.9
million, mortgage servicing rights, which increased $18.8 million, and
intangible assets, up $13.9 million.
 
  The five-year compound rate of growth in average assets was 8.5%. Over the
same five-year period, the compound annual growth rates based on average
balances have been 9.0% for loans, 9.2% for securities and 5.3% for deposits.
All growth rates have been enhanced by the effects of acquisitions accounted
for as purchases.
 
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 10
                      COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE TOTAL ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    % CHANGE
                                                                 ----------------
                                                                 1996 V.  1995 V.
                             1996         1995         1994       1995     1994
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  -------
                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      <C>
Securities*.............  $ 5,175,119  $ 5,405,773  $ 5,350,982    (4.3)%    1.0 %
Federal funds sold and
 other earning assets...       13,631       44,384      130,670   (69.3)   (66.0)
Loans and leases, net of
 unearned income**......   14,190,985   13,768,629   12,456,509     3.1     10.5
                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Average earning assets..   19,379,735   19,218,786   17,938,161      .8      7.1
Non-earning assets......    1,194,335    1,185,084    1,134,455      .8      4.5
                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Average total assets....  $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616      .8 %    7.0 %
                          ===========  ===========  ===========
Average earning assets
 as percent of average
 total assets...........         94.2%        94.2%        94.1%
                          ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Based on amortized cost.
** Includes loans held for sale based on lower of amortized cost or market.
   Amounts are gross of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SECURITIES
 
  The securities portfolios provide earnings and liquidity, as well as
providing an effective tool in managing interest rate risk. Management has
historically emphasized investments with a maturity of five years or less
because of the changing interest rate environment and to provide greater
flexibility in balance sheet management. As a result of the acquisition of
longer-term mortgage-backed securities, and the runoff of lower-yielding,
shorter maturity U.S. Treasuries, the maturity of the total portfolio now
exceeds seven years. However, the actual expected maturity of the investment
portfolio is approximately three years because of the faster prepayment
streams associated with mortgage-backed securities. U.S. Treasury securities,
which continue to comprise the majority of the portfolio, provide adequate
current yields with minimal risk and maturities structured to address
liquidity concerns.
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1995 and throughout 1996, Southern National
securitized mortgages held in the loan portfolio and transferred them to the
investment portfolio. Management determined that this strategy would increase
yields in the investment portfolio by allowing lower-yielding securities to
run off and replacing them with higher-yielding mortgage-backed securities.
 
  Total outstanding securities decreased 1.8% in 1996 to a total of $5.3
billion at the end of the year. Securities held to maturity only make up 2.4%
of the total portfolio and are primarily composed of investments in states and
municipalities. Such securities are carried at amortized cost and totaled
$124.7 million at year end, compared to $154.0 million outstanding at the end
of 1995. Market valuation gains in the Corporation's held-to-maturity category
affect neither earnings nor capital. The held-to-maturity portfolio had a net
unrealized gain of $3.7 million at December 31, 1996.
 
  Securities available for sale totaled $5.1 billion at year end and are
carried at estimated fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115. The available-for-sale portfolio is
primarily composed of investments in U.S. Treasuries, government and agency
obligations, which, excluding mortgage-backed securities, composed 60.7% of
the outstanding balance at year end. This percentage has decreased from the
1995 percentage of 78.1%, which reflects management's efforts to invest in
higher yielding mortgage-backed securities obtained through the securitization
of a portion of Southern National's mortgage loan portfolio. At December 31,
1996, mortgage-backed securities comprised 33.6% of the available-
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
for-sale portfolio, compared to 18.8% at the end of 1995. The available-for-
sale portfolio also contains investments in states and municipalities, which
composed less than 1% of the portfolio, and equity and other securities, which
composed the remaining 5.3% of the portfolio. The percentage of holdings in
states and municipalities did not significantly change from the prior year.
 
  The available-for-sale portfolio composed 97.6% of total securities. During
the fourth quarter of 1995, Southern National transferred $1.6 billion of
securities which were previously classified as held to maturity to the
available-for-sale category. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
provided enterprises the opportunity to make a one-time reassessment of the
classification of all investment securities held at that time, such that the
reclassification of any security from the held-to-maturity category would not
call into question the enterprise's intent to hold other debt securities to
maturity in the future. Management believes that this classification allows
more flexibility in the day-to-day management of the overall portfolio than
the held-to-maturity classifications. Southern National held no securities
classified as trading at December 31, 1996 or 1995.
 
  The market value of the available-for-sale portfolio was $20.1 million
greater than the amortized cost of these securities. At December 31, 1996,
Southern National's available-for-sale portfolio had net unrealized
appreciation, net of tax, of $11.8 million, which is reported as a separate
component of equity. This compares to net unrealized appreciation of $31.2
million at December 31, 1995. Equity adjustments resulting from market
valuation gains and losses do not represent permanent increases or reductions
in equity. If securities that are categorized as available for sale are held
until they mature for strategic reasons, or if market values improve during
the period of time held, any fluctuations in estimated fair value will be
reflected as a separate component of equity, net of tax. If securities so
designated are sold, then the actual gains or losses realized are reported in
current period earnings.
 
  The fully taxable equivalent ("FTE") yield on the total securities portfolio
was 6.69% for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to 6.22% for the
prior year. The improvement in FTE yield resulted from higher yields for each
category of investments. U.S. Treasuries improved from 6.05% to 6.50%,
mortgage-backed securities increased from 6.60% to 6.94% and state and
municipal securities grew from 8.94% to 8.99%.
 
  Management expects interest rates to remain relatively stable throughout
1997. A major investment strategy for the first half of 1997 will be to
selectively replace lower-yielding securities with other high-quality U.S.
Treasury and Federal agency obligations, with short and intermediate
maturities. The Corporation's Asset/Liability Management Committee ("ALCO")
will continually evaluate such strategies in consideration of actual economic
and balance sheet developments.
 
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 11
                                  SECURITIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                              --------------------------------
                                              CARRYING VALUE AVERAGE YIELD (3)
                                              -------------- -----------------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>            <C>
U.S. Treasury, government and agency obliga-
 tions (1)
  Within one year............................   $  568,228         6.31%
  One to five years..........................    2,837,819         6.56
  Five to ten years..........................      152,960         6.55
  After ten years............................    1,288,616         7.21
                                                ----------         ----
    Total....................................    4,847,623         6.70
                                                ----------         ----
States and political subdivisions
  Within one year............................       18,944         8.46
  One to five years..........................       90,759         8.81
  Five to ten years..........................       31,262         8.80
  After ten years............................          345         7.83
                                                ----------         ----
    Total....................................      141,310         8.76
                                                ----------         ----
Other securities
  Within one year............................          100         6.24
  One to five years..........................        2,968         8.22
  Five to ten years..........................      185,556         6.68
                                                ----------         ----
    Total....................................      188,624         6.70
                                                ----------         ----
Securities with no stated maturity...........       83,950         8.22
                                                ----------         ----
    Total securities (2).....................   $5,261,507         6.78%
                                                ==========         ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Included in U.S. Treasury, government and agency obligations are mortgage-
    backed securities totaling $1.7 billion classified as available for sale
    and disclosed at estimated fair value. These securities are included in
    each of the categories based upon final stated maturity dates. The
    original contractual lives of these securities range from five to 30
    years; however, a more realistic average maturity would be substantially
    shorter because of the monthly return of principal on certain securities.
(2) Includes securities held to maturity of $124.7 million disclosed at
    amortized cost and securities available for sale of $5.1 billion disclosed
    at estimated fair value.
(3) Taxable equivalent basis as applied to amortized cost.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
LOANS AND LEASES
 
  Net loans and leases, including loans held for sale, totaled approximately
$14.4 billion at the end of 1996. This represented an increase of $623.7
million in 1996 or 4.5%. This rate of growth includes the impact of $1.2
billion in mortgage loans securitizations. Excluding the impact of the
mortgage loan securitizations, loans and leases, including loans held for
sale, grew at a rate of 10.1% from December 31, 1995 to December 31, 1996.
Average loans for the twelve months increased 3.1% over the prior year.
Excluding the impact of the securitizations, average loans increased 7.9%
compared with year-end 1995.
 
  The objective of these loan securitizations has been to maintain adequate
regulatory liquidity requirements while using proceeds from maturities of
lower-yielding U.S. Treasuries to fund higher-yielding consumer and commercial
loans and to reduce short-term borrowed funds.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  The net yield on loans has decreased from 9.23% for the twelve months ended
December 1995 to 9.12% for the current year, attributable to overall market
rates. A better indicator of the success of the balance sheet management
strategies is the improvement in overall net interest margin (FTE) from 4.14%
in 1995 to 4.45% for the current year.
 
  Southern National's long range lending strategy is to maintain a rate of
internal growth which approximates that of its markets in the Carolinas and
Virginia. Management believes that this will result in a rate of increase
which will be sustainable and profitable. Average commercial loans increased
at a rate of 7.4% during 1996 and yielded 9.0%. Average consumer loans grew
7.2% over the course of the year and yielded 10.5%. Average mortgage loans,
including the impact of securitizations, decreased 6.9% during 1996, while
yielding 7.9%. Excluding the impact of the securitizations, average mortgage
loans increased 9.3%.
 
  The acquisition of Regional Acceptance Corporation ("Regional Acceptance")
in the third quarter of 1996 is expected to increase consumer loan growth and
change the composition of the loan portfolio to include a greater percentage
of higher-yielding consumer loans. Regional Acceptance specializes in indirect
financing for consumer purchases of mid-model and late-model used automobiles.
 
  Southern National concentrated efforts on expanding the leasing function
throughout 1996. Municipal leasing, primarily tax-exempt leases with counties
and municipalities, was stronger than in the prior year. The leasing function,
which provides a quality stream of earnings, has developed numerous lease-
based products and services that have been effectively marketed to current
Southern National customers and noncustomers. End of period lease receivables,
gross of unearned income, grew $200.8 million or 53.3%, during 1996.
 
  Management will seek to continue the current balance sheet strategies
entering 1997. The trends in loan growth show increasing momentum in demand
during the third and fourth quarters of 1996. Excluding the impact of the
mortgage loan securitizations, end of period loans grew at an annualized rate
of 12.3% during the fourth quarter of 1996 compared to the third quarter.
Growth in average loans improved to 10.0% for the fourth quarter compared to
the third quarter, with particular strength in commercial loans, which
increased 14.3% over the same time frame.
 
ASSET QUALITY
 
  The credit quality of the loan and lease portfolio remained relatively
constant during 1996 compared to 1995. As reflected in Table 12--"Asset
Quality," nonperforming assets ("NPAs") were $80.2 million at year end, up
$4.3 million or 5.6% for the year. However, as a percentage of total assets,
NPAs were .38% at December 31, 1996 compared to .37% at the end of the prior
year. As a percentage of loans plus foreclosed properties, NPAs were .55% at
December 31, 1996 compared to .54% at the end of 1995. The allowance for loan
and lease losses as a percentage of loans and leases was 1.26% at December 31,
1996, compared to 1.26% at December 31, 1995. Loans 90 days or more past due
and still accruing interest increased slightly during 1996 to a balance of
$32.1 million compared to a December 31, 1995 balance of $29.1 million. These
ratios reflect very consistent levels of asset quality during the year. Net
charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases increased from .24% in
1995 to .32% in 1996, primarily as a result of higher charge-offs in consumer
lending. Management considers a charge-off level of .32% to be within
reasonable norms from an historical perspective.
 
  Regional Acceptance also experienced higher-than-expected net charge-offs in
the last two quarters of 1996. These higher net charge-offs are indicative of
the current nature of the used automobile financing industry. This level of
net charge-offs is not expected to have a material impact on Southern
National's consolidated financial condition or consolidated results of
operations.
 
  Southern National assigns risk grades to all commercial loans in the
portfolio. This assignment of loans to one of ten categories is based upon the
relative strength of the repayment source. All significant loans in the four
highest risk grades are reviewed monthly for appropriateness of risk grade,
accrual status and loss reserves. Management does not anticipate any
significant deterioration in asset quality levels during 1997.
 
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  The following table reflects relevant asset quality information for Southern
National for the most recent three years.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 12
                                 ASSET QUALITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                     -------------------------
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                     -------  -------  -------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>
Nonaccrual loans and leases*........................ $59,717  $62,231  $48,545
Foreclosed property.................................  20,452   13,652   13,521
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Nonperforming assets................................ $80,169  $75,883  $62,066
                                                     =======  =======  =======
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing... $32,052  $29,094  $24,224
                                                     =======  =======  =======
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS
  Nonaccrual loans and leases as a percentage of
   loans and leases.................................     .41%     .45%     .36%
  Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:
    Total assets....................................     .38      .37      .31
    Loans and leases plus foreclosed property.......     .55      .54      .47
  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans
   and leases.......................................     .32      .24      .14
  Allowance for losses as a percentage of loans and
   leases...........................................    1.26     1.26     1.32
  Ratio of allowance for losses to:
    Net charge-offs.................................    4.06X    5.30x    9.68x
    Nonaccrual loans and leases.....................    3.08     2.82     3.59
</TABLE>
- --------
NOTE:  Items referring to loans and leases are net of unearned income, gross
       of the allowance and include loans held for sale.
   *   Includes $16.0 million of impaired loans at December 31, 1996. See Note
       A in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DEPOSITS AND OTHER BORROWINGS
 
  Management's primary objectives for funding balance sheet activity are to
provide adequate, stable, cost-effective sources of funds. Core deposits
compose Southern National's primary funding source, despite trends away from
traditional transaction and savings accounts by depositors. As depositors have
sought greater returns in recent years, growth rates for deposits have
typically not kept pace with asset growth. Southern National's total deposits
at December 31, 1996, compared to year-end 1995, increased 1.8% to $15.0
billion. This modest increase was led by a 5.6% increase in noninterest-
bearing demand deposits and a 10.6% increase in money rate savings accounts.
These increases were offset somewhat by a 13.5% decrease in deposits in
savings and interest checking accounts. Other time deposits, including
individual retirement accounts and certificates of deposit, increased less
than 1% and remain Southern National's largest component of total deposits at
54.9%. Average deposits increased 3.7% in 1996 to a balance of $14.8 billion.
 
  Management also used various other short-term borrowed funds to meet funding
needs. Among these are Federal funds purchased, which composed 35.0% of total
short-term borrowed funds and securities sold under repurchase agreements,
which composed 29.4% of short-term borrowed funds at year end. Management also
utilized master notes, U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes and short-term
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances to supplement short-term funding
needs. In certain circumstances, management also used foreign deposits and, to
a lesser degree, brokered certificates of deposit. Although average short-term
borrowed funds decreased $1.1 billion or 36.1%, this was offset by a $538.0
million increase in average foreign deposits, which are classified as other
time deposits. Management has diversified both short-term and long-term
funding
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
sources and the shift to foreign deposits represents an effort to establish
available credit lines with nonbank providers of such funds. Total short-term
borrowed funds at year-end 1996 decreased $332.1 million or 12.8% compared to
year-end 1995.
 
  The rates paid on average short-term borrowed funds decreased from 5.91% in
1995 to 5.27% during 1996. This decrease resulted from a decline in short-term
money market rates as well as the increased availability of short-term funding
sources providing management the ability to execute on a more cost-effective
strategy.
 
  Management also employs long-term debt for additional funding, and
management significantly increased reliance on longer-term funding sources
during 1996. Southern National's total end of period outstanding long-term
debt increased 48.3% to $2.1 billion. On average, long-term debt increased
$731.0 million. Southern National's long-term debt consists primarily of FHLB
advances, which composed 67.0% of total outstanding long-term debt at December
31, 1996. FHLB advances are the most cost-effective long-term funding source
and the FHLB provides Southern National the flexibility to structure the debt
to manage interest rate risk and liquidity as needed. In an effort to
diversify long-term funding sources, management developed various debt
programs, including a $2 billion senior and subordinated banknote program. The
initial debt issuance was $225 million for five years at a fixed coupon rate
of 5.70%. The remainder of the $424.8 million outstanding at year end was
shorter-term floating rate banknotes. In addition to the $2 billion banknote
program, Southern National also registered $1 billion in debt for future
funding needs. On May 21, 1996, Southern National issued $250 million of 7.05%
subordinated long-term notes which mature in 2003. The average rate paid on
long-term debt during 1996 decreased from 6.26% for 1995 to 5.78% for 1996.
 
  Southern National continually considers liquidity needs in evaluating
funding sources. The ultimate goal is to maintain funding flexibility, which
will allow Southern National to react rapidly to opportunities brought about
by growth and market volatility. Management will continue to focus on
traditional core funding strategies during 1997, including targeting growth in
noninterest-bearing deposits.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 13
             COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE DEPOSITS AND OTHER BORROWINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                % CHANGE
                                                                             ----------------
                                                                             1996 V.  1995 V.
                               1996             1995             1994         1995     1994
                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------  -------
                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>         <C>  <C>         <C>  <C>         <C>  <C>      <C>
Savings, interest
 checking and MRS
 sweeps.................  $ 3,156,994  17% $ 3,237,553  18% $ 3,433,750  20%   (2.5)%   (5.7)%
Money rate savings......    1,416,791   8    1,552,431   8    1,971,263  11    (8.7)   (21.2)
Other time deposits.....    8,346,545  44    7,715,365  42    7,155,207  41     8.2      7.8
                          ----------- ---  ----------- ---  ----------- ---
Total interest-bearing
 deposits...............   12,920,330  69   12,505,349  68   12,560,220  72     3.3      (.4)
Noninterest-bearing
 demand deposits........    1,857,207  10    1,745,827   9    1,738,508  10     6.4       .4
                          ----------- ---  ----------- ---  ----------- ---
Total deposits..........   14,777,537  79   14,251,176  77   14,298,728  82     3.7      (.3)
Short-term borrowed
 funds..................    2,011,565  11    3,148,179  17    2,389,428  14   (36.1)    31.8
Long-term debt..........    1,858,569  10    1,127,575   6      677,227   4    64.8     66.5
                          ----------- ---  ----------- ---  ----------- ---
Total deposits and other
 borrowings.............  $18,647,671 100% $18,526,930 100% $17,365,383 100%     .6%     6.7 %
                          =========== ===  =========== ===  =========== ===   =====    =====
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Consolidated net income for 1996 totaled $283.7 million, which generated
primary earnings per share of $2.56 and fully diluted earnings per share of
$2.54. Net income for the prior year was $186.3 million and net earnings for
1994 were $243.8 million. Primary earnings per share were $1.65 in 1995 and
$2.21 in 1994, while fully diluted per share earnings were $1.62 and $2.16,
respectively.
 
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
  Management utilizes the return on average assets ratio to measure the
profitability of each dollar of assets and to compare Southern National's
performance to peers. The returns on average assets produced by the earnings
discussed above were 1.38% for 1996, .91% for 1995 and 1.28% for 1994.
Management's target return on average assets is 1.25%, which places Southern
National among industry leaders. A similar measure of profitability is return
on average common equity. Southern National's returns on average common equity
were 17.21%, 11.84% and 17.07%, for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively.
 
  Southern National incurred significant nonrecurring expenses during both
1996 and 1995 which are reflected in the earnings and profitability ratios
above. During the third quarter of 1996, Southern National recorded a one-time
assessment by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") which was
charged to all financial institutions with deposits insured by the Savings
Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). The impact of Southern National's
assessment was approximately $33 million on a pre-tax basis. On an after-tax
basis, the assessment totaled $21.3 million or $.19 per fully diluted share.
Excluding the impact of the assessment, Southern National's net income for
1996 would have been $304.9 million or $2.73 per fully diluted share.
Recurring earnings for 1996 provided returns of 1.48% on average assets and
18.51% on average common shareholders' equity.
 
  During 1995, Southern National incurred $108.0 million in pre-tax
nonrecurring expenses relating to the merger between Southern National and
BB&T Financial Corporation ("BB&T") and $19.8 million in securities losses
resulting from a restructuring of the securities portfolio. These costs were
offset somewhat by a $12.3 million gain on the sale of divested deposits made
necessary by the merger. The net after-tax impact of these nonrecurring items
and securities losses was to reduce net income by $76.3 million. Excluding the
impact of these nonrecurring items, Southern National's net income for 1995
would have been $262.7 million, or $2.29 per fully diluted share. Recurring
earnings for 1995 produced returns of 1.29% on average assets and 16.83% on
average common shareholders' equity.
 
  On a recurring basis, Southern National's net income grew $42.3 million or
16.1% during 1996. Fully diluted earnings per share increased $.44 or 19.2%.
Southern National accomplished many objectives which were established in
conjunction with the merger of Southern National and BB&T. The success in
achieving goals set by management led to the growth in recurring earnings.
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
 
  Net interest income is Southern National's primary source of revenue. The
amount of net interest income is influenced by a number of factors, including
the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the
interest rates earned and paid to obtain the asset-generating funds. The
difference between rates earned on interest-earning assets (with an adjustment
made to tax-exempt income to provide comparability with taxable income) and
the cost of supporting funds is measured by the net yield. The accompanying
table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest
expense and distinguishes between the changes related to average outstanding
balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities (volume)
and the changes related to average interest rates on such assets and
liabilities (rate). Changes attributable to both volume and rate have been
allocated proportionately.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                                   TABLE 14
                 NET INTEREST INCOME AND RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                 AVERAGE BALANCES                YIELD/RATE
                                                      -------------------------------------    ------------------
                                                          1996         1995         1994       1996   1995   1994
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>    <C>   <C>
ASSETS
Securities (1):
   U.S. Treasury, government and other (5)........... $ 5,024,926  $ 5,235,169  $ 5,171,260    6.62%  6.13%  5.74%
   States and political subdivisions.................     150,193      170,604      179,722    8.99   8.94   9.08
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total securities (5)..........................   5,175,119    5,405,773    5,350,982    6.69   6.22   5.85
Other earning assets (2).............................      13,631       44,384      130,670    5.65   5.75   3.97
Loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)(3)(4)(5)  14,190,985   13,768,629   12,456,509    9.12   9.23   8.42
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total earning assets..........................  19,379,735   19,218,786   17,938,161    8.47   8.37   7.62
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Non-earning assets............................   1,194,335    1,185,084    1,134,455
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------
            Total assets............................. $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616
                                                      ===========  ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits:
   Savings, interest-checking and MRS sweeps......... $ 3,156,994  $ 3,237,553  $ 3,433,750    1.70   2.26   2.19
   Money rate savings................................   1,416,791    1,552,431    1,971,263    3.62   3.59   2.73
   Other time deposits...............................   8,346,545    7,715,365    7,155,207    5.51   5.55   4.37
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total interest-bearing deposits...............  12,920,330   12,505,349   12,560,220    4.37   4.46   3.52
Short-term borrowed funds............................   2,011,565    3,148,179    2,389,428    5.27   5.91   4.33
Long-term debt.......................................   1,858,569    1,127,575      677,227    5.78   6.26   6.04
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total interest-bearing liabilities............  16,790,464   16,781,103   15,626,875    4.63   4.85   3.75
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Noninterest-bearing demand deposits...........   1,857,207    1,745,827    1,738,508
       Other liabilities.............................     266,864      273,911      235,183
       Shareholders' equity..........................   1,659,535    1,603,029    1,472,050
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity. $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616
                                                      ===========  ===========  ===========
Average interest rate spread.........................                                          3.84   3.52   3.87
Net yield on earning assets..........................                                          4.45%  4.14%  4.36%
                                                                                               ====   ====   ====
Taxable equivalent adjustment........................
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                       1996 V. 1995
                                                                                             ---------------------------------
                                                                  INCOME/EXPENSE                              CHANGE DUE TO
                                                       ---------------------------------      INCREASE   ---------------------
                                                          1996        1995        1994       (DECREASE)     RATE      VOLUME
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>
ASSETS
Securities (1):
   U.S. Treasury, government and other (5)...........  $ 332,725   $ 320,950   $ 296,933     $   11,775   $ 25,009  $  (13,234)
   States and political subdivisions.................     13,503      15,255      16,323         (1,752)        83      (1,835)
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total securities (5)..........................    346,228     336,205     313,256         10,023     25,092     (15,069)
Other earning assets (2).............................        771       2,552       5,184         (1,781)       (41)     (1,740)
Loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)(3)(4)(5)  1,293,802   1,270,390   1,049,190         23,412    (15,224)     38,636
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total earning assets..........................  1,640,801   1,609,147   1,367,630         31,654      9,827      21,827

       Non-earning assets............................

            Total assets.............................

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits:
   Savings, interest-checking and MRS sweeps.........     53,531      73,203      75,125        (19,672)   (17,892)     (1,780)
   Money rate savings................................     51,226      55,664      53,874         (4,438)       463      (4,901)
   Other time deposits...............................    459,990     428,282     312,877         31,708     (3,098)     34,806
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total interest-bearing deposits...............    564,747     557,149     441,876          7,598    (20,527)     28,125
Short-term borrowed funds............................    105,936     186,194     103,493        (80,258)   (18,685)    (61,573)
Long-term debt.......................................    107,437      70,599      40,927         36,838     (5,790)     42,628
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total interest-bearing liabilities............    778,120     813,942     586,296        (35,822)   (45,002)      9,180
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Noninterest-bearing demand deposits...........
       Other liabilities.............................
       Shareholders' equity..........................

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.

Average interest rate spread.........................
Net yield on earning assets..........................  $ 862,681     795,205   $ 781,334     $   67,476  $  54,829  $   12,647
                                                       =========   =========   =========     ==========  =========  ==========
Taxable equivalent adjustment........................  $  34,188   $  32,535   $  28,088
                                                       =========   =========   =========
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>    
                                                                      1995 v. 1994
                                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                                             Change due to
                                                         INCREASE     --------------------------
                                                         DECREASE)        Rate         Volume
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>           <C> 
ASSETS
Securities (1):
   U.S. Treasury, government and other (5)...........    $   24,017   $    20,309   $      3,708
   States and political subdivisions.................        (1,068)         (250)          (818)
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total securities (5)..........................        22,949        20,059          2,890
Other earning assets (2).............................        (2,632)        1,706         (4,338)
Loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)(3)(4)(5)       221,200       105,149        116,051
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total earning assets..........................       241,517       126,914        114,603
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Non-earning assets............................

            Total assets.............................

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits:
   Savings, interest-checking and MRS sweeps.........        (1,922)        2,461         (4,383)
   Money rate savings................................         1,790        14,683        (12,893)
   Other time deposits...............................       115,405        89,425         25,980
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total interest-bearing deposits...............       115,273       106,569          8,704
Short-term borrowed funds............................        82,701        44,253         38,448
Long-term debt.......................................        29,672         1,526         28,146
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total interest-bearing liabilities............       227,646       152,348         75,298
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Noninterest-bearing demand deposits...........
       Other liabilities.............................
       Shareholders' equity..........................

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.

Average interest rate spread.........................
Net yield on earning assets..........................    $   13,871   $   (25,434)  $     39,305
                                                         ==========   ===========   ============
Taxable equivalent adjustment........................


</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1) Yields related to securities, loans and leases exempt from both Federal
    and state income taxes, Federal income taxes only or state income taxes
    only are stated on a taxable equivalent basis assuming tax rates in effect
    for the periods presented.
(2) Includes Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale
    agreements or similar arrangements.
(3) Loan fees, which are not material for any of the periods shown, have been
    included for rate calculation purposes.
(4) Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances. Only the
    interest collected on such loans has been included as income.
(5) Includes assets which were held for sale or available for sale at
    amortized cost.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
  For 1996, net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis ("FTE")
totaled $862.7 million, compared with $795.2 million in 1995 and $781.3
million in 1994. During 1996, there was improvement in interest income from
investment securities, up $10.0 million, and from loans, up $23.4 million.
During the same time frame, reduced interest rates and the use of more cost-
effective funding sources drove total interest expense down $35.8 million.
Comparing 1995 with 1994, net interest income increased $13.9 million.
 
  The taxable equivalent net yield on average earning assets is the primary
measure used in evaluating the effectiveness of the management of earning
assets and funding liabilities. The net yield on average earning assets was
4.45% in 1996, 4.14% in 1995 and 4.36% in 1994. The increase in margin during
1996 reflects management's efforts to restructure the balance sheet by
securitizing mortgage loans and holding the resulting mortgage-backed
securities in the securities available-for-sale portfolio instead of holding
lower-yielding U.S. Treasuries, as discussed earlier. The yield on total
earning assets increased 10 basis points, driven by higher volumes of average
loans and higher rates earned on average investments. Also, management's use
of more cost-effective funding strategies, such as growing core deposits,
particularly noninterest-bearing deposits, and utilizing more stable FHLB
advances and other longer-term debt, rather than more volatile short-term
borrowed funds, contributed to the improved margin. The cost of total
interest-bearing liabilities decreased 22 basis points because of
significantly lower rates paid on all funding sources except money rate
savings.
 
  The 22 basis point margin decline during 1995 was caused by aggressive
pricing strategies for loans and deposits put in place by management following
the merger of Southern National and BB&T in an effort to protect the customer
base. While the total yield on interest-earning assets increased 75 basis
points over 1994, the rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increased
110 basis points during the year.
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
  A provision for loan and lease losses is charged against earnings in order
to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level considered
adequate by management to absorb potential losses existing in the loan
portfolio. The amount of the provision is based on continuing evaluation of
problem loans, analytical reviews of loan loss experience in relation to
outstanding loans, management's judgment with respect to current and expected
economic conditions and their impact on the existing loan portfolio. The
provision recorded by Southern National in 1996 was $53.7 million, compared
with $34.6 million in 1995 and $20.2 million in 1994.
 
  The increase in the provision for loan and lease losses was influenced by
two factors: charge-offs and growth in loans. During recent years, Southern
National has experienced unusually low levels of charge-offs. During 1995,
many asset quality indicators began to return to historically normal levels.
Also, growth in loans during 1995 and 1996 was relatively strong. At December
31, 1996 and 1995, the allowance was 1.26% of loans and leases outstanding.
The coverage ratio of nonaccrual loans and leases was at 3.08 times, up
slightly from the prior year ratio of 2.82 times.
 
  The allowance for loan and lease losses is tested for adequacy on a
quarterly basis. Specific reserves are allocated to problem commercial loans
of $1 million or more, assuming the most conservative repayment scenario. All
other commercial loans are segregated into one of ten risk categories
according to the relative strength of the borrower and the repayment sources.
Reserve allocations are then determined by multiplying outstandings in each
category by factors based on historical loan loss experience. Reserve
allocations are derived for consumer loans based on product type, such as
mortgage, retail, bankcard, etc. Allocations are determined by applying
historical loss ratios to estimated outstandings, with adjustments made for
current and anticipated business conditions. This approach, which relates the
allowance to problem loans, is employed because changes in problem loans--both
the level relative to outstandings and the mix by risk category--are leading
indicators of changes in portfolio loss potential.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
NONINTEREST INCOME
 
  Noninterest income includes service charges on deposit accounts, trust
revenues, mortgage banking income, insurance commissions, gains and losses on
securities transactions and other commissions and fees derived from banking
and bank-related activities. Over the past five years, noninterest income has
grown at a compound annual rate of 10.6%.
 
  An important element of the merger of Southern National and BB&T was the
additional marketing capability provided by merging the operations of the
banks and the ability to cross-sell the stronger services of the existing
banks to the customers of the other banks, which would grow noninterest
income. The primary strategic objective for 1996 was to achieve these
enhancements in fee-based revenues, and management set a goal of 20% growth in
earnings from noninterest income. Actual growth during 1996 was 28.7%. The
more significant components of this increase are discussed below.
 
  Noninterest income for 1996 totaled $297.4 million, compared with $231.0
million in 1995 and $229.9 million in 1994. The $66.4 million increase during
1996 resulted from growth in all areas of fee-based income combined with gains
on the sale of securities of $3.2 million compared with prior year losses on
sales of securities of $18.6 million. These losses were also the primary
factor contributing to the flat rate of growth in noninterest income during
1995 compared with 1994. The securities losses were composed primarily of the
$19.8 million losses incurred in association with the securities restructuring
undertaken in the first quarter of 1995. The impact of these securities losses
was offset to an extent by a $12.3 million gain on the sale of divested
deposits. This divestiture was necessary because of antitrust regulations
associated with the Southern National merger with BB&T.
 
  The percentage of total revenues, calculated as net interest income plus
noninterest income excluding securities gains or losses, derived from
noninterest (fee-based) income for 1996 was 25.7%, up from 23.9% in 1995 and
22.5% during 1994. Management hopes to grow this percentage to 30% in coming
years.
 
  Service charges on deposit accounts represent the largest single source of
noninterest revenue. Such revenues totaled $107.6 million in 1996, an increase
of $18.0 million or 20.0% from 1995. Service charges during 1995 totaled $89.6
million, which was a 5.3% increase compared with the prior year. The primary
factor contributing to the significant growth in service charges on deposit
accounts during 1996 was a change in the fee structure implemented during the
first quarter. Deposit services are typically repriced annually to reflect
current costs and competitive factors.
 
  Mortgage banking income (which includes normal servicing fees and profits
and losses from the origination and sale of loans) increased $7.9 million or
30.1% to a total of $34.4 million for 1996. Mortgage banking income totaled
$26.4 million in 1995 and $24.9 million in 1994. The primary components of the
1996 increase were servicing fees on loans sold, which increased $5.5 million,
and increases in net gains on sales of mortgage loans because of the
capitalization of mortgage servicing rights under SFAS No. 122.
 
