CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP
10-K, 1998-03-30
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                   FORM 10-K

(MARK ONE)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

                                       OR

[_]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____ TO _____

                         Commission File Number 0-6879

                           CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


               Pennsylvania                                23-1899716
- --------------------------------                       ------------------
 (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                       Identification No.)
 
      Philadelphia National Bank Building
      Broad & Chestnut Streets
      P. O. Box 7618
      Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101-7618                  19101
- -------------------------------------------               ------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                   (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:          215-973-7488

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

                                                Name of each exchange on
      Title of each class                       which registered
      -------------------                       ---------------------
   Common Stock, $1.00 par value                New York Stock Exchange
   Common Stock, $1.00 par value                The Philadelphia Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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 _______
          -------              

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. [_]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant based on the closing sale price on February 27, 1998 was
approximately $17.1 billion. For this purpose only, all directors and executive
officers of the registrant were assumed to be affiliates. The number of shares
of common stock outstanding at February 27, 1998 was 202,105,003.
<PAGE>
 
                                     INDEX


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
PART I                                                                 PAGE
                                                                       ----
<S>                                                                    <C> 
ITEM 1    Business                                                       2
ITEM 2    Properties                                                    14 
ITEM 3    Legal Proceedings                                             15
ITEM 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders           15
        
PART II 
        
ITEM 5    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related             16
          Stockholder Matters                                          
ITEM 6    Selected Financial Data                                       16
ITEM 7    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial             16 
          Condition and Results of Operations                           
ITEM 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    17
ITEM 8    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                   17
ITEM 9    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on               *
          Accounting and Financial Disclosure
        
PART III
        
ITEM 10   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant            18
ITEM 11   Executive Compensation                                        24
ITEM 12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and           41
          Management
ITEM 13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                45
        
PART IV 
        
ITEM 14   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on        45
          Form 8-K

SIGNATURES                                                              59

EXHIBIT INDEX                                                           61
</TABLE> 

*Not Applicable
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS

     CoreStates Financial Corp ("CoreStates") is a bank holding company
registered under the Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the
"Act") and incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania. At December 31, 1997,
CoreStates had total consolidated assets of approximately $48.5 billion and
shareholders' equity of approximately $3.2 billion. Based on December 31, 1997
rankings of bank holding companies by total consolidated assets, CoreStates was
believed to be the 22nd largest bank holding company in the United States at
such date.

     On November 18, 1997, CoreStates entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Mergers (the "Merger Agreement"), which provides for the merger (the "Merger")
of CoreStates into First Union Corporation ("First Union"). Pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of CoreStates common stock would be
converted into 1.62 shares of First Union's common stock, subject to possible
adjustment under certain circumstances. Based on the December 31, 1997 closing
price of First Union's common stock, the transaction would have a value of
approximately $16.5 billion. The Merger is expected to be accounted for as a
pooling of interests, and pending receipt of shareholders' and regulatory
approval, and other customary conditions of closing, is expected to close in the
second quarter of 1998.

     The Merger will create a $205 billion financial services company having a
leading banking presence on the eastern seaboard. The combined company will
create the sixth largest banking company in the United States.

BANKING SUBSIDIARIES

     The lead banking subsidiary of CoreStates is CoreStates Bank, N.A.
("CoreStates Bank"), a national banking association with executive offices
located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

     CoreStates Bank of Delaware, N.A. ("CBD"), a national banking association
with its executive office located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a principal
banking subsidiary of CoreStates.  CoreStates Bank and CBD are sometimes
referred to herein as the "Banking Subsidiaries".  Through CoreStates Bank and
CBD, CoreStates engages in the business of providing wholesale banking services,
consumer financial services which includes retail banking, and trust &
investment management services.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     As of December 31, 1997, the Banking Subsidiaries operated from 562 full
service offices located in eastern and central Pennsylvania, New Jersey and
Delaware. CoreStates Bank also operates from 6 foreign branch offices and 25
foreign representative offices.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATED COMPANIES

     Congress Financial Corporation ("Congress"), a majority-owned subsidiary of
     ------------------------------                                             
CoreStates, and its subsidiaries are engaged in commercial financing and
factoring with headquarters in New York City and offices in Atlanta, Boston,
Chicago, Columbia, MD, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Portland, OR, Pleasantville,
CA, Houston, Hato Rey, PR, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary, Canada and London,
England. As of December 31, 1997, factored receivables of Congress
and its subsidiaries totaled $455 million while outstanding commercial finance
obligations and other receivables totaled $2,373 million.

     CoreStates Capital Corp ("Capital") is CoreStates' designated financing
     -----------------------                                                
entity to obtain both short-term and long-term financing for CoreStates and its
subsidiaries.  At December 31, 1997, Capital had outstanding commercial paper in
the aggregate principal amount of $730 million and debt securities in the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of $2,462 million, with remaining
maturities ranging from one month to nine years.

     CoreStates Holdings, Inc. ("CHI") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
     ---------------------------------                                
CoreStates that holds ownership of non-voting stock and other securities held
for investment purposes. CHI owns 20% of Electronic Payment Services, Inc. of
Wilmington, Delaware (EPS). EPS and its subsidiaries provide data processing and
transmission services to retail merchants using Point-of-Sale ("POS") terminals
and to banks who are members of EPS's Automated Teller Machine ("ATM") Network.
EPS owns 100% of MONEY ACCESS SERVICES, INC., Wilmington, Delaware (MAS), which
operated the MAC(R) network, an electronic funds transfer network.

     Other Subsidiaries.  CoreStates also has several other direct and indirect
     -------------------                                                       
subsidiaries including companies engaged in brokerage services, processing
services, investment advisory services, lease financing activities, holding real
property facilities used by CoreStates' Banking Subsidiaries and companies
created solely to facilitate the business of other subsidiaries.

     Core Business Sectors.  For analytical purposes, management has focused
     ----------------------                                                 
CoreStates into five core business sectors: Global and Specialized Banking;
Regional Banking; Retail Credit Services; Trust and Asset Management; and Third
Party Processing. Further information regarding CoreStates' five core business

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
sectors is presented in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations at Exhibit 99.2 pages 8 through 12, which
pages are incorporated by reference. A brief discussion of the five core
businesses is presented below. There is considerable inter-relationship among
these businesses.

     Global and Specialized Banking.  Global and Specialized banking services
     -------------------------------                                         
are provided through the Banking Subsidiaries and Congress and include the
following business lines: Specialized Banking, Secured Lending, Real Estate,
Large Corporate Banking, Congress, International Banking, Investment Banking and
Cash Management. Domestic financing services include commercial, industrial and
real estate loans; the financing of receivables, inventory and equipment;
derivative market activities to provide risk management services for customers;
and the provision of financial services for correspondent banks. Foreign and
international financial services include the making of loans; banker's
acceptance financing; the issuance and confirmation of letters of credit; check
and funds clearings, and related financial services.  Also provided are
transaction processing services, including cash management, lock box, funds
transfer and collection and disbursement management on both a domestic and an
international basis.

     International activities are conducted directly by CoreStates Bank through
its head office in Philadelphia and 31 foreign offices.  In addition,
international banking and financing activities are conducted through two wholly-
owned Edge Act subsidiaries with five offices.

     Advisory services are also provided which relate to loan syndications,
private placements, mergers and acquisitions, company valuations and other
similar matters.  The Global and Specialized banking business also deals in and
underwrites obligations of the United States Government and  Federal agencies
and general obligations of states, municipalities and political sub-divisions
and assists individual corporate customers as well as other institutions with
the purchase and sale of all types of marketable securities.

     Regional Banking  This core business is provided by the Banking
     ----------------                                               
Subsidiaries and includes the following business lines: Retail Banking and
Delivery, Small Business Lending and Middle Market Lending.  Retail Banking
services are offered through the branch network of the Banking Subsidiaries in
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.  This branch banking network provides a
full range of products including deposit, loan and related financial products,
primarily on a full relationship basis.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     Trust & Asset Management  This core business provides products through four
     ------------------------                                                   
business lines: Institutional Trust; Personal Trust (including Private Banking);
Retirement Plan Services; and Investment Management. The products of the four
business lines are offered through the Banking Subsidiaries and include
fiduciary administration and transaction processing services.  CoreStates
Investment Advisers, Inc. provides investment management services.

     Retail Credit Services This core business includes the following major
     ----------------------                                                
business lines: Credit Card, Dealer Services, Educational Lending, Mortgage
Services, Card Linx (CoreStates' merchant credit card processing business), and
SynapQuest, CoreStates' Consumer and Commercial card processing company.

     Third Party Processing  This core business includes the QuestPoint
     ----------------------                                            
processing companies, all wholly-owned entities, earnings from CoreStates'
investment in Electronic Payment Services, Inc. ("EPS"), and the Financial
Institutions Division ("FID"), a provider of correspondent bank services to
financial institutions in the United States. The QuestPoint companies include:
QuestPoint Check Services, L.P. (formerly known as Transys)--a provider of check
processing and payment services to CoreStates and other financial institutions;
QuestPoint Remittance Services, L.P. (formerly CashFlex, L.P.)--a leading
supplier of remittance processing services nationwide to corporations,
CoreStates, and other financial institutions.

GOVERNMENT SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

     General  CoreStates is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Act
     -------                                                                    
and is registered as such with the Federal Reserve Board.  As a bank holding
company, CoreStates is also subject to regulation by applicable state regulatory
authorities. The Banking Subsidiaries are national banks and are subject to
regulation, supervision and regular examination by the OCC, as well as
regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").

     Bank holding companies and banks are extensively regulated under both
federal and state law.  The regulation and supervision of CoreStates and the
Banking Subsidiaries are designed primarily for the protection of depositors and
not the respective institutions or their stockholders.  To the extent that the
following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and
regulatory provisions. A change in applicable law or regulation may have a
material effect on the business of CoreStates.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     CoreStates is required to file an annual report with the Federal Reserve
Board containing such information as the Federal Reserve Board may require
pursuant to the Act.  Copies of annual and other periodic reports are also
required to be filed with the applicable state regulatory authorities.  The Act
requires each bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal
Reserve Board before it may acquire substantially all of the assets of any bank,
or before it may acquire ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank,
if, after such acquisition, it would own or control, directly or indirectly,
more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank.  The Act also restricts the
types of businesses and operations in which a bank holding company and its non-
bank subsidiaries may engage.  Generally, permissible activities are limited to
banking and activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely
related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto.

     The operations of the Banking Subsidiaries are subject to requirements and
restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain
reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that
may be made and limits upon the types of services which may be offered. Various
consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of the Banking
Subsidiaries.  Regulatory approvals are required for branching and for bank
mergers.

     Capital Guidelines  A discussion of capital guidelines and capital strength
     ------------------                                                         
is included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations on pages 13 and 14 of Exhibit 99.2, and in Footnote 6
"Regulatory and Capital Matters" on page 62 of Exhibit 99.2, which pages are
incorporated by reference.

     Potential Enforcement Actions  Bank holding companies and national banks
     -----------------------------                                           
and their institution-affiliated parties may be subject to potential enforcement
actions by the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC or the FDIC for unsafe or unsound
practices in conducting their businesses, or for violations of any law, rule or
regulation or provision, any consent order with any agency, any condition
imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency.  Non-
bank holding companies may also be subject to enforcement actions by state
regulatory authorities.  Enforcement actions may include the imposition of a
conservator or receiver, additional cease-and-desist orders and written
agreements, the termination of insurance of deposits, the imposition of civil
money penalties, and removal and prohibition orders against institution-
affiliated parties and the suspension or revocation of state-mandated lending or
other licenses.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     Dividends  CoreStates is a legal entity separate and distinct from its
     ---------                                                             
Banking Subsidiaries and other subsidiaries. CoreStates' principal source of
revenue consists of dividends from its bank and non-bank subsidiaries.

     Provisions of Federal banking law restrict the amount of dividends that can
be paid to CoreStates by the Banking Subsidiaries.  Under applicable Federal
law, no dividends may be paid in an amount greater than "undivided profits then
on hand," after deduction therefrom of certain loan losses.  In addition, for
each of the Banking Subsidiaries, prior approval of the Comptroller is required
if the total of all dividends declared by a subsidiary bank in any calendar year
will exceed its net profits (as defined) for that year, combined with its
retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years. Based on these
regulations, CoreStates Bank can declare dividends without approval of the
Comptroller of the Currency of approximately $32,000,000 plus an additional
amount equal to CoreStates Bank's retained net profits for 1998 up to the date
of any such dividend declaration.  Due to the special provision for losses on
credit card outstandings recorded in the fourth quarter of 1997, CBD is unable
to pay dividends without prior approval of the Comptroller of the Currency. See
Footnote 6 "Regulatory and Capital Matters" on page 62 of Exhibit 99.2, which
page is incorporated by reference.

     The payment of dividends by each of CoreStates and the Banking Subsidiaries
may also be affected by other factors, such as the maintenance of adequate
capital.  For example, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act
of 1991 ("FDICIA") generally prohibits an undercapitalized institution from
paying dividends.  In addition, if, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory
authority, a bank holding company or a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in
or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the
financial condition of the bank, could include the payment of dividends), such
authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such organization cease
and desist from such practice.  The Federal Reserve Board, the OCC and the FDIC
have issued policy statements which provide that insured banks and bank holding
companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

     Support of Bank Subsidiaries  A depository institution insured by the FDIC
     ----------------------------                                              
can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be
incurred by, the FDIC after August 9, 1989 in connection with (i) the default of
a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance
provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository
institution in danger of default. "Default" is defined generally as the
appointment of a

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
conservator or receiver and "in danger of default" is defined generally as the
existence of certain conditions indicating that a "default" is likely to occur
in the absence of regulatory assistance.

     Under Federal Reserve Board regulations, a bank holding company is required
to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary
banks and may not conduct its operations in an unsafe or unsound manner.  In
addition, it is the Federal Reserve Board's policy that in serving as a source
of strength to its subsidiary banks, a bank holding company should stand ready
to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to its subsidiary
banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and should maintain the
financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional
resources for assisting its subsidiary banks.  A bank holding company's failure
to meet its obligations to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks
will generally be considered by the Federal Reserve Board to be an unsafe and
unsound banking practice or a violation of the Federal Reserve Board regulations
or both.  This doctrine is commonly known as the "source of strength" doctrine.

     Federal law provides for the enforcement of any pro rata assessment of
shareholders of a national bank to cover impairment of capital stock by sale, to
the extent necessary, of the stock of any assessed shareholder failing to pay
the assessment.

     Borrowings by Holding Companies  Federal law prevents CoreStates and
     -------------------------------                                     
certain of its affiliates from borrowing from its banking subsidiaries unless
such borrowings are secured by specified amounts and types of collateral.
Additionally, each such secured loan to an affiliate is generally limited to an
amount not exceeding 10% of the bank's capital and surplus, and all such loans
between the lending bank and its affiliates are limited to an amount not to
exceed 20% of the lending bank's capital and surplus.  Further, a bank holding
company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in
arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of
property or furnishing of services.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     FDICIA
     ------  

     Insurance Premiums  Deposits of the Banking Subsidiaries are insured by the
     ------------------                                                        
FDIC and are subject to FDIC insurance assessments.  Each financial institution
is assigned to one of three capital groups -- well capitalized, adequately
capitalized or undercapitalized -- and further assigned into one of three
subgroups within a capital group, on the basis of supervisory evaluations by the
institution's primary federal and, if applicable, state supervisors and other
information relevant to the institution's financial condition and the risk posed
to the applicable insurance fund. The assessment rate applicable to the Banking
Subsidiaries in the future will depend in part upon the risk assessment
classification assigned to the Banking Subsidiaries by the FDIC and in part on
the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") assessment schedule adopted by the FDIC. The
Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 ("DIFA") provides that deposit insurance
premiums assessed by the BIF are to be assessed at a rate of between 0 cents and
27 cents per $100 of deposits.

DIFA also separated, effective January 1, 1997, the Financing Corporation
("FICO") assessment to service the interest on its bond obligations from the BIF
and the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") assessments. The amount
assessed on individual institutions by the FICO will be in addition to the
amount, if any, paid for deposit insurance according to the FDIC's risk-related
assessment rate schedules. FICO assessment rates are determined quarterly.
Currently, the annual FICO rate for 1997 is set at 1.26 basis points for BIF-
assessable deposits. The rate may be adjusted quarterly to reflect a change in
assessment base for the BIF. By law, the FICO rate on BIF-assessable deposits
must be one-fifth the rate of SAIF-assessable deposits until the insurance funds
are merged or until January 1,2000, whichever occurs first.

     Prompt Corrective Action  FDICIA requires Federal banking agencies to
     ------------------------                                             
broaden the scope of regulatory corrective action taken with respect to
depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements and to
take such actions promptly in order to minimize losses to the FDIC.  In
connection with FDICIA, Federal banking agencies are required to establish
capital measures (including both a leverage measure and a risk-based capital
measure) and to specify for each capital measure the levels at which depository
institutions will be considered "well capitalized", "adequately capitalized",
"undercapitalized", "significantly undercapitalized" or "critically
undercapitalized".

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     Under FDICIA, the Federal banking regulators have adopted regulations
establishing relevant capital measures and relevant capital levels.  The
relevant capital measures are the Total Capital to risk adjusted assets ratio,
Tier 1 Capital to risk adjusted assets ratio and the leverage ratio.  Under
these regulations, a bank will be (i) "well capitalized" if it has a Total
Capital to risk adjusted assets ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 Capital to
risk adjusted assets ratio of 6% or greater and a leverage ratio of 5% or
greater and is not subject to any order or written directive by its primary
Federal regulator to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital
measure; (ii) "adequately capitalized" if it has a Total Capital to risk
adjusted assets ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 Capital to risk adjusted assets
ratio of 4% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4% or greater (3% in certain
circumstances) and is not well capitalized; (iii) "undercapitalized" if it has a
Total Capital to risk adjusted assets ratio of less than 8%, a Tier 1 Capital to
risk adjusted assets ratio of less than 4% or a leverage ratio of less than 4%
(3% in certain circumstances); (iv) "significantly undercapitalized" if it has a
Total Capital to risk adjusted assets ratio of less than 6%, a Tier 1 Capital to
risk adjusted assets ratio of less than 3% or a leverage ratio of less than 3%;
and (v) "critically undercapitalized" if its tangible equity is equal to or less
than 2% of average quarterly tangible assets.  Each of the Banking Subsidiaries
is considered well capitalized.

     FDICIA authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency, after notice and
an opportunity for a hearing, to treat a well capitalized, adequately
capitalized or undercapitalized insured depository institution as if it had a
lower capital-based classification if it is in an unsafe or unsound condition or
engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice.  Thus, an adequately capitalized
institution can be subjected to the restrictions on undercapitalized
institutions described below (except that a capital restoration plan cannot be
required of the institution) and an undercapitalized institution can be
subjected to the restrictions applicable to significantly undercapitalized
institutions described below.

     FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital
distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to
its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be
undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth
limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan.  The Federal
banking agencies may not accept a capital plan without determining, among other
things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed
in restoring

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
the depository institution's capital.  In addition, for a capital restoration
plan to be acceptable, the depository institution's parent holding company must
guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan.
The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser
of (i) an amount equal to five percent of the depository institution's total
assets at the time it became undercapitalized, and (ii) the amount which is
necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into
compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such
institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. In the event of a
bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to
a Federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank
will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.
If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as
if it is significantly undercapitalized.

     Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a
number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient
voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total
assets and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. Critically
undercapitalized institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or
conservator.

     Brokered Deposits  Under FDICIA, a bank cannot accept brokered deposits
     -----------------                                                      
(which term is defined to include payment of an interest rate more than 75 basis
points above prevailing rates) unless (i) it is well capitalized or (ii) it is
adequately capitalized and receives a waiver from the FDIC.  A bank that cannot
receive brokered deposits also cannot offer "pass-through" insurance on certain
employee benefit accounts.  In addition, a bank that is adequately capitalized
may not pay an interest rate on any deposits in excess of 75 basis points over
certain prevailing market rates.  There are no such restrictions on a bank that
is well capitalized.  Each of the CoreStates Banking Subsidiaries is well
capitalized for purposes of the foregoing.

     Safety and Soundness Standards  Pursuant to FDICIA each of the Federal bank
     ------------------------------                                            
regulatory agencies has adopted the Interagency Guidelines Establishing
Standards for Safety and Soundness (the "Guidelines").  The Guidelines contain
standards relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit
systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset
growth, and employee compensation, fees and benefits and standards specifying
minimum earnings sufficient to absorb losses without impairing capital, to the
extent feasible a minimum ratio

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
of market value to book value for publicly traded shares and such other
standards relating to the foregoing as it deems appropriate.  An institution
that fails to comply with such standards will be required to submit a plan
designed to achieve such compliance.  If no such plan is submitted or a failure
to implement such a plan exists, the depository institution would become subject
to additional regulatory action or enforcement proceedings.

     Other  FDICIA also contains a variety of other provisions that may affect
     -----                                                                    
the operations of bank holding companies and banks, including various reporting
requirements, revised regulatory standards for real estate lending, "truth in
savings" provisions and the requirement that a depository institution give 90
days' prior notice to customers and regulatory authorities before closing any
branch.

SECURITIES AND RELATED REGULATION

     The Corporation's subsidiaries engaged in securities-related activities are
regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  The activities of
the Corporation's two subsidiaries which are registered broker dealers are also
monitored by the Federal Reserve Board.  Each such company is also subject to
rules and regulations promulgated by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., the Securities Investors Protection Corporation and various state
securities commissions and with respect to public finance activities, the
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.

     Non-bank subsidiaries of CoreStates that are registered as investment
advisers are subject to the regulations of the SEC and may be subject to
regulations of one or more state securities commissions.  Additionally, an
investment adviser which is a subsidiary of a national bank is subject to
supervision by the OCC.  Investment Companies (as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended) advised by an investment adviser subsidiary of
CoreStates are registered with the SEC.

FUTURE LEGISLATION

     Legislation, including proposals to fundamentally revise the bank
regulatory system, allow banking organizations to engage in a broader range of
activities, and permit commercial organizations to engage in banking, is from
time to time introduced in Congress. Such legislation may substantially change
the competitive environment in which the Banking Subsidiaries operate. The
Banking Subsidiaries cannot predict the ultimate effect that potential
legislation, if enacted, would have upon

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
the financial condition or results of operations of the Banking Subsidiaries.

COMPETITION

     The activities in which CoreStates and the Banking Subsidiaries engage are
highly competitive.  Generally, the lines of activity and markets served involve
competition with other banks and non-bank financial institutions, as well as
other entities which offer financial services, located both within and without
the United States.  The methods of competition center around various factors,
such as customer services, interest rates on loans and deposits, lending limits
and location of offices.

     The five core business segments in the markets served by the Banking
Subsidiaries and their affiliates are highly competitive and the Banking
Subsidiaries and their affiliates compete with other commercial banks, savings
and loan associations and other businesses which provide services similar to
those offered by the Banking Subsidiaries and their affiliates.  The Banking
Subsidiaries actively compete in Global and Specialized  Banking with local,
regional and international banks and non-bank financial organizations, some of
which are significantly larger than the Banking Subsidiaries.  In providing
consumer financial services (Regional Banking and Retail Credit Services), the
Banking Subsidiaries' competitors include other banks, savings and loan
associations, credit unions, regulated small loan companies and other non-bank
organizations offering financial services.  In providing Trust and Asset
Management services, the Banking Subsidiaries compete with other banks,
investment counselors and insurance companies in national markets for
institutional funds and corporate pension and profit sharing accounts.  The
Banking Subsidiaries also compete with other banks, insurance agents, financial
counselors and other fiduciaries for personal trust business.

     The Banking Subsidiaries also actively compete for funding. A primary
source of funds is deposits, and competition for deposits includes other deposit
taking organizations, such as commercial banks, savings and loan associations
and credit unions, and so-called "money market" mutual funds.  The Banking
Subsidiaries also actively compete for funds with U.S. Government securities and
in the open money market.

                                   Employees

     As of February 27, 1998, CoreStates and its subsidiaries employed 15,878
persons on a full time basis and 2,832 part-time persons on a full-time
equivalent basis.  CoreStates provides a

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
variety of employment benefits and considers its relations with its employees to
be satisfactory.

                       Selected Statistical Information

     Tables and selected statistical information concerning CoreStates and its
subsidiaries appear as indicated below on Exhibit 99.2, which pages are
incorporated by reference.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Exhibit 99.2 
                                        Page
                                        Reference
                                        ---------
<S>                                     <C> 
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities
and Stockholders' Equity;
Interest Rates and Interest
Differential..........................  85-88, 91
                                        
Investment Portfolio..................  97
                                        
Loan Portfolio........................  15-22
                                        92-95, 97
                                        
Summary of Loan Loss Experience.......  20-21
                                        94-95
                                        
Deposits..............................  85-88
                                        95
                                        
Return on Average Equity and Average    
Assets................................  89
                                         
Short-Term Borrowings.................  65
</TABLE> 

ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES

     The principal offices of CoreStates and CoreStates Bank are located in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in leased space located at Centre Square West
(547,600 square feet), 15th and Market Streets, and the Philadelphia National
Bank Building ("PNB Building") (292,219 square feet) located at Broad and
Chestnut Streets.  In addition, office space is leased for use by CoreStates and
CoreStates Bank in the following Philadelphia locations: the Penn Mutual
Building (289,800 square feet) at 5th and Walnut Streets, the Curtis Building
(111,600 square feet) at 6th and Walnut Streets, the Widener Building (242,309
square feet) adjacent to the PNB Building, and 801 Arch Street Building (57,500
square feet).

     CoreStates Bank owns several major buildings which support

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
operational activities.  They are as follows: the CoreStates Plaza Building
(576,656 square feet) located at 5th and Market Streets in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; the Spring Ridge Building (395,000 square feet) located at One
Meridian Boulevard in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; the CoreStates Bank of Delaware
Building (275,000 square feet) located at 3 Beaver Valley Road in Wilmington,
Delaware; and the CoreStates Building at One Hillendale Drive (33,000 square
feet) in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. CoreStates' operational units occupy all the
space at each of these buildings.

     CoreStates Bank also owns or leases approximately 20 other regional area
headquarters in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware to support its banking
activities.  At each of its Regional Headquarters various units support retail
banking, commercial lending, trust and other banking functions.

     As of December 31, 1997, CoreStates Bank had 562 operating retail banking
branches located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.  Aggregate leased
properties in 1997 required approximately $89,300,000 in rental payments net of
sublease income.  Closed branch locations resulting from merger consolidations
are either being sold, or the leases are being terminated.

     On May 13, 1977, CoreStates borrowed $25 million from two institutional
lenders at an interest rate of 8 5/8% per annum. The loan is secured by a first
lien mortgage on 25 CoreStates Bank owned properties.

ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     In the normal course of business, CoreStates and its subsidiaries are
subject to numerous pending and threatened legal actions and proceedings, in
some of which the relief or damages sought are substantial.  Management does not
believe the outcome of these actions and proceedings will have a materially
adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of CoreStates.

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

     No matters were submitted to security holders for vote during the fourth
quarter of 1997.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER 
MATTERS

     CoreStates Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "CFL".  The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
high and low prices for CoreStates Common Shares as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange, and cash dividends declared per share. On February 27, 1998,
there were approximately 55,800 registered holders of Common Stock of
CoreStates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    CORESTATES
                                         --------------------------------

                                                                DIVIDEND
                                         HIGH        LOW        DECLARED
                                         ----        ---        --------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>        <C>  
Year ended December 31, 1997:
     First Quarter...................... $55         $47 1/2     $0.47
     Second Quarter.....................  57 7/8      46 1/2      0.47
     Third Quarter......................  68 13/16    53 1/4      0.47
     Fourth Quarter.....................  81 3/8      65 11/16    0.50
                                                               
Year ended December 31, 1996:                                  
     First Quarter...................... $44         $36 1/8     $0.42
     Second Quarter.....................  43 1/8      35 3/4      0.42
     Third Quarter......................  44          35 1/2      0.42
     Fourth Quarter.....................  55 3/8      42 3/4      0.47
</TABLE>

     Following the Merger, the Dividend Policy would be that of First Union.

     The approval of the Comptroller of the Currency is required for national
banks to pay dividends in certain circumstances. See the discussion under
Government Supervision and Regulation--Dividends, supra., and the discussion in
Footnote 6 "Regulatory and Capital Matters" (Exhibit 99.2  page 62, which page
is incorporated by reference).

ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     Information required by this Item is contained on pages 89 and 90 of
Exhibit 99.2, which pages are incorporated by reference.

ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATION

     Information required by this Item is contained on pages 3 through 42 of
Exhibit 99.2, which pages are incorporated by reference.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
ITEMS 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Information required by this Item is contained on pages 23 through 34 of
Exhibit 99.2, which pages are incorporated by reference.

ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     Information required by this item is contained on pages 45  through 97 of
Exhibit 99.2, which pages are incorporated by reference.

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

     Not applicable.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                   PART III

Item 10 - EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     The following table shows the name and age of the current executive
officers of CoreStates Financial Corp ("Corporation") and the present and
previous positions held by them for at least the past five years.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
NAME                     AGE        PRESENT & PREVIOUS POSITIONS
- ----                     ---        ----------------------------
<S>                      <C>        <C> 
Terrence A. Larsen       51         Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, (January
                                    1, 1988 to present), Director (June 1, 1986
                                    to present), and President (August 4, 1997
                                    to present, January 1, 1992 to August 2,
                                    1994, May 6, 1986 to March 5, 1990), Chief
                                    Operating Officer (May 6, 1986 to January 1,
                                    1988) of the Corporation; Chairman and
                                    Director (October 1, 1990 to present), Chief
                                    Executive Officer, (August 4, 1997 to
                                    present) and President (August 4, 1997 to
                                    present and January 1, 1992 to August 2,
                                    1994) of CoreStates Bank; Chairman, Director
                                    (April 1, 1989 to October 1, 1990), Senior
                                    Executive Officer (1987 to 1988), and
                                    Executive Vice President, (1983 to 1986) of
                                    The Philadelphia National Bank ("PNB");
                                    Director (January 1, 1986 to December 6,
                                    1996) CoreStates New Jersey National Bank.

Christopher J. Carey     43         Chief Financial Officer of CoreStates Bank
                                    (February 18, 1997 to present); Corporate
                                    Controller (July 21, 1992 to present) of the
                                    Corporation and CoreStates Bank; Senior Vice
                                    President, (November 1, 1991 to present) of
                                    the 
</TABLE> 
                                       

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                      <C>        <C> 
                                    Corporation and CoreStates Bank; Vice
                                    President (November 12, 1985 to November 1,
                                    1991) of CoreStates Bank.

Charles L. Coltman III   55         Vice Chairman (April 9, 1996 to present),
                                    President and Chief Operating Officer
                                    (August 2, 1994 to April 9, 1996), Assistant
                                    to the Chairman, Corporate Quality (February
                                    16, 1993 to August 2, 1994), Chief Credit
                                    Policy Officer (September 18, 1990 to
                                    February 16, 1993), Executive Vice President
                                    and Credit Policy Officer (November 21, 1989
                                    to September 18, 1990) of the Corporation;
                                    Vice Chairman and Director (May 21, 1996 to
                                    present) and Senior Executive Officer
                                    (August 2, 1994 to April 9, 1996) of
                                    CoreStates Bank; Vice Chairman (March 1990
                                    to September 1990), and Executive Vice
                                    President and Credit Policy Officer (1986 to
                                    1989) of PNB; Director (April 22, 1992 to
                                    December 6, 1996) of CoreStates New Jersey
                                    National Bank.

Charles P. Connolly, Jr. 49         Senior Executive Vice President (August 2,
                                    1994 to present) and Chief Risk Policy
                                    Officer (August 2, 1994 to October 15,
                                    1996), Chief Credit Policy Officer and
                                    Executive Vice President (February 16, 1993
                                    to August 2, 1994) of the Corporation; Vice
                                    Chairman (October 15, 1996 to present),
                                    Senior Executive Officer (August 2, 1994 to
                                    October 15, 1996) and Executive Vice
                                    President (June 1989 to February 16, 1993)
                                    of CoreStates Bank.

Rosemarie B. Greco       51         Executive Officer (August 4,
</TABLE> 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                      <C>        <C> 
                                    1997 to January 30, 1998), President (June
                                    30, 1996 to August 4, 1997), Chief Banking
                                    Officer (August 2, 1994 to June 30, 1996),
                                    Chief Retail Services Officer (October 1,
                                    1993 to August 2, 1994) of the Corporation;
                                    Executive Officer (August 4, 1997 to January
                                    30, 1998) President, Chief Executive
                                    Officer, and Director (August 2, 1994 to
                                    August 4, 1997) of CoreStates Bank;
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer of
                                    CoreStates First Pennsylvania Bank Division
                                    of CoreStates Bank (March 1991 to August 2,
                                    1994) and Director (April 1992 to August 2,
                                    1994); President and Director (1987 to March
                                    1991), Chief Executive Officer (September
                                    1990 to March 1991), Executive Vice
                                    President (1986 to 1987) of Fidelity Bank;
                                    Senior Executive Vice President and Director
                                    (1987 to March 1991) of First Fidelity
                                    Bancorporation.

Carol A. Leisenring      47         Chief Economist and Executive Vice President
                                    (1987 to present), Director, Financial
                                    Services and Planning (June 1, 1996 to
                                    February 18, 1997) of the Corporation and
                                    CoreStates Bank.

Albert W. Mandia         50         Chief Financial Officer (February 18, 1997
                                    to present) and Executive Vice President
                                    (1989 to present) of the Corporation;
                                    President and Chief Operating Officer of
                                    CashFlex (January 2, 1996 to February 18,
                                    1997), a subsidiary of the Corporation;
                                    Executive Vice President 
</TABLE> 

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                                    (April 1992 to present) of CoreStates Bank.

Paul W. McGloin          50         Executive Vice President (April 9, 1996 to
                                    present) and Chief Risk Policy Officer
                                    (October 15, 1996 to present) of the
                                    Corporation; President, Meridian's Delaware
                                    Valley Division (1995 to 1996) and Executive
                                    Vice President, Credit Policy (1991 to 1995)
                                    of Meridian Bancorp.

P. Sue Perrotty          44         Executive Vice President and Chief
                                    Information Technology Officer (April 9,
                                    1996 to present) of the Corporation; Group
                                    Executive Vice President, Strategic
                                    Marketing and Distribution (August 1994 to
                                    April 9, 1996) and Executive Vice President,
                                    Retail Banking (December 1991 to August
                                    1994) of Meridian Bancorp.


     Set forth below are the names and ages of the directors of CoreStates as of
December 31, 1997, their principal occupations and the year each individual
began continuous service as a director of CoreStates or one of its predecessors.
Each director has held the position or former position shown or other executive
positions with the same or an affiliated or predecessor entity for at least the
past five years, except as otherwise indicated. Also shown with respect to each
director are directorships held in companies (other than CoreStates) which are
required to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") or which are registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and certain other business or insurance
companies.

     Upon the Merger, Terrence A. Larsen and five additional mutually agreed
upon CoreStates' directors shall be elected or appointed to the First Union
Board of Directors.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
ROBERT W. CARDY, 61, DIRECTOR SINCE 1996.

     Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Carpenter
Technology Corp. (specialty steel and alloys manufacturer) since July 1, 1992;
prior thereto, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director, Carpenter
Technology Corp. from November 1, 1990; Director of Meridian from April 20, 1993
until April 9, 1996.

CARLTON E. HUGHES, 66, DIRECTOR SINCE 1978.

     Chairman and Director of Stewart-Amos Steel, Inc. (structural steel
fabrication); former President, Treasurer and Director of Stewart-Amos Equipment
Co.; Director of Irex Corporation and Arnold Industries, Inc.

ERNEST E. JONES, 53, DIRECTOR SINCE 1992.

     Executive Director of Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition.

TERRENCE A. LARSEN, 51, DIRECTOR SINCE 1986.

     Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CoreStates; Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of CoreStates Bank, N.A.

HERBERT LOTMAN, 64, DIRECTOR SINCE 1990.

     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Foods Corporation (food
manufacturing and distribution), President from March 1982 to May 1, 1997;
Director of Getty Petroleum Corporation from 1988 to 1996 and PCI Services, Inc.
from 1991 to 1996.

GEORGE V. LYNETT, 54, DIRECTOR SINCE 1995.

     Publisher, The Scranton Times (newspaper company); Secretary/Treasurer,
Shamrock Communications, Inc.; President, Towanda Daily Review; and President,
Wyoming County Press, Inc.

PATRICIA A. MCFATE, 65, DIRECTOR SINCE 1976.

     Senior Scientist and Program Director, Center for National Security
Negotiations of Science Applications International Corporation (a systems
engineering company); Senior Scientist of System Planning Corporation from
October 1988 to July 1989; prior to October 1988, President and Trustee of The
American-Scandinavian Foundation.

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
MARLIN MILLER, JR., 65, DIRECTOR SINCE 1988.

     President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Arrow International,
Inc. (a manufacturer of medical products); Director of Carpenter Technology
Corp.

JAMES M. SEABROOK, 64, DIRECTOR SINCE 1994.

     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seabrook Brothers & Sons, Inc.
(frozen food processor); Director of Bell Atlantic New Jersey until January 2,
1996; New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company; and New Jersey Re-Insurance
Company.

RAYMOND W. SMITH, 60, DIRECTOR SINCE 1984.

     Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Bell Atlantic Corporation
(telecommunications and services corporation); Director of US Airways
(commercial aviation) and CBS Corporation.

GEORGE STRAWBRIDGE, JR., 60, DIRECTOR SINCE 1996.

     Private Investor; Adjunct Professor of Widener University; Director of
Campbell Soup Company; Director of Delaware Trust Company From December 1978
until August 29, 1996; Director of Meridian from January, 1988 until April 9,
1996; President, GAR Inc., and President, Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge
Foundation of PA 1, Inc.

PETER S. STRAWBRIDGE, 59, DIRECTOR SINCE 1979.

     Retired President and Director of Strawbridge & Clothier (regional
merchandising corporation), as of July 15, 1996.

JUDITH M. VON SELDENECK, 57, DIRECTOR SINCE 1996.

     President and Chief Executive Officer of The Diversified Search Companies
(an executive search firm); Director of Keystone Corporation, Tasty Baking
Company; and Director of Meridian Bancorp, Inc., ("Meridian") from June 19, 1980
until April 9, 1996.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
- -------------------------------------------------

     Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires CoreStates' officers and
directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of
CoreStates' equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Officers,
directors and greater

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish
CoreStates with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. There are no ten
percent shareholders of CoreStates' equity securities.

Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or
written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were
required for those persons, CoreStates believes that, during the period January
1, 1997 through December 31, 1997, all filing requirements applicable to its
officers and directors were complied with except for a late filing of a Form 4
regarding one transaction for Mr. P. Strawbridge and a late Form 3 initial
filing for Ms. Perrotty.

ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

               DIRECTORS' MEETINGS, COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION

     In 1997, ten meetings of the Board of Directors of CoreStates were held.
Each incumbent director who served as a director of CoreStates during 1997
attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of
Directors of CoreStates and of the Committees of the Board on which each such
director served.  The Board of Directors of CoreStates has certain standing
committees including an Audit Committee, a Human Resources Committee, a
Corporate Governance Committee, Executive Committee, and an Investment and
Funding Committee, the membership and functions of each of which are described
below.

The Audit Committee consists of Dr. McFate (Chairperson) and Messrs. Cardy,
Hughes and Miller.  During 1997, the Audit Committee held four meetings.  The
functions of the Audit Committee include: review and examination of detailed
reports of the internal auditors for CoreStates including reports on the
fiduciary activities of banking subsidiaries; periodic meetings with the
internal auditors and credit review personnel; review of reports of regulatory
agencies having jurisdiction over CoreStates and certain banking and other
subsidiaries and signing of such reports on behalf of the Board of Directors;
evaluation of internal accounting controls for CoreStates and for the management
of the fiduciary activities of banking subsidiaries; recommending engagement and
continuation of engagement of independent auditors; and meetings with, and
receiving and considering recommendations of, independent auditors of
CoreStates.

     The Human Resources Committee consists of Ms. von Seldeneck (Chairperson)
and Messrs. Cardy, Lotman, Miller, Seabrook and P.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
Strawbridge.  During 1997, the Human Resources Committee held four meetings.
The Human Resources Committee's function is to: evaluate the performance of the
Chief Executive Officer of CoreStates and report its assessment to the full
Board of Directors; review, approve and recommend to the full Board changes in
base compensation for senior officers of CoreStates and its banking
subsidiaries; review, approve and recommend to the full Board material changes
in CoreStates' benefit plans which significantly affect CoreStates' liabilities
or the benefits provided to participants; administer the Incentive Compensation
Plan for CoreStates Financial Corp and Participating Subsidiaries and the Long-
Term Incentive Plan; review annually the salary budget with respect to
CoreStates and its banking subsidiaries; review CoreStates' management
development plans; and review other compensation and benefit plans of CoreStates
and its subsidiaries.

     The Corporate Governance Committee consists of Messrs. Jones (Chairperson),
Lotman, Lynett, Seabrook, G. Strawbridge and Ms. von Seldeneck.  During 1997,
the Corporate Governance Committee held two meetings.  The Corporate Governance
Committee's function is to make recommendations to the full Board of Directors
with respect to: nominees for election as director at the Annual Meeting of
shareholders; nominees to fill Board vacancies between annual shareholders'
meetings; the composition of membership of the various standing committees of
the Board of Directors of CoreStates; and other selected corporate governance
matters.

     The Investment and Funding Committee consists of Mr. Lynett (Chairperson),
Dr. McFate and Mr. G. Strawbridge.  During 1997, the Investment and Funding
Committee held four meetings.  The Committee exercises general supervision over
the investment portfolio and is responsible for the approval of policies and
general supervision of the asset/liability management activities of CoreStates
and its subsidiary banks.  The Committee also exercises primary oversight
responsibility for certain CoreStates' subsidiaries.

     The Executive Committee consisted of Messrs. Larsen (Chairperson), Hughes,
Smith and Dr. McFate until October 21, 1997, at which time the Committee was
expanded to also include Messrs. Cardy, Jones, Lynett, Seabrook and Ms. von
Seldeneck. During 1997, the Executive Committee held ten meetings.  The primary
functions of the Executive Committee include: to act on behalf of the Board of
Directors in between meetings; to provide the initial forum for discussion of
management's major policy recommendations; oversight responsibility for the
processing companies; and preliminary review of merger and acquisition activity.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
     The By-laws of CoreStates provide that a shareholder may nominate a
director at the Annual Meeting only if written notice (the "Notice") of such
shareholder's intent is given by the shareholder and received by the Secretary
of CoreStates not less than forty-five days prior to the date fixed for the
Annual Meeting.  The Notice shall contain or be accompanied by (a) the name and
residence of such shareholder; (b) a representation that the shareholder is a
holder of CoreStates' voting stock and intends to appear in person or by proxy
at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the Notice; (c)
such information regarding each nominee as would have been required to be
included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the rules and
regulations established by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Exchange Act (or pursuant to any successor act or regulation) had proxies been
solicited with respect to such nominee by the management or Board of Directors
of CoreStates; (d) a description of all arrangements or understandings among the
shareholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person
or persons) pursuant to which such nomination(s) are to be made by the
shareholder; and (e) the consent of each nominee to serve as director of
CoreStates if so elected.

                            DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION

     Directors who are also officers of CoreStates Financial Corp or its
subsidiaries do not receive any fees for Board or Committee meetings.

     In April 1997, the shareholders approved the Amended and Restated Stock
Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (1997) to provide that, effective
January 1, 1997, all eligible non-employee directors of CoreStates Financial
Corp ("CoreStates") or CoreStates Bank, N.A. ("CBNA") on or before the date of
an annual meeting of shareholders receive a whole number of shares of CoreStates
Common Stock equal in value to 50% of his or her retainer fee payable for
services as a director during such calendar year (including any additional
retainer fee payable for service as a chairperson of a committee of the
CoreStates Board or the CBNA Board of Directors) in lieu of payment of such
percentage of retainer fee in cash.

     Therefore, in 1997, non-employee Directors of CoreStates received an annual
retainer of $40,000, 50% of which was paid in the Common Stock of CoreStates on
June 1, 1997. Meeting fees of $500 were paid for each meeting of the Board of
Directors and each meeting of any Committee of the Board of Directors. The
Chairman of the Audit Committee continued to receive an annual fixed sum of
$8,000, 50% payable in CoreStates' Common Stock, and

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
the annual fixed sum paid to the Chairman of each other Committee of the
CoreStates Board of Directors was $5,000, 50% payable in CoreStates Common
Stock.  The $5,000 annual fixed sum paid to each member of the Audit Committee
remains unchanged and was paid 100% in cash.

     In 1997, non-employee Directors of CBNA received an annual retainer of
$15,000, 50% of which was paid in Common Stock of CoreStates on June 1, 1997.
Meeting fees of $500 were paid for each meeting of the Board of Directors and
each meeting of any Committee of the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the
Audit Committee continued to receive an annual fixed sum of $5,000, 50% payable
in CoreStates' Common Stock, and the annual fixed sum paid to the Chairman of
each other Committee of the CoreStates Board of Directors was $2,500, 50%
payable in CoreStates Common Stock.  The $2,500 annual fixed sum paid to each
member of the Audit Committee remains unchanged and was paid 100% in cash.

     During 1997, Directors of CoreStates who were directors of CBNA regional
advisory boards received an honorarium of $1,000 to be paid in lieu of retainer
and attendance fees.

     Under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of CoreStates and CBNA
(the "Directors' Deferred Plan"), directors of CoreStates and CBNA may elect
prior to commencement of each term of service to defer payment of all or part of
their directors' compensation.  Amounts deferred are payable, as elected by the
director, at the termination of the respective director's service to CoreStates
or CBNA, the reaching of age 65, death, or a specified date, such payment to be
made in a lump sum in up to 10 annual installments or other method.  Amounts
deferred are credited to an unfunded directors' deferred compensation account.
Amounts deferred after April 1, 1988 were credited with interest at an annual
rate equal to 60% of the prime rate of CBNA (the "CBNA Prime Rate").  Beginning
January 1, 1989, interest has been credited on deferrals at a rate determined by
multiplying the CBNA Prime Rate by a decimal amount equal to 1 minus 118% of the
highest marginal corporate tax rate for Federal income tax purposes.  Amounts
deferred on or before April 1, 1988 receive earnings based on one or more of
three hypothetical investments as selected quarterly by each affected
participant.  These provide yields equal to the return on, and appreciate or
depreciate to the same extent as, funds invested in the CoreStates Bond Fund,
the CoreStates Liquidity Fund and the CoreStates Equity Fund, each of which is a
collective investment fund managed by CoreStates Investment Advisers, Inc.  The
right to receive future payments under the Directors' Deferred Plan is an
unsecured claim against the general assets of CoreStates or CBNA, as applicable,
Payments of deferred compensation may be

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
made only in cash.

     Additionally, in 1980, Hamilton Bank ("Hamilton") established a directors'
deferred compensation plan whereby participating directors of Hamilton could
elect to forego certain directors' fees or other compensation for a five-year
period, from January 1, 1980 through December 31, 1984, in return for the
undertaking of Hamilton to pay each participating director a specified amount in
120 equal payments beginning at age 65 or 70, or at death, if earlier.  Hamilton
has obtained life insurance, of which Hamilton is the beneficiary, on each
participating director in an amount which will cover Hamilton's obligation to
pay each such director.  The directors participating in this plan are Carlton E.
Hughes and Marlin Miller, Jr.  Total payments to be made over the 10 year
distribution period or at death, if earlier, to Messrs. Hughes and Miller are
$233,400 and $178,800, respectively.  Amounts expensed for 1997 under the plan
in respect to Messrs. Hughes and Miller were respectively $15,317 and $12,090.

                       HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT

             COMPENSATION POLICIES FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS FOR 1997

     The Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee")
is composed entirely of independent, outside Directors, none of whom is a
current officer or employee of CoreStates or any of its subsidiaries. The Board
of Directors has delegated to the Committee the responsibility for establishing
and administering CoreStates' executive compensation plans. The Committee
consults with outside compensation consultants, attorneys and other specialists.
The Committee's unanimous approval of CoreStates' executive compensation
programs in 1997 was based on each Committee member's judgment and evaluation of
the various factors underlying the overall compensation philosophy described
below.

     Compensation policies for executive officers are intended to further the
earnings of CoreStates and facilitate securing, retaining and motivating
management employees of high caliber and potential. The persons eligible to
receive awards under these policies are officers and other employees of
CoreStates and its subsidiaries who are in positions in which their decisions,
actions and counsel significantly impact upon the short and long-term goals and
strategies of CoreStates.

     There are three components to executive compensation: base

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
salary, annual incentive awards, and long-term incentive awards.

Base Salaries

     Base salaries for executives are competitive with incumbent salaries for
peer positions in CoreStates' comparator group. The comparator group consists of
14 companies within the super-regional banking industry that have market,
geographic and size similarities to CoreStates. All of these banks are contained
within the Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods 50 Index, presented in the Comparative 5
year Cumulative Total Return graph on page 40 of this annual report on Form 10-
K. CoreStates generally targets base salaries at or near the median or average
rate paid for each job within the group. Published compensation surveys are
utilized to monitor competitive pay levels, in addition to compensation
information reported in competitors' proxy statements.

Annual Incentive Awards

     Executive officers participate in an annual cash award program, the
Incentive Compensation Plan for CoreStates Financial Corp and Participating
Subsidiaries. The Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors determines
the awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan. Award opportunity is
based on the individual executive's grade level and a mix of predetermined
corporate and individual performance goals.

Corporate Performance

          One-Hundred percent of the annual award for the Chief Executive
Officer and for the other four most highly compensated executive officers of
CoreStates is based on corporate performance. Eighty percent of the annual award
for eligible officers other than the named executive officers is based on
corporate performance measured the same way. For 1997 this component of the
Incentive Compensation Plan was paid at 100% of the payout target.  Three
measures are used as indices of corporate performance: net income after capital
charge (NIACC), earnings per share (EPS), and progress toward achieving cultural
change objectives.

     NIACC measures both the quantity and the quality of corporate earnings.  If
CoreStates earns more than its required return (and therefore has a positive
NIACC) shareholder value is created.  The calculation of NIACC requires three
pieces of data: net income, the amount of capital employed, and the required
return on that capital.  The corporate required return of 13% is a risk-adjusted
rate of return related to investors' alternatives in the marketplace.  Because
CoreStates has an unusually high

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
equity to asset ratio, NIACC is normalized for a 5% equity to asset ratio.

     Growth in EPS is a key measure of financial strength considered by the
external financial community.  The use of this measure facilitates external
comparison and is easily understood.

     Cultural change improvement is measured based on progress in advancing the
corporate culture with reference to: 1) CoreValues--People, Performance,
Integrity, Teamwork, Diversity, and Communication,  2) customer focus,  3)
commitment to quality,  4) leadership,  5) growth and learning,  6) employee
satisfaction, 7) productivity, and 8) alignment measures.  A combination of
quantitative and qualitative measures is used to track results against these
objectives including several routinely tracked statistics, such as the diversity
of our workforce at all levels in CoreStates' organization, upward and lateral
mobility of employees, employee retention, training and development
participation, utilization of vendors and services owned by women and people of
color, employee survey results, and other pertinent statistics.  Quantitative
progress on attaining improved implementation of corporate cultural change is
measured through a survey of all CoreStates employees; or through sample surveys
throughout the company.

Individual Performance

     For eligible officers other than for the named executive officers, twenty
percent of the annual award is based on individual performance.  Individual
performance goals are designed to reflect a balance between attainable and
"stretch" objectives and are specific to each plan participant. Individual
performance objectives are established at the beginning of the year based on the
functions and responsibilities of each executive's position (for example, sales
targets, income goals, cost reduction objectives, etc.). Also included in the
measure of individual performance are objectives that champion CoreValues and
reflect or measure managerial performance.  These people-focused objectives
count for at least one-third of individual performance.

     Target awards are based on a percentage of the midpoint of the salary grade
of each individual.  Corporate and individual executive performance are
evaluated, and payout levels are determined independently at zero or 50 to 150%
of the payout targets.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan

     This plan is designed to support the long-term strategic goals of
CoreStates by providing equity opportunities for individual executives based on
their level of responsibility. Ownership aligns the interests of participating
officers and executives with the interests of CoreStates' shareholders and ties
a significant portion of senior officer compensation to shareholder returns.
Under Ownership Guidelines developed in 1993 for achievement by 1998 and
approved by the Human Resources Committee, the suggested number of shares to be
owned varies according to the executive's salary grade, and ranges from one
times salary range midpoint for Executive Vice Presidents up to 2.5 times salary
range midpoint for the CEO.  Stock held through the CoreStates Employee Stock
Ownership and Savings Plan is counted toward the guidelines, but unexercised
stock options are not.

     The primary award vehicles for 1997 were incentive stock options (ISOs) and
non-qualified stock options (NQSOs).  The first $100,000 of each stock option
award was granted in the form of ISOs, with the remaining portion granted in
NQSOs.  Stock option grants provide the grantees the opportunity to acquire
common stock at a fixed price (the fair market value on the date of the grant)
for a specified period of time (ten years).

