BB&T CORP
10-K, 1998-03-18
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>
 
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                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
                                    OF 1934
 
                          FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED:
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-10853
 
                               ----------------
 
                               BB&T CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
            NORTH CAROLINA                           56-0939887
       (STATE OF INCORPORATION)         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
        200 WEST SECOND STREET                          27101
     WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA                   (ZIP CODE)
    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
               OFFICES)
 
                               ----------------
 
                                (336) 733-2000
             (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
 
                               ----------------
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
                                   OF 1934:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
         TITLE OF EACH CLASS        ON WHICH REGISTERED
         -------------------      -----------------------
      <S>                         <C>
      Common Stock, $5 par value  New York Stock Exchange
        Share Purchase Rights     New York Stock Exchange
</TABLE>
 
  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 references in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.
 
  Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                                YES [X] NO [_]
 
  The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant at January 31, 1998 was approximately $7.9 billion. The number of
shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding on January 31, 1998, was
136,342,267.
 
  Portions of the Proxy Statement of the Registrant for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 28, 1998, are incorporated by reference in
Part III of this report.
 
                     The Exhibit Index begins on page 82.
 
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<PAGE>
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                          ------
 <C>      <C>     <S>                                                     <C>
 PART I   Item 1  Business.............................................        4
          Item 2  Properties...........................................   15, 61
          Item 3  Legal Proceedings....................................       71
          Item 4  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Shareholders......        2
                  None.
 PART II  Item 5  Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
                  Shareholder Matters..................................    38-39
          Item 6  Selected Financial Data..............................       42
          Item 7  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                  Condition and Results of Operations..................       19
          Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
                  Risk.................................................       34
          Item 8  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..........       41
                  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and
                  1996.................................................       45
                  Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the
                  years in the three-year period ended December 31,
                  1997.................................................       46
                  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders'
                  Equity for each of the years in the three-year period
                  ended December 31, 1997..............................       47
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the
                  years in the three-year period ended December 31,
                  1997.................................................       48
                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........       49
                  Report of Independent Public Accountants.............       44
                  Quarterly Financial Summary for 1997 and 1996........       41
          Item 9  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
                  Accounting and Financial Disclosures.................        2
                  None.
 PART III Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...    *, 15
          Item 11 Executive Compensation...............................        *
          Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                  Management...........................................        *
          Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.......        *
 PART IV  Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
                  on Form 8-K
</TABLE>
 
     (a) (1)     Financial Statements (See Item 8 for reference).
 
           (2)   Financial Statement Schedules normally required on Form 10-K
                 are omitted since they are not applicable.
 
           (3)
                 Exhibits have been filed separately with the Commission and
                 are available upon written request.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     (b)
                 Reports on Form 8-K.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           TYPE       DATE FILED                  REPORTING PURPOSE
           ----       ----------                  -----------------
           <C>     <C>               <S>
           Item 5. January 14, 1997  Fourth Quarter Earnings Release
           Item 5. April 11, 1997    First Quarter Earnings Release
           Item 5. May 23, 1997      Corporate Name Change from Southern
                                     National Corporation to BB&T Corporation
                                     effective
                                     May 19, 1997
           Item 5. June 11, 1997     $250 million Subordinated Notes Issued
           Item 5. July 11, 1997     Second Quarter Earnings Release
           Item 2. July 14, 1997     Completion of United Carolina Bancshares
                                     Merger
           Item 5. August 15, 1997   30 Days Combined Operations between BB&T
                                     and United Carolina Bancshares Corporation
                                     and certain restated balances
           Item 5. August 15, 1997   Restatement of December 31, 1996 Form 10-K
                                     to include the accounts of United Carolina
                                     Bancshares Corporation
           Item 5. October 15, 1997  Third Quarter Earnings Release
           Item 5. October 30, 1997  Announcement of Plans to Acquire Life
                                     Bancorp, Inc., of Norfolk, Virginia
           Item 5. December 17, 1997 Announcement of Plans to Acquire Franklin
                                     Bancorporation, Inc. of Washington, D.C.
           Item 5. January 15, 1998  Fourth Quarter Earnings Release
           Item 5. February 26, 1998 Announcement of Plans to Acquire Maryland
                                     Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Hyattsville,
                                     Maryland
           Item 5. February 27, 1998 Announcement of Share Repurchase Plan
</TABLE>
 
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     *           The information called for by Item 10 is incorporated herein
                 by reference to the information that appears under the
                 headings "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a)
                 Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the
                 Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of
                 Shareholders.
 
                 The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein
                 by reference to the information that appears under the
                 headings "Compensation of Executive Officers", "Retirement
                 Plans" and "Compensation Committee Report on Executive
                 Compensation" in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the
                 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
                 The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein
                 by reference to the information that appears under the
                 headings "Security Ownership" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial
                 Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Registrant's Proxy
                 Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
                 The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein
                 by reference to the information that appears under the
                 headings "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
                 Participation" and "Transactions with Officers and Directors"
                 in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual
                 Meeting of Shareholders.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  BB&T Corporation ("BB&T" or "the Corporation") is a multi-bank holding
company headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. BB&T conducts its
operations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia primarily through
its commercial banking subsidiaries and, to a lesser extent, through its other
subsidiaries. At December 31, 1997, the principal assets of BB&T included all
of the outstanding shares of common stock of Branch Banking and Trust Company,
of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; BB&T Financial Corporation of South
Carolina, located in Greenville, South Carolina, which in turn owns all the
outstanding shares of Branch Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina; BB&T
Financial Corporation of Virginia, which in turn owns all the outstanding
shares of Branch Banking and Trust Company of Virginia, Fidelity Federal
Savings Bank and Virginia First Savings Bank. BB&T also owns all of the
outstanding shares of common stock of Regional Acceptance Corporation of
Greenville, North Carolina, Craigie Incorporated of Richmond, Virginia,
Refloat Incorporated of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and Phillips Factors
Corporation of High Point, North Carolina.
 
 Subsidiaries
 
  Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"), BB&T's largest subsidiary, was
chartered in 1872 and is the oldest bank in North Carolina. BB&T-NC currently
operates 357 banking offices throughout North Carolina and holds the largest
share of deposits in North Carolina. BB&T-NC provides a wide range of banking
services, principally in its local market, to individuals and commercial
customers, including small and mid-sized businesses, public agencies and local
governments. BB&T-NC's principal subsidiaries include BB&T Leasing Corp.,
based in Charlotte, North Carolina, which specializes in lease financing to
commercial businesses; BB&T Investment Services, Inc., located in Charlotte,
North Carolina, which offers customers nondeposit investment alternatives,
including discount brokerage services, fixed-rate and variable-rate annuities,
unit investment trusts, mutual funds and U.S. Government and municipal bonds;
and BB&T Insurance Services, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina,
which is the largest independent insurance agency network in the Carolinas and
markets a wide range of insurance coverages to individuals and businesses.
 
  BB&T-NC has a number of additional subsidiaries, including Prime Rate
Premium Finance Corporation, Inc. ("Prime Rate"), located in Florence, South
Carolina, which provides insurance premium financing to customers in Virginia
and the Carolinas. BB&T-NC also owns 51% of AutoBase Information Systems,
Inc., ("AutoBase") a Charlotte, North Carolina-based company that uses
advanced technologies to simplify the car-buying process for consumers and
automotive dealers.
 
  Branch Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina ("BB&T-SC") operates 96
banking offices. BB&T-SC provides a wide range of banking services,
principally in its local market, to retail and commercial customers, including
small and mid-sized businesses, public agencies, local governments and
individuals. BB&T-SC's subsidiaries include BB&T Investment Services of South
Carolina, Inc., located in Charlotte, North Carolina, a broker/dealer
currently engaged in the retailing of mutual funds, U.S. Government and
municipal bonds, fixed and variable rate insurance annuity products and unit
investment trusts.
 
  Branch Banking and Trust Company of Virginia ("BB&T-VA") operates 22 banking
offices in southeastern Virginia. BB&T-VA offers a full range of commercial
and retail banking services.
 
  Fidelity Federal Savings Bank ("Fidelity") was acquired on March 1, 1997.
Fidelity operates seven branch offices offering commercial and retail banking
services in the Richmond, Virginia area.
 