  Agency insurance commissions, which include insurance commissions generated
through Southern National's extensive agency network, increased approximately
$6.8 million or 43.5% in 1996 to a total of $22.4 million. Agency insurance
commissions totaled $15.6 million in 1995 and $13.8 million in 1994. The
insurance agencies have become an increasingly important source of noninterest
revenue for Southern National, and this trend is expected to continue in the
future. Southern National currently maintains the largest independent
insurance agency network in the Carolinas. During 1996, certain assets and
liabilities of four insurance agencies in South Carolina were acquired with
combined premiums totaling $65 million. These acquisitions, accounted for
under the purchase method, increased agency insurance commissions during 1996.
Southern National intends to continue to expand its insurance agency
operations through both acquisitions and internally generated growth.
 
  Other insurance commissions, which include credit-related products offered
through the banking network to borrowers, totaled $11.2 million during 1996,
up 3.0% from the 1995 balance of $10.9 million. Such commissions totaled $10.4
million during 1994.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  The offering of trust services has been a traditional service of Southern
National. Trust income from corporate and personal trust services totaled
$22.8 million in 1996. This was an increase of $4.2 million or 22.4% over
income of $18.6 million in 1995, which in turn was an increase of $1.4 million
or 8.4% over the $17.2 million earned in 1994. Managed assets totaled $5.0
billion at the end of 1996. Southern National also offers its own family of
mutual funds and manages seven mutual funds with total assets in excess of
$800 million, which provide investment alternatives both for trust clients and
for other customers. The broker/dealer subsidiaries are the principal
marketing agents of Southern National's proprietary mutual funds.
 
  Other nondeposit fees and commissions, including bankcard fees, increased by
$14.2 million to a level of $68.8 million in 1996 compared with $54.6 million
for 1995. During 1995, other nondeposit fees and commissions increased 13.2%
from the 1994 income of $48.3 million. Major sources of nondeposit fees and
commissions generating the increases include merchant discounts, up $5.4
million or 35.5% from the 1995 balance and up $7.5 million from the income
recorded in 1994. Another significant component, investment brokerage
commissions, increased $6.8 million during 1996 to a total of $14.7 million.
Investment brokerage commissions increased 9.6% during 1995 to a total of $8.0
million.
 
  Other income decreased $6.8 million or 20.0% for 1996 because of a $12.3
million gain realized during the second quarter of 1995 on the divestiture of
deposits which was undertaken to comply with antitrust restrictions following
the Southern National merger with BB&T. Excluding the impact of this gain,
other income would have increased $5.5 million. Other income in 1995 totaled
$33.9 million, up 25.1% from the 1994 balance of $27.1 million.
 
  The ability to generate significant additional amounts of noninterest
revenues in the future will be a requisite to the ultimate success of Southern
National. Through its subsidiaries, Southern National will continue to focus
on four primary areas--mortgage banking, trust, insurance and investment
brokerage activities. Management has invested in the development of
noninterest income products and services for delivery in future years and has
targeted an overall growth rate of 20% per year.
 
  Southern National has also undertaken plans to develop a number of
alternative delivery systems for products and services. During 1996, a PC-
based home banking product called BB&T OnLine was introduced. Management
believes that the service will be an effective tool both for individuals and
small business customers. Southern National currently has plans to expand the
ATM network to grow fee income and to provide added convenience to customers.
Also, Southern National introduced a "loan-by-phone" service and developed an
integrated small business lending process with expert systems and a well-
trained human support system. Southern National currently has plans to open a
"call center" during 1997 to provide greater customer service.
 
  Southern National will also continue to explore strategic acquisitions of
insurance agencies, finance companies and other entities to improve
noninterest income.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 15
                              NONINTEREST INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 % CHANGE
                                                              ----------------
                                                              1996 V.  1995 V.
                                    1996     1995      1994    1995     1994
                                  -------- --------  -------- -------  -------
                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                               <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
Service charges on deposits...... $107,581 $ 89,621  $ 85,106   20.0 %   5.3 %
Mortgage banking income..........   34,352   26,408    24,920   30.1     6.0
Trust income.....................   22,811   18,629    17,180   22.4     8.4
Agency insurance commissions.....   22,353   15,572    13,830   43.5    12.6
Other insurance commissions......   11,189   10,866    10,413    3.0     4.4
Securities gains (losses), net...    3,206  (18,600)    3,074     NM      NM
Merchant discounts...............   20,574   15,189     7,665   35.5    98.2
Other bankcard income............    7,851    9,259    10,006  (15.2)   (7.5)
Investment brokerage
 commissions.....................   14,722    7,951     7,256   85.2     9.6
Other bank service fees and
 commissions.....................   20,885   17,960    14,538   16.3    23.5
International income.............    3,206    2,895     2,600   10.7    11.3
Amortization of negative
 goodwill........................    6,238    6,239     6,283    --      (.7)
Other noninterest income.........   22,421   29,005    26,990  (22.7)    7.5
                                  -------- --------  --------  -----    ----
  Total noninterest income....... $297,389 $230,994  $229,861   28.7 %    .5 %
                                  ======== ========  ========  =====    ====
</TABLE>
- --------
NM--not meaningful.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
  Noninterest expense for 1996 decreased $27.2 million or 4.0% to a total of
$654.1 million. This followed an increase of 15.5% in 1995 to a total of
$681.2 million. Certain material, nonrecurring costs and expenses affecting
noninterest expense were recorded during both 1996 and 1995. As discussed
earlier, Southern National recorded a special, one-time SAIF assessment during
the third quarter of 1996 totaling approximately $33 million on a pretax
basis. During 1995, Southern National incurred $107.5 million of nonrecurring
costs related to the merger of Southern National and BB&T. Excluding the
impact of the nonrecurring items from both 1996 and 1995, noninterest expense
would have increased $47.3 million or 8.2% from 1995 to 1996. The five-year
compound rate of growth in noninterest expense has been 8.3%.
 
  An important objective following the merger of Southern National and BB&T
was controlling costs. The combining companies expected to achieve significant
cost savings through the elimination of redundant personnel and systems, which
are among the benefits usually associated with an in-market merger. Through
the implementation of a hiring freeze and an early retirement program, as well
as by completing the conversion of the systems of the two companies during
1995, the cost savings have been achieved.
 
  Total personnel expense decreased $43.9 million or 12.7% in 1996 compared to
1995. The 1995 expense was 16.8% higher than personnel expense recorded in
1994. Total personnel expense includes salaries and wages, as well as pension
and other employee benefits. The decrease during 1996 reflects $59.8 million
of nonrecurring merger-related costs recorded in the prior year. These costs
included severance pay, termination of employment contracts, early retirement
packages and other related benefits. Excluding these nonrecurring charges,
total personnel expense, the largest component of noninterest expense, would
have increased $15.8 million or 5.5% to $302.4 million. The increase in
recurring personnel costs reflects higher incentive-related compensation.
 
  Premiums paid to the FDIC for deposit insurance increased $19.8 million or
86.2% to a total of $42.8 million for 1996. For 1995, the expense decreased
$9.7 million or 29.7%. As discussed earlier, Southern National
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
recorded $33 million of Federal deposit insurance expense during the third
quarter of 1996 associated with a special assessment to recapitalize the SAIF.
This assessment was offset by rate reductions on FDIC insurance expense which
became effective during the latter part of 1995. The rate paid on insurance
premiums increased from an annual rate of $.12 per $100 of deposits in 1990 to
$.23 per $100 of deposits for the period beginning July 1, 1991. However, in
1995, the FDIC reduced the rates paid from $.23 per $100 to $.04 on deposits
insured by the Bank Insurance Fund and on January 1, 1996, the FDIC eliminated
the deposit insurance premium. Combined with continued flat deposit growth,
this rate decrease resulted in significant savings on deposit insurance
premiums during the third and fourth quarters of 1995, resulting in the
decrease in expense from 1994.
 
  Net occupancy expense totaled $46.1 million in 1996. This represented a
decrease of $3.1 million or 6.3% over the expense of $49.2 million incurred in
1995, which in turn was 11.2% greater than the expense of $44.3 million
recorded in 1994. Furniture and equipment expense totaled $57.5 million in
1996, compared with $58.7 million in 1995 and $44.3 million in 1994. These
fluctuations include the impact in 1995 of $10.4 million of nonrecurring
charges relating to branch closings and the consolidation of bank operations
and systems associated with the Southern National and BB&T merger. Combined
occupancy and equipment expense, excluding nonrecurring charges, would have
increased $6.1 million or 6.2% in 1996 compared to 1995. Depreciation of
property and equipment purchased in connection with implementing the merger
was a major component of the increase.
 
  Other expense increased only $1.2 million from 1995 to 1996, primarily
because of an elevated level of merger-related expenses recorded during 1995.
These merger-related expenses included operational charge-offs, branch and
departmental supplies, donations, legal fees, accounting fees, printing costs,
regulatory filing fees and professional services. Excluding the impact of
these charges, other noninterest expenses would have increased $38.8 million
or 23.3%. This increase was driven by several components. A primary strategic
objective for 1996 was to increase BB&T brand identity. Southern National
increased advertising and marketing expenditures to accomplish this objective.
Advertising costs totaled $19.0 million during 1996, up from $11.5 million
recorded in 1995 and $10.7 million recorded in 1994. As a result of this
program, it is estimated that awareness of the BB&T brand increased 50%. Other
costs include higher amortization of intangibles and mortgage servicing
rights, which increased $2.2 million in 1996 because of lower interest rates,
and conversion costs associated with the merger of Regional Acceptance.
 
  Many computer systems will incur data processing difficulties resulting from
date codings of transactions after the year 1999. Southern National recognized
expenses during 1996 to begin to upgrade certain computer software and
operating systems to enable the systems to function properly in the year 2000.
Southern National's computer systems are not programmed to consider the start
of a new century, and the process of upgrading the systems' date recognition
to make them year-2000 compliant will continue in the future. Management
anticipates expenditures associated with this upgrade of at least $7 million
to $8 million to be expensed as incurred over the next three years.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 16
                              NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 % CHANGE
                                                              ----------------
                                                              1996 V.  1995 V.
                                     1996     1995     1994    1995     1994
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------  -------
                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Salaries and wages...............  $245,486 $286,321 $240,468  (14.3)%   19.1 %
Pension and other employee bene-
 fits............................    56,897   59,987   56,077   (5.2)     7.0
Net occupancy expense on bank
 premises........................    46,103   49,220   44,281   (6.3)    11.2
Furniture and equipment expense..    57,491   58,657   44,299   (2.0)    32.4
Federal deposit insurance premi-
 ums.............................    42,820   22,995   32,697   86.2    (29.7)
Other insurance..................     3,275    4,733    4,174  (30.8)    13.4
Foreclosed property expense......     1,952    3,168    4,645  (38.4)   (31.8)
Amortization expense on
 intangibles and mortgage
 servicing rights................    12,779   10,600    7,700   20.6     37.7
Software.........................     5,049    8,507    5,403  (40.6)    57.4
Telephone........................    11,929   11,968   10,921    (.3)     9.6
Donations........................     5,295    7,341    3,832  (27.9)    91.6
Advertising and public rela-
 tions...........................    18,956   11,466   10,688   65.3      7.3
Travel...........................     5,248    5,159    4,064    1.7     26.9
Professional services............    19,564   20,462   12,247   (4.4)    67.1
Supplies.........................    11,429   17,786   10,207  (35.7)    74.3
Loan and lease expense...........    28,903   22,227   17,034   30.0     30.5
Deposit related expense..........    12,282   10,677   11,755   15.0     (9.2)
Other noninterest expenses.......    68,595   69,954   69,303   (1.9)      .9
                                   -------- -------- --------
  Total noninterest expense......  $654,053 $681,228 $589,795   (4.0)%   15.5 %
                                   ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
  Southern National's provision for income taxes during 1996 was $134.5
million, a 47.1% increase over the provision recorded in 1995. The provision
for income taxes in 1994 totaled $129.3 million. The significant increase in
the provision in 1996 reflects lower earnings in the prior year resulting from
the merger-related costs discussed above. Excluding the impact of the SAIF
assessment during 1996 and the merger-related costs during 1995, the provision
for income taxes increased $15.7 million or 12.0% because of higher recurring
pretax earnings.
 
  Because of its investments in tax-exempt loans and securities and certain
tax planning strategies, the effective tax rates were actually 32.2% in 1996,
32.9% in 1995 and 34.6% in 1994.
 
MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT
 
  The effective management of market risk is essential to achieving the
Corporation's objectives. As a financial institution, Southern National's
primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. A prime objective in
interest rate risk management is the avoidance of wide fluctuations in net
interest income through balancing the impact of changes in interest rates on
interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities. Management uses
balance sheet repositioning as an efficient and cost-effective means of
managing interest rate risk. This is accomplished through strategic pricing of
asset and liability accounts. The expected result of strategic pricing is the
development of appropriate maturity and repricing streams in those accounts to
produce consistent net income during adverse interest rate environments. The
ALCO monitors loan, investment and liability portfolios to ensure
comprehensive management of interest rate risk on the balance sheet. These
portfolios are analyzed for proper fixed-rate and variable-rate "mixes" given
a specific interest rate outlook.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  Asset/liability management activities are designed to achieve relatively
stable net interest margins and assure liquidity by coordinating the volumes,
maturities or repricings and interest rate sensitivities of earning assets,
deposits and borrowed funds. It is the responsibility of the ALCO to determine
and achieve the most appropriate size and mix of earning assets and interest-
bearing liabilities, as well as ensure an adequate level of liquidity and
capital, while achieving desired growth in earnings and total assets. The ALCO
also sets policy guidelines and establishes long-term strategies with respect
to interest rate exposure and liquidity. The ALCO meets regularly to review
Southern National's interest rate and liquidity risk exposures in relation to
present and prospective market and business conditions, and adopts funding and
balance sheet management strategies that are intended to ensure that the
potential impact on earnings and liquidity of fluctuations in interest rates
is within conservative standards.
 
  Southern National also utilizes off-balance sheet financial instruments to
manage interest rate sensitivity and net interest income. These instruments,
commonly referred to as derivatives, primarily consist of interest rate swaps,
caps, floors, financial forward and futures contracts and options written and
purchased. Management accounts for these financial instruments as hedges when
the following conditions are met: (1) the specific assets, liabilities, firm
commitments or anticipated transactions (or an identifiable group of
essentially similar items) to be hedged expose Southern National to interest
rate risk or price risk; (2) the financial instrument reduces that exposure;
(3) the financial instrument is designated as a hedge at inception; and (4) at
the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period, there is a high
correlation of changes in the fair value or the net interest income associated
with the financial instrument and the hedged items. Southern National does not
utilize derivatives for trading purposes.
 
  Derivative contracts are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts.
Notional amounts do not represent amounts to be exchanged between parties and
are not a measure of financial risks, but only provide the basis for
calculating payments between the counterparties. On December 31, 1996,
Southern National had outstanding interest rate swaps, caps and floors with
notional amounts totaling $1.1 billion. The estimated fair value of open
contracts used for risk management purposes at December 31, 1996, reflected
pretax net unrealized gains of $5.8 million.
 
  Southern National's derivatives used in interest rate risk management are
primarily used to hedge variable rate commercial loans, adjustable rate
mortgage loans, retail certificates of deposit and fixed rate notes. These
hedges contributed net interest expense of $154,200 in 1996, compared with net
interest expense of $10.3 million in 1995 and net interest income of $900,000
in 1994.
 
  Southern National utilizes written covered over-the-counter call options on
specific securities in the available-for-sale securities portfolio in order to
enhance returns. If the securities decrease in value and the option expires
unexercised, Southern National recognizes the premium as income. If the
securities increase in value and the written call option is exercised,
Southern National forfeits the appreciation on the securities exceeding the
option exercise price.
 
  Southern National also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and
net purchased put options (combination of purchased put option and written
call option) in its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to
hedge the mortgage warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates.
Written call options are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a
net purchased put option that reduces the cost of the hedge.
 
  A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and
therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or
reference rate. Credit risk arises when amounts receivable from a counterparty
exceed those payable. The risk of loss with any counterparty is limited to a
small fraction of the notional amount. Southern National deals only with
national market makers with strong credit ratings in its derivatives
activities. Southern National further mitigates the risk of loss by subjecting
counterparties to credit reviews and approvals similar to those used in making
loans and other extensions of credit. All of the derivative contracts to which
Southern National is a party settle monthly, quarterly or semiannually.
Accordingly, the amount of off-balance sheet credit exposure to which Southern
National is exposed at any time is immaterial. Further, Southern National has
netting agreements with the dealers with which it does business. Because of
these netting agreements, Southern National had a minimal amount of off-
balance sheet credit exposure at December 31, 1996.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  SFAS No. 119, "Disclosures About Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" requires, among other things, certain
quantitative and qualitative disclosures with regard to the amounts, nature
and terms of derivative financial instruments. See Note Q, "Derivatives and
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments," for the required quantitative
disclosures.
 
  Southern National's interest rate sensitivity is illustrated in the
following interest rate sensitivity gap table. The table reflects rate-
sensitive positions at December 31, 1996, and is not necessarily reflective of
positions throughout each year. The carrying amounts of interest-rate-
sensitive assets and liabilities and the notional amounts of swaps and other
derivative financial instruments are presented in the periods in which they
next reprice to market rates or mature and are aggregated to show the interest
rate sensitivity gap. To reflect anticipated prepayments, certain asset and
liability categories are included in the table based on estimated rather than
contractual maturity dates.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 17
                    INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY GAP ANALYSIS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 EXPECTED REPRICING OR MATURITY DATE
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               WITHIN            ONE TO           THREE TO          AFTER FIVE
                              ONE YEAR         THREE YEARS       FIVE YEARS           YEARS              TOTAL
                          -----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------
                            AMOUNT     RATE    AMOUNT    RATE    AMOUNT    RATE    AMOUNT    RATE     AMOUNT    RATE
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>   <C>         <C>   <C>         <C>   <C>         <C>    <C>         <C>
ASSETS
 Securities and other
  interest-earning
  assets*...............  $ 1,212,853  6.86% $1,618,464  6.55% $1,519,034  6.97% $  892,146   7.05% $ 5,242,497 6.83%
 Federal funds sold and
  securities purchased
  under resale
  agreements or similar
  arrangements..........       19,940  5.25         --    --          --    --          --     --        19,940 5.25
 Loans and leases.......    9,414,183  8.70   3,280,158  8.36   1,416,070  8.68     473,653  14.46   14,584,064 8.81
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
TOTAL INTEREST-EARNING
 ASSETS.................   10,646,976         4,898,622         2,935,104         1,365,799          19,846,501
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
LIABILITIES
 Time deposits..........    6,693,613  5.37   1,289,270  6.00     209,652  6.22      22,686   6.28    8,215,221 5.49
 Savings and interest
  checking**............          --    --      825,756  1.56     275,252  1.56     275,252   1.56    1,376,260 1.56
 Money rate savings**...    1,686,009  3.30   1,686,009  3.30         --    --          --     --     3,372,018 3.30
 Federal funds
  purchased.............      793,075  5.27         --    --          --    --          --     --       793,075 5.27
 Other borrowings.......    2,491,821  5.14     141,427  6.38     506,633  5.74     382,114   5.07    3,521,995 5.27
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
TOTAL INTEREST-BEARING
 LIABILITIES............   11,664,518         3,942,462           991,537           680,052          17,278,569
                          -----------        ----------        ----------        ----------         -----------
ASSET-LIABILITY GAP.....   (1,017,542)          956,160         1,943,567           685,747
                          -----------        ----------        ----------        ----------
DERIVATIVES AFFECTING
 INTEREST RATE
 SENSITIVITY
 Pay fixed interest rate
  swaps.................      288,629  5.35    (268,817) 5.31     (15,520) 5.27      (4,292)  5.98
 Receive fixed interest
  rate swaps............     (450,000) 5.36     200,000  6.11         --    --      250,000   6.90
 Basis swaps............     (250,000) 5.51     250,000  5.53         --    --          --     --
 Floors.................     (105,000)  --      105,000   --          --    --          --     --
                          -----------        ----------        ----------        ----------
INTEREST RATE
 SENSITIVITY GAP........  $(1,533,913)       $1,242,343        $1,928,047        $  931,455
                          ===========        ==========        ==========        ==========
CUMULATIVE INTEREST RATE
 SENSITIVITY GAP........  $(1,533,913)       $ (291,570)       $1,636,477        $2,567,932
                          ===========        ==========        ==========        ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Securities based on amortized cost.
** Projected runoff of non-maturity deposits was computed based upon decay
   rate assumptions developed by bank regulators to assist banks in addressing
   FDICIA rule 305.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
INFLATION AND CHANGING INTEREST RATES
 
  The majority of assets and liabilities of financial institutions are
monetary in nature and, therefore, differ greatly from most commercial and
industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or
inventories. Fluctuations in interest rates and the efforts of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve ("FRB") to regulate money and credit
conditions have a greater effect on a financial institution's profitability
than do the effects of higher costs for goods and services. Through its
balance sheet management function, Southern National is positioned to respond
to changing interest rates and inflationary trends.
 
  Simulation Analysis takes into account the current contractual agreements
that Southern National has made with its customers on deposits, borrowings,
loans, investments and any commitments to enter into those transactions.
Management monitors Southern National's interest sensitivity by means of a
computer-based asset/liability model that incorporates current volumes and
rates, maturity streams, repricing opportunities and anticipated growth. The
model calculates an earnings estimate based on current portfolio balances and
rates, less any balances that are scheduled to reprice or mature. Balances and
rates that will replace the previous balances and any anticipated growth are
added. This level of detail is needed to correctly simulate the effect that
changes in interest rates and anticipated balances will have on the earnings
of Southern National. This method is subject to the assumptions that underlie
the process, but it provides a better illustration of true earnings potential
than other analyses such as static or dynamic gap.
 
  The asset/liability management process involves various analyses. Management
determines the most likely outlook for the economy and interest rates by
analyzing environmental factors including regulatory changes, monetary and
fiscal policies and the overall state of the economy. Southern National's
current and prospective liquidity position, current balance sheet volumes and
projected growth, accessibility of funds for short-term needs and capital
maintenance are all considered, given the current environmental situation.
Management proceeds by analyzing interest rate sensitivity, risk-based capital
requirements and results from past strategies to develop a strategy to meet
performance goals.
 
  The following table represents the sensitivity position of Southern National
as of a point in time. This position can be modified by management within a
short time period if necessary. This tabular data does not reflect the impact
of a change in the credit quality of Southern National's assets and
liabilities. To attempt to quantify the potential change in net interest
income, given a change in interest rates, various interest rate scenarios are
applied to the projected balances, maturities and repricing opportunities. The
resulting change in net interest income reflects the level of sensitivity that
net income has in relation to changing interest rates.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 18
                   INTEREST SENSITIVITY SIMULATION ANALYSIS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             INTEREST                                                               ANNUALIZED
               RATE                                                                 PERCENTAGE
             SCENARIO                                                               CHANGE IN
             --------                                                              NET INTEREST
              LINEAR                      PRIME                                       INCOME
            -----------                   -----                                    ------------
            <S>                           <C>                                      <C>
               +3.00%                     11.25%                                      (1.97)%
               +1.50                       9.75                                       (1.32)
            Most likely                    8.25                                         --
               -1.50                       6.75                                       (0.05)
               -3.00                       5.25                                       (0.21)
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Management has established parameters for asset/liability management which
prescribe a maximum impact on net interest income of 3% for a 150 basis point
change over six months from the most likely interest rate scenario, and no
more than a maximum 6% for a 300 basis point change over 12 months. It is
management's
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
ongoing objective to effectively manage the impact of changes in interest
rates and minimize the resulting effect on earnings as evidenced by the
preceding table.
 
LIQUIDITY
 
  Liquidity represents a bank's continuing ability to meet its funding needs,
primarily deposit withdrawals, timely repayment of borrowings and other
liabilities and funding of loan commitments. In addition to its level of
liquid assets, many other factors affect a bank's ability to meet liquidity
needs, including access to additional funding sources, total capital position
and general market conditions.
 
  Traditional sources of liquidity include proceeds from maturity of
securities, repayment of loans and growth in core deposits. Federal funds
purchased, repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowed funds
supplement these traditional sources. Management believes liquidity obtainable
from these sources is adequate to meet current requirements.
 
  Total cash and cash equivalents decreased to $659.7 million at December 31,
1996 compared to $705.7 million in 1995 and $671.8 million in 1994. Net cash
provided by operating activities for the year increased by $74.5 million to
$327.4 million from $253.0 million in 1995, a decrease of $261.2 million from
1994. Cash provided by operating activities in 1994 was $514.1 million. The
1996 increase was primarily the result of significantly higher net income and
cash flows from mortgage banking activities.
 
  Net cash flows used in investing activities increased from $570.6 million in
1995 to $712.9 million in 1996. Cash used in investing activities during 1995
decreased $983.5 million from $1.6 billion in 1994. The primary factor
creating the current year increase in cash flows used in investing activities
was an $888.3 million increase in cash flows used in lending activities offset
by a $752.5 million increase in cash flows provided by investing activities.
 
  Cash flows provided by financing activities decreased to $339.5 million in
1996 primarily because of a $160.1 million increase in cash flows used in the
redemption of common stock offset by a $194.7 million increase in cash flows
provided by long-term debt. Cash flows provided by financing activities were
$852.2 million in 1994 because of increases in short-term borrowed funds.
 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND RESOURCES
 
  The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority.
Overall capital adequacy is monitored on an ongoing basis by management and
reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. Southern National's principal
capital planning goals are to provide an adequate return to shareholders while
retaining a sufficient base from which to provide future growth and compliance
with all regulatory standards.
 
  Shareholders' equity grew 1.0% in 1996. Additional equity has come from the
retention of earnings and from new shares of stock issued under employee
benefit and stock option plans and the dividend reinvestment plan. The modest
growth in total shareholders' equity during the year reflects current year
earnings, reduced by resources used for the redemption of 6.8 million shares
of common stock and the declaration of $111.3 million in common and preferred
dividends. 4.3 million of the shares repurchased were used to meet the
requirements of the conversion of preferred stock, which was redeemed on March
29, 1996.
 
  Southern National adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities," in 1994. The provisions of this statement
require securities classified as available for sale to be carried at estimated
fair value with net unrealized appreciation or depreciation recorded as an
adjustment to shareholders' equity. At the end of 1996, Southern National had
recorded cumulative net unrealized appreciation of $11.8 million, net of tax.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 19
                        CAPITAL--COMPONENTS AND RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                            1996        1995
                                                         ----------  ----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN
                                                              THOUSANDS)
      <S>                                                <C>         <C>
      Tier 1 capital.................................... $1,666,481  $1,630,645
      Tier 2 capital....................................    426,662     155,036
                                                         ----------  ----------
      Total regulatory capital.......................... $2,093,143   1,785,681
                                                         ==========  ==========
      Risk-based capital ratios:
        Tier 1 capital..................................       11.7%       13.2%
        Total regulatory capital........................       14.7        14.4
        Tier 1 leverage ratio...........................        8.0         7.9
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Traditionally, Southern National has been considered to be strongly
capitalized. The ratio of shareholders' equity to year-end assets was 8.1% at
the end of 1996, compared with 8.3% a year earlier. While management views the
equity-to-assets ratio as the principal indicator of capital strength,
additional measures are used by regulators. Bank holding companies and their
subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital measures. The risk-based
capital ratios measure the relationship of capital to a combination of balance
sheet and off-balance sheet risk. The values of both balance sheet and off-
balance sheet items are adjusted to reflect these risks.
 
  Tier 1 capital is required to be at least 4% of risk-weighted assets, and
total capital must be at least 8% of risk-weighted assets. The Tier 1 capital
ratio for Southern National at the end of 1996 was 11.7%, and the total
capital ratio was 14.7%. At the end of 1995, those ratios were 13.2% and
14.4%, respectively.
 
  Another measure used by regulators is the leverage ratio, which is the ratio
of tangible equity to tangible assets. The minimum required leverage ratio for
a well-capitalized bank is 3%, while the leverage ratio for Southern National
was 8.0% at the end of 1996 and 7.9% at the end of 1995.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 20
                        SELECTED EQUITY DATA AND RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996    1995    1994
                                                       ------  ------  ------
<S>                                                    <C>     <C>     <C>
Book value per common share at year end............... $15.82  $15.04  $13.44
Book value per common share percentage increase over
 prior year end.......................................   5.19%  11.90%   6.41%
Common dividends per share as a percentage increase
 over prior year......................................  16.28   16.22   15.63
Equity at year end to year end:
  Total assets........................................   8.14    8.29    7.64
  Net loans and leases*...............................  12.01   12.42   11.69
  Deposits............................................  11.56   11.65   10.66
  Equity and long-term debt...........................  45.73   55.29   62.62
</TABLE>
- --------
* Amounts are net of unearned income and the allowance for loan and lease
  losses and include loans held for sale.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
 
  The management of Southern National continually monitors capital for
adequacy to provide a foundation for future asset growth and to promote
investor and depositor confidence. At the end of 1996, Southern National
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
had 109.3 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding compared to
109.2 million shares outstanding at the previous year end.
 
  Southern National's ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on
earnings from operations, the adequacy of capital and the availability of
liquid assets for distribution. Southern National's ability to replenish
liquid assets available for distribution is primarily dependent on the ability
of the banking subsidiaries to pay dividends to Southern National.
Historically, Southern National's cash dividends have been approximately one
third of earnings resulting from management's goal to retain sufficient
capital to support future growth and to meet regulatory requirements while
providing a competitive return on investment to shareholders. Southern
National's common dividend payout ratio, computed by dividing dividends per
common share by earnings available per common share, was 39.1% in 1996.
Excluding the impact of the nonrecurring charges discussed in "Analysis of
Results of Operations," the dividend payout ratio would have been 36.4%.
Southern National's quarterly cash dividend per common share was increased
17.4% after the second quarter to $.27 per common share. This increase marked
the 24th consecutive year that cash dividends have been increased. A
discussion of dividend restrictions is included in Note N--"Regulatory
Requirements and Other Restrictions."
 
  On January 11, 1996, Southern National announced a plan to repurchase up to
4.3 million shares of common stock. On February 28, 1996, Southern National
announced that these shares would be used in the anticipated conversion of the
outstanding preferred stock which was redeemed on March 29, 1996, at the price
of $104.05 per share.
 
  Southern National's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") under the symbol "SNB." Southern National's common stock was held by
approximately 42,900 holders of record at December 31, 1996. The accompanying
table, "Quarterly Common Stock Summary," sets forth the high, low and last
sales prices for the common stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape and
the cash dividends paid per share of common stock for each of the last eight
quarters.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 21
                        QUARTERLY COMMON STOCK SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996                           1995
                  ------------------------------ ------------------------------
                      SALES PRICES                   SALES PRICES
                  -------------------- DIVIDENDS -------------------- DIVIDENDS
                   HIGH   LOW    LAST    PAID     HIGH   LOW    LAST    PAID
                  ------ ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ ------ ---------
<S>               <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Quarter Ended
  March 31....... $29.75 $25.88 $27.75   $ .23   $22.38 $18.88 $19.88   $.20
  June 30........  31.75  28.88  31.75     .23    24.13  19.88  24.00    .20
  September 30...  33.88  28.63  33.25     .27    27.13  23.63  26.25    .23
  December 31....  36.75  33.38  36.25     .27    27.00  25.63  26.25    .23
    Year.........  36.75  25.88  36.25    1.00    27.13  18.88  26.25    .86
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
 
  Net income for the fourth quarter of 1996 was $79.7 million, compared to
earnings of $72.3 million for the prior year. On a per share basis, fully
diluted net income was $.72 for the quarter compared to $.63 a year ago.
Annualized returns on average assets and average equity were 1.51% and 18.54%,
respectively, for the fourth quarter.
 
  Southern National showed improved net interest income of $214.0 million for
the fourth quarter of 1996 compared to $195.9 million for the same period
during 1995. The increased earnings also resulted from higher noninterest
income, which totaled $80.4 million for the fourth quarter, up from $62.1
million from the fourth quarter of 1995. Southern National's noninterest
expense was $163.2 million, up from the $141.3 million recorded in the fourth
quarter of the prior year.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
  The provision for loan and lease losses increased steadily and significantly
from the first quarter of 1995 through the fourth quarter of 1996. The
increase resulted from ongoing growth in the loan portfolio and higher net
charge-offs.
 
  The $19.8 million net securities losses reflected in the first quarter of
1995 resulted from a restructuring of the securities portfolio which was
undertaken to conform the investment policies and portfolios of Southern
National and BB&T after the merger.
 
  Noninterest income grew significantly during the past two years as reflected
in Table 22. This growth has resulted from higher revenues from service
charges on deposits, insurance commissions, investment brokerage commissions
and mortgage banking income. The ability of Southern National to cross-sell
products and services to the new customer base following the merger provided
much of the growth in fee-based income.
 