     Stock option plans provide upside earnings potential through increases in
stock value over the long term.  Target awards for stock option grants are
expressed as a percentage of the salary range midpoint for each participant.
Actual awards may range from 0% up to 150% of the target award based on a
present assessment of the long-term value of the participant's ongoing
performance contribution to CoreStates.  In determining these grants, the Human
Resources Committee did not specifically consider the amount and value of stock
currently held by individuals.  For 1997 stock option awards averaged 100% of
target for all participants.

     The Committee, together with the assistance of an outside consultant,
reviewed the 1997 total compensation, compared to the 14 bank peer group, for
the CEO and the other four most highly compensated individuals who are executive
officers as of the end of the year.  In June, 1997 the Committee then
recommended a one-time restricted stock award to be made in early 1998. The
value of the grant was expressed as a dollar value, with corporate and peer
group relative performance measures which determine the value of the grant which
was made on January 20, 1998. Year end corporate performance measures produced
an award at 94% of target.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
Deductibility of Executive Compensation

     Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax
deduction to public companies for compensation of $1 million paid to the Chief
Executive Officer and the other four most highly compensated individuals who are
executive officers as of the end of the year.  Qualifying performance-based
compensation is not subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are
met. While it is the Committee's policy to preserve corporate tax deductions by
qualifying compensation paid over $1 million to named executive officers, it
also maintains the flexibility to approve compensation arrangements that it
deems to be in the best interests of CoreStates and its stockholders but which
may not always qualify for full tax deductibility.

Summary

     Inherent in CoreStates' effort to create shareholder value are attention to
financial performance and strength, and focused recognition of CoreStates'
people as the cornerstone of the long-range competitive edge.  Performance
measures support the efforts to further corporate earnings and achieve a
positive corporate culture.  The ideal culture values all members of the
workforce, maintains customer focus, and achieves excellence through commitment
to quality.

               HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE'S BASES FOR DETERMINING
                     THE COMPENSATION OF THE CEO FOR 1997

     The CEO's (Chief Executive Officer) base salary, and annual and long-term
incentive award components are consistent with the spirit and objectives of
CoreStates' executive compensation program as follows:

Base Salary

     In the Human Resources Committee's evaluation of the CEO's performance, it
was specifically noted that his individual actions and leadership have had a
significant effect on CoreStates' overall financial and cultural change/people
value results, enhancing ongoing value to shareholders through stock
appreciation and growth in earnings available for dividends. Although it is
CoreStates' practice to target at or near the median of the CEO's base salaries
reported in the comparative group, the Human Resources Committee has chosen to
focus on total compensation rather than solely on base pay.

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
Annual Incentive Award

     100% of the CEO's annual incentive award is based on corporate performance.
For 1997 this was paid at 100% of target, based on NIACC, earnings per share,
and corporate culture/people objectives as described in the preceding Annual
Incentive Award--Corporate Performance section on pages 29 and 30 of this annual
report on Form 10-K section with respect to other executive officers.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

     The CEO participates in the Long-Term Incentive Plan described above under
"Compensation Policies for Executive Officers for 1997". In February 1997 the
CEO was granted options based on 100% of the target for his position.

     The CEO is a participant in the restricted stock program described above
under "Compensation Policies for Executive Officers for 1997". In January 1998
the CEO was granted restricted stock based on 94% of target for his position.

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

     The following table shows, for the fiscal years ending December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997, the cash compensation paid by CoreStates and its subsidiaries, as
well as certain other compensation paid or accrued for those years, to the chief
executive officer and the other four most highly compensated executive officers
of CoreStates (collectively, the "Named Executives").




                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                               Long Term
                                                                                            --------------------
                                          Annual Compensation                Other Annual     Awards     Payouts       All Other
                                 ------------------------------------                       --------------------
                                                   Salary         Bonus      Compensation      Options     LTIP       Compensation
Name & Principal Position        Years             ($)*           ($)        ($)**             (#)         ($)***     ($)****
<S>                              <C>               <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>       <C> 
Terrence A. Larsen               1997              770,000        767,800    4,241              78,607           0     34,591
 Chairman and Chief              1996              755,385        335,808    3,277             102,581           0     37,769
 Executive Officer               1995              687,981        575,683    3,396             148,750     458,544     33,750
                                       
Rosemarie B. Greco               1997              440,000        385,800        0              49,124           0     26,400  
 President and Chief             1996              423,846        246,912        0              52,713           0     21,192
 Executive Officer,              1995              387,308        304,344    2,745              76,375     339,073     19,000
 CoreStates Bank, N.A.                
                                      
Charles L. Coltman, III          1997              420,000        266,280        0              40,393           0     25,200    
 Vice Chairman, CoreStates       1996              413,846        177,520    2,558              52,713           0     20,692    
 Financial Corp                  1995              387,308        304,344        0              76,375     127,152     19,000    
                                                                                                                                 
Charles P. Connolly, Jr.         1997              300,000        229,200    2,140              28,562           0     17,969    
 Senior Executive Vice           1996              295,385        105,632      962              24,164           0     14,769    
 President and Chief Risk        1995              275,192        155,866      957              35,125      84,758     13,500    
 Policy Officer                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                 
P. Sue Perrotty                  1997              261,450        142,050        0              14,101           0     15,634    
 Executive                       1996              251,450         62,828        0              12,600           0     13,974    
 Vice President                  1995              236,077        122,682        0              18,375           0      9,400     
</TABLE>


      *Annual Salary is reported for the calendar year
    **Other Annual Compensation includes Financial Planning
  ***Performance Units Awards
        No remaining performance unit awards to be paid out
        Half of award value net of taxes was paid in cash, the other half in
        stock
****All other compensation consists of compensation from savings and retirement
    plans as follows:
     -The CoreStates Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan provides
      investment choices and company contributions. Corporation contributions
      were as follows:
     1997:Larsen-$7,200, Greco-$9,600, Coltman-$9,600, Connolly-$9,600,
     Perrotty-$9,600
     1996:Larsen-$7,500, Greco-$7,500, Coltman-$7,500, Connolly-$7,500,
     Perrotty-$12,794.10
     1995:Larsen-$7,500, Greco-$7,500, Coltman-$7,500, Connolly-$7,500,
     Perrotty-$9,240
          in 1995 and 1996 Ms. Perrotty participated in the Meridian
          Supplemental Salary Reduction Plan
     The 401 Excess Plan was adopted in 1992. It mirrors the CoreStates Employee
Stock Ownership and Savings Plan in that it provides investment choices and
company matches for employees whose salaries are above ERISA limits for the
savings plan. Corporation contribution were:
1997:Larsen-$27,390.55, Greco-$16,799.93, Coltman-$15,600.15, Connolly-
$8,369.26, Perrotty-$6,033.50
1996:Larsen-$30,269.25, Greco-$13,692.25, Coltman-$13,192.27, Connolly-
$7,269.19, Perrotty-$1,179.75
1995:Larsen-$26,250, Greco-$11,500, Coltman-$11,500, Connolly-$6,000, Perrotty-
$159
     In 1995 and 1996 Ms. Perrotty participated in the Meridian Supplemental
Salary Reduction Plan.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                              OPTION GRANT TABLE

     The following table contains information concerning the grant of stock
options to the Named Executives as of December 31, 1997.

                            OPTION GRANTS IN 1997 *

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  Grant Date
                                                                                                                    Value
                                                                                                                  ----------
                                            Options        % of Total Options         Exercise                    Black Scholes
                              Grant         Granted        Granted to Employees        or Base     Expiration     Grant Date
Name                          Date            (#)               in 1997                  Price       Date         Present Value**
<S>                         <C>             <C>            <C>                        <C>          <C>            <C>
Terrence A. Larsen          01/21/97         78,607           4.854%                   $51.500      01/21/07      $699,602
Rosemarie B. Greco          01/21/97         49,124           3.034%                   $51.500      01/21/07      $437,204
Charles L. Coltman, III     01/21/97         40,393           2.494%                   $51.500      01/21/07      $359,498
Charles P. Connolly, Jr.    01/21/97         28,562           1.764%                   $51.500      01/21/07      $254,202
P. Sue Perrotty             01/21/97         14,101           0.871%                   $51.500      01/21/07      $125,499 
</TABLE> 
 
*Options reported in the table above are a combination of incentive and non-
qualified stock options. All grants become exercisable one year from the date of
grant and they must be exercised during employment except in the case of death,
disability, retirement or involuntary termination. The term of each option is
ten years.

**Results produced by the Black Scholes assumptions:
 Risk-free rate of return -- 6.39
 Dividend yield -- 4.00
 Expected Time of Exercise -- 6 years
 Market Price at Grant -- $51.50
 Expected Volatility -- .169

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
                      OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END TABLE

     The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named
Executives, concerning the exercise of options during 1997 and unexercised
options as of December 31, 1997:


                     OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END TABLE*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                         Number of             Value of Unexercised
                                  Shares                               Unexercised             In-the-Money Options
                                 Acquired                               Options at                  at 12/31/97
                                    on           Value                 12/31/97 (#)                 ($)(/share)*
                                 Exercise       Realized       ----------------------------------------------------------- 
Name                                (#)           ($)          Exercisable   Unexercisable     Exercisable    Unexercisable  
- ----                              -------       ----------     -----------   -------------     -----------    -------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>  
Terrence A. Larsen                      0       $        0       472,131         78,607         23,419,342      2,279,603     
Rosemarie B. Greco                187,142       $6,013,825             0         49,124                  0      1,424,596     
Charles L. Coltman, III            74,932       $3,943,330       220,738         40,393         10,808,677      1,171,397     
Charles P. Connolly, Jr.           34,003       $1,579,792       112,430         28,562          5,576,551        828,298     
P. Sue Perrotty                     9,800       $  530,425        19,950         14,101            956,396        408,929      
</TABLE>

*Values for Larsen, Greco, Coltman, Connolly, and Perrotty respectively
represent the cumulative impact of stock options granted over, 10, 7, 10, 10,
and 10 years respectively. One stock option grant was awarded per named
executive in each year an award was made to the executive, with the exception of
1994, in which R. Greco, C. Coltman, and C. Connolly each received a second
grant on 8/22/94.

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
                               PENSION BENEFITS

     CoreStates maintains the CoreStates Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified
defined benefit plan, which generally covers employees of CoreStates and its
participating subsidiaries and affiliates. The Retirement Plan is funded solely
by contributions made by CoreStates on an actuarial basis to the Retirement Plan
Trust. The normal retirement age under the Retirement Plan is age 65; however,
participants may elect early retirement (in some circumstance without actuarial
reduction) if certain requirements are met.

     For credited service through December 31, 1996, the Retirement Plan benefit
formula is 1.5% of Final Average Compensation ("FAC") up to Social Security
Covered Compensation ("SSCC") plus 2.0% of FAC over SSCC, multiplied by years of
credited service to a maximum of 25; plus 1.0% of FAC, multiplied by years of
credited service over 25 to a maximum of 40. (For years of credited service
after December 31, 1996, the Retirement Plan formula has been reduced to 1.25%
of FAC up to SSCC plus 1.75% of FAC over SSCC, multiplied by years of credited
service to a maximum of 25; plus 0.75% of FAC, multiplied by years of credited
service over 25 to a maximum of 40).

     The Final Average Compensation used in calculating the qualified Retirement
Plan benefit is the annual average of the highest 60 consecutive months of base
pay (excluding all incentive and other non-salary cash payments) during the last
ten years of employment. The Final Average Compensation figure corresponds to
the elements summarized in the Annual (Salary) Compensation shown in the Summary
Compensation Table on page 34 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

     The Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") limits the amount of benefits which
tax-qualified plans such as the Retirement Plan can pay to officers and other
highly compensated employees. The CoreStates Financial Corp Supplemental
Retirement Plan (the "CoreStates Supplemental Plan") provides benefit amounts
which cannot be paid from the qualified Retirement Plan because of such Code
limits. If an employee defers salary, the CoreStates Supplemental Plan also pays
the difference between what the employee would have gotten in the qualified plan
had he or she not deferred salary and the qualified plan benefit excluding the
deferred salary. (Certain key executives who came from First Pennsylvania are
covered under the First Pennsylvania Retirement Benefit Supplemental Plan,
described below, instead of the CoreStates Supplemental Plan.)

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
     The following table shows, for various of credited service and compensation
levels, the amount of straight life annuity benefits produced by the Retirement
Plan benefit formula for a person retiring at normal retirement age in 1997
(with SSCC of $29,304). The table reflects the combined benefit payable under
the qualified Retirement Plan and the CoreStates Supplemental Plan (or Benefit A
of the First Pennsylvania Retirement Benefit Supplemental Plan, described
below).

                              PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Final Average    Estimated Annual Pension For Representative Years of Credited Services
                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation     5              10             15             20             25             30
- ------------     -              --             --             --             --             --
<S>              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C> 
$125,000         $11,460        $ 23,220       $ 34,990       $ 46,757       $ 58,524         64,775 
$150,000         $13,896        $ 28,164       $ 42,427       $ 56,695       $ 70,962       $ 78,462 
$175,000         $16,332        $ 33,096       $ 49,865       $ 66,632       $ 83,400       $ 92,150 
$200,000         $18,768        $ 38,040       $ 57,302       $ 76,570       $ 95,837       $105,837 
$225,000         $21,204        $ 42,972       $ 64,740       $ 86,507       $108,275       $119,525 
$250,000         $23,640        $ 47,904       $ 72,177       $ 96,445       $120,712       $133,212 
$300,000         $28,512        $ 57,780       $ 87,052       $116,320       $145,587       $160,587 
$400,000         $38,268        $ 77,532       $116,802       $156,070       $195,337       $215,337 
$450,000         $43,140        $ 87,408       $131,677       $175,945       $220,212       $242,712 
$500,000         $48,012        $ 97,284       $146,552       $195,820       $245,087       $270,087 
$600,000         $57,768        $117,036       $176,302       $235,570       $294,837       $324,837 
$700,000         $67,512        $136,788       $206,052       $275,320       $344,587       $379,587 
$800,000         $77,268        $156,540       $235,802       $315,070       $394,337       $434,337 
</TABLE>

     The First Pennsylvania Retirement Benefit Supplemental Plan (The "FP
Supplemental Plan") provides selected key executive officers with retirement
benefits in addition to those provided to all eligible employees under the
Retirement Plan. The FP Supplement Plan covers two types of retirement benefits.
Benefit A is equal to the excess of the amount that would be payable under the
Retirement Plan if it did not contain the limitation on the annual amount of
pension benefit payments or the amount of recognizable compensation imposed by
the Internal Revenue Code over the amount actually payable under the Retirement
Plan in accordance with such limitations. Benefit C is equal to 65% of the
participant's average annual base salary for the five consecutive years
immediately preceding the participant's retirement or other termination of
benefits. Benefit C is then reduced by the aggregate of the following amounts:
the benefit under Benefit A, the Social Security benefit, the benefit under the
Retirement Plan, and the benefit under any retirement plan provided by a former
employer, excluding any portion of such benefit attributable to the
participant's own contributions to such plan.

     As of December 31, 1996, the period of credited service of the CoreStates'
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above are as follows:

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
                                                            PERIOD OF CREDITED
                                                                 SERVICE
                                                            ------------------
Terrence A. Larsen......................................... 19 years, 5 months
Rosemarie B. Greco.........................................  5 years, 9 months
Charles L. Coltman III..................................... 27 years, 10 months
Charles P. Connolly, Jr.................................... 25 years, 8 months
P. Sue Perrotty............................................ 16 years, 5 months

     Ms. Perrotty is additionally entitled to a supplemental pension benefit
under the Meridian Supplemental Retirement Plan (the "Meridian SERP").  The
benefit provided under this plan is equal to 50% of final average salary as of
April 1996 less the benefit payable from Social Security less the benefits
payable from the Retirement Plan and CoreStates Supplemental Plan.  This benefit
is payable as early as age 55.

         TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

     In February 1996, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors
approved the terms of termination of employment contracts for the Named
Executives and certain other officers of CoreStates.  Each Named Executive or
identified officer terminated (as defined in the contract) would receive
severance pay equal to two times the highest base salary and bonus during the
preceding two years.  In addition, each Named Executive or identified officer
would be provided with employee benefits equivalent to those benefits received
immediately prior to termination for a two year period following such
termination. Payments are limited by the provisions of Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and are offset by amounts which may be paid under
any other CoreStates severance policy.  The contracts are for a three year
period from April 9, 1996. Additional information is contained in the "Interests
of Certain Persons" Sections on pages 9 to 10 and 46 through 49 of Exhibit 99.3,
the CoreStates January 9, 1998, Merger Proxy Statement, which sections are
incorporated herein by reference.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
                    Five-Year Shareholder Return Comparison

The following line graph compares five-year cumulative total shareholder return
with the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index and the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods
50 Index (KBW 50) a published peer-industry index. The KBW 50 is made up of
fifty of the nation's most significant banking companies, including money-center
and most major regional banks, and is considered representative of the price
performance of the nations' largest banks. Both the S&P 500 and the KBW 50 are
market-capitalization-weighted indices. The graph assumes an initial investment
of $100 and reinvestment of quarterly dividends.

                  COMPARATIVE 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                             12/31/92 to 12/31/97

                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return
                           December 31, 1992 to 1997
                        CoreStates v. S&P 500 v. KBW 50

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                     1992      1993      1994      1995      1996      1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>  
CoreStates           100        95        99       150       214       342 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500              100       110       112       153       188       251
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBW 50               100       106       100       160       227       332
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                                      40
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     Set forth below opposite the names of each director is the number of shares
of CoreStates Common Stock ("Shares") beneficially owned as of February 27,
1998. Except as otherwise indicated in the Notes to the Director Information,
the persons named possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the
Shares shown opposite their names.

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Name of Director                    Number of Shares
- ----------------                    ----------------
<S>                                 <C>           
Robert W. Cardy                            1,563 (1)    
Carlton E. Hughes                         11,738 (2)    
Ernest E. Jones                            1,499     
Terrence A. Larsen                       536,216 (3)
Herbert Lotman                            89,575 (4)    
George V. Lynett                          35,420 (5)    
Patricia A. McFate                         5,259     
Marlin Miller, Jr.                        12,807 (6)    
James M. Seabrook                          7,639 (7)    
Raymond W. Smith                           6,115 (8)    
George Strawbridge, Jr.                5,146,084 (9)  
Peter S. Strawbridge                       3,129     
Judith M. von Seldeneck                    3,777(10)  
</TABLE>


Notes to Director Information

(1) 490 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned by Mr. Cardy are owned by
his wife.  Mr. Cardy disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares.

(2) 735 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned by Mr. Hughes are held in
an irrevocable trust, of which his wife is trustee, for the benefit of their
grandchildren.  Mr. Hughes disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares.

(3) This includes 176,901 Shares which Mr. Larsen has the right to acquire
immediately pursuant to presently exercisable stock options.  313,224 of the
Shares registered as beneficially owned by Mr. Larsen are registered in the
joint names of Mr. Larsen and his wife. 68 shares are held for Mr. Larsen by
CoreStates Bank, N.A. as trustee under the CoreStates Employee Stock Ownership
and Savings Plan (ESOP).

(4) 44,110 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned by Mr. Lotman are owned
by his wife.  Mr. Lotman disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares.

(5) 206 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned by Mr. Lynett are owned by
his wife.  9,380 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned are registered in
the name of his children, as to which Mr. Lynett disclaims beneficial ownership.

(6) 1,600 of the Shares reported as owned by Mr. Miller are owned by his wife.
Mr. Miller disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares.

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
(7) 2,000 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned by Mr. Seabrook are
registered in the name of his daughter.  Mr. Seabrook disclaims beneficial
ownership of such Shares.

(8) 800 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned by Mr. Smith are held in a
charitable trust, of which Mr. Smith and his wife are co-trustees.

(9) This includes (i) 5,145,962 Shares reported as beneficially owned by Mr. G.
Strawbridge which are held by a trust of which Mr. Strawbridge is co-trustee and
has the power to revoke and (ii) 122 Shares owned jointly with one of his
children. Additionally, Mr. G. Strawbridge disclaims beneficial ownership of (a)
6,125 Shares held by a trust revocable by Mrs. Strawbridge of which Mr.
Strawbridge is co-trustee; (b) 6,417 Shares held by a trust created by Mr.
Strawbridge's son of which he is co-trustee; (c) 1,225 Shares held by a trust
for the benefit of his stepdaughter of which he is the co-trustee; and (d) 4,000
Shares held by a trust for the benefit of his nephew of which he is the co-
trustee.

(10) 1,604 of the Shares reported as beneficially owned by Ms. von Seldeneck are
registered in her name as custodian for Kevin Clay von Seldeneck.

                      BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

     Information concerning the beneficial ownership of CoreStates Common Stock
by directors is set forth above opposite the name of each director.

     The following table shows, as of February 27, 1998, the number of shares of
CoreStates Common Stock beneficially owned, including shares which may be
purchased through unexercised options, by the executive officers of CoreStates
named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 34 except in respect to Mr.
Larsen whose share ownership is reported above in the information concerning
directors:

     Charles L. Coltman III                   237,076 Shares
     Charles P. Connolly, Jr.                 174,042 Shares
     P. Susan Perrotty                         58,247 Shares
     Rosemarie B. Greco                        80,416 Shares

     At February 27, 1998, the directors and executive officers of CoreStates as
a group (21 persons) beneficially owned 6,566,386 shares of CoreStates Common
Stock which represents approximately 3.25% of all outstanding shares. Mr. George
Strawbridge, Jr. owned approximately 2.55% of the outstanding

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
shares.  No other director or officer beneficially owned more than 1% of the
outstanding shares.

     Included in the share amounts shown are 4,068 shares held for Mr. Coltman,
67 shares held for Mr. Connolly, 69 shares held for Ms. Greco, 13,912 shares
held for Ms. Perrotty and 15,807 shares held for other executive officers (other
than Mr. Larsen) as a group by CoreStates Bank, N.A., as trustee under the
CoreStates Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan. Also included are options
to acquire shares (exercisable immediately or within 60 days after February 27,
1998) held by: Mr. Coltman -- 118,940; Mr. Connolly -- 140,992; Ms. Greco -- 0;
Ms. Perrotty -- 34,551 and the other executive officers (other than Mr. Larsen)
of CoreStates as a group - 97,734. The named individuals have sole voting and
investment powers with respect to the shares owned.

                SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

     As of February 27, 1998, the following persons are known to CoreStates to
be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of CoreStates' Common Stock.
In preparing the table shown below, CoreStates has relied, without further
investigation, on the information contained in the copy of the Schedule 13G
delivered to it, which was filed jointly by the respective reporting persons
with the SEC under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.  The numbers shown
on the table should be interpreted in light of the related footnotes.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Name and Address                         Amount and Nature         Percent of       
           Of Beneficial Owner                    of Beneficial Ownership         Class      
           -------------------                    -----------------------         -----      
<S>                                               <C>                          <C>           
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. (/1/)....             15,478,350(/2/)         7.8%(/2/)  
Capital Research and Management Company
333 Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
</TABLE>

(1)  The shares reported by The Capital Group Companies, Inc. relate to those
     attributable to Capital Research and Management Company ("Capital
     Research") and other subsidiaries of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. on a
     Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(2)  The Capital Group Companies report sole voting power as to 850 shares and
     sole dispositive power as to 15,478,350

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
shares.  These shares do not include any shares as to which Capital Research
reports sole voting power, but do include 15,477,500 shares as to which Capital
Research reports sole dispositive power.  Capital Research is the beneficial
owner of 15,477,500 shares as a result of acting as investment adviser to
various investment companies registered under Section 8 of the Act.  Beneficial
ownership is disclaimed by the reporting persons pursuant to Rule 13d-4 of the
Exchange Act.

ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     CoreStates' subsidiaries have from time to time made loans to some officers
and directors of CoreStates and to companies with which they are associated.
Such loans were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the
same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the
time for comparable transactions with others, and did not involve more than
normal risk of collectibility or present any unfavorable features.

                                    PART IV

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

(a)  1.   Financial Statements:

     The following Consolidated Statements and Deposits appear as indicated in
Exhibit 99.2, which pages are incorporated by reference.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                      EXHIBIT
                                      99.2 Page
                                      Reference
                                      ---------
<S>                                   <C>
Consolidated Statements of Income
for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995.................    45
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996..........    46
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes
in Shareholders' Equity for the
years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995.......................    47 - 48
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.       49 - 50
</TABLE>

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                           EXHIBIT 
                                           99.2 Page
                                           Reference
                                           ---------
<S>                                        <C> 
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.....................    51-84

Report of Independent Auditors...........    44

Selected Quarterly Data..................    78
</TABLE> 

(a)  2.   Financial Statement Schedules

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

(b)  Current Reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 1997:

A report dated October 22, 1997, which included the Corporation's press release 
regarding third quarter and year-to-date financial information.

A report dated October 30, 1997, which included the Corporation's press release 
regarding its 10-year strategic technology alliance with Andersen Consulting.

A report dated November 18, 1997, which included the Corporation's press release
regarding its entering into a merger agreement with first Union Corporation.

A report dated November 18, 1997, with respect to Changes in Control of 
Registrant, pursuant to the Corporation's entering into a merger agreement with
First Union Corporation (Exhibit 2 Agreement and Plan of Mergers is 
incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by First Union
Corporation on November 28, 1997).

(c)  Exhibits

     The exhibits listed on the Index to Exhibits on pages 47 to 55 hereof are 
incorporated by reference or filed herewith in response to this item.

                                      46

<PAGE>
 
(a)  3.   Exhibits
          --------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Exhibit No.                                                                           Page No.
- -----------                                                                           --------
<S>                                                                                   <C> 
2.1            Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 10, 1995 by and
               between CoreStates Financial Corp and Meridian Bancorp Inc. and
               filed as Annex I to Registrant's Report on Form S-4 No. 333-00067
               and incorporated herein by reference.

2.2            Stock Option Agreement dated as of October 10, 1995 by and
               between CoreStates Financial Corp and Meridian Bancorp, Inc. and
               filed as Annex II to the Registrant's Report on Form S-4 No. 333-
               00067 and incorporated herein by reference.

2.3            Meridian Stock Option Agreement dated as of October 10, 1995 by
               and between Meridian Bancorp, Inc. and CoreStates Financial Corp
               and filed as Annex III to the Registrant's Report on Form S-4 No.
               333-00067 and incorporated herein by reference.

2.4            Agreement and Plan of Mergers dated as of the 18th day of
               November, 1997 by and between CoreStates Financial Corp and First
               Union Corporation and filed as Annex A to First Union
               Corporation's Form S-4 No. 333-44015 and incorporated herein
               by reference.

2.5            CoreStates Stock Option Agreement dated as of November 18, 1997
               between First Union Corporation and CoreStates Financial Corp and
               filed as Annex B to First Union Corporation's Form S-4 No. 
               333-44015 and incorporated herein by reference.

2.6            First Union Stock Option Agreement dated as of November 18, 1997
               between CoreStates Financial Corp and First Union Corporation and
               filed as Annex C to First Union Corporation's Form S-4 No. 
               333-44015 and incorporated herein by reference.

3.1            Articles of Incorporation of Registrant as amended through April
               9,1996 and filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q
               for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997 and incorporated 
               herein by reference.
</TABLE> 

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
Exhibit No.                                                                           Page No.
- -----------                                                                           --------
<S>            <C>                                                                    <C> 
3.2            By-laws of Registrant as amended through January 21, 1997 and
               filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K dated March
               21, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.1            The Registrant will furnish to the Securities and Exchange
               Commission, upon request, copies of instruments defining the
               rights of holders of long-term debt of CoreStates Financial Corp
               and its subsidiaries.

4.2            Indenture dated as of December 1, 1990 between CoreStates
               Financial Corp, CoreStates Capital Corp and The Bank of New York,
               as senior trustee and successor to Nations Bank of Georgia, N.A.,
               as successor to Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., (formerly The
               First National Bank of Atlanta).  Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
               Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 1991
               and incorporated herein by reference.

4.3            Indenture dated as of December 1, 1990 between CoreStates
               Financial Corp, CoreStates Capital Corp and Bank One, Columbus,
               NA.  Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on
               Form 8-K dated January 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by
               reference.

4.4            First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 1993 to the
               Indenture dated as of December 1, 1990 by and between CoreStates
               Capital Corp, CoreStates Financial Corp and BankOne, Columbus,
               N.A. filed as Exhibit 4 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-
               K dated April 20, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.


4.5            Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1994 among
               CoreStates Financial Corp, CoreStates Capital Corp, Bank One,
               Columbus, N.A. and Citibank, N.A. filed as
</TABLE> 

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
Exhibit No.                                                                           Page No.
- -----------                                                                           --------
<S>            <C>                                                                    <C> 
               Exhibit 4.5 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by
               reference.

4.6            Specimen of Medium-Term Note (Senior Fixed Rate).  Filed as
               Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
               January 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.7            Specimen of Medium-Term Note (Senior Floating Rate).  Filed as
               Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
               January 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.8            Specimen of Medium-Term Note (Subordinated Fixed Rate).  Filed as
               Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
               January 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.9            Specimen of Medium-Term Note (Subordinated Floating Rate).  Filed
               as Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
               dated January 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.10           Specimen of 9 5/8% Subordinated Note due February 15, 2001.
               Filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
               8-K dated January 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.11           Specimen of CoreStates Capital Corp 9 3/8% Subordinated Note due
               April 15, 2003. Filed as Exhibit (4) to the Registrant's Current
               Report on Form 8-K dated April 21, 1991 and incorporated herein
               by reference.

4.12           Specimen of 6 5/8% Subordinated Note due March 15, 2005 issued by
               CoreStates Capital Corp filed as Exhibit 4 to Registrant's
               Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 1993 and incorporated
</TABLE> 

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
Exhibit No.                                                                           Page No.
- -----------                                                                           --------
<S>            <C>                                                                    <C> 
               herein by reference.

4.13           Specimen of 5 7/8% Subordinated Note due October 15, 2003 issued
               by CoreStates Capital Corp and unconditionally guaranteed as to
               payment of principal and interest on a subordinated basis by
               CoreStates Financial Corp.  Filed as Exhibit 4 of Registrant's
               Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 1993 and
               incorporated herein by reference.

4.14           Specimen of CoreStates Capital Corp Medium-Term Note (Senior
               Fixed Rate). Filed as Exhibit 4(d) to Registrant's Registration
               Statement on Form S-3, No. 33-54049 and incorporated herein by
               reference.

4.15           Specimen of CoreStates Capital Corp Medium-Term Note (Senior
               Floating Rate).  Filed as Exhibit 4(e) to Registrant's
               Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 33-54049 and incorporated
               herein by reference.

4.16           Specimen of CoreStates Capital Corp Medium-Term Note
               (Subordinated Fixed Rate).  Filed as Exhibit 4(f) to Registrant's
               Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 33-54049 and incorporated
               herein by reference.

4.17           Specimen of CoreStates Capital Corp Medium-Term Note
               (Subordinated Floating Rate).  Filed as Exhibit 4(g) to
               Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 33-54049 and
               incorporated herein by reference.

4.18           Form of Medium Term Note (Senior Fixed Rate).  Filed as Exhibit 4
               (d)(5) to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3/A, Nos.
               333-2297 and 33-54049 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.19           Form of Medium Term Note (Senior Floating
</TABLE> 

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
Exhibit No.                                                                                    Page No.
- -----------                                                                                    --------
<S>            <C>                                                                          <C> 
               Rate).  Filed as Exhibit 4(e)(5) to Registrant's Registration
               Statement on Form S-3/A, Nos. 333-2297 and 33-54049 and
               incorporated herein by reference.

4.20           Form of Medium Term Note (Subordinated Fixed Rate).  Filed as
               Exhibit 4(f)(5) to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-
               3/A, Nos. 333-2297 and 33-54049 and incorporated herein by
               reference.

4.21           Form of Medium Term Note (Subordinated Floating Rate).  Filed as
               Exhibit 4(g)(5) to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
               S-3/A, Nos. 333-2297 and 33-54049 and incorporated herein by
               reference.

4.22           Form of Warrant.  Filed as Exhibit 4(h) to Registrant's
               Registration Statement on Form S-3/A, Nos. 333-2297 and 33-54049
               and incorporated herein by reference.

4.23           Form of Warrant Agreement.  Filed as Exhibit 4(i) to Registrant's
               Registration Statement on Form S-3/A, Nos. 333-2297 and 33-54049
               and incorporated herein by reference.

4.24           Form of Certificate of Designation of $__________  Preferred
               Stock.  Filed as Exhibit 4(j) to Registrant's Registration
               Statement on Form S-3/A, Nos. 333-2297 and 33-54049 and
               incorporated herein by reference.

4.25           Form of $___________ Preferred Stock filed as Exhibit 4(k) to
               Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3/A, Nos. 333-2297
               and 33-54049 and incorporated herein by reference.

4.26           Form of Common Stock.  Filed as Exhibit 4(1) to Registrant's
               Registration Statement on Form S-3/A, Nos. 333-2297 and
</TABLE> 

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
Exhibit No.                                                                           Page No.
- -----------                                                                           --------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C> 
               33-54049 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1           * Incentive Compensation Plan for CoreStates Financial
               Corp and Participating Subsidiaries effective January
               1, 1983. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
               December 31, 1983 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3(A)(i)     Amended and Restated Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee 
               Directors (1997) of CoreStates Financial Corp. Filed as
               Annex B to Registrant's Proxy Statement dated March 4, 1997 
               and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3(A)(ii)    Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (1997) of
               CoreStates Financial Corp as amended through January 20, 1998.  

10.3           *    Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of CoreStates
               Financial Corp and CoreStates Bank, N.A. as amended and restated
               effective January 1, 1995.

10.4           *    The CoreStates Financial Corp Supplemental Retirement Plan.
               Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987 and incorporated
               herein by reference.

10.5           *    Profit Sharing Deferral Plan for Officers of
               CoreStates Financial Corp and Participating
               Subsidiaries effective November 1, 1987. Filed as
               Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987 and
               incorporated herein by reference.

10.6           Agreement between New Jersey National Bank and Textron
               Financial- New Jersey, Inc. for the sale and leaseback
               of the Corporate and operations centers and four
</TABLE> 

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
Exhibit No.                                                                           Page No.
- -----------                                                                           --------
<S>            <C>                                                                   <C> 
               branches.  Filed as.  Exhibit 10(I), File No. 0-6002 to the New
               Jersey National Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               fiscal year ended December 31, 1985 and incorporated herein by
               reference.

10.7           Lease between Centre Square, Inc. and Tishman Construction
               Company of Pennsylvania, Inc. and The First Pennsylvania Banking
               and Trust Company, dated as of December 13, 1968 as amended
               through January 31, 1974, for the property known as Centre Square
               West.  Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant's Annual Report
               on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989 and
               incorporated herein by reference.

10.8           *    First Pennsylvania Corporation Amended and  Restated
               Retirement Benefit Supplement Plan filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
               December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.9           *    CoreStates Financial Corp 1992 Long Term Incentive Plan
               filed as Exhibit 10.18 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
               for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated
               herein by reference.

10.10          *    CoreStates Financial Corp Stock Compensation Plan For Non-
               Employee Directors filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Registrant's Annual
               Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992
               and incorporated herein by reference.

10.11          *    CoreStates Financial Corp 401 Excess Plan For Senior
               Management filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Registrant's Annual Report on
               Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated
               herein by reference.

10.12          Agreement to Form a Joint Venture By and Among Banc One
               Corporation, CoreStates Financial Corp, PNC Financial Corp and Society
</TABLE> 

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
Exhibit No.                                                                           Page No.
- -----------                                                                           --------
<S>       <C>                                                                      <C> 
          Corporation dated as of July 21, 1992 filed as Exhibit 10.21 to
          Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
          December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.13          *    Incentive Compensation Plan for Designated Executives of
          CoreStates Financial Corp and Participating Subsidiaries filed as
          Exhibit 10.18 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
          fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by
          reference.

10.14          *    Independence Bancorp, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement
          Plan filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
          for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by
          reference.

10.15          Distribution Agreement dated September 16, 1994 among CoreStates
          Financial Corp, CoreStates Capital Corp and Merrill Lynch & Co.,
          Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities
          Inc., CoreStates First Boston Corporation and Smith Barney Inc.  Filed
          as Exhibit 1(b) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-
          3, No. 33-54049 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.16          Underwriting Agreement dated September 16, 1994 among CoreStates
          Financial Corp, CoreStates Capital Corp and Lehman Brothers Inc.,
          Goldman, Sachs & Co., Merrill Lynch & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities
          Inc., CORESTATES First Boston Corporation and Smith Barney Inc.  Filed
          as Exhibit 1(a) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-
          3, No. 33-54049 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.17          *    Agreement with Samuel A. McCullough dated April 18, 1996.
          Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's June 30, 1996 10-Q and
          incorporated herein by reference.

10.18          *    Amendment to Termination Agreement dated
</TABLE> 

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>       <C> 
          July 1, 1986.  Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's June 30, 1996 10-
          Q and incorporated herein by reference.

10.19     *    Form of Termination Agreement for Samuel A. McCullough dated
          July 1, 1986.  Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's June 30, 1996 10-
          Q and incorporated herein by reference.


10.20     *    Form of Termination Agreement for Executive Officers.  Filed
          as Exhibit 10.4(A) to Registrant's June 30, 1996 10-Q and incorporated
          herein by reference.

10.21     *    Schedule of named Executive Officers and Executive Officers
          who are parties to a Termination Agreement. 

12.1      Computation of Ratio of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Fixed
          Charges of Continuing Operations -- Consolidated.

12.2      Computation of Ratio of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Fixed
          Charges of Continuing Operations -- Combined CoreStates (Parent Only)
          and CoreStates Capital Corp.

21        List of Subsidiaries.

23(a)     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

23(b)     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

27.1      Financial Data Schedule.

27.2      Financial Data Schedule.

27.3      Financial Data Schedule.

99.1      Undertaking - Form S-8 Registration Statements.

99.2      Registrant's December 31, 1997 Form 10-K Financial Sections.

99.3      Pages 9 to 10 and 46 through 49 of the Registrant's January 9,
          1998 Merger Proxy Statement.
</TABLE> 

*    Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be
     filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
 
NOTE:  CoreStates Financial Corp will furnish, at cost, any exhibit not
accompanying this document upon request. Cost for each document is determined by
the number of pages in the document.

                                       56
<PAGE>
 

                         Independent Auditors' Report
                         ----------------------------

The Board of Directors
Meridian Bancorp, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Meridian Bancorp,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
year ended December 31, 1995. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Meridian Bancorp,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1995, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Philadelphia, PA
January 17, 1996,
Except as to note 2, which is as of February 23, 1996


                                               /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

                                      57
<PAGE>
 

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
United Counties Bancorporation


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of United Counties
Bancorporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash
flows for the year ended December 31, 1995. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Bancorporation's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Counties
Bancorporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1995 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Short Hills, New Jersey
January 16, 1996, except for note 20,
  which is as of February 23, 1996



                                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


                                      58
<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.

                         CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP


Date: March 30, 1998     By: /s/ Terrence A. Larsen
                            --------------------------
                         Terrence A. Larsen
                         Chief Executive Officer

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

SIGNATURES               TITLE                          DATE
- ----------               -----                          ----
/s/Terrence A. Larsen
____________________     Director, Chairman of the      March 30, 1998
Terrence A. Larsen       Board and Chief Executive
                         Officer

/s/Albert W. Mandia
____________________     Chief Financial Officer        March 30, 1998
Albert W. Mandia         (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/Christopher J. Carey
____________________     Controller                     March 30, 1998
Christopher J. Carey     (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/Robert W. Cardy
____________________     Director                       March 30, 1998
Robert W. Cardy
 
/s/Carlton E. Hughes
____________________     Director                       March 30, 1998
Carlton E. Hughes
 
/s/Ernest E. Jones
____________________     Director                       March 30, 1998
Ernest E. Jones
 

____________________     Director                       March __, 1998
Herbert Lotman

                                       59

<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
                                  (Continued)

 
SIGNATURES               TITLE                          DATE
- ----------               -----                          ----
/s/George V. Lynett
____________________     Director                       March 30, 1998
George V. Lynett
 

____________________     Director                       March __, 1998
Marlin Miller, Jr.
 
/s/Patricia McFate
____________________     Director                       March 30, 1998
Patricia McFate
 
/s/James M. Seabrook
____________________     Director                       March 30, 1998
James M. Seabrook
 
/s/Raymond W. Smith
____________________     Director                       March 30, 1998
Raymond W. Smith
 

____________________     Director                       March __, 1998
George Strawbridge, Jr.
 

____________________     Director                       March __, 1998
Peter S. Strawbridge
 

____________________     Director                       March __, 1998
Judith M. von Seldeneck

                                       60
 

<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 -------------

10.3      (A)(ii) Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (1997) of 
          CoreStates Financial Corp as amended through January 20, 1998.

10.21     Schedule of Named Executive Officers who are parties to a Termination 
          Agreement.

12.1      Computation of Ratio of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Fixed
          Charges of Continuing Operations -- Consolidated.

12.2      Computation of Ratio of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Fixed
          Charges of Continuing Operations -- Combined CoreStates (Parent Only)
          and CoreStates Capital Corp.

21        List of Subsidiaries.

23(a)     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

23(b)     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

27.1      Financial Data Schedule

27.2      Financial Data Schedule

27.3      Financial Data Schedule

99.1      Undertaking - Form S-8 Registration Statement

99.2      Registrant's December 31, 1997 Form 10-K Financial Sections

99.3      Pages 9 to 10 and 46 through 49 of the Registrant's January 9, 1998 
          Merger Proxy Statement

                                       61 


<PAGE>
 
                                                             EXHIBIT 10.3(A)(II)

                           CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP

                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                           LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
                                    (1997)

     1.   PURPOSE.   The purpose of the CoreStates Financial Corp Long-Term
Incentive Plan (1997), as amended and restated, (the "Plan") is to support the
business goals of CoreStates Financial Corp ("CoreStates")and its subsidiaries
(together, the "Corporation") by providing incentives and rewards to associate
more closely the interests of certain officers and key executives with the
interests of CoreStates' stockholders.

     2.   EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN.   The effective date of the
Plan is February 18, 1997, subject to its approval by the stockholders of
CoreStates at the annual meeting to be held on April 15, 1997, or any
adjournment thereof. The Plan shall remain in effect until all awards under the
Plan have been satisfied by the issuance of shares or the payment of cash, but
no award shall be granted more than ten years after the effective date of the
Plan or the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of CoreStates,
whichever is earlier.

     3.   ADMINISTRATION.   The Plan shall be administered by a committee (the
"Committee") of not less than two directors of CoreStates, each of whom
qualifies as both a "non-employee director" under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and also as an
"outside director" as that term is defined under Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and the rules and regulations
thereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee shall have full and
final authority in its discretion to conclusively interpret the provisions of
the Plan and to decide all questions of fact arising in its application; to
determine the employees to whom awards shall be made under the Plan; to
determine the type of award to be made and the amount, size and terms of each
such award; to determine the time when awards will be granted; and to make all
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
The Committee may designate persons other than its members to carry out its
responsibilities under such conditions or limitations as it may set, other than
its authority with regard to benefits granted to employees who are officers or
directors of CoreStates for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. A
majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the action of a
majority of members of the Committee present at any meeting at which a quorum is
present, or acts unanimously adopted in writing without the holding of a
meeting, shall be the acts of the Committee. All actions of the Committee shall
be final, conclusive and binding upon any participant. No member of the
Committee shall be liable for any action taken or decision made in good faith
relating to the Plan or any award thereunder.

     4.   SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN.   The number of shares for which options or
awards may be issued under the Plan during any calendar year shall not exceed in
the aggregate 1.5 percent of the issued shares of common stock of CoreStates
including treasury shares, determined as of the first day of such calendar year.
Any unused portion of this percentage limit in any calendar year shall be
carried forward and available for awards in succeeding calendar years. Such
shares may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares. Except as
otherwise provided herein, any shares subject to an option or right which for
any reason expires or is terminated unexercised as to such shares shall again be
available under the Plan. Furthermore, shares of stock subject to an award under
the Plan that is cancelled, expired, forfeited, settled in cash or otherwise
terminated without a delivery of shares to the participant, including (i) the
number of shares withheld in payment of any exercise or purchase price of an
award or taxes relating to awards, and (ii) the number of shares surrendered in
payment of any exercise or purchase price of an award or taxes relating to any
award, will again be available for awards under the Plan, except that if any
such shares could not again be available for awards to a

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
particular participant under any applicable law or regulation, such shares shall
be available exclusively for awards to participants who are not subject to such
limitation.

     5.   PARTICIPANTS.   Persons eligible to participate shall be limited to
those officers and other key employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries
who are in positions in which their decisions, actions and counsel significantly
contribute to the success of the Corporation. Directors of the Corporation who
are not otherwise officers or employees of the Corporation or its subsidiaries
shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan.

     6.   AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN.   Awards under the Plan may be in the form of
non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options under Section 422 of the
Code, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, or such other forms as the
Committee may in its discretion deem appropriate, including any combination of
the above. In each calendar year during any part of which the Plan is in effect,
a participant may not be granted awards relating to more than 1,000,000 shares
of common stock of CoreStates, subject to adjustment as provided in paragraph
16, under each of paragraphs 7, 8, and 9. Total awards to all participants under
paragraph 10 shall not exceed 500,000 shares of common stock of CoreStates
during the term of the Plan, subject to adjustment as provided in paragraph 16.

     7.   STOCK OPTIONS.   Options shall be evidenced by stock option agreements
in such form and not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall approve
from time to time, which agreements shall contain in substance the following
terms and conditions:

     (a)  Option Price.   The purchase price per share of stock deliverable upon
the exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value
of the stock on the day the option is granted, as determined by the Committee,
but in no event less than the par value of such stock.

     (b)  Exercise of Option.   Each stock option agreement shall state the
period or periods of time within which the option may be exercised by the
optionee, in whole or in part, which shall be such period or periods of time as
may be determined by the Committee, provided that the exercise period shall not
end later than ten years after the date of the grant of the option.

     (c)  Payment for Shares.   Stock purchased pursuant to an option agreement
shall be paid for in full in cash, common stock of CoreStates at fair market
value, or a combination thereof, in an amount or having a combined value equal
to the aggregate purchase price for the shares subject to the option or portion
thereof being exercised.

     (d)  Rights Upon Termination of Employment.   In the event that an optionee
ceases to be an employee of the Corporation for any cause other than death,
disability, retirement or involuntary separation without cause, all options
granted to such optionee shall lapse forthwith. In the event employment ceases
because an optionee dies, retires, or becomes disabled prior to expiration of
his option without having fully exercised his option, the optionee (or his
successor if he has died) shall have the right to exercise the option during its
term within a period of twelve months after the date employment so ceased, to
the extent that the option was exercisable on the date employment ceased due to
death, disability or retirement, or during such other period and subject to such
terms as may be determined by the Committee. In the event employment ceases
because an optionee is involuntarily separated without cause prior to expiration
of his option without having fully exercised his option, the optionee (or his
successor if he dies in the interim) shall have the right to exercise the option
during its term within a period of three months after the date employment so
ceased, to the extent that the option was exercisable on the date employment
ceased due to involuntary separation without cause, or during such other period
and subject to such terms as may be determined by the Committee. As used in the
Plan, the phrase "involuntary separation without cause" means a termination of
employment by the Corporation at will for reasons other than substantial failure
to perform duties, material violation of Corporation policies, unethical
activities, misconduct, fraud, or illegal act; provided that, an "involuntary
separation without

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
cause" does not include a resignation or a voluntary separation from employment,
in either case initiated by the optionee.

     8.   INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.   Incentive stock options are options to
purchase shares of common stock of CoreStates which are intended to satisfy
requirements for tax qualified status under the Code. The shares that may be
issued pursuant to incentive stock options under the Plan shall not exceed in
the aggregate four million (4,000,000) shares of the common stock of CoreStates,
subject to adjustment as provided in paragraph 16. Incentive stock options shall
be evidenced by incentive stock option agreements in such form and not
inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall approve from time to time,
which agreements shall contain in substance the following terms and conditions:

     (a)  Option Price.   The purchase price per share of stock deliverable upon
the exercise of an incentive stock option shall not be less than 100% of the
fair market value of the stock on the day the option is granted, as determined
by the Committee, but in no event less than the par value of such stock.

     (b)  Exercise of Option.   Each incentive stock option agreement shall
state the period or periods of time within which the option may be exercised by
the optionee, in whole or in part, which shall be such period or periods of time
as may be determined by the Committee, provided that the exercise period shall
not end later than ten years after the date of the grant of the option. The
Committee shall have the power to permit in its discretion an acceleration of
the previously determined exercise terms, subject to the terms set forth herein,
under such circumstances and upon such terms and conditions as it deems
appropriate.

     (c)  Nontransferability.   Each incentive stock option agreement shall
state that the option is not transferable other than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution, and during the lifetime of the optionee is exercisable
only by him.

     (d)  Payment for Shares.   Stock purchased pursuant to an incentive stock
option shall be paid for in full in cash, common stock of CoreStates at fair
market value, or a combination thereof, in an amount or having a combined value
equal to the aggregate purchase price for the shares subject to the option or
portion thereof being exercised.

     (e)  Rights Upon Termination of Employment.   In the event that an optionee
ceases to be an employee of the Corporation for any cause other than death,
disability, retirement or involuntary separation without cause, all options
granted to such optionee shall lapse forthwith. In the event employment ceases
because an optionee dies, retires, or becomes disabled prior to termination of
his option without having fully exercised his option, the optionee (or his
successor if he has died) shall have the right to exercise the option during its
term within a period of twelve months after the date employment so ceased, to
the extent that the option was exercisable on the date employment ceased due to
death, disability or retirement, or during such other period and subject to such
terms as may be determined by the Committee. In the event employment ceases
because an optionee is involuntarily separated without cause prior to expiration
of his option, the optionee (or his successor if he dies in the interim) shall
have the right to exercise the option during its term within a period of three
months after the date employment so ceased, to the extent that the option was
exercisable on the date employment ceased due to involuntary separation without
cause, or during such other period and subject to such other terms as may be
determined by the Committee.

     (f)  Individual Limitations.

          (i)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent
that the aggregate fair market value (determined as of the time the option is
granted) of stock for which any employee is granted incentive stock options
first exercisable during any calendar year (under all such plans of the
Corporation) shall exceed $100,000 (such excess to be determined by taking
options into account in the order in which granted), such 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
options shall be treated as options which are not incentive stock options.

          (ii)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no incentive
stock option shall be granted to any individual if at the time the option is to
be granted the individual owns stock possessing more than ten percent of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the employer corporation
or of its parent or subsidiary corporation unless at the time such option is
granted the option price is at least 110 percent of the fair market value of the
stock subject to option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after
the expiration of five years from the date such option is granted.

     (g)  Other terms.   Each incentive stock option agreement shall contain
such other terms, conditions and provisions as the Committee may determine to be
necessary or desirable in order to qualify such option as a tax-favored option
within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or regulation thereunder. Subject
to the limitations of paragraph 17, and without limiting any other provisions
hereof, the Committee shall have the power without further approval to amend the
terms of the Plan or any awards or agreements thereunder for such purpose.

     9.   STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.   Awards may be made from time to time in
the form of stock appreciation rights. Stock appreciation rights shall be
evidenced by stock appreciation rights agreements in such form and not
inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall approve from time to time,
which agreements shall contain in substance the following terms and conditions:

     (a)  Award.   A stock appreciation right shall entitle the grantee, subject
to such terms and conditions determined by the Committee, to receive upon
exercise thereof all or a portion of the excess of (i) the fair market value of
a specified number of shares of common stock of CoreStates at the time of
exercise, as determined by the Committee, over (ii) a specified price which
shall not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the stock at the
time the appreciation right was granted, or, if connected with a previously
issued stock option, not less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the
stock at the time such option was granted. A stock appreciation right may be
granted in connection with all or any portion of a previously or
contemporaneously granted stock option or not in connection with a stock option.

     (b)  Term.   Stock appreciation rights shall be granted for a period of not
more than ten years, and shall be exercisable in whole or in part, at such time
or times and subject to such other terms and conditions as shall be prescribed
by the Committee, subject to the following:

          (i)  In the event that a grantee ceases to be an employee of the
Corporation for any cause other than death, disability, retirement or
involuntary separation without cause, all stock appreciation rights granted to
such grantee shall lapse forthwith. In the event employment ceases because a
grantee dies, becomes disabled or retires without having fully exercised his
stock appreciation rights, the grantee (or his successor if he has died) shall
have the right to exercise the stock appreciation rights during their term
within a period of twelve months after the date employment ceased due to death,
disability or retirement to the extent that the right was exercisable on the
date employment so ceased, or during such other period and subject to such terms
as may be determined by the Committee. In the event employment ceases because a
grantee is involuntarily separated without cause prior to expiration of his
award, the grantee (or his successor if he dies in the interim) shall have the
right to exercise the stock appreciation rights during their term within a
period of three months after the date employment so ceased, to the extent that
the stock appreciation rights were exercisable on the date employment ceased due
to involuntary separation without cause, or during such other period and subject
to such other terms as may be determined by the Committee. The Committee in its
sole discretion may reserve the right to accelerate previously determined
exercise terms, within the terms of the Plan, under such circumstances and upon
such terms and conditions

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
as it deems appropriate; and

          (ii) The Committee shall establish such additional terms and
conditions without limiting the foregoing, as it determines to be necessary or
desirable to avoid "insider-trading" liability in connection with a stock
appreciation right under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

     (c)  Payment.   Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, payment shall
be made in cash or common stock of CoreStates, as determined by the Committee.