  Virginia First Savings Bank ("Virginia First") was acquired on December 1,
1997. Virginia First operates 24 full service retail facilities throughout
southside, central and southwestern Virginia. In addition, Virginia First
operates twelve loan origination centers in southside, central and
southwestern Virginia, in northern Virginia and Southern Maryland under the
trade name, Virginia First Mortgage.
 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  On March 1, 1998, BB&T completed its acquisition of Life Bancorp, Inc. of
Norfolk, Virginia ("Life"). Life has $1.5 billion in assets and currently
operates 20 full service banking offices in Norfolk, Virginia Beach,
Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Suffolk through its banking subsidiary, Life
Savings Bank, FSB. Its primary businesses are retail and mortgage banking.
 
  Regional Acceptance Corporation ("Regional Acceptance"), a consumer finance
company based in Greenville, North Carolina, was acquired by BB&T on September
1, 1996. Regional Acceptance, which operates 28 branch offices in the
Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia, specializes in indirect lending for
consumer purchases of used automobiles.
 
  Craigie Incorporated ("Craigie"), a registered broker/dealer headquartered
in Richmond, Virginia, was acquired on October 1, 1997. With offices in
Richmond, Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina, Craigie specializes in the
origination, trading and distribution of fixed-income securities and equity
products in both the public and private capital markets. Craigie's public
finance department provides financial advisory services and municipal bond
financing to a variety of regional tax-exempt issuers. The firm's corporate
finance department specializes in raising equity capital and underwriting debt
issues for corporate clients and has an active mergers and acquisitions
practice.
 
  Phillips Factors ("Phillips"), based in High Point, North Carolina, was
acquired by BB&T on May 20, 1997. Phillips buys and manages account
receivables primarily in the furniture, textiles and home furnishing-related
industries.
 
  Refloat, Inc. ("Refloat"), based in Mount Airy, North Carolina, was acquired
by BB&T on July 31, 1997. Refloat specializes in loans to small commercial
lawn care businesses across the country.
 
  Unified Investors Life Insurance Company is a reinsurer and underwriter of
certain credit life and credit accident and health insurance policies written
by a non-affiliated insurance company in connection with loans made by the
bank subsidiaries.
 
  The following table discloses selected information related to BB&T's banking
subsidiaries:
 
                                    TABLE 1
 
                SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF BANKING SUBSIDIARIES
          AS OF/FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               BB&T-NC                           BB&T-SC                       BB&T-VA           FIDELITY**
                 ----------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------- ----------
                    1997        1996        1995        1997       1996       1995      1997     1996     1995      1997
                 ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Total assets.... $22,530,009 $20,652,519 $19,654,218 $4,364,982 $4,213,458 $4,179,955 $785,870 $790,955 $737,462  $356,226
Securities......   5,392,894   4,962,941   4,970,762  1,020,554  1,034,385  1,055,622  132,596  147,019  154,358    28,639
Loans and
 leases, net of
 unearned
 income*........  15,402,775  14,149,983  13,213,131  3,052,755  2,901,930  2,928,298  590,306  550,218  505,767   275,640
Deposits........  15,931,795  15,683,080  14,856,949  3,401,236  3,336,711  3,255,945  679,252  690,318  669,000   255,475
Shareholder's
 equity.........   1,771,589   1,601,950   1,380,924    374,871    399,965    385,481   73,922   67,039   60,734    64,758
Net interest
 income.........     842,745     773,019     710,338    184,341    173,235    166,764   36,670   35,144   31,231    10,960
Provision for
 loan and lease
 losses.........      53,533      44,675      31,264     14,109      8,405      5,518    2,033    2,550    1,910       605
Noninterest
 income.........     436,607     333,119     238,050     70,916     57,729     58,199   12,546   10,296    4,650     1,230
Noninterest
 expense........     809,599     689,969     659,681    135,018    134,200    119,931   30,523   24,839   25,965     8,322
Net income......     278,536     250,956     172,970     68,024     56,489     62,319   10,973   11,791    4,853     1,278
<CAPTION>
                 VIRGINIA
                 FIRST**
                 --------
                   1997
                 --------
<S>              <C>
Total assets.... $925,279
Securities......   23,329
Loans and
 leases, net of
 unearned
 income*........  771,928
Deposits........  662,594
Shareholder's
 equity.........  152,626
Net interest
 income.........    2,826
Provision for
 loan and lease
 losses.........      183
Noninterest
 income.........    1,077
Noninterest
 expense........    2,654
Net income......      468
</TABLE>
- --------
* Includes loans held for sale.
** Fidelity Federal Savings Bank was acquired on March 1, 1997 and Virginia
   First Savings Bank was acquired on December 1, 1997. These acquisitions
   were accounted for as purchases and, consequently, the amounts above
   reflect the operations of the acquired institutions only since the dates of
   acquisition.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 Merger Strategy and Pending Mergers
 
  Profitability and market share have been enhanced through both internal
growth and acquisitions in recent years. The acquisition strategy of BB&T is
focused on three primary objectives: (1) to pursue in-market acquisitions of
high-quality banks and thrifts in the $250 million to $10 billion range, (2)
to acquire companies in niche markets that provide products or services that
can be offered to BB&T's current customer base, and (3) to consider strategic
acquisitions in new markets that are economically feasible and provide
positive long-term benefits.
 
  On December 16, 1997, BB&T announced plans to merge with Franklin
Bancorporation Inc. ("Franklin") of Washington, D.C. in a stock transaction to
be accounted for as a pooling of interests. Franklin shareholders will receive
between .35 and .3743 shares of BB&T common stock in exchange for each share
of Franklin common stock held. With approximately $535 million in assets,
Franklin operates nine full-service banking offices, including six in the
District of Columbia, one in Bethesda, Maryland and two in northern Virginia.
The transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 1998.
 
  On February 25, 1998, BB&T announced plans to acquire Maryland Federal
Bancorp, Inc. ("Maryland Federal") of Hyattsville, Maryland in a stock
transaction to be accounted for as a purchase. Maryland Federal shareholders
will receive no less than .5975 and no greater than .6102 shares of BB&T
common stock in exchange for each share of Maryland Federal common stock held.
With approximately $1.2 billion in assets, Maryland Federal operates 28
branches in 24 cities as offices of Maryland Federal Bank. This transaction is
expected to be completed in the third quarter of 1998.
 
 Competition
 
  The banking industry is highly competitive and dramatic change continues to
occur. The banking subsidiaries of BB&T compete actively with national and
state banks, savings and loan associations, securities dealers, mortgage
bankers, finance companies and insurance companies. Competition continues to
grow as customers select from a variety of traditional and nontraditional
financial institutions. The industry continues to consolidate at a fast pace,
which affects competition by eliminating some regional and local institutions
while at the same time creating a growing number of firms with multi-regional
operations. For additional information on markets, BB&T's competitive position
and strategies, see "Market Area" and "Lending Activities" below.
 
  BB&T expects to continue to take advantage of the consolidation of the
financial services industry by further developing its franchise through the
acquisition of financial institutions. Such acquisitions may entail the
payment by BB&T of consideration in excess of the book value of the underlying
net assets acquired, may result in the issuance of additional shares of BB&T
common stock or the incurring of an additional indebtedness by BB&T, and could
have a dilutive effect on the per share earnings or book value of BB&T common
stock. Moreover, such acquisitions sometimes result in significant front-end
charges against earnings, although cost savings, especially incident to in-
market acquisitions, also are frequently anticipated.
 