  Noninterest expense fluctuated significantly on a quarterly basis in the
past two years as reflected in Table 22. As discussed earlier, Southern
National incurred significant nonrecurring expenses in both 1995 and 1996.
During 1995, Southern National recorded $107.5 million of nonrecurring merger-
related expenses in noninterest expense. On a quarterly basis, such amounts
totaled $83.4 million, $14.9 million, $6.5 million and $2.7 million for the
first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively. During 1996, Southern
National incurred approximately $33 million in Federal deposit insurance
expense as part of a special, one-time SAIF assessment. This expense was
recorded during the third quarter of 1996. Excluding the impact of this
assessment, Southern National's noninterest expense grew steadily each quarter
of 1996, primarily driven by increased advertising and public relations
expense and higher amortization of intangibles and mortgage servicing rights.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  The accompanying table, "Quarterly Financial Summary--Unaudited," presents
condensed information relating to eight quarters in the period ended December
31, 1996.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 22
                    QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY--UNAUDITED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996                                              1995
                         ------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------
                           FOURTH       THIRD      SECOND        FIRST       FOURTH       THIRD      SECOND       FIRST
                           QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER
                         ----------- ----------- -----------  -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF
 OPERATIONS
Net interest income
 FTE...................  $   223,284 $   215,925 $   215,769  $   207,703  $   204,100 $   198,400 $   197,840 $   194,865
FTE adjustment.........        9,326       8,348       8,446        8,068        8,611       8,514       7,958       7,452
Provision for loan and
 lease losses..........       15,500      13,500      13,261       11,400       11,317       7,933       7,742       7,640
Securities gains
 (losses), net.........        2,663         705        (154)          (8)         131       1,114         --      (19,845)
Other noninterest
 income................       77,731      74,217      73,238       68,997       61,947      61,611      68,505      57,531
Noninterest expense....      163,204     187,734     153,471      149,644      141,319     147,121     161,952     231,628
Provision for income
 taxes.................       35,968      25,299      37,508       35,729       32,650      32,971      28,784      (2,942)
                         ----------- ----------- -----------  -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)......  $    79,680 $    55,966 $    76,167  $    71,851  $    72,281 $    64,586 $    59,909 $   (10,435)
                         =========== =========== ===========  ===========  =========== =========== =========== ===========
Fully diluted net
 income (loss) per
 share.................  $       .72 $       .50 $       .68  $       .64  $       .63 $       .56 $       .52 $      (.11)
                         =========== =========== ===========  ===========  =========== =========== =========== ===========
SELECTED AVERAGE
 BALANCES
Assets.................  $21,031,881 $20,703,073 $20,400,678  $20,154,199  $20,579,829 $20,745,290 $20,409,207 $19,930,321
Securities, at
 amortized cost........    5,408,963   5,353,806   4,975,231    4,957,943    5,321,514   5,452,924   5,466,584   5,382,220
Loans and leases *.....   14,326,427  14,145,593  14,269,580   14,021,351   14,051,563  14,020,701  13,698,285  13,347,077
Total earning assets...   19,746,603  19,514,382  19,255,591   18,996,854   19,425,295  19,504,658  19,212,426  18,776,112
Deposits...............   15,018,071  14,993,074  14,589,355   14,504,637   14,221,698  14,211,266  14,305,800  14,266,875
Short-term borrowed
 funds.................    1,881,838   1,823,310   2,129,143    2,215,462    3,029,962   3,297,130   3,336,221   2,972,965
Long-term debt.........    2,161,321   1,977,109   1,779,639    1,511,577    1,376,756   1,309,932     910,946     905,484
Total interest-bearing
 liabilities...........   17,133,286  16,939,964  16,649,842   16,433,353   16,738,813  17,113,131  16,852,509  16,459,062
Shareholders' equity...    1,709,689   1,642,720   1,631,951    1,653,414    1,680,616   1,623,677   1,580,953   1,541,939
</TABLE>
- --------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and include loans held for sale.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
                 SIX-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY AND SELECTED RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         FIVE-YEAR
                                                                                                         COMPOUND
                             1996         1995         1994         1993         1992         1991      GROWTH RATE
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Interest income.........  $ 1,606,613  $ 1,576,612  $ 1,339,542  $ 1,212,986  $ 1,218,407  $ 1,252,172      5.1%
Interest expense........      778,120      813,942      586,296      509,110      592,675      746,400       .8
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net interest income.....      828,493      762,670      753,246      703,876      625,732      505,772     10.4
Provision for loan and
 lease losses...........       53,661       34,632       20,181       54,558       63,584       76,922     (6.9)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net interest income
 after provision for
 loan and lease losses..      774,832      728,038      733,065      649,318      562,148      428,850     12.6
Noninterest income......      297,389      230,994      229,861      223,229      187,541      179,419     10.6
Noninterest expense.....      654,053      681,228      589,795      667,441      513,649      438,617      8.3
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Income before income
 taxes..................      418,168      277,804      373,131      205,106      236,040      169,652     19.8
Provision for income
 taxes..................      134,504       91,463      129,289       78,925       84,322       51,640     21.1
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Income before cumulative
 effect of changes in
 accounting principles..      283,664      186,341      243,842      126,181      151,718      118,012     19.2
 Less: cumulative effect
    of changes in
    accounting
    principles, net of
    income taxes                  --           --           --        33,792          --           --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income..............  $   283,664  $   186,341  $   243,842  $    92,389  $   151,718  $   118,012     19.2
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
PER COMMON SHARE
Average shares
 outstanding (000's)
 Primary................      110,486      109,777      108,143      104,317       97,610       89,195      4.4
 Fully diluted..........      111,836      114,802      113,194      110,201      105,277       92,620      3.8
Primary earnings
 Income before
  cumulative effect.....  $      2.56  $      1.65  $      2.21  $      1.16  $      1.51  $      1.32     14.2
 Less: cumulative
  effect................          --           --           --           .33          --           --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income.............  $      2.56  $      1.65  $      2.21  $       .83  $      1.51  $      1.32     14.2
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Fully diluted
 Income before
  cumulative effect.....  $      2.54  $      1.62  $      2.16  $      1.16  $      1.44  $      1.28     14.7
 Less: cumulative
  effect................          --           --           --           .33          --           --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income.............  $      2.54  $      1.62  $      2.16  $       .83  $      1.44  $      1.28     14.7
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Cash dividends
 declared...............  $      1.00  $       .86  $       .74  $       .64  $       .50  $       .46     16.8
Shareholders' equity....        15.82        15.04        13.44        12.63        12.71        11.64      6.3
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS
Securities at carrying
 value..................  $ 5,176,841  $ 5,394,372  $ 5,340,070  $ 4,670,213  $ 3,998,587  $ 3,336,542      9.2
Loans and leases *......   14,008,824   13,591,113   12,290,880   11,087,053   10,069,318    9,123,809      9.0
Other assets............    1,388,405    1,418,385    1,441,666    1,369,128    1,339,256    1,251,716      2.1
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total assets...........  $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616  $17,126,394  $15,407,161  $13,712,067      8.5
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Deposits................  $14,777,537  $14,251,176  $14,298,728  $13,546,050  $12,601,590  $11,398,365      5.3
Other liabilities.......    2,278,429    3,422,090    2,624,611    1,590,357    1,453,887    1,238,147     13.0
Long-term debt..........    1,858,569    1,127,575      677,227      597,519      153,064      142,359     67.2
Common shareholders'
 equity.................    1,644,376    1,530,684    1,397,907    1,318,325    1,132,815      933,196     12.0
Preferred shareholders'
 equity.................       15,159       72,345       74,143       74,143       65,805          --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity..  $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616  $17,126,394  $15,407,161  $13,712,067      8.5
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
PERIOD END BALANCES
Total assets............  $21,246,562  $20,636,430  $19,971,602  $18,927,837  $16,016,224  $14,475,718      8.0
Deposits................   14,953,914   14,684,056   14,314,154   14,594,952   13,044,173   12,166,090      4.2
Long-term debt..........    2,051,767    1,383,935      910,755      837,241      423,211      417,050     37.5
Shareholders' equity....    1,729,169    1,711,342    1,525,548    1,420,790    1,275,877    1,030,257     10.9
SELECTED PERFORMANCE
 RATIOS
Rate of return on:
 Average total assets...         1.38%         .91%        1.28%         .54%         .98%         .86%
 Average common
  shareholders' equity..        17.21        11.84        17.07         6.61        12.99        12.65
Dividend payout.........        39.06        52.12        33.48        77.11        33.11        34.85
Average equity to
 average assets.........         8.07         7.86         7.72         8.13         7.78         6.81
</TABLE>
- --------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and the allowance for losses.
  Amounts include loans held for sale.
NM--Not meaningful.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
              MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
  The management of Southern National is responsible for the preparation of the
financial statements, related financial data and other information in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial statements are prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts based on
management's estimates and judgment where appropriate. Financial information
appearing throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with the
financial statements.
 
  Southern National's accounting system, which records, summarizes and reports
financial transactions, is supported by an internal control structure which
provides reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that transactions
are recorded in accordance with Southern National's policies and established
accounting procedures. As an integral part of the internal control structure,
Southern National maintains a professional staff of internal auditors who
monitor compliance with and assess the effectiveness of the internal control
structure.
 
  The Audit Committee of Southern National's Board of Directors, composed
solely of outside directors, meets regularly with Southern National's
management, internal auditors and independent public accountants to review
matters relating to financial reporting, internal control structure and the
nature, extent and results of the audit effort. The independent public
accountants and the internal auditors have access to the Audit Committee with
or without management present.
 
  The financial statements have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, who render an independent opinion on
management's financial statements. Their appointment was recommended by the
Audit Committee, approved by the Board of Directors and ratified by the
shareholders. Their examination provides an objective assessment of the degree
to which Southern National's management meets its responsibility for financial
reporting. Their opinion on the financial statements is based on auditing
procedures which include reviewing the internal control structure to determine
the timing and scope of audit procedures and performing selected tests of
transactions and records as they deem appropriate. These auditing procedures
are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance that the financial
statements are fairly presented in all material respects.
 
John A. Allison              Scott E. Reed                Sherry A. Kellett
Chairman and                 Chief Financial Officer      Controller
Chief Executive Officer
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders of Southern National Corporation:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southern
National Corporation, (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principals used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Southern National
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
  As explained in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, effective
January 1, 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for mortgage
servicing rights.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina,
 January 14, 1997.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1996         1995
                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
ASSETS
 Cash and due from banks............................. $   638,748  $   585,527
 Interest-bearing deposits with banks................       1,046        1,172
 Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
  resale agreements or similar arrangements..........      19,940      118,977
 Securities available for sale.......................   5,136,789    5,201,344
 Securities held to maturity (market value: $128,410
  in 1996 and $159,886 in 1995)......................     124,718      153,969
 Loans held for sale.................................     219,469      245,280
 Loans and leases, net of unearned income............  14,364,595   13,706,711
  Allowance for loan and lease losses................    (183,932)    (175,588)
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Loans and leases, net............................  14,180,663   13,531,123
                                                      -----------  -----------
 Premises and equipment, net.........................     319,082      313,858
 Other assets........................................     606,107      485,180
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total assets..................................... $21,246,562  $20,636,430
                                                      ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Deposits:
  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits................ $ 1,990,415  $ 1,885,725
  Savings and interest checking......................   1,376,260    1,591,488
  Money rate savings.................................   3,372,018    3,049,810
  Other time deposits................................   8,215,221    8,157,033
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total deposits...................................  14,953,914   14,684,056
 Short-term borrowed funds...........................   2,263,303    2,595,416
 Long-term debt......................................   2,051,767    1,383,935
 Accounts payable and other liabilities..............     248,409      261,681
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities................................  19,517,393   18,925,088
                                                      -----------  -----------
 Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $5 par, 5,000,000 shares
   authorized, none issued and outstanding at
   December 31, 1996 and 733,869 at December 31,
   1995..............................................         --         3,669
  Common stock, $5 par, 300,000,000 shares
   authorized, issued and outstanding 109,297,489 at
   December 31, 1996 and 109,151,655 at December 31,
   1995..............................................     546,487      545,758
  Additional paid-in capital.........................     134,758      269,404
  Retained earnings..................................   1,038,067      865,658
  Loan to employee stock ownership plan and unvested
   restricted stock..................................      (1,952)      (4,314)
  Net unrealized appreciation on securities available
   for sale, net of tax of $8,247 in 1996 and $20,013
   in 1995...........................................      11,809       31,167
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total shareholders' equity.......................   1,729,169    1,711,342
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity....... $21,246,562  $20,636,430
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996       1995        1994
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>         <C>
INTEREST INCOME
  Interest and fees on loans and leases.....  $1,282,521 $1,261,658  $1,042,553
  Interest and dividends on securities......     323,360    312,423     291,805
  Interest on short-term investments........         732      2,531       5,184
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total interest income...................   1,606,613  1,576,612   1,339,542
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
INTEREST EXPENSE
  Interest on deposits......................     564,747    557,149     441,876
  Interest on short-term borrowed funds.....     105,936    186,194     103,493
  Interest on long-term debt................     107,437     70,599      40,927
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total interest expense..................     778,120    813,942     586,296
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NET INTEREST INCOME.........................     828,493    762,670     753,246
  Provision for loan and lease losses.......      53,661     34,632      20,181
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN
 AND LEASE LOSSES...........................     774,832    728,038     733,065
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NONINTEREST INCOME
  Service charges on deposits...............     107,581     89,621      85,106
  Mortgage banking income...................      34,352     26,408      24,920
  Trust income..............................      22,811     18,629      17,180
  Agency insurance commissions..............      22,353     15,572      13,830
  Other insurance commissions...............      11,189     10,866      10,413
  Bankcard fees.............................      28,425     24,448      17,671
  Other nondeposit fees and commissions.....      40,410     30,186      30,594
  Securities gains (losses), net............       3,206    (18,600)      3,074
  Other income..............................      27,062     33,864      27,073
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total noninterest income................     297,389    230,994     229,861
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
  Personnel expense.........................     302,383    346,308     296,545
  Occupancy and equipment expense...........     103,594    107,877      88,580
  Federal deposit insurance expense.........      42,820     22,995      32,697
  Other expense.............................     205,256    204,048     171,973
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total noninterest expense...............     654,053    681,228     589,795
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
EARNINGS
  Income before income taxes................     418,168    277,804     373,131
  Provision for income taxes................     134,504     91,463     129,289
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NET INCOME..................................     283,664    186,341     243,842
  Preferred dividend requirements...........         610      5,079       5,198
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
  Income applicable to common shares........  $  283,054 $  181,262  $  238,644
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
PER COMMON SHARE
  Net income:
    Primary.................................  $     2.56 $     1.65  $     2.21
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
    Fully Diluted...........................  $     2.54 $     1.62  $     2.16
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
  Cash dividends declared...................  $     1.00 $      .86  $      .74
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
                SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           SHARES OF                       ADDITIONAL   RETAINED       TOTAL
                            COMMON     PREFERRED  COMMON    PAID-IN     EARNINGS   SHAREHOLDERS'
                             STOCK       STOCK    STOCK     CAPITAL    AND OTHER*     EQUITY
                          -----------  --------- --------  ----------  ----------  -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1993, AS PREVIOUSLY
 REPORTED...............  100,823,294   $ 3,850  $504,116  $ 275,426   $  615,334   $1,398,726
 Merger with Regional
  Acceptance Corporation
  accounted for under
  the pooling of
  interests method......    5,791,500       --     28,957     (9,823)       2,930       22,064
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1993, AS RESTATED......  106,614,794     3,850   533,073    265,603      618,264    1,420,790
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --        --        --         --       243,842      243,842
 Common stock issued....    2,480,938       --     12,405     26,161          (36)      38,530
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (1,086,485)      --     (5,432)   (18,130)         --       (23,562)
 Net unrealized
  depreciation on
  securities available
  for sale..............          --        --        --         --       (72,584)     (72,584)
 Cash dividends declared
  by merged companies...          --        --        --         --       (51,652)     (51,652)
 Cash dividends declared
  by Southern National:
 Common stock...........          --        --        --         --       (30,156)     (30,156)
 Preferred stock........          --        --        --         --        (5,198)      (5,198)
 Other..................          --        --        --       2,165        3,373        5,538
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1994...................  108,009,247     3,850   540,046    275,799      705,853    1,525,548
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --        --        --         --       186,341      186,341
 Common stock issued....    3,030,923       --     15,155     33,663          --        48,818
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (1,993,351)      --     (9,967)   (37,344)         --       (47,311)
 Preferred stock
  cancellations and
  conversions...........      104,836      (181)      524     (2,714)         --        (2,371)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation on
  securities available
  for sale..............          --        --        --         --       103,751      103,751
 Cash dividends declared
  by Southern National:
 Common stock...........          --        --        --         --      (101,483)    (101,483)
 Preferred stock........          --        --        --         --        (5,079)      (5,079)
 Other..................          --        --        --         --         3,128        3,128
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1995...................  109,151,655     3,669   545,758    269,404      892,511    1,711,342
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --        --        --         --       283,664      283,664
 Common stock issued....    2,584,625       --     12,922     55,258          --        68,180
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (6,773,483)      --    (33,867)  (173,520)         --      (207,387)
 Preferred stock
  cancellations and
  conversions...........    4,334,692    (3,669)   21,674    (18,005)         --           --
 Net unrealized
  depreciation on
  securities available
  for sale..............          --        --        --         --       (19,358)     (19,358)
 Cash dividends declared
  by Southern National:
 Common stock...........          --        --        --         --      (110,645)    (110,645)
 Preferred stock........          --        --        --         --          (610)        (610)
 Other..................          --        --        --       1,621        2,362        3,983
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1996...................  109,297,489   $   --   $546,487  $ 134,758   $1,047,924   $1,729,169
                          ===========   =======  ========  =========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Other includes net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities
  available for sale, unvested restricted stock and a loan to the employee
  stock ownership plan.
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                 SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996         1995         1994
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income............................. $   283,664  $   186,341  $   243,842
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating
  activities:
 Provision for loan and lease losses....      53,661       34,632       20,181
 Depreciation of premises and
  equipment.............................      39,852       36,264       35,730
 Amortization of intangibles and
  mortgage servicing rights.............      12,779       10,600        7,700
 Accretion of negative goodwill.........      (6,238)      (6,310)      (1,114)
 Amortization of unearned stock
  compensation..........................       2,450        3,128        1,711
 Discount accretion and premium
  amortization on securities, net.......       2,168      (27,193)        (571)
 Loss (gain) on sales of securities,
  net...................................      (3,206)      18,600       (3,074)
 Loss (gain) on sales of loans and
  mortgage loan servicing rights, net...      (8,293)       2,379        1,327
 Loss (gain) on disposals of premises
  and equipment, net....................         178        3,971       (1,759)
 Loss on foreclosed property and other
  real estate, net......................         519        4,129          169
 Proceeds from sales of loans held for
  sale..................................   1,343,123      789,164      596,249
 Purchases of loans held for sale.......    (429,523)    (311,059)     (33,351)
 Origination of loans held for sale,
  net of principal collected............    (879,496)    (589,413)    (272,115)
 Decrease (increase) in:
  Accrued interest receivable...........      21,104      (19,415)     (24,207)
  Other assets..........................    (104,688)      16,791      (79,612)
 Increase (decrease) in:
  Accrued interest payable..............       4,424       10,992        2,880
  Accounts payable and other
   liabilities..........................      (5,044)      89,377       20,142
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net cash provided by operating
    activities..........................     327,434      252,978      514,128
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from sales of securities
  available for sale....................     593,567    1,290,237      772,597
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  available for sale....................   2,129,525    1,087,926      792,590
 Purchases of securities available for
  sale..................................  (1,871,172)  (2,531,842)  (1,490,117)
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  held to maturity......................      31,296      290,300      460,987
 Purchases of securities held to
  maturity..............................      (2,228)      (8,103)    (862,317)
 Leases made to customers...............     (72,390)     (18,091)     (44,379)
 Principal collected on leases..........      48,222       14,620       41,661
 Loan originations, net of principal
  collected.............................  (1,283,633)    (458,303)  (1,191,968)
 Purchases of loans.....................    (232,236)    (189,997)     (27,864)
 Net cash acquired in transactions
  accounted for under the purchase
  method................................       1,887          --         2,262
 Purchases and originations of mortgage
  servicing rights......................     (24,302)     (16,751)      (2,948)
 Proceeds from disposals of premises and
  equipment.............................       7,314       16,373        6,897
 Purchases of premises and equipment....     (61,548)     (58,404)     (71,175)
 Proceeds from sales of foreclosed
  property..............................      14,661       11,979       27,413
 Proceeds from sales of other real
  estate held for development or sale...       8,127        1,728        9,519
 Other, net.............................         --        (2,287)      22,696
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net cash used in investing
    activities..........................    (712,910)    (570,615)  (1,554,146)
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Net increase (decrease) in deposits....     269,858      369,902     (280,798)
 Net (decrease) increase in short-term
  borrowed funds........................    (332,107)    (392,180)   1,136,146
 Proceeds from long-term debt...........   1,586,766    2,945,052      356,439
 Repayments of long-term debt...........    (918,934)  (2,471,872)    (282,925)
 Net proceeds from common stock issued..      47,462       43,781       23,668
 Redemption of common stock.............    (207,387)     (47,311)     (23,562)
 Preferred stock cancellations and
  conversions...........................         --        (2,371)         --
 Cash dividends paid on common and
  preferred stock.......................    (106,124)     (93,465)     (76,805)
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net cash provided by financing
    activities..........................     339,534      351,536      852,163
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
 NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND
  CASH EQUIVALENTS......................     (45,942)      33,899     (187,855)
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING
  OF YEAR...............................     705,676      671,777      859,632
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF
  YEAR.................................. $   659,734  $   705,676  $   671,777
                                         ===========  ===========  ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
 INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
 Interest............................... $   773,043  $   803,377  $   583,705
 Income taxes...........................     133,510      116,361      147,619
Noncash financing and investing
 activities:
 Transfer of securities from held to
  maturity to available for sale........         --     1,560,412          --
 Transfer of loans to foreclosed
  property..............................      19,568        9,567       20,358
 Transfer of fixed assets to other real
  estate owned..........................      10,466       21,846          --
 Common stock issued upon conversion of
  debentures............................         --         4,896          --
 Restricted stock issued................          88          --           --
 Securitization of mortgage loans.......     817,268      354,882        7,497
                                         ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
                SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
  Southern National Corporation ("Southern National" or "Parent Company") is a
multi-bank holding company organized under the laws of North Carolina and
registered with the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act
of 1956, as amended. Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"), Branch
Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina ("BB&T-SC") and Branch Banking and
Trust Company of Virginia ("BB&T-VA") (collectively, the "Banks" or the
"Subsidiaries") comprise the Parent Company's principal subsidiaries.
 
  The accounting and reporting policies of Southern National Corporation and
Subsidiaries are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The following is
a summary of the more significant policies.
 
NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Southern National include the
accounts of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries. In consolidation, all
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Prior
period financial statements have been restated to include the accounts of
companies acquired in material transactions accounted for as poolings of
interests (See Note B.) Results of operations of companies acquired in
transactions accounted for as purchases are included from the dates of
acquisition.
 
  Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with
statement presentations for 1996. The reclassifications have no effect on
either shareholders' equity or net income as previously reported.
 
 Nature of Operations
 
  Southern National is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Winston-
Salem, North Carolina. Southern National conducts its operations in North
Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia primarily through its commercial banking
subsidiaries and, to a lesser extent, through its other subsidiaries. Southern
National's subsidiaries provide a full range of traditional commercial banking
services and additional services including investment brokerage, insurance and
leasing. Substantially all of Southern National's loans are to businesses and
individuals in the Carolinas and Virginia.
 
 Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing
bank balances, Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale
agreements or similar arrangements. Generally, both cash and cash equivalents
are considered to have maturities of three months or less. Accordingly, the
carrying amount of such instruments is considered a reasonable estimate of
fair value.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
 Securities
 
  Southern National classifies investment securities in one of three
categories: held to maturity, available for sale and trading. Debt securities
acquired with both the intent and ability to be held to maturity are
classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Gains or losses
realized from the sale of securities held to maturity, if any, are determined
by specific identification and are included in noninterest income.
 
  Securities, which may be used to meet liquidity needs arising from
unanticipated deposit and loan fluctuations, changes in regulatory capital and
investment requirements, or unforeseen changes in market conditions, including
interest rates, market values or inflation rates, are classified as available
for sale. Securities available for sale are reported at estimated fair value,
with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of
shareholders' equity, net of tax. Gains or losses realized from the sale of
securities available for sale are determined by specific identification and
are included in noninterest income.
 
  Trading account securities, of which none were held on December 31, 1996 and
1995, are selected according to fundamental and technical analyses that
identify potential market movements. Trading account securities are positioned
to take advantage of such movements and are reported at fair value. Market
adjustments, fees, gains or losses and interest income earned on trading
account securities are included in noninterest income. Gains or losses
realized from the sale of trading securities are determined by specific
identification.
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1995, Southern National transferred $1.6
billion of securities which were previously classified as held to maturity
under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" to the
available-for-sale category. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
provided enterprises the opportunity to make a one-time reassessment of the
classification of all investment securities held at that time, such that the
reclassification of any security from the held-to-maturity category would not
call into question the enterprise's intent to hold other debt securities to
maturity in the future. Management anticipates that this classification will
allow more flexibility in the day-to-day management of the overall portfolio
than the prior classifications.
 
 Loans Held for Sale
 
  Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market value on an
aggregate loan basis. Gains or losses realized on the sales of loans are
recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between
the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loans sold, adjusted for
any yield differential and a normal servicing fee. Any resulting deferred
premium or discount is amortized, as an adjustment of servicing income, over
the estimated lives of the loans using the level-yield method.
 
 Loans and Lease Receivables
 
  Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the
foreseeable future or until maturity or until the loans are repaid are
reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for any deferred
fees or costs and unamortized premiums or discounts. The net amount of
nonrefundable loan origination fees, including commitment fees and certain
direct costs associated with the lending process are deferred and amortized to
interest income over the contractual lives of the loans using methods which
approximate level-yield, with adjustments for prepayments as they occur. If
the loan commitment expires unexercised, the income is recognized upon
expiration of the commitment. Discounts and premiums are amortized to interest
income over the estimated life of the loans using methods which approximate
level-yield.
 
  Commercial loans and substantially all installment loans accrue interest on
the unpaid balance of the loans. Lease receivables consist primarily of direct
financing leases on rolling stock, equipment and real property. Lease
receivables are stated at the total amount of lease payments receivable plus
guaranteed residual values, less unearned income. Recognition of income over
the lives of the lease contracts approximates the level-yield method.
 
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  As of January 1, 1995, Southern National adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting
by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," which was amended by SFAS No. 118,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan--Income Recognition and
Disclosures." SFAS No. 114, as amended, requires that impaired loans be
measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted
at the loan's effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, at the
loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan
is collateral-dependent. A loan is impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that Southern National will be unable to collect
all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When
the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the
loan, the impairment is recorded through a valuation allowance. Southern
National had previously measured the allowance for credit losses using methods
similar to those prescribed in SFAS No. 114. As a result of adopting these
statements, no additional allowance for loan losses was required as of January
1, 1995.
 
  The total recorded investment for impaired loans at December 31, 1996, was
$16.0 million, offset by a valuation allowance of $2.2 million, which resulted
in a net carrying value of $13.8 million. There were no investments in
impaired loans which did not have a related valuation allowance. The average
recorded investment in impaired loans during 1996 totaled $20.0 million.
Southern National recognizes no interest income on loans that are impaired.
Cash receipts for both principal and interest are applied directly to
principal.
 
  Southern National's policy is to disclose as impaired loans all commercial
loans, greater than $250,000, that are on nonaccrual status. Substantially all
other loans made by Southern National are excluded from the scope of SFAS No.
114 as they are large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans (residential
mortgage and consumer installment) that are collectively evaluated for
impairment.
 
 Allowance for Losses
 
  The provision for loan and lease losses charged to noninterest expense is
the estimated amount required to maintain the allowance for loan and lease
losses at a level adequate to cover estimated incurred losses related to loans
and leases currently outstanding. The primary factors considered in
determining the allowance are the distribution of loans by risk class, the
amount of the allowance specifically allocated to nonperforming loans and
other problem loans, prior years' loan loss experience, economic conditions in
Southern National's market areas and the growth of the credit portfolio. While
management uses the best information available in establishing the allowance
for losses, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic
conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the
valuations or if required by regulators based upon information at the time of
their examinations. Such adjustments to original estimates, as necessary, are
made in the period in which these factors and other relevant considerations
indicate that loss levels may vary from previous estimates.
 
 Nonperforming Assets
 
  Nonperforming assets include loans and leases on which interest is not being
accrued and foreclosed property. Foreclosed property consists of real estate
and other assets acquired through customers' loan defaults.
 
  Commercial and unsecured consumer loans and leases are generally placed on
nonaccrual status when concern exists that principal or interest is not fully
collectible, or when any portion of principal or interest becomes 90 days past
due, whichever occurs first. Mortgage loans and most other consumer loans past
due 90 days or more may remain on accrual status if management determines that
concern over the collectability of principal and interest is not significant.
When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, interest receivable is reversed
against interest income in the current period. Interest payments received
thereafter are applied as a reduction to the remaining principal balance when
concern exists as to the ultimate collection of the principal. Loans and
leases are removed from nonaccrual status when they become current as to both
principal and interest and when concern no longer exists as to the
collectability of principal or interest.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
  Assets acquired as a result of foreclosure are valued at the lower of cost
or fair value, and carried thereafter at the lower of cost or fair value less
estimated costs to sell the asset. Cost is the sum of unpaid principal,
accrued but unpaid interest and acquisition costs associated with the loan.
Any excess of unpaid principal over fair value at the time of foreclosure is
charged to the allowance for losses. Generally, such properties are appraised
annually and the carrying value, if greater than the fair value, less costs to
sell, is adjusted with a charge to income. Routine maintenance costs, declines
in market value and net losses on disposal are included in other noninterest
expense.
 
 Premises and Equipment
 
  Premises, equipment, capital leases and leasehold improvements are stated at
cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Depreciation is computed
principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line
basis over the lesser of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the
improvements. Capitalized leases are amortized by the same methods as premises
and equipment over the estimated useful lives or the lease term, whichever is
lesser. Obligations under capital leases are amortized using the interest
method to allocate payments between principal reduction and interest expense.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The operating results of Southern National and its subsidiaries are included
in a consolidated Federal income tax return. Each subsidiary pays its
calculated portion of Federal income taxes to Southern National, or receives
payment from Southern National to the extent that tax benefits are realized.
Deferred income taxes have been provided where different accounting methods
have been used for reporting for income tax purposes and for financial
reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based
on future tax consequences of the differences arising from their carrying
values and respective tax bases. In the event of changes in the tax laws,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted in the period of the
enactment of those changes, with effects included in income.
 
  The operating results of acquired institutions were included in their
respective income tax returns prior to consummation of the acquisitions.
 
 Derivatives and Off-Balance Sheet Instruments
 
  Southern National utilizes a variety of derivative financial instruments to
manage various financial risks. These instruments include financial forward
and futures contracts, options written and purchased, interest rate caps and
floors and interest rate swaps. Management accounts for these financial
instruments as hedges when the following conditions are met: (1) the specific
assets, liabilities, firm commitments or anticipated transactions (or an
identifiable group of essentially similar items) to be hedged expose Southern
National to interest rate risk or price risk; (2) the financial instrument
reduces that exposure; (3) the financial instrument is designated as a hedge
at inception; and (4) at the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge
period, there is a high correlation of changes in the fair value or the net
interest income associated with the financial instrument and the hedged items.
 
  The net interest payable or receivable on interest rate swaps, caps and
floors that are designated as hedges is accrued and recognized as an
adjustment to the interest income or expense of the related asset or
liability. For interest rate forwards, futures and options qualifying as a
hedge, gains and losses are deferred and are recognized in income as an
adjustment of yield. Gains and losses from early terminations of derivatives
are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the shorter of the
remaining term of the hedged asset or liability or the remaining term of the
derivative instrument. Upon disposition or settlement of the asset or
liability being hedged, deferral accounting is discontinued and any gains or
losses are recognized in income. Derivative financial instruments that fail to
qualify as a hedge are carried at fair value with gains and losses recognized
in current earnings.
 
  Southern National utilizes written covered over-the-counter call options on
specific securities in the available-for-sale securities portfolio in order to
enhance returns. Fees received are deferred and recognized in
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
noninterest income upon exercise or expiration. Written options are carried at
estimated fair value. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on written call
options are included with securities gains and losses.
 
  Southern National also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and
net purchased put options (combination of purchased put option and written
call option) in its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to
hedge the mortgage warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates.
Written call options are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a
net purchased put option that reduces the cost of the hedge. Net unrealized
gains and losses on purchased put options and net purchased put options are
carried with loans held for sale at the lower of cost or market on an
aggregate basis. Realized gains and losses on purchased put options and net
purchased put options are included in mortgage banking income.
 
 Per Share Data
 
  Primary net income per common share has been computed by dividing net income
applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of shares of common
stock and common stock equivalents of dilutive stock options outstanding
during the years.
 