     (d)  Incentive Stock Options.   Stock appreciation rights may be granted in
connection with an incentive stock option, but shall not be granted in a manner
or form which will result in the failure of such option to qualify as an
incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code, or regulation thereunder.
Stock appreciation rights may not be granted, in connection with a grant of
incentive stock options, during the term of the incentive stock option.

     10.  RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS.   Restricted stock awards under the Plan
shall be in the form of shares of common stock of CoreStates, restricted as to
transfer and subject to forfeiture, and shall be evidenced by restricted stock
agreements in such form and not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee
shall approve from time to time, which agreements shall contain in substance the
following terms and conditions:

     (a)  Restriction Period.   Shares awarded pursuant to the Plan shall be
subject to such terms, conditions, and restrictions, including without
limitation prohibitions against transfer, substantial risks of forfeiture and
attainment of performance objectives, and for such period or periods of time as
shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall have the power, in its
discretion, to permit an acceleration of the expiration of the applicable
restriction period with respect to any part or all of the shares awarded to a
participant.

     (b)  Restriction Upon Transfer.   Shares awarded, and the right to vote
such shares and to receive dividends thereon, may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, exchanged, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise encumbered, except
as herein provided, during the restriction period applicable to such shares.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the
participant shall have all the other rights of a stockholder including but not
limited to, the right to receive dividends and the right to vote such shares.

     (c)  Certificates.   Each certificate issued in respect of shares awarded
to a participant shall be deposited with CoreStates Bank, N.A., or its designee,
and shall bear the following legend:

          "This certificate and the shares of stock represented hereby are
subject to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture and restrictions
against transfer) contained in the CoreStates Financial Corp Long-Term Incentive
Plan and an Agreement entered into between the registered owner and CoreStates
Financial Corp. Release from such terms and conditions shall obtain only in
accordance with the provisions of the Plan and Agreement, a copy of each of
which is on file in the office of the Secretary of CoreStates Financial Corp."

     (d)  Lapse of Restrictions.   Each restricted stock agreement shall specify
the terms and conditions upon which any restrictions upon shares awarded under
the Plan shall lapse, as determined by the Committee. Upon the lapse of such
restrictions, certificate(s) free of any restrictive legend shall be issued to
the participant or his legal representative.

     (e)  Termination Prior to Lapse of Restrictions.   In the event of a
particpant's termination of employment prior to the lapse of restrictions
applicable to any shares awarded to such participant, all shares as to which
there still remains unlapsed

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
restrictions shall be forfeited by such participant to CoreStates Financial Corp
without payment of any consideration by CoreStates Financial Corp, and neither
the participant nor any successors, heirs, assigns or personal representatives
of such participant shall thereafter have any further rights or interest in such
shares or certificates.

     11.  GENERAL RESTRICTIONS.   Each award under the Plan shall be subject to
the requirement that, if at any time the Committee shall determine that (i) the
listing, registration or qualification of the shares of common stock subject or
related thereto upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law,
or (ii) the consent or approval of any government regulatory body, or (iii) an
agreement by the recipient of an award with respect to the disposition of shares
of common stock, is necessary or desirable as a condition thereunder, such award
may not be consummated in whole or in part unless such listing registration,
qualification, consent, approval or agreement shall have been effected or
obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.

     12.  RIGHTS TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT.   Nothing in the Plan or in any
agreement entered into pursuant to the Plan shall confer upon any participant
the right to continue in the employment of the Corporation or affect any right
which the Corporation may have to terminate the employment of such participant.

     13.  WITHHOLDING.   Whenever the Corporation proposes or is required to
issue or transfer shares of common stock under the Plan, the Corporation shall
have the right to require the recipient to remit to the Corporation an amount
sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and/or local withholding tax
requirements prior to the delivery of any certificate for such shares or the
Corporation may withhold from the shares to be delivered shares sufficient to
satisfy all or a portion of such withholding tax requirements. Whenever under
the Plan payments are to be made in cash, such payments shall be net of an
amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and/or local withholding tax
requirements.

     14.  NON-ASSIGNABILITY.   No benefit under the Plan shall be assignable or
transferable by the participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by
the Code, or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or the
rules thereunder. During the life of the participant, such award shall be
exercisable only by such person or by such person's guardian or legal
representative.

     15.  NON-UNIFORM DETERMINATION.   The Committee's determinations under the
Plan (including without limitation determinations of the person to receive
awards, the form, amount and timing of such awards, the terms and provisions of
such awards, the agreements evidencing same, and the establishment of values and
performance targets) need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among
persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, awards under the Plan, whether
or not such persons are similarly situated.

     16.  ADJUSTMENTS.   In the event that any dividend or other distribution
(whether in the form of cash, stock, or other property), recapitalization,
forward or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off,
combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other
similar corporate transaction or event affects the stock such that an adjustment
is determined by the Committee to be appropriate under the Plan, then the
Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of
(i) the number and kind of shares of stock which may be delivered in connection
with awards granted thereafter, (ii) the number and kind of shares of stock by
which annual per- person award limitations are measured under paragraph 6
hereof, (iii) the number and kind of shares of stock subject to or deliverable
in respect of outstanding awards and (iv) the exercise price, grant price or
purchase price relating to any award and/or make any provision for payment of
cash or other property in respect of any outstanding award.

     17.  AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.   The Committee or the board of
directors of CoreStates (the "Board") may at any time terminate the Plan or any
part thereof and may

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
from time to time amend the Plan as it may deem advisable. Any such action of
the Board or the Committee may be taken without the approval of CoreStates'
shareholders, but only to the extent that such shareholder approval is not
required by applicable law or regulation, including specifically Rule 16b-3, or
the Rules of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is listed. However,
the Board or the Committee may not increase the maximum number of shares which
may be issued pursuant to paragraph 8 of the Plan without shareholder approval.
The termination or amendment of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the
participant, adversely affect such participant's rights under an award
previously granted.

     18.  CHANGE OF CONTROL.   (a) If there is a Change of Control, as defined
below, of CoreStates, all outstanding options and stock appreciation rights
shall become exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of
Control.

     (b)  "Change of Control" of CoreStates shall be deemed to have occurred
upon the happening of any of the following events:

          (i)   the acquisition, other than from CoreStates, by any individual,
entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the
Exchange Act) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either the then
outstanding shares of common stock of CoreStates or the combined voting power of
the then outstanding voting securities of CoreStates entitled to vote generally
in the election of directors, but excluding, for this purpose, any such
acquisition by CoreStates or any of its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit
plan (or related trust) of the Corporation, or any corporation with respect to
which, following such acquisition, more than 50% of, respectively, the then
outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting
power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly
or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who
were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the common stock and voting
securities of CoreStates immediately prior to such acquisition in substantially
the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such acquisition,
of the then outstanding shares of common stock of CoreStates or the combined
voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of CoreStates entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be;

          (ii)  individuals who, as of February 18, 1997, constitute the board
of directors of CoreStates (as of such date the "Incumbent Board") cease for any
reason to constitute at least a majority of the board, provided that any
individual becoming a director subsequent to such date whose election, or
nomination for election by CoreStates' shareholders, was approved by a vote of
at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall
be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board,
but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of
office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating
to the election of the directors of CoreStates (as such terms are used in Rule
14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act); or

          (iii) approval by the stockholders of CoreStates of a reorganization,
merger or consolidation of CoreStates, in each case, with respect to which all
or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the respective
beneficial owners of the common stock and voting securities of CoreStates
immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not,
following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, more then 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding
shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding
voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as
the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger
or consolidation, or of a complete liquidation or dissolution of CoreStates or
of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of
CoreStates.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     19.  EFFECT ON OTHER PLANS.   Participation in the Plan shall not affect an
employee's eligibility to participate in any other benefit or incentive plan of
the Corporation and any awards made pursuant to the Plan shall not be used in
determining the benefits provided under any other plan of the Corporation unless
specifically provided.

     20.  GOVERNING LAW.   To the extent that federal laws do not otherwise
control, the Plan shall be governed by the law of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.

     21.  AMENDMENT RELATED TO FIRST UNION TRANSACTION. With regard to stock
option grants made during the period of the pendency of the merger with First
Union Corporation ("First Union Merger") (i.e., from November 17, 1997 through
the Effective Date of the Merger), the Plan is amended to delete section 18,
being that section of the Plan which would otherwise provide for the
acceleration of vesting upon a change in control; provided, however, that this
amendment shall be effective only to the extent that the First Union Merger
remains pending or is consummated.

                                       8

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.21

Schedule of Named Executive Officers and Executive Officers who are Parties to a
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Termination Agreement
- ---------------------

Charles A. Coltman, III       Vice Chairman
Charles P. Connolly           Chief Risk Policy Officer
Terrence A. Larsen            Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President
Carol A. Leisenring           Executive Vice President
Albert W. Mandia              Chief Financial Officer
Paul W. McGloin               Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer
P. Sue Perotty                Executive Vice President

                                      

<PAGE>
 
    CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1

    COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    TO FIXED CHARGES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

    CONSOLIDATED

    Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1997                             
    -------------------------------------
                                                                      
    1. Income from continuing operations before extraordinary         
       items and income taxes...................................... $1,082,861
                                                                    ==========
                                                                   
    2. Fixed charges of continuing operations:                     
                                                                   
       A. Interest expense (excluding interest on deposits),       
          amortization of debt issuance costs and one-third of     
          rental expenses, net of income from subleases............ $  458,977
                                                                   
       B. Interest on deposits.....................................    884,364
                                                                    ----------
       C. Total fixed charges (line 2A + line 2B).................. $1,343,341
                                                                    ==========
                                                                   
    3. Income from continuing operations before extraordinary items
       and income taxes, plus total fixed charges of continuing    
       operations:                                                 
                                                                   
       A. Excluding interest on deposits (line 1 + line 2A)........ $1,541,838
                                                                    ==========
                                                                   
       B. Including interest on deposits (line 1 + line 2C)........ $2,426,202
                                                                    ==========
                                                                   
    4. Ratio of earnings (as defined) to fixed charges:            
                                                                   
       A. Excluding interest on deposits (line 3A/line 2A).........      3.36%
                                                                         ==== 
                                                                   
       B. Including interest on deposits (line 3B/line 2C).........      1.81%
                                                                         ====





<PAGE>
 
    CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.2

    COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    TO FIXED CHARGES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

    COMBINED CORESTATES (PARENT ONLY) AND CORESTATES CAPITAL CORPORATION

    Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1997
    -------------------------------------

     1. Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed
        income of subsidiaries...................................... $ 691,924


     2. Fixed charges - interest expense, amortization of debt
        issuance costs and one-third of rental expenses, net of
        income from subleases.......................................   218,404
                                                                     ---------

     3. Income before taxes, equity in undistributed income of
        subsidiaries, plus fixed charges............................ $ 910,328
                                                                     =========

      
     4. Ratio of earnings (as defined) to fixed charges
        (line 3/line2)..............................................     4.17%
                                                                         ====





<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of CoreStates Financial Corp
                            as of December 31, 1997                             

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                          <C>                   <C> 
                                                     *
Bancorps' International
 Trading Company             New Jersey            23.33%
                                                     
Congress Financial                                   
 Corporation                 California               97%
     Burdale Financial                               
      Limited                England                  80%
     Congress Credit                                 
      Corporation            New York                100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (Canada)                Ontario                 100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (Central)               Illinois                100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (Florida)               Florida                 100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (New England)           Massachusetts           100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (Northwest)             Oregon                  100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (Southern)              Georgia                 100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (Southwest)             Texas                   100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Corporation                                    
     (Western)               California              100%
     Laundry, Inc.           California              100%
     Congress Financial                              
      Investment                                     
      Corporation            Delaware                100%
     Congress Talcott                                
      Corporation            Pennsylvania            100%
     Congress Talcott                                
      Corporation                                    
     (Western)               California              100%
                                                     
CoreStates Bank of                                   
 Delaware, N.A.              U.S.A.                  100%
                                                     
CoreStates Bank, N.A.        U.S.A.                  100%
     Badeal, Inc.            New Jersey              100%
     North Towne Village,                            
      Inc.                   Pennsylvania            100%
     Barnegat Hills Corp.    New Jersey               50%
     Berks Title Company     Pennsylvania            100%
     BHCC Holdings, Inc.     Pennsylvania            100%
     Blazing Star Realty                             
      Corporation            New Jersey              100%
     BOMAST Corporation      New Jersey              100%
     Callowhill Consumer                             
      Discount Company       Pennsylvania            100%
     Camac Street                                    
      Properties, Inc.       Pennsylvania            100%
     *voting control
</TABLE>

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of CoreStates Financial Corp 
                            as of December 31, 1997                             

<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                     <C> 
     C.F. Holdings, Inc.     Pennsylvania            100%
     C.H.N.B., Inc.          New Jersey              100%
     Charlestown Road                                
      Properties, Inc.       Pennsylvania            100%
     Citizens Investments                            
      of Delaware,                                   
     Inc.                    Delaware                100%
     CoreStates Bank                                 
      International          U.S.A.                  100%
        Philadelphia                                    
        International                                  
        Finance Co - Hong                               
        Kong Limited         Hong Kong               100%
        Philadelphia 
        National LTDA        Brazil                  100%   
     CoreStates Capital I    Delaware                100%
     CoreStates Capital II   Delaware                100%
     CoreStates Capital III  Delaware                100%
     CoreStates Dealer                               
      Services Corp          Pennsylvania            100%
     CoreStates Enterprise                           
      Capital, Inc.          Pennsylvania            100%
     CoreStates Investment                           
      Advisers,                                      
     Inc.                    Delaware                100%
     CoreStates Leasing,                             
      Inc.                   Pennsylvania            100%
     CoreStates Mortgage                             
      Services                                       
     Corporation             Pennsylvania            100%
     Delaware Trust                                  
      Capital Management,                            
      Inc.                   Delaware                100%
        Griffin Corporate                               
         Services, Inc.      Delaware                100%
     Dickinson Street, Inc.  Pennsylvania            100%
     DMR Realty Corp         Pennsylvania            100%
     Eagle 1851, Inc.        New Jersey               50%
     1808 Corp.              Pennsylvania            100%
     Fairview Properties,                            
      Inc.                   Pennsylvania            100%
     F.C. Properties, Inc.   Delaware                100%
     Fifth and Market                                
      Corporation            Pennsylvania            100%
     First Leasing Company   New Jersey              100%
     First Penco Realty,                             
      Inc.                   Pennsylvania            100%
     First Pennsylvania                              
      Financial                                      
     Services, Inc.          Delaware                100%
     Five Hundred                                    
      Ridgecreek                                     
     Properties, Inc.        Georgia                  50%
     4639 Umbria Street,                             
      Inc.                   Pennsylvania            100%
     441 North 5th Street                            
      Properties, Inc.       Pennsylvania            100%
     Four Hundred                                    
      Ridgefield                                     
     Properties, Inc.        Georgia                  50%
     Hopewell Holdings,                              
      Inc.                   New Jersey              100%
     J.V. Del Ran, Inc.      New Jersey              100%
     KKM, Inc.               Pennsylvania            100%
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of CoreStates Financial Corp 
                            as of December 31, 1997    

<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                     <C>              
        Locust Holdings, 
         Inc.                Pennsylvania            100%
        WCC Holdings, Inc.   Pennsylvania            100%
     Lin Park Properties,                            
      Inc.                   New Jersey              100%
     Mercer Development                              
      Co., Inc.              New Jersey              100%
     Meridian Campus                                 
      Developer, Inc.        Pennsylvania            100%
     Meridian Capital                                
      Markets, Inc.          Pennsylvania            100%
     Meridian Community                              
      Partnership                                    
     Development                                     
      Corporation            Pennsylvania            100%
     Limited Holdings                                
      Corporation            Pennsylvania            100%
     Meridian Mortgage                               
      Corporation            Pennsylvania            100%
     Devon Square                                    
      Holdings, Inc.         Pennsylvania            100%
     Garden State Assets,                            
      Inc.                   New Jersey              100%
     Meridian Properties,                            
      Inc.                   Pennsylvania            100%
     Morris Avenue                                   
      Corporation            New Jersey               50%
     NAZ Market, Inc.        Pennsylvania            100%
     Ocean Pointe                                    
      Properties, Inc.       New Jersey              100%
     One Hundred Avondale                            
      Estates                                        
     Properties, Inc.        Georgia                  50%
     Philadelphia                                    
      International                                  
     Investment Corporation  U.S.A.                  100%
        Corporacion 
        Financiera                          
        del Norte, S.A.      Colombia        less than 1%
        CVCC Remnaco Inc.    Canada           25M non-voting preferred
                                              shs
        Internationale Bank
        fur
        Aussenhandel, A.G.   Austria                  10%
        Joh. Berenberg,                             
        Gossler & Co.        Germany                  15%  
        New World 
        Development                          
        Corp., Ltd.          Bahamas                 100%
        New World Group                                
          Holdings Ltd.      Canada                 42.6%
          Philadelphia 
          National Limited   England                 100%   
        Philadelphia                                   
        International                                 
        Equities, Inc.       Delaware                100%
          Aberdeen Asset                                  
          Management                                     
          PLC                United Kingdom        10.26%
          Accel Group LLC    Czech Republic        17.25%
          Banco 
          Internacional                           
          de Panama, S.A.    Panama                   20%  
          Banco Mello, S.A.  Portugal               1.00%
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of CoreStates Financial Corp 
                            as of December 31, 1997   
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                     <C>        
     CashFlex, Inc.                 Canada                        100% 
     CoreStates Funding                                                
      Limited                       Grand Cayman                  100% 
     CoreStates Fund                                                   
      Management                                                       
     (Ireland) Ltd.                 Ireland                       100% 
       CoreFund Umbrella                                               
       Cash Fund, plc               Ireland                       100% 
     Crosby Financial                                                  
      Holdings, Limited             British Virgin Islands       8.83% 
     CSB Information Services                                           
     (Pte) Ltd.                     Singapore                     100% 
     Empresa Minera                                                    
     De Mantos Blancos              Chile                         1.1% 
     Established Holdings                                              
      Limited                       United Kingdom                100% 
     Hana Bank                      Korea                         0.5% 
     The Heritable and                                                 
      General Investment                                                  
      Bank Limited                  United Kingdom              69.51% 
        Beeson Gregory                                                 
        Holdings Limited            United Kingdom               10.2% 
     Medical Equipment                                                 
      Credit (Pte) Ltd.             Singapore                    20.0% 
     Multi-Credit                                                      
     Corporation of                                                    
     Thailand, PCL                  Thailand                      7.5% 
     Multi-Risk                                                        
     Consultants                                                       
      (Thailand) Ltd.               Thailand                       10% 
     SCM China Growth Fund                                             
     LDC                            Cayman Islands               8.88% 
     Sentinel/PIIC Realty                                              
      Advisors LLC                  Delaware                       15% 
     Surinvest International                                                 
      Limited                       Grand Cayman                13.76% 
     TI Remnaco, Inc.               Canada                       39.8% 
     Vectodivisas Casa de                                              
     Cambio S.A. de C.V.            Mexico                         20% 
Philadelphia National                                                  
Corporation                         Pennsylvania                  100% 
Pinnhahn, Inc.                      Pennsylvania                  100% 
PNB Leasing Corporation             Delaware                      100% 
Property Holdings of N.J., Inc.     New Jersey                    100% 
QuestPoint Holdings, Inc.           Delaware                      100% 
     Centillion Holdings, Inc.      Delaware                      100% 
     Nationwide Remittance                                             
     Centers, Inc.                  Delaware                      100%  
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of CoreStates Financial Corp 
                            as of December 31, 1997                             

<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                     <C>       
     QuestPoint Document
     Processing, Inc.        Delaware                100%
     QuestPoint G. P., Inc.  Delaware                100%
     QuestPoint L. P., Inc.  Pennsylvania            100%
     QuestPoint, L.P.        Delaware                100%
     Centillion, L.P.        Delaware                100%
     QuestPoint Check                                
     Services, L.P.          Delaware                100%
     QuestPoint Remittance                           
     Services, L.P.          Delaware                100%
     SynapQuest, L.P.        Delaware                100%
  Ridingbrook, Inc.          Pennsylvania            100%
  Seven Hundred Town                                 
   Lake                                              
  Properties, Inc            Georgia                  54%
  721 Sansom Street                                  
   Corp.                     Pennsylvania            100%
  South Fourth Street,                               
   Inc.                      Pennsylvania            100%
  Sungate Boulevard                                  
   Corp.                     New Jersey               50%
  Swedesboro                                         
   Properties, Inc.          Pennsylvania            100%
  Tall Oaks Corp.            New Jersey              100%
  TBC Corporation, Inc.      Pennsylvania            100%
  TGTG Corporation           New York                100%
  Three Hundred Paces                                
   Mill                                              
  Properties, Inc.           Georgia                  37%
  2009 Chestnut Corp.        Pennsylvania            100%
  2021 Properties, Inc.      New Jersey              100%
  Two Hundred Henderson                              
   Place                                             
  Properties, Inc.           Georgia                  37%
  Two APM Plaza, Inc.        Delaware                 89%
  United Armored                                     
   Service, Inc.             New York                100%
  Viking Terrace Corp.       New Jersey              100%
  Washington Street                                  
   Properties, Inc.          Pennsylvania            100%
  Westpark Walk, Inc.        Georgia                  50%
                                                     
                                                     
CoreStates Capital Corp      Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
CoreStates Community                                 
 Development                                         
Corporation, Inc.            Pennsylvania             51%            
                                                     Bd maj
  Partnership Homes          Pennsylvania            1/2 Bd
</TABLE>

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of CoreStates Financial Corp 
                            as of December 31, 1997                             

<TABLE> 
<S>                          <C>                    <C> 
CoreStates Delaware, N.A.    U.S.A.                  100%
CoreStates Export Trading    
 Company                     Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
CoreStates Financial Corp                            
 (DE)                        Delaware                100%
                                                     
CoreStates Holdings, Inc.    Delaware                100%
     Electronic Payment                              
      Services, Inc.         Delaware                 20%
     First Commercial Bank                           
      of Philadelphia        Pennsylvania           24.9%
     MAS Inco Corporation    Delaware                100%  
     Money Access Service,   Delaware                100%
     Inc.
     BUYPASS Corporation     Georgia                 100%
     BUYPASS Inco                                    
      Corporation            Delaware                100%  
     United Bancshares, 
      Inc.                   Pennsylvania           6.23%
     United Bank of                                  
      Philadelphia           Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
CoreStates Services Corp.    Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
CoreStates Securities Corp   Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
First Pennsylvania                                   
 Insurance Services, Inc.    Virginia                100%
                                                     
First Pennsylvania                                   
 International Capital                               
Corporation                  Delaware                100%
                                                     
Home Investors Mortgage Co.  New Jersey              100%
                                                     
IBI Capital Corp.            Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
Independence Resources,                              
 Inc.                        Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
McGlinn Capital                                      
 Management, Inc.            Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
Meridian Acceptance                                  
 Corporation                 New Jersey              100%
                                                     
Meridian Asset Acceptance                            
 Corporation                 Delaware                100%
                                                     
Meridian Asset Management,                           
 Inc.                        Pennsylvania            100%
     Meridian Investment                             
      Company                Pennsylvania            100%
     Meridian Trust Company  Pennsylvania            100%
     Meridian Trust                                  
      Company of California  California              100%
</TABLE> 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 21

               List of Subsidiaries of CoreStates Financial Corp 
                            as of December 31, 1997                             

<TABLE> 
<S>                          <C>                     <C> 
Meridian Capital Corp.       Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
Meridian Commercial                                  
 Finance Corporation         Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
Meridian Funding Corp.       Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
Meridian Securities, Inc.    Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
PENNAMCO, Inc.               Delaware                100%
                                                     
Pennco Life Insurance                                
 Company                     Arizona                 100%
                                                     
Princeton Life Insurance                             
 Company                     Pennsylvania            100%
                                                     
Signal Financial                                     
 Corporation                 Pennsylvania            100%
     Grabuck Agency, Inc.    Pennsylvania            100%
     Signal Finance                                  
      Corporation            Pennsylvania            100%
     Signal Finance of                               
      Maryland, Inc.         Maryland                100%
     Signal Management                               
      Corporation            Delaware                100%
                                                     
Spring Ridge Holdings, Inc.  Pennsylvania            100%
</TABLE>

                                       7

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)


                        Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration
statements of our report dated January 20, 1998, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of CoreStates Financial Corp for the year
ended December 31, 1997 incorporated by reference in this 1997 Annual Report
(Form 10-K):

   (a) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-5874), in Post-Effective
       Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 2-91176),
       the Registration Statement (Form S-8, 33-28808) and in the related
       prospectuses, each pertaining to the CoreStates Financial Corp Long-Term
       Incentive Plan,

   (b) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-32934) and prospectus 
       relating to shares of the Corporation's Common Stock issuable under the
       CoreStates Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan,

   (c) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-50324) pertaining to the 
       CoreStates Financial Corp. 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan,

   (d) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-57034) and prospectus and 
       prospectus supplement pertaining to $1,000,000,000 in aggregate amount of
       Debt Securities issuable by CoreStates Capital Corp and the related
       guarantees of the Corporation, and Preferred Stock, Depository Shares,
       Common Stock and Capital Securities, issuable by the Corporation,

   (e) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-54049) and prospectus and 
       prospectus supplement pertaining to $1,000,000,000 in aggregate amount of
       Debt Securities and warrants issuable by CoreStates Capital Corp and the
       related guarantees of the Corporation and Preferred Stock, Depository
       Shares and Common Stock issuable by the Corporation,

   (f) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No. 
       33-48422) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
       Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
       respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
       acquisition of First Peoples Corporation,


                                       1

<PAGE>
 
 
   (g) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No. 
       33-51429) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
       Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
       respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
       acquisition of Constellation Bancorp,

   (h) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No.
       33-53539) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
       Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
       respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
       acquisition of Independence Bancorp, Inc.,

   (i) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No.
       33-55505) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
       Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
       respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
       acquisition of Germantown Savings Bank,

   (j) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No.
       33-300067) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
       Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
       respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
       acquisition of Meridian Bancorp, Inc.,

   (k) The Registration Statements (Form S-3, Nos. 33-54049 and 333-2297) and
       prospectus and prospectus supplement pertaining to $1,750,000,000 in
       aggregate amount of Debt Securities issuable by CoreStates Capital Corp
       and the related guarantees of the Corporation and Preferred Stock,
       Depository Shares and Common Stock issuable by the Corporation,

   (l) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 033-40717) and prospectus 
       relating to shares of the Corporation's Common Stock issuable under the
       Dividend Reinvestment Plan,

   (m) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-16569) and prospectus 
       relating to shares of the Corporation's Common Stock issuable under the 
       QuestPoint Savings Plan,

   (n) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-41083) and prospectus
       relating to shares of the Corporation's Amended and Restated Long-Term
       Incentive Plan (1997),

   (o) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-27725) and prospectus 
       relating to shares of the Corporation's Amended and Restated Stock 
       Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (1997).


                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 27, 1998


                                       2



<PAGE>
 
 
                                                                   Exhibit 23(b)


                    Consent of Certified Public Accountants

Board of Directors
CoreStates Financial Corp

We consent to the inclusion of those reports described below under the caption
Reports, in the December 31, 1997 Form 10-K in the following registration
statements of CoreStates Financial Corp:

  (a) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-5874), in Post-Effective
      Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 2-91176), the
      Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-28808) and in the related
      prospectuses, each pertaining to the CoreStates Financial Corp Long-Term
      Incentive Plan,

  (b) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-32934) and prospectus
      relating to shares of the Corporation's Common Stock issuable under the
      CoreStates Employee Stock Ownership and Savings Plan,

  (c) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-50324) pertaining to the 
      CoreStates Financial Corp 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan,

  (d) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-57034) and prospectus and
      prospectus supplement pertaining to $1,000,000,000 in aggregate amount of
      Debt Securities issuable by CoreStates Capital Corp and the related
      guarantees of the Corporation, and Preferred Stock, Depository Shares,
      Common Stock, and Capital Securities, issuable by the Corporation,

  (e) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-54049) and prospectus and
      prospectus supplement pertaining to $1,000,000,000 in aggregate amount of
      Debt Securities and warrants issuable by CoreStates Capital Corp and the
      related guarantees of the Corporation and Preferred Stock, Depository
      Shares and Common Stock issuable by the Corporation,

  (f) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No.
      33-48422) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
      Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
      respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
      acquisition of First Peoples Corporation,

  (g) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No.
      33-51429) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
      Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
      respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
      acquisition of Constellation Bancorp,

  (h) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No. 33-
      53539) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common Stock
      issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in respect to
      which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the acquisition
      of Independence Bancorp, Inc.,

                                       1

<PAGE>
 
 
  (i) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No.
      33-55505) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
      Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
      respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
      acquisition of Germantown Savings Bank,

  (j) The Registration Statement (Form S-4, as amended by Form S-8, No. 33-
      300067) and prospectus relating to shares of the Corporation's Common
      Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the obligations in
      respect to which were assumed by the Corporation in connection with the
      acquisition of Meridian Bancorp, Inc.,

  (k) The Registration Statements (Form S-3, Nos. 33-54049 and 333-2297) and
      prospectus and prospectus supplement pertaining to $1,750,000,000 in
      aggregate amount of Debt Securities issuable by CoreStates Capital Corp
      and the related guarantees of the Corporation and Preferred Stock,
      Depository Shares and Common Stock issuable by the Corporation,

  (l) The Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 033-40717) and prospectus
      relating to shares of the Corporation's Common Stock issuable under the
      Dividend Reinvestment Plan,

  (m) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-16569) and prospectus
      relating to shares of the Corporation's Common Stock issuable under the
      QuestPoint Savings Plan,

  (n) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-41083) and prospectus
      relating to shares of the Corporation's Amended and Restated Long-Term
      Incentive Plan (1997),

  (o) The Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-27725) and prospectus
      relating to shares of the Corporation's Amended and Restated Stock
      Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (1997).

                                    Reports
                                    -------

Our report dated January 17, 1996, except as to Note 2, which is as of February 
23, 1996, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Meridian Bancorp, 
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the related consolidated 
statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the 
year ended December 31, 1995.

Our report dated January 16, 1996, except as to Note 20, which is as of February
23, 1996, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of United Counties 
Bancorporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the related 
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash 
flows, for the year ended December 31, 1995.

                                            /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 27, 1998

                                       2


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 9
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
CoreStates Financial Corp consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1997,
December 31, 1996 (restated), and December 31, 1995 (restated), and the related
consolidated statement of income, changes in shareholders' equity, and other
financial data included within management's discussion and analysis of financial
condition and results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31,
1997, December 31, 1996 (restated), and December 31, 1995 (restated) and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS                   12-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                       3,829,893               3,462,287               3,662,143
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                       3,122,444               2,443,154               1,909,260
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                41,207                 509,694                 719,937
<TRADING-ASSETS>                               495,472                 122,317                 147,218
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                  2,109,254               2,394,166               2,572,315
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                       1,351,137               1,689,058               3,059,917
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                         1,347,819               1,692,243               3,075,964
<LOANS>                                     34,813,886              32,331,297              31,175,378
<ALLOWANCE>                                    634,432                 710,327                 670,265
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              48,460,965              45,494,194              45,997,242
<DEPOSITS>                                  34,187,890              33,727,156              33,963,820
<SHORT-TERM>                                 4,323,319               2,633,157               3,677,013
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                          1,616,624               1,661,162               1,719,697
<LONG-TERM>                                  4,454,236               3,049,297               2,212,099
                                0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                       223,599                 223,599                 230,231
<OTHER-SE>                                   3,013,833               3,472,095               3,645,334
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>              48,460,965              45,494,194              45,997,242
<INTEREST-LOAN>                              3,015,914               2,871,233               2,932,655
<INTEREST-INVEST>                              220,880                 277,766                 380,156
<INTEREST-OTHER>                               192,521                 149,205                 162,269
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                             3,429,315               3,298,204               3,475,080
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                             884,364                 841,780                 941,047
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           1,313,447               1,156,720               1,308,155
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                        2,115,868               2,141,484               2,166,925
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                  263,000                 228,767                 144,002
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                              21,111                  59,512                  31,475
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                              1,695,777               1,776,828               1,885,528
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              1,082,861               1,034,964               1,019,617
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                     813,279                 649,144                 655,176
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                   813,279                 649,144                 655,176
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.00                    2.97                    2.95
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     3.96                    2.94                    2.92
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    5.22                    5.53                    5.47
<LOANS-NON>                                    253,909                 220,770                 223,602
<LOANS-PAST>                                    94,302                 113,268                  88,671
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                    10                      18                   7,202
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0                       0                       0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                               710,327                 670,265                 681,124
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                  321,196                 281,690                 240,087
<RECOVERIES>                                    84,301                  92,985                  85,226
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                              634,432                 710,327                 670,265
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                           590,432                 675,327                 645,265
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                             44,000                  35,000                  25,000
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0                       0                       0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 9
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
CoreStates Financial Corp consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 1997
(restated), June 30, 1997 (restated), and March 31, 1997 (restated) and the
related consolidated statement of income, changes in shareholders' equity, and
other financial data included within management's discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations for the year-to-date ended
September 30, 1997 (restated), June 30, 1997 (restated), and March 31, 1997
(restated) and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                   6-MOS                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1997             DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1997             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997             JUN-30-1997             MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                       3,166,454               3,121,012               2,664,641
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                       3,043,723               2,767,001               2,236,950
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                               138,699                 333,896                 550,098
<TRADING-ASSETS>                               326,717                 301,851                 201,324
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                  2,211,382               2,113,698               2,219,564
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                       1,413,351               1,606,059               1,616,147
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                         1,417,351               1,608,859               1,615,926
<LOANS>                                     34,514,233              33,893,494              33,091,816
<ALLOWANCE>                                    679,415                 691,380                 704,060
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              47,590,609              46,846,692              45,064,613
<DEPOSITS>                                  33,740,682              34,212,681              33,070,611
<SHORT-TERM>                                 4,239,227               3,348,031               2,848,999
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                          1,924,257               1,627,033               1,477,506
<LONG-TERM>                                  3,784,179               3,695,230               3,506,971
                                0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                       223,599                 223,599                 223,599
<OTHER-SE>                                   2,889,496               2,954,003               3,219,074
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>              47,590,609              46,846,692              45,064,613
<INTEREST-LOAN>                              2,237,313               1,471,522                 721,081
<INTEREST-INVEST>                              170,070                 114,230                  57,054
<INTEREST-OTHER>                               133,338                  81,935                  39,194
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                             2,540,721               1,667,687                 817,329
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                             646,273                 416,982                 203,879
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             949,771                 607,231                 291,225
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                        1,590,950               1,060,456                 526,104
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                  143,000                  93,000                  43,000
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                              14,857                   9,834                   4,819
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                              1,204,700                 794,878                 391,904
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                920,102                 613,953                 306,211
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                     596,653                 397,839                 198,113
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                   596,653                 397,839                 198,113
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.91                    1.91                    0.94
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.88                    1.90                    0.93
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    5.32                    5.42                    5.47
<LOANS-NON>                                    245,300                 263,900                 233,900
<LOANS-PAST>                                   110,000                 110,000                  99,000
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0                       0                       0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0                       0                       0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                               710,300                 710,300                 710,300
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                  235,300                 156,400                  71,000
<RECOVERIES>                                    61,400                  44,500                  21,600
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                              679,400                 691,400                 704,000
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                           644,400                 656,400                 669,000
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                             35,000                  35,000                  35,000
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0                       0                       0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 9
<LEGEND>
        This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
CoreStates Financial Corp consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 1996
(restated), June 30, 1996 (restated), and March 31, 1996 (restated) and the
related consolidated statement of income, changes in shareholders' equity, and
other financial data included within management's discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations for the year-to-date ended
December 31, 1996 (restated), September 30, 1996 (restated), June 30, 1996
(restated), and March 31, 1996 (restated) and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                    9-MOS                   6-MOS                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996             JUN-30-1996             MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                       2,984,768               2,943,791               2,919,080
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                       2,594,473               2,073,097               1,759,257
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                               168,702                 204,775                 168,500
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                56,800                  87,234                  75,335
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                  2,740,040               2,377,510               2,548,813
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                       1,964,254               2,218,930               2,589,373
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                         1,967,407               2,216,784               2,600,359
<LOANS>                                     32,238,379              31,542,846              31,489,954
<ALLOWANCE>                                    708,239                 705,178                 665,875
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              45,198,101              43,667,737              43,861,106
<DEPOSITS>                                  32,303,255              32,520,860              32,552,003
<SHORT-TERM>                                 4,002,220               2,642,020               3,013,866
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                          1,673,852               1,711,208               1,458,303
<LONG-TERM>                                  2,518,080               2,477,773               2,463,267
                                0                       0                       0
                                          0                       0                       0
<COMMON>                                       223,197                 222,029                 436,109
<OTHER-SE>                                   3,808,694               3,677,004               3,489,941
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>              45,198,101              43,667,737              43,861,106
<INTEREST-LOAN>                              2,138,180               1,416,096                 710,383
<INTEREST-INVEST>                              216,904                 152,686                  78,240
<INTEREST-OTHER>                               107,472                  70,691                  35,095
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                             2,462,556               1,639,473                 823,718
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                             629,811                 422,420                 214,458
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             858,159                 575,424                 293,064
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                        1,604,397               1,064,049                 530,654
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                  188,767                 148,767                  38,767
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                              55,476                  24,341                   6,948
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                              1,359,540                 927,687                 416,182
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                730,788                 425,662                 285,145
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                     453,598                 256,741                 177,144
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                   453,598                 256,741                 177,144
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.06                    1.17                    0.81
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.04                    1.16                    0.80
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    5.55                    5.54                    5.51
<LOANS-NON>                                    234,800                 216,200                 245,300
<LOANS-PAST>                                   109,000                 104,700                 100,600
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                 1,500                   1,600                   2,300
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0                       0                       0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                               670,300                 670,300                 670,300
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                  217,600                 159,800                  64,500
<RECOVERIES>                                    66,800                  45,900                  21,300
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                              708,200                 705,200                 665,900
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                           683,200                 680,200                 640,900
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                             25,000                  25,000                  25,000
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0                       0                       0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1


     The undertaking set forth below is filed for purposes of incorporation by
reference into Part II of the Registration Statements on Form S-8, File Nos. 33-
28808, 33-5874, 33-32934, 33-50324, 333-16569, 333-41083 and 33-27725.

Item 9.   UNDERTAKINGS
          ------------

  (a)The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities rising under the Securities Act of
  1933 (the "Securities Act") may be permitted to directors, officers or persons
  controlling the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in this
  registration statement, or otherwise, CoreStates Financial Corp (the
  "Company") has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
  indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
  and is therefore unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
  against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses
  incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Company
  in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
  such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
  being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
  matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
  appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
  against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
  by the final adjudication of such issue.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2

                           CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP


                               December 31, 1997


                                   FORM 10-K


                              FINANCIAL SECTIONS



                                                          Page
                                                         -------
               Contents of Financial Sections             2
               MD&A                                       3  - 42
               Management's and Auditor's Report          43 - 44
               Audited Financial Statements               45 - 84
               Supplemental Data                          85 - 97

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

CONTENTS OF FINANCIAL SECTION                                                                                    PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                              <C>           
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS........................................................            3-42

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management's Report Regarding the Effectiveness of  Internal Control Over Financial Reporting........            43
Report of Independent Auditors.......................................................................            44
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995...............            45
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.........................................            46
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
     December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995................................................................            47-48
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995...........            49-50
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................            51-84

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA

Five Year Average Balance Sheet, Statement of Income and Balance Sheet...............................            85-90
Rate/Volume Analysis Taxable Equivalent Basis........................................................            91
Loan Portfolio, Risk Elements and Allowance for Loan Losses Data.....................................            92-95
Selected Maturity and Interest Sensitivity Data......................................................            95-97
</TABLE> 


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statement

     Certain statements contained herein are not based on historical fact and
are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements which are based on
various assumptions (some of which are beyond CoreStates' control), may be
identified by reference to a future period, or periods, or by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "believe", "expect",
"estimate", "anticipate", "continue", or similar terms or variations on those
terms, or the negative of those terms. Actual results could differ materially
from those set forth in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to: the global, national and regional economies
where CoreStates conducts operations; economic growth; governmental monetary
policy including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; sources
and costs of funds; levels of interest rates; inflation rates; market capital
spending; technological change; the state of the securities and capital markets;
acquisitions; consumer spending and savings; expense levels; and tax,
securities, and banking laws and prospective legislation.

OVERVIEW
(Unless otherwise noted, all "per share" amounts are on a diluted basis.)

     CoreStates Financial Corp ("CoreStates") reported record financial
performance in 1997 driven by broad based increases in fee revenues, loan
growth, and the favorable impact of the common stock repurchase program on
earnings per share. CoreStates recorded net income of $813.3 million, or $4.00
per average common share, in 1997 compared to $649.2 million, or $2.97 per
average common share, in 1996. Diluted net income per share was $3.96 in 1997
compared to $2.94 in 1996. Key performance measures such as returns on average
equity and assets and the net interest margin were among the highest in the
banking industry.

     Pending Merger with First Union Corporation - On November 18, 1997,
     -------------------------------------------
CoreStates entered into an Agreement and Plan of Mergers (the "Merger
Agreement"), which provides for the merger (the "Merger") of CoreStates into
First Union Corporation ("First Union"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each
outstanding share of CoreStates common stock would be converted into 1.62 shares
of First Union's common stock, subject to possible adjustment under certain
circumstances. Based on the December 31, 1997 closing price of First Union's
common stock, the transaction would have a value of approximately $16.5 billion.
The Merger is expected to be accounted for as a pooling of interests, and
pending receipt of regulatory approval and other customary conditions of
closing, is expected to close in the second quarter of 1998.

     The Merger will create a $205 billion financial services company having a
leading banking presence on the eastern seaboard. The combined company will be
the sixth largest banking company in the United States.

     First Union reported net income of $1.9 billion, or $2.99 per share, for
1997 compared to net income of $1.6 billion, or $2.58 per share, in 1996.

     Earnings - Basic "operating earnings" per share increased 9.5% for 1997.
     --------
Operating earnings, which has been defined for purposes of this discussion as
net income excluding a special tax benefit, a special provision for losses on
loans, and other significant charges in 1997 (all as discussed on pages 5 and 6)
were $795.3 million, or $3.91 per average common share. Operating earnings for
1996 were $780.8 million, or $3.57 per average common share. Diluted operating
earnings per share were $3.87 in 1997 compared to $3.54 in 1996. The increase in
operating earnings per share primarily resulted from strong growth in non-
interest income before certain net investment gains in 1996 and from the decline
in shares outstanding due to the common stock repurchase program. The common
stock repurchase program added $0.14 to 1997 earnings per share after
considering the unfavorable impact of $58.8 million of 1997 funding costs
incurred associated with the repurchase program.

     Returns on average equity and assets based on operating earnings were
23.64% and 1.74%, respectively, in 1997, compared to 20.07% and 1.78%,
respectively, in 1996. The 1997 Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) Peer Group 1
composite for returns on average equity and assets were 17.55% and 1.26%,
respectively. The KBW Peer Group 1 composite includes CoreStates and is
comprised of 32 U.S. banking companies having assets in excess of $25 billion.



                                       3
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

OVERVIEW - continued

     Operating earnings, key performance ratios and per share information are
summarized in the following table (in millions, except per share):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Percentage
                                                                                                      increase (decrease)
                                                                                                    -----------------------
                                                        1997            1996           1995         `97/'96         `96/'95
                                                      --------       --------        --------       -------         -------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis).       $2,139.5       $2,167.7        $2,200.2         (1.3)%          (1.5)%
                                                      ========       ========        ========
Net income.....................................       $  813.3       $  649.2        $  655.2         25.3            (0.9)
Exclude after-tax effects of:
    Special tax benefit........................         (109.0)             -               -
    Special provision for losses on loans......           44.9              -               -
    Net restructuring and merger-related charges           9.6          150.8            92.2
    Certain net investment gains...............              -          (28.1)           (8.6)
    Other......................................           36.5            8.9               -
    Gain on affiliate joint venture............              -              -           (11.8)
                                                      --------        -------         -------
Operating earnings.............................       $  795.3        $ 780.8         $ 727.0          1.9             7.4
                                                      ========        =======         =======
Operating earnings per share:
    Basic......................................       $   3.91        $  3.57         $  3.28          9.5             8.8
                                                      ========        =======         =======
    Diluted....................................       $   3.87        $  3.54         $  3.24          9.3             9.3
                                                      ========        =======         =======

Return on average assets (a)...................           1.74%          1.78%           1.63%
Return on average equity (a)...................          23.64          20.07           19.43
Net interest margin............................           5.22           5.53            5.47
Expense/revenue ratio (a)......................          52.98          53.71           57.07

Average common shares outstanding:
    Basic......................................        203.452        218.812         222.268
    Diluted....................................        205.568        220.698         224.666
</TABLE> 
- --------------
(a)   Calculated based on "Operating earnings."

     The $14.5 million improvement in operating earnings for 1997 was primarily
due to a $70.0 million, or 8.2%, increase in non-interest income before certain
1996 net investment gains. The increase in non-interest income was mainly due to
growth in revenues from fee-based services particularly trust income, third
party processing fees, international service fees, income from trading
activities, and investment banking fees. This improvement was partially offset
by a $25.6 million, or 1.2%, decline in net interest income and a $34.2 million,
or 21.6%, increase in the provision for losses on loans, excluding the special
provision described on page 5. The decline in net interest income was solely due
to $58.8 million of funding costs associated with the common stock repurchase
program. The increase in the provision for losses on loans was due to higher
charge-offs in the credit card, installment loan and commercial loan portfolios.
For detailed discussions of non-interest income, net interest income and the
provision for losses on loans, see pages 38, 37 and 20, respectively.

     1997 Business Line Highlights - Three business line segments contributed
     -----------------------------
strong growth to net income in 1997. The Global and Specialized Banking segment
contributed net income growth of $28.1 million, or 11.7%, primarily due to
increases in net interest income and non-interest income. The growth in net
interest income was principally due to an increase in loans; the growth in
non-interest income was principally due to increases in international service
fees, service charges on deposits and income from trading activities. Regional
Banking's net income increased $29.7 million, or 8.7%, as a result of a decline
in non-financial expenses due to branch consolidations and merger efficiencies
and an increase in non-interest income primarily due to increases in delivery
channel income. Trust and Asset Management contributed net income growth of
$21.8 million, or 52.4%, reflecting increases in net interest income due to loan
growth and trust fees primarily due to increased asset values, and reduced
non-financial expenses due to merger-related efficiencies. For a more detailed
analysis of the performance of CoreStates' business lines, refer to the
"Business Line Results" section beginning on page 8.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

OVERVIEW  - continued

     Common Stock Repurchase Program - On October 15, 1996, the Board of
     -------------------------------
Directors authorized the management of CoreStates to repurchase up to 22 million
shares of common stock, or approximately 10% of outstanding shares, and on July
15, 1997, the Board of Directors authorized an extension of the common stock
repurchase program permitting management to repurchase up to an additional 6
million shares, or approximately 3% of outstanding shares. Acting under these
authorizations, CoreStates repurchased 15.3 million and 8.8 million shares of
common stock in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Management was also authorized to
repurchase additional shares to fulfill requirements of employee benefit and
dividend reinvestment plans.

     As of March 15, 1998, it is anticipated that CoreStates will issue
approximately 1.0 million shares of common stock prior to the consummation of
the Merger in order for the Merger to qualify for pooling of interests
accounting treatment.

     Special Tax Benefit - CoreStates liquidated an affiliate in the fourth
     -------------------
quarter of 1997 that resulted in a tax benefit of $109.0 million, or $0.54 per
share. The transaction will have no significant effect on ongoing operations or
earnings.

     Special Provision for Losses on Loans - In the fourth quarter of 1997,
     -------------------------------------
CoreStates recorded a $70.0 million ($44.9 million after-tax, or $0.22 per
share) special provision for losses on loans primarily related to management's
decision to sell approximately $450 million of credit card outstandings. As a
result, CoreStates wrote down the credit card balance by $102 million, and
reclassified the net $348 million of loans to loans held for sale.

     Restructuring and Merger-Related Charges - In 1997, CoreStates recorded
     ----------------------------------------
pre-tax restructuring and merger-related charges of $15.0 million, $9.6 million
or $0.05 per share after-tax, primarily related to costs incurred in the pending
First Union Merger and costs incurred in the creation of a strategic technology
alliance with Andersen Consulting (see "Technology Initiatives" on page 6).

     In 1996, CoreStates recorded pre-tax net restructuring and merger-related
charges of $209.7 million, $150.8 million or $0.68 per share after-tax,
primarily in connection with the April 1996 acquisition of Meridian Bancorp,
Inc. ("Meridian"). Included in that amount were: a $161.6 million merger-related
restructuring charge, a $70.0 million provision for loan losses recorded in
connection with a change in strategic direction related to Meridian's problem
assets and to conform Meridian's consumer lending charge-off policies to those
of CoreStates (See "Provision for Losses on Loans" on page 20), $29.0 million of
implementation costs that were incurred in the process of consolidating Meridian
businesses and operations, and $50.9 million of credits for gains on the
curtailment of pension benefits and sales of branches resulting from the merger
and completion of previous process redesigns.

     The credits on the sales of branches resulted primarily from the sale of
eleven former Meridian Bank PA branches in Berks and Lebanon counties in
Southeastern Pennsylvania. The sale was necessary to satisfy a condition of
regulatory approval of the Acquisition contained in an agreement between
CoreStates, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Attorney General for the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Approximately $380 million of deposits and $120
million of loans were included in the sale, which generated a pre-tax gain of
$40.1 million. Additional gains of $3.0 million were recorded as restructuring
credits in 1996 on the sale of branches which were sold as a result of the 1995
process redesigns.

     In 1995, CoreStates and Meridian completed intensive reviews of their
operations and businesses and announced corporate-wide process redesign plans.
As a result of these process redesigns, CoreStates recorded net pre-tax
restructuring charges of $128.6 million, $82.2 million after-tax or $0.37 per
share in 1995. In the fourth quarter of 1995, Meridian paid $10.0 million, or
$0.04 per share, of non-deductible costs associated with the CoreStates'
acquisition of Meridian.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AN D SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

OVERVIEW  - continued

     A summary of 1997, 1996 and 1995 pre-tax restructuring and merger-related
charges (credits), excluding the $70.0 million provision for loan losses in
1996, was as follows (in millions):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                   1997             1996            1995  
                                                                  ------           ------          ------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>              <C> 
Merger-related restructuring charges.........................      $6.2            $161.6           $10.0
Strategic technology alliance charges........................       8.8                 -               -
Process redesign restructuring charges.......................         -                 -           142.0
Meridian merger-related implementation costs.................         -              29.0               -
Gains on sales of branches...................................         -             (43.1)           (4.0)
Pension curtailment gains....................................         -              (7.8)           (9.4)
                                                                  ------           ------          ------
    Total....................................................     $15.0            $139.7          $138.6
                                                                  ======           ======          ======

</TABLE> 
     Other Significant and Unusual Charges - In the fourth quarter of 1997,
     -------------------------------------
CoreStates recorded other significant and unusual charges including a $25.0
million pre-tax charitable contribution, $20.0 million pre-tax for certain legal
matters and a special $12.0 million employee bonus (in total, $36.5 million
after-tax or $0.18 per share).

     On September 30, 1996, the Deposits Insurance Fund Act of 1996 ("Funds
Act") became law. A key element of the Funds Act was to fully capitalize the
Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") by mandating a special one-time
assessment on institutions carrying SAIF insured deposits. In the third quarter
of 1996, CoreStates expensed $14.2 million pre-tax, $8.9 million after-tax or
$0.04 per share, for the special assessment on its SAIF insured deposits.

     Certain Net Investment Gains - Excluded from operating earnings in 1996 are
     ----------------------------
net pre-tax gains of $43.3 million, $28.1 million after-tax or $0.12 per share,
which consist of a $28.7 million pre-tax gain on the exchange of domestic equity
securities and a net $14.6 million pre-tax gain on the sale of foreign equity
securities. In 1995, CoreStates recorded pre-tax gains which are also excluded
from operating earnings of $13.6 million, $8.6 million after-tax or $0.04 per
share, on the exchange of domestic equity securities.

     Gain on Affiliate Joint Venture - In March 1995, Electronic Payment
     -------------------------------
Services, Inc. ("EPS"), an affiliate joint venture formed in 1992 to combine the
consumer electronic transaction processing businesses of CoreStates and three
other partners, admitted a fifth partner and increased the ownership interest of
an existing partner. As a result of the change in its ownership interest,
CoreStates recognized a pre-tax gain of $19.0 million, $11.8 million after-tax
or $0.05 per share, in the first quarter of 1995.

     Technology Initiatives - Prior to the announcement of the Merger,
     ----------------------
CoreStates announced the creation of a 10-year strategic technology alliance
with Andersen Consulting designed to help CoreStates expand its access to
improved technology skills and capabilities, strengthen CoreStates' competitive
position by improving responsiveness and flexibility of the technologies that
underlie CoreStates products and services, and increase the return on
CoreStates' investments in those technologies. The alliance is comprised of
three major components: a program to develop new strategic technology
applications; a business process management contract for applications
development and maintenance; and a Year 2000 Initiative, already under way at
CoreStates, as more fully described below.