MARKET AREA
 
  BB&T's primary market area consists of North Carolina, South Carolina and
Virginia. The area's employment base consists of manufacturing, general
services, agricultural, wholesale/retail and financial services. Among the
primary industries in which BB&T has significant commercial lending
relationships are real estate, textiles, furniture and health care. BB&T
believes its current market area is economically vibrant and will support
consistent growth in assets and deposits in the future. Even so, management
expects to continue to employ aggressive growth strategies, including possible
expansion into neighboring states. The current market area includes numerous
small communities that BB&T seeks to serve. Management believes that
maintaining a community bank approach as asset size and available services
grow will strengthen the Corporation's ability to move into new states and
communities and to target small to mid-sized commercial customers in these
areas.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
LENDING ACTIVITIES
 
  The primary goal of the BB&T lending function is to help clients achieve
their financial goals and secure their financial futures on terms that are
fair to the clients and profitable to the Corporation. This purpose can best
be accomplished by building strong, profitable customer relationships over
time, with BB&T becoming an important contributor to the prosperity and well-
being of its customers. BB&T's philosophy of lending is to attempt to meet the
business and consumer credit needs within defined market segments where
standards of safety, profitability and liquidity can be met.
 
  BB&T focuses lending efforts on small to intermediate commercial and
industrial loans, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and other
consumer loans. Typically, fixed-rate residential mortgage loans are sold in
the secondary mortgage market and adjustable-rate residential mortgages are
retained for the portfolio. Loan growth, which typically follows economic
cycles, has been consistent over the past five years. Average loans have
increased 9.3% on an annual basis since 1992 and increased 10.1% in 1997. BB&T
conducts the majority of its lending activities in the context of the
Corporation's community bank focus, with decentralized lending decisions made
as close to the customer as practicable.
 
                                    TABLE 2
 
                   COMPOSITION OF LOAN AND LEASE PORTFOLIO*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31,
                         -----------------------------------------------------------
                            1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Loans--
  Commercial, financial
   and agricultural..... $ 3,017,729 $ 2,715,363 $ 2,395,084 $ 2,941,109 $ 2,303,554
  Real estate--
   construction and land
   development..........   2,102,234   1,525,964   1,175,839     889,033     870,112
  Real estate--
   mortgage.............  11,415,319  10,110,927  10,200,968   9,220,222   8,431,729
  Consumer..............   2,688,304   2,748,572   2,487,235   2,388,970   2,198,858
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
    Loans held for in-
     vestment...........  19,223,586  17,100,826  16,259,126  15,439,334  13,804,253
    Loans held for
     sale...............     509,141     228,333     261,364     141,676     707,973
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
      Total loans.......  19,732,727  17,329,159  16,520,490  15,581,010  14,512,226
Leases..................     788,462     576,991     376,152     304,544     225,312
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  Total loans and
   leases............... $20,521,189 $17,906,150 $16,896,642 $15,885,554 $14,737,538
                         =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
 *Balances are gross of unearned income.
 
 Mortgage Banking
 
  BB&T is the largest originator of residential mortgage loans in the
Carolinas. BB&T engages in mortgage loan originations by offering fixed- and
adjustable-rate government and conventional loans for the purpose of
constructing, purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied properties. As
mentioned above, the Corporation usually retains adjustable-rate loans for the
portfolio and sells fixed-rate loans and government loans within the secondary
mortgage market. Servicing rights on loans sold are typically retained by
BB&T. Loans are generally offered in amounts up to 95% of the appraised value
of the collateral for terms up to 30 years based on the qualifications of the
borrower. Except in the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") program discussed
below, private mortgage insurance is required in an amount sufficient to
reduce BB&T's exposure to 80% or less of the loan-to-value ratio. BB&T does
not originate loans with negative amortization. Risks associated with the
residential lending function include interest rate risk, which is mitigated
through the sale of substantially all fixed-rate loans, and default risk by
the borrower, which is lessened through underwriting procedures and private
mortgage insurance. BB&T also purchases mortgage loans from other
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
originators and subjects them to the same underwriting and risk management
policies as loans originated internally.
 
  The Corporation also offers, as part of its CRA program, more flexible
underwriting criteria to broaden the availability of mortgage loans in the
communities BB&T serves. CRA loans are available at loan-to-value ratios up to
97% for households with incomes below a specified percentage of county median
income. Such loans do not require private mortgage insurance. These loans are
currently retained in the portfolio since they do not meet the requirements to
be sold in the secondary mortgage market at the time of origination.
 
  BB&T's mortgage banking operation earns fee income from the servicing of the
mortgage loan portfolio and from gains on sales of mortgage loans to the
secondary mortgage market.
 
 Commercial Lending
 
  BB&T's commercial lending program is generally targeted to serve small to
middle-market businesses with sales of $250 million or less, although in-house
limits do allow lending to larger customers, including national customers who
have some reasonable business connections with the Corporation's
geographically-served markets. Commercial lending includes commercial,
financial, agricultural, industrial and real estate loans. Pricing on
commercial loans, driven largely by competition, is usually tied to market
indexes, such as the prime rate, London Interbank Offered Rates or U.S.
Treasury rates. Substantially all of BB&T's commercial lending program is
operated through the banking network.
 
 Construction Lending
 
  Real estate construction loans include loans with 12 month maturities which
are intended to convert to permanent one-to-four family residential mortgage
loans upon completion of the construction. These loans have terms and options
similar to residential mortgage loans and allow a rate to be "locked in" by
the borrower during the 12 month construction period. The loans also allow a
"float down" option once during the construction period. BB&T also originates
commercial construction loans. These loans are usually to in-market
developers, businesses, individuals or real estate investors for the
construction of commercial structures in the Corporation's market area,
including, but not limited to, industrial facilities, apartments, shopping
centers, office buildings, hotels and warehouses. The properties may be for
sale, lease or owner-occupancy. The Corporation generally requires the
borrower to obtain a commitment to "take out" the construction loan and
typically requires significant levels of pre-sales, pre-leasing or, in the
case of owner-occupied properties, that the owner has adequate resources to
repay the debt. Generally, these loans carry floating interest rates tied to
the Corporation's prime interest rate or other market index, and range in term
from six to eighteen months.
 
 Consumer Lending
 
  BB&T offers various consumer loan products. Both secured and unsecured loans
are marketed to qualifying existing clients and to other creditworthy
candidates in BB&T's market area. Home Equity Loans and Lines are underwritten
with note amounts and credit limits that ensure consistency with the
Corporation's loan-to-value policy (80% for consumer loans secured by real
estate). Numerous forms of unsecured loans, including revolving credits
(bankcards, DDA overdraft protection and personal lines of credit), are
provided and various installment loan products, including vehicle loans, are
offered. Pricing of such loans is based, to a great degree, on in-market
competition. Closed-end installment loans are usually priced as fixed-rate
simple interest loans, while most revolving products are priced with variable
rates.
 
  Through the acquisition of Regional Acceptance, BB&T is expanding the sales
finance function by making loans to customers with a higher credit risk
profile than the traditional BB&T customer. These loans are extended through
automobile dealers to finance purchases of mid-model to late-model used
automobiles and are priced higher than BB&T's normal grade consumer loans
based on the higher level of risk associated with these types of loans.
 
 Leasing
 
  BB&T provides commercial leasing products and services principally in North
Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia through BB&T Leasing Corp. ("Leasing"),
a subsidiary of BB&T-NC. Leasing provides three primary
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
products: finance or capital leases, true leases (as defined under the
Internal Revenue Code) and other operating leases. Leasing provides leases for
vehicles, rolling stock and tangible personal property and services for small
to medium-sized commercial customers primarily in BB&T's market area. BB&T
also solicits leasing business from municipalities in North and South Carolina
directly through its subsidiary banks.
 
                                    TABLE 3
 
              SELECTED LOAN MATURITIES AND INTEREST SENSITIVITY*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                          -------------------------------------
                                           COMMERCIAL,
                                          FINANCIAL AND REAL ESTATE:
                                          AGRICULTURAL  CONSTRUCTION   TOTAL
                                          ------------- ------------ ----------
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>           <C>          <C>
Fixed rate:
  1 year or less(2)......................  $  217,276    $  323,954  $  541,230
  1-5 years..............................     420,068       159,560     579,628
  After 5 years..........................      86,911           --       86,911
                                           ----------    ----------  ----------
    Total................................     724,255       483,514   1,207,769
                                           ----------    ----------  ----------
Variable rate:
  1 year or less(2)......................   1,077,933     1,084,543   2,162,476
  1-5 years..............................   1,077,933       534,177   1,612,110
  After 5 years..........................     137,608           --      137,608
                                           ----------    ----------  ----------
    Total................................   2,293,474     1,618,720   3,912,194
                                           ----------    ----------  ----------
      Total loans and leases(1)..........  $3,017,729    $2,102,234  $5,119,963
                                           ==========    ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
*  Balances are gross of unearned income. Scheduled repayments are reported in
   the maturity category in which the payment is due. Determinations of
   maturities are based upon contract terms. BB&T's credit policy does not
   permit automatic renewals of loans. At the scheduled maturity date
   (including balloon payment date), the customer must request a new loan to
   replace the matured loan and execute a new note with rate, terms and
   conditions renegotiated at that time.
 