  Fully diluted net income per common share has been computed by dividing net
income, as adjusted for the interest expense related to convertible debt, by
the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock
equivalents and other potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the
years. Other potentially dilutive securities include the number of shares
issuable upon conversion of the preferred stock. Restricted stock grants are
considered as issued for purposes of calculating net income per share.
 
  Weighted average numbers of shares were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996        1995        1994
                                             ----------- ----------- -----------
   <S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
   Primary.................................. 110,486,127 109,776,710 108,142,988
   Fully diluted............................ 111,836,200 114,801,843 113,193,681
</TABLE>
 
 Intangible Assets
 
  The cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in transactions
accounted for as purchases (goodwill), premiums paid on acquisitions of
deposits (core deposit intangibles) and other identifiable intangible assets
are included in other assets in the "Consolidated Balance Sheets." Such assets
are being amortized on straight-line or accelerated bases over periods ranging
from 5 to 15 years. At December 31, 1996, Southern National had $54.4 million
recorded as goodwill and $9.0 million as core deposit and other intangibles,
net of amortization. Negative goodwill is created when the fair value of the
net assets purchased exceeds the purchase price. Such balances are included in
other liabilities in the "Consolidated Balance Sheets" and are being amortized
over periods ranging from 10 to 15 years. At December 31, 1996, Southern
National had negative goodwill totaling $39.2 million, net of amortization.
 
 Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
  Amounts paid to acquire the right to service certain mortgage loans are
capitalized and amortized over the estimated lives of the loans to which they
relate. In May 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights," which amends SFAS No. 65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage
Banking Activities." SFAS No. 122 requires that mortgage banking enterprises
recognize, as separate assets, rights to service mortgage loans for others,
however those servicing rights are acquired. The statement further requires
mortgage banking enterprises to assess their capitalized mortgage servicing
rights for impairment based on the fair value of those rights. Southern
National elected, in the third quarter of 1995, to adopt this statement
effective as of January 1, 1995. The impact of the adoption of this statement
resulted in additional mortgage banking income of $7.0 million, before taxes,
or $.04 per fully diluted share, after taxes, during 1995. SFAS No. 122
prohibits retroactive application to prior years. At December 31, 1996,
Southern National had capitalized mortgage servicing rights totaling $37.1
million.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
 Changes in Accounting Principles and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
  During 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This statement
establishes accounting standards for long-lived assets, certain identifiable
intangibles and goodwill related to those assets to be held and to be disposed
of. The statement requires such assets to be reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. Any resulting impairment loss is required to be
reported in the period in which the recognition criteria are first applied and
met. Southern National adopted the provisions of the statement on January 1,
1996. The implementation did not have a material impact on the consolidated
financial position or consolidated results of operations.
 
  In October of 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation," which establishes financial accounting and reporting
standards for stock-based compensation plans. The statement defines a fair
value based method of accounting for an employee stock option or similar
equity instrument and encourages the adoption of that method of accounting.
However, the statement also allows entities to continue to account for such
plans under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25. Entities
electing to remain with the accounting in Opinion No. 25 must make pro forma
disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based
method of accounting defined in the statement had been applied. Southern
National adopted the statement effective January 1, 1996 and elected to
continue to account for stock-based compensation plans under the provisions of
Opinion No. 25. Therefore, the implementation of the statement did not have an
impact on Southern National's consolidated financial position or consolidated
results of operations. The required pro forma disclosures relating to SFAS No.
123 are presented in Note J.
 
  In June of 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities," which
provides accounting and reporting standards for such transactions based on
consistent application of a financial components approach. This approach
recognizes the financial and servicing assets an entity controls and the
liabilities it has incurred, as well as derecognizes financial assets when
control has been surrendered and liabilities when they are extinguished. The
statement requires that liabilities and derivatives incurred or obtained by
transferors as part of a transfer of financial assets be initially measured at
fair value, if practicable. It also requires that servicing assets and other
retained interests in the transferred assets be measured by allocating the
previous carrying amount between the assets sold, if any, and retained
interests, if any, based on their relative fair values at the date of
transfer. In December 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the
Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125." This
statement allows the implementation of certain provisions of SFAS No. 125 to
be deferred for one year. Southern National adopted SFAS No. 125, as amended
by SFAS No. 127, effective January 1, 1997. Management does not anticipate
that the adoption of these statements will have a material impact on Southern
National's consolidated financial position or consolidated results of
operations.
 
 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
  As referenced in the "Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows," Southern
National acquired assets and assumed liabilities in transactions accounted for
under the purchase method of accounting. The fair values of these assets
acquired and liabilities assumed, at acquisition, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996    1995    1994
                                                     --------  ----- --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                               <C>       <C>   <C>
   Fair value of net assets acquired................ $  1,394  $ --  $  6,203
   Purchase price...................................  (22,256)   --   (15,016)
                                                     --------  ----- --------
   Excess of purchase price over net assets ac-
    quired.......................................... $(20,862) $ --  $ (8,813)
                                                     ========  ===== ========
</TABLE>
 
  During the first quarter of 1996, Southern National redeemed all outstanding
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock. This transaction, a noncash financing
activity, resulted in the conversion of 733,869 shares of preferred stock into
4,334,692 shares of common stock.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
 Income and Expense Recognition
 
  Items of income and expense are recognized using the accrual basis of
accounting, except for some immaterial amounts.
 
NOTE B. ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS
 
 Completed Mergers and Acquisitions
 
  On June 1, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of McLean,
Brady & McLean Agency, Inc. ("McLean") by the issuance of 38,823 shares of
Southern National common stock. In conjunction with the acquisition of McLean,
Southern National recorded $1.1 million of expiration rights which are being
amortized over 10 years.
 
  On June 6, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of Leasing
Associates, Inc. by the issuance of 97,876 shares of Southern National common
stock.
 
  On November 1, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of Prime
Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc. and related interests, Agency
Technologies, Inc. and IFCO, Inc. ("Prime Rate") by the issuance of 590,406
shares of Southern National common stock. In conjunction with the acquisition
of Prime Rate, Southern National recorded $8.8 million of goodwill which is
being amortized over 15 years.
 
  On June 30, 1996, Southern National completed the purchase of certain fixed
assets and expiration rights from the James R. Lingle Agency of Florence,
South Carolina. In conjunction with the purchase, Southern National recorded
expiration rights totaling $1.7 million which are being amortized over 15
years.
 
  On August 28, 1996, Southern National became a majority shareholder of
AutoBase Information Systems, Inc. ("AutoBase"), through the purchase of 51%
of AutoBase's outstanding common stock. In conjunction with this investment,
Southern National recorded $1.2 million in goodwill which is being amortized
over 15 years.
 
  During November 1996, Southern National completed the acquisitions of three
insurance agencies in South Carolina. On November 7, 1996, Southern National
completed the acquisition of the William Goldsmith Agency Inc., ("Goldsmith")
of Greenville, South Carolina through the issuance of 70,207 shares of common
stock. On
November 13, 1996, Southern National completed the acquisition of the C. Dan
Joyner Insurance Agency ("Joyner"), based in Greenville, South Carolina
through the issuance of 48,120 shares of common stock. Boyle-Vaughan
Associates, Inc. ("Boyle-Vaughan"), based in Columbia, South Carolina was
acquired on November 22, 1996 through the issuance of 492,063 shares of common
stock. In conjunction with the purchase of these agencies, Southern National
recorded $17.9 million in goodwill, which is being amortized over 15 years.
These acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
 
  The above-discussed acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting, and, therefore, the financial information contained
herein includes data relevant to the acquirees since the date of acquisition.
The pro forma effects of 1996 purchases, as if they had been acquired as of
the beginning of the year, are not material.
 
  On June 30, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of L.S.B.
Bancshares Inc., of Lexington, S.C. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, The
Lexington State Bank and The Community Bank of South Carolina ("LSB"). The
transaction was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests, and, accordingly, the
consolidated financial statements include the results of LSB for all periods
presented. The merger was consummated through the issuance of 5,707,694 shares
of Southern National common stock. At the date of acquisition, LSB had assets
of approximately $707,000.
 
  On February 28, 1995, Southern National and BB&T Financial Corporation
("BB&T") completed a merger. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling-
of-interests in which BB&T shareholders received 1.45
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
shares of the common stock of the resulting company for each share of BB&T
stock held. On January 10, 1995, Southern National acquired Commerce Bank
(subsequently, BB&T-VA) through the issuance of 5,210,476 shares of Southern
National common stock for all of the outstanding stock of Commerce Bank.
 
  On September 1, 1996, Southern National completed the acquisition of
Regional Acceptance Corporation of Greenville, N.C. ("Regional Acceptance") in
a transaction accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Regional Acceptance's
shareholders received .3861 shares of Southern National's common stock for
each share of common stock held. Southern National issued 5.85 million shares
in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of Regional Acceptance. Prior to
the consummation of the Merger, Regional Acceptance recorded total revenues
and net income of $26.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
 
  The following presentation reflects key line items on an historical basis
for Southern National and Regional Acceptance and on a pro forma combined
basis assuming the merger was effective as of and for the periods presented.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          HISTORICAL
                                                            BASIS
                                        SOUTHERN NATIONAL ----------  SOUTHERN
                                          AS ORIGINALLY    REGIONAL   NATIONAL
                                            REPORTED      ACCEPTANCE  RESTATED
                                        ----------------- ---------- -----------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                         DATA)
   <S>                                  <C>               <C>        <C>
   1995
    Net interest income................    $   741,549     $ 21,121  $   762,670
    Net income.........................        178,133        8,208      186,341
    Net earnings per share
     Primary...........................           1.66          .55         1.65
     Fully diluted.....................           1.64          .55         1.62
    Assets.............................     20,492,929      143,501   20,636,430
    Deposits...........................     14,684,056          --    14,684,056
    Shareholders' equity...............      1,674,063       37,279    1,711,342
   1994
    Net interest income................    $   736,766     $ 16,480  $   753,246
    Net income.........................        236,872        6,970      243,842
    Net earnings per share
     Primary...........................           2.26          .46         2.21
     Fully diluted.....................           2.21          .46         2.16
    Assets.............................     19,855,063      116,539   19,971,602
    Deposits...........................     14,314,154          --    14,314,154
    Shareholders' equity...............      1,496,477       29,071    1,525,548
</TABLE>
 
 Pending Mergers and Acquisitions
 
  On August 22, 1996, Southern National announced plans to acquire Fidelity
Financial Bankshares Corporation ("Fidelity") in a transaction to be accounted
for as a purchase. Fidelity's shareholders will receive .7137 shares of
Southern National common stock for each share of Fidelity stock held. The
transaction, which closed in the first quarter of 1997, was valued at $59.4
million on August 22, 1996.
 
  On November 4, 1996, Southern National and United Carolina Bancshares
Corporation ("UCB") jointly announced the signing of an agreement to merge.
The transaction will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests in which UCB
shareholders will receive 1.135 shares of Southern National's common stock in
exchange for each share of UCB common stock held. The market transaction has
an indicated total value of $985 million based on the November 1, 1996 closing
prices of the stock of both institutions. The merger, if approved, is expected
to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 1997.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
  On January 23, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Refloat,
Inc. of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and its principal subsidiary, Sheffield
Financial Corp., a finance company in Clemmons, North Carolina that
specializes in loans to small commercial lawn care businesses across the
country.
 
  On February 4, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Phillips
Factors Corporation and its subsidiaries, Phillips Financial Corporation and
Phillips Acceptance Corporation, all of High Point, North Carolina. Phillips
Financial Corporation, which will operate as an autonomous subsidiary of
Southern National, purchases and manages receivables in the temporary staffing
industry nationwide. It also provides payroll processing services to that
industry. Phillips Factors Corporation buys and manages account receivables
primarily in the furniture, textiles and home furnishings-related industries.
 
NOTE C. SECURITIES
 
  The amortized costs and approximate fair values of securities were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    DECEMBER 31, 1996                     DECEMBER 31, 1995
                          ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
                                          GROSS                                 GROSS
                                       UNREALIZED                            UNREALIZED
                          AMORTIZED  --------------- ESTIMATED  AMORTIZED  --------------- ESTIMATED
                             COST     GAINS  LOSSES  FAIR VALUE    COST     GAINS  LOSSES  FAIR VALUE
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>
Securities held to matu-
 rity:
 U.S. Treasury, govern-
  ment and agency obli-
  gations...............  $    6,283 $   --  $     4 $    6,279 $    9,461 $   --  $   172 $    9,289
 States and political
  subdivisions..........     118,435   3,835     139    122,131    144,508   6,194     105    150,597
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
 Total securities held
  to maturity...........     124,718   3,835     143    128,410    153,969   6,194     277    159,886
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
Securities available for
 sale:
 U.S. Treasury, govern-
  ment and agency obli-
  gations...............   3,111,323  15,452  11,150  3,115,625  4,013,272  54,400   7,249  4,060,423
 States and political
  subdivisions..........      22,885     166     176     22,875     20,612     257      96     20,773
 Mortgage-backed securi-
  ties..................   1,709,951  29,406  13,642  1,725,715    973,339   8,415   4,027    977,727
 Equity and other secu-
  rities................     272,574       2       2    272,574    142,942       3     524    142,421
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
 Total securities avail-
  able for sale.........   5,116,733  45,026  24,970  5,136,789  5,150,165  63,075  11,896  5,201,344
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
 Total securities.......  $5,241,451 $48,861 $25,113 $5,265,199 $5,304,134 $69,269 $12,173 $5,361,230
                          ========== ======= ======= ========== ========== ======= ======= ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Securities with a book value of approximately $3.0 billion and $2.4 billion
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were pledged to secure municipal
deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Federal Reserve
discount window borrowings and for other purposes as required by law.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, there was no concentration of investments in
obligations of states and political subdivisions that were secured by or
payable from the same taxing authority or revenue source and that exceeded ten
percent of shareholders' equity.
 
  Proceeds from sales of securities during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $593.6
million, $1.3 billion and $772.6 million, respectively. Gross gains of $5.4
million, $2.7 million and $3.6 million and gross losses of $2.2 million, $21.3
million and $527,000 were realized on those sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities portfolio at
December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity, are shown in the accompanying
table. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because
borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without
call or prepayment penalties. For purposes of the maturity table, mortgage-
backed securities, which are not due at a single maturity date, have been
allocated over maturity groupings based on the weighted average contractual
maturities of underlying collateral.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                      HELD TO MATURITY    AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                     ------------------- ---------------------
                                               ESTIMATED            ESTIMATED
                                     AMORTIZED   FAIR    AMORTIZED     FAIR
   DEBT SECURITIES                     COST      VALUE      COST      VALUE
   ---------------                   --------- --------- ---------- ----------
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
   Due in one year or less.......... $ 24,778  $ 24,811  $  561,818 $  562,494
   Due after one year through five
    years...........................   80,620    83,147   2,853,004  2,848,723
   Due after five years through ten
    years...........................   19,270    20,399     351,612    350,507
   Due after ten years..............       50        53   1,266,349  1,291,115
                                     --------  --------  ---------- ----------
     Total debt securities.......... $124,718  $128,410  $5,032,783 $5,052,839
                                     ========  ========  ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE D. LOANS AND LEASES
 
  Loans and leases were composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1996        1995
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Loans--
     Commercial, financial and agricultural............ $ 2,375,121 $ 2,098,306
     Real estate--construction and land development....   1,228,043     949,513
     Real estate--mortgage.............................   8,513,945   8,671,941
     Consumer..........................................   1,830,519   1,716,399
                                                        ----------- -----------
       Loans held for investment.......................  13,947,628  13,436,159
                                                        ----------- -----------
     Leases............................................     576,991     376,152
                                                        ----------- -----------
       Total loans and leases..........................  14,524,619  13,812,311
         Less: unearned income.........................     160,024     105,600
                                                        ----------- -----------
       Loans and leases, net of unearned income........ $14,364,595 $13,706,711
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The net investment in direct financing leases was $470.5 million and $315.5
million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Southern National had
loans held for sale at December 31, 1996 and 1995 totaling $219.5 million and
$245.3 million, respectively.
 
  Southern National's only significant concentration of credit at December 31,
1996 occurred in real estate loans, which totaled $10.0 billion. However, this
amount was not concentrated in any specific market or geographic area other
than the Banks' primary market.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
  The following table provides an analysis of loans made to the directors and
executive officers of Southern National and all significant subsidiaries and
their interests, which in the aggregate exceeded $60,000 at any time during
1996. All amounts shown represent loans made by Southern National's subsidiary
banks in the ordinary course of business at the Banks' normal credit terms,
including interest rate and collateralization prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with other persons:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                          ----------------------
     <S>                                                  <C>
     Balance, December 31, 1995..........................        $ 98,338
     Additions...........................................          62,441
     Repayments..........................................          19,514
                                                                 --------
     BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996..........................        $141,265
                                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES
 
  An analysis of the allowance for losses is presented in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                     1996      1995      1994
                                                   --------  --------  --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
   Balance, January 1............................. $175,588  $174,102  $170,788
   Provision for losses charged to expense........   53,661    34,632    20,181
   Allowances of purchased companies..............      --        --      1,119
                                                   --------  --------  --------
     Subtotal.....................................  229,249   208,734   192,088
                                                   --------  --------  --------
   Loans charged-off..............................  (59,484)  (44,727)  (31,567)
   Recoveries.....................................   14,167    11,581    13,581
                                                   --------  --------  --------
     Net charge-offs..............................  (45,317)  (33,146)  (17,986)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
   Balance, December 31........................... $183,932  $175,588  $174,102
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, loans not currently accruing interest
totaled $64.4 million, $66.2 million and $48.5 million, respectively. Loans 90
days or more past due and still accruing interest totaled $32.1 million, $29.1
million and $24.2 million, at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The gross interest income that would have been earned during 1996 if the
outstanding nonaccrual loans and leases had been current in accordance with
the original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period (or since
origination, if held for part of the period) was approximately $5.5 million.
Foreclosed property was $18.8 million, $13.7 million and $13.5 million at
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE F. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                              -------- --------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN
                                                                 THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                        <C>      <C>
   Land and land improvements................................ $ 49,178 $ 47,158
   Buildings and building improvements.......................  230,122  224,730
   Furniture and equipment...................................  240,917  235,149
   Capitalized leases on premises and equipment..............    3,804    4,257
                                                              -------- --------
                                                               524,021  511,294
   Less--accumulated depreciation and amortization...........  204,939  197,436
                                                              -------- --------
     Net premises and equipment.............................. $319,082 $313,858
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  Depreciation expense, which is included in occupancy and equipment expense,
was $39.9 million, $36.3 million and $35.7 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
  Southern National has noncancellable leases covering certain premises and
equipment. Total rent expense applicable to operating leases was $24.5
million, $29.4 million and $22.4 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Future minimum lease payments for operating and capitalized
leases for years subsequent to 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                LEASES
                                                         ---------------------
                                                         OPERATING CAPITALIZED
                                                         --------- -----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN
                                                              THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>       <C>
   Year ended December 31:
     1997............................................... $ 17,588    $  465
     1998...............................................   17,005       465
     1999...............................................   16,260       465
     2000...............................................   15,906       465
     2001...............................................   15,050       465
     2002 and years later...............................   97,853     5,316
                                                         --------    ------
   Total minimum lease payments......................... $179,662     7,641
                                                         ========
   Less--amount representing interest...................              4,080
                                                                     ------
   Present value of net minimum payments on capitalized
    leases (Note I).....................................             $3,561
                                                                     ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE G. LOAN SERVICING
 
  Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying
"Consolidated Balance Sheets." The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans
serviced for others were $6.7 billion and $5.4 billion at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
  The following is a summary of capitalized mortgage servicing rights, net of
accumulated amortization and adjustments necessary to present the balances at
the lower of cost or estimated fair value, which are included in the
"Consolidated Balance Sheets:"
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CAPITALIZED
                                                                  MORTGAGE
                                                                  SERVICING
                                                                   RIGHTS
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN
                                                                 THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                         <C>      <C>
   Balance, January 1,........................................ $18,265  $ 4,670
     Amount capitalized.......................................  24,302   16,751
     Amortization expense.....................................  (5,203)  (2,761)
     Change in valuation allowance............................    (290)    (395)
                                                               -------  -------
   Balance, December 31,...................................... $37,074  $18,265
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
  Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are being amortized on a disaggregated
loan basis using an accelerated method over the estimated life of the
servicing income. The servicing rights portfolio is analyzed each quarter to
identify possible impairment using a disaggregated discounted cash flow
methodology that is stratified by predominant risk characteristics. These
characteristics include stratification based on interest rates in intervals of
150 basis points, type of loan and maturity of loan. Following is an analysis
of the aggregate changes in the valuation allowances for mortgage servicing
rights in 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           VALUATION ALLOWANCE
                                                          FOR MORTGAGE SERVICING
                                                                  RIGHTS
                                                          ----------------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>
   Balance, January 1, 1995..............................         $  --
     Additions...........................................            395
                                                                  ------
   Balance, December 31, 1995............................            395
                                                                  ------
     Additions...........................................          1,184
     Reductions..........................................           (894)
                                                                  ------
   BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996............................         $  685
                                                                  ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE H. SHORT-TERM BORROWED FUNDS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996        1995
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Federal funds purchased............................. $   743,075 $   812,165
   Term Federal funds purchased........................      50,000     350,000
   Securities sold under agreements to repurchase......     664,457     689,517
   Master notes........................................     566,225     396,273
   U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable....      86,938      63,588
   Short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances..........     150,000     175,000
   Other short-term borrowed funds.....................       2,608     108,873
                                                        ----------- -----------
     Total short-term borrowed funds................... $ 2,263,303 $ 2,595,416
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Federal funds purchased represent unsecured borrowings from other banks and
generally mature daily. Term Federal funds purchased are identical to Federal
funds; however, maturities vary and are greater than one day. Securities sold
under agreements to repurchase are borrowings collateralized by securities of
the U.S. Government or its agencies and have maturities ranging from one to
ninety days. U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable are payable upon
demand to the U.S. Treasury. Master notes are unsecured, non-negotiable
obligations of Southern National (variable rate commercial paper). Short-term
Federal Home Loan Bank advances are typically unsecured and generally mature
daily.
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
NOTE I. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1996        1995
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
   $5 million Industrial Revenue Bond, dated 1984, se-
    cured by premises with a net book value of
    $5,708,000 at December 31, 1996, due in quarterly
    installments of $83,340 through the second quarter
    1999, and one final installment of $82,940 in 1999.
    Interest rate is variable--76.99% of prime--6.352%
    at December 31, 1996...............................  $     1,000 $     1,250
   Capitalized leases, varying maturities to 2028 with
    rates from 8.11% to 12.65%. This represents the un-
    amortized balances due on leases of various facili-
    ties...............................................        3,561       4,125
   Medium-term bank notes, unsecured, varying maturi-
    ties to 2001 with rates from 5.31% to 5.70%........      424,794     201,979
   Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank, varying matu-
    rities to 2016 with rates from 1.00% to 8.95%......    1,373,795   1,175,830
   $250 million Subordinated Notes, unsecured, dated
    May 21, 1996, maturing May 23, 2003 with an inter-
    est rate of 7.05%*.................................      248,019          --
   Other mortgage indebtedness.........................          598         751
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         $ 2,051,767 $ 1,383,935
                                                         =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Subordinated notes qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2
  supplementary capital.
 
  Excluding the capitalized leases set forth in Note F, future debt maturities
total $2.0 billion and are $550.5 million, $339.6 million, $175.5 million,
$111.7 million, and $418.4 million for the next five years. The maturities for
2002 and later years are $452.5 million.
 
NOTE J. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  The authorized capital stock of Southern National consists of 300,000,000
shares of common stock, $5 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$5 par value. At December 31, 1996, 109,297,489 shares of common stock and no
shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
 Stock Option Plans
 
  At December 31, 1996, Southern National had the following stock-based
compensation plans: the 1994 and the 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans
("Omnibus Plans"), the Incentive Stock Option Plan ("ISOP"), the Non-Qualified
Stock Option Plan ("NQSOP") and the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan
("Directors' Plan"), which are described below. Southern National accounts for
these plans under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, under
which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation cost for
these plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for
awards under those plans, consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, Southern
National's pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share would have
been as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996     1995
                                                               -------- --------
   <S>                                                         <C>      <C>
   Net income:
     As reported.............................................. $283,664 $186,341
     Pro Forma................................................  281,282  186,028
   Primary EPS:
     As reported..............................................     2.56     1.65
     Pro Forma................................................     2.54     1.65
   Fully Diluted EPS:
     As reported..............................................     2.54     1.62
     Pro Forma................................................     2.52     1.62
</TABLE>
 
  The SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options
granted prior to January 1, 1995; therefore, the weighted average fair value
of options granted prior to that date has not been calculated. The fair value
of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions
used for grants in 1996 and 1995, respectively: dividend yield of 3.5% for
both years; expected volatility of 20% for both years; risk free interest
rates of 6.46% and 5.65%; and expected lives of 6.76 years and 6.06 years.
 
  Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
 
  In April 1994 and May 1995, the shareholders approved the Omnibus Plans
which cover the award of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options,
shares of restricted stock, performance shares and stock appreciation rights.
In April 1996, the shareholders approved an amendment to the 1995 Omnibus Plan
that increased the maximum number of shares issuable under the terms of the
plan to 6,000,000 shares. The combined shares issuable under both Omnibus
Plans is 10,000,000. The Omnibus Plans are intended to allow Southern National
to recruit and retain employees with ability and initiative and to associate
the employees' interests with those of Southern National and its shareholders.
At December 31, 1996, 2,187,207 incentive stock options at prices ranging from
$5.8828 to $36.625 and 2,056,395 non-qualified stock options at prices ranging
from $.01 to $23.3655 were outstanding. The stock options vest over 3 years
and have a 10 year term.
 
  The ISOP and the NQSOP were established to retain key officers and key
management employees and to offer them the incentive to use their best efforts
on behalf of Southern National. The plans, which expire on December 19, 2000,
further provide for up to 1,101,000 shares of common stock to be reserved for
the granting of options, which have a four year vesting schedule and must be
exercised within ten years from the date granted. Incentive stock options
granted must have an exercise price equal to at least 100% of the fair market
value of common stock on the date granted, and the non-qualified stock options
must have an exercise price equal to at least 85% of the fair market value on
the date granted. At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 348,660 shares of
common stock at prices ranging from $9.50 to $16.75 were outstanding pursuant
to the NQSOP. At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 157,329 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $19.777 were outstanding pursuant to the
ISOP.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
  The Directors' Plan is intended to provide incentives to non-employee
directors to remain on the Board of Directors and share in the profitability
of Southern National. The plan creates a deferred compensation system for
participating non-employee directors. Each non-employee director may elect to
defer 0%, 50% or 100% of the annual retainer fee for each calendar year and
apply that percentage toward the grant of options to purchase Southern
National common stock. Such elections are required to be in writing and are
irrevocable for each calendar year. The exercise price at which shares of
Southern National common stock may be purchased shall be equal to 75% of the
market value of the common stock as of the date of grant. Options are vested
in six months and may be exercised anytime thereafter until the expiration
date, which is 10 years from the date of grant. The Directors' Plan provides
for the reservation of up to 400,000 shares of Southern National common stock.
At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 291,143 shares of common stock at
prices ranging from $12.7155 to $22.07 were outstanding pursuant to the
Directors' Plan.
 
  Southern National also has options outstanding from companies acquired in
prior years. These options, which have not been included in the plans
described above, totaled 297,067 as of December 31, 1996, with option prices
ranging from $2.6667 to $23.7069.
 
  A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 and changes during the years then ended is presented
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1996                 1995                 1994
                          -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                     WTD. AVG.            WTD. AVG.            WTD. AVG.
                                     EXERCISE             EXERCISE             EXERCISE
                           SHARES      PRICE    SHARES      PRICE    SHARES      PRICE
                          ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------
<S>                       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
Outstanding at beginning
 of year................  5,766,004   $18.18   5,068,067   $15.53   4,546,234   $13.38
Granted.................    102,321    25.73   1,292,163    25.73   1,178,149    19.52
Exercised...............   (482,954)   12.40    (548,511)   11.40    (601,492)    6.87
Forfeited or Expired....    (47,570)   15.65     (45,715)   19.22     (54,824)   18.58
                          ---------   ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------
Outstanding at end of
 year...................  5,337,801   $18.86   5,766,004   $18.18   5,068,067   $15.53
                          =========   ======   =========   ======   =========   ======
Options exercisable at
 year-end...............  4,343,933   $17.41   4,133,341   $15.68   2,564,531   $12.53
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average fair value of options granted was $6.89 and $5.12 per
option at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at
December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          OPTIONS OUTSTANDING          OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                   --------------------------------- ------------------------
                                WEIGHTED-
                                 AVERAGE   WEIGHTED-                WEIGHTED-
                     NUMBER     REMAINING   AVERAGE      NUMBER      AVERAGE
     RANGE OF      OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE  EXERCISABLE AT EXERCISE
 EXERCISE PRICES   AT 12/31/96    LIFE       PRICE      12/31/96      PRICE
 ---------------   ----------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------
 <S>               <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>            <C>
       $.01             1,497      4.7yrs   $ 0.01         1,497     $ 0.01
 $ 2.67 to $ 3.79      37,516      7.1        3.33        37,516       3.33
 $ 4.97 to $ 7.45      23,778      0.9        7.26        23,778       7.26
 $ 7.71 to $10.22     343,182      4.0        9.14       343,182       9.14
 $11.72 to $17.50   1,848,284      4.6       14.32     1,848,284      14.32
 $18.13 to $26.75   3,050,035      7.9       22.84     2,087,892      21.87
 $28.88 to $36.63      33,509      9.6       33.89         1,784      29.63
                    ---------      ---      ------     ---------     ------
                    5,337,801      6.5yrs   $18.86     4,343,933     $17.41
                    =========      ===      ======     =========     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
 Shareholder Rights Plan
 
  On January 17, 1997, pursuant to the Rights Agreement approved by the Board
of Directors, Southern National distributed to shareholders one preferred
stock purchase right for each share of Southern National's common stock then
outstanding. Initially, the rights, which expire in 10 years, are not
exercisable and are not transferable apart from the common stock. The rights
will become exercisable only if a person or group acquires 20% or more of
Southern National's common stock, or Southern National's Board of Directors
determines, pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement, that any person or
group that has acquired 10% or more of Southern National's common stock is an
"Adverse Person." Each right would then enable the holder to purchase 1/100th
of a share of a new series of Southern National preferred stock at an initial
exercise price of $145.00. The Board of Directors will be entitled to redeem
the rights at $.01 per right under certain circumstances specified in the
Rights Agreement.
 
  Under the terms of the Rights Agreement, if any person or group becomes the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of Southern National's common stock, with
certain exceptions, or if the Board of Directors determines that any 10% or
more stockholder is an "Adverse Person," each right will entitle its holder
(other than the person triggering exercisability of the rights) to purchase,
at the right's then-current exercise price, shares of Southern National's
common stock having a value of twice the right's exercise price. In addition,
if after any person or group has become a 20% or more stockholder, Southern
National is involved in a merger or other business combination transaction
with another person in which its common stock is changed or converted, or
sells 50% or more of its assets or earning power to another person, each right
will entitle its holder to purchase, at the right's then-current exercise
price, shares of common stock of such other person having a value of twice the
right's exercise price.
 
NOTE K. INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision for income taxes was composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996      1995      1994
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C>
   Current expense:
     Federal..................................... $128,583  $102,548  $137,459
     State.......................................    2,289     3,785    10,567
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                   130,872   106,333   148,026
   Deferred expense (benefit)....................    3,632   (14,870)  (18,737)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Provision for income taxes.................... $134,504  $ 91,463  $129,289
                                                  ========  ========  ========
 
  The reasons for the difference between the provision for income taxes and
the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to
income before income taxes were as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996      1995      1994
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C>
   Federal income taxes at statutory rates of
    35%.......................................... $146,359  $ 97,232  $130,596
   Tax-exempt income from securities, loans and
    leases less related non-deductible interest
    expense......................................   (7,158)   (6,503)   (6,597)
   State income taxes, net of Federal tax bene-
    fit..........................................    1,793     2,096     4,136
   Other, net....................................   (6,490)   (1,362)    1,154
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Provision for income taxes.................... $134,504  $ 91,463  $129,289
                                                  ========  ========  ========
   Effective income tax rate.....................     32.2%     32.9%     34.6%
                                                  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
  The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant
portions of the net deferred tax assets (liabilities) in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                     ------------------------
                                                        1996         1995
                                                     -----------  -----------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                               <C>          <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Allowance for losses........................... $    70,476  $    66,438
     Deferred compensation..........................      16,945       17,817
     Postretirement benefits other than pensions....      11,280       10,651
     Other..........................................      16,344       16,610
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Total tax deferred assets........................     115,045      111,516
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Tax accounting method changes..................      (6,599)     (10,493)
     Depreciation...................................     (18,765)     (15,390)
     Net unrealized appreciation on securities
      available for sale............................      (8,248)     (20,014)
     Lease financing................................     (15,623)     (13,558)
     Pension plan contribution......................      (6,363)      (3,705)
     Other..........................................     (13,504)      (9,067)
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Total tax deferred liabilities...................     (69,102)     (72,227)
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Net deferred tax asset........................... $    45,943  $    39,289
                                                     ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The deferred tax assets have been determined to be realizable, and,
accordingly, a valuation allowance was not required. At December 31, 1996,
there were no operating losses, income tax credits or alternative minimum tax
credit carryforwards.
 