     CoreStates and Andersen Consulting will terminate their alliance upon 
consummation of the Merger. Andersen Consulting will continue to make certain
project staff available to CoreStates through the systems conversion period. The
cost of terminating the alliance will be paid by First Union.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

OVERVIEW - continued

         Year 2000 Initiative - It is anticipated that the majority of
         --------------------
CoreStates' computer systems and applications (collectively the "systems") will
be converted to those of First Union and that costs to convert those systems to
be Year 2000 compliant will not be directly incurred by CoreStates.

     Prior to the announcement of the Merger, CoreStates had undertaken a
corporate-wide program to prepare and convert its systems to enable them to
function properly with respect to dates in the year 2000 and thereafter ("the
Year 2000 Initiative"). CoreStates also initiated formal communications with all
of its third party service providers to determine the extent to which
CoreStates' interface systems are vulnerable to those third parties' failure to
remediate their own Year 2000 issues. CoreStates is currently focusing its
efforts on converting only the systems that will be retained by First Union
subsequent to the Merger. Although there is no guarantee that other companies
will be successful in addressing their Year 2000 issues, CoreStates believes
that modifications to systems that are going to be retained can be made such
that the Year 2000 issue will not pose significant operational problems. In the
event that the Merger is not consummated, CoreStates will need to make all
remaining CoreStates systems Year 2000 compliant. If such modifications are not
made, or are not completed timely, the Year 2000 issue could have a material
impact on the operations of CoreStates.

     CoreStates is utilizing both Andersen Consulting personnel and internal 
resources to make its systems compliant. CoreStates anticipates completing the
Year 2000 Initiative by September 30, 1998 for those systems to be retained
after the Merger. Should the Merger not be consummated, CoreStates anticipates
that it would need twelve months to make all remaining systems Year 2000
compliant. The total cost of the Year 2000 Initiative is estimated to be between
$40 million and $60 million. The cost to convert both the systems that will be
retained by First Union, and to the extent necessary the remaining CoreStates
systems, will be funded through operating cash flows and is not expected to have
a material effect on the results of operations. Should the Merger not be
consummated by April 30, 1998, First Union has agreed to indemnify CoreStates
for any costs incurred to complete the Year 2000 Initiative in excess of $60
million and to use its best efforts to secure qualified resources to complete
the Year 2000 Initiative in a timely manner.

     The costs of the project and the date on which CoreStates believes it will
complete the Year 2000 Initiative are based on management's best estimates,
which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including
the anticipated merger consumation date, the continued availability of certain
resources, representations received from third party service providers and other
factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be
achieved and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated.
Specific factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not
limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the
ability to locate and correct all relevant computer codes, and similar
uncertainties.

     Comparison of Operating Earnings: 1996 to 1995 - "Operating earnings" for
     ----------------------------------------------
1996 were $780.8 million, or $3.57 per average common share, an increase of 8.8%
on a per share basis over 1995. Operating earnings for 1995 were $727.0 million,
or $3.28 per average common share. The growth in operating earnings for 1996 was
primarily driven by expense reductions resulting from process redesigns and
Meridian merger-related efficiencies ("merger-related efficiencies"). Diluted
operating earnings per share were $3.54 in 1996, compared to $3.24 in 1995.

    Non-financial expenses declined $124.0 million, or 7.1% in 1996 (see the
detailed discussion of "Non-Financial Expenses" on page 40). CoreStates'
expense/revenue ratio (total operating expenses, excluding other real estate
owned expenses, as a percentage of total operating revenues) was 53.7% in 1996
compared to an expense/revenue ratio of 57.1% in 1995. Merger-related
efficiencies achieved in 1996 were approximately $47 million pre-tax, $30
million after-tax, or $0.14 per share. Merger efficiencies were impacted by
approximately $9 million in revenue losses. A slight decline in net interest
income, an increase in the provision for losses on loans, and modest growth in
non-interest income tempered the impact of reduced non-financial expenses in
1996. For detailed discussions of net interest income, the provision for losses
on loans and non-interest income, see pages 37, 20 and 38, respectively.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

BUSINESS LINE RESULTS

     CoreStates utilizes a value-based reporting methodology to facilitate
management's analysis of performance by defined business lines. This process
supports CoreStates' strategic objective of creating superior growth in
shareholder value by focusing on the performance and value creation potential of
CoreStates' component businesses.

     This section of management's discussion and analysis presents the
performance results of CoreStates' five core businesses: Global and Specialized
Banking; Regional Banking; Retail Credit Services; Trust and Asset Management;
and Third Party Processing. Each core business is comprised of well-defined
business lines with market or product specific missions.

     Corporate overhead, processing and support costs, and the loan loss
provision are allocated along with the impact of balance sheet management and
hedging activities of CoreStates. A matched maturity transfer pricing system is
used to allocate interest income and interest expense. All business lines in the
five core businesses are allocated equity utilizing regulatory risk-based
capital guidelines as well as each business line's fixed assets and other
capital investment requirements. The development of these allocation
methodologies is a continuous process at CoreStates, and as a result, certain
amounts in prior years have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

     The Corporate Center category includes the income and expense impact of
unallocated equity, unusual or non-recurring items not attributable to the
operating activities of the major business areas, emerging business activities
not directly related to the five major business areas, eliminations of
intercompany business transactions, and miscellaneous items.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

BUSINESS LINE RESULTS - continued
      The earnings contribution of these core businesses is reflected in the
table below (in millions):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                            
                                                                                               Retail             Trust and 
(taxable equivalent basis)                       Global and             Regional               Credit               Asset
                                            Specialized Banking          Banking              Services            Management 
                                           ----------------------    ------------------    -----------------   -------------------
                                             1997       1996          1997       1996       1997       1996      1997      1996    
                                           -------     -------       --------  --------    ------     ------   ------     --------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>           <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>  
Net interest income..................      $ 603.7     $ 561.7       $1,116.9  $1,118.2    $306.1     $295.0   $ 55.8     $ 50.9
Provision for losses on loans........         40.1        31.5           21.4      28.4     197.8(a)    98.5      2.2        2.2
Non-interest income..................        278.5       232.3          253.7     244.9      87.8       85.9    188.1      167.6
Non-financial expenses...............        405.5       366.0          759.5     795.6     170.1      192.1    142.4      151.4
                                           -------     -------        -------   -------     ------    ------   ------      -----
Income before income taxes...........        436.6       396.5          589.7     539.1      26.0       90.3     99.3       64.9
Income tax expense...................        167.7       155.7          216.7     195.8       9.2       33.6     35.9       23.3
                                           -------     -------        -------   -------     ------    ------   ------      -----
Net income...........................      $ 268.9     $ 240.8        $ 373.0    $343.3     $16.8      $56.7   $ 63.4     $ 41.6
                                           =======     =======        =======   =======     ======    ======   ======      =====
 
Return on average assets.............         1.47%       1.67%          2.89%     2.42%     0.22%      0.72%    4.97%      3.03%
Return on average equity ............        23.55%      25.98%         55.92%    47.81%     4.84%     15.45%   89.30%     60.29%
Average assets.......................      $18,308     $14,460        $12,900   $14,159    $7,501     $7,884   $1,275     $1,372
Average equity ......................       $1,142        $927           $667      $718      $347       $367      $71        $69

</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                 Third Party
                                                 Processing              Corporate Center                 Total
                                              -----------------        --------------------         -----------------
                                               1997       1996          1997          1996           1997      1996      
                                              ------     ------        -------       ------         -------   -------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>       
Net interest income..................          $20.7     $ 18.0        $  36.3       $123.9         $2,139.5  $2,167.7
Provision for losses on loans........            0.1        0.2            1.4         68.0 (e)        263.0     228.8
Non-interest income..................          225.4      209.3         (107.7)(b)    (40.9)(b,f)      925.8     899.1
Non-financial expenses...............          225.4      198.4           (7.1)(b,d)   73.3 (b,e)    1,695.8   1,776.8
                                              ------     ------        -------       ------          -------   -------     
Income (loss) before income taxes....           20.6       28.7          (65.7)       (58.3)         1,106.5   1,061.2
Income tax expense...................            7.3       10.1         (143.6)(c)     (6.5)           293.2     412.0
                                              ------     ------        -------       ------          -------   -------
Net income (loss)....................          $13.3     $ 18.6        $  77.9       $(51.8)         $ 813.3  $  649.2
                                              ======     ======        =======       ======          =======   =======

Return on average assets.............           4.62%      6.84%          1.43%       (0.92)%           1.78%     1.48%
Return on average equity ............          44.33%     58.13%          7.04%       (2.92)%          24.18%    16.69%
Average assets.......................           $288       $272         $5,446       $5,647          $45,718   $43,794
Average equity ......................            $30        $32         $1,107       $1,777           $3,364    $3,890
</TABLE> 
- -------------

(a) Includes a special provision of $70.0 million primarily related to
    management's decision to sell approximately $450 million of credit card
    outstandings.
(b) Includes eliminations for intercompany processing fees of $108.4 million and
    $105.9 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
(c) Includes a $109.0 million tax benefit related to the liquidation of an
    affiliate.
(d) Includes restructuring and merger-related charges and other significant and
    unusual charges of $72.0 million.
(e) Includes net restructuring and merger-related charges of $70.0 million in
    the provision for losses on loans and $139.7 million in non-financial
    expenses, and a SAIF special assessment of $14.2 million.
(f) Includes certain net investment gains of $43.3 million.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

BUSINESS LINE RESULTS - continued


     Global and Specialized Banking includes the following business lines:
     ------------------------------
Specialized Banking, Secured Lending, Real Estate, Large Corporate Banking,
Congress Financial Corporation ("Congress Financial"), International Banking,
Investment Banking and Cash Management. Net income for 1997 increased $28.1
million, or 11.7%, above 1996. The favorable variance was due to increases in
net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by increases in
non-financial expenses and the provision for losses on loans.

     Net interest income for 1997 increased $42.0 million, or 7.5%, above 1996
due to increases in average loans, average demand deposits, and fees on loans.
Average loan volume increased $2.7 billion, or 22.8%, above 1996, due largely to
growth in Specialized Banking, International Banking, and the Large Corporate
and Healthcare Groups within Large Corporate Banking. Average demand balances
increased $98 million, or 5.4%, over 1996 primarily due to higher balances
maintained by customers to pay for services particularly within the Financial
Services Group of Large Corporate Banking. Amortized fees on loans increased
$6.4 million, or 18.6%, due to fees collected on new loans and several
significant termination fees.

     Non-interest income for 1997 increased $46.2 million, or 19.9%, primarily
due to increases in international service fees, service charges on deposits and
income from trading activities. International service fees increased $11.4
million, or 11.4%, in 1997 principally due to increased trade payment activity
in the offshore branches. Service charges on deposits increased $8.2 million, or
12.5%, for 1997 primarily reflecting increases in cash management activities.

     Non-financial expenses for 1997 increased $39.5 million, or 10.8%, over
1996 due to increases in personnel expenses, Congress Financial expenses and
processing costs.

     Regional Banking includes Retail Banking and Delivery, Small Business
     ----------------
Lending, Commercial Business Lending and Middle Market Lending. Net income was
$373.0 million, up $29.7 million, or 8.7%, from 1996. The increase for 1997 was
principally due to declines in non-financial expenses resulting from merger
synergies and branch closings/sales, an increase in non-interest income related
to delivery channel income pricing and volume (delivery channel income includes
ATM, PC and telephone banking fees), and price increases in service charges on
deposits.

     Net interest income for 1997 declined $1.3 million, or 0.1%, below 1996.
The decrease was mainly attributable to a $1.3 billion, or 5.3%, decline in
average deposit volumes. Also contributing to the decrease was a decline in
average loan outstandings of $358 million, or 3.1%. The deposit decline resulted
from a combination of runoff resulting from the Meridian acquisition and
competitive pressures in the market. The decline in loans mainly resulted from
the securitization of $382 million in home equity loans and runoff in revolving
credit loans. Partially offsetting the impact of volume declines was an increase
in deposit interest rate spreads driven by pricing strategies implemented in the
second quarter of 1997.

     Non-interest income increased $8.8 million, or 3.6%, over 1996. Delivery
channel income rose $7.7 million influenced by ATM surcharges levied on all
non-CoreStates Bank customer ATM transactions, a policy initiated in the fourth
quarter of 1996. In addition, service charges on deposits increased $3.8
million, or 2.5%, mainly due to 1997 price increases implemented on deposit
accounts.

     Non-financial expenses for 1997 declined $36.1 million, or 4.5%, from 1996.
Personnel expenses declined $16.1 million, or 5.4%, while non-personnel expenses
declined $20.0 million, or 4.0%. These savings were achieved through branch
closings/sales, operational efficiencies related to the Meridian merger and new
contracts with many of the suppliers of goods and services to CoreStates.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

BUSINESS LINE RESULTS - continued


     Retail Credit Services includes the following major business lines: Credit
     ----------------------
Card, Dealer Services, Educational Lending, Mortgage Services, Card Linx
(CoreStates' merchant credit card processing business) and SynapQuest
(CoreStates' consumer and commercial card processing company). Net income for
Retail Credit Services was $16.8 million for 1997, which was $39.9 million, or
70.4%, below 1996. The decrease in net income for 1997 was primarily
attributable to a higher provision for losses on loans. Prior year results have
been restated for the reclassification of SynapQuest into Retail Credit
Services.

     Net interest income for 1997 increased $11.1 million, or 3.8%, above 1996.
This increase was attributable to the impact of a change in mix of Dealer
Services loan products which contributed $1.9 million to net interest income,
and to higher average credit card outstandings of $119 million which contributed
$8.6 million to net interest income.

     The provision for loan losses for 1997 increased by $99.3 million, or
100.8% over 1996. This increase includes a $70 million special provision for
losses on loans primarily related to management's decision to sell approximately
$450 million of credit card outstandings. The remainder of the increase over
1996 was attributable to higher credit card charge-offs. Higher credit card
charge-offs are an industry-wide trend also being experienced by CoreStates.

     Non-interest income for 1997 was $1.9 million, or 2.2%, above 1996. This
increase was primarily due to higher credit card fees of $3.2 million, and
higher mortgage fee income of $3.4 million, partially offset by a $2.4 million
decrease in merchant fee income and lower credit life insurance fee income of
$2.3 million.

     Non-financial expenses for 1997 decreased by $22.0 million, or 11.5%, from
1996. The decline in expenses was primarily due to merger-related efficiencies
that impacted personnel, occupancy and outside services hired expenses. A
reduction in marketing expense also contributed to the decline. The expense
savings were partially offset by volume related expense growth.

     Trust and Asset Management is organized into four business lines: Personal
     --------------------------
Trust (including Private Banking), Institutional Trust, Retirement Plan
Services, and Investment Management. CoreStates' remaining Corporate Trust
Business, previously included in Institutional Trust, was sold in the fourth
quarter of 1996. Full year net income for 1997 of $63.4 million increased $21.8
million, or 52.4%, over 1996. Increases in net interest income and trust fee
income as well as reduced non-financial expenses all contributed to the
improvement in net income.

     Net interest income for 1997 increased $4.9 million, or 9.6%, over 1996.
This increase is primarily due to higher investment income, commercial loan
growth in Private Banking, increased money market account deposits related to
additional customer sweep balances, and higher demand deposit balances. These
favorable variances were partially offset by funding costs for increased
overdraft balances.

     Non-interest income for 1997 increased $20.5 million, or 12.2%, over 1996.
Excluding 1996 Corporate Trust fees, non-interest income increased $22.2
million, or 13.4%, in 1997. This improvement resulted primarily from increases
in Personal and Institutional fee income primarily due to increases in the
market value of assets under management.

     Non-financial expenses for 1997 decreased $9.0 million, or 5.9%, from 1996.
Excluding Corporate Trust expenses in 1996, non-financial expenses would have
decreased $8.0 million, or 5.3%, in 1997, primarily due to merger-related
efficiencies.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

BUSINESS LINE RESULTS - continued

     Third Party Processing consists of the QuestPoint specialty transaction
     ----------------------
processing units, earnings from CoreStates' investment in Electronic Payment
Services, Inc. ("EPS"), and earnings from CoreStates Bank's Financial
Institutions Division ("FID"). The QuestPoint processing units include:
QuestPoint Check Services ("Check Services"), a provider of check processing and
payment services to CoreStates and other financial institutions; and QuestPoint
Remittance Services ("Remittance Services"), a leading supplier of remittance
processing services nationwide with processing sites in key markets within the
United States and Canada. EPS is a leading provider of ATM and POS processing
services. FID is a provider of correspondent bank services to financial
institutions in the United States. FID cash letter volumes are processed by
contract with Check Services.

     Third Party Processing ("TPP") 1997 net income of $13.3 million decreased
$5.3 million, or 28.5%, from 1996. Prior year results have been restated for the
reclassification of SynapQuest into Retail Credit Services and for the inclusion
of FID in TPP. The decline in 1997 net income is primarily due to a price
reduction on CoreStates intercompany processing activity, costs associated with
investments in technology and lower earnings on the Remittance Services
processing business in Canada.

     TPP net interest income for 1997 increased $2.7 million, or 15%, over 1996.
The increase over 1996 is due primarily to higher average demand balances within
FID.

     TPP non-interest income for 1997 totaled $225.4, million including $108.4
million for the CoreStates intercompany business, $29.5 million for EPS, and
$87.5 million of other external QuestPoint/FID revenue. This compares to 1996
non-interest income of $209.3 million, including $105.9 million for the
CoreStates intercompany business, $29.9 million for EPS, and $73.5 million of
other QuestPoint/FID revenue. Total revenue growth for 1997 was $16.1 million,
or 7.7%, above 1996. The CoreStates intercompany business, which contributes 48%
of the TPP revenue base, increased $2.5 million, or 2.4%. External
QuestPoint/FID, which accounts for 39% of the TPP revenue base increased $14.0
million, or 19.0%. Revenues for EPS decreased modestly.

     The increase in revenue from the CoreStates intercompany business was
primarily the result of the addition of Meridian processing, offset slightly by
a decline in fees due to the repricing of services on January 1, 1997. The
acquisition of five check processing centers in October 1996 contributed $10.2
million to the external revenue growth. The remaining increase is primarily the
result of new business within Check Services and Remittance Services. Income
from the investment in EPS reflects CoreStates' share in EPS net income,
interest income on a 6.45% note and income from the amortization of a deferred
gain. Year-to-year, the lower interest income on the note, which is being paid
down at a rate of $6.25 million per quarter by EPS, is offset by higher EPS
equity related income.

     TPP non-financial expenses for 1997 were $225.4 million, an increase of
$27.0 million, or 13.6%, over 1996. Most of the increase supports the addition
of new business, including the acquisition of five check processing centers in
October 1996 and overall Remittance Services volume growth. Higher staff costs
within Remittance Services also contributed to the increase.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued


     CAPITAL STRENGTH

     Capital strength must be evaluated in the context of business risk
exposures, including asset quality, interest sensitivity, liquidity and earnings
diversification. CoreStates places a significant emphasis on the maintenance of
strong capital which promotes investor confidence, helps provide access to the
credit markets under favorable terms and enhances the flexibility to capitalize
on business growth and acquisition opportunities. Capital is managed for each
CoreStates subsidiary based on its respective risks and growth opportunities, as
well as regulatory requirements. CoreStates is positioned to take advantage of
market opportunities to strengthen capital. A shelf registration provides for
the issuance of a wide-range of securities including: senior and subordinated
debt, straight and convertible preferred securities and equity. At December 31,
1997, CoreStates had $579 million of registered but unissued securities under
the shelf. In addition, CoreStates Bank, N.A. (CoreStates' principal bank
subsidiary) has the ability to issue subordinated debt under its Senior and
Subordinated Bank Note program (See the "Liquidity" discussion on page 33 for
further detail). Through the implementation of its capital policies, CoreStates
has achieved a strong capital position. The relative strength of CoreStates'
capital is reflected in the chart "Average Common Equity/Assets."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Average Common Equity/Assets                     Average Common
   Five Year Comparison                              Equity/Assets  
   ----------------------------      -------------------------------------------
   (in percent)                                        KBW Peer Group 1
                                     CoreStates          Composite *
                                     ----------        ----------------
   <S>                               <C>               <C>
         1997                           7.36%                    7.77%
         1996                           8.88                     8.06
         1995                           8.37                     7.48
         1994                           8.27                     7.47
         1993                           7.93                     7.52
</TABLE>

    * The KBW Peer Group 1 Composite includes CoreStates and is comprised of
      U.S. banking companies having assets in excess of $25 billion.


     At December 31, 1997, common shareholders' equity totaled $3,237 million or
6.7% of total assets, compared with $3,696 million or 8.1% at year-end 1996. The
primary reasons for the declines in common shareholders' equity and the equity
to assets ratio were the common stock repurchase program and asset growth of
6.5%. CoreStates has achieved steady internal capital generation throughout the
past five years. Excluding the cost of the common stock repurchase program in
1997, common shareholders' equity increased over the five years ended December
31, 1997 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%, while dividends paid
increased at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%.

     During 1997, CoreStates increased its quarterly dividend amount by 6.4% to
$0.50 per share beginning with the fourth quarter declaration. This follows
increases of 11.9% in 1996 and 23.5% in 1995. CoreStates declared dividends on
its common stock of $1.91 per share in 1997, $1.73 per share in 1996 and $1.44
per share in 1995. The common dividend payout ratio based on operating earnings
per average common share was 48.8% for 1997, compared to 48.5% for 1996, and
43.9% for 1995.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:  continued

CAPITAL STRENGTH - continued


     Common Stock Repurchase Program - On October 15, 1996, the Board of
     -------------------------------
Directors authorized the management of CoreStates to repurchase up to 22 million
shares of common stock, or approximately 10% of outstanding shares, and on July
15, 1997, the Board of Directors authorized an extension of the common stock
repurchase program permitting management to repurchase up to an additional 6
million shares, or approximately 3% of outstanding shares. Acting under these
authorizations, CoreStates repurchased 15.3 million shares and 8.8 million
shares in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Management is also authorized to
repurchase additional shares to fulfill requirements of employee benefit and
dividend reinvestment plans.

     As of March 15, 1998, it is anticipated that CoreStates will issue
approximately 1.0 million shares of common stock prior to the consummation of
the Merger in order for the Merger to qualify for pooling of interests
accounting treatment.

     Capital Ratios - CoreStates and its bank subsidiaries are subject to
     --------------
minimum risk-based and leverage capital guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve
Board and Comptroller of the Currency. 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 CoreStates. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, CoreStates must meet specific
capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of CoreStates' assets,
liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory
accounting practices. CoreStates' capital amounts and classification are also
subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk
weightings, and other factors.

     In 1996, the Federal Reserve Board approved the limited use of certain
cumulative preferred instruments ("Trust Capital Securities") as Tier 1 capital.
While these Trust Capital Securities are classified as long-term debt on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet (see Note 12 to the Financial Statements for further
description of these securities), CoreStates utilizes these Trust Capital
Securities in managing its total capital mix. CoreStates' principal bank
subsidiary issued $300 million of these securities in 1996 and $450 million in
1997. This type of security issuance provides CoreStates more flexibility in
managing its capital.

     At December 31, 1997, management believes that CoreStates exceeds all
capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. The following table
illustrates CoreStates' risk-based and leverage capital ratios compared to
regulatory guidelines at December 31, 1997 and 1996:

Risk-based and Leverage Capital Ratios
- --------------------------------------
At December 31,
- -------------- 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Regulatory Guidelines
                                                 ------------------------
                                                                 Well-
                             1997      1996      Minimum      Capitalized
                             ----      ----      -------      -----------
<S>                          <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
Tier 1 capital ratio.......   8.5%      9.4%        4.0%           6.0%
Total capital ratio........  12.0      13.2         8.0           10.0
Tier 1 leverage ratio......   8.0       8.5         3.0            5.0
</TABLE>

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued


RISK MANAGEMENT

     Risk management at CoreStates encompasses the oversight of a broad range of
risks undertaken by CoreStates including credit, market (including interest
rate, trading and liquidity risks), product, human capital, compliance,
operations, systems, technology and general business risk. CoreStates' ongoing
refinement of its risk management practices takes place within the framework of
a corporate risk management program. The objective of the program is a continued
strengthening of CoreStates' risk management culture and its policies, processes
and controls for managing risk on an integrated basis throughout the company.
The following sections, "CREDIT QUALITY" and "MARKET RISK", discuss two
components of risk management.


CREDIT QUALITY

Credit Risk Management

     The management of credit risk at CoreStates relies on maintaining a
diversified loan portfolio, limiting exposures to any given borrower, industry
or market segment, and on upholding a well-established credit culture. Early
identification and communication of deterioration/problems in the portfolio,
early recognition of non-performing assets and charge-offs, maintaining reserves
that are strong, and a credit advisory team process that provides all lenders in
both wholesale and consumer businesses access to the most senior and experienced
credit officers in the organization, are key components of this credit culture.
In addition, CoreStates has established a wide range of specialized lending
areas staffed with industry experts and experienced lending resources.
Underlying this credit culture is a tradition of extensive and ongoing credit
training and comprehensive and well-communicated policies and procedures.
Further, while CoreStates maintains a successful process of managing individual
credits, it continues to place a greater emphasis on portfolio management
issues.

     The maintenance of CoreStates' credit quality standards is supported by a
comprehensive and independent assessment of credit quality and portfolio
management by a Credit Review department, which reports to the Audit Committee
of the Board of Directors.

Loan Portfolio

     CoreStates' loan portfolio totaled $34.8 billion at December 31, 1997, a
7.7% increase from $32.3 billion at December 31, 1996. At year-end 1997, the
portfolio is comprised of $26.1 billion or 75% wholesale loans and $8.7 billion
or 25% consumer loans, compared to $23.0 billion or 71% wholesale loans and $9.3
billion or 29% consumer loans at December 31, 1996.

     The $34.8 billion in total loans at December 31, 1997 was subsequent to
loan sales of approximately $890 million in 1997 and $450 million of credit card
outstandings transferred to loans held for sale. These loan sales included $550
million of residential mortgages, $190 million of home equity loan
securitizations and $150 million of student loans. The loan sales are discussed
in the Consumer Lending Portfolio sections which follow.

Wholesale Loan Portfolio

     CoreStates has traditionally maintained limits on industry, country and
borrower concentrations as a way to diversify and manage credit risk. CoreStates
manages industry concentrations by applying limits to a family of industries
that have common risk characteristics. CoreStates' top industry concentrations
are reflected in the following chart, "Wholesale Loans by Industry". The chart
reflects favorable performance as measured by the percentage of outstandings
which are non-performing, with the exception of Healthcare which was impacted by
the addition of one significant loan to non-performing status.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

CREDIT QUALITY - continued

Wholesale Loans by Industry
At December 31, 1997
(in millions)   

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                   % of
                                                           Loans                Outstandings
                                                        Outstanding            non-performing
                                                        -----------            --------------
<S>                                                     <C>                    <C> 
Completed Real Estate Projects (a).............           $1,779.7                 1.3%
Depository Institutions........................            1,568.3                   -
Communications.................................            1,459.0                 0.1
Non-bank Finance (b)...........................            1,311.2                 0.6
Retail Trade...................................            1,176.1                 0.5
Healthcare.....................................            1,005.5                 7.5
Automobile Dealers.............................              875.3                 0.1
Agri-Finance...................................              681.2                 1.2
Real Estate Construction.......................              651.1                 0.5
Chemicals and Allied Products..................              636.0                 0.2
Trucking and Auto Leasing......................              620.4                   -
Apparel Manufacturing..........................              418.8                 0.2
Paper Manufacturing............................              364.6                   -
</TABLE> 
- ------------
(a) Consists of loans on commercial real estate to investors on completed
    properties.
(b) Includes insurance, mortgage, mutual funds and finance companies.

     The following highlights two portfolios: the Congress Financial Corporation
("Congress Financial") portfolio, due to its growth opportunities and
significant contribution to CoreStates' performance; and the international
financial institutions portfolio, as this is a significantly expanded business.

     Congress Financial - Congress Financial's loan portfolio is comprised of
     ------------------
factoring and asset-based lending relationships generated through its offices in
major cities in the United States and its growth in business in Canada. Despite
considerable competitive pressure with regard to pricing and structure, the
asset-based loan portfolio at December 31, 1997 grew 5% over 1996. With a look
toward globalizing the asset-based lending function, Congress launched an
asset-based operation in the United Kingdom with the purchase of Burdale
Financial LTD in February 1997. Congress Financial's expertise with the
syndication of large, multifaceted transactions also contributed significantly
to loan growth. In spite of extreme competition, the volume in the factoring
portfolio at December 31, 1997 grew 11% over 1996.

     Credit quality for both the factoring and asset-based lending portfolios,
as reflected in the strong historical trends noted in the following table,
continued to be consistent with Congress Financial's lending philosophy.

Congress Financial Portfolio
- ----------------------------
At December 31,
- --------------
(in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1997               1996  
                                                --------           --------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>
Asset-based lending portfolio:                               
   Loans.............................           $2,373.1           $2,269.8
   Non-performing....................                3.8               12.2
    % of loans ......................                0.2%               0.5%
   Net charge-offs                              $    9.8            $   5.5
    % of average loans                               0.3%               0.2%
Factoring receivables (a)............           $  454.9            $ 411.3
</TABLE>
- ------------
(a) There were no non-performing factoring receivables at December 31, 1997 and
    1996.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

CREDIT QUALITY - continued

     International Financial Institutions - CoreStates' International Financial
     ------------------------------------
Institutions business serves a portfolio of over 1,300 international
relationships in 78 countries. In the correspondent banking business, CoreStates
continues to focus on global multi-currency payment flows and on global trade
collections and disbursements. In addition to facilitating the short term, trade
related businesses of correspondents, CoreStates also provides treasury support,
foreign exchange and, in selected cases, medium-term financing. CoreStates is
one of the most active banks in the United States in working with correspondents
to facilitate their access to Eximbank financing, particularly for small and
medium-sized transactions.

     The portfolio's growth in 1997 in various geographic areas, as well as in
certain product categories, is primarily attributable to generally improved
political and economic conditions worldwide, which have encouraged international
financial institutions to expand their activities and portfolios. However,
following the start of the Asian turmoil, CoreStates has prudently shortened
maturities, changed its product mix from non-trade to trade, and reduced
outstandings where appropriate.

     Apart from limits on exposures to individual banks and countries, which are
extended after thorough analysis and on-site visits, CoreStates manages its
international portfolio through concentration limits for certain industries,
tenors, and risk-rated assets which are determined through a stringent credit
approval and monitoring process.

     International Financial Institutions' exposure consists of deposit
placements, bankers' acceptances, letters of credit and loans outstanding. Total
exposure at December 31, 1997 of $5.7 billion represented a $1.1 billion or 21%
increase above $4.6 billion at year-end 1996. For both 1997 and 1996,
approximately 50% of the total exposures were deposit placements. Non-trade
exposures in 1997 approximated 13% of total exposure. Exposure in the
International Financial Institutions portfolio at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was
distributed geographically as follows:

International Financial Institutions Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------
At December 31,
- --------------
(in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1997                        1996  
                               --------------------        -------------------
                                Total          % of         Total         % of
                               Exposure       Total        Exposure      Total
                               --------       -----        --------      -----
<S>                            <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>
Europe/Africa...........       $ 2,165           38%       $ 1,751          38%
Asia....................         1,923           34          1,801          39
Americas................         1,610           28          1,030          23
                                 -----           --          -----          --

    Total exposure......        $5,698          100%       $ 4,582         100%
                                ======          ===        =======         ===
</TABLE>

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

CREDIT QUALITY - continued

     Real Estate Loans - Real estate loans of $8,851.0 at December 31, 1997
     -----------------
includes both wholesale and consumer loans. An analysis of CoreStates' real
estate portfolios is provided below.

       The regional market in which CoreStates operates has remained stable for
both the residential and commercial segments, with active competition in all
markets. Total real estate loans outstanding of $8,851.0 million at December 31,
1997, compared to $9,169.9 million at December 31, 1996. The decline from
year-end 1996 was the result of loan repayments and the impact of $740 million
in residential mortgage loan sales and home equity loan securitizations.

      The construction and development loan portfolio was $651.1 million or 1.9%
of total loans at December 31, 1997. At December 31, 1997, 0.5% of CoreStates'
construction and development loan portfolio was non-performing, compared to 1.0%
at December 31, 1996.

     Within real estate loans are residential mortgages, which include home
equity loans of $1,772.4 million, one-to-four family mortgages of $1,842.5
million, and multi-family residential mortgages of $300.8 million. Total
residential mortgages were $3,915.7 million or 11.2% of total loans at December
31, 1997. Residential mortgage loan quality remained consistent as measured
against 1996's performance.

     CoreStates' commercial real estate portfolio includes both completed
property investor loans and loans collateralized by owner-occupied real estate.
The commercial real estate portfolio totaled $4,284.2 million or 12.3% of total
loans at December 31, 1997. The percentage of non-performing commercial real
estate loans to year-end commercial real estate loans declined from 1.7% at
December 31, 1996 to 1.3% at December 31, 1997. Net charge-offs for the
commercial real estate portfolio totaled only $3.3 million for 1997. CoreStates
continues to place an emphasis on loan quality in the commercial real estate
portfolio. The non-performing loans and net charge-offs did not include any
significant individual borrower exposure. The commercial real estate portfolio
continues to exhibit diversity by product type.

Real Estate Loans
- -----------------
At December 31,
- --------------
(in millions)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                         Construction/
                                          Development               Residential             Commercial (a)                Total  
                                         ------------               -----------             -------------             -----------
<S>                                      <C>                        <C>                     <C>                       <C> 
1997
- ---
Year-end outstandings................       $651.1                    $3,915.7                $4,284.2                 $8,851.0
Average loans outstanding............        600.2                     4,325.5                 4,362.7                  9,288.4
Non-performing loans.................          3.2                        47.2                    55.8                    106.2
  % of year-end loans................          0.5%                        1.2%                    1.3%                     1.2%
Net charge-offs......................       $  1.3                    $    8.9                $    3.3                 $   13.5
  % of average loans.................          0.2%                        0.2%                    0.1%                     0.1%

1996
- ----
Year-end outstandings................       $554.9                    $4,073.3                $4,541.7                $ 9,169.9
Average loans outstanding............        589.0                     5,203.8                 4,300.9                 10,093.7
Non-performing loans.................          5.6                        41.2                    77.3                    124.1
  % of year-end loans................          1.0%                        1.0%                    1.7%                     1.4%
Net charge-offs......................       $ (0.1)                   $   21.1                  $ 15.6                $    36.6
  % of average loans.................            -                         0.4%                    0.4%                     0.4%
</TABLE> 
- ------------
(a) Includes loans on completed properties to investors and commercial loans
    secured by owner-occupied real estate.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

CREDIT QUALITY - continued

Consumer Lending Portfolio

     Consumer Lending Portfolio (excluding credit card) - This portfolio
     -------------------------------------------------
declined $202 million or 2.6% from year-end 1996. Excluding sales of $890
million of consumer loans, principally residential mortgages, home equity loans
and student loans, this portfolio experienced modest growth in 1997. Residential
mortgages and home equity loans are sold on a recurring basis primarily for
asset and liability management purposes.

     Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of the average portfolio outstandings
increased from 63 basis points in 1996 to 76 basis points in 1997. While loan
charge-offs in this portfolio have increased, CoreStates continues to operate
within a framework of strong credit policies and maintains the ability to
identify and mitigate risk factors in these retail loan products.

Consumer Lending Portfolio (Excluding Credit Card)
- -------------------------------------------------
At December 31,
- ---------------
(in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997          1996  
                                                      --------     ---------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Year-end outstandings:                                           
    Home equity (a)..............................     $1,772.4      $1,760.0
    Indirect installment.........................      1,994.0       2,088.4
      Residential first mortgages (a)............      1,842.5       1,994.8
    Direct installment...........................        979.7         939.5
    Auto leasing.................................        880.3         888.4
                                                      --------      --------
     Total.......................................     $7,468.9      $7,671.1
                                                      ========      ========
Average loans outstanding........................     $7,958.1      $8,773.7
Net charge-offs..................................        $60.2         $55.1
    % of average loans...........................         0.76%         0.63%
</TABLE>
(a) These loans have also been included in the "Real Estate Loans" discussion.

     Credit Card Portfolio - Credit card outstandings decreased $469 million, or
     ---------------------
28% from $1,674.9 million at 1996 year end to $1,205.9 million at 1997 year end.
In the fourth quarter of 1997, management decided to sell approximately $450
million of credit card outstandings. As a result, a $102 million writedown to
net realizable value was recorded, and the loans were reclassified to loans held
for sale. The credit card portfolio was also impacted in 1997 and 1996 by the
significant amount of personal bankruptcies experienced nationwide and
industry-wide. Net charge-offs have increased, which is consistent with industry
averages, to 6.4% of average loans. In the second quarter of 1996, $5.8 million
of credit card loans were charged off as the result of a change in policy to
charge off delinquent credit card loans at 150 days past due, instead of at 180
days past due.

     Credit card outstandings past due 90 days or more as to payment of
principal or interest were $13 million and $22 million at December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively.

Credit Card Portfolio
- ---------------------
At December 31,
- --------------
(in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1997               1996  
                                                  --------           --------
<S>                                               <C>                <C>
Year-end outstandings...................          $1,205.9           $1,674.9
Average loans outstanding...............           1,675.0            1,556.0
Net charge-offs.........................             107.7(a)            82.9
    % of average loans..................               6.4%               5.3%
</TABLE>
(a) Excludes the $102 million writedown on credit cards held for sale.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

CREDIT QUALITY - continued

Allowance for Loan Losses

     In CoreStates' methodology for determining appropriate levels of allowance
for loan losses ("the Allowance"), each subsidiary which extends credit
maintains an allowance sufficient to absorb the anticipated loss inherent in its
credit portfolio. Factors included in management's determination of an adequate
level of Allowance are a statistical analysis of historical loss levels
throughout an economic cycle and one year of projected charge-offs, establishing
a minimum level below which the Allowance is considered inadequate and a maximum
level above which is considered inappropriate. A quarterly evaluation of loss
potential on specific credits, products, industries, and portfolios, as well as
indicators for loan growth, the economic environment and concentrations, assist
in validating the position of the Allowance within those boundaries.
Management's evaluation of the adequacy of the Allowance is independently tested
by Credit Review. Prompt recognition of problem situations and prompt
write-downs of these assets to net realizable value is an important source of
protection against problems in the portfolio.

     At year-end 1997 the Allowance totaled $634.4 million and represented 1.82%
of loans. This compares with an Allowance at year-end 1996 of $710.3 million, or
2.20% of loans. The Allowance at year-end 1997 was 249.9% of non-performing
loans, a decline from the year-end 1996 coverage ratio of 321.7% and a
reflection of the lower balance in the Allowance at December 31, 1997 resulting
from loan charge-offs, the $102 million writedown of credit card loans held for
sale and the increase in non-performing loans at December 31, 1997.

     Provision for Losses on Loans - CoreStates' provision for loan losses in
     -----------------------------
1997 was $263.0 million, an increase of $34.2 million over 1996. The increase in
the 1997 provision for losses on loans was made in response to loan growth and
higher charge-offs on credit card outstandings, installment loans and commercial
loans. Net charge-offs on credit cards increased to $107.7 million, excluding
the $102 million writedown of credit card loans held for sale, or 6.43% of
average outstandings in 1997, from $82.9 million or 5.33% of average
outstandings in 1996. Net charge-offs on installment loans increased to $49.1
million, or 1.54% of average outstandings in 1997, from $33.8 million, or 1.13%
in 1996. Net charge-offs on commercial loans increased to $56.0 million, or
0.36% of average outstandings in 1997, from $27.4 million or 0.20% in 1996.
Total net loan charge-offs in 1997 were $236.9 million or 0.69% of average
loans. Net charge-offs in 1996 were $188.7 million or 0.59% of average loans.

     In the fourth quarter of 1997, CoreStates recorded a $70.0 million ($44.9
million after-tax, or $0.22 per share) special provision for losses on loans
primarily related to management's decision to sell approximately $450 million of
credit card outstandings. As a result, CoreStates wrote down the credit card
balance by $102 million, and reclassified the net $348 million of loans to loans
held for sale.

     As a result of the acquisition of Meridian in 1996, CoreStates recorded a
$70.0 million provision for losses on loans in connection with a change in
strategy related to Meridian's problem assets, and to conform Meridian's
consumer lending charge-off policies to those of CoreStates. Historically for
CoreStates, a strategy that involves the accelerated resolution of problem
assets has been more economical than a long-term work out approach. It has been
CoreStates' general experience that the costs of working out assets as well as
other carrying costs typically outweigh any improvement in those assets'
realized value. It is CoreStates' judgment that such a change in strategy
maximizes the total value of an acquisition and allows CoreStates to concentrate
upon new franchise initiatives and revenue generation. Furthermore, the process
of working out problem assets diverts resources and management time and
attention from building the business and creating long-term franchise value.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

CREDIT QUALITY - continued

     The following table reflects the distribution of 1997 and 1996 net
charge-offs by loan type:

Distribution of Net Charge-Offs
- -------------------------------
For the Years Ended December 31,
- -------------------------------
(in millions)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                            1997                                  1996  
                                            ------------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                                                          % of                                   % of
                                                                          Total                                 Total
                                               Net          % of           net         Net         % of          net
                                             charge-       Average       charge-     charge-     Average       charge-
Loan type                                      offs       loan type        offs        offs     loan type        offs
- ---------                                   ----------    ---------    ---------    --------    ---------     --------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C> 
Domestic:
  Commercial
    and industrial....................      $ 57.3           0.38%         24.2%      $27.4          0.20%      14.5%
  Real estate:
    Construction......................         1.3           0.22           0.5        (0.1)            -          -
    Other.............................        12.3           0.14           5.2        36.7          0.39       19.4
  Consumer:
    Credit card.......................       107.7(b)        6.43          45.5        82.9          5.33       43.9
    Installment.......................        49.1           1.54          20.7        33.8          1.13       17.9
  Other (a)...........................         9.2           0.43           3.9        10.1          0.50        5.4
                                            ------                        -----       -----                    ----- 
      Total domestic..................       236.9           0.74         100.0       190.8          0.62      101.1
 Foreign..............................           -              -             -        (2.1)        (0.15)      (1.1)
                                            ------                        -----       -----                    ----- 
     Total net charge-offs............      $236.9           0.69         100.0%     $188.7          0.59      100.0%
                                            ======                        =====       =====                    ===== 
</TABLE> 
- -----------
(a) Includes loans to financial institutions and lease financing.
(b) Excludes the $102 million writedown of credit card loans held for sale.


Non-Performing Assets

     Non-performing assets at year-end 1997 were $268.3 million, or 0.77% of
total loans plus other real estate owned ("OREO") and 0.55% of total assets.
These levels compared to total non-performing assets at year-end 1996 of $245.0
million, or 0.76% of total loans plus OREO and 0.54% of total assets. The $23.3
million, or 9.5%, increase in total non-performing assets as compared to
year-end 1996 was principally due to an increase of $37.3 million, or 40.3%, in
non-performing commercial loans. The increase in commercial non-performing loans
was primarily due to the addition of a single large credit to non-accrual status
during 1997. Non-performing real estate assets at December 31, 1997 decreased
$27.8 million, or 18.7% from the prior year end. At year-end 1997, total
non-performing assets were comprised of $254.0 million of non-accrual loans and
$14.3 million of OREO.

     Non-performing assets at year-end 1996 declined $23.3 million, or 8.7%, as
compared to year-end 1995. The 1996 decline reflected decreases of $41.7
million, or 21.9%, in the real estate portfolio. Most of the decline in
non-performing assets was attributable to collections, and bulk sales of
non-performing residential mortgages. Non-performing loans in the commercial
loan portfolio at year-end 1996 increased $19.9 million, or 27.4%, from year-end
1995, primarily due to the addition of two large credits to non-accrual loans
during 1996.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

CREDIT QUALITY - continued

     The following table illustrates the components of the changes in
non-performing assets during 1997, 1996 and 1995:

Changes in Non-Performing Assets
- --------------------------------
For the Years Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------
(in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1997          1996        1995  
                                      ------       -------      ------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at January 1,..........        $245           $268        $441

Additions......................         335            287         274
Return to accrual..............          (8)           (18)        (30)
Payments.......................        (194)          (184)       (299)
Charge-offs....................        (110)          (108)       (118)
                                       ----           ----        ---- 
Net change.....................          23            (23)       (173)
                                       ----           ----        ---- 

Balance at December 31,........        $268           $245        $268
                                       ====           ====        ==== 
</TABLE>

     The following table reflects the distribution of non-performing assets by
loan type at December 31, 1997 and 1996:

Distribution of Non-Performing Assets
- -------------------------------------
At December 31,
- ---------------
(in millions)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                               1997                                    1996  
                                                ----------------------------------      -----------------------------------
                                                               % of        % Total                      % of       % Total
                                                   Non-        Loan         non-            Non-        Loan         non-
Loan type                                       performing     type      performing      performing     type      performing
- ---------                                       ----------    -------    ----------      ----------    -------    ----------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>        <C>             <C>           <C>        <C>  
Domestic:
  Commercial and industrial..............        $129.9          0.79%       48.4%         $92.6          0.65%       37.8%
  Real estate:
    Construction..........................          3.2          0.50         1.2            5.6          1.00         2.3
    Other loans...........................        103.0          1.26        38.4          118.5          1.29        48.4
    OREO..................................         14.3             -         5.3           24.2             -         9.9
  Other domestic loans (a)................         17.8          0.61         6.7            4.1          0.17         1.6
                                                 ------                     -----         ------                     -----
    Total domestic........................        268.2          0.83       100.0          245.0          0.79       100.0
 Foreign loans............................          0.1             -           -              -             -           -
                                                 ------                     -----         ------                     -----
    Total non-performing assets (b) (c)...       $268.3          0.77       100.0%        $245.0          0.76       100.0%
                                                 ======                     =====         ======                     =====
    % of total assets.....................         0.55%                                    0.54%
                                                   ====                                     ====
</TABLE> 
- ----------
(a) Includes loans to financial institutions and lease financing.
(b) The table does not include assets of $94 million and $113 million at
    December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, that are past due 90 days or more
    as to principal or interest.
(c) At December 31, 1997 and 1996, there were no non-performing consumer loans.
    Non-performing residential mortgage loans are included in other real estate
    loans in the above table.

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued


MARKET RISK

     Market risk is a potential loss of earnings and/or equity due to a change
in interest rates, prices or foreign exchange rates. It includes traditional
asset/liability management issues of interest rate risk and liquidity as well as
trading activities. CoreStates' policy is to manage its businesses in a manner
that constrains market risk to modest levels and stresses appropriate returns
for risks taken. Interest rate sensitivity management of the balance sheet
focuses on stable spreads throughout rate cycles while trading businesses
emphasize product origination and distribution over proprietary trading
positions.

     Market risk is measured in terms of its impact on earnings over the short
term as well as its long term effects. For non-trading positions, near term
market risk includes potential income changes within the next twelve months
while longer term measures include the change in present value for a given
change in rates. Trading risks are included in both measures and represent the
potential change in market value over a 7 day holding period based on historical
rate and price changes for similar instruments. Near and long term consolidated
market risk limits are 4% and 10%, respectively, of Tier I Capital. Those limits
include both trading and non-trading activities. Within those consolidated
policy limits, additional sublimits are used to control specific types of risk
such as market sectors or optionality. The specifics of the risk measures
applied to non-trading interest rate risks are described in the interest rate
risk section below. At CoreStates, trading activities are customer driven and
position taking is not material. Market risk from trading activities was $8
million on December 31, 1997.

Asset and Liability Management

     Asset and liability management is the process of directing and coordinating
activities that effectively control liquidity and interest rate risk.
CoreStates' philosophy includes a disciplined approach to asset and liability
management which calls for minimizing interest rate risk, maintaining a strong
balance sheet and a focus on achieving appropriate product spreads. This
disciplined approach contributes to the stability and strength of CoreStates'
net interest margin. CoreStates' asset and liability management is centralized
and individual subsidiaries are managed within the context of overall corporate
policies.

    CoreStates' management emphasizes stable net interest income throughout rate
cycles, with the result that intermediate and longer term considerations take
precedence over short-term profitability. This commitment is evidenced by the
consistency of CoreStates' net interest margin over time. During the past five
years, a period of significant changes in economic conditions, competition and
interest rates, CoreStates' net interest margin has remained consistently above
industry averages as illustrated in the chart "Net Interest Margin".

Net Interest Margin
- -------------------
Five Year Comparison
- --------------------
(in percent)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Net Interest Margin  
                                  ----------------------------------
                                                    KBW Peer Group 1
                                  CoreStates          Composite *  
                                  ----------        ----------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>
1997                                 5.22%                 4.25%
1996                                 5.53                  4.37
1995                                 5.47                  4.42
1994                                 5.33                  4.42
1993                                 5.27                  4.61
</TABLE>

    * The KBW Peer Group 1 Composite is comprised of 32 U. S. banking companies
      having assets in excess of $25 billion.

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

    CoreStates' net interest margin reflects relationship business activities
rather than interest rate risk taking. The strength of CoreStates' net interest
margin comes from the combination of healthy spreads on both loans and deposits
and a balance sheet which has a relatively high portion of loans and a large
base of non-interest bearing funds. Areas of business such as credit card,
middle market lending, specialized lending and commercial finance at Congress
Financial produce attractive lending spreads. CoreStates' cash management
business provides a significant source of non-interest bearing funds, while the
retail franchise includes a substantial base of low cost funding. Emphasis on
profitable relationship business is supported by CoreStates' management
practices. CoreStates uses a matched maturity funds transfer pricing system
which focuses business managers on profitability, appropriate compensation for
embedded risks and overall pricing discipline. In addition to providing a
pricing tool, transfer pricing supports performance measurement and analysis of
net interest margin components.

Interest Rate Risk Management

     Non-trading interest rate risk refers to potential changes in current and
future net interest income resulting from changes in interest rates, product
spreads and mismatches in the repricing between interest rate sensitive assets
and liabilities. At CoreStates, measurement of near term interest rate risk
focuses on potential changes in net interest income identified through computer
simulations against both rising and falling interest rates. Longer term
repricing risks are measured using potential changes in the present value of
future income streams inherent in current positions. While present value
sensitivity is used to measure risk in longer time periods, gap analysis is used
to manage strategy execution.

     All measurements of interest rate risk include the impact of off-balance
sheet activities. Under CoreStates' policy, rate changes of at least 200 basis
points in either direction over a six-month period are simulated with rate
related negative net interest income volatility over a twelve-month horizon
subject to the consolidated near term market risk limit of 4% of Tier 1 Capital.
Changes are measured relative to a base forecast in which rates remain constant
at current levels. Based on historical data, 95% of the time rates have moved
less than 200 basis points over a six-month period. Included in these
simulations are all contractual repricing risks, the impact of prepayments in
the loan and securities portfolios, potential spread and volume changes on
consumer deposits and fluctuations in the value of non-interest bearing funding
sources. Potential changes in the spread between the prime rate and financial
market rates are monitored, and when changes are believed to be interest rate
related, are subject to the interest rate risk policy guidelines. CoreStates
believes that the prime spread is more a function of credit conditions than
interest rate changes. Estimated changes in the present value of future income
streams are based on a 200 basis point parallel shift of the yield curve and
negative changes are measured against the aggregate market risk limit of 10% of
Tier 1 Capital.

     As a matter of practice, positions are generally managed to produce
significantly lower volatility than policy guidelines would permit. Current net
interest income simulations using a 200 basis point change in short-term
interest rates show that CoreStates' net interest income over the next twelve
months would decline $35 million versus what income would have been had rates
remained stable. That level is representative of simulations performed
throughout the last twelve months. Recognizing that the simulation process is
based on a variety of assumptions, management reviews results by category of
risk as well as by product and tests the sensitivity of the results to key
assumptions. Present value changes are also managed well within policy
guidelines and represented $132 million, which is less than 5% of Tier 1
Capital, at year-end.

     There are two main elements to CoreStates' exposure to interest rate risk.
The first is the broad mismatch between the rate sensitivity of the assets and
liabilities in its core businesses, and the second is the spread risk between
the rates on those products and financial market rates. Option risk, such as
prepayment risk on consumer lending products, has increased in recent years.

     CoreStates' core wholesale and retail businesses generate a large portfolio
of prime and other short-term rate related assets. Characteristic of a regional
banking company, CoreStates also has a significant funding base of consumer
deposits with indefinite maturities and non-contractual rates such as savings,
NOW and money market accounts. The repricing characteristics of those deposits
tend to be longer term; traditionally, pricing has been relatively stable for
long periods and pricing changes lag changes in financial market rates. While
this mix of relationship assets and liabilities provides excellent liquidity, it
results in considerable interest rate risk. This inherent mismatch (the
"relationship gap") of longer term fixed-rate liabilities funding short-term
rate sensitive assets generates significant exposure to declining interest rates
if not managed.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

       CoreStates manages this relationship gap through the use of both on and
off-balance sheet discretionary assets and liabilities. The typical offsetting
position is created by purchasing fixed-rate investment securities funded by
short-term liabilities, or by entering into interest rate swaps in which
CoreStates receives a fixed-rate and pays a variable rate. The following
excerpts from the Interest Sensitivity Analysis shown on page 96 demonstrates
the basic mismatch of the relationship portfolios and the offsetting
discretionary position. In keeping with CoreStates' interest rate risk
discipline, the combined position is relatively balanced so that there is
minimal impact on earnings from an interest rate move in either direction.