(1) The table excludes:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
  (i)consumer loans to individuals for household, family and other
   personal expenditures........................................... $ 2,688,304
  (ii)real estate mortgage loans...................................  11,415,319
  (iii)loans held for sale.........................................     509,141
  (iv)leases.......................................................     788,462
                                                                    -----------
                                                                    $15,401,226
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
(2) Includes loans due on demand.
 
 Nonaccrual Loans and Leases
 
  It is BB&T's policy to place commercial loans and leases on nonaccrual
status when full collection of principal and interest becomes doubtful, or
when any portion of principal or interest becomes 90 days past due, whichever
occurs first. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, interest receivable
is reversed against interest income in the current period and any prior year
interest is charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Interest
payments received thereafter are applied as a reduction of the remaining
principal balance so long as doubt exists as to the ultimate collection of the
principal. Loans and leases are removed from nonaccrual status when they
become current as to both principal and interest and when the collectability
of principal or interest is no longer doubtful.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  Mortgage loans and other consumer loans are also placed on nonaccrual status
when full collection of principal and interest becomes doubtful, or they
become delinquent for a specified period of time, which varies depending on
the type of consumer loan.
 
 Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
 
  The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision
for loan and lease losses charged against earnings. The level of the allowance
for loan and lease losses is based on management's evaluation of the risk
inherent in the loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of loan
activity. This evaluation, which includes a review of loans for which full
collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers the loans' risk
grades, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, economic
conditions, historical loan loss experience and other factors that warrant
consideration in determining an adequate allowance. BB&T utilizes ten "risk
grades" to evaluate the repayment capacity of borrowers. BB&T's objective is
to maintain a loan portfolio that is diverse in terms of loan type, industry
concentration, geographic distribution and borrower concentration in order to
reduce overall credit risk by minimizing the adverse impact of any single
event or combination of related events. Although management believes that the
best information available is used to determine the adequacy of the allowance,
the nature of the process by which management determines the appropriate
allowance for credit losses requires the exercise of considerable judgment.
Unforeseen market conditions could result in adjustments in the allowance
which would affect earnings. Future additions to BB&T's allowance will be the
result of periodic loan, property and collateral reviews as well as projected
changes in overall economic and real estate markets.
 
  The following table sets forth an allocation of the allowance for loan and
leases losses at the end of each of the past five years. The allowance has
been allocated on an approximate basis and is not necessarily indicative of
future losses. The entire amount of the allowance is available to absorb
losses occurring in any category of loans and leases.
 
                                    TABLE 4
 
                   ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE BY LOAN CATEGORY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                1997              1996              1995              1994              1993
                          ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                   % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS
                                   IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH
                           AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY
                          -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Balance at end of period
 applicable to:
Commercial, financial
 and agricultural.......  $ 29,034    15%   $ 30,272    15%   $ 32,370    14%   $ 40,340    19%   $ 48,493    16%
Real estate:
 Construction and land
  development...........    18,476    10      14,645     9      16,436     7      13,522     6      15,004     6
 Mortgage...............    89,741    58      96,389    58      96,096    62      83,260    58      84,875    61
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
 Real estate--total.....   108,217    68     111,034    67     112,532    69      96,782    64      99,879    67
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
Consumer................    76,543    13      52,238    15      37,977    15      33,706    15      31,461    15
Leases..................     7,918     4       3,679     3       3,443     2         906     2       1,218     2
Unallocated.............    42,231   --       32,847   --       32,730   --       43,709   --       31,655   --
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
 Total..................  $263,943   100%   $230,070   100%   $219,052   100%   $215,443   100%   $212,706   100%
                          ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===
</TABLE>
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to BB&T's allowance
for loan and lease losses for the most recent five years.
 
                                    TABLE 5
 
              COMPOSITION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------
                             1997         1996         1995         1994         1993
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance, beginning of
 period.................  $   230,070  $   219,052  $   215,443  $   212,706  $   176,743
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Charge-offs:
  Commercial, financial
   and agricultural.....      (12,394)      (9,341)     (10,889)     (11,655)     (24,832)
  Real estate...........      (12,743)     (11,523)     (12,005)      (9,131)     (11,844)
  Consumer..............      (64,829)     (47,441)     (29,556)     (16,398)     (16,510)
  Lease receivables.....         (671)        (768)        (614)        (647)        (771)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total charge-offs...      (90,637)     (69,073)     (53,064)     (37,831)     (53,957)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Recoveries:
  Commercial, financial
   and agricultural.....        4,926        5,065        5,302        7,280        6,212
  Real estate...........        4,889        6,221        3,658        3,148        3,525
  Consumer..............        7,100        6,158        5,394        4,996        4,267
  Lease receivables.....          232          136          395          295          149
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total recoveries....       17,147       17,580       14,749       15,719       14,153
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net charge-offs.........      (73,490)     (51,493)     (38,315)     (22,112)     (39,804)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Provision charged to
   expense..............       89,850       62,511       41,924       23,730       59,829
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Allowance of loans
   acquired in purchase
   transactions.........       17,513          --           --         1,119       15,938
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance, end of period..  $   263,943  $   230,070  $   219,052  $   215,443  $   212,706
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Average loans and
 leases*................  $18,916,461  $17,186,046  $16,507,428  $14,919,264  $13,344,029
Net charge-offs as a
 percentage of average
 loans and leases.......          .39%         .30%         .23%         .15%         .30%
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
*  Loans and leases are net of unearned income and include loans held for
   sale.
 
 Nonperforming Assets and Classified Assets
 
  Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and leases, foreclosed real
estate and other repossessions. Loans are considered delinquent in most cases
the first day after payment is due. After a loan has been delinquent for ten
days, BB&T mails a reminder notice to the borrower, and if the borrower does
not contact a collection officer, late charges are assessed on the sixteenth
day after the due date. Numerous attempts to work with delinquent borrowers to
establish a repayment plan are made throughout the delinquent period of the
loan. When a commercial loan or unsecured consumer loan becomes 90 days past
due, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. For mortgage and most other
consumer loans, the period of time that passes before a delinquent loan is
automatically placed on nonaccrual status varies, depending on the type of
loan. In some cases, loans may be placed on nonaccrual status earlier based on
specific circumstances surrounding the loan. If the collection of principal
and/or interest becomes doubtful at any time during the collection process,
the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Every effort is made to reach an
agreement on payment with the borrower. If it becomes necessary to foreclose
on the collateral securing loans, acquired assets are aggressively marketed to
minimize the cost of carrying such assets.
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
 
  BB&T maintains a portion of its assets as investment securities. Banks are
allowed to purchase, sell, deal in and hold certain investment securities as
prescribed by bank regulations. These investments include all obligations of
the U.S. Treasury, agencies of the Federal government, obligations of any
state or political subdivision, various types of corporate debt, mutual funds,
limited equity securities and certain derivative securities.
 
  Investment portfolio activities are governed internally by a written, board-
approved investment policy. Investment policy is carried out by the
Corporation's Asset/Liability Management Committee ("ALCO") which meets
regularly to review the economic environment, assess current activities for
appropriateness and establish investment strategies. The ALCO also has much
broader responsibilities which are discussed in the section, Market Risk
Management, of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
 
  Investment strategies are established by the ALCO in consideration of the
interest rate cycle, balance sheet mix, actual and anticipated loan demand,
funding opportunities and the overall interest rate sensitivity of the
Corporation. In general, the investment portfolio is managed in a manner
appropriate to the attainment of the following goals: (i) to provide a
sufficient margin of liquid assets and liabilities to cover unanticipated
deposit and loan fluctuations, seasonal funds flow variations and overall
funds management objectives; (ii) to provide eligible securities to secure
public funds and trust deposits as prescribed by law; and (iii) to earn the
maximum return on funds invested that is commensurate with meeting the
requirements of (i) and (ii).
 