  Securities transactions resulted in income tax expense (benefits) of $1.1
million, ($7.1 million) and $1.2 million related to securities gains (losses)
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE L. BENEFIT PLANS
 
  Southern National has various employee benefit plans and arrangements.
Employees of acquired entities typically participate in existing Southern
National plans upon consummation of the acquisitions. Credit is usually given
to these employees for years of service at the acquired institution. The
combination of actuarial information for the benefit plans of the acquired
entities is not meaningful because the benefits offered in those plans and
assumptions used in the calculations related to those plans are superseded by
the benefits offered in the Southern National plans and the assumptions used
in the Southern National calculations. Accordingly, the actuarial information
presented for retirement plans and postretirement benefits is that of Southern
National as originally presented.
 
  The following table discloses expenses relating to employee benefit plans on
a restated basis.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1996    1995*   1994*
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
   Defined benefit plans............................... $ 9,919 $15,632 $10,705
   Defined contribution and ESOP plans.................  10,252   9,235   9,502
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Total expense related to benefit plans............ $20,171 $24,867 $20,207
                                                        ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
  --------
  * Amounts restated for material acquisitions accounted for as poolings-of-
    interests.
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
 Retirement Plans
 
  Prior to the merger of Southern National and BB&T, both companies had
noncontributory defined benefit plans covering substantially all employees.
Benefits were based on years of service, age at retirement and the employee's
compensation as defined.
 
  Effective January 1, 1996, Southern National's and BB&T's pension plans were
merged into a single noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. This plan
covers substatntially all employees of the merged institution. Benefits are
based on years of service, age at retirement and the employee's compensation
during the five highest consecutive years of earnings within the last ten
years of employment.
 
  Southern National's contributions to the plan were in amounts between the
minimum required for funding standard account purposes and the maximum
deductible for Internal Revenue Service purposes.
 
  Supplemental retirement benefits are provided to certain key officers under
supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERPs"), which are not qualified
under the Internal Revenue Code. Although technically unfunded plans,
insurance policies on the lives of the covered employees partially fund future
benefits.
 
  Net periodic pension cost, which is included in employee benefits expense,
consisted of the following components in 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996      1995      1994
                                                   --------  --------  --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
   Service cost................................... $  8,860  $  9,658  $  9,431
   Interest cost..................................   11,755    10,864     9,504
   Actual return on assets........................  (18,498)  (25,226)      711
   Early retirement...............................      --      3,372       --
   Net amortization and deferral and other........    7,453    16,414   (10,699)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
     Net periodic pension cost.................... $  9,570  $ 15,082  $  8,947
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the plans' funded status at December 31, 1996
and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    PLANS FOR WHICH        PLANS FOR WHICH
                                     ASSETS EXCEED       ACCUMULATED BENEFITS
                                 ACCUMULATED BENEFITS       EXCEED ASSETS
                                 ----------------------  ----------------------
                                    1996        1995        1996       1995
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
   Accumulated benefit obliga-
    tion
     Vested benefits...........  $ (120,396) $ (104,000) $      --   $     --
     Nonvested benefits........      (3,107)     (3,566)        --         --
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------
                                 $ (123,503) $ (107,566) $      --   $     --
                                 ==========  ==========  ==========  =========
   Projected benefit obligation
    at December 31.............  $ (161,157) $ (140,394) $  (11,483) $  (9,929)
   Plan assets at fair value...     162,126     129,574         --         --
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------
   Plan assets in excess of
    (less than) projected bene-
    fit obligation.............         969     (10,820)    (11,483)    (9,929)
   Unrecognized transition
    amount.....................      (5,345)     (6,162)        321        364
   Unrecognized prior service
    cost.......................      (6,699)     (7,503)      3,314      3,313
   Unrecognized net loss.......      16,951      16,717       3,233      3,214
   Minimum liability adjust-
    ment.......................         --          --         (620)    (2,597)
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------
   Prepaid (accrued) pension
    cost included in other
    assets (other
    liabilities)...............  $    5,876  $   (7,768) $   (5,235) $  (5,635)
                                 ==========  ==========  ==========  =========
</TABLE>
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
  Actuarial assumptions used in calculating these amounts were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1996  1995   1994
                                                          ----  ----  -------
   <S>                                                    <C>   <C>   <C>
   Rate of increase in future compensation............... 5.5%  5.5%  4.8-6.0%
   Weighted average discount rate........................ 7.5   7.5     7.8
   Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on
    assets............................................... 8.0   8.0   8.0-9.0
</TABLE>
 
  Plan assets consist primarily of investments in mutual funds consisting of
equity investments, obligations of the U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies and
corporations. Plan assets included $11.2 million and $7.9 million of Southern
National common stock at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
 Postretirement Benefits
 
  Prior to merger, both Southern National and BB&T revised their retiree
health care plans in preparation for the implementation of SFAS No. 106,
"Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." Effective
January 1, 1996, both plans were merged into a single plan. The new plan
covers employees retiring after December 31, 1995 who are eligible for
participation in the Southern National pension plan and have at least ten
years of service. The plan requires retiree contributions, with a subsidy by
Southern National based upon years of service of the employee at the time of
retirement. The subsidy is periodically reviewed for adjustment. The plan
provides flexible benefits to retirees which may also be used for dependents.
 
  The following table sets forth the components of the retiree benefit plan
and the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements at December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   NET PERIODIC POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT COST:
     Service cost..............................  $    739  $    972  $     990
     Interest cost.............................     2,029     2,248      1,841
     Amortization of net loss and other........       --        156        104
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
       Total expense...........................  $  2,768  $  3,376  $   2,935
                                                 ========  ========  =========
   RECONCILIATION OF FUNDED STATUS:
     Accumulated postretirement benefit obliga-
      tion.....................................  $(29,046) $(30,735) $ (27,590)
     Unrecognized net loss.....................        69     3,348      1,356
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
       Accrued postretirement benefit costs in-
        cluded in other liabilities............  $(28,977) $(27,387) $ (26,234)
                                                 ========  ========  =========
 
  Actuarial assumptions used in calculating these amounts were:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   Annual rate of increase in the per capita
    cost of health care claims
     Current year..............................    11.0%   8.0-11.0% 10.0-12.0%
     Final constant amount.....................     5.0    4.75-5.0     5.0
     Annual decrease...........................     1.0     .8-1.0      1.0
   General inflation rate......................     4.0      4.0        4.0
   Weighted average discount rate..............     7.5      7.5        7.8
   Impact of 1% increase in assumed health care
    cost on:
     Net periodic benefit cost.................     3.0    2.0-3.0    0.0-1.0
     Expected postretirement benefit obliga-
      tion.....................................     5.0    3.0-4.0    1.1-3.0
</TABLE>
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
 401-k Savings Plan
 
  Prior to 1996, Southern National had an Employee Stock Ownership Plan which
allowed all employees to acquire common stock in Southern National by
contributing up to 15% of their salaries to the plan. Southern National
matched 100% of each employee's contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of the
employee's salary. BB&T had a Savings and Thrift Plan which permitted eligible
employees to make contributions up to 16% of base compensation, with matching
contributions up to 4% of the employee's base compensation. Effective January
1, 1996, Southern National's Employee Stock Ownership Plan was merged into the
former BB&T Savings and Thrift Plan to form the Southern National Corporation
401-k Savings Plan. The new plan permits employees to contribute up to 16% of
their compensation. Southern National matches up to 6% of the employee's
compensation with a 100% matching contribution.
 
 Settlement Agreements
 
  In connection with the merger of Southern National and BB&T, two executive
officers of Southern National agreed to retire during 1995. Southern National
entered into settlement agreements with both executive officers to settle
existing employment contracts. One of the settlement agreements provides for
annual payments of $1,655,000 less the company-provided portion of certain
benefits payable under existing benefit plans. The payments continue for the
life of the officer and his current wife but in no event for a period of less
than fifteen years. The executive officer has agreed not to compete in a
defined geographic area for fifteen years and to serve as a consultant to the
merged company for five years. The settlement agreement with the other
executive officer provides for annual payments of $312,000 for ten years or
until death. The present value of future payments to be made pursuant to these
agreements was recorded in 1995.
 
 Other
 
  There are various other employment contracts, deferred compensation
arrangements and covenants not to compete with selected members of management
and certain retirees.
 
NOTE M. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Southern National is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet
risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its
customers and to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These
financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, options written,
standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, interest rate caps and
floors written, interest rate swaps and forward and futures contracts.
 
  Southern National's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend
credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is
represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Southern
National uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional
obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CONTRACT OR
                                                          NOTIONAL AMOUNT AT
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1996        1995
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Financial instruments whose contract amounts repre-
    sent credit risk:
     Commitments to extend, originate or purchase
      credit..........................................  $ 6,042,999 $ 4,372,503
     Standby letters of credit and financial guaran-
      tees written....................................      200,222     138,911
     Commercial letters of credit.....................       19,811      27,742
   Financial instruments whose notional or contract
    amounts exceed the amount of credit risk:
     Commitments to sell loans and securities.........      213,991     261,000
     Foreign exchange contracts.......................      103,506     109,747
</TABLE>
 
  Commitments to extend credit are arrangements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are
expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do
not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Southern National
evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount
and type of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by Southern National upon
extension of credit, is based on management's evaluation of the
creditworthiness of the counterparty.
 
  Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional
commitments issued by Southern National to guarantee the performance of a
customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support
public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond
financing and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing
letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan
facilities to customers, and letters of credit are collateralized when
necessary.
 
  Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities
are contracts for delayed delivery of securities in which Southern National
agrees to make delivery at a specified future date of a specified instrument,
at a specified price or yield. Risks arise from the possible inability of
counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in
securities' values and interest rates.
 
 Legal Proceedings
 
  The nature of the business of Southern National's banking subsidiaries
ordinarily results in a certain amount of litigation. The subsidiaries of
Southern National are involved in various legal proceedings, all of which are
considered incidental to the normal conduct of business. Management believes
that the liabilities arising from these proceedings will not have a materially
adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or consolidated results
of operations of Southern National.
 
NOTE N. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
 
  Southern National is required by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System to maintain reserve balances based on certain percentages of
deposit types subject to various adjustments. At December 31, 1996, these
reserves amounted to $73.0 million.
 
  Subject to restrictions imposed by state laws and federal regulations, the
Boards of Directors of the subsidiary banks could have declared dividends from
their retained earnings up to $818.1 million at December 31, 1996. The
subsidiary banks are prohibited from paying dividends from their capital stock
and paid-in capital accounts and are required by regulatory authorities to
maintain minimum capital levels. Southern National was in compliance with
these requirements at December 31, 1996.
 
  Southern National is subject to various regulatory capital requirements
administered by the Federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital
requirements can initiate certain mandatory--and possibly additional
discretionary--actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct
material effect on Southern National's financial statements. Under capital
adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action,
Southern National must meet specific capital guidelines that involve
quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-
sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Southern
National's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative
judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other
factors.
 
  See Table 19 in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" for additional disclosure concerning regulatory
capital requirements.
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
NOTE O. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996       1995
                                                          ---------- ----------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
ASSETS
  Cash and due from banks................................ $    5,860 $    5,318
  Interest-bearing bank balances.........................    587,330    396,331
  Investment securities..................................     20,074     17,870
  Investment in banking subsidiaries.....................  1,742,214  1,523,981
  Investment in other subsidiaries.......................     51,538     41,408
  Premises...............................................      5,708      5,879
  Receivables from subsidiaries and other assets.........    182,441    161,881
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total assets......................................... $2,595,165 $2,152,668
                                                          ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Short-term borrowed funds.............................. $  566,225 $  396,273
  Dividends payable......................................     29,521     24,389
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities...............     21,231     19,414
  Long-term debt.........................................    249,019      1,250
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total liabilities....................................    865,996    441,326
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total shareholders' equity...........................  1,729,169  1,711,342
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........... $2,595,165 $2,152,668
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
                          CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996      1995       1994
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>        <C>
INCOME
  Dividends from subsidiaries...................  $ 125,708 $ 226,386  $138,201
  Interest and other income from subsidiaries...     31,411    17,269    13,291
  Interest on investment securities.............      1,850       900     1,560
  Other income..................................      7,835     6,143     3,595
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
    Total income................................    166,804   250,698   156,647
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
EXPENSES
  Interest expense..............................     33,845    17,859    12,393
  Occupancy expense.............................        171       171       172
  Other expenses................................      6,297    23,126     6,927
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
    Total expenses..............................     40,313    41,156    19,492
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
Income before income tax benefit and equity in
 undistributed earnings of subsidiaries.........    126,491   209,542   137,155
Income tax benefit..............................        354     6,140       433
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
Income before equity in undistributed earnings
 of subsidiaries................................    126,845   215,682   137,588
Net income of subsidiaries (less than) in excess
 of dividends from subsidiaries.................    156,819   (29,341)  106,254
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
NET INCOME......................................  $ 283,664 $ 186,341  $243,842
                                                  ========= =========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
 
                      CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996       1995       1994
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income..................................  $ 283,664  $ 186,341  $ 243,842
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided by operating activities:
 Net income of subsidiaries (less than) in
  excess of dividends from subsidiaries......   (156,819)    29,341   (106,254)
 Depreciation of premises and equipment......        171        171        172
 Amortization of unearned compensation.......      2,450      3,172      1,711
 Discount accretion and premium amortiza-
  tion.......................................        192       (298)        83
 Loss (gain) on sales of securities..........         (9)       100        --
 Loss on disposals of other real estate
  owned......................................        --         240        --
 Loss on disposal of premises and equipment..        --          29        --
 (Increase) decrease in other assets.........    103,440   (146,243)    39,640
 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
  accrued liabilities........................      1,817      6,011       (955)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by operating activities..    234,906     78,864    178,239
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from sales of securities available
  for sale...................................         14         87     10,128
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  available for sale.........................        --      63,500     65,002
 Purchases of securities available for sale..     (2,300)    (2,601)   (63,177)
 Proceeds from sales of securities held to
  maturity...................................        --         520        --
 Repayment of note from bank subsidiary......        --         --      30,000
 Sale of savings bank subsidiary to bank sub-
  sidiary....................................        --         --      58,883
 Proceeds from sales of premises and equip-
  ment.......................................        --          79        --
 Investment in subsidiaries..................    (68,625)      (264)   (67,492)
 Advances to subsidiaries....................   (306,857)       --         --
 Repayment of advances to subsidiaries.......    182,875        --         --
 Other.......................................        --         --     (32,328)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash (used in) provided by investing
   activities................................   (194,893)    61,321      1,016
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Net increase (decrease) in long-term debt...    247,625     (7,333)   (53,333)
 Net increase in short-term borrowed funds...    169,952    142,004     95,614
 Repayment of advance from bank subsidiary...        --         --     (58,250)
 Net proceeds from common stock issued.......     47,462     43,781     23,668
 Redemption of common stock..................   (207,387)   (47,311)   (23,562)
 Preferred stock cancellations and conver-
  sions......................................        --      (2,371)       --
 Cash dividends paid on common and preferred
  stock......................................   (106,124)   (93,465)   (76,805)
 Other.......................................        --         --       1,656
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing
   activities................................    151,528     35,305    (91,012)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....    191,541    175,490     88,243
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
 YEAR........................................    401,649    226,159    137,916
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR.....  $ 593,190  $ 401,649  $ 226,159
                                               =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE P. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,"
requires Southern National to disclose the estimated fair value of its on- and
off-balance sheet financial instruments. A financial instrument is defined by
SFAS No. 107 as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or a
contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver to or
receive cash or another financial instrument from a second entity on
potentially favorable or unfavorable terms.
 
  Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market
data and information about the financial instrument. SFAS No. 107 specifies
that fair values should be calculated based on the value of one trading unit
without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations
of ownership of a
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
financial instrument, possible tax ramifications, estimated transaction costs
that may result from bulk sales or the relationship between various financial
instruments. Because no readily available market exists for a significant
portion of Southern National's financial instruments, fair value estimates for
these instruments are based on judgments regarding current economic
conditions, currency and interest rate risk characteristics, loss experience
and other factors. Many of these estimates involve uncertainties and matters
of significant judgment and cannot be determined with precision. Therefore,
the calculated fair value estimates cannot always be substantiated by
comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in
a current sale of the instrument. Changes in assumptions could significantly
affect the estimates.
 
  The following methods and assumptions were used by Southern National in
estimating the fair value of its financial instruments at December 31, 1996
and 1995.
 
  Cash and cash equivalents: For these short-term instruments, the carrying
amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair values.
 
  Securities: Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices, if
available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on
quoted market prices for similar securities.
 
  Loans receivable: The fair values for loans are estimated using discounted
cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans
with similar terms and credit quality. The carrying amounts of accrued
interest approximate fair values.
 
  Deposit liabilities: The fair values for demand deposits, interest-checking
accounts, savings accounts and certain money market accounts are, by
definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, i.e.,
their carrying amounts. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated
using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates
to aggregate expected maturities.
 
  Short-term borrowed funds: The carrying amounts of Federal funds purchased,
borrowings under repurchase agreements, master notes and other short-term
borrowed funds approximate their fair values.
 
  Long-term debt: The fair values of long-term debt are estimated based on
quoted market prices for similar instruments or by using discounted cash flow
analyses, based on Southern National's current incremental borrowing rates for
similar types of instruments.
 
  Interest rate swap agreements: The fair values of interest rate swaps (used
for hedging purposes) are the estimated amounts that Southern National would
receive or pay to terminate the swap agreements at the reporting date, taking
into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the
swap counterparties.
 
  Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial
guarantees written: The fair values of commitments are estimated using the
fees charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the
remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the
counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair values also consider the
difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.
The fair values of guarantees and letters of credit are estimated based on
fees currently charged for similar agreements.
 
  Other off-balance sheet instruments: The fair values for off-balance sheet
instruments (futures, forwards, options, and commitments to sell or purchase
financial instruments) are estimated based on quoted prices, if available. For
instruments for which there are no quoted prices, fair values are estimated
using current settlement values or pricing models.
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1996                      1995
                            ------------------------  ------------------------
                             CARRYING       FAIR       CARRYING       FAIR
                              AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Financial assets:
  Cash and cash equiva-
   lents................... $   659,734  $   659,734  $   705,676  $   705,676
  Securities available for
   sale....................   5,136,789    5,136,789    5,201,344    5,201,344
  Securities held to matu-
   rity....................     124,718      128,410      153,969      159,886
  Loans and leases
    Loans..................  14,113,609   14,109,547   13,636,450   13,735,361
    Leases.................     470,455          N/A      315,541          N/A
    Allowance for losses...    (183,932)         N/A     (175,588)         N/A
                            -----------               -----------
      Net loans and
       leases.............. $14,400,132               $13,776,403
                            ===========               ===========
Financial liabilities:
  Deposits................. $14,953,914   14,994,860  $14,684,056   14,717,187
  Short-term borrowed
   funds...................   2,263,303    2,263,303    2,595,416    2,595,416
  Long-term debt...........   2,048,206    2,144,364    1,379,810    1,385,634
  Capitalized leases.......       3,561          N/A        4,125          N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                             NOTIONAL/                 NOTIONAL/
                             CONTRACT       FAIR       CONTRACT       FAIR
                              AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Unrecognized financial in-
 struments:
  Interest rate swaps, caps
   and floors.............. $ 1,144,114  $     5,775  $   743,413  $    (6,067)
  Commitments to extend,
   originate or purchase
   credit..................   6,042,999      (11,251)   4,372,503       (7,654)
  Standby and commercial
   letters of credit and
   financial guarantees
   written.................     220,033       (3,300)     166,653       (2,500)
  Commitments to sell loans
   and securities..........     213,991          733      261,000       (3,232)
  Foreign exchange con-
   tracts..................     103,506          312      109,747          --
  Option contracts pur-
   chased..................      14,000          142        8,000          --
  Option contracts writ-
   ten.....................      14,000          --         8,000         (160)
</TABLE>
- --------
N/A--Not applicable.
 
NOTE Q. DERIVATIVES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Interest rate volatility often increases to the point that balance sheet
repositioning through the use of account repricing and other on-balance sheet
strategies cannot occur rapidly enough to avoid adverse net income effects. At
those times, off-balance sheet or synthetic hedges are utilized. During 1996,
management used interest rate swaps, caps and floors to supplement balance
sheet repositioning. Such actions were designed to lower the interest
sensitivity of Southern National toward a neutral position.
 
  Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements between two parties to
exchange a series of cash flows representing interest payments. A swap allows
both parties to transform the repricing characteristics of an asset or
liability from a fixed to a floating rate, a floating rate to a fixed rate, or
one floating rate to another floating rate. The underlying principal positions
are not affected. Swap terms generally range from one year to ten years
depending on the need. At December 31, 1996, derivatives with a total notional
value of $1.1 billion, with terms ranging up to seven years, were outstanding.
 
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
  The following tables set forth certain information concerning Southern
National's interest rate swaps at December 31, 1996:
 
                     INTEREST RATE SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 NOTIONAL      RECEIVE       PAY        FAIR
       TYPE                       AMOUNT        RATE        RATE       VALUE
       ----                     -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------
 <S>                            <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
 Receive fixed swaps........... $  485,000        6.60%       5.50%  $    6,698
 Pay fixed swaps...............    304,114        5.50        5.43          (25)
 Basis swaps...................    250,000        5.53        5.51       (1,251)
 Floors........................    105,000         --          --           353
                                ----------    --------    --------   ----------
 Total......................... $1,144,114        6.02%       5.48%  $    5,775
                                ==========    ========    ========   ==========
<CAPTION>
                                  RECEIVE     PAY FIXED  BASIS SWAPS
  YEAR-TO-DATE ACTIVITY         FIXED SWAPS     SWAPS    AND FLOORS    TOTAL
  ---------------------         -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------
 <S>                            <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
 Balance, December 31, 1995.... $  140,000    $353,413    $250,000   $  743,413
 Additions.....................    450,000       2,015     105,000      557,015
 Maturities/amortizations......   (105,000)    (51,314)        --      (156,314)
                                ----------    --------    --------   ----------
 Balance, December 31, 1996.... $  485,000    $304,114    $355,000   $1,144,114
                                ==========    ========    ========   ==========
<CAPTION>
                                 ONE YEAR    ONE TO FIVE FIVE TO 10
 ATURITY SCHEDULEM                OR LESS       YEARS       YEARS      TOTAL
- -----------------               -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------
 <S>                            <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
 Receive fixed swaps........... $   35,000    $200,000    $250,000   $  485,000
 Pay fixed swaps...............     15,485     284,337       4,292      304,114
 Basis swaps...................        --      250,000         --       250,000
 Floors........................        --      105,000         --       105,000
                                ----------    --------    --------   ----------
 Total......................... $   50,485    $839,337    $254,292   $1,144,114
                                ==========    ========    ========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
  As of December 31, 1996, unearned income from new swap transactions
initiated during 1996 was $6.4 million. There were no unamortized deferred
gains or losses from terminated transactions remaining at year end. Active
transactions resulted in pretax net expenses of $300,000.
 
  In addition to interest rate swaps, Southern National utilizes written
covered over-the-counter call options on specific securities in the available-
for-sale portfolio in order to enhance returns. During 1996, options were
written on securities totaling $375.0 million. Option fee income was $1.1
million for 1996. There were no unexercised options outstanding at December
31, 1996 or 1995.
 
  Southern National also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and
net purchased put options (combination of purchased put option and written
call option) in its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to
hedge the mortgage warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates.
Written call options are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a
net purchased put option that reduces the cost of the hedge. At December 31,
1996, net purchased put option contracts with a notional value of $14.0
million were outstanding.
 
  The $1.1 billion of derivatives used in interest rate risk management are
primarily used to hedge variable rate commercial loans, adjustable rate
mortgage loans, retail certificates of deposit and fixed rate notes. Southern
National does not utilize derivatives for trading purposes.
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
  Although off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments do not expose
Southern National to credit risk equal to the notional amount, such agreements
generate credit risk to the extent of the fair value gain in an off-balance
sheet derivative financial instrument if the counterparty fails to perform.
Such risk is minimized based on the quality of the counterparties and the
consistent monitoring of these agreements. The counterparties to these
transactions were large commercial banks and investment banks. Annually, the
counterparties are reviewed for creditworthiness by Southern National's credit
policy group. Where appropriate, master netting agreements are arranged or
collateral is obtained in the form of rights to securities. At December 31,
1996, Southern National's interest rate swaps, caps and floors reflected an
unrealized gain of $5.8 million.
 
  Other risks associated with interest-sensitive derivatives include the
impact on fixed positions during periods of changing interest rates. Indexed
amortizing swaps' notional amounts and maturities change based on certain
interest rate indices. Generally, as rates fall, the notional amounts decline
more rapidly, and as rates increase notional amounts decline more slowly.
Under unusual circumstances, financial derivatives also increase liquidity
risk, which could result from an environment of rising interest rates in which
derivatives produce negative cash flows while being offset by increased cash
flows from variable rate loans. Such risk is considered insignificant due to
the relatively small derivative positions held by Southern National. At
December 31, 1996, Southern National had no indexed amortizing swaps
outstanding.
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, AS OF MARCH 17,
1997.
 
                                          Southern National Corporation
                                           (Registrant)
 
                                                  /s/ John A. Allison, IV
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                    JOHN A. ALLISON, IV
                                              CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF
                                                     EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED AS OF MARCH 17, 1997.
 
                                                  /s/ John A. Allison, IV
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   JOHN A. ALLISON, IV
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF
                                                    EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
                                                     /s/ Scott E. Reed
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      SCOTT E. REED
                                           SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                                 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
                                                   /s/ Sherry A. Kellett
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    SHERRY A. KELLETT
                                              EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                                       CONTROLLER
 
  A Majority of the Directors of the Registrant are included.
 
                                                   /s/ Paul B. Barringer
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    PAUL B. BARRINGER
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 W. R. CUTHBERTSON, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                    /s/ Ronald E. Deal
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     RONALD E. DEAL
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
                                                   /s/ A. J. Dooley, Sr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    A. J. DOOLEY, SR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ Joe L. Dudley, Sr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   JOE L. DUDLEY, SR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                     /s/ Tom D. Efird
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      TOM D. EFIRD
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ O. William Fenn, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  O. WILLIAM FENN, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                   /s/ Paul S. Goldsmith
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    PAUL S. GOLDSMITH
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ Lloyd Vincent Hackley
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  LLOYD VINCENT HACKLEY
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                   /s/ Ernest F. Hardee
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    ERNEST F. HARDEE
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ Richard Janeway, M.D.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  RICHARD JANEWAY, M.D.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 J. ERNEST LATHEM, M.D.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
 
                                                   /s/ James H. Maynard
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    JAMES H. MAYNARD
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ Joseph A. McAleer, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 JOSEPH A. MCALEER, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ Albert O. McCauley
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   ALBERT O. MCCAULEY
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                               /s/ James Dickson McLean, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                JAMES DICKSON MCLEAN, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ Charles E. Nichols
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   CHARLES E. NICHOLS
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                   /s/ L. Glenn Orr, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    L. GLENN ORR, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ A. Winniett Peters
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   A. WINNIETT PETERS
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ Richard L. Player, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 RICHARD L. PLAYER, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                               /s/ C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
 
                                                    /s/ Nido R. Qubein
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     NIDO R. QUBEIN
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ A. Tab Williams, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  A. TAB WILLIAMS, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.              DESCRIPTION                          LOCATION
 -------            -----------                          --------
 <C>     <S>                                <C>
  2(a)   Agreement and Plan of              Incorporated herein by reference
          Reorganization dated as of July    to Registration No. 33-57681.
          29, 1994 and amended and
          restated as of October 22, 1994
          between Southern National and
          BB&T.
  2(b)   Plan of Merger as of July 29,      Incorporated herein by reference
          1994 as amended and restated on    to Registration No. 33-57861.
          October 22, 1994 between
          Southern National and BB&T.
  2(c)   Agreement and Plan of              Filed herewith.
          Reorganization dated as of
          November 1, 1996 between
          Southern National Corporation
          and United Carolina Bancshares
          Corporation, as amended.
  3(a)   Amended and Restated Articles of   Filed herewith.
          Incorporation of Southern
          National Corporation, as
          amended.
  3(b)   Bylaws of Southern National        Incorporated herein by reference
          Corporation, as amended.           to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration
                                             Statement on Form S-4 filed
                                             June 29, 1989 (No. 33-29586.)
  4(a)   Articles of Amendment to Amended   Included in Exhibit 3(a).
          and Restated Articles of
          Incorporation of Southern
          National Corporation related to
          Junior Participating Preferred
          Stock.
  4(b)   Rights Agreement dated as of       Incorporated herein by reference
          December 17, 1996 between          to Exhibit 1 to the registration
          Southern National Corporation      statement on Form 8-A dated
          and Branch Banking and Trust       January 10, 1997.
          Company, Rights Agent.
  4(c)   Subordinated Indenture             Incorporated herein by reference
          (including Form of Subordinated    to Exhibit 4(d) of Registration
          Debt Security) between Southern    No. 333-029899.
          National Corporation and State
          Street Bank and Trust Company,
          Trustee, dated as of May 24,
          1996.
  4(d)   Senior Indenture (including Form   Incorporated herein by
          of Senior Debt Security)           reference to Exhibit 4(c)
          between Southern National          of Registration
          Corporation and State Street       No. 333-02899.
          Bank and Trust Company,
          Trustee, dated as of May 24,
          1996.
 10(a)*  Death Benefit Only Plan, Dated     Incorporated herein by
          April 23, 1990, by and between     reference to Registration
          Branch Banking and Trust           No. 33-33984.
          Company (as successor to
          Southern National Bank of North
          Carolina) and L. Glenn
          Orr, Jr.
 10(b)*  Non-Employee Directors' Deferred   Filed herewith.
          Compensation and Stock Option
          Plan of Southern National
          Corporation.
 10(c)*  Southern National Corporation      Incorporated herein by
          1994 Omnibus Stock Incentive       reference to Registration
          Plan.                              No. 33-57865.
 10(d)*  Settlement and Non-Compete         Incorporated herein by
          Agreement, dated February 28,      reference to Registration
          1995, by and between Southern      No. 33-56437.
          National Corporation and L.
          Glenn Orr, Jr.
 10(e)*  Settlement Agreement, Waiver and   Incorporated herein by
          General Release dated September    reference to Registration
          19, 1994, by and between           No. 33-56437.
          Southern National Corporation,
          Branch Banking and Trust
          Company (as successor to
          Southern National Bank of North
          Carolina) and Gary E. Carlton.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                DESCRIPTION                             LOCATION
 -------              -----------                             --------
 <C>     <S>                                     <C>
 10(f)   Southern National Corporation Savings   Incorporated herein by
          and Thrift Plan.                        reference to Registration
                                                  No. 33-57867.
 10(g)*  Southern National Corporation 1995      Filed herewith.
          Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.
 10(h)*  Form of Branch Banking and Trust        Incorporated by reference
          Company                                 to the identified exhibit
          Long-Term Incentive Plan.               under Southern National
                                                  Corporation's (as
                                                  successor to BB&T
                                                  Financial Corporation)
                                                  Form 10-Q, filed May 14, 1991.
 10(i)*  Form of Branch Banking and Trust        Incorporated by reference
          Company                                 to the identified exhibit
          Executive Incentive Compensation        under Southern National
          Plan.                                   Corporation's (as
                                                  successor to BB&T
                                                  Financial Corporation)
                                                  Form 10-K, filed February 22,
                                                  1985.
 10(j)*  Southern National Deferred              Filed herewith.
          Compensation Plan for Key Executives
 10(k)*  Southern National Supplemental          Filed herewith.
          Executive Retirement Plan
 10(l)*  Branch Banking and Trust Supplemental   Filed herewith.
          Executive Retirement Plan
 11      Statement re Computation of Earnings    Filed herewith.
          Per Share.
 21      Subsidiaries of the Registrant.         Filed herewith.
 22      Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual     Future filing incorporated
          Meeting                                 by reference pursuant to
          of Shareholders, dated April 22,        the General Instruction G(3).
          1997.
 23(a)   Consent of Independent Public           Filed herewith.
          Accountants.
 23(b)   Opinion of Independent Public           Filed herewith.
          Accountants.
 27      Financial Data Schedule.                Filed as an exhibit to the
                                                  electronically-filed
                                                  document as required.
</TABLE>
- --------
* Management compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
                                       82
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-2.C
<SEQUENCE>2
<DESCRIPTION>AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
<TEXT>

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 2(c)
                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION




                    UNITED CAROLINA BANCSHARES CORPORATION
                                      and
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                -----------------
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
<S>      <C>                                                                                                    <C> 
ARTICLE I
         DEFINITIONS..............................................................................................1