Selected Interest Sensitivity Balances
- --------------------------------------
At December 31, 1997
- --------------------
(in millions)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                 Months                            Years  
                                    ------------------------------    ------------------------------ 
                                        0-3        4-6       7-12        1-2         2-5      over 5      Total
                                    --------     --------   -------   --------    --------    ------     -------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>  
Relationship Portfolios:
Total loans....................      $23,481      $1,819    $ 2,037   $  2,685    $  3,807    $  985     $34,814
Total consumer deposits, net
   non-interest funding........        9,919       2,471      2,655      3,501       4,797     5,825      29,168
Adjustments....................          652        (967)      (693)    (1,015)     (2,951)    4,974           -
                                    --------      ------    -------   --------    --------    ------     -------
  Relationship gap.............       14,214      (1,619)    (1,311)    (1,831)     (3,941)      134       5,646
                                    --------      ------    -------   --------    --------    ------     -------
Discretionary Portfolios:
Assets.........................        5,341       1,825      1,638      2,291       4,612     1,102      16,809
Liabilities....................       20,021         107        188        420         597     1,122      22,455
                                    --------      ------    -------   --------    --------    ------     -------
  Discretionary gap............      (14,680)      1,718      1,450      1,871       4,015       (20)     (5,646)
                                     -------      ------    -------   --------    --------    ------     -------
  Combined gap.................      $  (466)     $   99    $   139   $     40    $     74    $  114     $     -
                                     =======      ======    =======   ========    ========    ======     =======
  Cumulative gap...............      $  (466)     $ (367)   $  (228)  $   (188)   $   (114)   $    -     $     -
                                     =======      ======    =======   ========    ========    ======     =======
</TABLE> 

     The second major element of CoreStates' interest rate risk is the spread
risk between product rates and financial market rates. These spreads are a
function of competitive and other factors as well as interest rate levels.
CoreStates simulates the behavior of individual products under various rate
scenarios to determine an appropriate investment or funding strategy to provide
a stable spread.

     Consumer deposit spreads are a key element of net interest income. There
was significant shifting across bank deposit products in 1997 as well as deposit
runoff. As consumer investment alternatives continue to grow in number and
customers demonstrate greater willingness to use alternative products, it is
increasingly difficult to model future balances and spreads. Simulations
incorporate pricing and volume assumptions including runoff and shifting across
products for various rate changes. Those assumptions are developed in
conjunction with the business managers, and while management believes its
simulation assumptions are realistic, it recognizes this as an area of potential
volatility. It should be noted that these products are also influenced by the
changing nature of the consumer product line and the positioning of these
products within that line.

     The spread between the prime rate and short-term market rates, such as
LIBOR, is also an important component of net interest income. CoreStates uses a
blend of short-term maturities to fund prime related assets which should help
preserve a stable spread provided that spread relationships in the financial
market, such as Prime/LIBOR, remain stable. While the risk of a narrowing of the
prime spread is not unique to CoreStates, a contraction in that spread would
reduce net interest income. At December 31, 1997, CoreStates has approximately
$9.1 billion in loans subject to changes in the prime rate.

     While it is not a significant exposure, option risk has increased in the
last few years. The primary source of option risk in CoreStates' balance sheet
is prepayment risk in residential mortgages, home equity and other consumer
lending products and, to a lesser extent, loans to commercial customers and
investment securities. CoreStates mitigates most of this risk through sales and
securitizations. Risks that are retained are managed with a combination of caps,
floors and other derivative instruments. The second type of option risk is from
caps and floors embedded in loan and deposit products. CoreStates offsets those
risks with purchases of similar caps and floors.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

     Off-balance Sheet Instruments and Derivative Activities - CoreStates uses
off-balance sheet derivative instruments primarily to manage CoreStates'
interest rate risk. CoreStates believes that interest rate risk management must
be coordinated with the management of liquidity and capital. Therefore,
CoreStates uses off-balance sheet instruments to modify its rate sensitivity and
consequently, avoids the unnecessary leverage and liquidity impairment which
would result from on-balance sheet alternatives. CoreStates also uses interest
rate contracts to provide risk management services for its customers and to
hedge the interest rate risk in its trading positions.

     Credit risk exists in a derivative transaction to the extent that there is
a favorable move in interest rates and the counterparty fails to perform. The
current credit exposure in a derivative transaction is the estimated cost to
replace the transaction at current market rates, while potential exposure is the
estimated cost to replace the transaction at future interest rates. CoreStates
monitors both the current and potential risk. CoreStates evaluates the credit
worthiness of all off-balance sheet counterparties using the same standards
applied in any other loan or credit transaction. In addition, CoreStates uses
collateral agreements to manage credit risk in its derivatives portfolio. Under
those agreements, collateral is transferred between counterparties when exposure
exceeds an agreed upon threshold. Collateral agreements and thresholds are
determined based on the quality of individual counterparties. As of December 31,
1997, the current cost to replace CoreStates' derivatives portfolio was $253
million. This assumes that only counterparties for whom it would be favorable to
default would do so.

     Interest Rate Risk Related Derivative Activities - CoreStates' use of
derivatives for interest rate risk management falls into three categories:
interest sensitivity adjustments, spread protection and the hedging of
anticipated asset sales. The following schedule reflects by interest rate risk
management category, the outstanding derivative positions as of December 31,
1997, the major balance sheet category to which they relate, and the associated
unrealized gains/losses:

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

Outstanding Interest Rate Risk Related Derivatives
- --------------------------------------------------
At December 31, 1997                             
- --------------------                                   
(in millions)                                    
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                 Interest   Interest    Interest                          
                                                   rate       rate      rate caps      Other           
                                                  swaps     futures    and floors   derivatives    Total 
                                                 -------    -------    ----------   -----------   -------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>           <C> 
Interest Sensitivity Adjustment:
     Assets (primarily loans):
             Notional amount...............      $ 4,668     $1,089      $     7                  $   5,764
             Unrealized gains..............           80          -            -                         80
             Unrealized losses.............           (6)         -            -                         (6)
     Deposits and other borrowings:
             Notional amount...............        2,829                     824         $ 50         3,703
             Unrealized gains..............           24                       6            -            30
             Unrealized losses.............           (6)                      -            -            (6)
     Long-term debt:
             Notional amount...............        1,381                                  150         1,531
             Unrealized gains..............           33                                    1            34
             Unrealized losses.............           (7)                                   -            (7)
Spread Protection:
     Assets (primarily loans):
             Notional amount...............           76                     492                        568
             Unrealized gains..............            1                       2                          3
             Unrealized losses.............            -                       -                          -
     Deposits and other borrowings:
             Notional amount...............                                   86                         86
             Unrealized gains..............                                    -                          -
             Unrealized losses.............                                    -                          -
Anticipated Asset Sales:
             Notional amount...............                                                51            51
             Unrealized gains..............                                                 -             -
             Unrealized losses.............                                                 -             -
Total:
                Notional amount............      $ 8,954    $ 1,089      $ 1,409       $  251      $ 11,703
                                                 =======    =======       ======       ======      ========
                Unrealized gains...........      $   138    $     -      $     8       $    1      $    147
                                                 =======    =======      =======       ======      ========
                Unrealized losses..........      $   (19)   $     -      $     -       $    -      $    (19)
                                                 =======    =======      =======       ======      ========
                Net unrealized gains.......      $   119    $     -      $     8       $    1      $   $128
                                                 =======    =======      =======       ======      ========
</TABLE> 

     Although the value of the various derivative instruments will change with
interest rates, CoreStates does not consider changes in individual portfolio
values to be significant given that the portfolios are used to offset specific
risks. As of December 31, 1997, CoreStates' use of off-balance sheet derivative
instruments which carry a leveraged exposure to either rising or falling rates
or have other complex features is not material.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

     Interest sensitivity adjustments account for the majority of CoreStates'
derivative activities. CoreStates has a naturally asset sensitive balance sheet
as a result of its basic loan and deposit businesses. Commercial and consumer
loan activities tend to have short-term repricing characteristics versus the
longer term repricing nature of CoreStates' funding sources. These relationship
portfolios have a positive effect on earnings in a rising rate environment and a
negative effect in a falling rate environment. Therefore, CoreStates uses
fixed-rate assets or off-balance sheet instruments with characteristics similar
to fixed rate assets to offset this risk. When off-balance sheet instruments are
used, cash balances are invested in shorter time periods and interest rate swaps
or other derivatives are used to "fix" the rate for longer terms similar to
those of CoreStates' liabilities. The risks in certain products, particularly
non-contractual deposits, are sometimes greater in one direction of rate change
than the other. To the extent that marginal amounts of deposits need protection
from falling rates but are likely to shift to higher rate instruments as
interest rates rise, caps and/or floors are a more appropriate hedge. CoreStates
has used interest rate floors in this manner to augment the risk protection
provided by the swaps and futures portfolios. By using swaps, futures and
options in this manner, leverage is reduced and liquidity is enhanced. If
derivative instruments were not used, CoreStates would invest in longer term
assets based on its disciplined interest rate risk management practice of strict
matching of asset and liability terms. Therefore, the impact of derivatives on
pre-tax income is confined to the spread between the derivative instrument and
other instruments of similar terms. Management estimates that this spread is not
material relative to pre-tax income.

     CoreStates also uses derivative instruments to protect spreads on certain
balance sheet products. CoreStates' loan and securities portfolios include
adjustable rate mortgages which carry interest rate caps limiting the amount of
rate increase per year as well as over the life of the mortgage. As interest
rates rise and funding costs increase, the spread on that portfolio will
compress. At December 31, 1997, CoreStates holds $406 million of interest rate
caps which offset that risk by limiting the potential increase in funding costs.
CoreStates has issued retail certificates of deposits with floating rates which
carry a guaranteed minimum rate. CoreStates has used caps and floors to offset
that risk.

     For accounting purposes, the income effects of futures or swaps used to
adjust interest sensitivity or to protect a product spread are associated with
either the asset or the liability being managed. The amount recorded in net
interest income related to derivative financial instruments was $63.2 million in
1997 and $75.5 million in 1996. The following table shows the impact of
derivatives income on average interest rates:

Impact of Derivatives Income on Yields and Costs
- ------------------------------------------------
For the Year Ended
- ------------------
December 31,  
- ------------  
(in millions) 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                      1997                                          1996  
                                    --------------------------------------------   -----------------------------------------
                                              Reported                 Impact                Reported               Impact
                                    Average    Yield/     Product        of        Average    Yield/    Product       of
                                    Balance    Cost         Rate     Derivatives   Balance     Cost      Rate     Derivatives
                                    -------   --------    -------    -----------   -------   -------    -------   -----------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C> 
Earning Assets
Time deposits................       $ 2,800     5.76%      5.76%                   $ 2,163     5.68%      5.68%
Federal funds sold &
  trading account............           419     7.59       7.59                        444     5.98       5.98
                              
Investment securities........         3,692     6.25       6.19         0.06%        4,662     6.22       6.15       0.07%
Loans........................        34,088     8.89       8.78         0.11        31,939     9.03       8.92       0.11
                                    -------                                        -------
Total Earning Assets.........       $40,999     8.42       8.33         0.09       $39,208     8.48       8.38       0.10
                                    =======                                        =======

Interest Bearing Funds
Savings, NOW, regular MMA....         7,951     1.07       1.27        (0.20)      $10,072     1.61       1.85      (0.24)
Premium MMA..................         5,156     3.92       3.92            -         3,515     3.87       3.87          -
Certificates.................         8,483     5.14       5.17        (0.03)        9,067     5.15       5.27      (0.12)
                                    -------                                        -------
   Total retail..............        21,590     3.35       3.44        (0.09)       22,654     3.39       3.54      (0.15)
                                    -------                                        -------

Commercial & foreign deposits         3,077     5.32       5.32            -         1,635     4.83       4.83          -
Federal funds purchased  &
   short-term borrowings.....         3,414     5.56       5.56            -         2,958     5.18       5.18          -
Long-term debt...............         3,683     6.50       6.64        (0.14)        2,536     6.38       6.53      (0.15)
                                    -------                                        -------
   Total wholesale...........        10,174     5.83       5.88        (0.05)        7,129     5.53       5.58      (0.05)
                                    -------                                        -------

Total Interest Bearing Funds.       $31,764     4.14       4.21        (0.07)      $29,783     3.88       4.01      (0.13)
                                    =======                                        =======
</TABLE> 

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued


MARKET RISK - continued

     It is important to note that derivatives usage, its impact on individual
balance sheet items and fluctuations in fair value should be viewed in the
context of overall risk management. As previously stated, if CoreStates did not
use derivatives, it would adjust cash positions to create the same interest
sensitivity position with approximately the same income results. However, if
cash transactions were used, the income of those activities would not be carried
as an income adjustment to other balance sheet products. Fluctuations in the
impact of derivatives shown on the above table are a function of market
conditions and do not indicate changes in risk positions.

     The third category of derivative activity is the hedging of anticipated
asset sales. As fixed-rate assets are accumulated for future sale, CoreStates is
exposed to a decline in sale price due to rising interest rates. Therefore,
CoreStates will enter into an interest rate swap or a forward rate agreement
which will increase in value if rates rise. The increased value on the
derivative is used to offset the decline in value of the cash asset.
Gains/losses on the derivative are deferred until the asset sale and recognized
as part of the sale transaction. CoreStates securitizes and sells its longer
term fixed-rate home equity loans and fixed-rate mortgages on a recurring basis.
Home equity loans are held for several months prior to sale while sufficient
volume for securitization is accumulated. Forward rate locks are used to hedge
rate changes during that warehouse period. Options on mortgage-backed securities
as well as both mandatory and optional forward sale commitments are used to
hedge the mortgage pipeline.

     Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange interest
cash flows. Generally, one party receives a fixed rate and pays a variable rate,
while the counterparty pays the fixed rate and receives the variable rate. As of
December 31, 1997, the rates CoreStates has contracted to receive are fixed for
longer time periods than the rates CoreStates has contracted to pay. Therefore,
if interest rates fall, this portfolio will provide higher interest income,
offsetting a decline in interest income in relationship portfolios; conversely
if rates rise, the swap portfolio will produce less interest income which will
be offset by increased interest income in the relationship portfolios.
CoreStates also uses interest rate futures in a similar manner. While swaps are
used in both short- and long-term maturities, futures are used primarily to
extend the rate sensitivity of short-term assets to periods less than one year.
CoreStates' use of financial futures is largely concentrated in Eurodollar and
LIBOR contracts. CoreStates' use of interest rate futures is a function of the
mix of maturities/resets on short-term lending portfolios, volumes and terms of
short-term retail certificates and market funding sources and the availability
and attractiveness of other short-term assets. These portfolios include
significant volumes and the terms are subject to maturity shifts between one
month and one year.

     The repricing schedule below summarizes the notional amount and associated
interest rate of CoreStates' interest rate swaps categorized by whether
CoreStates receives or pays the rate shown. The swaps are stratified by
repricing date or maturity depending on whether the payments are floating or
fixed, respectively. Floating rates included in the repricing schedule are based
on the rates in effect on December 31, 1997.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued


Repricing Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps
- -----------------------------------------
At December 31, 1997
- --------------------
(in millions)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


                                                                                Years  
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      0-1        1-2         2-3        3-4         4-5      over 5       Total  
                                                 ----------  ----------  ---------   --------    -------    ---------    -------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>  
Receive Fixed/Pay Floating:
         Receive    Notional................       $1,288     $1,527      $1,385      $1,630      $  768     $ 894       $7,492
                    Rate....................         6.34%      6.74%       6.42%       6.56%       6.38%     6.76%        6.54%
         Pay        Notional................       $7,492                                                                $7,492
                    Rate....................         6.03%                                                                 6.03%
Pay Fixed/Receive Floating:
         Pay        Notional................       $   14                 $   25                                         $   39
                    Rate....................         8.27%                  9.26%                                          8.91%
         Receive    Notional................       $   39                                                                $   39
                    Rate....................         6.00%                                                                 6.00%
Receive Floating/Pay Floating:
(Basis Swaps)
                    Notional................       $  963                                                                $  963
         Receive    Rate....................         5.91%                                                                 5.91%
         Pay        Rate....................         6.04%                                                                 6.04%
Receive Fixed/Pay Floating(a):
(Forward Start)
         Receive    Notional................                              $  150      $  189      $   75     $  46       $  460
                    Rate....................                                7.14%       6.52%       6.86%     7.00%        6.82%
         Start Date Notional................      $   150    $    310                                                    $  460
</TABLE> 
- ----------------------------------------
 (a) Pay rate will be determined on forward start date.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued


        The following schedule illustrates CoreStates' interest rate risk
related derivative activity during 1997 and 1996:

Activity in Derivatives Products
- --------------------------------
Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
- --------------------------------------
(in millions) 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                              Interest
                                                   Interest       Interest    rate caps
                                                     rate           rate         and          Other
Notional Amounts                                     swaps        futures       floors     derivatives       Total  
- ----------------                                   --------      ---------    --------     -----------    ---------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>            <C> 
At December 31, 1995......................         $  9,716      $     619    $  1,486         $ 106      $  11,927
Additions.................................            3,712         14,260         341           761         19,074
Terminated contracts......................             (213)       (10,428)          -             -        (10,641)
Maturities/amortization...................           (4,072)             -        (287)         (450)        (4,809)
                                                   --------      ---------    --------     -----------    ---------
At December 31, 1996......................            9,143          4,451       1,540           417         15,551

Additions.................................            2,557          8,731          75           292         11,655
Terminated/restructured contracts(a)......             (441)       (12,093)          -             -        (12,534)
   Maturities/amortization...................        (2,305)             -        (206)         (458)        (2,969)
                                                   --------      ---------    --------     -----------    ---------
   At December 31, 1997......................      $  8,954      $   1,089    $  1,409         $ 251      $  11,703
                                                   ========      =========    ========     ===========    =========
</TABLE> 
- --------------------
(a) At December 31, 1997, CoreStates had $1.3 million deferred gains and $6.5
    million deferred losses related to terminated derivative contracts.

        CoreStates' use of derivatives declined during 1997 primarily due to
changes in the use of interest rate futures. A decrease in retail deposits,
particularly savings certificates, along with increased placement and loan
volumes reduced the need for short- term hedges. Activity in other categories
generally represents routine rollovers.

        Trading and Customer Related Derivative Activities - CoreStates also
engages in derivative market activities to provide risk management services for
its customers and to manage securities trading positions in the securities unit.
The securities unit underwrites, brokers, and distributes securities to
municipalities, institutional investors and individual investors. In addition,
the unit buys, sells and securitizes mortgage loans and brokers loan servicing
portfolios. The following schedule details the outstanding notional amounts and
related fair values of trading and customer related derivative transactions as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

Trading and Customer Related Derivatives
- ----------------------------------------
At December 31,
- --------------
(in millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                                            
                                                                           1997  
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Positive        Negative
                                                   Notional      Net assets       Market          Market
Interest Rate Swaps:                               amount      (liability)(a)      Value           Value  
                                                 -----------   --------------   ---------       ---------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>              <C>             <C> 
         CoreStates receives fixed........         $ 1,521       $  17.7         $21.6           $ (3.9)
         CoreStates pays fixed............           2,005         (39.1)          4.1            (43.2)
Futures...................................             777          (1.9)          0.1             (2.0)
Rate Locks:
         CoreStates receives fixed........             130          (0.7)            -             (0.7)
         CoreStates pays fixed............             130           0.8           0.8                -
Interest Rate Caps/Floors:
         Sold.............................           1,491          (3.1)            -             (3.1)
         Purchased........................           1,562           3.0           3.0                -
Commitments to purchase/sell whole
mortgage loans and securities (including
when-issued securities):
         Sold.............................             145          (1.7)            -             (1.7)
         Purchased........................              64             -             -                -
Other Options:
         Sold.............................             881          39.8          39.8                -
         Purchased........................             247           0.7           0.7                -
Foreign exchange contracts (b)............           2,241           4.0          35.2            (31.2)
                                                   -------       -------       -------          -------
   Total Trading and Customer Related
            Derivatives......................      $11,194       $  19.5       $ 105.3          $ (85.8)
                                                   =======       =======       =======          =======
                                                                                                                            
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                           1996  
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Positive        Negative
                                                   Notional      Net assets       Market          Market
Interest Rate Swaps:                               amount      (liability)(a)      Value           Value  
                                                 -----------   --------------   ---------       ---------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>              <C>             <C> 
                                                                                                     
         CoreStates receives fixed........         $   355       $  1.5         $  2.7          $  (1.2)
         CoreStates pays fixed............             353         (1.0)           1.3             (2.3)
Futures...................................              39          0.4            0.4                -
Rate Locks:
         CoreStates receives fixed........              30         (0.1)             -             (0.1)
         CoreStates pays fixed............              30          0.1            0.1                -
Interest Rate Caps/Floors:
         Sold.............................             705         (2.7)             -             (2.7)
         Purchased........................             704          2.7            2.7                -
Commitments to purchase/sell whole
mortgage loans and securities (including
when-issued securities):
         Sold.............................              83         (0.2)           0.1             (0.3)
         Purchased........................              19            -              -                -
Other Options:
         Sold.............................             206          6.5            7.1             (0.6)
         Purchased........................             334          0.8            0.8                -
Foreign exchange contracts (b)............           1,766         (0.5)          28.0            (28.5)
                                                   -------       -------       -------          -------
Total Trading and Customer Related
         Derivatives......................         $ 4,624      $   7.5        $  43.2          $ (35.7)
                                                   =======       =======       =======          =======
</TABLE> 
- ------------
(a) Average net assets (liabilities) during 1997 and 1996 were substantially the
    same as the net assets (liabilities) at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
    respectively.
(b) Foreign exchange contracts purchased and sold at December 31, 1997 were $987
    million and $1,254 million, respectively, and at December 31, 1996 were $836
    million and $930 million, respectively.

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

Liquidity

     Liquidity management allows a financial institution to meet potential cash
needs at a reasonable price under various operating conditions. Liquidity comes
from a variety of sources: the maturing of short-term assets, readily marketable
unpledged securities, and the ability to attract new funds. The ability to
securitize or sell other assets, such as loans, also enhances liquidity, as does
the structure and stability of existing funding sources. It is CoreStates'
practice to maintain a high degree of liquidity through a strong funding base of
core deposits combined with modest and diversified use of market sources and
relatively short-term maturities of discretionary asset portfolios.

     CoreStates maintains sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations in a
timely and cost-effective manner. Management monitors current and projected cash
flows, and adjusts positions as necessary to maintain adequate levels of
liquidity. CoreStates emphasizes diversification of funding sources. By using a
variety of markets, limiting funds borrowed from a single investor, and
staggering maturities, the risk of potential funding pressure is significantly
reduced. Management also maintains a detailed liquidity contingency plan
designed to adequately respond to situations such as a decline in asset quality
or credit ratings, which could lead to liquidity concerns. Management analyzes
potential changes in major funding sources during difficult times, the amount of
runoff that may be expected, as well as available options to replace those
funds. The plan includes specific action steps to be taken in the event of
funding disturbances.

     The cornerstone of CoreStates' liquidity is a sizable and stable base of
core deposits acquired through customer relationships. Core deposits are
comprised of interest bearing consumer savings products and non-interest bearing
deposits. Core deposits declined from 70.2% of average assets in 1996 to 65.4%
of assets in 1997. The decline was attributable to consumer deposit
disintermediation due to the relatively low interest rate environment in 1997
and alternative investment opportunities available to consumers.

     Core deposits are supplemented by discretionary funding sources from direct
customer contacts as well as syndicated public debt issuance in both domestic
and international markets. These sources include large denominated certificates
of deposits, deposits in foreign branches, as well as Federal funds, repurchase
agreements, commercial paper and long-term debt. To maintain its relative
liquidity strength given the core deposit erosion, CoreStates established two
new long-term funding initiatives in 1997.

     On October 3, 1997, CoreStates Capital Corp and CoreStates Bank, N.A.
applied to list up to $4 billion of debt securities ("the Programme") on the
Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Under the Programme, CoreStates Capital Corp and
CoreStates Bank, N.A. may each issue up to $2 billion of debt securities ("the
Notes") with maturities ranging from 30 days to 30 years. The Notes are direct,
unconditional and unsecured, general obligations of the relevant issuer. On
October 29, 1997, CoreStates Bank, N.A. issued $500 million, 5 year, floating
rate notes under the Programme.

     On November 7, 1997, CoreStates Bank, N.A. and CoreStates Bank of Delaware,
N.A. established a $3 billion Senior and Subordinated Bank Note program ("the
Bank Note Program"). This program accommodates maturities up to thirty years and
subordinated debt issuances. In the fourth quarter of 1997, CoreStates Bank,
N.A. issued $232 million in senior notes with maturities ranging from one to two
years and $286 million in senior notes with maturities less than 270 days.

     During 1997, CoreStates' ability to raise funds was further evidenced by
the issuance of $450 million of Trust Capital Securities which were marketed to
institutional investors, both domestically and internationally.

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

MARKET RISK - continued

     Under an existing shelf registration filed with the Securities Exchange
Commission, CoreStates is able to issue a broad range of debt and capital
securities. At December 31, 1997, CoreStates had securities of $579 million that
were registered but unissued under this shelf. During 1997, approximately $506
million of debt having various terms and interest rates was issued under the
shelf registration. Maturities and retirements of long-term debt during 1997
were approximately $374 million.

     The tables on pages 95 and 97 illustrate the maturity characteristics of
CoreStates' domestic certificates of deposit over $100 thousand, loan portfolio
and investment portfolio, respectively. For information regarding the maturity
characteristics of CoreStates' short-term funds borrowed and long-term debt, see
notes 11 and 12 to the financial statements.

Investment Portfolio

     Within the context of the policies and practices previously outlined,
CoreStates maintains a portfolio of marketable debt securities to contribute to
a balanced interest rate risk position and to provide liquidity reserves.
Interest rate risk management disciplines require strict matching of interest
rate sensitivities and, therefore, CoreStates generally does not consider
changes in the market value of individual portfolios as significant to the
management of its interest sensitivity. The investment securities portfolio at
December 31, 1997 consisted of investments held-to-maturity with a carrying
value of $1,351 million and investments available-for-sale with a carrying value
of $2,109 million, compared to $1,689 million and $2,394 million, respectively
on December 31, 1996. In addition to debt securities, the available-for-sale
portfolio also includes a bank stock portfolio and other marketable equity
securities. The accumulated net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
was $49 million at December 31, 1997, compared to $43 million at December 31,
1996.

SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS

     Total assets were $48.5 billion at year-end 1997, an increase of 6.5% from
year-end 1996. The loan portfolio grew to $34.8 billion at year-end 1997, up
$2,483 million, or 7.7%, from year-end 1996. The increase in loans was primarily
in the commercial portfolio and the international portfolio. Loan growth at
banking subsidiaries was funded primarily by a $623 million, or 15.3%, reduction
in the investment portfolio and increased use of discretionary funding such as
commercial time deposits and short-term borrowings. The book value of loans sold
during 1997 was approximately $890 million and was primarily comprised of
approximately $550 million of residential mortgages, $150 million of student
loans and $190 million of fixed-rate home equity loans. The impact of loan sales
on results of operations was not material.

     Total deposits increased $461 million, or 1.4%, from year-end 1996
principally as the result of a $1,825 million, or 242%, increase in commercial
time deposits. Interest-bearing consumer deposits declined $1,321 million, or
5.9%, from year-end 1996, principally as a result of the relatively low interest
rate environment in 1997 and alternative investment opportunities available to
consumers. The decline in consumer deposits was offset by increases in various
types of market sources of funds including euro-medium term notes, commercial
time deposits, Federal funds purchased, Trust Capital Securities and commercial
paper.

     Total assets averaged $45.7 billion in 1997, up $1,924 million, or 4.4%,
from 1996. Average loans increased $2,149 million, or 6.7%. As reflected in the
chart, "Earning Asset Mix", loans comprised 83.1% of CoreStates' average earning
assets in 1997, compared to 81.5% in 1996.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS - continued

Earning Asset Mix
- -----------------
1993 to 1997
- ------------
(percentage of average earning assets)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Earning Asset Mix  
                        --------------------------------------------------
                          Short-term                           
                         money market            Investment    
                          investments            Securities          Loans
                        --------------           ----------         ------
          <S>           <C>                      <C>                <C>
          1997              7.9%                    9.0%             83.1%
          1996              6.6                    11.9              81.5
          1995              6.3                    16.0              77.7
          1994              5.2                    18.6              76.2
          1993              4.9                    20.5              74.6
</TABLE>

     The accompanying chart, "Funding Mix", illustrates that 57.2% of
CoreStates' funds were derived from consumer deposits in 1997, compared with
61.9% in 1996. The decline in consumer deposits as a percentage of total
CoreStates funding in 1997 primarily resulted from consumer deposit
disintermediation due to the relatively low interest rate environment in 1997
and alternative investment opportunities available to consumers, and from an
increased dependence on discretionary funding sources to fund loan growth.
Funding to accommodate current business needs and future growth at non-bank
subsidiaries is expected to continue to be supported by discretionary funding
sources.


Funding Mix
- -----------
1993 to 1997
- ------------
(percentage of average earning assets*)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Funding Mix  
                     ------------------------------------------------
                                          Other                Non-
                      Retail             Interest            Interest
                     Deposits            Bearing             Bearing
                     --------            --------            --------
          <S>        <C>                 <C>                 <C>
          1997         57.2%               18.4%               24.4%
          1996         61.9                12.3                25.8
          1995         62.5                13.9                23.6
          1994         62.5                12.9                24.6
          1993         64.0                12.1                23.9
</TABLE>

* excluding short-term money market investments

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EARNINGS

Operating Revenue

     Operating revenue has two primary sources, net interest income and
non-interest income. Net interest income comprised 70% of CoreStates' total
revenue in 1997 compared to 71% in 1996. On the accompanying chart ("Operating
Revenue"), net interest income is presented excluding the earnings benefit of
balances maintained by commercial customers as compensation for transaction
oriented non-credit products. Non-interest income and the previously mentioned
earnings benefit of balances maintained are presented separately. Net interest
income and non-interest income are discussed in further detail on the following
pages.

Operating Revenue
- -----------------
 (tax equivalent net interest income plus non-interest income - in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Operating Revenue  
                       ---------------------------------------------------
                                        Derived               
                        Loan and         from           Non-  
                       Investment     Non-credit     Interest 
                         Interest      Balances       Income        Total
                       ----------     ----------     --------     --------
        <S>            <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
        1997            $1,900.7       $238.7         $925.8      $3,065.2
        1996             1,941.0        226.7          899.1       3,066.8
        1995             1,993.6        206.6          882.2       3,082.4
        1994             1,921.0        186.5          788.5       2,896.0
        1993             1,888.0        172.6          832.7       2,893.3
</TABLE>

     Operating revenue for 1997 was relatively flat compared to 1996. Excluding 
the impact of the common stock repurchase program, operating revenue would have
increased 2%. Tax equivalent net interest income declined $28.2 million, or
1.3%, while non-interest income increased $26.7 million, or 3.0%, due to broad
based fee growth. The decline in net interest income for 1997 was primarily due
to the funding costs associated with the common stock repurchase program.

     Operating revenue for 1996, as adjusted for significant and unusual items
was down $26.3 million, or 0.9% in comparison to 1995 due to a decline in tax
equivalent net interest income of $32.5 million, or 1.5%. The decline in net
interest income for 1996 was primarily due to the impact of a $1.0 billion
reduction in average interest earning assets and the impact of reduced spreads
on loans and deposits.

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EARNINGS - continued

Net Interest Income

     For analytical purposes, net interest income is adjusted to a taxable
equivalent basis to recognize the income from tax exempt assets as if the
interest were taxable. Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis
decreased $28.2 million, or 1.3% in 1997, and $32.5 million, or 1.5% in 1996.
The decline in net interest income for 1997 was solely the result of the impacts
of the $58.8 million cost of funding the common stock repurchase program; the
higher replacement cost of funding due to a decline of $2.6 billion, or 16.9%,
in average customer savings deposits, NOW accounts and customer certificates;
and a narrowing of interest rate spreads earned on loans. These decreases were
partially offset by the impacts of an increase in average loan volume of $2.1
billion, or 6.7% primarily in the commercial loan portfolio and relatively
short-term international lending; and also by the favorable repricing of
deposits. The net interest margin decreased 31 basis points to 5.22% for the
same reasons as the decline in net interest income. The strength of CoreStates'
net interest income and net interest margin stems from the combination of wide
spreads on both loans and deposits and on a balance sheet which has a relatively
high portion of loans and a large base of non-interest bearing funding. The
following table compares taxable equivalent net interest income for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income
- --------------------------------------
For the Years Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------
(in millions)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                     Percentage
                                                                 increase(decrease)
                                                                 -----------------
                                   1997         1996      1995   '97/'96   '96/'95
                                 --------   --------   --------  -------   -------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>     
Total interest income........... $3,429.3   $3,298.2   $3,475.1    4.0%      (5.1)%
Tax equivalent adjustment.......     23.6       26.2       33.3   (9.9)     (21.3)
                                 --------   --------   --------  
Tax equivalent interest income..  3,452.9    3,324.4    3,508.4    3.9       (5.2)
Total interest expense .........  1,313.4    1,156.7    1,308.2   13.5      (11.6)
                                 --------   --------   --------  
Taxable equivalent net interest                                          
  income........................ $2,139.5   $2,167.7   $2,200.2   (1.3)      (1.5)
                                 ========   ========   ========  
Interest rate spread (a)........     4.28%      4.60%      4.55%
                                     ====       ====       ====
Net interest margin (b).........     5.22%      5.53%      5.47%
                                     ====       ====       ====
</TABLE> 
- ------------

(a) The interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield
    on total interest earning assets and the average cost on total interest
    bearing liabilities.
(b) The net interest margin is a key measure of net interest income performance.
    It represents the difference between tax equivalent interest income and
    interest expense (i.e., taxable equivalent net interest income) reflected as
    a percentage of average earning assets.


     The decline in net interest income for 1996 was primarily due to the impact
of a $1.0 billion, or 2.5%, reduction in average interest earning assets and the
impacts of reduced spreads on loans and deposits due to competitive pricing
pressures. Compared to 1995, the relatively lower-yielding investment portfolio
was reduced $1.8 billion, or 27.5%, on average during 1996, while the loan
portfolio grew $0.7 billion, or 2.1%, on average. This adjustment in asset mix,
combined with a $0.5 billion increase in interest free funding sources, resulted
in a 6 basis point increase in the net interest margin for 1996.

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EARNINGS - continued

     For further detailed information regarding average balances, yields and
costs, see the consolidated average balance sheet on pages 85-88, and the
rate/volume analysis on page 91.

Non-Interest Income
- -------------------
For the Years Ended December 31,
- -------------------------------
(in millions)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                       Percentage
                                                                                    increase(decrease) 
                                                                                   -------------------
                                               1997         1996       1995        '97/'96     '96/'95
                                             --------     --------    -------      -------     -------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>    
Service charges on deposits.............     $242.3       $229.6      $233.6          5.5%       (1.7)%
Trust income (a)........................      186.0        164.9       153.2         12.8         7.6
International services fees.............      113.8        101.8        94.3         11.8         8.0
Debit and credit card fees..............       97.0         88.8        94.6          9.2        (6.1)
Third party processing fees (b).........       75.5         58.0        47.7         30.2        21.6
Income from investment in EPS, Inc......       29.5         29.9        30.1         (1.3)       (0.7)
Income from trading activities..........       34.4         25.2        35.4         36.5       (28.8)
Investment banking fees.................       32.0         23.0        18.1         39.1        27.1
Mortgage banking income.................        8.8         11.3        16.1        (22.1)      (29.8)
Securities gains........................       21.1         16.2        17.9
Corporate trust fees (a)................          -          2.3         9.7
Gains on sales of corporate trust.......        4.6          8.2         7.4
Other operating income..................       80.8         96.6        91.5        (16.4)        5.6
                                             ------       ------      ------
   Non-interest income before
    significant and unusual items.......      925.8        855.8       849.6          8.2         0.7
                                             ------       ------      ------
Certain net investment gains (c)........          -         43.3        13.6
Gain on sale of affiliate joint
    venture.............................          -            -        19.0
                                             ------       ------      ------
   Total non-interest income............     $925.8       $899.1      $882.2          3.0         1.9
                                             ======       ======      ======
</TABLE> 
- ---------------------
(a) For presentation purposes, fee income on the corporate trust business was
    presented on a separate line. CoreStates' and Meridian's corporate trust
    businesses were sold in the fourth quarters of 1995 and 1996,
    respectively.
(b) Includes revenues for QuestPoint lockbox processing, document processing,
    check processing, and SynapQuest credit card and merchant processing. (c)
    See "Certain Net Investment Gains" on page 6 for more detail.

     Non-interest income for 1997 increased $70.0 million, or 8.2%, from the
prior year before 1996 significant and unusual items. The increase primarily
reflected growth in revenues from fee-based services. The largest contributors
to that growth were trust income which increased $21.1 million, or 12.8%, third
party processing fees which increased $17.5 million, or 30.2%, service charges
on deposits which increased $12.7 million, or 5.5%, fees for international
services which increased $12.0 million or 11.8%, income from trading activities
which increased $9.2 million, or 36.5%, investment banking fees which increased
$9.0 million, or 39.1%, and debit and credit card fees which increased $8.2
million, or 9.2%.

     Non-interest income for 1996, before the significant and unusual items
noted in the above table, increased $6.2 million, or 0.7%. Increases in third
party processing fees of 21.6%, international service charges of 8.0%, trust
income of 7.6%, investment banking fees of 27.1%, and gains on the
securitization of home equity loans were mostly offset by a 29.8% decrease in
mortgage banking income, a 28.8% decline in income from trading activities, and
a 1.7% decline in service charges on deposits.

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EARNINGS - continued


     The following is a discussion of the more significant components of
non-interest income:

    .    Service charges on deposit accounts, paid in fees, increased $12.7
         million, or 5.5%, in 1997, following a decrease of $4.0 million, or
         1.7%, in 1996. After adding the value of service charges paid through
         the maintenance of deposit balances by commercial and correspondent
         customers, which is included in net interest income, total service
         charge compensation for 1997 was $480.9 million, up $24.6 million, or
         5.4%, from 1996 mainly due to repricing on business deposit accounts.
         Total service charge compensation on this basis for 1996 was $456.3
         million, an increase of $16.1 million or 3.7% over 1995 reflecting
         growth in transaction volume.

    .    Trust income increased $21.1 million, or 12.8%, in 1997 and $11.7
         million, or 7.6%, in 1996. The 1997 increase was primarily the result
         of increased asset values in Personal and Institutional Trust.
         Improvements in 1996 trust fees related to increased revenues from
         investment management generated from the implementation of the process
         redesigns and appreciation of asset market values, partially offset by
         a decline in fees from the employee benefit plan business.

    .    Fees for international services increased $12.0 million, or 11.8%, in
         1997, following an increase of $7.5 million, or 8.0%, in 1996. The
         growth in revenues for 1997 and 1996 reflects a continuing emphasis on
         non-credit products and international transaction processing services
         and resulting volume increases at overseas branches which were opened
         in recent years. For 1997, foreign exchange fees increased $2.7
         million, or 11.8%, following a decrease of $0.7 million, or 2.0% for
         1996. Fees for international transaction processing services increased
         $9.5 million, or 12.1%, in 1997 and $8.2 million, or 12.8%, in 1996.

    .    Debit and credit card fees increased $8.2 million, or 9.2% in 1997,
         following a decrease of $5.8 million, or 6.1%, in 1996. Credit card
         fees were $40.1 million, $31.9 million, and $25.5 million for 1997,
         1996 and 1995, respectively. Debit card fees for the same periods were
         $56.9 million, $56.9 million and $69.1 million, respectively. The
         improvement in credit card fees in 1997 and 1996 was due to increased
         volume on transaction-based fees, partially offset by pricing pressures
         on annual credit card fees in 1996. The decline in debit card fees for
         1996 was attributable to a decrease in merchant fee income due to
         customer attrition from bank acquisitions, systems conversions, and
         repricing of unprofitable customers.

    .    Third party processing fees increased $17.5 million, or 30.2%, in 1997
         mostly as a result of the acquisition of five check processing centers
         in October, 1996. Third party processing fees increased $10.3 million,
         or 21.6% in 1996 primarily as a result of higher check processing and
         lockbox business in that year.

    .    Investment banking fees increased $9.0 million, or 39.1 %, over 1996
         primarily due to an increase in loan syndication fees.

     Excluding "certain net investment gains" in 1996, CoreStates recorded net
securities gains of $21.1 million in 1997, compared to $16.2 million in 1996 and
$17.9 million in 1995. Net investment securities gains for 1997 included gains
of $22.7 million recorded on sales of bank stocks and losses of $4.8 million
recorded on foreign equity securities. Investment securities gains for 1996
included $3.9 million recorded on sales of equity securities acquired in
connection with prior loan arrangements, $4.6 million recorded on sales of bank
stocks, and $1.4 million on the sale of foreign equity securities. Investment
securities gains for 1995 included $7.8 million of gains recorded on sales of
equity securities acquired in connection with prior loan arrangements.

     Other non-interest income for 1997 included gains on securitization of home
equity loans of $4.9 million, compared to $8.9 million in 1996 and $0.5 million
in 1995. Also included in other non-interest income are commissions on standby
letters of credit which declined $3.2 million, or 18.6%, from 1996.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EARNINGS - continued
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Non-Financial Expenses                                                                          
- ----------------------                                                                          Percentage
For the Years Ended December 31,                                                            increase(decrease)
- --------------------------------                                                           --------------------
(in millions)                                 1997            1996             1995        '97/'96     '96/'95
                                           ---------      ----------        ----------     --------    --------
<S>                                      <C>             <C>                <C>            <C>         <C>   
Salaries, wages and benefits........     $    822.2      $    826.4         $   904.4        (0.5)%      (8.6)%
Net occupancy expense...............          143.1           157.4             159.5        (9.1)       (1.3)
Outside services hired..............          157.7           155.0             146.3         1.7         5.9
Equipment expense...................          125.1           120.6             118.5         3.7         1.8
Amortization of intangible assets...           37.7            40.0              44.8        (5.8)      (10.7)
FDIC premiums.......................            5.3             4.3              42.0        23.3       (89.8)
OREO expense (income)...............           (0.2)           (0.8)              6.4     
Other operating expenses ...........          332.9           320.0             325.0         4.0        (1.5)
                                           ---------      ----------        ----------    
   Non-financial expenses before
   significant and unusual items....        1,623.8         1,622.9           1,746.9         0.1        (7.1)
                                           ---------      ----------        ----------    
Restructuring and merger-related
   charges..........................           15.0(a)        139.7(c)          138.6(e)
Other significant and unusual
   items............................           57.0(b)         14.2(d)              -
                                           ---------      ----------        ----------   
   Total non-financial expenses.....     $  1,695.8      $  1,776.8        $  1,885.5        (4.6)       (5.8)
                                           =========      ==========        ==========    
</TABLE> 
- -------------------------------
 (a) Reflects restructuring and merger-related charges primarily related to
     costs incurred in the pending First Union merger and costs incurred in the
     creation of a strategic technology alliance with Andersen Consulting. See
     "Restructuring and Merger-Related charges" on page 5 for more detail.
 (b) Includes a $25.0 million charitable contribution, $20.0 million for certain
     legal matters and a special $12.0 million employee bonus. 
 (c) Consists of net restructuring charges of $110.7 million primarily related
     to the Acquisition and charges of $29.0 million for merger implementation
     costs. See "Restructuring and Merger-Related Charges" on page 5 for more
     detail.
 (d) Reflects the SAIF special assessment. See "Other Significant and Unusual
     Charges" on page 6" for more detail.
 (e) Reflects net restructuring charges of $128.6 million related to the 1995
     process redesigns and a $10.0 million charge related to the Meridian
     acquisition. See "Restructuring and Merger-Related Charges" on page 5 for
     more detail.

     Comparison of 1997 to 1996 - Total non-financial expenses for 1997, before
     --------------------------
the significant and unusual items noted in the above table, were $1,623.8
million. This represents an increase of only $0.9 million, or 0.1%, when
compared to 1996. This year-to-year stability reflects merger-related
efficiencies partially offset by costs for technology investments.

     Salaries, wages and benefits decreased $4.2 million, or 0.5%, in 1997
reflecting a decline of $25.0 million, or 14.7%, in benefits partially offset by
an increase of $20.8 million, or 3.2%, in salaries and wages. The increase in
salaries and wages reflects slightly higher staffing levels in early 1997 as
well as normal pay increases. The decline in benefits resulted primarily from
reduced costs for post-retirement benefits. The number of full-time equivalent
employees at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was: 18,847; 19,114; and 19,957,
respectively.

     Comparison of 1996 to 1995 - Total non-financial expenses for 1996, before
     --------------------------
the significant and unusual items as noted in the above table, were $1,622.9
million, a decrease of $124.0 million, or 7.1% from 1995. This decline reflects
the impacts of the process redesigns, merger-related efficiencies and a
reduction in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") premiums. For the
1996 full year, CoreStates was not assessed premiums on deposits insured under
the Bank Insurance Fund. SAIF deposits were assessed premiums during the first
three quarters of 1996 and a special assessment as of September 30, 1996.
Partially offsetting these declines, was an increase in expense for outside
services hired of $8.7 million, or 5.9%, primarily due to the impacts of
outsourcing certain functions and costs for competitive and technology
investments.

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EARNINGS - continued

     Salaries, wages and benefits decreased $78.0 million, or 8.6%, in 1996
reflecting reduced staff levels from the process redesigns and merger
consolidations. For 1996, salaries and wages declined by 6.8%, while benefits
expense declined 15.1%. The larger percentage decline in benefits expense was
primarily due to reduced retiree medical expense.

Provision for Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes was $269.6 million in 1997 compared to
$385.8 million in 1996 and $364.4 million in 1995. The $116.2 million decrease
in 1997 tax expense was primarily due to a $109.0 million benefit resulting from
the liquidation of an affiliate. The $21.4 million increase in 1996 tax expense
was principally due to higher pre-tax income and non-deductible expenses. The
provision for income taxes for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were at effective rates of
24.9%, 37.3%, and 35.7%, respectively.

Accounting Standards Effective in 1998

     FAS 125 and FAS 127- Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities" ("FAS 125"), was issued in June 1996. FAS 125 requires an entity
to recognize the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities
it has incurred and to derecognize financial assets when control has been
surrendered in accordance with the criteria provided in the Statement. FAS 125
is applicable to transactions occurring after December 31, 1996, except for
provisions dealing with securities lending, repurchase and dollar repurchase
agreements, which are deferred by FAS 127 and became effective January 1, 1998.
The adoption of FAS 125 did not have and the adoption of FAS 127 is not expected
to have a material impact on CoreStates' results of operations or financial
condition.

     FAS 130 - Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" ("FAS 130") establishes standards for the reporting and
the presentation of comprehensive income, which is divided into net income and
other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income items are to be
classified by their nature and by their related accumulated balances in the
appropriate financial statements of a company. FAS 130 requires unrealized gains
and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities and the foreign
currency translation adjustments, which currently are reported in shareholder's
equity, to be included in other comprehensive income and the disclosure of total
comprehensive income. This Standard requires that such items be presented with
equal prominence on a comparative basis in the appropriate financial statements
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.

     FAS 131 - Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("FAS 131") establishes
standards and disclosure requirements for the way companies report information
about operating segments, including related product information, both in annual
and interim reports issued to stockholders. Operating segments are components of
a company about which separate financial information is available and which are
used in determining resource allocations and performance results. FAS 131 also
establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. Information such as segment net earnings,
appropriate revenue and expense items and certain balance sheet items are
required to be presented, and such amounts are required to be reconciled to the
company's combined financial information. Certain information related to FAS 131
is included in the BUSINESS LINE RESULTS section. FAS 131 is effective for
annual financial statements issued for periods ending after December 31, 1997,
although earlier application is encouraged. CoreStates intends to adopt FAS 131
in the first quarter of 1998.

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations: continued


Fourth Quarter Results

     In the fourth quarter of 1997, CoreStates recorded net income of $216.6
million, or $1.09 per average common share, compared to $195.5 million, or $0.91
per average common share, in the fourth quarter of 1996. Diluted net income per
share was $1.08 in the fourth quarter of 1997, compared to $0.90 in the fourth
quarter of 1996. "Operating earnings," defined as net income before special
items, was $198.6 million, or $0.99 per share, for the fourth quarter of 1997,
an increase of 6.5% on a per share basis over fourth quarter of 1996 operating
income of $201.6 million, or $0.93 per share. The increase in fourth quarter of
1997 operating earnings was driven by strong growth in non-interest income and
the decline in average common shares outstanding due to the common stock
repurchase program, which added $0.04 to earnings per share after considering
the unfavorable impact of $15.8 million in funding costs.


    Selected financial results for the three months ended December 31, 1997 and
1996 based on operating earnings, which exclude the significant items listed
below, were as follows (in millions, except per share):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                           Three Months Ended
                                                                        December 31,
                                                                ---------------------------   
                                                                   1997              1996  
                                                                ---------          -------- 
<S>                                                             <C>                <C> 
Net income............................................          $   216.6          $  195.5
Exclude the following after-tax items:
     Special tax benefit..............................             (109.0)                -
     Special provision for loan losses................               44.9                 -
     Restructuring and merger-related charges.........                9.6               6.1
     Other............................................               36.5                 -
                                                                ---------          -------- 
Operating earnings....................................          $   198.6          $  201.6
                                                                =========          ======== 
Operating earnings per  common share:
     Basic............................................              $1.00             $0.93
     Diluted..........................................              $0.99             $0.93
Return on average total assets........................               1.66%             1.81%
Return on average shareholders' equity................              24.84%            21.03%

</TABLE> 

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting



Financial Statements

     CoreStates Financial Corp is responsible for the preparation, integrity,
and fair presentation of its published financial statements as of December 31,
1997, and the year then ended. The consolidated financial statements of
CoreStates Financial Corp have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and, as such, include some amounts that are based
on judgments and estimates of management.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective
internal control over financial reporting. The system contains monitoring
mechanisms and actions are taken to correct deficiencies identified.

     There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal
control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or
overriding of controls. Accordingly, even effective internal control can provide
only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.
Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control
may vary over time.

     Management assessed CoreStates Financial Corp's internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 1997. This assessment was based on
criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in
"Internal Control - Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management
believes that CoreStates Financial Corp maintained effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 1997.








Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Albert W. Mandia







Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Terrence A. Larsen

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
CoreStates Financial Corp

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CoreStates
Financial Corp as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, 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, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We did not audit the 1995 financial statements of Meridian Bancorp,
Inc. and United Counties Bancorporation, which statements reflect combined net
interest income constituting 31.3% of the related consolidated total for the
year ended December 31, 1995. Those statements were audited by other auditors
whose reports thereon have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it
relates to data included for Meridian Bancorp, Inc. and United Counties
Bancorporation, is based solely on the reports of other auditors.

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

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the consolidated financial position of CoreStates Financial Corp at December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.