  Within the overall context of the primary purposes of portfolio management
as just described, investment strategy during 1997 was established and
continually adjusted within an environment of stable short-term interest
rates, as set by the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee.
 
  At December 31, 1997, the investment portfolio represented approximately
23.0% of the total assets of the Corporation. Management has judged overall
liquidity and interest rate sensitivity to be adequate to allow the continued
growth of both the investment and loan portfolios.
 
  As has been the case for the past several years, investment activity during
1997 was centered on obligations of the U.S. Treasury and Federal agency
securities. Excluding mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasuries and Federal
agencies comprised 62.4% of the total book value of the portfolio at year end.
The value of these securities from return and quality perspectives made them
relatively more attractive than other types of investments. Emphasis continued
to be placed on short and intermediate-term maturities, balancing reasonable
stability between liquidity and yield. The average contractual maturity of the
entire portfolio at December 31, 1997 was 6 years and 10 months compared to 7
years and 4 months at December 31, 1996. This decrease in maturity reflects a
restructuring of BB&T's holdings during the year. However, the actual cash
flows relating to the investment portfolio, are expected to be received more
quickly than contractual maturities because of prepayments from mortgage-
backed securities. At December 31, 1997, the approximate expected actual
maturity, or the "duration," of BB&T's investment portfolio was 2 years. Table
11--"Securities" presents the maturity distribution by category of BB&T's
investment portfolio at December 31, 1997.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  The following table provides information regarding the composition of BB&T's
securities portfolio at the end of each of the past three years. Note that
BB&T's trading securities, reflected in the accompanying table, were obtained
through the acquisition of Craigie.
 
                                    TABLE 6
 
                      COMPOSITION OF SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                              --------------------------------
                                                 1997       1996       1995
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Trading securities (at estimated fair
 value)......................................  $  67,878 $      --  $      --
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Securities held to maturity (at amortized
 cost):
  U.S. Treasury, government and agency
   obligations...............................     14,952      6,283     41,570
  States and political subdivisions..........    132,847    164,525    205,168
  Mortgage-backed securities.................        --         --       4,508
  Other securities...........................        --         --          77
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total securities held to maturity........    147,799    170,808    251,323
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Securities available for sale (at estimated
 fair value):
  U.S. Treasury, government and agency
   obligations...............................  4,163,991  3,954,039  4,788,132
  States and political subdivisions..........     37,141     23,977     22,115
  Mortgage-backed securities.................  1,855,755  1,751,025  1,007,062
  Other securities...........................    424,628    285,180    153,991
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total securities available for sale......  6,481,515  6,014,221  5,971,300
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
      Total securities....................... $6,697,192 $6,185,029 $6,222,623
                                              ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
SOURCES OF FUNDS
 
  Deposits generated through BB&T's domestic banking network are the primary
source of funds for lending and investing activities. The amortization and
scheduled payment of loans and maturities of investment securities also
provide a stable source of funds. Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances,
foreign deposits, Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowed funds,
as well as longer-term debt issued through the capital markets, all provide
supplemental liquidity sources. These secondary funding sources may also be
used if management determines that these are the best sources of funds to meet
current requirements.
 
 Deposits
 
  Customer deposits are attracted principally from within BB&T's market area
through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments including
demand deposits, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, savings accounts,
money rate savings, certificates of deposit and individual retirement
accounts. Deposit account terms vary with respect to the minimum balance
required and the time period the funds must remain on deposit. Interest rates
paid on specific deposit types are set by the ALCO and are determined based on
(i) the interest rates offered by competitors, (ii) anticipated needs for
funding and the timing of the cash flow needs offset by the availability of
more cost-effective funding sources and (iii) anticipated future economic
conditions and interest rates. Customer deposits are attractive sources of
liquidity because of stability, cost and the ability to generate fee income
through the cross-sale of other services.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                    TABLE 7
 
                        TIME DEPOSITS $100,000 AND OVER
                    REMAINING MATURITY AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN
                                                                     THOUSANDS)
                                                                    -----------
   <S>                                                              <C>
     Less than three months........................................ $   987,283
     Four through six months.......................................     552,084
     Seven through twelve months...................................     492,029
     Over twelve months............................................     390,205
                                                                    -----------
       Total....................................................... $ 2,421,601
                                                                    ===========
 
  At December 31, 1997, the scheduled maturities of total time deposits were:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN
                                                                     THOUSANDS)
                                                                    -----------
   <S>                                                              <C>
     1998.......................................................... $ 8,564,920
     1999..........................................................   1,483,623
     2000..........................................................     315,026
     2001..........................................................      86,435
     2002..........................................................     134,786
     2003 and later................................................      12,412
                                                                    -----------
       Total....................................................... $10,597,202
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
 Short-Term Borrowed Funds
 
  BB&T's ability to borrow significant funds through nondeposit sources
generates additional flexibility in meeting the liquidity needs of customers.
Sources of short-term borrowed funds at year end were master notes, securities
sold under repurchase agreements, FHLB advances, Federal funds purchased and
U.S. Treasury tax and loan depository note accounts.
 
  The following information summarizes certain pertinent information for the
past three years with regard to BB&T's short-term borrowed funds:
 
                                    TABLE 8
 
                           SHORT-TERM BORROWED FUNDS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1997        1996        1995
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
   Maximum outstanding at any month-end
    during the year......................  $3,015,177  $2,340,904  $3,902,581
   Average outstanding during the year...   2,527,128   2,029,293   3,184,338
   Average interest rate during the
    year.................................        5.32%       5.26%       5.91%
   Average interest rate at end of year..        5.47        4.80        5.36
</TABLE>
 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND RESOURCES
 
  Overall capital adequacy is monitored on an ongoing basis by management and
reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. BB&T's principal capital
planning goals are to provide an adequate return to shareholders while
retaining a sufficient base from which to support future growth and compliance
with all regulatory standards. Close attention is given to regulatory levels
of capital as percentages of assets and risk-weighted assets. The accompanying
table outlines the regulatory minimums for Tier 1 capital, total risk-based
capital and the leverage ratio, as well as such amounts for BB&T and BB&T's
banking subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                    TABLE 9
 
        CAPITAL ADEQUACY FOR BB&T CORPORATION AND BANKING SUBSIDIARIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            REGULATORY       BB&T-  BB&T-  BB&T-           VIRGINIA
                             MINIMUMS  BB&T   NC     SC     VA    FIDELITY  FIRST
                            ---------- ----  -----  -----  -----  -------- --------
<S>                         <C>        <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>
Risk-based capital ratios:
  Tier 1 capital(1).......     4.0%     9.9% 11.0%  12.2%  12.1%    12.3%    10.5%
  Total risk-based
   capital(2).............     8.0     13.7  12.3   13.4   13.3     13.3     11.8
Leverage ratio(3).........     3.0      7.2   7.6    8.5    9.4      7.9      7.3
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Shareholders' equity less nonqualifying intangible assets; computed as a
    ratio of risk-weighted assets, as defined in the risk-based capital
    guidelines.
(2) Tier 1 capital plus qualifying loan loss allowance and subordinated debt;
    computed as a ratio of risk-weighted assets as defined in the risk-based
    capital guidelines.
(3) Tier 1 capital computed as a ratio of fourth quarter average assets less
    nonqualifying intangibles.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  At December 31, 1997, BB&T had approximately 9,800 full-time-equivalent
employees.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  BB&T and its significant subsidiaries occupy headquarters offices that are
either owned or operated under long-term leases and also own free-standing
operations centers in Wilson, Charlotte and Lumberton, North Carolina. Branch
office locations are variously owned or leased. The premises occupied by BB&T
and its subsidiaries are considered to be well-located and suitably equipped
to serve as financial services facilities. See Note F. "Premises and
Equipment" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in this report
for additional disclosures related to BB&T's properties.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF BB&T
 