ARTICLE II
         THE MERGER...............................................................................................6
         2.1      Merger..........................................................................................6
                  ------
         2.2      Filing; Plan of Merger..........................................................................6
                  ----------------------
         2.3.     Effective Time..................................................................................6
                  --------------
         2.4      Closing.........................................................................................6
                  -------
         2.5      Effect of Merger................................................................................7
                  ----------------
         2.6      Further Assurances..............................................................................7
                  ------------------
         2.7      Merger Consideration............................................................................7
                  --------------------
         2.8      Conversion of Shares; Payment of Merger Consideration...........................................8
                  -----------------------------------------------------
         2.9      Dissenting Shares...............................................................................9
                  -----------------
         2.10     Conversion of Stock Options.....................................................................9
                  ---------------------------
         2.11     Merger of Subsidiary...........................................................................11
                  --------------------
         2.12     Anti-Dilution..................................................................................11
                  -------------

ARTICLE III
         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UCB...................................................................11
         3.1      Capital Structure..............................................................................11
                  -----------------
         3.2      Organization, Standing and Authority...........................................................12
                  ------------------------------------
         3.3      Ownership of Subsidiaries......................................................................12
                  --------------------------
         3.4      Organization, Standing and Authority of the Subsidiaries.......................................12
                  --------------------------------------------------------
         3.5      Authorized and Effective Agreement.............................................................12
                  ----------------------------------
         3.6      Securities Filings.............................................................................13
                  ------------------
         3.7      Financial Statements; Minute Books.............................................................13
                  ----------------------------------
         3.8      Material Adverse Change........................................................................14
                  -----------------------
         3.9      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................................................14
                  ----------------------------------
         3.10     Properties.....................................................................................14
                  ----------
         3.11     Environmental Matters..........................................................................14
                  ---------------------
         3.12     Allowance for Loan Losses......................................................................15
                  -------------------------
         3.13     Tax Matters....................................................................................15
                  -----------
         3.14     Employees; Compensation; Benefit Plans.........................................................16
                  --------------------------------------
         3.15     Certain Contracts..............................................................................20
                  -----------------
         3.16     Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals........................................................20
                  ---------------------------------------
         3.17     Compliance with Laws...........................................................................21
                  --------------------
         3.18     Brokers and Finders............................................................................21
                  -------------------
         3.19     Loans..........................................................................................21
                  -----
         3.20     Repurchase Agreements..........................................................................21
                  ---------------------
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>               <C>                                                                                           <C> 
         3.21     Deposit Accounts...............................................................................22
                  ----------------
         3.22     Related Party Transactions.....................................................................22
                  --------------------------
         3.23     Certain Information............................................................................22
                  -------------------
         3.24     Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters.........................................................22
                  --------------------------------------
         3.25     State Takeover Laws............................................................................23
                  -------------------
         3.26     Derivatives Contracts..........................................................................23
                  ---------------------
         3.27     Fairness Opinion...............................................................................23
                  ----------------

ARTICLE IV
         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
         OF SNC..................................................................................................23
         4.1      Capital Structure of SNC.......................................................................23
                  ------------------------
         4.2      Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC....................................................23
                  -------------------------------------------
         4.3      Authorized and Effective Agreement.............................................................24
                  ----------------------------------
         4.4      Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC Subsidiaries.......................................24
                  --------------------------------------------------------
         4.5      Securities Documents...........................................................................25
                  --------------------
         4.6      Financial Statements...........................................................................25
                  --------------------
         4.7      Material Adverse Change........................................................................25
                  -----------------------
         4.8      Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals........................................................25
                  ---------------------------------------
         4.9      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................................................26
                  ----------------------------------
         4.10     Allowance for Loan Losses......................................................................26
                  -------------------------
         4.11     Tax Matters....................................................................................26
                  -----------
         4.12     Compliance with Laws...........................................................................26
                  --------------------
         4.13     Certain Information............................................................................27
                  -------------------
         4.14     Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters.........................................................27
                  --------------------------------------
         4.15     Share Ownership................................................................................27
                  ---------------

ARTICLE V
         COVENANTS...............................................................................................27
         5.1      Shareholders' Meetings.........................................................................27
                  ----------------------
         5.2      Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.......................................28
                  --------------------------------------------------------
         5.3      Plan of Merger; Reservation of Shares..........................................................28
                  -------------------------------------
         5.4      Additional Acts................................................................................29
                  ---------------
         5.5      Best Efforts...................................................................................29
                  ------------
         5.6      Certain Accounting Matters.....................................................................29
                  --------------------------
         5.7      Access to Information..........................................................................29
                  ---------------------
         5.8      Press Releases.................................................................................30
                  --------------
         5.9      Forbearances of UCB............................................................................30
                  -------------------
         5.10     Employment Agreements..........................................................................33
                  ---------------------
         5.11     Affiliates.....................................................................................33
                  ----------
         5.12     Employee Benefit Plans.........................................................................33
                  ----------------------
         5.13     Directors and Officers Protection..............................................................34
                  ---------------------------------
         5.14     Forbearances of SNC............................................................................35
                  -------------------
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>               <C>                                                                                           <C> 
         5.15     Assumption of Agreement by Acquiror............................................................35
                  -----------------------------------
         5.16     Reports........................................................................................36
                  -------
         5.17     Exchange Listing...............................................................................36
                  ----------------

ARTICLE VI
         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT....................................................................................36
         6.1      Conditions Precedent --SNC and UCB.............................................................36
                  ----------------------------------
         6.2      Conditions Precedent -- UCB....................................................................38
                  ---------------------------
         6.3      Conditions Precedent -- SNC ...................................................................38
                  ---------------------------
ARTICLE VII
         TERMINATION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT.......................................................................40
         7.1      Termination....................................................................................40
                  -----------
         7.2      Effect of Termination..........................................................................43
                  ---------------------
         7.3      Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants..........................................43
                  -----------------------------------------------------
         7.4      Waiver.........................................................................................43
                  ------
         7.5      Amendment or Supplement........................................................................44
                  -----------------------

ARTICLE VIII
         MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................................44
         8.1      Expenses.......................................................................................44
                  --------
         8.2      Entire Agreement...............................................................................44
                  ----------------
         8.3      No Assignment..................................................................................45
                  -------------
         8.4      Notices........................................................................................45
                  -------
         8.5      Captions.......................................................................................46
                  --------
         8.6      Counterparts...................................................................................46
                  ------------
         8.7      Governing Law..................................................................................46
                  -------------
         8.8      Predecessor Agreement..........................................................................46
                  ---------------------

</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION



     AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION ("Reorganization
Agreement" or "Agreement"), dated as of November 1, 1996, between UNITED
CAROLINA BANCSHARES CORPORATION ("UCB"), a North Carolina corporation having its
principal office at Whiteville, North Carolina, and SOUTHERN NATIONAL
CORPORATION ("SNC"), a North Carolina corporation having its principal office at
Winston-Salem, North Carolina;


                                R E C I T A L S:
                                - - - - - - - - 

     The parties desire that UCB shall be merged with and into SNC (said
transaction being hereinafter referred to as the "Merger") pursuant to a plan of
merger (the "Plan of Merger") substantially in the form set forth in Articles of
Merger attached as Annex A hereto ("Articles of Merger"), and the parties desire
to provide for certain undertakings, conditions, representations, warranties and
covenants in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

          1.1 Definitions
              -----------

     When used herein, the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the
following meanings:

     "Bank Holding Company Act" shall mean the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956,
as amended.

     "Business Day" shall mean all days other than Saturdays, Sundays and
Federal Reserve holidays.

     "Closing Date" shall mean the date specified pursuant to Section 2.4 as the
date on which the parties hereto shall close the transactions contemplated
herein.

     "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
     "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     "CRA" shall mean the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended.

     "Disclosed" shall mean disclosed in a Securities Document filed with the
Commission or in the UCB Disclosure Letter.

     "Effective Time" shall mean the time specified in Section 2.3 as the
Effective Time of the Merger.

     "Environmental Claim" means any written notice from any governmental
authority or third party alleging potential liability (including, without
limitation, potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs,
governmental response costs, natural resources damages, property damages,
personal injuries or penalties) arising out of, based upon, or resulting from
the presence, or release into the environment, of any Materials of Environmental
Concern.

     "Environmental Laws" means all applicable federal, state and local laws and
regulations, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, that relate to pollution or protection of
human health or the environment.

     "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

     "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "FDIA" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.

     "FDIC" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     "Federal Reserve Board" shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System.

     "Financial Statements" shall mean (a) with respect to SNC, (i) the
consolidated balance sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of
SNC as of December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993, and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related
notes and schedules, if any) for each of the three years ended December 31,
1995, 1994, and 1993, as filed by SNC in Securities Documents and (ii) the
consolidated balance sheets of SNC (including related notes and schedules, if
any) and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and
cash flows (including related notes and schedules, if any) included in
Securities Documents filed by SNC with respect to periods ended subsequent to
December 31, 1995, and (b) with respect to UCB, (i) the consolidated balance
sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of UCB as of December 31,
1995, 1994, and 1993, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes
in shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related notes and schedules,
if any) for each of the three years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 as
filed by UCB in Securities Documents and (ii) the consolidated balance sheets of
UCB (including related

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
notes and schedules, if any) and the related consolidated statements of income,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related notes and
schedules, if any) included in Securities Documents filed by UCB with respect to
periods ended subsequent to December 31, 1995.

     "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus" shall mean the joint proxy statement and
prospectus, together with any supplements thereto, sent to shareholders of UCB
and the shareholders of SNC to solicit their votes in connection with this
Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

     "Material Adverse Effect" on SNC or UCB shall mean an event, change, or
occurrence which, individually or together with any other event, change or
occurrence, has a material adverse effect on (i) the financial condition,
results of operations, business or business prospects of SNC and the SNC
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or UCB and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
or (ii) the ability of SNC or UCB to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, provided that "Material Adverse Effect" shall not be deemed to
include the impact of (a) actions and omissions of a party (or any of its
affiliates) taken with the prior informed consent of the other party in
contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) the direct
effects of compliance with this Agreement on the operating performance of the
parties, including expenses incurred by the parties in consummating the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     "Materials of Environmental Concern" means pollutants, contaminants,
wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum products and any other
materials regulated under Environmental Laws.

     "NCBCA" shall mean the North Carolina Business Corporation Act as amended.

     "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

     "Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement of SNC with
respect to the SNC Common Stock to be issued in the Merger as declared effective
by the Commission under the Securities Act.

     "Rights" shall mean warrants, options, rights, convertible securities and
other arrangements or commitments which obligate an entity to issue or dispose
of any of its capital stock or other ownership interests, and stock appreciation
rights, performance units and similar stock-based rights whether or not they
obligate the issuer thereof to issue stock or other securities or to pay cash.

     "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     "Securities Documents" shall mean all reports, proxy statements,
registration statements and all similar documents filed, or required to be
filed, pursuant to the Securities Laws.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     "Securities Laws" shall mean the Securities Act; the Exchange Act; the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended; the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as amended; and the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

     "SNC Common Stock" shall mean the shares of common stock, par value $5.00
per share, of SNC.

     "SNC Option Agreement" shall mean the Option Agreement dated as of even
date herewith under which SNC has an option to purchase shares of UCB, which
shall be executed immediately following execution of this Reorganization
Agreement.

     "SNC Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries of SNC, which shall include
any corporation, bank, savings association, or other organization acquired as a
Subsidiary of SNC in the future and held as a Subsidiary by SNC at the Effective
Time.

     "Stock Option Plan" shall mean, collectively or singularly, UCB's 1986 Key
Employee Stock Option Plan; 1995 Stock Option and Incentive Award; Stock Option
Policy for Nonemployee Directors of Triad Bank; Triad Bank Employees' Stock
Option Plan (Non-qualified); Seaboard Savings Bank, Inc., SSB 1993 Nonstatutory
Stock Option Plan for Directors; Seaboard Savings Bank, Inc., SSB 1993 Incentive
Stock Option Plan; and Bank of Iredell 1987 Employee Nonqualified Stock Option
Program.

     "Stock Option" shall mean, collectively, any option, granted under the
Stock Option Plan and unexercised on the date hereof, to acquire shares of UCB
Common Stock, aggregating 357,577 shares.

     "Subsidiaries" shall mean all those corporations, associations, or other
business entities of which the entity in question either owns or controls 50% or
more of the outstanding equity securities either directly or through an unbroken
chain of entities as to each of which 50% or more of the outstanding equity
securities is owned directly or indirectly by its parent (provided, there shall
not be included any such entity the equity securities of which are owned or
controlled in a fiduciary capacity).

     "TILA" shall mean the Truth in Lending Act, as amended.

     "UCB Common Stock" shall mean the shares of common stock, par value $4.00
per share, of UCB.

     "UCB Disclosure Letter" shall mean the written information entitled "UCB
Disclosure Letter" dated the date of this Agreement and delivered not later than
ten days after the execution of this Agreement by UCB to SNC, and describing in
reasonable detail the matters contained therein. Each disclosure made therein
shall be in existence on the date of this Agreement and shall specifically
reference each Section of this Agreement under which such disclosure is made.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Information disclosed with respect to one Section shall not be deemed to be
disclosed for purposes of any other Section not specifically referenced.

     "UCB Option Agreement" shall mean the Option Agreement dated as of even
date herewith under which UCB has an option to purchase shares of SNC, which
shall be executed immediately following execution of this Reorganization
Agreement.

     "UCB Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries of UCB, which shall include
any corporation, bank, savings association, or other organization acquired as a
Subsidiary of UCB in the future and held as a Subsidiary by UCB at the Effective
Time.

          1.2   Terms Defined Elsewhere
                -----------------------

          The capitalized terms set forth below are defined in the following
          sections:
 

          Agreement                                          Introduction  
          Articles of Merger                                 Recitals      
          Average Closing Price                              Section 7.1(i)
          Closing                                            Section 2.4   
          Closing Date                                       Section 2.4   
          Closing Value                                      Section 2.7   
          Constituent Corporations                           Section 2.1   
          Determination Date                                 Section 7.1(i)
          Dissenting Shareholder                             Section 2.9   
          Dissenting Shares                                  Section 2.9   
          Employee                                           Section 5.12  
          Exchange Ratio                                     Section 2.7   
          Index Group                                        Section 7.1(i)
          Maximum Amount                                     Section 5.13(b)
          Merger                                             Recitals
          Merger Consideration                               Section 2.7
          PBGC                                               Section 3.14(b)(iv)
          Plan                                               Section 3.14(b)(i)
          Plan of Merger                                     Recitals
          Reorganization Agreement                           Introduction
          SNC                                                Introduction
          SNC Option Plan                                    Section 2.10(c)
          SNC Ratio                                          Section 7.1(A)(2)
          Surviving Corporation                              Section 2.1(a)
          UCB                                                Introduction
          UCB-SC                                             Section 3.4

 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                                   THE MERGER

 2.1  Merger
      ------

      SNC and UCB are constituent corporations (the "Constituent Corporations")
to the Merger as contemplated by the NCBCA.  At the Effective Time:

      (a) UCB shall be merged with and into SNC in accordance with the 
applicable provisions of the NCBCA, with SNC being the surviving corporate
entity (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Surviving Corporation").

      (b) The separate existence of UCB shall cease and the Merger shall in all
respects have the effect provided for in Section 2.5.

      (c) The Articles of Incorporation of SNC at the Effective Time shall
become the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation.

      (d) The Bylaws of SNC at the Effective Time shall become the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation.

 2.2  Filing; Plan of Merger
      ----------------------

      The Merger shall not become effective unless this Agreement and the Plan
of Merger are duly approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
each of UCB (subject in the case of UCB to the provisions of Article X of its
Articles of Incorporation) and SNC entitled to be voted. Upon fulfillment or
waiver of the conditions specified in Article VI and provided that this
Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Article VII, the Constituent
Corporations will cause the Articles of Merger to be executed and filed with the
Office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina. The Plan of Merger is
incorporated herein by reference, and adoption of this Agreement by the Boards
of Directors of the Constituent Corporations and approval by the shareholders of
the Constituent Corporations shall constitute adoption and approval of the Plan
of Merger.

2.3   Effective Time
      --------------

      The Merger shall be effective at the day and hour specified in the
Articles of Merger filed with the Secretary of State of North Carolina (herein
sometimes referred to as the "Effective Time").

2.4   Closing
      -------

      The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the
"Closing") shall take place at the executive offices of SNC, BB&T Financial
Center, 200 West Second Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at 11:00 a.m. on
the Business Day designated by SNC which is within thirty

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
days following the satisfaction of the conditions to Closing set forth in
Article VI, or such later date as the parties may otherwise agree (the "Closing
Date").

2.5  Effect of Merger
     ----------------

     From and after the Effective Time, the separate existence of UCB shall
cease, and the Surviving Corporation shall thereupon and thereafter, to the
extent consistent with its Articles of Incorporation, possess all the rights,
privileges, immunities, and franchises, of a public as well as of a private
nature, of each of the Constituent Corporations; and all property, real,
personal and mixed, and all debts due on whatever account, and all other choses
in action, and all and every other interest of or belonging to or due to each of
the Constituent Corporations shall be taken and deemed to be transferred to and
vested in the Surviving Corporation without further act or deed; and the title
to any real estate or any interest therein vested in either of the Constituent
Corporations shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger.
The Surviving Corporation shall thenceforth be responsible and liable for all
the liabilities, obligations and penalties of each of the Constituent
Corporations; and any claim existing or action or proceeding, civil or criminal,
pending by or against either of the Constituent Corporations may be prosecuted
as if the Merger had not taken place, or the Surviving Corporation may be
substituted in its place; and any judgment rendered against either of the
Constituent Corporations may be enforced against the Surviving Corporation.
Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon the property of either of the
Constituent Corporations shall be impaired by reason of the Merger.

2.6  Further Assurances
     ------------------

     If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall
consider or be advised that any further deeds, assignments or assurances in law
or any other actions are necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or
confirm of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation, the title to any
property or rights of the Constituent Corporations acquired or to be acquired by
reason of, or as a result of, the Merger, the Constituent Corporations agree
that such Constituent Corporations and their proper officers and directors shall
and will execute and deliver all such proper deeds, assignments and assurances
in law and do all things necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or
confirm title to such property or rights in the Surviving Corporation and
otherwise to carry out the purpose of this Agreement, and that the proper
officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation are fully authorized and
directed in the name of the Constituent Corporations or otherwise to take any
and all such actions.



2.7  Merger Consideration
     --------------------

     As used herein, the term "Merger Consideration" shall mean the whole shares
of SNC Common Stock to be exchanged for each share of UCB Common Stock issued
and outstanding as of the Effective Time, and cash (without interest) to be
payable in exchange for any fractional share

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
of SNC Common Stock which would otherwise be exchanged for a share of UCB Common
Stock. The number of shares of SNC Common Stock to be issued in exchange for
each issued and outstanding share of UCB Common Stock shall be in the ratio of
1.135 shares of SNC Common Stock for each share of UCB Common Stock issued and
outstanding (subject to possible adjustment pursuant to Section 7.1(h), the
"Exchange Ratio").  The value of any fractional share shall be determined by
multiplying the fractional part of such share of SNC Common Stock by the market
value of one share of SNC Common Stock at the Effective Time, which shall be the
closing price of such common stock on the NYSE-Composite Transactions List (as
reported by The Wall Street Journal or, if not reported thereby, any other
authoritative source selected by SNC) on the first trading day preceding the
Effective Time.  No such holder will be entitled to dividends, voting rights, or
any other rights as a shareholder in respect of any fractional shares.

2.8  Conversion of Shares; Payment of Merger Consideration
     -----------------------------------------------------

     (a) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action
on the part of UCB or the holders of record of UCB Common Stock, each share of
UCB Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be converted into and shall represent the right to receive, upon surrender
of the certificate representing such share of UCB Common Stock (as provided in
paragraph (d) below), the Merger Consideration.

     (b) Each share of the common stock of SNC issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be issued and
outstanding.

     (c) Until surrendered, each outstanding certificate which prior to the
Effective Time represented one or more shares of UCB Common Stock shall be
deemed upon the Effective Time for all purposes to represent only the right to
receive the Merger Consideration as described in this Section 2.8.  No interest
will be paid or accrued on the Merger Consideration upon the surrender of the
certificate or certificates representing shares of UCB Common Stock. With
respect to any certificate for UCB Common Stock that has been lost or destroyed,
the Surviving Corporation shall pay the Merger Consideration attributable to
such certificate upon receipt of a surety bond or other adequate indemnity and
evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of ownership of the shares represented
thereby.  After the Effective Time, no transfer of the shares of UCB Common
Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be made on the
stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation.

     (d) Promptly after the Effective Time, SNC shall cause to be delivered or
mailed to each UCB shareholder a form of letter of transmittal and instructions
for use in effecting the surrender of the certificates which, immediately prior
to the Effective Time, represented any shares of UCB Common Stock in exchange
for the Merger Consideration.  Upon surrender of such certificates, together
with such letter of transmittal duly executed and completed in accordance with
the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may be reasonably
requested, SNC shall promptly cause the transfer to the persons entitled thereto
of the Merger Consideration.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     (e) The Surviving Corporation shall pay any dividends or other
distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which have been
declared or made by UCB in respect of shares of UCB Common Stock in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time.
To the extent permitted by law, former shareholders of record of UCB shall be
entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any meeting of SNC shareholders the
number of whole shares of SNC Common Stock into which their respective shares of
UCB Common Stock are converted, regardless of whether such holders have
exchanged their certificates representing UCB Common Stock for certificates
representing SNC Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.  Whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared by SNC on the
SNC Common Stock, the record date for which is at or after the Effective Time,
the declaration shall include dividends or other distributions on all shares of
SNC Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement, but after the Effective
Time no dividend or other distribution payable to the holders of record of SNC
Common Stock as of any time subsequent to the Effective Time shall be delivered
to the holder of any certificate until such holder surrenders such certificate
for exchange as provided in this Section 2.8.  Upon surrender of such
certificate, both the SNC Common Stock certificate and any undelivered dividends
and cash payments payable hereunder (without interest) shall be delivered and
paid with respect to each share represented by such certificate.

2.9 Dissenting Shares
    -----------------

     Any UCB shareholder who shall have dissented from the Merger in accordance
with the NCBCA and who has properly exercised such shareholder's rights to
demand payment of the value of the Shareholder's shares (the "Dissenting
Shares") as provided in the NCBCA (the "Dissenting Shareholder") shall
thereafter have only such rights, if any, as are provided a Dissenting
Shareholder in accordance with the NCBCA and shall have no rights under Sections
2.7 and 2.8; provided, however, that if a Dissenting Shareholder shall withdraw
(in accordance with the NCBCA) the demand for such appraisal or shall become
ineligible for such appraisal, then such Dissenting Shareholder's Dissenting
Shares automatically shall cease to be Dissenting Shares and shall be converted
into and represent only the right to receive from the Surviving Corporation the
Merger Consideration provided for in Section 2.7 upon surrender of the
certificate representing the Dissenting Shares.

2.10 Conversion of Stock Options
     ---------------------------

     (a) At the Effective Time, each Stock Option then outstanding, whether or
not then exercisable, shall be converted into and become rights with respect to
SNC Common Stock, and SNC shall assume each Stock Option, in accordance with the
terms of the Stock Option Plan and stock option agreement, or other agreement,
by which it is evidenced, except that from and after the Effective Time (i) SNC
and its Compensation Committee shall be substituted for UCB and the Committee of
UCB's Board of Directors administering the Stock Option Plan, (ii) each Stock
Option assumed by SNC may be exercised solely for shares of SNC Common Stock,
(iii) the number of shares of SNC Common Stock subject to such Stock Option
shall be the number of whole shares of SNC (omitting any fractional share)
determined by multiplying the number of shares of UCB

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock subject to such Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective
Time by the Exchange Ratio, and (iv) the per share exercise price under each
such Stock Option shall be adjusted by dividing the per share exercise price
under each such Stock Option by the Exchange Ratio and rounding up to the
nearest cent.  In addition, notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (iii) and
(iv) of the first sentence of this Section 2.10(a), each Stock Option which is
an "incentive stock option" shall be adjusted as required by Section 424 of the
Code, and the Regulations promulgated thereunder, so as to continue as an
incentive stock option under Section 424(a) of the Code, and so as not to
constitute a modification, extension, or renewal of the option, within the
meaning of Section 424(h) of the Code.  SNC and UCB agree to take all necessary
steps to effectuate the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.10.

     (b) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, SNC shall deliver to
the participants in the Stock Option Plan an appropriate notice setting forth
such participant's rights pursuant thereto, and the grants pursuant to such
Stock Option Plan shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions
(subject to the adjustments required by Section 2.10(a) after giving effect to
the Merger). SNC shall comply with the terms of the Stock Option Plan to ensure,
to the extent required by and subject to the provisions of such Stock Option
Plan, that Stock Options which qualified as incentive stock options prior to the
Effective Time continue to qualify as incentive stock options after the
Effective Time.  At or prior to the Effective Time, SNC shall take all corporate
action necessary to reserve for issuance sufficient shares of SNC Common Stock
for delivery upon exercise of Stock Options assumed by it in accordance with
this Section 2.10.  As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, SNC shall
file a registration statement on Form S-3 or Form S-8, as the case may be (or
any successor or other appropriate forms), with respect to the shares of SNC
Common Stock subject to Stock Options and shall use its reasonable efforts to
maintain the effectiveness of such registration statements (and maintain the
current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long
as such options remain outstanding.  With respect to those individuals who
subsequent to the Merger will be subject to the reporting requirements under
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, where applicable, SNC shall administer the
Stock Option Plan assumed pursuant to this Section 2.10 in a manner that
complies with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act to the extent
necessary to preserve for such individuals the benefits of Rule 16b-3 to the
extent such benefits were available to them prior to the Effective Time.  UCB
hereby represents that the Stock Option Plan in its current form complies with
Rule 16b-3 to the extent, if any, required as of November 1, 1996.

     (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.10, SNC may
at its election substitute as of the Effective Time options under the Southern
National Corporation 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the "SNC Option Plan")
for all or a part of the Stock Options, subject to the following conditions: (i)
the requirements of Section 2.10(a)(iii) and (iv) shall be met; (ii) such
substitution shall not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of any of
the Stock Options which are incentive stock options; (iii) the substituted
options shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions as the Stock
Option Plan or other document granting the Stock Option; and (iv) each grant of
a substitute option shall have been specifically approved in advance by the full
Board of Directors of SNC or by a committee consisting solely of "non-employee"
directors as defined in

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Rule 16b-3.  As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, SNC shall
deliver to the participants receiving substitute options under the SNC Option
Plan an appropriate notice setting forth such participant's rights pursuant
thereto.  SNC has reserved under the SNC Option Plan adequate shares of SNC
Common Stock for delivery upon exercise of any such substituted options. SNC
hereby represents that the SNC Option Plan in its current form complies with
Rule 16b-3 to the extent, if any, required as of November 1, 1996.

2.11 Merger of Subsidiary
     --------------------

     In the event that SNC shall request, UCB shall cooperate in taking such
actions, and shall cooperate in causing the UCB Subsidiaries to take such
actions, as may be required in order to effect, at the Effective Time, the
merger of one or more of the UCB Subsidiaries with and into, in each case, one
of the SNC Subsidiaries.

2.12 Anti-Dilution
     -------------

     In the event SNC changes the number of shares of SNC Common Stock issued
and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a result of a stock split, stock
dividend or other similar recapitalization, and the record date thereof (in the
case of a stock dividend) or the effective date thereof (in the case of a stock
split or similar recapitalization for which a record date is not established)
shall be prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio shall be
proportionately adjusted.

                                  ARTICLE III
                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UCB

     Except as otherwise Disclosed, UCB represents and warrants to SNC as
follows:

3.1 Capital Structure
    -----------------

     The authorized capital stock of UCB consists of 40,000,000 shares of UCB
Common Stock, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $10.00 per
share.  As of the date hereof, 24,266,175 shares of UCB Common Stock are issued
and outstanding, and no other shares of capital stock of UCB, common or
preferred, are issued and outstanding.  All outstanding shares of UCB Common
Stock have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.  No other classes of capital stock of UCB are authorized.  No
shares of capital stock have been reserved for any purpose, except for (i)
357,577 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with the Stock Option Plan,
(ii) 4,828,960 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with the SNC Option
Agreement, (iii) 2,500,000 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with its
401(k) plan; and (iv) 900,000 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with its
Long-Term Incentive Plan. Except as set forth herein, there are no Rights
authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to the capital stock of UCB.
Holders of UCB Common Stock do not have preemptive rights.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
3.2  Organization, Standing and Authority
     ------------------------------------

     UCB is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of North Carolina with full corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now conducted and to own, lease and
operate its assets.  UCB is not required to be qualified to do business in any
other state of the United States or foreign jurisdiction.  UCB is registered as
a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

3.3  Ownership of  Subsidiaries
     --------------------------

     Except as Disclosed in the UCB Disclosure Letter, UCB does not own,
directly or indirectly, any outstanding capital stock or other voting securities
or ownership interests of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other
organization which would constitute a Subsidiary, except for the UCB
Subsidiaries.  The outstanding shares of capital stock of the UCB Subsidiaries
are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and all such
shares are directly or indirectly owned by UCB free and clear of all liens,
claims and encumbrances or preemptive rights of any person.  No Rights are
authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to the capital stock of the UCB
Subsidiaries, and there are no agreements, understandings or commitments
relating to the right of UCB to vote or to dispose of said shares.  None of the
shares of capital stock of the UCB Subsidiaries has been issued in violation of
the preemptive rights of any person.

3.4  Organization, Standing and Authority of the Subsidiaries
     --------------------------------------------------------

     Each UCB Subsidiary which is an insured depository institution is a state-
chartered, non-member commercial bank.  Each of the UCB Subsidiaries is validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization.  Each
of the UCB Subsidiaries has full power and authority to carry on its business as
now conducted, and is duly qualified to do business in its state of
organization.  No UCB Subsidiary is required to be qualified to do business in
any other state of the United States or foreign jurisdiction other than such UCB
Subsidiary's state of organization, or is engaged in any activities that have
not been Disclosed.

3.5  Authorized and Effective Agreement
     ----------------------------------

     (a) UCB has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and
(subject to receipt of all necessary governmental approvals and the receipt of
approval of the UCB shareholders of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger) to
perform all of its obligations under this Reorganization Agreement, the Articles
of Merger, the UCB Option Agreement and the SNC Option Agreement. The execution
and delivery of this Reorganization Agreement, the Articles of Merger and said
Option Agreements, and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action
in respect thereof, except in the case of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger,
the approval of UCB shareholders pursuant to and to the extent required by
applicable law.  This Agreement and the Plan of Merger constitute legal, valid
and binding obligations of UCB, and each is enforceable against UCB in
accordance with its

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
terms, in each such case subject to (i) bankruptcy, fraudulent transfer,
insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, conservatorship, receivership, or other
similar laws from time to time in effect relating to or affecting the
enforcement of rights of creditors of FDIC insured institutions or the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally; and (ii) general principles of
equity, and except that the availability of equitable remedies or injunctive
relief is within the discretion of the appropriate court.

     (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Articles of
Merger, the UCB Option Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement, nor consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by UCB with
any of the provisions hereof or thereof, shall (i) conflict with or result in a
breach of any provision of the articles of incorporation or by-laws of UCB or
any UCB Subsidiary, (ii) subject to receipt of any required consents or
approvals, constitute or result in a breach of any term, condition or provision
of, or constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration with respect to, or result in the creation of any
lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or asset of UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, agreement
or other instrument or obligation, or (iii) subject to receipt of all required
governmental approvals, violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to UCB or any UCB Subsidiary.

3.6 Securities Filings
    ------------------

     UCB has timely filed all Securities Documents required by the Securities
Laws since December 31, 1993.  UCB shall Disclose to SNC a true and complete
copy of each Securities Document filed by UCB with the Commission after December
31, 1993 and prior to the date hereof, which are all of the Securities Documents
that UCB was required to file during such period.  As of their respective dates
of filing, such Securities Documents complied in all material respects with the
Securities Laws as then in effect, and did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.

3.7 Financial Statements; Minute Books
    ----------------------------------

     The Financial Statements of UCB fairly present or will fairly present, as
the case may be, the consolidated financial position of UCB and the UCB
Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in shareholders' equity and statements of cash flows for the
periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited interim statements, to
normal year-end audit adjustments that are not material in amount or effect) in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to financial
institutions applied on a consistent basis.  The minute books of UCB and each of
the UCB Subsidiaries contain or will contain at Closing legally sufficient
records of all meetings and other corporate actions of its shareholders and
Board of Directors (including committees of its Board of Directors).

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
3.8  Material Adverse Change
     -----------------------

     Since December 31, 1995, UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries have not incurred any
material liability except as disclosed in the most recent UCB Financial
Statements, or entered into any transactions with affiliates, other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, nor has there been
any change, or any event involving a prospective change, in the business,
financial condition or results of operations of UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries
which has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
UCB.

3.9  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
     ----------------------------------

     Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has any liability (contingent or
otherwise) that is material to UCB on a consolidated basis or that, when
combined with all other similar liabilities, would be material to UCB on a
consolidated basis, except as disclosed in the most recent Financial Statements
of UCB and except for liabilities made in the ordinary course of its business
since the date of UCB's most recent Financial Statements.