                                                    /s/  Ernst & Young LLP



Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 20, 1998

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                                         

                                                                                        Year Ended December 31,    
                                                                            ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                1997             1996              1995  
                                                                            -----------      -----------       -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>              <C>               <C> 
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans:
   Taxable income.....................................................      $2,995,604       $2,845,898        $2,902,265
   Tax exempt income..................................................          20,310           25,335            30,390
Interest on investment securities:
   Taxable income.....................................................         202,425          254,576           349,138
   Tax exempt income..................................................          18,455           23,190            31,018
Interest on time deposits in banks....................................         163,454          122,752           121,993
Interest on Federal funds sold, securities purchased
   under agreements to resell and other...............................          29,067           26,453            40,276
                                                                            ----------        ---------        ----------
   Total interest income..............................................       3,429,315        3,298,204         3,475,080
                                                                            ----------        ---------        ----------
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest on deposits:
   Domestic savings...................................................         383,333          295,650           396,176
   Domestic time......................................................         436,135          497,956           492,610
   Overseas branches and subsidiaries.................................          64,896           48,174            52,261
                                                                            ----------        ---------        ----------
      Total interest on deposits......................................         884,364          841,780           941,047
Interest on short-term funds borrowed.................................         189,835          153,129           214,119
Interest on long-term debt............................................         239,248          161,811           152,989
                                                                            ----------        ---------        ----------
      Total interest expense..........................................       1,313,447        1,156,720         1,308,155
                                                                            ----------        ---------        ----------
   Net interest income................................................       2,115,868        2,141,484         2,166,925
Provision for losses on loans.........................................         263,000          228,767           144,002
                                                                            ----------        ---------        ----------
   Net interest income after provision for losses on loans............       1,852,868        1,912,717         2,022,923
                                                                            ----------        ---------        ----------
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts...................................         242,285          229,592           233,592
Trust income..........................................................         186,031          167,138           162,776
Fees for international services.......................................         113,767          101,761            94,396
Debit and credit card fees............................................          96,983           88,811            94,659
Income from investment in EPS, Inc....................................          29,486           29,902            30,114
Income from trading activities........................................          34,445           25,216            35,403
Securities gains......................................................          21,111           59,512            31,475
Other gains...........................................................               -            8,200            26,400
Other operating income................................................         201,662          188,943           173,407
                                                                           -----------        ---------        ----------
   Total non-interest income..........................................         925,770          899,075           882,222
                                                                           -----------        ---------        ----------
NON-FINANCIAL EXPENSES
Salaries, wages and benefits..........................................         834,184          826,442           904,377
Net occupancy.........................................................         143,112          157,358           159,530
Equipment expenses....................................................         125,070          120,602           118,532
Restructuring and merger-related charges..............................          15,000          139,702           138,600
Other operating expenses..............................................         578,411          532,724           564,489
                                                                           -----------        ---------        ----------
   Total non-financial expenses.......................................       1,695,777        1,776,828         1,885,528
                                                                           -----------        ---------        ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES............................................       1,082,861        1,034,964         1,019,617
Provision for income taxes............................................         269,582          385,820           364,441
                                                                           -----------        ---------        ----------
NET INCOME............................................................     $   813,279        $ 649,144        $  655,176
                                                                           ===========        =========        ==========

PER COMMON SHARE DATA
Net income:
   Basic..............................................................           $4.00            $2.97             $2.95
                                                                                 =====            =====             =====
   Diluted............................................................           $3.96            $2.94             $2.92
                                                                                 =====            =====             =====
Cash dividends declared...............................................           $1.91            $1.73             $1.44
                                                                                 =====            =====             =====
</TABLE> 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             December 31,
                                                                   --------------------------------  
                                                                       1997                1996
                                                                   ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                <C>                 <C> 
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks...................................         $  3,829,893        $  3,462,287
Time deposits, principally Eurodollars....................            3,122,444           2,443,154
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
    agreements to resell..................................               41,207             509,694
Trading account assets....................................              495,472             122,317
Investment securities available-for-sale..................            2,109,254           2,394,166
Investment securities held-to-maturity (market value:
    1997-$1,347,819; 1996-$1,692,243).....................            1,351,137           1,689,058
Total loans, net of unearned discounts of
    $249,702 in 1997 and $234,607 in 1996.................           34,813,886          32,331,297
    Less: Allowance for loan losses.......................             (634,432)           (710,327)
                                                                   ------------        ------------
        Net loans.........................................           34,179,454          31,620,970
                                                                   ------------        ------------
Due from customers on acceptances.........................              641,859             738,077
Premises and equipment....................................              629,965             625,876
Other assets..............................................            2,060,280           1,888,595
                                                                   ------------        ------------
        Total assets......................................         $ 48,460,965        $ 45,494,194
                                                                   ============        ============

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
    Domestic:
        Non-interest bearing..............................         $  9,252,376        $  9,330,445
        Interest bearing..................................           23,490,992          22,986,955
    Overseas branches and subsidiaries....................            1,444,522           1,409,756
                                                                   ------------        ------------
        Total deposits....................................           34,187,890          33,727,156
                                                                   ------------        ------------
Short-term funds borrowed.................................            4,323,319           2,633,157
Bank acceptances outstanding..............................              641,464             727,728
Other liabilities.........................................            1,616,624           1,661,162
Long-term debt............................................            4,454,236           3,049,297
                                                                   ------------        ------------
        Total liabilities.................................           45,223,533          41,798,500
                                                                   ------------        ------------


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock: authorized 10.0 million
    shares; no shares issued..............................                    -                   -
Common stock: $1 par value; authorized 350.0 million
    shares; issued 223.599 million shares in 1997 and 1996 
    (including treasury shares of 23.235 million in 1997 
    and 8.900 million in 1996, and unallocated shares held 
    by Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") of 2.148 
    million in 1997 and 2.267 million in 1996)............              223,599             223,599
Other common shareholders' equity, net....................            3,013,833           3,472,095
                                                                   ------------        ------------
        Total shareholders' equity........................            3,237,432           3,695,694
                                                                   ------------        ------------
        Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........         $ 48,460,965        $ 45,494,194
                                                                   ============        ============

</TABLE> 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries                           Page 1 of 2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                          Common      Capital     Retained    Treasury     Unallocated
                                                          stock       surplus     earnings      stock      ESOP shares      Total
                                                         --------   ----------   ----------   ---------    -----------   ----------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C> 
Balances at December 31, 1994..........................  $229,827   $1,200,658   $2,360,312   $ (24,297)     $ (35,568)  $3,730,932
                                                                                                   
Net income.............................................                             655,176                                 655,176
Net change in unrealized gain on investments                                                       
    available-for-sale, net of tax.....................                              41,187                                  41,187
                                                                                                   
Treasury shares acquired (10,307 shares)...............                                        (335,528)                   (335,528)

Repurchase and retirement of common stock 
    (595 shares).......................................      (595)      (4,093)     (12,446)                                (17,134)

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans 
    (1,002 new shares; 3,089 treasury shares)..........       999       26,825      (25,483)     96,670                      99,011
                                                              
Common stock issued under dividend reinvestment plan          
    (417 treasury shares)..............................                     (9)          (2)     12,690                      12,679
Purchase of shares for Employee Stock Ownership Plan 
    (876 shares) ......................................                                                        (20,922)     (20,922)

Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares committed for 
    release (123 shares)...............................                  1,786                                   2,824        4,610
Cash paid for fractional shares........................                                 (24)                                    (24)

Foreign currency translation adjustments...............                                 (29)                                    (29)

Common dividends declared..............................                            (294,393)                               (294,393)
                                                         --------   ----------   ----------   ---------      ---------   ----------
Balances at December 31, 1995..........................   230,231    1,225,167    2,724,298    (250,465)       (53,666)   3,875,565

Net income.............................................                             649,144                                 649,144
Net change in unrealized gain on investments
    available-for-sale, net of tax.....................                             (25,070)                                (25,070)

Treasury shares acquired (11,055 shares)...............                                        (533,932)                   (533,932)

Treasury shares issued in merger (7,300 shares)........    (7,300)     (33,288)    (192,042)    232,630                           - 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock 
    (1,340 shares).....................................    (1,340)     (43,559)     (12,804)                                (57,703)

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans 
    (1,824 new shares; 2,330 treasury shares)..........     1,824       75,618      (48,119)    100,826                     130,149
Common stock issued under dividend reinvestment plan 
     (184 new shares; 353 treasury shares).............       184        8,225          (68)     13,361                      21,702
Purchase of shares for Employee Stock Ownership 
     Plan (65 shares)..................................                    (38)                                 (3,509)      (3,547)

Employee stock ownership plan shares
    committed for release (126 shares).................                  2,397                                   3,018        5,415
Cash paid for fractional shares........................                                (342)                                   (342)

Foreign currency translation adjustments...............                               5,448                                   5,448
Common dividends declared..............................                            (371,135)                               (371,135)
                                                         --------   ----------   ----------   ---------       --------   ----------
Balances at December 31, 1996..........................   223,599    1,234,522    2,729,310    (437,580)       (54,157)   3,695,694

</TABLE> 
(continued)

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries                         Page 2 of 2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:  continued
(in thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                          Common      Capital     Retained    Treasury     Unallocated
                                                          stock       surplus     earnings      stock      ESOP shares      Total
                                                         --------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C> 
Net income............................................                              813,279                                 813,279
Net change in unrealized gain on investments
    available-for-sale, net of tax....................                                5,149                                   5,149
Treasury shares acquired (17,100 shares)..............                                        (1,007,832)                (1,007,832)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans
    (2,209 treasury shares)...........................                  22,665      (70,325)     133,198                     85,538
Common stock issued under dividend reinvestment plan
    (556 treasury shares).............................                     676       (1,058)      30,383                     30,001
Employee stock ownership plan shares
    committed for release (119 shares)................                   4,423                                   2,846        7,269
Foreign currency translation adjustments..............                                 (748)                                   (748)
Common dividends declared.............................                             (390,918)                               (390,918)
                                                         --------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
Balances at December 31, 1997.........................   $223,599   $1,262,286   $3,084,689  $(1,281,831)     $(51,311)  $3,237,432
                                                         ========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ===========   ==========
</TABLE> 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries                        Page 1 of 2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                        Year Ended December 31,
                                                                           ------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                           1997             1996               1995
                                                                           ------------     ------------       ------------
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>                <C> 
Net income...........................................................      $    813,279     $    649,144       $    655,176
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash provided by operating activities:
   Restructuring and merger-related charges..........................            15,000          139,702            138,600
   Provision for losses on loans.....................................           263,000          228,767            144,002
   Provision for losses and writedowns
     on other real estate owned......................................             5,500            3,387             15,971
   Depreciation and amortization.....................................           126,749          110,512            122,996
   Deferred income tax expense.......................................           100,751            9,156             28,420
   Securities gains..................................................           (21,111)         (59,512)           (31,475)
   Gains on sale of mortgage servicing...............................                 -                -             (2,387)
   Other gains.......................................................                 -           (8,200)           (26,400)
   (Increase) decrease in loans held-for-sale........................          (395,583)          93,039             82,226
   (Increase) decrease in  trading account assets....................          (373,155)          24,901            200,833
   Increase (decrease) in due to factored clients....................           143,486            1,805            (86,921)
   (Increase) decrease in interest receivable........................           (34,460)          45,046              2,009
   Increase in interest payable......................................            23,014           10,163             45,044
   Decrease in merger-related accrual ...............................           (59,451)        (100,258)           (33,270)
   Other, net........................................................          (101,623)         216,135           ( 84,141)
                                                                           ------------     ------------       ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                       505,396        1,363,787          1,170,683
                                                                           ------------     ------------       ------------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in loans................................................        (3,592,259)      (2,989,441)        (1,914,405)
Proceeds from sales of loans.........................................           898,828        1,577,270          1,087,732
Loans originated or acquired--non-bank subsidiaries..................       (37,198,437)     (39,054,032)       (35,767,440)
Principal collected on loans--non-bank subsidiaries..................        37,056,155       39,039,627         35,407,667
Net increase in time deposits, principally Eurodollars...............          (679,290)        (533,894)           (33,172)
Purchases of investments held-to-maturity............................          (650,362)        (490,995)          (686,652)
Purchases of investments available-for-sale..........................          (568,161)      (2,062,012)          (589,327)
Proceeds from maturities of investments held-to-maturity.............           995,449        1,524,670          2,175,780
Proceeds from maturities of investments available-for-sale...........           807,037          854,898            161,477
Proceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale................           122,037        1,500,504            546,728
Net decrease in Federal funds sold and
   securities purchased under agreements to resell...................           468,487          210,243            203,693
Purchases of premises and equipment..................................           (90,085)        (101,469)          (125,216)
Proceeds from sales and paydowns on other
   real estate owned.................................................            12,896           31,465             66,834
Other, net...........................................................            33,493          141,063             11,303
                                                                           ------------     ------------       ------------
  NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING
    ACTIVITIES.......................................................        (2,384,212)        (352,103)           545,002
                                                                           ------------     ------------       ------------
</TABLE> 

(continued)

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries                  Page 2 of 2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS: continued
(in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                                             
                                                                                         Year Ended December 31,
                                                                             -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                 1997            1996               1995
                                                                             ------------    ------------       ------------
<S>                                                                          <C>             <C>                <C> 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase (decrease) in deposits...........................                    460,734         172,155           (660,745)
Payment for sales of deposits.................................                          -        (368,110)          (154,360)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt......................                  2,033,056       1,340,099            582,251
Retirement of long-term debt..................................                   (630,547)       (501,165)          (533,480)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term funds borrowed..........                  1,690,162      (1,043,856)           215,764
Cash dividends paid...........................................                   (391,781)       (328,114)          (286,565)
Purchases of treasury stock...................................                 (1,007,832)       (533,932)          (335,528)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock.....................                          -         (57,703)           (17,134)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans..............                     62,873          87,726             99,011
Other, net....................................................                     29,757          21,360             12,655
                                                                             ------------    ------------       ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES......................................                  2,246,422      (1,211,540)        (1,078,131)
                                                                             ------------    ------------       ------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND DUE
    FROM BANKS................................................                    367,606        (199,856)           637,554
Cash and due from banks at January 1,.........................                  3,462,287       3,662,143          3,024,589
                                                                             ------------    ------------       ------------
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS AT DECEMBER 31,.......................               $  3,829,893    $  3,462,287       $  3,662,143
                                                                             ============    ============       ============

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION 
Cash paid during the year for:
    Interest..................................................               $  1,290,433    $  1,146,557       $  1,263,681
                                                                             ============    ============       ============
    Income taxes..............................................               $    193,532    $    331,940       $    284,987
                                                                             ============    ============       ============
Net cash received on interest rate swaps......................               $     54,230    $     68,103       $      7,493
                                                                             ============    ============       ============
</TABLE> 
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CoreStates
Financial Corp ("the Corporation") and all of its subsidiaries, including:
CoreStates Bank, N.A. ("CBNA"); CoreStates Bank of Delaware, N.A. ("CBD");
Congress Financial Corporation; and CoreStates Capital Corp ("CSCC"). All
material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts in
prior years have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

The Corporation is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, primarily operating in the eastern Pennsylvania,
northern Delaware and the central and southern New Jersey markets. Through its
subsidiaries, the Corporation is engaged in the business of providing global and
specialized banking (including international banking services), regional
banking, retail credit services, trust and asset management and third party
processing services to a diversified customer base.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Changes in accounting principles

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers
and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("FAS
125"), was issued in June 1996. FAS 125 requires an entity to recognize the
financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred
and to derecognize financial assets when control has been surrendered in
accordance with the criteria provided in the Statement. FAS 125 is applicable to
transactions occurring after December 31, 1996, except for provisions dealing
with securities lending, repurchase and dollar repurchase agreements, which are 
deferred by FAS 127 and became effective January 1, 1998.  The adoption of 
FAS 125 did not, and the adoption of FAS 127 is not expected to, have a 
material impact on the Corporation's results of operations or financial 
condition.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share" ("FAS
128") was issued in February 1997. FAS 128, which was adopted on December 31,
1997, required entities to change the method used to compute earnings per share.
Under FAS 128, basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effect of stock
options and diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of stock
options even if the dilutive effect is immaterial. All periods presented have
been restated to comply with FAS 128.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("FAS 123") was adopted by the Corporation in 1996 and establishes
accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans
such as stock option and restricted stock plans ("stock-based plans"). FAS 123
defines a fair value method of accounting for measuring compensation expense for
stock-based plans and encourages all entities to adopt that method of
accounting. However, FAS 123 also permits entities to continue to measure
compensation expense for stock-based plans using the intrinsic value method
prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."

Under the fair value method, compensation expense would be measured as the value
of an award under a stock-based plan on the date the award is granted, and would
be recognized over the vesting period of the award. Under the intrinsic value
method, compensation expense is measured as the excess, if any, of the market
price of the stock underlying the award on the date the award is granted, over
the exercise price. Under the Corporation's stock-based long-term incentive
plan, awards have no intrinsic value on the date of grant as the exercise price
equals the market price on that date. The Corporation did not adopt the fair
value method of accounting for stock-based plans, and will continue to use the
intrinsic value method to measure compensation expense.

Effective January 1, 1995, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan"
("FAS 114") and Statement No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosures" ("FAS 118"). FAS 114 addresses
accounting for impairment of certain loans and requires that impaired loans
within the scope of FAS 114 be measured based on the present value of expected
cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or be measured at
the loan's observable market price or the fair value of its collateral. FAS 118
amended the income recognition policies and clarified disclosure requirements of
FAS 114. The adoption of these standards did not have an impact on CoreStates'
provision for loan losses or allowance for loan losses, nor change CoreStates'
methodology for recognizing income on impaired loans.

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of
temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to
future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and
the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income tax
return.

Investments
Held-to-maturity securities, consisting primarily of debt securities, are
carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of
discounts, both computed on the interest method. The Corporation has both the
ability and positive intent to hold these securities until maturity. Trading
account assets are carried at market value. Gains on trading account assets
include both realized and unrealized gains and losses on the portfolio. All
other securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair
value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a component of
shareholders' equity. The net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
included in retained earnings was $31,704 at December 31, 1997 and $26,555 at
December 31, 1996. Realized securities gains and losses are determined using the
adjusted cost of a specific security sold.

Interest and dividends on investment securities are recognized as income when
earned.

Loans
Interest on commercial loans is recognized on the daily principal amounts
outstanding. Loan fees are generally considered adjustments of interest rate
yields and are amortized into interest income on loans over the terms of the
related loans. Interest on installment loans is principally recognized on the
interest method.

Commercial loans are placed on a non-accrual status, generally recognizing
interest as income when received, when, in the opinion of management, the
collectability of principal or interest payments becomes doubtful or when such
payments are 90 days or more past due, unless the loan is well secured and in
the process of collection. The deferral or non-recognition of interest does not
constitute forgiveness of the borrower's obligation.

Consumer loans, excluding residential mortgage loans and credit card loans, are
charged off after reaching 120 days past due. Residential mortgage loans are
placed on non-accrual status after reaching 120 days past due and are written
down to the fair value of underlying collateral at that time. Credit card loans
are charged off after reaching 150 days past due. Prior to the second quarter of
1996, credit card loans were charged off after reaching 180 days past due.

Loans classified as held for sale are included in other assets and are carried
at their net realizable value.

Other real estate owned
When a property is acquired through foreclosure of a loan secured by real
estate, that property is recorded at the lower of the cost basis in the loan or
the estimated fair value of the property less estimated disposal costs.
Writedowns at the time of foreclosure are charged against the allowance for loan
losses. Subsequent writedowns for changes in the fair value of the property are
charged to other non-financial expense.

Allowance for loan losses
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by
management to absorb estimated probable credit losses. Factors included in
management's determination of an adequate level of allowance for loan losses are
a statistical analysis of historical loss levels throughout an economic cycle
and one year of projected charge-offs, establishing a minimum level below which
the allowance for loan losses is considered inadequate and a maximum level above
which is considered inappropriate. A quarterly evaluation of loss potential on
specific credits, products, industries, portfolios and markets, as well as
indicators for loan growth, the economic environment and concentrations assist
in validating the position of the allowance for loan losses within those
boundaries. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material
estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

The Corporation adopted FAS 114 effective January 1, 1995. Under FAS 114, the
allowance for loan losses related to "impaired loans" is based on discounted
cash flows using the impaired loan's initial effective interest rate as the
discount rate, or the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent
loans. A loan is impaired when it meets the criteria to be placed on non-accrual
status or is a renegotiated loan. Loans which are evaluated for impairment
pursuant to FAS 114 are assessed on a loan-by-loan basis, and include only
commercial non-accrual and renegotiated loans. Large groups of smaller balance
homogeneous loans, such as commercial loans less than $250 and credit cards,
lease financing receivables, loans secured by first and second liens on
residential properties, and other consumer loans are evaluated collectively for
impairment.

Additions to the allowance arise from the provision for loan losses charged to
operations or from the recovery of amounts previously charged off. Loan
charge-offs reduce the allowance. Loans are charged off when there has been
permanent impairment of the related carrying values.

Premises and equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and
amortization. The provision for depreciation and amortization is computed,
generally, on the straight-line method at rates based on the following range of
lives: buildings - 10 to 45 years; equipment - 3 to 12 years; and leasehold
improvements - 3 to 15 years.

Intangible assets (included in other assets)

Goodwill and other acquired intangibles, such as core deposits, are amortized
over the estimated periods to be benefited generally ranging from 5 to 25 years.
An impairment review is performed periodically on these assets.

Retirement plans
The Corporation maintains non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for
substantially all employees. Benefits are primarily based on the employee's
years of credited service, average annual salary and primary social security
benefit, as defined in the plans. It is the Corporation's policy to fund the
plans on a current basis to the extent deductible under existing tax
regulations.

The Corporation provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits
for substantially all retired employees. In order to participate in the health
care plan, an employee must retire with at least 10 years of service. The
postretirement health care plan is contributory, with retiree contributions
based on years of service. It is the Corporation's policy to fund these plans on
a current basis to the extent deductible under existing tax regulations.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
Compensation expense in 1996 and 1995 was recognized based on the average fair
value of shares committed to be released to employees. Effective January 1,
1997, the ESOP was combined with the Corporation's 401(k) Savings Plan. The
remaining shares in the ESOP will be released to substantially all employees of
the Corporation and compensation expense will be recorded as a portion of the
Corporation's match of employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan. Shares
are released based on the fair value of the shares at the date the compensation
expense is recorded.

Foreign exchange/currency
Forward exchange contracts are valued at current rates of exchange. Gains or
losses on forward exchange contracts intended to hedge an identifiable foreign
currency commitment, if any, are deferred and included in the measurement of the
related foreign currency transaction. All other gains or losses on forward
exchange contracts are included in fees for international services.

Currency gains and losses in connection with non-dollar denominated loans and
deposits, which are included in interest income and expenses, are recognized pro
rata over the contract terms. Foreign currency translation adjustments are
recorded directly to retained earnings. The cumulative foreign currency
translation gain (loss) was $3,100, $3,848 and $(1,600) at December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively.

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Derivative interest rate contracts
The Corporation uses various interest rate contracts such as, interest rate
swaps, futures, forward rate agreements, caps and floors, tender option bonds,
Treasury float agreements, and forward commitments to purchase and sell loans
and securities, primarily to manage the interest rate risk of specific assets,
liabilities or anticipated transactions, to manage interest rate risk in
securities trading positions and to provide for the needs of its customers. For
contracts held for purposes other than trading, gains or losses are deferred and
recognized as adjustments to interest income or expense of the underlying assets
or liabilities and the interest differentials are recognized as adjustments of
the related interest income or expense. Gains or losses resulting from early
terminations of these contracts are deferred and amortized over the remaining
term of the underlying assets or liabilities. Any fees received or disbursed
which represent adjustments to the yield on interest rate contracts are
capitalized and amortized over the term of the interest rate contracts. If the
underlying assets or liabilities related to a derivative matures, is sold,
extinguished, or terminates, the amount of the previously unrecognized gain or
loss is recognized at that time in the consolidated income statement.

The Corporation's trading and customer-related derivative positions mostly
include tender option bonds, Treasury float agreements, and forward commitments
to purchase and sell loans and securities, and interest rate caps, floors, and
swaps. Gains and losses and net interest spread earned on these products are
generally included in non-interest income. Treasury float agreements represent
purchased option contracts. Forward commitments to purchase and sell loans and
securities consist primarily of forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed
securities, which are used to hedge mortgage loans held in the trading account.
These commitments are marked to fair value with unrealized gains and losses
recorded in income from trading activities. Contracts held or issued for
customers are valued at market with gains or losses included in income from
trading activities.

Earnings per common share
Basic earnings per common share for all periods presented are calculated by
dividing net income by weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted
earnings per share for all periods presented are calculated by dividing net
income by the sum of weighted average common shares outstanding and potentially
dilutive shares (primarily stock options). For purposes of computing earnings
per share, only shares committed to be released and shares allocated in the ESOP
are considered outstanding. Unless otherwise noted, all "per share" amounts are
on a diluted basis.

Treasury stock
The purchase of the Corporation's common stock is recorded at cost. At the date
of subsequent reissuance, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of
shares reissued on a last-in-first-out basis.

Cash dividends declared per share
Cash dividends declared per share for the periods prior to the acquisition of
Meridian Bancorp, Inc. ("Meridian") on April 9, 1996, assume that the
Corporation would have declared cash dividends equal to the cash dividends per
share actually declared by the Corporation.

2.   MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

Pending merger

On November 18, 1997, the Corporation entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Mergers (the "Merger Agreement"), which provides, among other things, for the
merger (the "Merger") of the Corporation into First Union Corporation ("First
Union"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of the
Corporation's common stock would be converted into 1.62 shares of First Union's
common stock (the "Exchange Ratio"), subject to possible adjustment under
certain circumstances.

The Merger is intended to be accounted for as a pooling of interests.
Consummation of the Merger is subject to various conditions, including: (i)
receipt of the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Corporation's and First
Union's stockholders, and approval by First Union's stockholders of an amendment
to First Union's Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized
shares of First Union's common stock from 750,000,000 to 2,000,000,000, which
such approvals were obtained on February 27, 1998; (ii) receipt of requisite
regulatory approvals from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
and other federal and state regulatory authorities; (iii) receipt of opinions as
to the tax and accounting treatment of certain aspects of the Merger; (iv)
listing, subject to notice of issuance, of First Union's common stock to be
issued in the Merger; and (v) satisfaction of certain other conditions.

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

2.  MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS - continued

The Merger Agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances, including by
the Corporation's Board of Directors by giving notice to First Union if either
(x) both (i) the average closing price of First Union's common stock for the ten
full trading days ending on the date the Federal Reserve Board approves the
Merger (the "Average Closing Price") is less than the product of the closing
price of First Union's common stock (the "Starting Price") on the first full
trading day after public announcement of execution of the Merger Agreement (the
"Starting Date") and 0.85, and (ii) the number obtained by dividing the Average
Closing Price by the Starting Price is less than the number obtained by (a)
dividing the weighted average of the closing prices of a specified group index
of bank stocks during the above-mentioned ten-day period by the weighted average
closing prices of such bank stocks on the Starting Date and (b) subtracting
0.15, or (y) the Average Closing Price is less than the product of the Starting
Price and 0.75. In the event CoreStates gives notice of its intent to terminate
the Merger Agreement pursuant to the conditions set forth in the preceding
sentence, First Union may determine, in its sole discretion, to increase the
Exchange Ratio to eliminate the Corporation's right to terminate the Merger
Agreement.

A summary of selected unaudited historical financial information for First Union
for the three years ended December 31, 1997 follows (in millions, except per
share):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                             Year ended December 31,
                                                     --------------------------------------
                                                        1997           1996         1995  
                                                     ----------     ----------   ----------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>          <C> 
Net interest income..............................        $5,743       $ 5,465      $ 5,128
Provision for losses on loans....................           840           449          258
Non-interest income..............................         3,396         2,636        2,176
Non-financial expenses...........................         5,589         5,153        4,657
Provision for income taxes.......................           814           875          848
Net income.......................................         1,896         1,624        1,541
Per common share:
   Net income - basic............................         $3.03         $2.61        $2.44
   Net income - diluted..........................          2.99          2.58         2.38
   Cash dividends declared.......................          1.22          1.10         0.98

</TABLE> 

Meridian acquisition
On April 9, 1996, the Corporation acquired Meridian Bancorp, Inc. ("Meridian"),
a Pennsylvania bank holding company with $15.2 billion in assets and $12.1
billion in deposits. The Corporation issued approximately 81.1 million shares of
common stock to shareholders of Meridian based on an exchange ratio of 1.225
shares of the Corporation's common stock for each share of Meridian common
stock. On February 23, 1996, Meridian acquired United Counties Bancorporation
("United Counties"), a New Jersey bank holding company with $1.6 billion in
assets in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. Accordingly,
the consolidated accounts of Meridian include United Counties for all periods
presented.

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

2. MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS - continued

The Meridian acquisition was accounted for under the pooling of interests method
of accounting; accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include the
consolidated accounts of Meridian for all periods presented. Financial
information on a separate company basis for the year ended December 31, 1995 for
the Corporation and Meridian (including United Counties) was as
follows (in millions, except per share):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                    1995  
                                                        ---------------------------
                                                            The          (Unaudited)
                                                        Corporation       Meridian  
                                                        ------------     ---------- 
<S>                                                     <C>              <C> 
Net interest income...............................       $ 1,488,534     $  678,391
Provision for losses on loans.....................           105,000         38,877
Non-interest income...............................           605,666        276,556
Non-financial expenses............................         1,274,398        612,695
Provision for income taxes........................           262,565        101,372
Net income........................................           452,237        202,003
Per common share:
   Net income - basic.............................              3.22           3.03
   Net income - diluted...........................              3.19           2.98
   Cash dividends declared........................              1.44           1.45

</TABLE> 

The restated consolidated statement of income for 1995 reflects a conforming
accounting adjustment for Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106,
"Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" ("FAS
106"). The Corporation elected to recognize immediately the January 1, 1992
transitional liability of $128,706 pre-tax, $84,946 after-tax, as the cumulative
effect of a change in accounting principle in the first quarter of 1992.
Meridian adopted FAS 106 on January 1, 1993, the date required under that
statement. As permitted by FAS 106, Meridian elected to amortize its liability
over 20 years. As permitted under pooling of interests accounting, the restated
financial information is prepared as if Meridian adopted FAS 106 effective
January 1, 1992 and immediately recognized the $28,827, $18,738 after-tax,
transitional liability. Restated salaries, wages and benefits have been adjusted
accordingly.


3.   FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" ("FAS 107"), requires disclosure of fair value
information about financial instruments, whether or not required to be
recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that
value. FAS 107 defines a financial instrument as cash, evidence of ownership
interest in an entity, or a contractual obligation or right that will be settled
with another financial instrument.

In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on
estimates using discounted cash flow or other valuation techniques. Those
techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the
discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Fair value estimates derived
through those techniques cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent
markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the
instrument. FAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial
instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair
value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the
Corporation.

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

3.  FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - continued

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value estimates of
financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                               1997                              1996  
                                                                    -----------------------------    -----------------------------
                                                                      Carrying                         Carrying               
                                                                     or Notional         Fair        or Notional          Fair 
                                                                        Amount          Value           Amount           Value  
                                                                    ------------     ------------    ------------     ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>              <C>             <C>              <C> 
Assets:
Cash and short-term assets....................................      $  6,993,544     $  6,993,544    $  6,415,135     $  6,415,135
Investment securities.........................................         3,460,391        3,457,073       4,083,224        4,086,409
Trading account assets........................................           495,472          495,472         122,317          122,317
Net loans, excluding leases...................................        32,822,537       33,136,437      30,388,757       30,391,968
Loans held for sale...........................................           841,318          841,318         445,735          445,735


Liabilities:
Demand and savings deposits...................................        22,160,650       22,160,650      22,629,513       22,629,513
Time deposits, including overseas branches and subsidiaries...        12,027,240       12,226,204      11,097,643       11,321,471
Short-term borrowings.........................................         4,323,319        4,323,319       2,633,157        2,633,157
Long-term debt................................................         4,454,236        4,480,927       3,049,297        3,059,173

Off-balance sheet asset (liability):
Letters of credit.............................................         3,291,983          (32,920)      2,893,214          (28,931)
Commitments to extend credit..................................        23,875,236          (28,581)     19,569,566          (21,204)
Mortgage loans sold and loan servicing
    acquired with recourse....................................           299,322           (8,559)        361,410           (9,637)
Derivative financial instruments..............................        22,896,165          147,582      20,173,225           96,629

</TABLE> 

Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions for the Corporation's financial
instruments are set forth below:

Cash and due from banks and short-term instruments The carrying amounts reported
in the balance sheet for cash and due from banks and short-term instruments
approximate their fair values. Short-term instruments include: time deposits;
Federal funds sold; and securities purchased under agreements to resell, all of
which generally have original maturities of less than 90 days.

Investment securities Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted
market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair
values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Trading account assets Fair values for the Corporation's trading account assets,
which also are the amounts recognized in the balance sheet, are based on quoted
market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair
values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or are
derived from pricing models or formulas using discounted cash flows.

Loans Fair values are estimated for loans in groups with similar financial and
risk characteristics. Loans are segregated by type including: commercial and
industrial; commercial real estate; residential real estate; credit card and
other consumer; financial institutions; factoring receivables; and foreign. Each
loan type is further segmented into fixed and variable rate interest terms and
by performing and non-performing categories in order to estimate fair values.

The fair value of fixed-rate performing loans is calculated by discounting
scheduled principal and interest cash flows through the estimated maturity using
estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk
inherent in the loan type at December 31, 1997 and 1996. The estimate of
maturity is based on the Corporation's historical experience with repayments for
each loan type, modified by an estimate of the effect of current economic and
lending conditions. For performing residential mortgage loans, fair value is
estimated by referring to secondary market source pricing.

                                       57
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

3.  FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - continued

For credit card loans, cash flows and maturities are estimated based on
contractual interest rates and historical experience and are discounted using
secondary market rates adjusted for differences in servicing and credit costs.
This estimate does not include the benefit that relates to cash flows which
could generate from new loans to existing cardholders over the remaining life of
the portfolio.

For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and which have experienced no
significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying amounts.

Fair value for non-performing loans is based on discounting estimated cash flows
using a rate commensurate with the risk associated with the estimated cash
flows. Assumptions regarding cash flows and discount rates are determined using
available market information and specific borrower information.

Deposit liabilities The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (non-interest
bearing checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings accounts, and money market
accounts) are, by FAS 107 definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at
the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts for
variable-rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit approximate their fair values.
Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a
discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates offered on
certificates at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, to an estimate of
aggregate expected maturities for those certificates of deposit.

The estimated fair values do not include the benefit that results from funding
provided by core deposit liabilities as compared to the cost of borrowing funds
in the financial markets.

Short-term funds borrowed The carrying amounts of Federal funds purchased,
securities sold under agreements to repurchase, commercial paper and other
short-term borrowings approximate their fair values.

Long-term debt The fair values for long-term debt are based on quoted market
prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values
are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Corporation's
borrowing rates at December 31, 1997 and 1996 for comparable types of borrowing
arrangements.

Off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments and commitments Fair values
for the Corporation's futures, forwards, interest rate swaps, options, interest
rate caps and floors, foreign exchange contracts, tender option bonds and
Treasury float contracts are based on quoted market prices (futures); current
settlement values (forwards); quoted market prices of comparable instruments
(foreign currency exchange contracts); or, if there are no directly comparable
instruments, on pricing models or formulas using current assumptions (interest
rate swaps, interest rate caps and floors, tender option bonds, Treasury float
contracts and options). The fair value of commitments to extend credit, other
than credit card lines, is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter
into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the
agreements and the present credit worthiness of the counterparties. For
fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between
current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The value of
commitments to extend credit under credit card lines is embodied in the benefit
that relates to estimated cash flows from new loans expected to be generated
from existing cardholders over the remaining life of the portfolio.

The fair value of standby and commercial letters of credit is based on fees
currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate
the agreements or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties.


4.  LOAN PORTFOLIO

For a breakdown of the loan portfolio by type of loan and for information on
non-performing loans, refer to Supplemental Financial Data under the captions
Loan Portfolio and Non-Performing Assets (pages 92 and 93).

The Corporation has traditionally maintained limits on industry, country and
borrower concentrations as a way to diversify and manage credit risk. The
Corporation manages industry concentrations by applying limits to a family of
industries that have common risk characteristics.

                                       58
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

4.  LOAN PORTFOLIO - continued

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Corporation had loans totaling $125,224 and
$110,948, respectively, to its officers, directors and companies in which the
directors had a 10% or more voting interest. These loans were made on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and do
not involve more than normal risk of collectability. The 1997 additions and
reductions were $373,282 and $359,006, respectively.

Included in other assets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $841,000 and
$446,000, respectively, of loans held for sale and carried at lower of cost or
market.

The book value of real estate loans transferred to other real estate owned
during 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $8,563, $19,536, and $29,337, respectively.

The following presents information on derivative financial instruments used to
manage interest rate risk associated with loans:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                        1997                    1996  
                                                    ------------           ------------
<S>                                                 <C>                    <C> 
At December 31,
   Notional value.........................           $6,283,000             $ 9,118,000
   Unrealized gains.......................               71,000                  64,000
   Unrealized losses......................                6,000                  19,000
Effect on loan yield for the
years ended December 31,
   From...................................                 8.78%                  8.92%
   To.....................................                 8.89                   9.03

</TABLE> 

                                       59
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

5.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The carrying and fair values of investment securities at December 31, 1997 and
1996 were as follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                           Gross             Gross
                                                        Amortized        Unrealized        Unrealized          Fair
                                                           Cost            Gains            Losses             Value  
                                                       -----------      -----------      -----------        -----------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>              <C>                <C> 
1997
- ----
Held-to-Maturity
- ----------------
U.S. Treasury and                                      
    Government agencies........................        $   379,968          $ 3,076         $    793        $   382,251
State and municipal............................            292,119            8,247              194            300,172
Mortgage-backed................................            156,047              175              499            155,723
Other:
    Domestic...................................            473,738              146           13,476            460,408
    Foreign....................................             49,265                -                -             49,265
                                                       -----------          -------         --------        -----------
       Total held-to-maturity..................        $ 1,351,137          $11,644         $ 14,962        $ 1,347,819
                                                       ===========          =======         ========        ===========
Available-for-Sale
- ------------------
U.S. Treasury and
    Government agencies........................        $ 1,149,771          $ 5,286         $    751        $ 1,154,306
State and municipal............................             43,279              493               90             43,682
Mortgage-backed................................            439,653            4,098            2,072            441,679
Other:
    Domestic...................................            347,556           10,024              394            357,186
    Foreign....................................             80,197           32,886              682            112,401
                                                       -----------          -------         --------        -----------
       Total available-for-sale................        $ 2,060,456          $52,787         $  3,989        $ 2,109,254
                                                       ===========          =======         ========        ===========
1996
- ----
Held-to-Maturity
- ----------------
U.S. Treasury and
    Government agencies........................        $   362,736          $ 3,501         $    815        $   365,422
State and municipal............................            366,012            8,548               95            374,465
Mortgage-backed................................            463,796               52            1,023            462,825
Other:
    Domestic...................................            442,082              340            7,529            434,893
     Foreign...................................             54,432              224               18             54,638
                                                       -----------          -------         --------        -----------
       Total held-to-maturity..................        $ 1,689,058          $12,665         $  9,480        $ 1,692,243
                                                       ===========          =======         ========        ===========
Available-for-Sale
- ------------------
U.S. Treasury and
    Government agencies........................        $ 1,512,966          $ 9,207         $  1,061        $ 1,521,112
State and municipal............................             59,864              468              335             59,997
Mortgage-backed................................            505,527            4,494            4,854            505,167
Other:
    Domestic...................................            186,029           14,096              939            199,186
    Foreign....................................             87,741           20,974               11            108,704
                                                       -----------          -------         --------        -----------
       Total available-for-sale................        $ 2,352,127          $49,239         $  7,200        $ 2,394,166
                                                       ===========          =======         ========        ===========

</TABLE> 

On November 15, 1995, the FASB issued a Special Report, "A Guide to
Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities", which permitted an enterprise to reassess the
appropriateness of the classification of all investment securities held between
November 15, 1995 and December 31, 1995. Based on its reassessment, the
Corporation reclassified $1,726,739 in investment securities previously
classified as held-to-maturity to the available-for-sale category. Unrealized
gains on transferred investments were $12,160, unrealized losses were $8,340,
and the fair value was $1,730,559.

Marketable equity securities are carried in the available-for-sale portfolio and
have been written up by $42,052 at December 31, 1997 and $34,808 at December 31,
1996, the aggregate of their excess fair values over cost, through after-tax
credits to retained earnings. The Corporation recorded pre-tax gains of $23,668
in 1997, $13,210 in 1996, and $ 7,654 in 1995 on sales of certain domestic
equity securities. During 1997 and 1996, the Corporation recorded pre-tax gains
of $4,939 and $28,656, on the exchange of certain domestic equity securities.
During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Corporation recorded pre-tax gains of $559,
$18,924, and $939 on sales of foreign equity securities.

                                       60
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

5.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES - continued


At December 31, 1997 and 1996, there were no investments in securities of any
single, non-Federal issuer in excess of 10% of shareholders' equity.

Securities with a carrying value of $1,998,066 were pledged at December 31, 1997
to secure public deposits, trust deposits, and for certain other purposes as
required by law.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31,
1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ
from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay
obligations without prepayment penalties.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                        Amortized          Fair
                                                           Cost            Value
                                                       -----------      -----------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C> 
Held-to-Maturity
- ----------------
Due in one year or less........................        $   245,009      $   245,032
Due after one year through five years..........            315,218          318,726
Due after five years through ten years.........            170,726          174,986
Due after ten years............................            167,196          169,758
Mortgage-backed securities.....................            156,047          155,723
                                                       -----------      -----------
                                                       $ 1,054,196      $ 1,064,225
                                                       ===========      ===========
Available-for-Sale
- ------------------
Due in one year or less........................        $   736,623      $   737,858
Due after one year through five years..........            565,386          569,185
Due after five years through ten years.........             63,362           63,653
Due after ten years............................             97,075           97,321
Mortgage-backed securities.....................            439,653          441,679
                                                       -----------      -----------
                                                       $ 1,902,099      $ 1,909,696
                                                       ===========      ===========
</TABLE> 

Proceeds from sales of investments in debt securities during 1997, 1996, and
1995 were $63,587, $1,411,398, and $560,022, respectively. Gross gains of $2,710
in 1997, $4,100 in 1996, and $11,180 in 1995, and gross losses of $422 in 1997,
$5,378 in 1996, and $1,894 in 1995, were realized on those sales.

                                       61
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

6.  REGULATORY AND CAPITAL MATTERS

The Corporation and its subsidiaries are subject to the regulations of certain
Federal and state agencies including minimum risk-based and leverage capital
guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve Board and Comptroller of the Currency.
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 the Corporation's financial statements.
Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt
corrective action, the Corporation must meet specific capital guidelines that
involve quantitative measures of the Corporation's assets, liabilities, and
certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting
practices. The Corporation's capital amounts and classification are also subject
to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings,
and other factors.

At December 31, 1997, management believes that the Corporation and its principal
bank subsidiary, CBNA, meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are
subject. The following table illustrates the Corporation's and CBNA's risk-based
and leverage capital ratios at December 31, 1997 and 1996:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                                                
                                                                                           Per Regulatory Guidelines  
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
                                                         Actual                     Minimum                 "Well-Capitalized"
                                                ---------------------       ---------------------       -------------------------
                                                   Amount      Ratio          Amount       Ratio            Amount         Ratio
                                                ----------    -------       ----------    -------       ----------        -------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>               <C> 
December 31, 1997
Tier 1 capital (a):                                 
    Consolidated..........................      $3,756,680      8.48%       $1,771,948       4%         $2,657,922           6%
    CBNA..................................       2,901,577      6.82         1,700,741       4           2,551,111           6
Total capital (b):
    Consolidated..........................       5,306,410     11.98         3,543,897       8           4,429,871          10
    CBNA..................................       4,617,721     10.86         3,401,481       8           4,251,852          10
Tier 1 leverage ratio:
    Consolidated..........................       3,756,680      7.97         1,414,618       3           2,357,697           5
    CBNA..................................       2,901,577      6.50         1,340,100       3           2,233,499           5

December 31, 1996
Tier 1 capital (a):
    Consolidated..........................      $3,725,318      9.45%       $1,576,914       4%         $2,365,372           6%
    CBNA..................................       3,270,045      8.90         1,471,992       4           2,207,987           6
Total capital (b):
    Consolidated..........................       5,215,789     13.23         3,153,829       8           3,942,286          10
    CBNA..................................       4,206,434     11.43         2,943,983       8           3,679,979          10
Tier 1 leverage ratio:
    Consolidated..........................       3,725,318      8.46         1,321,090       3           2,201,817           5
    CBNA..................................       3,270,045      7.80         1,257,745       3           2,096,241           5
</TABLE> 
- --------------------
(a) Consists primarily of common shareholders' equity and Trust Capital
Securities, less goodwill and certain intangible assets. 
(b) Consists of Tier 1 capital plus qualifying subordinated debt and the 
allowance for loan losses, within permitted limits.


The primary source of funds for cash dividend payments by the Corporation to its
shareholders is dividends received from its banking subsidiaries. The approval
of the Comptroller of the Currency is required for a nationally chartered bank
to pay dividends if the total of all dividends declared in any calendar year
exceeds the bank's net profits (as defined by national banking regulations) for
that year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar
years. Under this formula, CBNA can declare dividends without approval of the
Comptroller of the Currency of approximately $32,000 plus an additional amount
equal to CBNA's retained net profits for 1998 up to the date of any such
dividend declaration. Due to the special provision for losses on credit card
outstandings recorded in the fourth quarter of 1997, CBD is unable to pay
dividends without prior approval of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The Federal Reserve Act requires that extensions of credit by CBNA to certain
affiliates, including the Corporation, be secured by specified amounts and types
of collateral, that extensions of credit to any such affiliate generally be
limited to 10% of capital and surplus (as defined in that Act) and that
extensions of credit to all such affiliates be limited to 20% of capital and
surplus.

The Corporation's banking subsidiaries are required to maintain reserve balances
with the Federal Reserve Bank. The average amount of those reserve balances for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $211,000 and
$257,000, respectively.

                                       62
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)


7.   ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following represents an analysis of changes in the allowance for loan losses
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                               1997                1996              1995
                                                            ----------          ---------         ----------        
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>               <C> 
Balance at beginning of period.....................         $  710,327          $ 670,265         $  681,124
Provision charged to operating expense.............            263,000            228,767            144,002
Recoveries of loans previously charged off.........             84,301             92,985             85,226
Loan charge-offs...................................           (321,196)          (281,690)          (240,087)
Allowance for loans designated as held for sale....           (102,000)                 -                  -
                                                            ----------          ---------         ----------
Balance at end of period...........................         $  634,432          $ 710,327         $  670,265
                                                            ==========          =========         ==========
</TABLE> 

The following presents information on loans that are considered impaired under
FAS 114:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
               
At December 31,                                                1997                1996              1995
                                                            ----------          ---------         ----------        
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>               <C> 
Recorded investment in impaired loans..............         $183,978            $183,330
Impaired loans against which a portion
    of the allowance for loan losses is
    specifically allocated.........................          130,614              74,609
Amount of allowance for loan losses
    specifically allocated to impaired loans.......           46,436              15,105
For the years ended December 31,
Average recorded investment in impaired
    loans..........................................          173,375             197,854           $257,746
Interest income recognized on impaired
    loans..........................................           15,075               8,977             14,354

</TABLE> 

8.   PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet is presented net of
accumulated depreciation and amortization of $536,137 and $667,412 at December
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Depreciation and amortization of premises and
equipment for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, was $87,606,
$95,897, and $98,033, respectively.


9.   OPERATING LEASES

Rental expense, reduced by sublease rental income, charged to operations was 
$89,300, $90,982 and $85,419 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

                                       63
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)


10.   DEPOSITS

The following presents a breakdown of deposits at December 31, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                            1997                 1996  
                                                        ------------         ------------
<S>                                                     <C>                  <C> 
Domestic:
    Non-interest bearing checking..............         $  9,252,376         $  9,330,445
    Savings, NOW and money
       market accounts.........................           12,908,274           13,299,068
    Time deposits..............................           10,582,718            9,687,887
                                                        ------------         ------------
       Total domestic deposits.................           32,743,368           32,317,400
Overseas branches and subsidiaries.............            1,444,522            1,409,756
                                                        ------------         ------------
       Total deposits..........................          $34,187,890         $ 33,727,156
                                                         ===========         ============
</TABLE> 

Domestic time deposits in denominations of $100 or more at December 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995 were:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                             1997            1996           1995  
                                                        -----------       -----------    -----------
<S>                                                     <C>               <C>            <C> 
Commercial certificates of deposit.............          $2,489,415       $   754,437    $   695,970
Other domestic time deposits,
    principally savings certificates...........             608,968           613,126        501,058
                                                        -----------       -----------    -----------
               Total...........................          $3,098,383       $ 1,367,563    $ 1,197,028
                                                         ==========       ===========    ===========
</TABLE> 

Interest expense on domestic time deposits in denominations of $100 or more for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 was:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                             1997           1996             1995  
                                                         ---------         -------        --------
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>            <C> 
Interest expense:
    Commercial certificates of deposit.........          $  98,669         $30,857        $ 36,520
    Other domestic time deposits, principally
           savings certificates................             31,294          25,451          30,057
                                                         ---------         -------        --------
               Total...........................           $129,963         $56,308        $ 66,577
                                                          ========         =======        ========
</TABLE> 

Substantially all of the deposits of overseas branches and subsidiaries were
time deposits in denominations of $100 or more for each of the three years
presented.

The following presents information on derivative financial instruments used to
manage interest rate risk associated with deposits:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                              1997                 1996
                                                           ----------           -----------
<S>                                                        <C>                  <C> 
At December 31,
    Notional value.............................            $3,789,000           $ 5,314,000
    Unrealized gains...........................                30,000                50,000
    Unrealized losses..........................                 6,000                16,000
Effect on deposit interest expense for the
  year ended December 31,
    From.......................................                  3.68%                 3.62%
    To.........................................                  3.60                  3.49
</TABLE> 

                                       64
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

11.   SHORT-TERM FUNDS BORROWED

Short-term funds borrowed at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 include the
following:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                                  Weighted
                                                                                  Maximum         Average          Average
                                                                Balance         outstanding     outstanding       interest
                                                               at end of          during           during        rate during
                                                                  year             year(e)          year            year(f)
                                                              -----------        ----------     -----------      -----------
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>            <C>              <C> 
1997                                                                
- ----
Federal funds purchased (a)..........................         $ 1,422,208        $1,550,412     $   860,000           5.84%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (b)...             571,804           767,480         627,000           4.86
Commercial paper (c).................................             865,835         1,147,909         914,000           5.61
Other short-term funds borrowed (d)..................           1,463,472         1,507,363       1,013,000           5.71
                                                              -----------                       -----------               
     Total short-term funds borrowed ................         $ 4,323,319                       $ 3,414,000           5.56
                                                              ===========                       ===========               

1996
- ----                                                                
Federal funds purchased (a)..........................         $   532,334        $1,977,950     $   873,000           5.54%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (b)...             656,397           836,722         749,000           4.52
Commercial paper (c).................................             675,181         1,106,078         962,000           5.44
Other short-term funds borrowed (d)..................             769,245           842,410         374,000           4.96
                                                              -----------                       -----------
     Total short-term funds borrowed ................         $ 2,633,157                       $ 2,958,000           5.18
                                                              ===========                       ===========

1995
- ----                                                                
Federal funds purchased (a)..........................         $ 1,129,432        $2,060,375     $ 1,432,000           6.02%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (b)...             812,281           863,937         771,000           5.03
Commercial paper (c).................................           1,255,656         1,388,927       1,051,000           5.94
Other short-term funds borrowed (d)..................             479,644         1,005,699         498,000           5.33
                                                              -----------                       -----------
     Total short-term funds borrowed ................         $ 3,677,013                       $ 3,752,000           5.71
                                                              ===========                       ===========
</TABLE> 

(a)  Federal funds purchased generally represent the overnight Federal funds
     transactions of banking subsidiaries with correspondent banks.

(b)  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase usually mature within one to
     thirty days or are due on demand.

(c)  Commercial paper issued by CSCC is used to finance the short-term
     borrowing requirements of certain banking-related activities. Commercial
     paper is issued with maturities of not more than nine months and there are
     no provisions for extension, renewal or automatic rollover.

     At December 31, 1997, the Corporation had a $700,000 revolving credit
     facility from unaffiliated banks. The facility was established in support
     of commercial paper borrowings, Medium Term Note (see Note 12) issuance
     and general corporate purposes. Unless extended by the Corporation in
     accordance with the terms of the facility agreement, the facility expires
     February 2000. There were no borrowings under this facility at December
     31, 1997. The interest rate charged for usage of these lines varies with
     money market conditions.

(d)  Other short-term funds borrowed include term Federal funds purchased,
     short-term Bank Notes and demand notes payable to the U.S. Treasury.

(e)  Represents the maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the year.

(f)  The weighted average interest rate is calculated primarily on a daily
     average of short-term funds borrowed.



                                       65
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

12.    LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31, 1997 and 1996 includes the following:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                  1997            1996  
                                                              -----------      -----------
<S>                                                           <C>              <C> 
CoreStates Financial Corp:                                             
6 5/8% Notes due 2000 (a)..............................       $   150,000      $   150,000
7 7/8% Subordinated Notes due 2002 (b).................           100,000          100,000
8 5/8% Mortgages due 2001..............................             5,963            6,603
Unamortized Discounts..................................              (221)            (271)
                                                              -----------      -----------
                                                                  255,742          256,332
                                                              -----------      -----------
CSCC:
6 3/4% Guaranteed Subordinated
  Notes due 2006 (c)...................................           200,000          200,000
5 7/8% Guaranteed Subordinated
  Notes due 2003 (c)...................................           200,000          200,000
6 5/8% Guaranteed Subordinated
  Notes due 2005 (c)...................................           175,000          175,000
9 5/8% Guaranteed Subordinated
  Notes due 2001 (c)...................................           150,000          150,000
9 3/8% Guaranteed Subordinated
  Notes due 2003 (c)...................................           100,000          100,000
Medium Term Notes (d)..................................         1,641,000        1,509,000
Unamortized Discounts..................................            (4,003)          (4,990)
                                                              -----------      -----------
                                                                2,461,997        2,329,010
                                                              -----------      -----------
Trust Capital Securities:
8% Trust Capital Securities due 2026 (e)...............           300,000          300,000
Libor + .57% Trust Capital Securities due 2027 (f).....           300,000                -
Libor + .65% Trust Capital Securities due 2027 (f).....           150,000                -
Unamortized Discounts..................................            (5,872)          (6,491)
                                                              -----------      -----------
                                                                  744,128          293,509
                                                              -----------      -----------
Other subsidiaries:`
Libor + .05% Eurodollar Notes due 2002 (g).............           500,000                -
Bank Note Program (h)..................................           232,130                -
6 5/8% Subordinated Notes due 2003 (i).................           150,000          150,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings (j)..................           100,000            2,888
Various other..........................................            12,488           18,175
Unamortized Discounts..................................            (2,249)            (617)
                                                              -----------      -----------
                                                                  992,369          170,446
                                                              -----------      -----------
Total long-term debt (k)...............................        $4,454,236       $3,049,297
                                                              ===========      ===========
</TABLE> 

  (a) The Notes are unsecured and senior in right of payment to all subordinated
      indebtedness of the Corporation. The Notes are not redeemable by the
      Corporation or the holders prior to the maturity date and are not entitled
      to the benefit of any sinking fund.