  BB&T's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is John A. Allison, IV. Mr.
Allison is 49 and has 27 years of service with the Corporation. Henry G.
Williamson, Jr. is the Chief Operating Officer for the Corporate Group. Mr.
Williamson is 50 and has 26 years of service with the Corporation. Kelly S.
King is the President of BB&T Corporation and is the Senior Executive Vice
President for the Branch Network. Mr. King is 49 and has 26 years of service
with the Corporation. Robert E. Greene is the President of Branch Banking and
Trust Company and is the Senior Executive Vice President for Administrative
Services for the Corporation. Mr. Greene is 48 and has served the Corporation
for 25 years. W. Kendall Chalk is the Senior Executive Vice President for the
Lending Group. Mr. Chalk is 52 and has served the Corporation for 23 years.
Morris D. Marley is the Senior Executive Vice President for Funds Management.
Mr. Marley is 47 and has served the Corporation for 26 years. Scott E. Reed is
the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Reed is
49 and has 26 years of service with the Corporation.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                       CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
  As a bank holding company, BB&T is subject to regulation under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, (the "BHCA") and the examination and
reporting requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
(the "Federal Reserve Board"). Under the BHCA, a bank holding company may not
directly or indirectly acquire ownership or control of more than 5% of the
voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any additional bank or
merge or consolidate with another bank holding company without the prior
approval of the Federal Reserve Board. The BHCA also generally limits the
activities of a bank holding company to that of banking, managing or
controlling banks, or any other activity which is determined to be so closely
related to banking or to managing or controlling banks that an exception is
allowed for those activities.
 
  As state-chartered banks, BB&T-NC, BB&T-SC and BB&T-VA (collectively, the
"Banks") are subject to regulation, supervision and examination by state bank
regulatory authorities in their respective home states. These authorities
include the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks, in the case of BB&T-NC, the
South Carolina Commissioner of Banking, in the case of BB&T-SC, and the
Virginia State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Financial Institutions, in
the case of BB&T-VA. Each of the Banks is also subject to regulation,
supervision and examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the
"FDIC"). State and federal law also govern the activities in which the Banks
engage, the investments they make and the aggregate amount of loans that may
be granted to one borrower. Various consumer compliance laws and regulations
also affect the Banks' operations.
 
  Fidelity, Virginia First and Life (collectively, the "Thrifts") are
federally-chartered savings associations and as such are subject to
regulation, examination and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision, a
bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Federal law governs the
activities in which the Thrifts may engage, the investments they may make and
the aggregate amount of loans that may be granted to one borrower. Various
consumer compliance laws and regulations also affect the Thrift's operations.
 
  The earnings of BB&T's subsidiaries, and therefore the earnings of BB&T, are
affected by general economic conditions, management policies and the
legislative and governmental actions of various regulatory authorities,
including those referred to above. The following description summarizes some
of the state and federal laws to which BB&T, the Banks and Thrifts are
subject. To the extent statutory or regulatory provisions or proposals are
described, the description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
particular statutory or regulatory provisions or proposals.
 
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
 
  BB&T is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking and other
subsidiaries. A major portion of the revenues of BB&T result from amounts paid
as dividends to BB&T by its subsidiaries. BB&T's banking subsidiaries are
subject to state laws and regulations that limit the amount of dividends they
can pay. In addition, both BB&T and its banking and thrift subsidiaries are
subject to various general regulatory policies relating to the payment of
dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above
regulatory minimums. The Federal Reserve Board has indicated that banking
organizations should generally pay dividends only if (1) the organization's
net income available to common shareholders over the past year has been
sufficient to fund fully the dividends and (2) the prospective rate of
earnings retention appears consistent with the organization's capital needs,
asset quality and overall financial condition. BB&T does not expect that any
of these laws, regulations or policies will materially impact the ability of
the Banks and Thrifts to pay dividends. During the year ended December 31,
1997, the Banks and Thrifts recorded $248.3 million in cash dividends to BB&T.
 
CAPITAL
 
  The Federal Reserve Board, and the FDIC and the Office of Thrift Supervision
have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital guidelines
applicable to banking organizations they supervise. Under the risk-based
capital requirements, BB&T, the Banks and the Thrifts are each generally
required to maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets
(including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of
credit) of 8%. At least half of the total capital is to be composed of common
equity, retained
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
earnings and qualifying perpetual preferred stock, less certain intangibles
("Tier 1 capital"). The remainder may consist of certain subordinated debt,
certain hybrid capital instruments and other qualifying preferred stock and a
limited amount of the loan loss allowance ("Tier 2 capital"). At December 31,
1997, BB&T's Tier 1 capital and total capital ratios were 9.9% and 13.7%,
respectively, and the ratio of total capital to total risk-adjusted assets for
BB&T-NC, BB&T-SC, BB&T-VA, Fidelity and Virginia First were 12.3%, 13.4%,
13.3%, 13.3% and 11.8%, respectively.
 
  In addition, each of the Federal bank regulatory agencies has established
minimum leverage capital ratio requirements for banking organizations. These
provisions require a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted
average quarterly assets equal to 3% to 5% subject to Federal bank regulatory
evaluation of an organization's overall safety and soundness. BB&T's leverage
ratio at December 31, 1997 was 7.2%, and the leverage ratios for BB&T-NC, BB&T-
SC. BB&T-VA, Fidelity and Virginia First were 7.6%, 8.5%, 9.4%, 7.9% and 7.3%,
respectively.
 
  The risk-based capital standards of both the Federal Reserve Board and the
FDIC explicitly identify concentrations of credit risk and the risk arising
from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution's ability to manage
these risks, as important factors to be taken into account by the agency in
assessing an institution's overall capital adequacy. The capital guidelines
also provide that an institution's exposure to a decline in the economic value
of its capital due to changes in interest rates be considered by the agency as
a factor in evaluating a bank's capital adequacy. The Federal Reserve Board
also has recently issued additional capital guidelines for bank holding
companies that engage in certain trading activities.
 
DEPOSIT INSURANCE ASSESSMENTS
 
  The deposits of each Bank and Thrift are insured by the FDIC up to the limits
set forth under applicable law. A majority of the deposits of the Banks are
subject to the deposit insurance assessments of the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF")
of the FDIC. However, a portion of the deposits of the Banks (relating to the
Banks' acquisitions of various savings associations) and all of the deposits of
the Thrifts are subject to assessments imposed by the Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the FDIC.
 
  The FDIC equalized the assessment rates for BIF-insured and SAIF-insured
deposits effective January 1, 1997. Thus, for the semi-annual period beginning
January 1, 1997, the assessments imposed on all FDIC deposits for deposit
insurance have an effective rate ranging from 0 to 27 basis points per $100 of
insured deposits, depending on the institution's capital position and other
supervisory factors. However, because legislation enacted in 1996 requires that
both SAIF-insured and BIF-insured deposits pay a pro rata portion of the
interest due on the obligations issued by the Financing Corporation ("FICO"),
the FDIC is currently assessing BIF-insured deposits an additional 1.26 basis
points per $100 of deposits, and SAIF-insured deposits an additional 6.30 basis
points per $100 of deposits, to cover those obligations.
 
OTHER SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS REGULATIONS
 
  There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding
companies and their depository institution subsidiaries by Federal law and
regulatory policy that are designed to reduce potential loss exposure to the
depositors of such depository institutions and to the FDIC insurance funds in
the event the depository institution is in danger of becoming insolvent or is
insolvent. For example, under a policy of the Federal Reserve Board with
respect to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company is required
to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository
institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in
circumstances where it might not do so otherwise. In addition, the "cross-
guarantee" provisions of Federal law require insured depository institutions
under common control to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered or reasonably
anticipated by either the SAIF or the BIF as a result of the insolvency of a
commonly controlled insured depository institution or for any assistance
provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution in
danger of default. The FDIC may decline to enforce the cross-guarantee
provision if it determines that a waiver is in the best interests of the SAIF
or the BIF or both. The FDIC's claim for reimbursement is superior to claims of
shareholders of the insured depository institution or its holding company but
is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors and holders of
subordinated debt (other than affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured
depository institution.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
  The Federal banking agencies also have broad powers under current Federal
law to take prompt corrective action to resolve problems of insured depository
institutions. The extent of these powers depends upon whether the institution
in question is well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized,
significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, as defined by
the law. As of December 31, 1997, BB&T, the Banks and Thrifts were classified
as well-capitalized.
 