3.10 Properties
     ----------

     (a) UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries have good and marketable title, free and
clear of all liens, encumbrances, charges, defaults or equitable interests, to
all of the properties and assets, real and personal, reflected on the
consolidated balance sheet included in the Financial Statements of UCB as of
December 31, 1995 or acquired after such date, except (i) liens for current
taxes not yet due and payable, (ii) pledges to secure deposits and other liens
incurred in the ordinary course of banking business, (iii) such imperfections of
title, easements and encumbrances, if any, as are not material in character,
amount or extent, or (iv) dispositions and encumbrances for adequate
consideration in the ordinary course of business.

     (b) All leases and licenses pursuant to which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, as
lessee or licensee, leases or licenses rights to real or personal property, are
valid and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

3.11 Environmental Matters
     ---------------------

     Except as Disclosed:

     (a) UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries are in compliance with all Environmental
Laws. Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has received any communication alleging
that UCB or the UCB Subsidiary is not in such compliance, and there are no
present circumstances that would prevent or interfere with the continuation of
such compliance.

     (b) UCB has not received notice of any pending, and there are no pending
or, to the best of UCB's knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral
or other proceedings, asserting

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Environmental Claims or other claims, causes of action or governmental
investigations of any nature, seeking to impose, or that could result in the
imposition of, any liability arising under any Environmental Laws upon (i) UCB
or any UCB Subsidiary, (ii) any person or entity whose liability for any
Environmental Claim UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has or may have retained or
assumed, either contractually or by operation of law, (iii) any real or personal
property owned or leased by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, or any real or personal
property which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has or is judged to have managed or
supervised or participated in the management of, or (iv) any real or personal
property in which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary holds a security interest securing a
loan recorded on the books of UCB or any UCB Subsidiary.  Neither  UCB nor any
UCB Subsidiary is subject to any agreement, order, judgment, decree or
memorandum by or with any court, governmental authority, regulatory agency or
third party imposing any such liability.

        (c)    UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material
respects with all recommendations contained in any environmental audits,
analyses and surveys relating to all real and personal property owned or leased
by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary and all real and personal property which UCB or any
UCB Subsidiary has or is judged to have managed or supervised or participated in
the management of.

        (d)    There are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances,
conditions, events or incidents that could reasonably form the basis of any
Environmental Claim or other claim or action or governmental investigation that
could result in the imposition of any liability arising under any Environmental
Laws against UCB or any UCB Subsidiary or against any person or entity whose
liability for any Environmental Claim UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has or may have
retained or assumed, either contractually or by operation of law.

3.12    Allowance for Loan Losses
        -------------------------

        The allowance for loan losses reflected on the consolidated balance
sheets included in the Financial Statements of UCB is or will be in the opinion
of UCB's management adequate in all material respects as of their respective
dates, under the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and
applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines as they apply to banks and
bank holding companies, to provide for reasonably anticipated losses on
outstanding loans net of recoveries.

3.13    Tax Matters
        -----------

        (a)    UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries, and each of their predecessors,
have timely filed (or requests for extensions have been timely filed and any
such extensions have been granted and have not expired) all federal, state and
local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax returns required by applicable law to be
filed by them (including, without limitation, estimated tax returns, income tax
returns, information returns, and withholding and employment tax returns) and
have paid, or where payment is not required to have been made, have set up an
adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all taxes required to be paid in
respect of the periods covered by such returns and, as of the Effective

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Time, will have paid, or where payment is not required to have been made, will
have set up an adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all taxes for any
subsequent periods ending on or prior to the Effective Time.  Neither UCB nor
any UCB Subsidiary will have any material liability for any such taxes in excess
of the amounts so paid or reserves or accruals so established.

        (b)    Except as Disclosed, all federal, state and local (and, if
applicable, foreign) tax returns filed by UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries are
complete and accurate in all material respects. Neither UCB nor any UCB
Subsidiary is delinquent in the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental
charge. No deficiencies for any tax, assessment or governmental charge have been
proposed, asserted or assessed (tentatively or otherwise) against UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary which have not been settled and paid. There are currently no
agreements in effect with respect to UCB or any UCB Subsidiary to extend the
period of limitations for the assessment or collection of any tax. No audit
examination or deficiency or refund litigation with respect to such returns is
pending.

3.14    Employees; Compensation; Benefit Plans.
        -------------------------------------- 

        (a)    Compensation. UCB shall have Disclosed a complete and correct
               ------------
list of the name, age, position, rate of compensation and any incentive
compensation arrangements, bonuses or commissions or fringe or other benefits,
whether payable in cash or in kind, of each director, shareholder, independent
contractor, consultant and agent of UCB and of each UCB Subsidiary and each
other person (other than an employee as such) to whom UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
pays or provides, or has an obligation, agreement (written or unwritten), policy
or practice of paying or providing, retirement, health, welfare or other
benefits of any kind or description whatsoever.

        (b)    Employee Benefit Plans.
               ---------------------- 

                     (i)    UCB shall have Disclosed an accurate and complete
               list of all Plans, as defined below, contributed to, maintained
               or sponsored by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, to which UCB or any
               UCB Subsidiary is obligated to contribute or has any liability or
               potential liability, whether direct or indirect, including all
               Plans contributed to, maintained or sponsored by each member of
               the controlled group of corporations, within the meaning of
               Sections 414(b), 414(c), 414(m) and 414(o) of the Code, of which
               UCB or any UCB Subsidiary is a member. For purposes of this
               Agreement, the term "Plan" shall mean a plan, arrangement,
               agreement or program described in the foregoing provisions of
               this Section 3.14(b)(i) and which is: (A) a profit-sharing,
               deferred compensation, bonus, stock option, stock purchase,
               pension, retainer, consulting, retirement, severance, welfare or
               incentive plan, agreement or arrangement, whether or not funded
               and whether or not terminated, (B) an employment agreement, (C) a
               personnel policy or fringe benefit plan, policy, program or
               arrangement providing for benefits or perquisites to current or
               former employees, officers, directors or agents, whether or not
               funded, and whether or not terminated, including without
               limitation benefits relating to automobiles, clubs, vacation,
               child care, parenting, sabbatical, sick leave,

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
               severance, medical, dental, hospitalization, life insurance and
               other types of insurance, or (D) any other employee benefit plan
               as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether or not funded and
               whether or not terminated.

                     (ii)   Except as Disclosed, neither UCB nor any UCB
               Subsidiary contributes to, has an obligation to contribute to or
               otherwise has any liability or potential liability with respect
               to (A) any multiemployer plan as defined in Section 3(37) of
               ERISA, (B) any plan of the type described in Sections 4063 and
               4064 of ERISA or in section 413 of the Code (and regulations
               promulgated thereunder), or (C) any plan which provides health,
               life insurance, accident or other "welfare-type" benefits to
               current or future retirees or former employees or directors,
               their spouses or dependents, other than in accordance with
               Section 4980B of the Code or applicable state continuation
               coverage law.

                     (iii)  Except as Disclosed, none of the Plans obligates UCB
               or any UCB Subsidiary to pay separation, severance, termination
               or similar-type benefits solely as a result of any transaction
               contemplated by this Agreement or solely as a result of a "change
               in control," as such term is used in Section 280G of the Code
               (and regulations promulgated thereunder).

                     (iv)   Each Plan has been maintained, funded and
               administered in compliance in all respects with its own terms and
               in compliance in all respects with all applicable laws and
               regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code. No
               actions, suits, claims, complaints, charges, proceedings,
               hearings, examinations, investigations, audits or demands with
               respect to the Plans (other than routine claims for benefits) are
               pending or threatened, and there are no facts which could give
               rise to or be expected to give rise to any actions, suits,
               claims, complaints, charges, proceedings, hearings, examinations,
               investigations, audits or demands. No Plan that is subject to the
               funding requirements of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
               ERISA has incurred any "accumulated funding deficiency" as such
               term is defined in such Sections of ERISA and the Code, whether
               or not waived, and each Plan has always fully met the funding
               standards required under Title I of ERISA and Section 412 of the
               Code. No liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
               ("PBGC") (except for routine payment of premiums) has been or is
               expected to be incurred with respect to any Plan that is subject
               to Title IV of ERISA, no reportable event (as such term is
               defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) has occurred with respect to
               any such Plan, and the PBGC has not commenced or threatened the
               termination of any Plan. None of the assets of UCB or any UCB
               Subsidiary is the subject of any lien arising under Section
               302(f) of ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code, 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
               neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has been required to post any
               security pursuant to Section 307 of ERISA or Section 401(a)(29)
               of the Code, and there are no facts which could be expected to
               give rise to such lien or such posting of security. No event has
               occurred and no condition exists that would subject UCB or any
               UCB Subsidiary to any tax under Sections 4971, 4972, 4977 or 4979
               of the Code or to a fine or penalty under Section 502(c) of
               ERISA.

                     (v)    Each Plan that is intended to be qualified under
               Section 401(a) of the Code, and each trust (if any) forming a
               part thereof, has received a favorable determination letter from
               the Internal Revenue Service as to the qualification under the
               Code of such Plan and the tax exempt status of such related
               trust, and nothing has occurred since the date of such
               determination letter that could adversely affect the
               qualification of such Plan or the tax exempt status of such
               related trust.

                     (vi)   No underfunded "defined benefit plan" (as such term
               is defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) has been, during the five
               years preceding the Closing Date, transferred out of the
               controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of Sections
               414(b), (c), (m) and (o) of the Code) of which UCB or any UCB
               Subsidiary is a member or was a member during such five-year
               period.

                     (vii)  As of the Closing Date, the fair market value of the
               assets of each Plan that is a tax qualified defined benefit plan
               equals or exceeds the present value of all vested and non-vested
               liabilities thereunder determined in accordance with reasonable
               actuarial methods, factors and assumptions applicable to a
               defined benefit plan on an ongoing basis. With respect to each
               Plan that is subject to the funding requirements of Section 412
               of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, all required contributions
               for all periods ending prior to or as of the Closing Date
               (including periods from the first day of the then-current plan
               year to the Closing Date and including all quarterly
               contributions required in accordance with Section 412(m) of the
               Code) shall have been made. With respect to each other Plan, all
               required payments, premiums, contributions, reimbursements or
               accruals for all periods ending prior to or as of the Closing
               Date shall have been made. No tax qualified Plan has any material
               unfunded liabilities.


                     (viii) No prohibited transaction (which shall mean any
               transaction prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA and not exempt
               under Section 408 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, whether
               by statutory, class or individual exemption) has occurred with
               respect to any Plan which would result in the 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
               imposition, directly or indirectly, of any excise tax, penalty or
               other liability under Section 4975 of the Code or Section 409 or
               502(i) of ERISA. Neither UCB, nor to the best knowledge of UCB
               any UCB Subsidiary, nor any trustee, administrator or other
               fiduciary of any Plan, nor to the best knowledge of UCB any agent
               of any of the foregoing has engaged in any transaction or acted
               or failed to act in a manner which could subject UCB or any UCB
               Subsidiary to any material liability for breach of fiduciary duty
               under ERISA or any other applicable law.

                     (ix)   With respect to each Plan, all reports and
               information required to be filed with any government agency or
               distributed to Plan participants and their beneficiaries have
               been duly and timely filed or distributed.

                     (x)    UCB and each UCB Subsidiary has been and is
               presently in compliance with all of the requirements of Section
               4980B of the Code.

                     (xi)   Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has a liability
               as of December 31, 1995, under any Plan that, to the extent
               disclosure is required under generally accepted accounting
               principles, is not reflected on the consolidated balance sheet
               included in the Financial Statements of UCB as of December 31,
               1995 or otherwise Disclosed.

                     (xii)  Neither the consideration nor implementation of the
               transactions contemplated under this Agreement will increase (A)
               UCB's or any UCB Subsidiary's obligation to make contributions or
               any other payments to fund benefits accrued under the Plans as of
               the date of this Agreement or (B) the benefits accrued or payable
               with respect to any participant under the Plans (except to the
               extent benefits may be deemed increased by accelerated vesting).

                     (xiii) With respect to each Plan, UCB has Disclosed or made
               available true, complete and correct copies of (A) all documents
               pursuant to which the Plans are maintained, funded and
               administered, including summary plan descriptions, (B) the three
               most recent annual reports (Form 5500 series) filed with the
               Internal Revenue Service (with attachments), (C) the three most
               recent actuarial reports, if any, (D) the three most recent
               financial statements, (E) all governmental filings for the last
               three years, including without limitation, excise tax returns and
               reportable events filings, and (F) all governmental rulings,
               determinations, and opinions (and pending requests for
               governmental rulings, determinations, and opinions) during the
               past three years.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
3.15    Certain Contracts
        -----------------

        (a)    Except as Disclosed, neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is a
party to, is bound or affected by, or receives benefits under (i) any agreement,
arrangement or commitment, the default of which would have a Material Adverse
Effect, whether or not made in the ordinary course of business (other than loans
or loan commitments made or certificates or deposits received in the ordinary
course of the banking business), or any agreement restricting its business
activities, including without limitation agreements or memoranda of
understanding with regulatory authorities, (ii) any agreement, indenture or
other instrument relating to the borrowing of money by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
or the guarantee by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary of any such obligation, which
cannot be terminated within less than 30 days after the Closing Date by UCB or
any UCB Subsidiary (without payment of any penalty or cost, except with respect
to Federal Home Loan Bank advances), (iii) any agreement, arrangement or
commitment relating to the employment of a consultant or the employment,
election or retention in office of any present or former director or officer,
which cannot be terminated within less than 30 days after the Closing Date by
UCB or any UCB Subsidiary (without payment of any penalty or cost), or that
provides benefits which are contingent, or the terms of which are materially
altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving UCB of the nature
contemplated by this Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement, (iv) any contract,
agreement or understanding with a labor union, in each case whether written or
oral, or (v) any agreement or plan, including any stock option plan, stock
appreciation rights plan, restricted stock plan or stock purchase plan, any of
the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which
will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement or the value of any of the
benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement. Each agreement,
arrangement and commitment Disclosed pursuant to this Section 3.15(a) is in full
force and effect.

        (b)    Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is in default, which default
would have a Material Adverse Effect or would adversely affect the transactions
contemplated herein, under any agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease,
insurance policy, or other instrument, whether entered into in the ordinary
course of business or otherwise and whether written or oral, and there has not
occurred any event that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice or both,
would constitute such a default.

3.16    Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals
        ---------------------------------------

        There are no actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or
proceedings instituted, pending or threatened against UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
or against any asset, interest, or right of UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, or
against any officer, director or employee of any of them that in any such case,
if decided adversely, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. There are no actions, suits or proceedings instituted, pending or
threatened against any present or former director or officer of UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary that would reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim against UCB
or any UCB Subsidiary for indemnification. There are no actual or

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
threatened actions, suits or proceedings which present a claim to restrain or
prohibit the transactions contemplated herein or in the SNC Option Agreement.
To the best knowledge of UCB, no fact or condition  relating to UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary exists (including without limitation noncompliance with the CRA) that
would prevent UCB or SNC from obtaining all of the federal and state regulatory
approvals contemplated herein.

3.17    Compliance with Laws
        --------------------

        Each of UCB and each UCB Subsidiary is in compliance in all material
respects with all statutes and regulations (including, but not limited to, the
CRA, TILA and regulations promulgated thereunder, and other consumer banking
laws) applicable and material to the conduct of its business, and neither UCB
nor any UCB Subsidiary has received notification that has not lapsed, been
withdrawn or abandoned by any agency or department of federal, state or local
government (i) asserting a violation or possible violation of any such statute
or regulation which violation would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on UCB, (ii) threatening to revoke any license, franchise, permit
or government authorization, or (iii) restricting or in any way limiting its
operations.  Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is subject to any regulatory or
supervisory cease and desist order, agreement, directive, memorandum of
understanding or commitment, and none of them has received any communication
requesting that it enter into any of the foregoing.

3.18    Brokers and Finders
        -------------------

        Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary, nor any of their respective
officers, directors or employees, has employed any broker, finder or financial
advisor or incurred any liability for any fees or commissions in connection with
the transactions contemplated herein, in the Plan of Merger or in the SNC Option
Agreement, except for fees to accountants and lawyers and an obligation to Wheat
First Butcher Singer as Disclosed for investment banking services.

3.19    Loans
        -----

        To the best of UCB's knowledge, substantially all of the loans on the
books and records of the UCB Subsidiaries are valid and properly documented.
Neither the terms of such loans, nor any of the loan documentation, nor the
manner in which such loans have been administered and serviced, violates in any
material respect any federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or ordinance
applicable thereto, including without limitation, the TILA, Regulations O and Z
of the Federal Reserve Board, the CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, as
amended, and state laws, rules and regulations relating to consumer protection,
installment sales and usury.

3.20    Repurchase Agreements
        ---------------------

        With respect to all agreements currently outstanding pursuant to which
UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has purchased securities subject to an agreement to
resell, UCB or the UCB Subsidiary has a valid, perfected first lien or security
interest in the securities or other collateral securing such

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
agreement, and the value of such collateral equals or exceeds the amount of the
debt secured thereby. With respect to all agreements currently outstanding
pursuant to which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has sold securities subject to an
agreement to repurchase, neither UCB nor the UCB Subsidiary has pledged
collateral materially in excess of the amount of the debt secured thereby.
Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has pledged collateral materially in excess
of the amount required under any interest rate swap or other similar agreement
currently outstanding.

 3.21 Deposit Accounts
      ----------------

      The deposit accounts of the UCB Subsidiaries that are insured depository
institutions are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted by federal
law, and the UCB Subsidiaries have paid all premiums and assessments and filed
all reports required to have been paid or filed under the FDIA.

 3.22 Related Party Transactions
      --------------------------

      UCB has Disclosed all transactions, investments and loans, including loan
guarantees, to which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary is a party with any director,
executive officer or 5% shareholder of UCB or any person, corporation, or
enterprise controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of the
foregoing.  All such transactions, investments and loans are on terms no less
favorable to UCB than could be obtained from unrelated parties.

 3.23 Certain Information
      -------------------

      When the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed, and at the time of
the meeting of shareholders of UCB to vote upon the Plan of Merger, the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all amendments or supplements thereto, with
respect to all information set forth therein provided by UCB, (i) shall comply
in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Laws,
and (ii) shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were
made, not misleading.

 3.24 Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters
      --------------------------------------

      Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has taken or agreed to take any action
which would or could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the business
combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for as a pooling-of-
interests (except to the extent actions taken pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement could have such affect) or not to constitute a reorganization under
Section 368 of the Code, or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
consents of regulatory authorities referred to in Section 5.4(b) or result in
failure of the condition in Section 6.3(b).

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
 3.25 State Takeover Laws
      -------------------

      UCB and each UCB Subsidiary have taken all necessary action to exempt the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement from any applicable moratorium, fair
price, business combination, control share or other anti-takeover laws included
in Sections 55-9-101 et seq. and 55-9A-01 et seq. of the NCBCA.

 3.26 Derivatives Contracts
      ---------------------

      Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is a party to or has agreed to enter
into an exchange-traded or over-the-counter swap, forward, future, option, cap,
floor, or collar financial contract, or any other interest rate or foreign
currency protection contract not included on its balance sheets in the Financial
Statements, which is a financial derivative contract (including various
combinations thereof), except as Disclosed.

 3.27 Fairness Opinion
      ----------------

      UCB has received from Wheat First Butcher Singer an opinion that, as of
November 1, 1996, the Exchange Ratio is fair to the shareholders of UCB from a
financial point of view.


                                  ARTICLE IV
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                    OF SNC

      SNC represents and warrants to UCB as follows:

 4.1  Capital Structure of SNC
      ------------------------

      The authorized capital stock of SNC consists of (i) 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share, of which no shares are issued and
outstanding, and (ii) 300,000,000 shares of SNC Common Stock, of which
109,112,010 shares were issued and outstanding on September 30, 1996.  All
outstanding shares of SNC Common Stock have been duly authorized and are validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The shares of SNC Common Stock reserved as
provided in Section 5.3 are free of any Rights and have not been reserved for
any other purpose, and such shares are available for issuance as provided
pursuant to the Plan of Merger. Holders of SNC Common Stock do not have
preemptive rights.

 4.2  Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC
      -------------------------------------------

      SNC is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of North Carolina, with full corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now conducted and to own, lease and
operate its assets, and is duly qualified to do business in the

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
states of the United States where its ownership or leasing of property or the
conduct of its business requires such qualification and where failure to so
qualify would have a Material Adverse Effect. SNC is registered as a bank
holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

4.3  Authorized and Effective Agreement
     ----------------------------------

     (a) SNC has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and
(subject to receipt of all necessary government approvals and receipt of
required approval of shareholders of SNC of this Agreement and the Plan of
Merger) perform all of its obligations under this Agreement, the SNC Option
Agreement  and the UCB Option Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this
Reorganization Agreement, the Articles of Merger and said Option Agreements, and
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly
and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof on
the part of SNC, except in the case of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger,
the approval of SNC shareholders pursuant to and to the extent required by
applicable law or regulation.  This Agreement and the Plan of Merger attached
hereto constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of SNC, and each is
enforceable against SNC in accordance with its terms, in each case subject to
(i) bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, conservatorship,
receivership or other similar laws in effect from time to time relating to or
affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors; and (ii) general
principles of equity, and except that the availability of remedies or injunctive
relief is within the discretion of the appropriate court.

     (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the SNC Option
Agreement or the UCB Option Agreement, nor consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by SNC with any of the provisions
hereof or thereof shall (i) conflict with or result in a breach of any provision
of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of SNC or any SNC Subsidiary, (ii)
constitute or result in a breach of any term, condition or provision of, or
constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration with respect to, or result in the creation of any
lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or asset of SNC or any SNC
Subsidiary pursuant to any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, agreement
or other instrument or obligation, which would have a material adverse effect on
the business, operations or financial condition of SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries
taken as a whole, or (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to SNC or any SNC Subsidiary.

4.4  Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC Subsidiaries
     --------------------------------------------------------

     Each of the SNC Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under applicable laws.  SNC owns, directly or indirectly, all of
the stock of each of the SNC Subsidiaries. Each of the SNC Subsidiaries (i) has
full power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and (ii) is
duly qualified to do business in the states of the United States and foreign
jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its
business requires such qualification and where failure to so qualify would have
a Material Adverse Effect on SNC.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
4.5  Securities Documents
     --------------------

     SNC (and BB&T Financial Corporation prior to its merger with SNC) has
timely filed all Securities Documents required by the Securities Laws since
December 31, 1993.  As of their respective dates of filing, such Securities
Documents complied in all material respects with the Securities Laws as then in
effect, and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.

4.6  Financial Statements
     --------------------

     The Financial Statements of SNC fairly present or will fairly present, as
the case may be, the consolidated financial position of SNC and the SNC
Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in shareholders' equity and changes in cash flows for the
periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited interim statements, to
normal year-end audit adjustments that are not material in amount or effect) in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to financial
institutions applied on a consistent basis.

4.7  Material Adverse Change
     -----------------------

     Since December 31, 1995, SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries have not incurred any
material liability except as disclosed on the most recent SNC Financial
Statements, or entered into any transactions with affiliates, other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, nor has there been
any change, or any event involving a prospective change, in the business,
financial condition or results of operations of SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries
which has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
SNC.

4.8  Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals
     --------------------------------------- 

     There are no actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or
proceedings instituted, pending or threatened against SNC or any SNC Subsidiary
or against any asset, interest, or right of SNC or any SNC Subsidiary, or
against any officer, director or employee of any of them that in any such case,
if decided adversely, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. There are no actions, suits or proceedings instituted, pending or
threatened against any present or former director or officer of SNC or any SNC
Subsidiary that would reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim against SNC
or any SNC Subsidiary for indemnification. There are no actual or threatened
actions, suits or proceedings which present a claim to restrain or prohibit the
transactions contemplated herein, in the Plan of Merger or the UCB Option
Agreement.  To the best knowledge of SNC, no fact or condition  relating to SNC
or any SNC Subsidiary exists (including without limitation noncompliance with
the CRA) that would prevent UCB or SNC from obtaining all of the federal and
state regulatory approvals contemplated herein.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
4.9  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
     ----------------------------------

     Neither SNC nor any of the SNC Subsidiaries has any liability (contingent
or otherwise) that is material to SNC on a consolidated basis or that, when
combined with all similar liabilities, would be material to SNC on a
consolidated basis, except as disclosed in the Financial Statements of SNC and
except for liabilities made in the ordinary course of its business since the
date of SNC's most recent Financial Statements.

4.10 Allowance for Loan Losses
     -------------------------

     The allowance for loan losses reflected on the consolidated balance sheets
included in the Financial Statements of SNC is or will be in the opinion of
SNC's management adequate in all material respects as of their respective dates,
under the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and
applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines as they apply to banks and
bank holding companies, to provide for reasonably anticipated losses on
outstanding loans net of recoveries.

4.11 Tax Matters
     -----------

     (a) SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries, and each of their predecessors, has
timely filed all federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax
returns required by applicable law to be filed by them (including, without
limitation, estimated tax returns, income tax returns, information returns, and
withholding and employment tax returns) and have paid,  or have set up an
adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all taxes required to be paid as
shown on such returns and, as of the Effective Time, will have paid, or where
payment is not required to have been made, will have set up an adequate reserve
or accrual for the payment of, all taxes for any subsequent periods ending on or
prior to the Effective Time.  SNC will not, to SNC's knowledge, have any
material liability for any such taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or
reserves or accruals so established.

     (b) All federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax returns
filed by SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries are complete and accurate in all material
respects.  Neither SNC nor any SNC Subsidiary is delinquent in the payment of
any tax, assessment or governmental charge, and has not failed to file any tax
return which is currently past due.  No deficiencies for any tax, assessment or
governmental charge have been proposed, asserted or assessed (tentatively or
otherwise) against SNC or any SNC Subsidiary which have not been settled and
paid.  There currently are no agreements in effect with respect to SNC or any
SNC Subsidiary to extend the period of limitations for the assessment or
collection of any tax.

4.12 Compliance with Laws
     --------------------

     Each of SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries is in compliance with all statutes and
regulations (including, but not limited to, the CRA, TILA and regulations
promulgated thereunder and other consumer banking laws) applicable and material
to the conduct of its business, and neither SNC nor

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
any of the SNC Subsidiaries has received any notification that has not lapsed,
been withdrawn or abandoned from any agency or department of federal, state or
local government (i) asserting a violation or possible violation of any such
statute or regulation, and which violation would reasonably likely have a
Material Adverse Effect on SNC, (ii) threatening to revoke any license,
franchise, permit or government  authorization, or (iii) restricting or in any
way limiting its operations.  Neither SNC nor any of the SNC Subsidiaries is
subject to any regulatory or supervisory cease and desist order, agreement,
directive or memorandum of understanding, and none of them has received any
communication requesting that they enter into any of the foregoing.

4.13 Certain Information
     -------------------

     When the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed, and at all times
subsequent to such mailing up to and including the time of the meeting of
shareholders of SNC to vote on the Merger, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
and all amendments or supplements thereto, with respect to all information set
forth therein relating to SNC, (i) shall comply in all material respects with
the applicable provisions of the Securities Laws, and (ii) shall not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein, in
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

4.14 Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters
     --------------------------------------

     Neither SNC nor the SNC Subsidiaries have taken or agreed to take any
action which would or could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the business
combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for as a pooling of
interests or not to constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code,
or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any consents of regulatory
authorities referred to in Section 5.4(b) or result in failure of the condition
in Section 6.3(b).

4.15 Share Ownership
     ---------------

     As of the date of this Agreement, SNC does not own (except in a fiduciary
capacity) any shares of UCB Common Stock.

                                   ARTICLE V
                                   COVENANTS

5.1  Shareholders' Meetings
     ----------------------

     UCB shall submit this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger to
its shareholders for approval at a meeting to be held as soon as practicable,
and by approving execution of this Agreement the Board of Directors of UCB
agrees that it shall, at the time the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed
to the shareholders of UCB, recommend that UCB's shareholders vote for such
approval; provided, that the Board of Directors of UCB may withdraw or refuse to
make such recommendation only if the Board of Directors shall determine in good
faith that such

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
recommendation would violate its fiduciary duty to its shareholders following
(i) the consideration of written advice of legal counsel that making such
recommendation or the failure to withdraw or modify such recommendation would
constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties of such Board to shareholders of
UCB, and (ii) the withdrawal by Wheat First Butcher Singer in writing of its
opinion referred to in Section 3.27 or delivering to the UCB Board of Directors
of written advice from Wheat First Butcher Singer that the Exchange Ratio is not
fair or is inadequate to the shareholders of UCB from a financial point of view.
SNC shall submit this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger to its
shareholders for approval at a meeting to be held as soon as practicable, and by
approving execution of this Agreement the Board of Directors of SNC agrees that
it shall, at the time the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed to the
shareholders of SNC, recommend that SNC's shareholders vote for such approval.

5.2  Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
     --------------------------------------------------------

     As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, SNC shall prepare and
file the Registration Statement with the Commission. UCB will furnish to SNC the
information required to be included in the Registration Statement with respect
to its business and affairs before it is filed with the Commission and again
before any amendments are filed, and shall have the right to review and consult
with SNC on the form of, and any characterizations of such information included
in, the Registration Statement prior to the filing with the Commission.   SNC
shall use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared
effective under the Securities Act.  Such Registration Statement, at the time it
becomes effective and on the Effective Time, shall in all material respects
conform to the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission.  SNC shall take all actions required to register
or obtain exemptions from such registration for the SNC Common Stock to be
issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
the Plan of Merger under applicable state "Blue Sky" securities laws, as
appropriate.  The Registration Statement shall include the form of Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.  SNC and UCB shall use their best efforts to cause the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be approved by the SEC for mailing to the
UCB and SNC shareholders, and such Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall, on
the date of mailing, conform in all material respects to the requirements of the
Securities Laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
SNC and UCB shall cause the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to
shareholders in accordance with all applicable notice requirements under the
Securities Laws and the NCBCA.

 5.3 Plan of Merger; Reservation of Shares
     -------------------------------------

     At the Effective Time, the Merger shall be effected in accordance with the
Plan of Merger. In this connection, SNC undertakes and agrees to pay or cause to
be paid when due the number of shares of SNC Common Stock to be distributed
pursuant to Section 2.7 and any cash required to be paid for fractional shares.
SNC has reserved for issuance such number of shares of SNC Common Stock as shall
be necessary to pay the consideration to be distributed to the UCB shareholders
as contemplated in Section 2.8, required in connection with the UCB Option
Agreement, and as

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
otherwise required herein.  If at any time the aggregate number of shares of SNC
Common Stock available for issuance hereunder shall not be sufficient to effect
the Merger, SNC shall take all appropriate action as may be required to increase
the amount of the authorized SNC Common Stock.

5.4  Additional Acts
     ---------------

     (a) UCB agrees to cooperate in taking such actions as may be reasonably
necessary to modify the structure of, or to substitute parties to (so long as
such substitute is SNC or a SNC Subsidiary) the transactions contemplated
hereby, provided that such modifications do not adversely affect the economic
benefits of such transactions or otherwise abrogate the covenants and other
agreements contained in this Agreement.

     (b) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, SNC and UCB shall
submit notice or applications for prior approval of the transactions
contemplated herein to the Federal Reserve Board, and any other federal, state
or local government agency, department or body to which notice is required or
from which  approval is required for consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby.  UCB and SNC each represents and warrants to
the other that all information concerning it and its directors, officers and
shareholders and concerning any SNC Subsidiary included (or submitted for
inclusion) in any such application shall be true, correct and complete in all
material respects as of the date presented.

5.5  Best Efforts
     ------------

     SNC and UCB shall use, and shall cause each of their respective
Subsidiaries to use, its best efforts in good faith to (i) furnish such
information as may be required in connection with and otherwise cooperate in the
preparation and filing of the documents referred to in Sections 5.2 and 5.4 or
elsewhere herein, and (ii) take or cause to be taken all action necessary or
desirable on its part to fulfill the conditions in Article VI and to consummate
the transactions herein contemplated at the earliest practicable date.  Neither
SNC nor UCB shall take, or cause, or to the best of its ability permit to be
taken, any action that would substantially delay or impair the prospects of
completing the Merger pursuant to this Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

5.6  Certain Accounting Matters
     --------------------------

     UCB shall cooperate with SNC concerning accounting and financial matters
necessary or appropriate to facilitate the Merger (taking into account SNC's
policies, practices and procedures), including without limitation issues arising
in connection with record keeping, loan classification, valuation adjustments,
levels of loan loss reserves and other accounting practices.

5.7  Access to Information
     ---------------------

     UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries will keep SNC advised, and SNC and the SNC
Subsidiaries will keep UCB advised, of all material developments relevant to
their business and to consummation

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
of the Merger.  Upon reasonable notice, UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries shall
afford to representatives of SNC, and SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries shall afford
to representatives of UCB, access, during normal business hours during the
period prior to the Effective Time, to all of their respective properties,
books, contracts, commitments and records and, during such period, shall make
available all information concerning their business as may be reasonably
requested.  No investigation pursuant to this Section 5.7 shall affect or be
deemed to modify any representation or warranty made by, or the conditions to
the obligations hereunder of, either party hereto.  As of the date hereof, UCB
and SNC have entered into confidentiality agreements relating to the information
to be provided pursuant to this Agreement.