  (b) The Notes are unsecured and subordinate in right of payment to all present
      and future senior indebtedness of the Corporation. The Notes are not
      redeemable by the Corporation or the holders prior to the maturity date
      and are not entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.

  (c) The Notes are not subject to redemption prior to maturity and are
      unconditionally guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, as to payment of
      principal and interest by the Corporation. The Notes are subordinated to
      all existing and future senior CSCC indebtedness and the guarantee is
      subordinated to all outstanding senior Corporation indebtedness.

                                       66
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

12.  LONG-TERM DEBT - continued

(d)   CSCC can issue Medium Term Notes (Senior and Subordinated) with maturities
      of nine months or greater from date of issue. The interest rate or
      interest rate formula on each Note is established by CSCC at the time of
      issuance. The Senior Notes are unconditionally guaranteed as to payment of
      principal and interest by the Corporation. The Subordinated Notes are
      unconditionally guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, as to payment of
      principal and interest by the Corporation. The Subordinated Notes are
      subordinated to all existing and future senior CSCC indebtedness and the
      guarantee is subordinated to all existing and future senior Corporation
      indebtedness. At December 31, 1997, $1,641,000 of debt is outstanding with
      maturities up to five years. Interest rates are predominately variable.

      Under an existing shelf registration statement filed with the Securities
      and Exchange Commission, the Corporation had debt and capital securities
      that were registered but unissued of approximately $579,000 at December
      31, 1997.

(e)   The Trust Capital Securities evidence a preferred ownership interest in a
      trust, of which 100% of the common equity is owned by CBNA. The Trust
      Capital Securities are unconditionally guaranteed by CBNA. The proceeds
      from issuance of the Trust Capital Securities are invested in 8% Junior
      Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures of CBNA due 2026. These
      Subordinated Debt Securities have provisions enabling certain actions such
      as redemption or the deferment of the semiannual payments of interest,
      which will impact the Trust Capital Securities. CBNA may redeem the
      Subordinated Debt Securities in whole or in part, on or after December 15,
      2006. In addition, Subordinated Debt Securities may be redeemed by CBNA at
      any time upon the occurrence of certain events. In the event of such a
      redemption of the Subordinated Debt Securities, the proceeds of such
      payment or repayment shall concurrently be applied to redeem the Trust
      Capital Securities.

(f)   The Trust Capital Securities evidence a preferred ownership interest in a
      trust, of which 100% of the common equity is owned by CBNA. The Trust
      Capital Securities are unconditionally guaranteed by CBNA. The proceeds
      from issuance of the Trust Capital Securities are invested in Floating
      Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures of CBNA due 2027.
      These Subordinated Debt Securities have provisions enabling certain
      actions such as redemption or the deferment of the semiannual payments of
      interest, which will impact the Trust Capital Securities. CBNA may redeem
      the Subordinated Debt Securities in whole or in part, on or after February
      15, 2007 and January 15, 2007 for the $300,000 and $150,000 Trust Capital
      Securities, respectively. In addition, Subordinated Debt Securities may be
      redeemed by CBNA at any time upon the occurrence of certain events. In the
      event of such a redemption of the Subordinated Debt Securities, the
      proceeds of such payment or repayment shall concurrently be applied to
      redeem the Trust Capital Securities.

(g)   On October 3, 1997, CSCC and CBNA applied to list up to $4.0 billion of
      debt securities ("the Programme") on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Under
      this Programme, CSCC and CBNA may each issue up to $2.0 billion of debt
      securities ("the Notes") with maturities from 30 days to 30 years. The
      Notes are direct, unconditional and unsecured general obligations of the
      relevant issuer. On October 29, 1997, CBNA issued $500 million 5 year
      floating rate notes under the Programme.

(h)   On November 7, 1997, CBNA and CBD established a $3.0 billion Senior and
      Subordinated Bank Note program ("the Bank Note Program") which
      accommodates subordinated debt issuance with maturities up to 30 years. In
      the fourth quarter of 1997, CBNA issued $232 million in senior notes with
      maturities ranging from one to two years.

                                       67
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

12.  LONG-TERM DEBT - continued


(i)   The Notes were issued by CBNA and are unsecured and subordinate to the
      claims of depositors and other creditors. The Notes are not redeemable by
      CBNA or the holders prior to the maturity date and are not entitled to the
      benefit of any sinking fund.

(j)   The borrowing matured in January 1998 and carries a fixed interest rate of
      5.63%. These borrowings require membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank
      of Pittsburgh and the maintenance of available collateral with a fair
      value which approximates the total amount of the outstanding debt.

 (k)  The consolidated aggregate maturities for long-term debt for the years
      ending December 31, 1998 through 2002 are: $758,417; $831,982; $390,590;
      $298,477, and $599,782, respectively.


The following presents information on derivative financial instruments used to
manage interest rate risk associated with long-term debt:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                             1997                  1996
                                                          ----------            -----------
<S>                                                       <C>                   <C> 
At December 31,
    Notional value.............................           $1,531,000            $ 1,019,000
    Unrealized gains...........................               34,000                 16,000
    Unrealized losses..........................                7,000                 13,000
Effect on long-term debt cost for
   the years ended December 31,
    From.......................................                 6.64%                  6.53%
    To.........................................                 6.50                   6.38

</TABLE> 

                                       68
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

13.  RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT PLANS

The fair value of the assets in the Corporation's defined benefit pension plans
exceeded the projected benefit obligation by $126,512 at December 31, 1997,
based on current and estimated future salary levels. The excess of the fair
value of plan assets is reconciled to the accrued pension cost included in other
liabilities as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                December 31, 
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                          1997               1996     
                                                                       ----------         ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>                <C> 
Plan assets at fair value(a).................................          $1,046,610         $ 902,947
                                                                       ----------         ---------
   Present value of benefit obligation:
   Accumulated benefits based on salaries to date, including
     vested benefits of $753,667 in 1997 and $667,536
     in 1996.................................................             776,522           688,102
   Additional benefits based on estimated future salary levels            143,576           157,687
                                                                      -----------         ---------
Projected benefit obligation.................................             920,098           845,789
                                                                      -----------         ---------
Amount the fair value of plan assets exceeds
   the projected benefit obligation at December 31,..........             126,512            57,158
Reconciliation:
   Unrecognized prior service cost...........................              15,278            30,770
   Unrecognized net asset from date of initial application...             (13,685)          (20,016)
   Net deferred actuarial gain...............................            (156,939)          (91,835)
                                                                       ----------          --------
Accrued pension expense included in other liabilities                  $  (28,834)         $(23,923)
                                                                       ==========          ========
</TABLE> 
- ---------------
(a) Primarily U.S. Government securities, U.S. agency securities, fixed income
securities, common stock, and commingled funds managed by subsidiary banks.

Net pension cost for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 included
the following expense (income) components:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                       1997              1996            1995
                                                                    ----------        ----------       --------- 
<S>                                                                 <C>               <C>              <C> 
Service cost benefits earned during the period..............        $   20,963        $   29,020       $  24,492
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation...............            63,290            60,793          54,497
Actual return on plan assets................................          (183,388)         (121,868)       (162,143)
Net amortization and deferral...............................           105,847            53,887          96,484
                                                                    ----------        ----------       ---------
     Net pension cost.......................................        $    6,712        $   21,832       $  13,330
                                                                    ==========        ==========       =========
</TABLE> 

The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligation for the Corporation was 7.25% and
7.5%, respectively, at December 31, 1997 and 1996. The rate of increase on
future compensation levels was 5.0% in both 1997 and 1996. The expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets was 9.0% in 1997, 8.5% in 1996, and 7.5%
- - 9.5% in 1995.

The Corporation sponsors a 401(k) savings plan for substantially all its
employees whereby the Corporation may make matching contributions equal to a
percentage of the contribution made by participants. Contribution expense
related to the savings plan for the employer's match was $20,964 in 1997,
$18,955 in 1996, and $18,192 in 1995.

The ESOP is a leveraged plan funded through a direct loan from the Corporation.
The ESOP has acquired a total of 2,515,000 shares of common stock for
distribution to eligible employees ratably over a 20 year period. Compensation
cost has been recognized based on the fair market value of the shares committed
to be released to employees. Total compensation cost recognized was $5,378 in
1996 and $3,600 in 1995. Dividends on allocated shares are paid to participants
and are charged to retained earnings. Dividends on unallocated shares are used
by the ESOP to reduce its loan. Effective January 1, 1997 the ESOP was combined
with the Corporation's 401(k) savings plan and expense related to the ESOP of
$7,269 for 1997 was included in the 401(k) savings plan employer's match.

                                       69
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

13.  RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT PLANS - continued

The Corporation and its subsidiaries provide postretirement health care and life
insurance benefits for substantially all retired employees. Postretirement
benefits are provided through an insurance company whose premiums are based on
the benefits paid during the year. The postretirement health care plan is
contributory, with retiree contributions based on years of service.

The liability for postretirement benefits included in other liabilities at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 was as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                    1997               1996
                                                                                 ----------         ----------
<S>                                                                              <C>                <C> 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
   Retirees.............................................................         $ (56,396)         $ (68,702)
   Fully eligible active plan participants..............................            (2,597)            (1,827)
   Other active plan participants.......................................           (42,211)           (29,748)
                                                                                 ---------          ---------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation...........................          (101,204)          (100,277)
Plan assets at fair value (a)...........................................            62,553             52,591
                                                                                 ---------          ---------
Unfunded obligation at December 31,.....................................           (38,651)           (47,686)
Unrecognized prior service cost.........................................           (43,433)           (45,239)
Unrecognized net gain...................................................           (45,984)           (51,157)
                                                                                 ---------          ---------
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation included in other liabilities          $(128,068)         $(144,082)
                                                                                 =========          =========
</TABLE> 
- ------------------
(a)  Primarily municipal bonds and short-term investments.

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 included the following expense (income) components:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                      1997             1996               1995
                                                                     -------         -------            -------
<S>                                                                  <C>             <C>                <C> 
Service cost benefits earned during the period............           $ 2,482         $ 2,769            $ 3,044
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
    benefit obligation....................................             7,103           7,947             11,932
Actual return on plan assets..............................            (1,770)         (1,527)            (1,107)
Net amortization and deferral.............................            (7,223)         (6,069)            (1,436)
                                                                     -------         -------            -------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost..................           $   592         $ 3,120            $12,433
                                                                     =======         =======            =======
</TABLE> 

For measurement purposes, the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered
health care benefits was assumed to be 5.5% per year and remains at that level
until a predetermined benefit cap is reached. This fixed dollar cap was
established as the per capita projected cost level in 1997 associated with the
Corporation's indemnity medical plan. The health care cost trend rate assumption
has an effect on the amounts reported. To illustrate, increasing the assumed
health care cost trend rates by 1 percentage point in each year would increase
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1997 by
$4,355 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net
periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $386.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 6.0%. The
weighted-average discount rate used in determining the Corporation's accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.25% and 7.5%, respectively, at December
31, 1997 and 1996.

                                       70
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

14.  LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

The Corporation has outstanding options granted under the Corporation's
long-term incentive plan (the "Plan"). As provided in the Plan, a variety of
incentives can be issued to eligible participants including restricted stock
awards, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, or stock
appreciation rights. Meridian and United Counties had maintained similar plans.
Options granted under those plans were assumed by the Corporation upon
consummation of their respective acquisitions. The Plan provides for a maximum
number of options available to be granted each year equal to 1.5% of outstanding
common shares as of January 1 of that year. Options under the Plan are granted
to purchase the Corporation's common shares at market value on the date of grant
and are exercisable one year from the date of grant for a period not exceeding
ten years from the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights may be granted in
conjunction with the granting of an option.

Information on option activity for 1997 and 1996 follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                  1997                                       1996  
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                   Shares under         Weighted-Average       Shares Under        Weighted-Average
                                                      Option             Exercise Price           Option            Exercise Price  

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

<S>                                                <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C> 
Balance at beginning of year.............            5,789,064             $29.98              8,581,554             $23.86
Options granted..........................            1,634,052(a)           51.50              1,968,001 (a)          41.49
Options exercised........................           (2,201,107)             28.32             (4,519,411)             23.27
Options canceled.........................             (155,110)             50.04               (241,080)             31.84
                                                   ------------                              --------------                         

Balance at end of year...................            5,066,899              37.00              5,789,064              29.98
                                                     =========                                 =========      
                                                                                                               
Shares exercisable.......................            3,585,769              31.00              4,405,540              25.37
                                                     =========                                 =========      

</TABLE> 

(a) The fair value of options granted during 1997 and 1996 was $14.5 million and
    $12.6 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December
31, 1997:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                             
                                                 Options  Outstanding                                Options Exercisable 
                           ------------------------------------------------------------        ----------------------------------
                                               Weighted-Average
       Range of               Number               Remaining           Weighted-Average           Number         Weighted-Average
   Exercise Prices         Outstanding         Contractual Life         Price Exercise         Exercisable        Exercise Price  
   ---------------         -----------         ----------------        ----------------        -----------       ----------------   

<S>                        <C>                  <C>                     <C>                     <C>                   <C> 
  $ 8.20 to $19.50             195,977               2.8 years              $15.30                195,977             $15.30
  $20.53 to $29.95           2,306,766               6.2                     27.10              2,306,766              27.10
  $37.96 to $51.50           2,564,156               8.7                     47.55              1,083,026              42.16
                            ----------                                                         ----------
  $ 8.20 to $51.50           5,066,899               7.3                     37.00              3,585,769              31.00
                            ==========                                                         ==========
</TABLE> 

The Corporation uses the intrinsic value method of accounting to measure
compensation expense. If the fair value method had been used to measure
compensation expense, net income would have been reduced by $9.8 million, or
$0.05 per share, $7.4 million, or $0.03 per share, and $7.2 million, or $0.03
per share, to $803.4 million, or $3.91 per share, $641.8 million, or $2.91 per
share, and $647.9 million, or $2.88 per share, for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The fair value of options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was estimated at the
date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 5.49% to
7.80%, dividend yield of 4.0%, volatility factors of the expected market price
of the Corporation's common stock of .148 to .223, and a weighted-average
expected life of the options of 6 years.

                                       71
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

14.   LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN - continued

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Corporation's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.


15. OFF-BALANCE SHEET DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND
    CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In the normal course of business, there are outstanding commitments and
contingent liabilities which are not reflected in the financial statements.
These include various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk used in
connection with the Corporation's asset and liability management, the management
of interest rate risk in securities trading positions and to provide for the
needs of customers. These involve varying degrees of credit, interest rate and
liquidity risk, but do not represent unusual risks for the Corporation and
management does not anticipate any significant losses as a result of these
transactions.

Derivative Financial Instruments Held or Issued for Purposes Other Than Trading

The Corporation uses off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments, such as
interest rate swaps, futures and caps, to manage interest rate risk. The
Corporation's exposure to interest rate risk stems from the mismatch between the
sensitivity to movements in interest rates of the Corporation's assets and
liabilities and from the spread risk between the rates on those assets and
liabilities and financial market rates. The use of derivatives to manage
interest rate risk falls into three categories: interest sensitivity
adjustments, interest rate spread protection and hedging anticipated asset
sales.

Interest rate swaps and futures are generally used to lengthen the interest rate
sensitivity of short-term assets and to shorten the repricing characteristics of
longer term liabilities. Interest rate caps are used to manage spread risk.
Interest rate caps are also used to offset the risk of upward interest rate
movement on adjustable rate mortgages and other products with imbedded caps as
well as to reduce the risk that interest rate spreads narrow on prime based
products. Gains or losses are used to adjust the basis of the related asset or
liability and interest differentials are adjustments of the related interest
income or expense.

In connection with anticipated sales of longer term assets acquired through
merger or generated in the loan origination process, the Corporation uses
interest rate swaps, rate locks and option agreements to reduce interest rate
sensitivity as the assets are readied for sale. Hedge gains or losses are used
to adjust the basis of the assets held for sale.

Derivative financial instruments used in the management of interest rate risk at
December 31, 1997 are summarized by category in the table on page 27. A summary
of interest rate swap contracts categorized by whether the Corporation receives
or pays fixed rates and stratified by repricing or maturity date is on page 30.
Foreign currency derivatives used for hedging activities have not had a material
impact on income or liquidity of the Corporation for any of the years presented.

                                       72
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

15.  OFF-BALANCE SHEET DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND
     CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - continued

Derivative Financial Instruments Held or Issued for Trading Purposes

In its business of providing risk management services for its customers, the
Corporation purchases and sells certain derivatives including interest rate
swaps, caps and floors. In addition, as part of its international business, the
Corporation enters into foreign exchange contracts on behalf of customers. These
contracts are matched against forward sale or purchase contracts. Customer
related derivative financial instrument transactions are generally marked to
market and any gains or losses are recorded in the income statement. The
Corporation also holds derivatives in connection with its securities trading
activities and, at times, as a position taken in the expectation of profiting
from favorable movements in interest rates. These products include tender option
bonds and Treasury float contracts. Included in the income statement are trading
revenues from derivatives of $33,901 of which $25,531 represents net foreign
exchange gains included in fees for international services.

Customer and trading related derivative financial instruments at December 31,
1997 and 1996 are summarized by type of instrument in the table on page 32.

The following is a summary of off-balance sheet commitments and derivative
financial instruments as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, including fair values.
See Note 3 for a discussion of fair value.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


                                                                     1997                                1996  
                                                        ------------------------------      ------------------------------ 
                                                           Notional            Fair            Notional            Fair
                                                              or              Value               or              Value
                                                         Contractual         of Asset        Contractual         of Asset
                                                             Amount        (Liability)          Amount         (Liability)
                                                        ------------       -----------      ------------       ----------- 
<S>                                                     <C>                <C>              <C>                <C> 
Standby letters of credit, net of participations (a)    $  1,817,591       $   (18,176)     $  1,630,621       $   (16,306)
Commercial letters of credit.......................        1,474,392           (14,744)        1,262,593           (12,625)
Commitments to extend credit (b)...................       19,332,394           (28,581)       15,396,553           (21,204)
Unused commitments under credit card lines.........        4,542,842                 -         4,173,013                 -
When-issued securities (c):
      Commitments to purchase......................           47,838                (5)            1,770                 -
      Commitments to sell..........................          106,310              (455)           75,120              (140)
Commitments to purchase/sell whole mortgage loans 
   and securities (c):
       Commitments to purchase.....................           15,782                30            17,280                30
       Commitments to sell.........................           39,120            (1,254)            7,965               (70)
Mortgage loans sold and  loan servicing acquired
    with recourse (d)..............................          299,322            (8,559)          361,410            (9,637)
Interest rate futures contracts (e):
    Commitments to purchase........................        1,866,100            (1,764)        4,489,800             2,781
Commitments to purchase foreign and
    U.S. currencies (f)............................        2,240,895             4,025         1,766,122              (488)
Interest rate swaps, notional principal
    amounts (g)....................................       12,479,564            97,670         9,850,708            67,673
Interest rate caps and floors (h):
    Written........................................        1,693,886            (3,091)          908,799            (2,842)
    Purchased......................................        2,768,289            11,003         2,039,331            17,383
Tender option bonds (i)............................          849,854            37,876           148,711             5,976
Treasury float contracts (j).......................          246,781               646           270,358               682
Other derivatives..................................          541,746             2,901           597,261             5,644

</TABLE> 

                                       73
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)


15.  OFF-BALANCE SHEET DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND
     CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - continued

(a)  Standby letters of credit ("SBLC") are used in various transactions to
     enhance the credit standing of the Corporation's customers and are
     subjected to the same risk, credit review and approval process as loans.
     SBLC's are irrevocable assurances that the Corporation will make payment in
     the event that a customer cannot perform its contractual obligations to
     third parties.

(b)  Commitments to extend credit represent the Corporation's obligation to fund
     various types of loans, including home equity lines, lines of credit,
     revolving lines of credit and other types of commitments.

(c)  The Corporation has commitments to purchase/sell mortgage-backed securities
     or loans with delivery at a future date but typically within 120 days. The
     fair value of these instruments is affected by interest rates. In a
     declining interest rate environment, commitments to sell mortgage-backed
     securities or loans will decline in value. In a rising interest rate
     environment, commitments to buy mortgage-backed securities or loans will
     decrease in value.

     Forward agreements to sell securities are used in transactions with
     municipalities that generally have a debt payment due in the future. Under
     these agreements, the Corporation agrees to deliver primarily United States
     Treasury securities that will mature on or before the required payment
     date. The type and associated interest rate of these securities is
     established when the agreement is entered. The primary risk associated with
     forward agreements is interest rate risk to the extent the required
     securities have not been purchased. If interest rates fall, securities
     yielding the higher agreed upon fixed rate will be more expensive for the
     Corporation to purchase.

     When-issued securities and commitments to purchase/sell whole mortgage
     loans and securities are entirely customer and trading-related products.

(d)  The Corporation originates and sells residential mortgage loans as part of
     various mortgage-backed security programs sponsored by the United States
     government agencies or government-sponsored agencies, such as the
     Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage
     Corporation and the Federal National Mortgage Association. Certain sales
     and other servicing acquired are subject to recourse provisions in the
     event of default by the borrower. The Corporation provides for potential
     losses under these recourse provisions by establishing reserves at the time
     of sale and evaluates the adequacy of these reserves on an ongoing basis.

(e)  Exchange traded futures contracts represent agreements to exchange dollar
     amounts at a specified future date for interest rate differentials between
     an agreed interest rate and a reference rate, computed on a notional
     amount. Credit and market risk exist with respect to these instruments.
     Exchange traded futures contracts entail daily cash settlement; therefore,
     the credit risk amount represents a one-day receivable.

(f)  Commitments to purchase foreign and U.S. currencies are primarily executed
     for the needs of customers. These foreign exchange contracts are structured
     similar to interest rate futures and forward contracts. The risk associated
     with a foreign exchange contract arises from the counterparty's ability to
     make payment at settlement and that the value of a foreign currency might
     change in relation to the U.S. dollar. The Corporation's exposure, if any,
     to counterparty failure equals the current market value of the contract,
     which at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was $35,257 and $27,962, respectively.
     Included in fees for international services are net foreign exchange gains
     of $25,531, $22,557, and $22,943 for the years ended December 31, 1997,
     1996 and 1995, respectively.

(g)  Interest rate swaps generally represent the contractual exchange of fixed
     and variable rate interest payments based on a notional principal amount
     and an interest reference rate. Credit risk exists with respect to these
     instruments arising from the possible failure of the counterparty to make
     required payments on those contracts which are favorable to the
     Corporation. The Corporation's exposure to counterparty failure equals the
     current replacement cost of the contract. At December 31, 1997 and 1996,
     the replacement cost of the Corporation's interest rate swap contracts was
     $163,903 and $118,929, respectively. The risk of counterparty failure is
     controlled by limiting transactions to an approved list of counterparties
     and requiring collateral in certain instances. Net cash received on
     interest rate swaps during 1997 and 1996 totaled $54,230 and $68,103,
     respectively.

                                       74
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

15.  OFF-BALANCE SHEET DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND
     CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - continued

(h)  Interest rate caps and floors are written by the Corporation to enable
     customers to transfer, modify or reduce their interest rate risk. Interest
     rate caps and floors are similar to interest rate swaps except that
     payments are made only if current interest rates move above or below a
     predetermined rate. The risk associated with interest rate caps and floors
     is an unfavorable change in interest rates. As a writer of interest rate
     caps and floors, the Corporation receives a premium in exchange for bearing
     the risk of an unfavorable change in interest rates. The Corporation
     generally reduces risk by entering into offsetting cap and floor positions
     that essentially counterbalance each other. The Corporation also enters
     interest rate caps to offset the risk of upward interest rate movement on
     assets with embedded caps as well as to limit spread risk. As a purchaser
     of interest rate caps, the Corporation pays a premium in exchange for the
     right to receive payments if interest rates rise above predetermined
     levels. The Corporation has also purchased interest rate floors in which
     the Corporation has paid a fee for the right to receive payments if rates
     fall below a predetermined level. Similar to interest rate swaps, credit
     risk exists with respect to the possible failure of the counterparty to
     make required payments on those contracts which are favorable to the
     Corporation. Exposure to counterparty failure equals the current
     replacement cost of the contract which totaled $11,003 and $17,383,
     respectively, at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

(i)  Tender option bonds are instruments associated with tax-free municipal
     bonds. The Corporation will transfer a tax-free, fixed rate, long-term
     security into a trust. The trust, in turn, issues short-term securities to
     third parties. The trust satisfies the short-term interest payments using
     the interest proceeds from the municipal bond. The Corporation receives the
     spread between the long-term fixed interest payment and the short-term
     security.

(j)  A Treasury float contract is created because a municipality, which has
     defeased a bond issue with government securities, has a mismatch in the
     timing of the maturity of the securities and the date the funds are needed
     to pay the debt service. The Corporation will pay an up-front fee for the
     right to sell government securities to the municipality, generally at par.
     The Corporation retains any profit between the sales price and the price at
     which the Corporation acquired the securities.


Contingent Liabilities

In the normal course of business, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are
subject to numerous pending and threatened legal actions and proceedings, some
for which the relief or damages sought are substantial. Management does not
believe the outcome of these actions and proceedings will have a materially
adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Corporation.

                                       75
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

16.  PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 consists of the following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                            1997              1996            1995  
                                                          --------          --------        --------
<S>                                                       <C>               <C>             <C> 
Current:
   Federal.......................................         $142,688          $344,142        $303,647
   State.........................................           14,368            20,401          24,134
                                                          --------          --------        --------
        Total domestic...........................          157,056           364,543         327,781
   Foreign.......................................           11,775            12,121           8,240
                                                          --------          --------        --------
        Total current............................          168,831           376,664         336,021
Deferred Federal and state expense...............          100,751             9,156          28,420
                                                          --------          --------        --------
        Total provision for income taxes.........         $269,582          $385,820        $364,441
                                                          ========          ========        ========

</TABLE> 

The significant components of the Corporation's deferred tax assets and
liabilities at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                              1997          1996
                                                         ---------        ---------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C> 
Deferred tax assets:
    Allowance for loan losses....................         $270,169        $ 261,180
    Postretirement and postemployment benefits...           48,550           57,191
    Reserves.....................................           50,186           56,489
    Other                                                   80,135           77,181
                                                          --------        ---------
         Total deferred tax assets...............          449,040          452,041
                                                          --------        ---------

Deferred tax liabilities:
    Auto leasing portfolio.......................          136,253          142,196
    FAS 115 fair value accounting................           17,094           14,298
    Partnership investments......................            4,558            3,781
    Tax over book depreciation...................           43,711           38,446
    Affiliate income.............................           38,862           32,873
    Other                                                   70,584           71,802
                                                          --------        ---------
         Total deferred tax liabilities..........          311,062          303,396
                                                          --------        ---------
Net deferred tax assets..........................         $137,978        $ 148,645
                                                          ========        =========

</TABLE> 

At December 31, 1997, cumulative deductible temporary differences related to the
deferred tax asset are approximately $1,283,000. Cumulative taxable temporary
differences related to deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 1997 are
estimated at $889,000.

At December 31, 1997, the Corporation has determined that it is not required to
establish a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset since it is more
likely than not that the deferred tax asset of $449,040 will be realized
principally through carryback to taxable income in prior years, future reversals
of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income and to a lesser
extent, tax planning strategies. The Corporation's conclusion that it is "more
likely than not" that the deferred tax asset will be realized is based on a
history of growth in earnings and the prospects for continued growth, including
an analysis of potential uncertainties that may affect future operating results.
The Corporation will continue to review the tax criteria of "more likely than
not" for the recognition of deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis.

                                       76
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

16.  PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES - continued

The consolidated effective tax rates are reconciled to the statutory rate as
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                            1997            1996           1995
                                                           -----           -----          -----
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>            <C> 
Statutory rate.....................................         35.0%           35.0%          35.0%
Difference resulting from:
    Tax-exempt income..............................         (1.4)           (1.6)          (2.0)
    State, local and foreign income tax............          1.0             1.6            1.5
    Liquidation of affiliate.......................        (10.1)              -              -
    Other, net.....................................          0.4             2.3            1.2
                                                           -----           -----          -----
Effective tax rate.................................         24.9%           37.3%          35.7%
                                                           =====           =====          =====
</TABLE> 

Foreign earnings of certain subsidiaries would be taxed only upon their transfer
to the United States. No transfers or dividends are contemplated at this time.
Taxes payable upon remittance of such accumulated earnings of $21,323 at
December 31, 1997 would approximate $7,065.

Taxes, other than income taxes, included in other operating expenses for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are $107,553, $101,109 and
$105,913, respectively.

                                       77
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)


17.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 The following represents summarized quarterly financial data of the
 Corporation, which, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments
 (comprising only normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                            Three Months Ended
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Dec. 31               Sept. 30             June 30            March 31
                                                 --------               --------            --------            --------
<S>                                             <C>                    <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
1997
Interest income...............................   $888,593               $873,034            $850,359            $817,329
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Interest expense..............................   $363,676               $342,540            $316,006            $291,225
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Net interest income...........................   $524,917               $530,494            $534,353            $526,104
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Provision for losses on loans.................   $120,000(a)            $ 50,000            $ 50,000            $ 43,000
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Securities gains..............................   $ 6,254                $  5,023            $  5,015            $  4,819
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Net income ...................................   $216,626(b)(c)         $198,814            $199,726            $198,113
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Net income per common share:
   Basic......................................      $1.09                  $1.00               $0.97               $0.94
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
   Diluted....................................       1.08                   0.98                0.97                0.93
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Average common shares outstanding:
   Basic......................................    197,920                199,817             204,982             211,276
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
   Diluted....................................    200,416                202,704             206,712             213,162
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Common stock price information:
   High.......................................  $81   3/8              $68 13/16             $57 7/8             $55
   Low........................................   65 11/16               53   1/4              46 1/2              47 1/2
   Quarter-end................................   80   1/2               66  3/16              53 3/4              47 1/2

1996
Interest income...............................   $835,649               $823,082            $815,755            $823,718
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Interest expense..............................   $298,561               $282,735            $282,360            $293,064
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Net interest income...........................   $537,088               $540,347            $533,395            $530,654
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Provision for losses on loans.................   $ 40,000               $ 40,000            $110,000(d)         $ 38,767
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Securities gains..............................   $  4,036               $ 31,135             $17,393            $  6,948
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Net income ...................................   $195,546               $196,857             $79,597(d)(e)      $177,144
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Net income per common share:
   Basic......................................      $0.91                  $0.89               $0.36(d)(e)         $0.81
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
   Diluted....................................       0.90                   0.88                0.36                0.80
                                                 ========               ========            ========            ========
Average common shares outstanding:
   Basic......................................    215,866                220,409             219,478             219,512
                                                 ========                =======            ========             =======
   Diluted....................................    218,020                222,270             220,621             221,253
                                                 ========                =======             =======             =======
Common stock price information:
   High.......................................    $55 3/8                $44                 $43 1/8             $44
   Low........................................     42 3/4                 35 1/2              35 3/4              36 1/8
   Quarter-end................................     51 7/8                 43 1/4              38 1/2              42 3/8

</TABLE> 

    (a) Includes a $70.0 million, $44.9 million after-tax or $0.22 per share,
        special provision for loan losses primarily related to management's
        decision to sell approximately $450 million of credit card outstandings.
    (b) Includes a tax benefit of $109.0 million, or $0.54 per share, related to
        the liquidation of an affiliate. 
    (c) Includes restructuring and merger-related charges of $15.0 million, $9.6
        million after-tax or $0.05 per share, and other significant one-time
        charges of $57.0 million, $36.5 million after-tax or $0.18 per share.
    (d) Includes a provision for loan losses of $70.0 million, $45.5 million
        after-tax or $0.20 per share, related to the Meridian acquisition.
    (e) Includes net restructuring and merger-related charges of $139.7 million,
        $105.3 million after-tax or $0.47 per share, primarily recorded in the
        second quarter and related to costs associated with the Meridian
        acquisition.

                                       78
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)


18.  JOINT VENTURE

In December 1992, the Corporation entered into a joint venture with three other
banking companies creating Electronic Payment Services, Inc. ("EPS"). The joint
venture combines the partners' separate consumer electronic transaction
processing businesses and provides automated teller machine ("ATM") and
electronic point-of-sale ("POS") processing services. The Corporation
contributed to EPS its wholly-owned subsidiaries of Money Access Service Inc.
("MAC"), a regional ATM network, and BUYPASS Corporation, a third-party
processor of electronic POS transactions.

At the formation of EPS, the Corporation had equal ownership with two partners
in the joint venture, each with 31%. The fourth partner owned 7%. As part of the
1992 transaction, the Corporation received a cash payment of $79,350 and
$245,400 of EPS 5% cumulative redeemable preferred stock. The exchange of assets
involved in the transaction resulted in a 1992 pre-tax gain to the Corporation
of $41,072, $25,670 after-tax. The exchange also generated a deferred gain of
approximately $138,000.

In December 1993, the Corporation and EPS mutually agreed to enter into a
recapitalization of EPS involving the EPS preferred stock held by the
Corporation. In exchange for substantially all of the preferred stock, the
Corporation received from EPS a ten-year 6.45% note providing for equal
principal payments over the life of the note. The recapitalization did not
affect the amount of deferred gain, but changed the timing of deferred gain
income recognition from a five-year period beginning in 1996 to a ten-year
period which began in 1994.

On March 27, 1995, EPS added a new partner and increased the ownership interests
of an existing partner to that of a full partner, resulting in a decrease in the
Corporation's share of ownership from 31% to 20%. As a direct result of this
change in ownership interests, the Corporation recognized a pre-tax gain of
$19,000, $11,800 after-tax or $0.05 per share, in 1995. Included in the pre-tax
gain amount was $4,000 related to the acceleration of deferred gain recognition.

The Corporation's investment in EPS at December 31, 1997, net of $87,000
deferred gain, is $59,156 and is included in other assets. "Income from
investment in EPS, Inc.", which is included in non-interest income, reflects the
Corporation's share in EPS net income, interest income on the 6.45% note and
amortization of the deferred gain.

                                       79
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

19.  RESTRUCTURING AND MERGER-RELATED CHARGES

A summary of restructuring and merger-related charges for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                         1997         1996         1995  
                                                      ---------    ---------    ----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C> 
Merger-related restructuring charges.............     $   6,200    $ 161,598    $  10,000
Strategic technology alliance charges............         8,800            -            -
Meridian merger-related implementation costs.....             -       29,019            -
Process redesign restructuring charges...........             -            -      142,000
Gains on sales of branches.......................             -      (43,064)      (3,988)
Pension curtailment gains........................             -       (7,851)      (9,412)
                                                      ---------    ---------    ----------
    Total........................................       $15,000    $ 139,702    $ 138,600
                                                      =========    =========    ==========
</TABLE> 

In 1997, CoreStates recorded pre-tax restructuring and merger-related charges of
$15,000, $9,612 after-tax or $0.05 per share, primarily related to costs
incurred in the pending First Union merger and costs incurred in the creation of
a strategic technology alliance with Andersen Consulting. Cash outflow related
to these costs in 1997 was $11,700.

In 1996, the Corporation recorded merger-related restructuring charges of
$161,598, $120,150 after-tax or $0.54 per share, in connection
with the acquisitions of Meridian and United Counties. The charges included
direct and incremental costs associated with these acquisitions. The components
of the merger-related restructuring charges were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                Requiring       Cash
                                                                  Cash        Outflow
                                                Provision        Outflow      to Date  
                                                ---------       ---------     --------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>           <C> 
Severance costs.........................         $ 70,469        $ 70,469     $ 65,941
Branch closing costs....................           33,469          15,102        6,585
Office reconfiguration costs............           19,059           2,792       (5,764)
Merger transaction costs................           14,624          14,624       13,461
System consolidation writedowns.........            6,391               -            -
Miscellaneous...........................           17,586          17,593       12,316
                                                 --------        --------     --------
      Total.............................         $161,598        $120,580     $ 92,539
                                                 ========        ========     ========

</TABLE> 

The severance costs relate to severance packages, which were or are expected to
be paid to approximately 1,350 employees who have been displaced as a result of
the Meridian consolidation.

Restructuring and merger-related charges in 1996 also included $29,019, $18,263
after-tax or $0.07 per share, of implementation costs that were incurred in the
process of consolidating Meridian and United Counties businesses and operations.

The Corporation recorded restructuring credits of $50,915, $33,096 after-tax or
$0.14 per share and $13,400, $8,549 after-tax or $0.03 per share in 1996 and
1995, respectively, related to gains on the curtailment of pension benefits
associated with employees displaced during 1996 and 1995 and gains on the sale
of branches which were sold as a result of consolidating the Meridian and United
Counties branches and the process redesigns.

Upon consummation of the Meridian merger, the Corporation recorded a $70 million
provision for loan losses in connection with a change in strategic direction
related to Meridian's problem assets and to conform its consumer lending
charge-off policies to those of the Corporation.

                                       80
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

19. RESTRUCTURING AND MERGER-RELATED CHARGES - continued


In 1995, the Corporation recorded restructuring charges of $142,000, $90,800
after-tax or $0.40 per share, in connection with process redesigns commenced
during that year. The objectives of the process redesigns were: (i) to enhance
customer focus; (ii) to accelerate "cultural changes" which were already in
progress; and (iii) to improve productivity. The charges included direct and
incremental costs associated with the process redesigns. The components of the
process redesign restructuring charges were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                             Requiring         Cash
                                                               Cash           Outflow
                                             Provision        Outflow         to Date
                                             ----------     ----------      ----------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>             <C> 
Severance costs........................      $   87,900     $   87,900      $   87,328
Office reconfiguration and branch
    closing costs......................          44,300         16,600           6,901
Outplacement costs.....................           2,500          2,500           2,358
Miscellaneous..........................           7,300          5,300           4,653
                                             ----------     ----------      ----------
     Total.............................      $  142,000     $  112,300      $  101,240
                                             ==========     ==========      ==========
</TABLE> 


The following table summarizes the activity in the restructuring and
merger-related accrual for the year ended December 31, 1997:

                                                        1997  
                                                      --------
Balance at beginning of year................          $108,205
Provision charged against income............            15,000
Cash outflow................................           (59,451)
Writedowns of assets........................           (30,269)
                                                      -------- 
Balance at December 31,.....................         $  33,485
                                                     =========

                                       81
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)


20.    EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                   Year ended December 31,
                                                       ---------------------------------------------
                                                         1997               1996              1995  
                                                       --------           --------          --------
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>               <C> 
Earnings
- --------
(a) Net income..............................           $813,279           $649,144          $655,176
                                                       ========           ========          ========

Average Common Shares
- ---------------------
(b) Average common shares outstanding.......            203,452            218,812           222,268
    Average potentially dilutive shares.....              2,116              1,886             2,398
                                                       --------            -------           -------
(c) Average common and potentially
      dilutive shares.......................            205,568            220,698           224,666
                                                        =======            =======           =======

Net Income Per Common Share
- ---------------------------
Basic (a / b)...............................              $4.00              $2.97             $2.95
                                                          =====              =====             =====
Diluted (a / c).............................              $3.96              $2.94             $2.92
                                                          =====              =====             =====
</TABLE> 

21.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                
STATEMENT OF INCOME                                                             Year ended December 31,
                                                                     ----------------------------------------
                                                                        1997             1996          1995  
                                                                     ---------        ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                 <C>               <C>           <C> 

REVENUES
- --------
Dividends from subsidiaries:
   Banks....................................................         $ 625,000        $ 657,744     $ 373,023
   Other subsidiaries.......................................            90,940           27,217        91,917
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
      Total dividends from subsidiaries.....................           715,940          684,961       464,940
Management fees and other income from subsidiaries..........           189,000          178,179       190,027
Securities gains (losses)...................................                 -              (22)       16,343
Other income................................................               444            3,054         3,241
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
      Total revenues........................................           905,384          866,172       674,551
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------

EXPENSES
- --------
Interest on:
   Funds borrowed...........................................            13,361            5,606        19,685
   Long-term debt...........................................            18,436           22,843        21,578
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
      Total interest expense................................            31,797           28,449        41,263
Other operating expenses....................................           181,663          245,836       219,463
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
      Total expenses........................................           213,460          274,285       260,726
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
Income before income tax benefit and equity in
     undistributed income of subsidiaries...................           691,924          591,887       413,825
Income tax benefit..........................................            (6,953)         (14,911)      (11,977)
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries           698,877          606,798       425,802
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
Equity in undistributed income (excess dividends) of subsidiaries:
     Banks..................................................            62,503          (52,497)      203,909
     Other subsidiaries.....................................            51,899           94,843        25,465
                                                                     ---------         --------     ---------
                                                                       114,402           42,346       229,374
      Total equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries..         ---------         --------     ---------
NET INCOME..................................................         $ 813,279         $649,144     $ 655,176
- ----------                                                           =========         ========     =========

</TABLE> 

                                       82
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

21.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY - continued

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

BALANCE SHEET                                                               December 31,
                                                                    --------------------------
                                                                       1997             1996
                                                                    ----------      ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
- ------
Cash  ......................................................        $    1,508      $    1,374
Time deposits...............................................                 -             887
Investment-securities available-for-sale....................            15,512          97,786
Investments and receivables - subsidiaries:
  Investments in subsidiaries at equity in underlying net assets:
   Banks....................................................         3,220,941       3,389,148
   Other subsidiaries.......................................           655,274         558,062
                                                                    ----------      ----------
      Total investments in subsidiaries.....................         3,876,215       3,947,210
  Receivables - subsidiaries................................           113,715          40,814
                                                                    ----------      ----------
      Total investments and receivables-subsidiaries........         3,989,930       3,988,024
Other assets................................................            42,258          80,039
                                                                    ----------      ----------
      Total assets..........................................        $4,049,208      $4,168,110
                                                                    ==========      ==========
LIABILITIES
- -----------
Funds borrowed - subsidiaries...............................        $  359,123      $        -
Dividends payable and other liabilities.....................           196,911         214,925
Long-term debt..............................................           255,742         257,491
                                                                    ----------      ----------
      Total liabilities.....................................           811,776         472,416
                                                                    ----------      ----------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------
      Total shareholders' equity............................         3,237,432       3,695,694
                                                                    ----------      ----------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............        $4,049,208      $4,168,110
                                                                    ==========      ==========
</TABLE> 

     The Corporation has guaranteed certain borrowings of its subsidiaries at
December 31, 1997 in the amount of $3,331,835 which includes $865,835 for
commercial paper.

     The maturities for parent company long-term debt for the years ending
December 31, 1998 through 2002 are: $1,607; $1,751; $151,855; $696 and $99,833,
respectively.

                                       83
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands)

21.   FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY - continued

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

    Statement of Cash Flows
                                                                                            Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                  -----------------------------------------
                                                                                    1997            1996            1995  
                                                                                  ----------      -----------    ----------
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>            <C> 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income.............................................................        $  813,279      $   649,144    $  655,176
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
       Undistributed income of subsidiaries...............................          (114,402)         (42,346)     (229,374)
       Securities losses (gains)..........................................                 -               22       (16,343)
       Deferred income tax expense (benefit)..............................             2,644              180          (785)
       Net decrease (increase) in other assets............................            29,749           (6,969)       24,265
       Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities.......................             2,577            8,454       (22,761)
       Other, net.........................................................             6,073            7,288         7,840
                                                                                  ----------      -----------    ----------
     NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES............................           739,920          615,773       418,018
                                                                                  ----------      -----------    ----------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Net capital returned from subsidiaries.................................           190,000          270,226       190,900
   (Increase) decrease in receivables from subsidiaries...................           (72,901)         107,069        (3,593)
   Purchases of investment securities.....................................           (53,493)        (707,008)     (170,988)
   Proceeds from maturities and sales of investment securities............           135,767          717,536       118,483
   Other, net.............................................................                 -                -        (1,380)
                                                                                  ----------      -----------    ----------
       NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES..........................           199,373          387,823       133,422
                                                                                  ----------      -----------    ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Repayment of funds borrowed............................................                 -                -       (75,000)
   Retirement of long-term debt...........................................            (1,749)         (77,401)       (1,471)
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt...............................                 -                -       149,877
   Net increase (decrease) in financing from and due to subsidiaries......           369,329         (115,498)      (94,054)
   Cash dividends paid....................................................          (391,781)        (328,114)     (286,565)
   Purchases of treasury stock............................................        (1,007,832)        (533,932)     (335,528)
   Repurchase and retirement of common stock..............................                 -          (57,703)      (17,134)
   Common stock issued under employee benefit plans.......................            62,873           87,726        99,011
   Other, net.............................................................            30,001           21,360         6,777
                                                                                  ----------      -----------    ----------
   NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES..................................          (939,159)      (1,003,562)     (554,087)
                                                                                  -----------     -----------    ----------
     INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS.......................               134               34        (2,647)
     Cash and due from banks at January 1,................................             1,374            1,340         3,987
                                                                                  ----------      -----------    ----------
     CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS AT DECEMBER 31,..............................        $    1,508      $     1,374    $    1,340
                                                                                  ==========      ===========    ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION 
   Cash paid during the year for:
     Interest.............................................................        $   28,187      $    25,267    $   40,745
                                                                                  ==========      ===========    ==========
     Income taxes.........................................................        $        -      $         -    $       43
                                                                                  ==========      ===========    ==========

</TABLE> 

                                       84
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES                         Page 1 of 2
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND TAXABLE EQUIVALENT INCOME/EXPENSE
AND RATES

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                              1997                                 1996               
                                                 ----------------------------------  --------------------------------   
                                                  Average                Income/       Average                Income/ 
                                                  balance     Rate       expense       balance    Rate        expense             
                                                 --------    ------   -------------  ----------  -------     ---------  
<S>                                             <C>          <C>      <C>            <C>         <C>        <C> 
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS                         (000,000)                 (000)      (000,000)                 (000)  
Time deposits, principally Eurodollars (a).....  $ 2,800      5.76%    $ 161,418       $ 2,163    5.68%      $ 122,752
Investment securities (b):                                                                                            
  U.S. Government..............................    2,257      6.09       137,487         3,262    6.02         196,511
  State and municipal..........................      391      7.86        30,744           497    8.05          40,008
  Other........................................    1,044      5.99        62,578           903    5.95          53,723
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
         Total investment securities...........    3,692      6.25       230,809         4,662    6.23         290,242
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
Federal funds sold and securities purchased                                                                           
   under agreements to resell..................      137      6.08         8,323           332    5.71          18,966
Trading account securities.....................      282      8.32        23,473           112    6.77           7,581
Loans (b)(c)(d):                                                                                                      
  Domestic:                                                                                                           
    Commercial, industrial and other...........   15,193      8.79     1,335,058        13,398    9.03       1,209,870
    Real estate................................    9,288      8.21       762,769        10,094    8.49         857,105
    Consumer...................................    4,862     12.02       584,347         4,536   11.67         529,503
    Financial institutions.....................      911      7.06        64,332           847    6.45          54,648
    Factoring receivables......................      500      9.66        48,280           497   10.09          50,156
    Lease financing............................    1,213      7.94        96,331         1,180    8.05          95,018
  Foreign......................................    2,121      6.50       137,760         1,387    6.39          88,563
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
          Total loans, net of discounts........   34,088      8.89     3,028,877        31,939    9.03       2,884,863
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
          Total interest earning assets (d)....  $40,999      8.42     3,452,900       $39,208    8.48       3,324,404
                                                 =======      ----     ---------       =======    ----       ---------
FUNDING SOURCES 
Interest bearing liabilities (b):                                                                     
  Deposits in domestic offices (e):                                                                                   
    Commercial.................................  $ 1,770      5.57        98,669       $   601    5.13          30,857
    NOW accounts...............................      390      1.34         4,697         1,439    1.14          15,112
    Money Market Accounts......................    9,075      2.62       236,152         7,585    2.64         199,566
    Consumer savings...........................    3,642      1.20        43,815         4,563    1.77          80,972
    Consumer certificates......................    8,483      5.14       436,135         9,067    5.15         467,099
  Time deposits of overseas branches                                                                                  
      and subsidiaries.........................    1,307      4.97        64,896         1,034    4.66          48,174
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
          Total interest bearing deposits......   24,667      3.60       884,364        24,289    3.49         841,780
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
  Short-term funds borrowed:                                                                                          
    Federal funds purchased and securities                                                                            
      sold under agreements to repurchase......    1,487      5.43        80,681         1,622    5.07          82,214
    Commercial paper...........................      914      5.61        51,289           962    5.44          52,353
    Other......................................    1,013      5.71        57,865           374    4.96          18,562
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
          Total short-term funds borrowed......    3,414      5.56       189,835         2,958    5.18         153,129
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
  Long-term debt...............................    3,683      6.50       239,248         2,536    6.38         161,811
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------
          Total interest bearing liabilities...   31,764      4.14     1,313,447        29,783    3.88       1,156,720
Portion of non-interest bearing funding                                                                                
  sources......................................    9,235                                 9,425                          
                                                 -------               ---------       -------               ---------  
          Total funding sources................  $40,999      3.20     1,313,447       $39,208    2.95       1,156,720
                                                 =======      ----     ---------       =======    ----       ---------
Net interest income and net interest margin....               5.22%    $2,139,453                 5.53%     $2,167,684
                                                              ====     ==========                 ====       =========
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                   1995
                                                    ---------------------------------
                                                      Average                Income/    
                                                      balance     Rate       expense    
                                                    ---------    ------   ----------- 
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>      <C> 
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS                             (000,000)                (000)
Time deposits, principally Eurodollars (a)......      $ 1,929    6.32%    $ 121,993
Investment securities (b):                          
  U.S. Government...............................        4,946    5.87       290,474
  State and municipal...........................          665    8.42        56,018
  Other.........................................          819    6.15        50,366
                                                      -------             ---------
         Total investment securities............        6,430    6.17       396,858
                                                      -------             ---------
Federal funds sold and securities purchased         
   under agreements to resell...................          322    6.12        19,695
Trading account securities......................          280    7.42        20,785
Loans (b)(c)(d):                                    
  Domestic:                                         
    Commercial, industrial and other............       12,526    9.52     1,192,478
    Real estate.................................       11,283    9.09     1,025,924
    Consumer....................................        4,238   11.11       470,771
    Financial institutions......................          715    7.04        50,307
    Factoring receivables.......................          577   10.65        61,442
    Lease financing.............................        1,094    8.16        89,290
  Foreign.......................................          834    7.05        58,807
                                                      -------             ---------
          Total loans, net of discounts.........       31,267    9.43     2,949,019
                                                      -------             ---------
          Total interest earning assets (d).....      $40,228    8.72     3,508,350
                                                      =======    ----     ---------
FUNDING SOURCES 
Interest bearing liabilities (b)    
  Deposits in domestic offices (e):                 
    Commercial..................................      $   669    5.58        37,321
    NOW accounts................................        3,377    1.51        46,724
    Money Market Accounts.......................        6,023    3.29       197,431
    Consumer savings............................        5,040    2.28       114,700
    Consumer certificates.......................        9,132    5.39       492,610
  Time deposits of overseas branches                
      and subsidiaries..........................        1,089    4.80        52,261
                                                      -------             ---------
          Total interest bearing deposits.......       25,330    3.76       941,047
                                                      -------             ---------
  Short-term funds borrowed:                        
    Federal funds purchased and securities          
      sold under agreements to repurchase.......        2,203    5.68       125,117
          
    Commercial paper............................        1,051    5.94        62,459
    Other.......................................          498    5.33        26,543
                                                      -------             ---------
          Total short-term funds borrowed.......        3,752    5.71       214,119
                                                      -------             ---------
  Long-term debt................................        2,262    6.76       152,989
                                                      -------             ---------
          Total interest bearing liabilities....       31,344    4.17     1,308,155
Portion of non-interest bearing funding                 
  sources.......................................        8,884
                                                      -------
          Total funding sources.................      $40,228    3.25     1,308,155
                                                      =======    ----     ---------
Net interest income and net interest margin.....                 5.47%    $2,200,195
                                                                 ====     ==========
</TABLE> 

(a)  Yields and income on time deposits include net Eurodollar    
     trading profits.
(b)  The net impact of off-balance sheet derivatives used for managing interest
     rate risk is recognized as an adjustment to interest income or expense of
     the related hedged asset or liability.
(c)  Yields and income on loans include fees on loans.
(d)  Non-performing loans are included in interest earning assets. 
(e)  Average interest bearing demand deposits in domestic offices are reduced by
     specified reserve amounts for purposes of rate calculations.