  State regulatory authorities also have broad enforcement powers over the
Banks, including the power to impose fines and other civil and criminal
penalties, and to appoint a conservator (with the approval of the Governor in
the case of North Carolina) in order to conserve the assets of any such
institution for the benefit of depositors and other creditors. The North
Carolina Commissioner also has the authority to take possession of a state
bank in certain circumstances, including, among other things, when it appears
that such bank has violated its charter or any applicable laws, is conducting
its business in an unauthorized or unsafe manner, is in an unsafe or unsound
condition to transact its business or has an impairment of its capital stock.
The Office of Thrift Supervision has similar powers with regard to the
Thrifts.
 
INTERSTATE BANKING AND BRANCHING
 
  Current Federal law authorizes interstate acquisitions of banks and bank
holding companies without geographic limitation. Effective June 1, 1997, a
bank headquartered in one state was authorized to merge with a bank
headquartered in another state, as long as neither of the states had opted out
of such interstate merger authority prior to such date. Once a bank has
established branches in a state through an interstate merger transaction, the
bank may establish and acquire additional branches at any location in the
state where a bank headquartered in that state could have established or
acquired branches under applicable Federal or state law.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results
of operations of BB&T Corporation ("BB&T" or the "Corporation") for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, and related financial
information are presented in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related notes to assist in the evaluation of BB&T's 1997
performance.
 
  1997 was a strong year for the U.S. economy and for the economies of North
Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, BB&T's primary markets. The national
economy expanded for the seventh consecutive year while inflation remained
very low. Jobs grew by 3.2 million compared to 2.5 million in 1996. The Gross
Domestic Product reflected moderate growth for the year, while inflation
remained low, as evidenced by a rise in the consumer price index of only 1.8%.
Hourly earnings growth slowed to 3.7% from 3.9% in spite of tight labor
markets. Consumer confidence was very high during the year, resulting in
higher spending in disposable goods, durable goods and housing. Capital
spending rose 18% as companies expanded and renewed physical plants to
increase capacity. Productivity improved to record levels across all sectors
of business because of the increased utilization of technology and further
improvements are anticipated in 1998.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the
financial condition, results of operations and business of BB&T. These
forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors
that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by
such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following
possibilities: (1) competitive pressure in the banking industry increases
significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment reduce margins;
(3) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, are less
favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in
credit quality; (4) changes occur in the regulatory environment; (5) changes
occur in business conditions and inflation; (6) expected cost savings
associated with pending mergers cannot be fully realized; (7) deposit
attrition, customer loss or revenue loss following pending mergers is greater
than expected; (8) required operational divestitures associated with pending
mergers are greater than expected; (9) the Year 2000 issue is not effectively
corrected; and (10) changes occur in the securities markets.
 
1997 MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
 
  On March 1, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Fidelity Financial
Bankshares Corporation ("Fidelity") of Richmond, Virginia, in a transaction
accounted for as a purchase. BB&T issued 1.6 million shares for all of the
shares of Fidelity's common stock outstanding.
 
  On May 20, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Phillips Factors
Corporation ("Phillips") and its subsidiaries, Phillips Financial Corporation
and Phillips Acceptance Corporation, all of High Point, North Carolina.
Phillips purchases and manages receivables in the temporary staffing industry
nationwide. It also provides payroll processing services to that industry.
Phillips also buys and manages account receivables primarily in the furniture,
textiles and home furnishings-related industries. The acquisition of Phillips
was accounted for as a purchase.
 
  On July 31, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Refloat, Inc. of Mount
Airy, North Carolina, and its principal subsidiary, Sheffield Financial Corp.
(collectively, "Refloat"), a financing company that specializes in loans to
small commercial lawn care businesses across the country. The acquisition,
which was completed through the issuance of 375,000 shares of common stock,
was accounted for as a purchase.
 
  On October 1, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Craigie Incorporated
("Craigie"), an investment banking firm located in Richmond, Virginia. Craigie
specializes in the origination, trading and distribution of fixed-income
securities and equity products in both the public and private capital markets.
Craigie also has a public finance department that provides investment banking
services, financial advisory services and municipal bond financing to a
variety of regional tax-exempt issuers. The acquisition, which was accounted
for as a purchase, was accomplished through the issuance of approximately
463,000 shares of BB&T's common stock.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  On December 1, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Virginia First
Financial Corporation of Petersburg, Virginia ("VFFC"), a financial
institution with $822.9 million in assets at the time of purchase. The merger,
which was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, was
consummated through the issuance of 1.9 million shares of BB&T's common stock
and the payment of $44.8 million.
 
  On July 1, 1997, BB&T completed its merger with United Carolina Bancshares
Corporation ("UCB") of Whiteville, North Carolina, in a stock transaction
accounted for as a pooling of interests. UCB shareholders received 27.7
million shares of BB&T common stock in exchange for all of the shares of UCB
common stock held.
 
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
  Average assets totaled $26.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 1997,
an increase of 8.7% over the 1996 average of $24.8 billion. Average assets in
1996 increased 2.2% compared to the 1995 average of $24.2 billion. The major
components of the increase in average assets during 1997 were loans and
leases, up $1.7 billion, or 10.1%, for the year; securities, which increased
$294.8 million, or 4.9% during the year; and non-earning assets, which
increased $169.8 million, or 11.7%. These increases were partially offset by a
$31.6 million, or 37.6%, decline in other earning assets because of decreases
in Federal funds sold.
 
  The compound rate of growth in average assets was 8.1% for the five years
ended December 31, 1997. Over the same five-year period, the compound annual
growth rates based on average balances were 9.3% for loans and leases, 6.1%
for securities and 4.9% for deposits. All growth rates have been enhanced by
acquisitions accounted for as purchases.
 
                                   TABLE 10
 
                      COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE TOTAL ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    % CHANGE
                                                                 ---------------
                                                                 1997 V. 1996 V.
                             1997         1996         1995       1996    1995
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  ------- -------
                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>     <C>
Securities*.............  $ 6,342,124  $ 6,047,280  $ 6,142,707     4.9%  (1.6)%
Federal funds sold and
 other earning assets...       52,519       84,167      148,373   (37.6)  (43.3)
Loans and leases, net of
 unearned income**......   18,916,461   17,186,046   16,507,428    10.1     4.1
                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Average earning assets..   25,311,104   23,317,493   22,798,508     8.5     2.3
Non-earning assets......    1,622,386    1,452,609    1,427,507    11.7     1.8
                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Average total assets....  $26,933,490  $24,770,102  $24,226,015     8.7%    2.2%
                          ===========  ===========  ===========
Average earning assets
 as percent of average
 total assets...........         94.0%        94.1%        94.1%
                          ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Based on amortized cost.
** Includes loans held for sale based on lower of amortized cost or market.
   Amounts are gross of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
 
  Among management's primary strategic objectives is the careful management of
assets and liabilities to maximize revenues and earnings per share. The
various components of assets and liabilities, the fluctuations of these
accounts during 1997 and the strategies surrounding the management of the
balance sheet are discussed below.
 
SECURITIES
 
  The securities portfolios provide earnings and liquidity, as well as
providing an effective tool in managing interest rate risk. Management has
historically emphasized investments with a maturity of five years or less
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
because of the changing interest rate environment and to provide greater
flexibility in balance sheet management. As a result of the recent emphasis on
the acquisition of higher-yielding, longer-term mortgage-backed securities,
and maturities of lower-yielding, U.S. Government obligations, the average
contractual maturity of the total portfolio has increased to greater than
seven years at year-end 1997. However, the expected duration of the investment
portfolio approximates two years because of anticipated prepayments of
mortgage-backed securities, which compose 27.7% of the entire portfolio. U.S.
Treasury securities, government and agency obligations, which comprised 62.4%
of the portfolio at year-end 1997, provide adequate current yields with
minimal risk and maturities structured to address liquidity concerns. Total
outstanding securities increased 8.3% in 1997 to a total of $6.7 billion at
the end of the year.
 