5.8  Press Releases
     --------------

     SNC and UCB shall agree with each other as to the form and substance of any
press release related to this  Agreement and the Plan of Merger or the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and consult with each other as to
the form and substance of other public disclosures related thereto; provided,
that nothing contained herein shall prohibit either party, following
notification to the other party, from making any disclosure which in the opinion
of its counsel is required by law.

5.9  Forbearances of UCB
     -------------------

     Except with the prior written consent of SNC, between the date hereof and
the Effective Time, UCB shall not, and shall cause each of the UCB Subsidiaries
not to:

        (a) carry on its business other than in the usual, regular and ordinary
     course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, or
     establish or acquire any new Subsidiary or engage in any new activity;

        (b) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
     in respect of its capital stock, other than regularly scheduled quarterly
     dividends of $.18 per share of UCB Common Stock payable on record dates and
     in amounts consistent with past practices; provided that any dividend
     declared or payable on the shares of UCB Common Stock for the quarterly
     period during which the Effective Time occurs shall, unless otherwise
     agreed upon in writing by SNC and UCB, be declared with a record date prior
     to the Effective Time only if the normal record date for payment of the
     corresponding quarterly dividend to holders of SNC Common Stock is before
     the Effective Time;

        (c) issue any shares of its capital stock, except pursuant to the Stock
     Option Plan and the SNC Option Agreement;

        (d) issue, grant or authorize any Rights or effect any recapitalization,
     reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or like change in
     capitalization;

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
        (e) amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws; impose or permit
     imposition, of any lien, charge or encumbrance on any share of stock held
     by it in any UCB Subsidiary, or permit any such lien, charge or encumbrance
     to exist; or waive or release any material right or cancel or compromise
     any debt or claim other than in the ordinary course of business;

        (f) merge with any other entity or permit any other entity to merge into
     it, or consolidate with any other entity; acquire control over any other
     entity; or liquidate, sell or otherwise dispose of any assets or acquire
     any assets, other than in the ordinary course of its business consistent
     with past practices;

        (g) fail to comply in any material respect with any laws, regulations,
     ordinances or governmental actions applicable to it and to the conduct of
     its business;

        (h) increase the rate of compensation of any of its directors, officers
     or employees, or pay or agree to pay any bonus to, or provide any other
     employee benefit or incentive to, any of its directors, officers or
     employees, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
     practices;

        (i) enter into or substantially modify (except as may be required by
     applicable law or regulation) any pension, retirement, stock option, stock
     purchase, stock appreciation right, savings, profit sharing, deferred
     compensation, consulting, bonus, group insurance or other employee benefit,
     incentive or welfare contract, plan or arrangement, or any trust agreement
     related thereto, in respect of any of its directors, officers or other
     employees; provided, that this subparagraph shall not prevent renewals of
     any of the foregoing consistent with past practice, except for contemplated
     changes in UCB's Flexible Benefit Plan;

        (j) solicit or encourage inquiries or proposals with respect to, furnish
     any information relating to, or participate in any negotiations or
     discussions concerning, any acquisition or purchase of all or a substantial
     portion of the assets of, or a substantial equity interest in, UCB or any
     UCB Subsidiary or any business combination with UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
     other than as contemplated by this Agreement; or authorize any officer,
     director, agent or affiliate of UCB or any UCB Subsidiary to do any of the
     above; or fail to notify SNC immediately if any such inquiries or proposals
     are received, any such information is requested or required, or any such
     negotiations or discussions are sought to be initiated; provided, that this
     paragraph (j) shall not apply to furnishing information, negotiations or
     discussions following an unsolicited offer if, as a result of such offer,
     UCB is advised in writing by legal counsel that the failure so to furnish
     information or negotiate would constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties
     of UCB's Board of Directors to its shareholders;

        (k) enter into (i) any material agreement, arrangement or commitment not
     made in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any agreement, indenture or
     other instrument not made in the ordinary course of business relating to
     the borrowing of money by UCB or a UCB

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
     Subsidiary or guarantee by UCB or a UCB Subsidiary of any obligation, (iii)
     any agreement, arrangement or commitment relating to the employment or
     severance of a consultant or the employment, severance, election or
     retention in office of any present or former director, officer or employee
     (this clause shall not apply to the election of directors by shareholders
     in the normal course, and the election of officers by directors in the
     normal course terminable at will except to the extent otherwise provided in
     an agreement, arrangement or commitment Disclosed); or (iv) any contract,
     agreement or understanding with a labor union;

        (l) change its lending, investment or asset liability management
     policies in any material respect, except as may be required by applicable
     law, regulation, or directives, and except that after approval of the
     Agreement and the Plan of Merger by its shareholders UCB shall cooperate in
     good faith with SNC to adopt policies, practices and procedures consistent
     with those utilized by SNC, effective on or before the Closing Date;

        (m) change its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 1995,
     except as required by changes in generally accepted accounting principles
     concurred in by SNC's independent certified public accountants, which
     concurrence shall not be unreasonably withheld, or change any of its
     methods of reporting income and deductions for federal income tax purposes
     from those employed in the preparation of its federal income tax returns
     for the year ended December 31, 1995, except as required by changes in law
     or regulation;

        (n) incur any commitments for capital expenditures or obligation to make
     capital expenditures in excess of $250,000, for any one expenditure, or
     $2,000,000, in the aggregate;

        (o) incur any indebtedness other than deposits from customers or
     otherwise in the ordinary course of business;

        (p) take any action which would or could reasonably be expected to (i)
     cause the business combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for
     as a pooling of interests or not to constitute a reorganization under
     Section 368 of the Code, in either case as determined by SNC, (ii) result
     in any inaccuracy of a representation or warranty herein which would allow
     for a termination of this Agreement, or (iii) cause any of the conditions
     precedent to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to fail to be
     satisfied;

        (q) dispose of any material assets other than in the ordinary course of
     business; or

        (r) agree to do any of the foregoing.

5.10 Employment Agreements
     ---------------------

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
     SNC shall enter into employment agreements with those UCB employees and on
the terms as agreed by SNC and UCB prior to the date hereof, which shall
supersede presently existing employment agreements.

5.11 Affiliates
     ----------

     UCB shall use reasonable efforts to cause all persons who are affiliates of
UCB to deliver to SNC promptly following this Agreement a written agreement
providing that such person will not dispose of SNC Common Stock received in the
Merger except in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder and except as consistent with qualifying the
transactions contemplated hereby for pooling of interests accounting treatment,
and in any event shall cause such affiliates to deliver to SNC such written
agreement prior to the Effective Time.

5.12 Employee Benefit Plans
     ----------------------

     (a) Each employee of UCB and UCB Subsidiaries at the Effective Time (herein
"Employee") shall become an employee of SNC or a SNC Subsidiary immediately
following the Effective Time, upon substantially the same terms and conditions
as in effect immediately preceding the Effective Time.  Each Employee, as an
employee of SNC or one of the SNC Subsidiaries shall be eligible to receive
bonus or incentive, retirement, severance, group hospitalization, medical, life,
disability and other benefits comparable to those provided to similarly situated
employees of SNC or the SNC Subsidiary.  For purposes of administering all plans
and benefits of SNC or a SNC Subsidiary, service with UCB and the UCB
Subsidiaries by each Employee shall be deemed to be service with SNC or the SNC
Subsidiaries for participation and vesting purposes only (subject to paragraph
(c) of this Section 5.12).

     (b) SNC shall cause the 401(k) plan of UCB to be merged with the 401(k)
plan maintained by SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries, and the account balances of the
Employees who are participants in the UCB plan shall be transferred to the
accounts of such Employees under the SNC 401(k) plan.  Following such merger and
transfer, such accounts shall be governed and controlled by the terms of the SNC
401(k) plan as in effect from time to time (and subject to SNC's right to
terminate such plan).

     (c) The parties anticipate that SNC shall cause the tax qualified defined
benefit pension plan of UCB to be merged with the tax qualified defined benefit
plan of SNC.  If such merger occurs, the SNC pension plan will provide future
benefit accruals under the SNC pension plan for the Employees which will not be
less than the benefits which would be accrued under the "fresh start formula
without wear away" as described in Treasury Regulation (S) 1.401(a)(4)-
13(c)(4)(i) (that is, the accrued benefit of each Employee who becomes a
participant in the SNC pension plan incident to such plan merger will equal the
sum of the benefit accrued to the Effective Time under the UCB pension plan plus
the future benefit accrued under the SNC pension plan).  For purposes of
applying the SNC pension plan following such merger, service with UCB of an
Employee shall be deemed

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
to be service with SNC for the purposes of determining eligibility and vesting,
but not for the purpose of determining benefit accruals following the Effective
Time.

     (d) UCB's Long Term Incentive Plan, Director Deferred Compensation Plan and
Triad Bank Long Term Incentive Plan shall be frozen as of the Effective Time,
and SNC shall assume as of the Effective Time all obligations under such plans
as then accrued.  SNC shall following the Effective Time administer such plans
in accordance with their respective terms, except that no further rights or
benefits shall accrue to participants and no further employees or directors
shall be permitted to participate in either or both of such plans.  SNC shall
assume and continue in effect the UCB Supplemental Retirement Plan for the
benefit of current participants therein.

5.13 Directors and Officers Protection
     ---------------------------------

     (a) SNC shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the present and former
directors, officers, employees, and agents of UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries
(each, an "Indemnified Party") against all liabilities arising out of actions or
omissions arising out of the Indemnified Party's service or services as
directors, officers, employees, or agents of UCB or, at UCB's request, of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise
occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement) to the fullest extent permitted under North
Carolina Law and by UCB's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as in effect on
the date hereof, whether or not SNC is insured against any such matter.  Without
limiting the foregoing, in any case in which approval by SNC is required to
effectuate any indemnification, SNC shall direct, at the election of the
Indemnified Party, that the determination of any such approval shall be made by
independent counsel mutually agreed upon between SNC and the Indemnified Party.

     (b) SNC shall use its reasonable efforts to (i) cause the directors and
officers of UCB immediately prior to the Effective Time to be covered under its
then existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy providing full
coverage for acts occurring prior to the Effective Time; or (ii) to maintain in
effect for a period of three years after the Effective Time UCB's existing
directors' and officers' liability insurance policy (provided that SNC may
substitute therefor (A) policies of at least the same coverage and amounts
containing terms and conditions which are substantially no less advantageous or
(B) with the consent of UCB given prior to the Effective Time, any other policy)
with respect to claims arising from facts or events which occurred prior to the
Effective Time and covering persons who are currently covered by such insurance;
provided, that neither SNC nor the Surviving Corporation shall be obligated to
make annual premium payments for such three year period in respect of such
policy (or coverage replacing such policy) which exceed, for the portion related
to UCB's directors and officers, 150% of the annual premium payments on UCB's
current policy in effect as of the date of this Agreement (the "Maximum
Amount").  If the amount of the premiums necessary to maintain or procure such
insurance coverage exceeds the Maximum Amount, SNC shall use its reasonable
efforts to maintain the most advantageous policies of directors' and officers'
liability insurance obtainable for a premium equal to the Maximum Amount.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
     (c) If SNC or the Surviving Corporation or any successors or assigns shall
consolidate with or merge into any other entity and shall not be the continuing
or surviving person of such consolidation or merger or shall transfer all or
substantially all of its assets to any entity, then and in each case, proper
provision shall be made so that the successor and assigns of SNC or the
Surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section
5.13.

     (d) The provisions of this Section 5.13 are intended to be for the benefit
of and shall be enforceable by, each indemnified director and officer and their
respective heirs and representatives.

5.14 Forbearances of SNC
     -------------------

     Except with the prior written consent of UCB, which consent shall not be
arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld, between the date hereof and the Effective
Time, neither SNC nor any SNC Subsidiary shall:

     (a) exercise the UCB Option Agreement other than in accordance with its
terms, or dispose of the shares of UCB Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the option rights conferred thereby other than as permitted or contemplated by
the terms thereof; or

     (b) enter into a merger or other business combination transaction with any
other corporation or person in which SNC would not be the surviving or
continuing entity after the consummation thereof;

     (c) sell or lease all or substantially all of the assets and business of
any SNC Subsidiary;

     (d) carry on its business other than in the usual, regular and ordinary
course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted;

     (e) fail to comply in any material respect with any laws, regulations,
ordinances or governmental actions applicable to it and to the conduct of its
business; or

     (f) take any action which would or might be expected to (i) cause the
business combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for as a pooling-
of-interest or not to constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code,
(ii) result in any inaccuracy of a representation or warranty herein which would
allow for termination of this Agreement, or (iii) cause any of the conditions
precedent to the transactions contemplated by this agreement to fail to be
satisfied.

5.15 Assumption of Agreement by Acquiror
     -----------------------------------

     It shall be a condition precedent to SNC entering into any agreement
whereby SNC shall (i) consolidate with or merge into any other entity and shall
not be the continuing or surviving person of such consolidation or merger, or
(ii) transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any entity, that

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
proper provision shall be made so that the successor and assigns of SNC shall
specifically agree to assume SNC's obligations under this Agreement.

5.16 Reports
     -------

     Each of UCB and SNC shall file (and shall cause the UCB Subsidiaries and
the SNC Subsidiaries, respectively, to file), between the date of this Agreement
and the Effective Time, all reports required to be filed by it with the
Commission and any other regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over such
party, and shall deliver to SNC or UCB, as the case may be, copies of all such
reports promptly after the same are filed.  If financial statements are
contained in any such reports filed with the Commission, such financial
statements will fairly present the consolidated financial position of the entity
filing such statements as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the periods then
ended in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures (subject in
the case of interim financial statements to normal recurring year-end
adjustments that are not material).  As of their respective dates, such reports
filed with the Commission will comply in all material respects with the
Securities Laws and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading.  Any financial statements contained in any other
reports to a regulatory authority other than the Commission shall be prepared in
accordance with requirements applicable to such reports.

5.17 Exchange Listing
     ----------------

     SNC shall use its reasonable efforts to list, prior to the Effective Time,
on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, the shares of SNC Common
Stock to be issued to the holders of UCB Common Stock pursuant to the Merger,
and SNC shall give all notices and make all filings with the NYSE required in
connection with the transactions contemplated herein.


                                  ARTICLE VI
                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

6.1  Conditions Precedent -- SNC and UCB
     -----------------------------------

     The respective obligations of SNC and UCB to effect the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to satisfaction or waiver of
the following conditions at or prior to the Effective Time:

        (a) All corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery
     and performance of this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger,
     the UCB Option Agreement and the SNC Option Agreement, and consummation of
     the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall have been duly and
     validly taken, including without

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
     limitation the approval of the shareholders of SNC and UCB of the Agreement
     and the Plan of Merger, in each case as set forth in Section 2.2;

        (b) The Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendments
     thereto) shall be effective under the Securities Act, and SNC shall have
     received all state securities or "Blue Sky" permits or other
     authorizations, or confirmations as to the availability of an exemption
     from registration requirements as may be necessary, and no proceedings
     shall be pending or to the knowledge of SNC threatened by the Commission or
     any state "Blue Sky" securities administration to suspend the effectiveness
     of such Registration Statement; and the SNC Common Stock to be issued as
     contemplated in the Plan of Merger shall have either been registered or be
     subject to exemption from registration under applicable state securities
     laws;

        (c) The parties shall have received all regulatory approvals required in
     connection with the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization
     Agreement, all notice periods and waiting periods required after the
     granting of any such approvals shall have passed, and all such approvals
     shall be in effect;

        (d) None of SNC, any of the SNC Subsidiaries, UCB or any of the UCB
     Subsidiaries shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction of a court
     or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits consummation
     of the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement;

        (e) UCB and SNC shall have received an opinion of SNC's legal counsel,
     in form and substance satisfactory to UCB and SNC, substantially to the
     effect that the Merger will constitute one or more reorganizations under
     Section 368 of the Code and that the shareholders of UCB will not recognize
     any gain or loss to the extent that such shareholders exchange shares of
     UCB Common Stock for shares of SNC Common Stock;

        (f) SNC shall have received letters, dated as of the date of filing of
     the Registration Statement with the Commission and as of the Effective
     Time, addressed to SNC, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
     SNC, from Arthur Andersen, LLP to the effect that the transactions
     contemplated herein will qualify for pooling-of-interest accounting
     treatment; and

        (g) The shares of SNC Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger shall
     have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
     issuance.

6.2  Conditions Precedent -- UCB
     ---------------------------

     The obligations of UCB to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following additional
conditions at or prior to the Effective Time, unless waived by UCB pursuant to
Section 7.4:

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
        (a) All representations and warranties of SNC shall be assessed as of
     the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made on
     and as of the Effective Time (or on the date designated in the case of any
     representation and warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date),
     except as otherwise contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement or
     consented to in writing by UCB. The representations and warranties of SNC
     set forth in Section 4.1 shall be true and correct (except for inaccuracies
     which are de minimis in amount). The representations and warranties of SNC
     set forth in Section 4.14 shall be true and correct in all material
     respects. There shall not exist inaccuracies in the representations and
     warranties of SNC set forth in this Agreement (including the
     representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.14) such
     that the aggregate effect of such inaccuracies has, or is reasonably likely
     to have, a Material Adverse Effect on SNC; provided that, for purposes of
     this sentence only, those representations and warranties which are
     qualified by references to "material" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be
     deemed not to include such qualifications;

        (b) SNC shall have performed in all material respects all obligations
     and complied in all material respects with all covenants required by this
     Agreement;

        (c) SNC shall have delivered to UCB a certificate, dated the Closing
     Date and signed by its Chairman or President or an Executive Vice
     President, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1(a),
     6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.2(a) and 6.2(b), to the extent applicable to SNC, have
     been satisfied and that there are no actions, suits, claims, governmental
     investigations or procedures instituted, pending or, to the best of such
     officer's knowledge, threatened that reasonably may be expected to have a
     Material Adverse Effect on SNC or that present a claim to restrain or
     prohibit the transactions contemplated herein or in the Plan of Merger;

        (d) UCB shall have received opinions of counsel to SNC in the form
     reasonably acceptable to UCB's legal counsel; and

        (e) All approvals of the transactions contemplated herein from the
     Federal Reserve Board and any other state or federal government agency,
     department or body, the approval of which is required for the consummation
     of the Merger, shall have been received and all waiting periods with
     respect to such approvals shall have expired.

6.3  Conditions Precedent -- SNC
     ---------------------------

     The obligations of SNC to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to satisfaction of the following additional
conditions at or prior to the Effective Time, unless waived by SNC pursuant to
Section 7.4:

        (a)  All representations and warranties of UCB shall be assessed as of
     the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made on
     and as of the Effective Time (or on the date designated in the case of any
     representation and warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date),
     except as otherwise contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement or
     consented to in writing

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
     by SNC. The representations and warranties of UCB set forth in Section 3.1
     shall be true and correct (except for inaccuracies which are de minimis in
     amount). The representations and warranties of UCB set forth in Section
     3.24 shall be true and correct in all material respects. There shall not
     exist inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of UCB set forth
     in this Agreement (including the representations and warranties set forth
     in Sections 3.1 and 3.24) such that the aggregate effect of such
     inaccuracies has, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse
     Effect on UCB; provided that, for purposes of this sentence only, those
     representations and warranties which are qualified by references to
     "material" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be deemed not to include such
     qualifications;

        (b)  No regulatory approval shall have imposed any condition or
     requirement which, in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Directors of
     SNC, would so materially adversely affect the business or economic benefits
     to SNC of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as to render
     consummation of such transactions inadvisable or unduly burdensome;
     provided, that (i) SNC has used its reasonable efforts to cause such
     conditions or restrictions to be removed or modified as appropriate; (ii)
     notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that such consent is
     conditioned or restricted as a result of a regulatory or legal issue
     resulting from other acquisitions by SNC, whether announced before or after
     the date of this Agreement, or otherwise unrelated to UCB, SNC shall not be
     entitled to refuse to consummate the Merger on the basis set forth in this
     sentence; and (iii) any required disposition of deposits shall be deemed
     acceptable if the dollar amount of deposits required to be divested does
     not exceed the upper range of estimates first disclosed to the public by
     SNC following the execution of this Agreement;


        (c)  UCB shall have performed in all material respects all obligations
     and complied in all material respects with all covenants required by this
     Agreement;

        (d)  UCB shall have delivered to SNC a certificate, dated the Closing 
     Date and signed by its Chairman or President, to the effect that the
     conditions set forth in Sections 6.1(a), 6.1(c), 6.3(a) and 6.3(c), to the
     extent applicable to UCB, have been satisfied and that there are no
     actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or procedures
     instituted, pending or, to the best of such officer's knowledge, threatened
     that reasonably may be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on UCB or
     that present a claim to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated
     herein or in the Plan of Merger;

        (e)  SNC shall have received opinions of counsel to UCB in the form
reasonably acceptable to SNC's legal counsel;

        (f)  SNC shall have received the written agreements from affiliates as
specified in Section 5.11; and

        (g)  The holders of no more than 9.0% of the UCB Common Stock shall have
given written notice of their intent to demand payment for their shares and
shall not have voted for the Merger, pursuant to Article 13 of the NCBCA.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                       TERMINATION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT

 7.1  Termination
      -----------

      This Agreement may be terminated:

      (a)   At any time prior to the Effective Time, by the mutual consent in
writing of the parties hereto.

      (b)  At any time prior to the Effective Time, by either party (i) in the
event of a material breach by the other party of any covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement, or (ii) in the event of an inaccuracy of any
representation or warranty of the other party contained in this Agreement, which
inaccuracy would provide the nonbreaching party the ability to refuse to
consummate the Merger under the applicable standard set forth in Section 6.2(a)
in the case of UCB and Section 6.3(a) in the case of SNC; and, in the case of
(i) or (ii), if such breach has not been cured by the earlier of 30 days
following written notice of such breach to the party committing such breach or
the Effective Time.

      (c)  At any time prior to the Effective Time, by either party hereto in
writing, if any of the conditions precedent to the obligations of the other
party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby cannot be satisfied or
fulfilled prior to the Closing Date, and the party giving the notice is not in
breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings
herein.

      (d)  At any time, by either party hereto in writing, if any of the
applications for prior approval referred to in Section 5.4 are denied, and the
time period for appeals and requests for reconsideration has run.

      (e)  At any time, by either party hereto in writing, if the shareholders 
of SNC or of UCB do not approve the Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

      (f)  At any time following September 30, 1997, by either party hereto in
writing, if the Effective Time has not occurred by the close of business on such
date, and the party giving the notice is not in breach of any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings herein.

      (g)  At any time prior to 11:59 p.m. on January 10, 1997 by SNC in 
writing, if SNC determines in its sole good faith judgment, through review of
information Disclosed by UCB, the performance of its due diligence or otherwise,
that the financial condition, results of operations, business or business
prospects of UCB and of the UCB Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are materially
adversely different from SNC's reasonable expectations with respect thereto
based on information that has been Disclosed in a Securities Document filed with
the Commission since January 1, 1996 and its knowledge of the operations of
banks; provided that SNC shall inform UCB upon such

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
termination as to the reasons for SNC's determination; and, provided further,
that this Section 7.1(g) shall not limit in any way the due diligence
investigation of UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries which SNC may perform or otherwise
affect any other rights which SNC has after the date hereof under the terms of
this Agreement.

      (h)  By UCB, if its board of directors determines by a vote of a majority
of the members of its entire board, at any time during the ten-day period
commencing two days after the Determination Date, if either:

           (A) both of the following conditions are satisfied:

               (1)   the Average Closing Price shall be less than $28.50; and

               (2)   (i) the quotient obtained by dividing the Average Closing
           Price by $33.50 (such number being referred to herein as the "SNC
           Ratio") shall be less than (ii) the quotient obtained by dividing the
           Index Price on the Determination Date by the Index Price on the
           Starting Date and subtracting 0.15 from the quotient in this clause
           (A)(2)(ii); or
                       --

           (B) the Average Closing Price shall be less than $27.00;
 
subject, however, to the following four sentences.  If UCB refuses to consummate
the Merger pursuant to this Section 7.1(h), it shall give prompt written notice
thereof to SNC, which notice shall specify which of clauses (A) or (B) is
applicable (or if both would be applicable, which clause is being invoked);
provided, that such notice of election to terminate may be withdrawn at any time
within the aforementioned ten-day period.  During the five-day period commencing
with its receipt of such notice, SNC shall have the option, in the case of a
failure to satisfy the condition in clause (A), to elect to increase the
Exchange Ratio to equal the quotient obtained by dividing $32.35 by the Average
Closing Price.  During such five-day period, SNC shall have the option, in the
case of a failure to satisfy the condition in clause (B), to elect to increase
the Exchange Ratio to equal the quotient obtained by dividing $30.65 by the
Average Closing Price.  The election contemplated by either of the two preceding
sentences shall be made by giving notice to UCB of such election and the revised
Exchange Ratio, whereupon no termination shall have occurred pursuant to this
Section 7.1(h) and this Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with its
terms (except as the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified), and any
references in this Agreement to "Exchange Ratio" shall thereafter be deemed to
refer to the Exchange Ratio as adjusted pursuant to this Section 7.1(h).

        For purposes of this Section 7.1(h), the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
     "Average Closing Price" shall mean the average of the daily closing sales
prices per share of SNC Common Stock as reported on the NYSE-Composite
Transactions List (as reported by The Wall Street Journal or, if not reported
thereby, another authoritative source as chosen by SNC) for the ten consecutive
full trading days in which such shares are traded on the NYSE ending at the
close of trading on the Determination Date.
 
     "Determination Date" shall mean the date on which SNC shall receive consent
to the Merger from the Federal Reserve Board.

     "Index Group" shall mean the 19 bank holding companies listed below, the
common stocks of all of which shall be publicly traded and as to which there
shall not have been, since the Starting Date and before the Determination Date,
any public announcement of a proposal for such company to be acquired or for
such company to acquire another company or companies in transactions with a
value exceeding 25% of the acquiror's market capitalization.  In the event that
any such company or companies are removed from the Index Group, the weights
(which have been determined based upon the number of shares of outstanding
common stock) redistributed proportionately for purposes of determining the
Index Price.  The 19 bank holding companies and the weights attributed to them
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
              Bank Holding Companies                    % Weighting
              -----------------------------------       -----------
                  <S>                                       <C>
              AmSouth Bancorporation                        2.41
              Barnett Banks, Inc.                           8.12
              CoreStates Financial Corp                     9.38
              Comerica Incorporated                         4.56
              First Bank System, Inc.                       5.75
              Fifth Third Bancorp                           4.50
              First of America Bank Corp.                   2.57
              Firstar Corporation                           3.19
              Huntington Bancshares Inc.                    6.13
              Mellon Bank Corporation                       5.49
              Mercantile Bancorporation, Inc.               2.55
              National City Corporation                     9.45
              Northern Trust Corporation                    2.37
              Regions Financial Corporation                 2.66
              SouthTrust Corporation                        4.08
              SunTrust Banks, Inc.                          9.48
</TABLE> 

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
              <S>                                         <C>
              Summit Bancorp.                               3.89
              U.S. Bancorp                                  6.41
              Wachovia Corporation                          7.01
 
              Total                                       100.00%
                                                          ======
</TABLE>

                 "Index Price" on a given date shall mean the weighted average
           (weighted in accordance with the factors listed above) of the closing
           sales prices of the companies composing the Index Group (reported as
           provided with respect to the Average Closing Price).

                 "Starting Date" shall mean November 1, 1996.

     If any company belonging to the Index Group or SNC declares or effects a
     stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination,
     exchange of shares, or similar transaction between the Starting Date and
     the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock of such company or
     SNC shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying this
     Section 7.1(h).

7.2  Effect of Termination
     ---------------------

     In the event this Agreement and the Plan of Merger is terminated pursuant
to Section 7.1, both this Agreement and the Plan of Merger shall become void and
have no effect, except that (i) the provisions hereof relating to
confidentiality and expenses set forth in Sections 5.7 and 8.1, respectively,
shall survive any such termination and (ii) a termination pursuant to Section
7.1(b) shall not relieve the breaching party from liability for an uncured
breach of the covenant, agreement, understanding, representation or warranty
giving rise to such termination.  The SNC Option Agreement and the UCB Option
Agreement shall be governed by their own terms.

7.3  Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants
     -----------------------------------------------------

     All representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement or the Plan
of Merger or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall expire
on, and be terminated and extinguished at, the Effective Time, other than
covenants that by their terms are to be performed after the Effective Time,
provided that no such representations, warranties or covenants shall be deemed
to be terminated or extinguished so as to deprive SNC or UCB (or any director,
officer or controlling person thereof) of any defense at law or in equity which
otherwise would be available against the claims of any person, including,
without limitation, any shareholder or former shareholder of either SNC or UCB,
the aforesaid representations, warranties and covenants being material
inducements to consummation by SNC and UCB of the transactions contemplated
herein.

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
7.4  Waiver
     ------

     Except with respect to any required regulatory approval, each party hereto,
by written instrument signed by an executive officer of such party, may at any
time (whether before or after approval of the Agreement and the Plan of Merger
by the UCB shareholders) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other party hereto and may waive (i) any
inaccuracies of the other party in the representations or warranties contained
in this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any document delivered pursuant hereto
or thereto, (ii) compliance with any of the covenants, undertakings or
agreements of the other party, or satisfaction of any of the conditions
precedent to its obligations, contained herein or in the Plan of Merger, or
(iii) the performance by the other party of any of its obligations set out
herein or therein; provided that no such extension or waiver, or amendment or
supplement pursuant to Section 7.5, executed after approval by the UCB
shareholders of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger shall reduce either the
number of shares of SNC Common Stock into which each share of UCB Common Stock
shall be converted in the Merger or the payment terms for fractional interests.

7.5  Amendment or Supplement
     -----------------------

     This Agreement or the Plan of Merger may be amended or supplemented at any
time in writing by mutual agreement of SNC and UCB, subject to the proviso to
Section 7.4.

                                 ARTICLE VIII
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

8.1  Expenses
     --------

     Each party hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization
Agreement, including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants,
accountants and counsel; provided, however, that the filing fees and the
printing costs incurred in connection with the Registration Statement and the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall be borne 70% by SNC and 30% by UCB.

8.2  Entire Agreement
     ----------------

     This Agreement, the SNC Option Agreement and the UCB Option Agreement
contain the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder and supersede all
arrangements or understandings with respect thereto, written or oral, entered
into on or before November 1, 1996, other than documents referred to herein or
therein, and a certain letter agreement dated the date hereof between the
parties. The terms and conditions of this Agreement and said Option Agreements
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and thereto
and their respective successors. Nothing in this Agreement or said Option
Agreements, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other
than the parties hereto and thereto, and their respective successors, any
rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities. 

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
8.3  No Assignment
     -------------

     Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations
under this Reorganization Agreement to any other person, except upon the prior
written consent of the other party.

8.4  Notices
     -------

     All notices or other communications which are required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally or sent by
nationally recognized overnight express courier or by facsimile transmission,
addressed or directed as follows:

     If to UCB:

           Ronald C. Monger
           Executive Vice President
           Chief Financial Officer
           United Carolina Bancshares
           127 West Webster Street
           Post Office Box 632
           Whiteville, North Carolina 28472
           Fax No.: 910-642-1330

     With a required copy to:

           Howard V. Hudson, Jr.
           General Counsel and Secretary
           United Carolina Bancshares
           127 West Webster Street
           Post Office Box 632
           Whiteville, North Carolina 28472
           Fax No.: 910-642-1276

     and

           Frank M. Conner, III
           Alston & Bird
           601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
           North Building, Suite 250
           Washington, D.C.  20004
           Fax No.: 202-508-3333

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
     If to SNC:

           Southern National Corporation
           200 West Second Street
           Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
           Attention:  Scott E. Reed
           Fax No.: 910-733-0340

     With a required copy to:

           Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
           200 West Second Street
           Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
           Attention: Mr. William A. Davis, II
           Fax No.: 910-733-8364

Any party may by notice change the address to which notice or other
communications to it are to be delivered.

8.5  Captions
     --------

     The captions contained in this Agreement are for reference only and are not
part of this Agreement.

8.6  Counterparts
     ------------

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such
counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such
counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.

8.7  Governing Law
     -------------

     This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of North Carolina applicable to agreements made and entirely
to be performed within such jurisdiction, except to the extent federal law may
be applicable.

8.8  Predecessor Agreement
     ---------------------

     On November 1, 1996, the parties hereto executed Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization (the "Predecessor Agreement").  Following execution of the
Predecessor Agreement, the parties have agreed to certain changes, all of which
are reflected in this Amended and Restated Agreement.  This Amended and Restated
Agreement amends and supersedes the Predecessor Agreement in its entirety from
the date of its execution, and the Predecessor Agreement shall have no further
force and effect.

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this Amended and Restated Agreement to be executed in
counterparts by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day and year first
above written.


                                       SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION


                                       By