                                       85
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES                       Page 2 of 2
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA:  continued
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND TAXABLE EQUIVALENT INCOME/EXPENSE AND
RATES

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                         1997                                 1996               1995  
                                            --------------------------     ------------------------    -----------------------
                                             Average           Income/     Average          Income/      Average        Income/
                                             balance   Rate    expense     balance   Rate   expense      balance  Rate  expense
                                            --------   ----    -------     -------   ----   -------     --------  ----  ------- 
                                            (000,000)           (000)     (000,000)           (000)     (000,000)        (000)
                                          
<S>                                         <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>    <C>         <C>       <C>   <C> 
NON-INTEREST EARNING ASSETS                                                                                               
Cash.....................................    $ 2,824                       $ 2,845                       $ 2,779          
Allowance for loan losses................       (694)                         (701)                         (685)         
Other assets.............................      2,589                         2,442                         2,383          
                                             -------                       -------                       -------          
     Total non-interest earning assets...    $ 4,719                       $ 4,586                       $ 4,477          
                                             =======                       =======                       =======          
                                                                                                                          
Total average assets.....................    $45,718                       $43,794                       $44,705          
                                             =======                       =======                       =======          
                                                                                                                          
NON-INTEREST BEARING FUNDING SOURCES                                                                                      
 Demand deposits:                                                                                                         
  Domestic...............................    $ 7,905                       $ 7,699                       $ 7,352          
  Foreign................................        395                           379                           420          
Other liabilities........................      2,290                         2,043                         1,847          
Shareholders' equity.....................      3,364                         3,890                         3,742          
Non-interest bearing funding sources used                                                                                 
  to fund earning assets.................     (9,235)                       (9,425)                       (8,884)         
                                             -------                       -------                       -------          
     Total net non-interest bearing                                                                                       
         funding sources.................    $ 4,719                       $ 4,586                       $ 4,477          
                                             =======                       =======                       =======          
                                                                                                                          
SUPPLEMENTARY AVERAGES                                                                                                    
Net Federal funds purchased and securities                                                                                
 sold under agreements to repurchase......   $ 1,350    5.36%   $ 72,358   $ 1,290     4.90%  $63,248    $ 1,881  5.60%   $105,422
Certificates of deposit in domestic                                                                                       
  offices over $100,000..................      2,371    5.48     129,963     1,090     5.17    56,308      1,170  5.69     66,577
Average prime rate.......................               8.44                           8.27                       8.84   

</TABLE> 

                                       86
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES                   Page 1 of 2
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA: continued
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND TAXABLE EQUIVALENT INCOME/EXPENSE
AND RATES

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                1994                                   1993  
                                                 -----------------------------------      ------------------------------
                                                 Average                   Income/        Average              Income/ 
                                                 balance        Rate        expense       balance      Rate     expense  
                                                 -------        -----      ----------     -------      -----   ----------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>        <C>            <C>          <C>     <C> 
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS                         (000,000)                      (000)      (000,000)                (000)
Time deposits, principally Eurodollars (a)...... $ 1,623         4.37%     $   70,996     $ 1,423       3.39%  $   48,214
Investment securities (b):
  U.S. Government...............................   5,498         5.48         301,515       6,120       6.09      372,738
  State and municipal...........................     778         7.97          62,027         890       8.26       73,500
  Other.........................................   1,087         5.54          60,252       1,023       5.34       54,649
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
         Total investment securities............   7,363         5.76         423,794       8,033       6.24      500,887
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
   under agreements to resell...................     289         4.38          12,652         336       3.26       10,959
Trading account securities......................     139         6.78           9,419         150       7.38       11,072
Loans (b)(c)(d):
  Domestic:
    Commercial, industrial and other............  11,164         8.30         927,082      10,135       7.80      790,553
    Real estate.................................  11,978         7.95         951,681      12,459       7.78      968,967
    Consumer....................................   4,117        10.44         429,832       3,851      10.79      415,390
    Financial institutions......................     626         8.00          50,106         716       6.15       44,058
    Factoring receivables.......................     587         9.95          58,389         554       9.62       53,312
    Lease financing.............................   1,041         8.45          87,982         897       9.31       83,466
  Foreign.......................................     597         5.39          32,155         551       5.00       27,565
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
          Total loans, net of discounts.........  30,110         8.43       2,537,227      29,163       8.17    2,383,311
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
          Total interest earning assets (d)..... $39,524         7.73       3,054,088     $39,105       7.56    2,954,443
                                                 =======         ----      ----------     =======       ----    ---------
FUNDING SOURCES
Interest bearing liabilities (b):
  Deposits in domestic offices (e):
    Commercial.................................. $   580         4.15          24,061     $   752       3.97       29,842
    NOW accounts................................   3,540         1.15          37,384       3,343       1.43       43,308
    Money Market Accounts.......................   6,386         2.27         144,475       6,672       2.01      134,091
    Consumer savings............................   5,509         1.87         103,142       5,269       1.93      101,471
    Consumer certificates.......................   7,993         4.28         341,843       8,519       4.32      368,122
  Time deposits of overseas branches
    and subsidiaries............................     831         3.56          29,602         718       2.57       18,453
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
          Total interest bearing deposits.......  24,839         2.77         680,507      25,273       2.79      695,287
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
  Short-term funds borrowed:
    Federal funds purchased and securities
    sold under agreements to repurchase.........   2,092         4.17          87,276       1,951       2.99       58,291
    Commercial paper............................     757         4.24          32,089         606       3.14       19,051
    Other.......................................     587         5.15          30,253         480       4.45       21,347
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
          Total short-term funds borrowed.......   3,436         4.35         149,618       3,037       3.25       98,689
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
  Long-term debt (b)............................   2,040         5.71         116,419       1,894       5.27       99,837
                                                 -------                   ----------     -------              ----------
          Total interest bearing liabilities....  30,315         3.12         946,544      30,204       2.96      893,813
Portion of non-interest bearing funding                                                           
sources.........................................   9,209                                    8,901 
                                                 -------                   ----------     ------- 

          Total funding sources................. $39,524         2.40         946,544     $39,105       2.29      893,813
                                                 =======         ----      ----------     =======       ----   ----------
Net interest income and net interest margin.....                 5.33%     $2,107,544                   5.27%  $2,060,630
                                                                 ====      ==========                   ====   ==========
</TABLE> 

(a)  Yields and income on time deposits include net Eurodollar  
     trading profits.
(b)  The net impact of off-balance sheet derivatives used for managing interest
     interest rate risk is recognized as an adjustment to interest income or
     expense of the related hedged asset or liability.
(c)  Yields and income on loans include fees on loans.
(d)  Non-performing loans are included in interest earning assets. 
(e)  Average bearing demand deposits in domestic offices are reduced by
     specified reserve amounts for purposes of rate calculations.

                                       87
<PAGE>
 
CORESTATES FINANCIAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES               Page 2 of 2
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA: continued
CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND TAXABLE EQUIVALENT INCOME/EXPENSE
AND RATES
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                         1994                                 1993  
                                             -------------------------------     --------------------------------
                                             Average                 Income/      Average                 Income/
                                             balance      Rate       expense      balance       Rate      expense
                                             -------      ----       -------     ----------     ----      -------
                                            (000,000)                 (000)      (000,000)                 (000)
<S>                                         <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>       <C> 

NON-INTEREST EARNING ASSETS                
Cash.......................................  $ 2,982                              $ 2,956
Allowance for loan losses..................     (692)                                (641)
Other assets...............................    2,017                                2,016
                                             -------                              -------
     Total non-interest earning assets.....  $ 4,307                              $ 4,331
                                             =======                              =======
                                           
TOTAL AVERAGE ASSETS.......................  $43,831                              $43,436
                                             =======                              =======
                                           
NON-INTEREST BEARING FUNDING SOURCES       
 Demand deposits:                          
  Domestic.................................  $ 7,698                              $ 7,646
  Foreign..................................      417                                  369
Other liabilities..........................    1,775                                1,771
Shareholders' equity.......................    3,626                                3,446
Non-interest bearing funding sources used  
  to fund earning assets...................   (9,209)                              (8,901)
                                             -------                              -------
     Total net non-interest bearing        
         funding sources...................  $ 4,307                              $ 4,331
                                             =======                              =======
                                           
Supplementary Averages                     
Net Federal funds purchased and securities 
    sold under agreements to repurchase....  $ 1,803        4.14%    $74,624      $ 1,615        2.93%    $47,332
Certificates of deposit in domestic        
  offices over $100,000....................    1,157        4.03      46,637        1,346        3.84      51,715
Average prime rate.........................                 6.60                                 6.00
</TABLE> 

                                       88
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data: Continued
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
    AND SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                        Year Ended December 31,  
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1997               1996             1995            1994         1993  
                                                 -----------        ----------        ----------       ---------    -----------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>               <C>              <C>          <C> 
Interest income and fees........................  $3,429,315        $3,298,204        $3,475,080       $3,014,559    $2,904,949
Interest expense................................   1,313,447         1,156,720         1,308,155          946,544       893,813
                                                  ----------        ----------        ----------       ----------    ----------
   Net interest income..........................   2,115,868         2,141,484         2,166,925        2,068,015     2,011,136
Provision for losses on loans...................     263,000           228,767           144,002          279,195       189,372
                                                  ----------        ----------        ----------       ----------    ----------
   Net interest income after                                                                                        
     provision for losses on loans..............   1,852,868         1,912,717         2,022,923        1,788,820     1,821,764
Non-interest income.............................     925,770           899,075           882,222          788,487       832,720
Non-financial expenses..........................   1,695,777         1,776,828         1,885,528        1,918,242     1,869,544
                                                  ----------        ----------        ----------        ---------    ----------
Income before income taxes......................   1,082,861         1,034,964         1,019,617          659,065       784,940
Provision for income taxes......................     269,582           385,820           364,441          225,859       246,854
                                                  ----------        ----------        ----------        ---------    ----------
                                                                                                                    
Income before cumulative effect of a                                                                                
   change in accounting principle...............     813,279           649,144           655,176          433,206       538,086
Cumulative effect of a change in                                                                                    
   accounting principle, net of tax.............           -                 -                 -                -       (15,740)(f)
                                                  ----------        ----------        ----------       ----------    ----------
Net income......................................  $  813,279        $  649,144        $  655,176       $  433,206    $  522,346
                                                  ==========        ==========        ==========       ==========    ==========
Per common share data:                                                                                              
   Income before cumulative effect of a                                                                             
     change in accounting principle:                                                                                
     Basic......................................       $4.00(a)          $2.97(b)          $2.95(c)         $1.91(d)      $2.35(f)
     Diluted....................................        3.96(a)           2.94(b)           2.92(c)          1.90(d)       2.32(f)
   Net income:                                                                                                      
     Basic......................................        4.00(a)           2.97(b)           2.95(c)          1.91(d)       2.29(e)
     Diluted....................................        3.96(a)           2.94(b)           2.92(c)          1.90(d)       2.26(e)
   Dividends paid...............................        1.88              1.68              1.36             1.20          1.11
   Dividends declared (e).......................        1.91              1.73              1.44             1.24          1.14
Average common shares outstanding...............     203,452           218,812           222,268          226,234       228,580
Average diluted common shares outstanding.......     205,568           220,698           224,666          227,938       231,437
Operating Ratios:                                                                                                   
 Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle as a                                           
   percent of:                                                                                                      
     Average common shareholders' equity........       24.18%(a)         16.69%(b)         17.51%(c)        11.95%(d)     15.61%
     Average total assets.......................        1.78 (a)          1.48 (b)          1.47 (c)         0.99 (d)      1.24
Average total shareholders' equity as a percent                                                                     
   of average total assets......................        7.36              8.88              8.37             8.27          7.93
Dividends  declared  as  a  percent  of  income                                                                     
before cumulative effect of a change in accounting                                                                      
   principle....................................       47.75             58.25             48.81            64.92         48.51
Full Time Equivalent Staff......................      18,847            19,114            19,957           22,621        23,569

</TABLE> 
(a)    Includes the impact of the following significant items: a special tax
       benefit of $0.54 per share, a special provision for losses on loans of
       $0.22 per share, restructuring and merger-related charges of $0.05 per
       share, and other significant charges of $0.18 per share. Excluding the
       impact of these items, net income per share was $3.87, return on average
       common shareholders' equity was 23.64%, and return on average total
       assets was 1.74%.
(b)    Includes the impact of after-tax net restructuring and merger-related
       charges of $0.68 per share, after-tax gains of $0.12 per share on certain
       net investment gains, and an after-tax charge of $0.04 per share
       resulting from a special assessment on deposits insured under the SAIF.
       Excluding the impact of these items, net income per share was $3.54,
       return on average common shareholders' equity was 20.07%, and return on
       average total assets was 1.78%.
(c)    Includes the impact of after-tax net restructuring charges of $0.37 per
       share, merger-related charges of $0.04 per share, after-tax gains of
       $0.04 per share on the exchange of equity securities, and an after-tax
       gain of $0.05 per share related to a change in ownership interests in a
       joint venture. Excluding the impact of these items, net income per share
       was $3.24, return on average common shareholders' equity was 19.43%, and
       return on average total assets was 1.63%.
(d)    Includes the impact of after-tax merger-related charges of $0.73 per
       share recorded for the acquisitions of Constellation and Independence.
       Excluding the impact of these merger-related charges, net income per
       share was $2.63, return on average common shareholders' equity was
       16.54%, and return on average total assets was 1.37%.
(e)    Cash dividends declared per share for the periods prior to the
       acquisitions of Meridian on April 9, 1996, Independence on June 27, 1994
       and Constellation on March 16, 1994 assume that the Corporation would
       have declared cash dividends equal to the cash dividends per share
       actually declared by the Corporation.
(f)    In 1993, the Corporation changed its method of accounting for
       post-employment benefits.

                                       89
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data: Continued
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>

(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                                                    December 31,  
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1997              1996            1995            1994               1993
                                                  -------------    -------------    ------------     ------------      ------------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>               <C> 
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks.........................    $ 3,829,893      $ 3,462,287     $ 3,662,143      $ 3,024,589       $ 3,187,390
Time deposits, principally Eurodollars..........      3,122,444        2,443,154       1,909,260        1,874,066         1,421,317
Federal funds sold..............................         41,207          509,694         719,937          923,630           256,221
Trading account securities......................        495,472          122,317         147,218          347,376            43,009
Investment securities...........................      3,460,391        4,083,224       5,632,232        7,261,905         7,768,755
Loans...........................................     34,813,886       32,331,297      31,175,378       30,134,394        29,111,809
Allowance for loan losses.......................       (634,432)        (710,327)       (670,265)        (681,124)         (636,915)

Due from customers on acceptances...............        641,859          738,077         560,707          352,347           342,065
Premises, equipment and other assets............      2,690,245        2,514,471       2,860,632        2,810,890         2,714,941
                                                  -------------    -------------    ------------     ------------      ------------
        Total assets............................    $48,460,965      $45,494,194     $45,997,242      $46,048,073       $44,208,592
                                                  =============    =============    ============     ============      ============
                                                
LIABILITIES                                     
Deposits:                                       
  Domestic:                                     
    Non-interest bearing........................    $ 9,252,376      $ 9,330,445     $ 8,937,147      $ 8,625,125       $ 8,767,602
    Interest bearing............................     23,490,992       22,986,955      23,883,726       25,023,283        24,298,434
  Overseas branches and subsidiaries............      1,444,522        1,409,756       1,142,947        1,125,997           797,987
                                                  -------------    -------------    ------------     ------------      ------------
        Total deposits..........................     34,187,890       33,727,156      33,963,820       34,774,405        33,864,023
                                                  -------------    -------------    ------------     ------------      ------------
Short-term funds borrowed.......................      4,323,319        2,633,157       3,677,013        3,461,249         2,766,750
Bank acceptances outstanding....................        641,464          727,728         549,048          346,239           347,011
Other liabilities...............................      1,616,624        1,661,162       1,719,697        1,571,985         1,515,718
Long-term debt..................................      4,454,236        3,049,297       2,212,099        2,163,263         2,010,581
                                                  -------------    -------------    ------------     ------------      ------------
        Total liabilities.......................     45,223,533       41,798,500      42,121,677       42,317,141        40,504,083
                                                  -------------    -------------    ------------     ------------      ------------
                                                
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                            
Total shareholders' equity......................      3,237,432        3,695,694       3,875,565        3,730,932         3,704,509
                                                  -------------    -------------    ------------     ------------      ------------

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity      $48,460,965      $45,494,194     $45,997,242      $46,048,073       $44,208,592
                                                  =============    =============    ============     ============      ============


Book value per common share.....................         $16.33           $17.40          $17.61           $16.23            $16.13
                                                         ======           ======          ======           ======            ======
</TABLE> 

                                       90
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data: continued


Rate/Volume Analysis Taxable Equivalent Basis
(in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                          1997 vs. 1996                                 1996 vs. 1995  
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                Increase (decrease) in interest              Increase (decrease) in interest
                                             Income/        Change attributable to        Income/        Change attributable to
                                            ---------     ------------------------      ----------     --------------------------
                                              expense        Volume          Rate        expense          Volume          Rate
                                            ---------     ---------       --------      ----------     ----------      ----------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>             <C> 
Interest earning assets
Time deposits, principally
   Eurodollars........................      $  38,666     $  36,182       $  2,484      $      759     $   14,789      $  (14,030)
Investment securities.................        (59,433)      (60,644)         1,211        (106,616)      (107,831)          1,215
Federal funds sold....................        (10,643)      (11,135)           492            (729)           612          (1,341)
Trading account securities............         15,892        11,509          4,383         (13,204)       (12,466)           (738)
Loans:
   Domestic...........................         94,817       137,129        (42,312)        (96,416)        35,955        (132,371)
   Foreign............................         49,197        46,903          2,294          32,260         38,953          (6,693)
                                            ---------     ---------       --------      ----------     ----------      ----------
      Total interest income...........        128,496       159,944        (31,448)       (183,946)       (29,988)       (153,958)
                                            ---------     ---------       --------      ----------     ----------      ----------

Interest bearing funds
Deposits:
  Domestic:
      Commercial......................         67,812        59,970          7,842          (6,464)        (3,794)         (2,670)
      Other...........................        (41,950)      (19,032)       (22,918)        (88,716)       (17,507)        (71,209)
  Overseas............................         16,722        12,722          4,000          (4,087)        (2,640)         (1,447)
Short-term funds borrowed:
  Federal funds purchased.............         (1,533)       (6,845)         5,312         (42,903)       (33,001)         (9,902)
  Other...............................         38,239        29,083          9,156         (18,087)       (11,896)         (6,191)
Long-term debt........................         77,437        73,179          4,258           8,822         18,522          (9,700)
                                            ---------     ---------       --------      ----------     ----------      ----------
      Total interest expense..........        156,727       149,077          7,650        (151,435)       (50,316)       (101,119)
                                            ---------     ---------       --------      ----------     ----------      ----------

Net interest income...................      $ (28,231)    $  10,867       $(39,098)     $  (32,511)    $   20,328      $  (52,839)
- -------------------                         =========     =========       ========      ==========     ==========      ==========
</TABLE> 

Notes to Rate/Volume Analysis

Changes in interest income or expense not arising solely as a result of volume
or rate variances are allocated to rate variances due to the interest
sensitivity of consolidated assets and liabilities.

Included in interest income is $79.0 million, $70.7 million and $69.8 million of
loan fees for the years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Non-performing loans are included in interest earning assets.

The changes in interest expense on domestic deposits attributable to volume and
rate are adjusted by specific reserves as average balances are reduced by such
reserve amounts for purposes of rate calculations.

The income effects of off-balance sheet derivatives used for managing interest
rate risk are associated with the interest income or expense of the related
hedged asset or liability.

                                       91
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data:  Continued


LOAN PORTFOLIO

The following are summaries of certain loan categories, net of unearned
discounts, for the five years ended December 31, 1997 (in thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                  1997            1996             1995              1994                1993  
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>                <C> 
Domestic loans:                             
  Commercial, industrial and other.........     $15,949,264   $ 13,906,646      $12,597,470        $11,834,603        $10,707,727
  Real estate loans:                        
    Construction and development...........         651,064        554,924          607,845            599,331            652,940
    Residential............................       3,915,702      4,073,272        5,288,476          5,552,775          5,655,726
    Other, primarily commercial mortgages   
      and commercial loans secured by       
      owner-occupied real estate...........       4,284,281      4,541,697        4,712,473          5,059,676          5,165,790
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
        Total real estate loans............       8,851,047      9,169,893       10,608,794         11,211,782         11,474,456
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
  Consumer loans:                           
    Installment............................       2,973,719      3,027,943        2,734,081          2,660,718          2,674,121
    Credit card............................       1,205,932      1,674,921        1,527,447          1,492,004          1,269,980
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
        Total consumer loans...............       4,179,651      4,702,864        4,261,528          4,152,722          3,944,101
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
  Financial institutions...................       1,568,015      1,153,715          961,289            675,047            879,700
  Factoring receivables....................         454,850        411,280          557,272            622,380            555,211
  Lease financing..........................       1,356,917      1,232,213        1,167,356          1,043,932            999,311
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
         Total domestic loans..............      32,359,744     30,576,611       30,153,709         29,540,466         28,560,506
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
Foreign loans:                              
 Loans to or guaranteed by foreign          
    banks..................................       1,864,883      1,369,015          615,166            301,080            332,288
  Commercial and industrial................         587,071        385,426          406,503            283,535            218,655
  Loans to other financial institutions....           2,188            245                -              9,313                360
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
        Total foreign loans................       2,454,142      1,754,686        1,021,669            593,928            551,303
                                              -------------   ------------     ------------       ------------       ------------
              Total loans..................     $34,813,886   $ 32,331,297      $31,175,378        $30,134,394        $29,111,809
                                                ===========   ============      ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE> 

Risk Elements

FOREIGN OUTSTANDINGS (in thousands)

While the associated risks are clearly recognized, international lending is a
part of the Corporation's wide range of international services. It is the
Corporation's intent to remain involved in providing the international financial
services needed for the increasingly global competition faced by customers. At
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, there were no aggregate foreign outstandings
(defined as loans, investments, acceptances and time deposits) to borrowers in a
foreign country that exceeded 1% of total assets. Outstandings below 1%, but
over .75% of total assets were $389,000 in Japan at December 31, 1996. There
were no outstandings below 1%, but over .75% of total assets at December 31,
1997 or December 31, 1995.

                                       92
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data:  Continued

Risk Elements

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

The following represents the Corporation's non-accrual loans, renegotiated loans
and other real estate owned for the five years ended December 31, 1997 (in
thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                           1997             1996            1995          1994              1993
                                                       ----------       ---------       ----------       ---------       ---------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>             <C> 
Non-accrual loans
Domestic........................................         $253,909        $220,770         $223,602        $348,885        $449,340
Foreign.........................................                -               -               -              158             171
                                                       ----------       ---------       ----------       ---------       ---------
     Total non-accrual loans....................          253,909         220,770          223,602         349,043         449,511
                                                       ----------       ---------       ----------       ---------       ---------
Renegotiated loans (a)..........................               10              18            7,202           8,067          66,399
                                                       ----------       ---------       ----------       ---------       ---------
     Total non-performing loans.................          253,919         220,788          230,804         357,110         515,910
                                                       ----------       ---------       ----------       ---------       ---------
Other real estate owned (OREO)..................           14,342          24,175           37,502          83,546         109,871
                                                       ----------       ---------       ----------       ---------       ---------
Total non-performing assets.....................         $268,261        $244,963         $268,306        $440,656        $625,781
                                                       ==========       =========       ==========       =========       =========

Non-performing assets as a
  percentage of loans plus OREO.................             0.77%           0.76%            0.86%           1.46%           2.14%
                                                             ====            ====             ====            ====            ====

Non-performing assets as a
  percentage of total assets....................             0.55%           0.54%            0.58%           0.96%           1.42%
                                                             ====            ====             ====            ====            ====
</TABLE> 
- -------------------
(a) There were no foreign renegotiated loans in any periods presented.


The following reflects the effect of non-accrual and renegotiated loans on both
interest income and net interest income for the three years ended December 31,
1997 (in thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                            1997          1996             1995  
                                                        ---------     -----------      -----------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>              <C> 
Interest income which would have been recorded 
in accordance with original terms:
     Domestic...................................          $20,935         $20,244          $27,452
     Foreign....................................                -               -                8
                                                          -------        --------         --------
       Total....................................           20,935          20,244           27,460
                                                          -------        --------         --------
Interest income reflected in total operating
   income:
     Domestic...................................           15,075           8,977           14,354
                                                          -------        --------         --------
       Total....................................           15,075           8,977           14,354
                                                          -------        --------         --------

Net reduction in interest income and net interest
   income.......................................          $ 5,860         $11,267          $13,106
                                                          =======        ========          =======
</TABLE> 

ACCRUING LOANS PAST DUE 90 DAYS OR MORE

Accruing loans 90 days or more past due as to payment of interest or principal
for the five years ended December 31, 1997 were as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                         1997            1996            1995          1994          1993
                                                       -------         ---------       --------      --------      --------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>           <C> 
Total (a).......................................       $94,302(b)       $113,268        $88,671       $77,860       $80,718
                                                       =======         =========       ========      ========      ========
</TABLE> 
- -------------------
(a) There were no foreign loans past due 90 days or more in any periods
    presented. 
(b) Includes $9,463 of loans held for sale past due 90 days or more.

                                       93
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data:  Continued


CONSOLIDATED ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following table summarizes the distribution of loan charge-offs and
recoveries by type of loan for the five years ended December 31, 1997 (in
thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                     1997           1996           1995            1994               1993
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>               <C> 
Balance at beginning of year:
   Domestic................................        $675,327        $645,265      $661,124         $626,915          $610,039
   Foreign.................................          35,000          25,000        20,000           10,000            10,000
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
                                                    710,327         670,265       681,124          636,915           620,039
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
Allowance for loans purchased at date of 
  purchase:
    Domestic...............................               -               -             -           24,931             5,797
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
Allowance for loans designated as held 
  for sale or sold at date of sale:
    Domestic...............................        (102,000)              -             -           (2,377)
    Foreign................................               -               -             -                -              (353)
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
                                                   (102,000)              -             -           (2,377)             (353)
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
Recoveries, by type of loan:
   Domestic:
         Commercial, industrial and other..          31,725          39,726        35,535           29,845            48,659
      Real estate..........................          21,282          27,870        26,477           24,058            12,438
      Consumer.............................          20,366          16,140        15,599           18,613            17,157
      Financial institutions...............             361             837           231              654             2,246
      Lease financing......................          10,567           6,283         7,091            8,128             5,417
   Foreign.................................               -           2,129           293            2,616            12,645
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
          Total recoveries.................          84,301          92,985        85,226           83,914            98,562
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
Charge-offs, by type of loan:                            
   Domestic:
      Commercial, industrial and other.....          89,078          67,181        71,199          124,610           123,661
      Real estate..........................          34,838          64,459        67,184          149,738            91,103
      Consumer (b).........................         177,143         132,798        89,472           57,208            53,222
      Financial institutions...............               -           5,776         2,052               41               816
      Lease financing......................          20,137          11,476        10,180            9,857             7,700
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         --------- 
          Total loans charged off..........         321,196         281,690       240,087          341,454           276,502
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
  Total net charge-offs....................         236,895         188,705       154,861          257,540           177,940
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
 
 Provision charged to operating expense:
   Domestic................................         254,000         220,896       139,295          271,811           201,664
   Foreign.................................           9,000           7,871         4,707            7,384           (12,292)(a)
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
                                                    263,000         228,767       144,002          279,195           189,372
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
Balance at end of year:                                    
   Domestic................................         590,432         675,327       645,265          661,124           626,915
   Foreign.................................          44,000          35,000        25,000           20,000            10,000
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
                                                   $634,432        $710,327      $670,265         $681,124          $636,915
                                                 ----------      ----------     ---------        ---------         ---------
Ratios
Net charge-offs as a percentage
   of average loans outstanding............            0.69%           0.59%         0.50%            0.86%             0.61%
                                                       ====            ====          ====             ====              ====
Allowance for loan losses as a                              
   percentage of year-end loans............            1.82%           2.20%         2.15%            2.26%             2.19%
                                                       ====            ====          ====             ====              ====
</TABLE> 
- ---------------------
(a) Reflects reallocation of the foreign allowance for loan losses to the
    domestic allowance for loan losses. 
(b) Excludes writedown of $102 million related to credit cards held for sale.

                                       94
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data:  Continued

DISTRIBUTION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (a)

The distribution of the allowance for loan losses and the percentage of each
loan type to total loans for the five years ended December 31, 1997 is
illustrated in the table below (in millions):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                       1997               1996              1995               1994               1993
                                ------------------ -----------------  ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
                                             %                  %                  %                  %                  %
                                          of Loan             of Loan            of Loan            of Loan           of Loan
                                          category           category           category           category           category
                                             to                 to                  to                to                to
                                           total              total               total             total              total
                                Allowance  loans   Allowance  loans   Allowance   loans  Allowance  loans   Allowance  loans
                                --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
<S>                             <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C> 
Loan type                                                                                                                  
Domestic:                       
   Commercial and industrial....  $273.0     46%     $300.2     44%     $321.4     41%     $314.5     41%     $314.9       38%
   Real estate:                                                                                                         
     Construction...............    40.0      2        48.7      2        33.7      2        60.9      2        74.0        2
       Other....................   104.3     23       125.4     28       118.6     33       127.8     36       105.1       39
   Consumer.....................   133.1     12       161.0     14       151.1     14       125.1     13       113.4       13
    Other domestic loans........    40.0     10        40.0      7        20.5      7        32.8      6        19.5        6
Foreign.........................    44.0      7        35.0      5        25.0      3        20.0      2        10.0        2
                                 -------    ---       -----    ---       -----    ---      ------    ---      ------      ---
   Total........................  $634.4    100%     $710.3    100%     $670.3    100%     $681.1    100%     $636.9      100%
                                 =======    ===      ======    ===      ======    ===      ======    ===      ======      ===
</TABLE> 

(a) This distribution is made for analytical purposes. It does not represent
    specific allocations of the allowance. The total allowance is available to
    absorb losses from any segment of the portfolio.

COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT OVER $100,000 ISSUED BY DOMESTIC OFFICES
(in thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               December 31,
                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                  1997                         1996  
                                        ------------------------      ------------------------
                                          Amount         Percent        Amount         Percent
                                        -----------      -------      ---------        -------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>          <C>              <C> 
Maturity Distribution
3 months or less...................      $  574,902        23.1%      $ 654,313          86.7%
3 through 6 months.................         620,003        24.9          19,539           2.6
6 through 12 months................         795,965        32.0          75,951          10.1
Over 12 months.....................         498,545        20.0           4,634           0.6
                                        -----------       -----       ---------         -----
Total..............................      $2,489,415       100.0%      $ 754,437         100.0%
                                        ===========       =====       =========         =====
</TABLE> 

                                       95
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data:  Continued

INTEREST SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
(in millions)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                Rate Maturity Period
                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                  1-90         91-181      182-365        1-2         2-5         > 5
                                                  Days          Days         Days        Years       Years       Years        Total
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------

<S>                                             <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>          <C> 
EARNING ASSETS
Federal funds sold, resale agreements and   
   trading account securities................   $    537                                                                     $   537
Time deposits................................      2,052      $   786     $   284                                              3,122
Investment securities........................      1,155          409         534       $   722     $    446    $    194       3,460
Interest rate swaps..........................      1,277          264         794         1,545        4,166         908       8,954
Asset financial futures......................        320          366          26            24            -           -         736
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
     Total discretionary assets..............      5,341        1,825       1,638         2,291        4,612       1,102      16,809
Total loans(a)...............................     23,481        1,819       2,037         2,685        3,807         985      34,814
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
Total earning assets.........................     28,822        3,644       3,675         4,976        8,419       2,087      51,623
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------


FUNDING SOURCES
Federal funds purchased, repurchase
   agreements and other short-term funds
   borrowed..................................      4,289           31           3             -            -           -       4,323
Domestic and foreign time deposits(b)........      3,810           75          47             4           51           1       3,988
Long-term debt...............................      2,699            1           6           106          521       1,121       4,454
Interest rate swaps..........................      8,487            -         132           310           25           -       8,954
Liability financial futures..................        736            -           -             -            -           -         736
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
     Total discretionary liabilities.........     20,021          107         188           420          597       1,122      22,455
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
Savings certificates.........................      1,838        1,930       1,574         1,569          835         161       7,907
Money market, savings and NOW accounts(c)....      5,247          541       1,081         1,932        3,962           -      12,763
Net non-interest bearing funds(d)(e).........      2,834            -           -             -            -       5,664       8,498
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
  Total savings certificates and indefinite
     maturity liabilities....................      9,919        2,471       2,655         3,501        4,797       5,825      29,168
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
Total net funding sources....................     29,940        2,578       2,843         3,921        5,394       6,947      51,623
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
Period gap...................................     (1,118)       1,066         832         1,055        3,025      (4,860)          -
Cumulative gap...............................     (1,118)         (52)        780         1,835        4,860           -           -
Adjustments(f)...............................        652         (967)       (693)       (1,015)      (2,951)      4,974           -
                                                --------      -------     -------       -------     --------    --------     -------
Adjusted period gap..........................   $   (466)     $    99     $   139       $    40     $     74    $    114     $     -
                                                ========      =======     =======       =======     ========    ========     =======
   Cumulative gap............................   $   (466)     $  (367)    $  (228)      $  (188)    $   (114)   $      -     $     -
                                                ========      =======     =======       =======     ========    ========     =======


</TABLE> 
Notes to Interest Sensitivity Analysis:
- ---------------------------------------

(a)  Non-performing loans are included in 1-90 days.
(b)  Deposit volumes exclude time deposits not at interest.
(c)  Adjustments to the interest sensitivity of savings, NOW and money market
     account balances reflect managerial assumptions based on historical
     experience, simulation results as to the behavior of both the balances and
     rates on these products in potential future rate environments, and
     CoreStates' intent for positioning the products. Certain items classified
     as savings certificates on the balance sheet are classified as money
     market, savings and NOW accounts on the Interest Sensitivity Analysis.
(d)  Net non-interest bearing funds is the sum of non-interest bearing
     liabilities, shareholders' equity minus non-interest earning assets. 
(e)  The estimated volume of stable net non-interest bearing funds is allocated
     to the over 1 year interest sensitivity period. Allocations to the under 1
     year periods include: estimated volumes that are expected to vary inversely
     with interest rates; and the temporary difference between the actual volume
     of total net non-interest bearing funds on December 31, 1997 and the trend
     volume at the current level of interest rates.
(f)  Adjustments reflect managerial assumptions as to the appropriate investment
     maturities for non-interest bearing funding sources, along with the funding
     of current investment and loan commitments.

                                       96
<PAGE>
 
CoreStates Financial Corp and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Data:  Continued

Loan Maturity and Interest Sensitivity, Net of Unearned Discounts


The contractual maturity of commercial loans outstanding at December 31, 1997
was as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             Due after one
                                                          Due in one          year through     Due after
                                                        year or less           five years      five years       Total 
                                                        -------------         -----------     -----------     ------------
<S>                                                     <C>                   <C>             <C>             <C> 
   Commercial (includes Real Estate -
     Commercial Mortgages and Foreign Loans)......      $  18,143,085         $ 5,427,596     $ 1,440,695     $ 25,011,376

   Real Estate - Construction.....................            220,489             313,845         116,730          651,064
                                                        -------------         -----------     -----------     ------------

   Total loans (excluding loans to
     individuals)(a)..............................      $  18,363,574         $ 5,741,441     $ 1,557,425     $ 25,662,440
                                                        =============         ===========     ===========     ============
</TABLE> 
- ---------------------
(a)    Loans due after one-year totaling $5,196,989 have fixed interest rates.
       The remaining 29% of such loans or $2,101,877 have floating or adjustable
       rates.


INVESTMENT SECURITIES (a)
(in thousands)

Carrying Value at December 31,
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                            1997             1996            1995  
                                                        ------------       -----------    -----------
<S>                                                     <C>                <C>            <C> 
U.S. Treasury and government agencies.............      $  1,534,274       $ 1,883,848    $ 2,564,646
State and municipal...............................           335,801           426,009        549,035
Mortgage-backed...................................           597,726           968,963      1,758,883
Other.............................................           992,590           804,404        759,668
                                                        ------------       -----------    -----------
    Total.........................................      $  3,460,391       $ 4,083,224    $ 5,632,232
                                                        ============       ===========    ===========
</TABLE> 

(a) Held-to-maturity and available-for-sale portfolios combined.

Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield at December 31, 1997 (a)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                             U.S. Treasury                                                Total  
                                            and Government         State and                       ------------------------
                                                Agencies           Municipal         Other            Amount      Yield (b)
                                            --------------         ---------      ---------        ----------     ---------
<S>                                         <C>                    <C>            <C>              <C>            <C> 
1 year or less.....................            $   869,371          $ 49,128      $  48,594       $   967,093       6.06%
1 year through 5 years.............                623,630           136,529        189,460           949,619       6.50
5 years through 10 years...........                 13,459           116,996        104,236           234,691       7.01
After 10 years.....................                 27,814            33,148        650,300           711,262       6.36
                                                  --------          --------      ---------       -----------
     Subtotal......................            $ 1,534,274          $335,801      $ 992,590         2,862,665
                                                 =========          ========      =========
Mortgage-backed....................                                                                   597,726       6.08
                                                                                                  -----------
     Total.........................                                                               $ 3,460,391       6.31
                                                                                                  ===========
</TABLE> 

(a) Held-to-maturity and available-for-sale portfolios combined.
(b) The weighted average yield has been computed on a tax equivalent basis using
    an effective tax rate of 35%. The amount of the tax equivalent adjustment by
    range of maturity is as follows: 1 year or less - $1,153; 1 year to 5 years
    - $3,393; 5 years to 10 years - $3,180 and after 10 years - $2,203.

                                       97

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 99.3

 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS

  Certain members of CFC's management and of the CFC Board have interests in 
the Merger in addition to any interests they may have as stockholders of CFC 
generally. These material interests include provisions in the Merger Agreement 
relating to indemnification, directors' and officers' liability insurance, the 
election or appointment of six members of the CFC Board to the FUNC Board, the 
election or appointment of certain members of the CFC Board as trustees of the 
Charitable Foundation and certain severance and other employee benefits.

  In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, FUNC entered into
a five-year employment agreement with Terrence A. Larsen, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of CFC, which will become effective as of the Effective Date
(the "Employment Agreement"). The Employment Agreement provides, among other
things, for Mr. Larsen to receive an annual salary of not less than $1,000,000
and a combined annual salary and bonus of net less than $2,500,000. In addition,
Mr. Larsen would receive 100,000 shares of restricted FUNC Common Stock and
options to purchase 200,000 shares of FUNC Common Stock upon consummation of the
Merger and in the calendar year following the calendar year in which such
consummation occurs. Upon expiration of the five-year employment period, Mr.
Larsen (or his current spouse) would receive annual retirement income of
$1,000,000. In addition, FUNC would provide a split-dollar life insurance
policy with a total death benefit of $20,000,000, $15,000,000 of which would be
payable to Mr. Larsen's designated beneficiary, and the remaining $5,000,000 of
which would be payable to FUNC. The Employment Agreement also provides for
certain payments, notwithstanding termination of employment, and associated
gross-up payments for taxes. Mr. Larsen's Employment Agreement shall supersede
his termination of employment agreement with CFC upon consummation of the
Merger.

  FUNC has agreed that Mr. Larsen will be elected or appointed a director 
and a Vice Chairman of FUNC following the Effective Date. Following the 
Effective Date, the "Office of the Chairman" of FUNC, will consist of Edward E. 
Crutchfield, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of "FUNC", John R. Georgius, 
President of FUNC, and Mr. Larsen, who will become a Vice Chairman of FUNC. In 
addition to the election or appointment of Mr. Larsen as a director of FUNC, 
following the Effective Date, five other directors of CFC will be elected or 
appointed directors of FUNC. The members of the CFC Board who are not so 
elected or appointed directors of FUNC will be appointed to a board of 
directors which will advise FUNC management on certain matters in the 
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Delaware geographic areas 
of FUNC's operations. In addition, certain of such members of the CFC Board will
be appointed as trustees of the Charitable Foundation.

  In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, FUNC also agreed
to certain employment arrangements with respect to the 32 officers of CFC other
than Mr. Larsen (the "CFC Officers") who are covered by termination of
employment agreements (the "CFC Executive Agreements"), including Charles L.
Coltman III, Vice Chairman of CFC, Charles P. Connolly, Jr., Vice Chairman of
CoreStates Bank and P. Susan Perrotty, Executive Vice President of CFC
(collectively, including Mr. Larsen, the "Named Officers"). Pursuant to the
terms of the CFC Executive Agreements, eligible CFC Officers whose employment is
terminated (as defined in the applicable CFC Executive Agreement) would receive
severance pay equal to two times their highest base salary and bonus during the
preceding two calendar years. In addition, each CFC Officer would be provided
with certain employee benefits equivalent to those benefits received immediately
prior to termination for a two-year


                                       9
                                      
<PAGE>
 
period following such termination. Payments are limited by the provisions of 
Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and
are offset by amounts which may be paid under any other CFC severance policy.

  With respect to the CFC Officers, FUNC agreed that if the employment of 
such officer terminates on the Effective Date, FUNC will honor the officer's CFC
Executive Agreement in accordance with its terms. If such officer continues his 
or her employment after the Effective Date such officer would be eligible to 
receive, as applicable, under certain conditions, payments computed as if the 
termination payments under the officer's CFC Executive Agreement had been 
triggered on the Effective Date. Such payments would be made in six semi-annual 
installments commencing as soon as practicable after the Effective Date. If such
officer's employment were to subsequently terminate, such officer would receive
any of such payments which had not been paid prior to such termination. Without
application of any applicable cap imposed by Section 280G of the Code, such
payments with respect to Mr. Coltman, Mr. Connolly and Ms. Perrotty are
currently estimated to amount to $1,380,000, $1,062,000, and $804,000,
respectively, and with respect to the other 29 CFC Oficers are currently
estimated to amount to $18,192,290, in the aggregate.

  With respect to Mr. Coltman, Ms. Connolly and Ms. Perrotty, if they were
to continue their employment with FUNC after the Effective Date, they would also
receive a minimum annual base salary of $420,000, $300,000 and $261,000, 
respectively, and a minimum annual bonus of $580,000, $300,000, and $239,000, 
respectively for a three-year period commencing on the Effective Date. In 
addition, Mr. Coltman, Mr. Connolly and Ms. Perrotty would receive 10,000, 8,000
and 6,000 shares, respectively, of restricted FUNC Common Stock and options to
purchase 15,000, 10,000 and 10,000 shares, respectively, of FUNC Common Stock in
each of the three years following the Effective Date. Mr. Coltman would also
receive an annual retirement benefit of no less than $400,000 per year. Based
upon the last reported sale price per share of FUNC Common Stock on the NYSE
Tape on January 8, 1998 ($49.25), such restricted stock awards to Messrs.
Larsen, Coltman and Connolly and Ms. Perrotty would have values in the aggregate
of $9,850,000, $1,477,500, $1,182,000 and $886,500, respectively.

  The foregoing employment arrangements following the Effective Date are 
subject to the CFC Officers and FUNC entering into such agreements with respect 
to such arrangements as FUNC may deem necessary or appropriate.

  See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons".


                                      10
<PAGE>
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS
 
 General
 
  Certain members of CFC's management and of the CFC Board have interests in
the Merger that are in addition to any interests they may have as stockholders
of CFC generally. The material interests include provisions in the Merger
Agreement relating to indemnification of CFC directors and officers,
directors' and officers' liability insurance, the election or appointment of
six members of the CFC Board to the FUNC Board, the election or appointment of
certain members of the CFC Board as trustees of the Charitable Foundation and
certain severance and other employee benefits.
 
 Larsen Employment Agreement; FUNC Management Post-Merger
 
  In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, FUNC entered into
a five-year Employment Agreement with Terrence A. Larsen, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of CFC, which will become effective as of the Effective
Date. The Employment Agreement provides, among other things, for Mr. Larsen to
receive an annual salary of not less than $1,000,000 and a combined annual
salary and bonus of not less than $2,500,000. The Employment Agreement
provides for


                                       46

<PAGE>
 
an increase in Mr. Larsen's base salary over his current base salary with CFC
and may result in the amount of his annual bonus. The Employment Agreement
also provides that if Mr. Larsen's employment is terminated by FUNC before
expiration of the term of the Employment Agreement or if Mr. Larsen
voluntarily terminates his employment with FUNC at any time or if he dies,
becomes disabled or retires before expiration of the term of the Employment
Agreement, he (or his estate, if he were to die) will receive $2,500,000 per
year until the expiration of the term of the Employment Agreement. Upon
expiration of the term of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Larsen (or his current
spouse, if he is not then living) is guaranteed an annual retirement income of
$1,000,000 (which he may, under certain circumstances, elect to receive as a
lump sum), offset by certain retirement benefits under plans of predecessor
employers and social security benefits. Mr. Larsen will also receive 100,000
shares of restricted FUNC Common Stock and options to purchase 200,000 shares
of FUNC Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger and in the calendar year
following the calendar year in which such consummation occurs. In addition,
FUNC would provide a split-dollar life insurance policy with a total death
benefit of $20,000,000, $15,000,000 of which would be payable to Mr. Larsen's
designated beneficiary, and the remaining $5,000,000 of which would be payable
to FUNC. The Employment Agreement also provides for certain payments,
notwithstanding termination of employment, and associated gross-up payments
for taxes. Mr. Larsen's Employment Agreement shall supersede his termination
of employment agreement with CFC upon consummation of the Merger.
 
     FUNC has agreed that Mr. Larsen will be elected or appointed a director and
a Vice Chairman of FUNC following the Effective Date. Following the Effective
Date, the "Office of the Chairman" of FUNC will consist of Edward E.
Crutchfield, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FUNC, John R. Georgius,
President of FUNC, and Mr. Larsen, who will become a Vice Chairman of FUNC. In
addition to the election or appointment of Mr. Larsen as a director of FUNC,
following the Effective Date, five other directors of CFC will be elected or
appointed directors of FUNC. FUNC also agreed to cause two of the six CFC
directors who are to be elected FUNC directors, including Mr. Larsen, to be
elected or appointed as members of the Executive Committee of the FUNC Board.
 
 Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance
 
     The Merger Agreement provides that FUNC will indemnify the directors,
officers and employees of CFC against certain liabilities (and will advance
certain expenses) for six years following the Effective Date, to the fullest
extent that such persons would have been entitled to indemnification (or to
advancement of certain expenses) under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, the CFC Articles or the CFC Bylaws, as in effect on the date of
the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement also provides that FUNC will maintain
CFC's existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy, or a policy
(including FUNC's policy) providing comparable coverage, in an amount and on
terms no less favorable, covering persons covered by such policy on the date of
the Merger Agreement, for a period of three years after the Effective Date.
 
 Additional CFC Employment Agreements
 
     CFC has a termination of employment agreement with Mr. Larsen and also has
the CFC Executive Agreements with the CFC Officers. In connection with the
execution of the Merger Agreement, FUNC has agreed to honor each of the CFC
Executive Agreements; provided that the Employment Agreement between Mr. Larsen
and FUNC will supersede his termination of employment agreement with CFC upon
consummation of the Merger. Pursuant to the terms of the CFC Executive
Agreements, eligible CFC Officers terminated (as defined in the contract) would
receive severance pay equal to two times their highest base salary and bonus
during the preceding two calendar years. In addition, each eligible CFC Officer
would be provided with certain employee benefits equivalent to those benefits
received immediately prior to termination for a two-year period following such
termination. Payments are limited by the provisions of Section 280G of the Code
and are offset by amounts which may be paid under any CFC severance policy. With
respect to such CFC Officers, FUNC agreed that if the employment of such officer
terminates on the Effective Date, FUNC will honor the officer's CFC Executive
Agreement in accordance with its terms. If such officer continues his or her
employment after the Effective Date such officer would be eligible to receive,
as applicable, under certain conditions, payments computed as if the termination
payments under the officer's CFC Executive Agreement had been triggered on the
Effective Date. Such payments would be made in six semi-annual installments
commencing as soon as practicable after the Effective Date. If such officer's
employment were to subsequently terminate, such officer would receive any of
such payments which had not been paid prior to such termination. Without
application of any applicable cap imposed by Section 280G of the Code, such
payments with respect to Mr. Coltman, Mr. Connolly and Ms. Perrotty are
currently estimated to amount to $1,380,000, $1,062,000, and $804,000,
respectively, and with respect to the other 29 CFC Officers are currently
estimated to amount to $18,192,290, in the aggregate.
 
     With respect to Messrs. Coltman and Connolly and Ms. Perrotty, if they were
to continue their employment with FUNC after the Effective Date, they would also
receive a minimum base salary of $420,000, $300,000 and $261,000, respectively,

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
and a minimum bonus of $580,000, $300,000, and $239,000, respectively, for a
three-year period commencing on the Effective Date. In addition, Mr. Coltman,
Mr. Connolly and Ms. Perrotty would receive 10,000, 8,000 and 6,000 shares,
respectively, of restricted FUNC Common Stock and options to purchase 15,000,
10,000 and 10,000 shares, respectively, of FUNC Common Stock in each of the
three years following the Effective Date. Mr. Coltman would also receive an
annual retirement benefit of no less than $400,000 per year.
 
  Based upon the last reported sale price per share of FUNC Common Stock on
the NYSE Tape on January 8, 1998 ($49.25), such restricted stock awards to
Messrs. Larsen, Coltman and Connolly and Ms. Perrotty would have values in the
aggregate of $9,850,000, $1,477,500, $1,182,000 and $886,500, respectively.
 
  The foregoing employment arrangements following the Effective Date are
subject to the CFC Officers and FUNC entering into such agreements with
respect to such arrangements as FUNC may deem necessary or appropriate.
 
 Employee Stock Options
 
  The CFC stock option plan provides that all outstanding options and stock
appreciation rights shall become exercisable immediately prior to a change of
control. Currently, no stock appreciation rights are outstanding. Under the
terms of the stock option plan, a change of control includes, but is not
limited to, approval by the CFC stockholders of a merger (such as the Merger)
with respect to which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities
who were the respective beneficial owners of the CFC Common Stock immediately
prior to such merger do not, following such merger, beneficially own, directly
or indirectly, more than 50 percent of, respectively, the then outstanding
shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding
voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of
the corporation resulting from such merger.
 
  The following table sets forth with respect to each of the Named Officers
and the CFC Officers as a group (excluding Messrs. Coltman and Connolly and
Ms. Perrotty), as of the Record Date, (i) the number of shares covered by
options held by such persons, (ii) the number of shares covered by such
options that are exercisable, (iii) the number of shares covered by such
options that will become exercisable upon approval of the Merger Agreement by
CFC stockholders at the CFC Meeting, (iv) the weighted average exercise price
for such exercisable options, and (v) the aggregate value of such exercisable
options based upon the per share value (i.e., stock price less option exercise
price) of CFC Common Stock on the Record Date ($81.25).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  WEIGHTED
                                                                  AVERAGE
                                              OPTIONS EXERCISABLE EXERCISE  AGGREGATE
                                    OPTIONS      UPON APPROVAL     PRICE    VALUE OF
                          OPTIONS  CURRENTLY          OF            PER    EXERCISABLE
                           HELD   EXERCISABLE  MERGER AGREEMENT    SHARE     OPTIONS
                          ------- ----------- ------------------- -------- -----------
<S>                       <C>     <C>         <C>                 <C>      <C>
Terrence A. Larsen......  550,738   472,131             0          $33.84  $26,111,999
Charles L. Coltman III..  261,131   220,738             0           34.62   12,175,922
Charles P. Connolly,
 Jr. ...................  140,992   112,430             0           35.07    6,510,593
P. Susan Perrotty.......   34,051    19,950             0           40.40    1,390,863
CFC Officers............  951,691   721,695             0           36.00   43,062,753
</TABLE>
 
 Supplemental Retirement Benefits
 
  CFC maintains a supplemental retirement plan which provides benefits which
cannot be paid from CFC's qualified retirement plan because of Code
limitations. The CFC supplemental retirement plan provides that benefits may
become payable if the beneficiary has terminated employment with CFC. Such
benefits are not payable solely as a result of the Merger. CFC also maintains
an excess 401(k) plan which permits contributions in excess of those
permitted under ERISA. The plan provides that account balances will be
distributed to participants in a lump sum after a participant's termination of
employment. Such account balances are not payable solely as a result of the
Merger.
 
 Certain Other Matters Relating to CFC Employee Benefit Plans
 
  The Merger Agreement provides for FUNC to assume all outstanding employee
stock options to purchase shares of CFC Common Stock on the Effective Date in
accordance with the terms of the CFC stock option plan and the individual
stock option agreements, provided that such options shall thereafter be
exercisable for a number of shares of FUNC Common Stock reflecting the
Exchange Ratio.

                                       48

<PAGE>
 
  The Merger Agreement also provides that after the Effective Date, employees
of CFC shall be generally entitled to participate in the employee benefit
plans of FUNC on substantially the same terms and conditions as employees of
FUNC. Until such time, employees of CRFC would continue to participate in the
employee benefit plans of CFC.
 
  CFC currently maintains a severance plan which is applicable to the general
employee population. Under the terms of the severance plan, terminated CFC
employees are entitled to severance benefits for periods ranging from a
minimum of 12 weeks to a maximum of 78 weeks, generally depending upon length
of service and job grade.
 
 Charitable Foundation; Regional Board
 
  The members of the CFC Board who are not elected or appointed directors of
the FUNC Board will be appointed to a board of directors which will advise
FUNC management on certain matters in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York,
Connecticut and Delaware geographic areas of FUNC's operations, for which they
will receive annual fees of $32,000. In addition, certain of the members of
the CFC Board will be appointed as trustees of the Charitable Foundation, for
which they will receive annual fees of $32,000.
 
 
                                      49


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