  Craigie, a registered broker/dealer acquired by BB&T on October 1, 1997,
holds trading securities as a normal part of its operations. At December 31,
1997, Craigie had trading securities totaling $67.9 million that are reflected
on BB&T's consolidated balance sheet. Market valuation gains and losses in
BB&T's trading portfolio are reflected in current earnings. BB&T recorded $.7
million in net unrealized gains from the valuation of these securities during
1997.
 
  Securities held to maturity made up only 2.2% of the total portfolio at
December 31, 1997, and are primarily composed of obligations of states and
municipalities. Securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost and
totaled $147.8 million at December 31, 1997 compared to $170.8 million
outstanding at the end of 1996. Market valuation gains and losses in the
Corporation's held-to-maturity category affect neither earnings nor capital.
The held-to-maturity portfolio had a net unrealized gain of $3.8 million at
December 31, 1997.
 
  Securities available for sale totaled $6.5 billion at year end and are
carried at estimated fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115. The available-for-sale portfolio is
primarily composed of investments in U.S. Treasuries, government and agency
obligations, which, excluding mortgage-backed securities, composed 64.2% of
the outstanding balance of securities available for sale at year end. This
percentage has decreased slightly from the 1996 percentage of 65.7%, which
reflects a shift to mortgage-backed securities and other securities. The
available-for-sale portfolio also contains investments in obligations of
states and municipalities, which composed less than 1% of the portfolio, and
other securities, including equity investments which comprised the remaining
6.6% of the portfolio.
 
  The available-for-sale portfolio composed 96.8% of total securities.
Management believes that the high concentration of securities in the
available-for-sale portfolio allows greater flexibility in the day-to-day
management of the overall portfolio than the held-to-maturity classification.
 
  The market value of the available-for-sale portfolio was $74.0 million
greater than the amortized cost of these securities. At December 31, 1997,
BB&T's available-for-sale portfolio had net unrealized appreciation, net of
deferred income taxes, of $44.9 million, which is reported as a separate
component of shareholders' equity. This compares to net unrealized
appreciation of $11.7 million at December 31, 1996. The unrealized gains and
losses in the available-for-sale portfolio at the end of 1997 and 1996 were
considered by management to be of a temporary nature and caused by
fluctuations in market interest rates, not by concerns about the ability of
the issuers to meet their obligations.
 
  The fully taxable equivalent ("FTE") yield on the total securities portfolio
was 6.84% for the year ended December 31, 1997, compared to 6.61% for the
prior year. The improvement in FTE yield resulted from higher yields from U.S.
Treasury, government and agency obligations and mortgage-backed securities.
U.S. Treasury, government and agency obligations improved from 6.41% in 1996
to 6.65% in 1997 and mortgage-backed securities increased from 6.92% to 7.09%,
while the FTE yield on state and municipal securities decreased from 8.98%
last year to 8.75% in the current year.
 
  Management expects that BB&T's primary investment strategy during 1998 will
be to selectively replace lower-yielding securities with other high-quality
U.S. Government and Federal agency obligations having short and intermediate
maturities. The Corporation's ALCO will continually evaluate such strategies
in consideration of actual economic and balance sheet developments.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                                   TABLE 11
 
                                  SECURITIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                              --------------------------------
                                              CARRYING VALUE AVERAGE YIELD (3)
                                              -------------- -----------------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>            <C>
U.S. Treasury, government and agency
 obligations(1)
  Within one year............................   $  765,224          6.11%
  One to five years..........................    3,532,273          6.77
  Five to ten years..........................      200,951          7.00
  After ten years............................    1,536,250          7.07
                                                ----------         -----
    Total....................................    6,034,698          6.77
                                                ----------         -----
States and political subdivisions
  Within one year............................       24,416          8.88
  One to five years..........................      119,889          8.86
  Five to ten years..........................       23,490          8.69
  After ten years............................        2,193         10.90
                                                ----------         -----
    Total....................................      169,988          8.87
                                                ----------         -----
Other securities
  Within one year............................          191          5.03
  One to five years..........................       20,347          6.79
  Five to ten years..........................          134          7.90
  After ten years............................          269          6.96
                                                ----------         -----
    Total....................................       20,941          6.78
                                                ----------         -----
Securities with no stated maturity...........      471,565          6.79
                                                ----------         -----
    Total securities(2)......................   $6,697,192          6.82%
                                                ==========         =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Included in U.S. Treasury, government and agency obligations are mortgage-
    backed securities totaling $1.9 billion classified as available for sale
    and disclosed at estimated fair value. These securities are included in
    each of the categories based upon final stated maturity dates. The
    original contractual lives of these securities range from five to 30
    years; however, the average expected duration is substantially shorter
    because of the monthly return of principal on certain securities.
(2) Includes securities held to maturity of $147.8 million carried at
    amortized cost and securities available for sale and trading securities
    carried at estimated fair values of $6.5 billion and $67.9 million,
    respectively.
(3) Taxable equivalent basis as applied to amortized cost.
 
LOANS AND LEASES
 
  Loans and leases, including loans held for sale, totaled $20.3 billion at
the end of 1997, an increase of $2.5 billion, or 14.3%, from 1996. Average
loans for the year ended December 31, 1997, increased $1.7 billion, or 10.1%,
over the prior year. This growth rate includes the effects of a mortgage loan
securitization program during 1996 and BB&T's divestiture of $232.3 million in
loans associated with completing the UCB merger. Excluding the impact of the
securitization program and the divestiture, average loans grew at a rate of
12.5% compared with 1996.
 
  The FTE yield on loans increased from 9.11% for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1996, to 9.20% for 1997, created by higher yields on commercial
and consumer loans, partially offset by lower mortgage loan rates.
 
  BB&T's lending strategy is to maintain a rate of internal growth, which,
over the long run, approximates that of its markets in the Carolinas and
Virginia. Management believes this effort will result in a rate of increase
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
which will be sustainable and profitable. Average commercial loans, including
leases, increased at a rate of 13.0% during 1997 and yielded 9.1%. Average
consumer loans grew 7.9% over the course of the year and yielded 10.3%.
Average mortgage loans, including the impact of securitizations, increased
6.7% during 1997, while yielding 7.9%. Excluding the impact of the
securitizations, average mortgage loans increased 14.6%.
 
  BB&T concentrated efforts on expanding the leasing function throughout 1997.
As a result average lease receivables grew $190.8 million, or 51.0%, during
1997. Municipal leasing, primarily tax-exempt leases with counties and
municipalities, was stronger than in the prior year. The leasing function,
which provides a quality stream of earnings, has developed numerous lease-
based products and services that have been effectively marketed to existing
BB&T customers and noncustomers.
 
ASSET QUALITY
 
  The credit quality of the loan and lease portfolio was affected during 1997
by strong internal loan growth and by purchase acquisitions. As reflected in
Table 12--"Asset Quality," nonperforming assets were $122.7 million at year
end, up $32.6 million, or 36.2%, from the prior year. As a percentage of total
assets, nonperforming assets were .42% at December 31, 1997 compared to .35%
at the end of 1996. As a percentage of loans plus foreclosed properties,
nonperforming assets were .60% at December 31, 1997 compared to .51% at the
end of 1996. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of loans
and leases was 1.30% at both December 31, 1997 and 1996. Loans 90 days or more
past due and still accruing interest increased during 1997 to a year-end
balance of $47.0 million compared to a December 31, 1996 balance of $41.7
million.
 
  The asset quality ratios reflect nonperforming assets obtained through
purchase acquisitions of Fidelity Financial on March 1, 1997 and Virginia
First on December 1, 1997. These two acquisitions resulted in 61.1% of the
increase in nonperforming assets at December 31, 1997. BB&T's merger with UCB
on July 1, 1997 also affected credit quality ratios as BB&T applied more
stringent credit quality standards to UCB's existing portfolio resulting in
higher levels of nonperforming assets following the merger.
 
  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases increased from
 .30% in 1996 to .39% in 1997, primarily as a result of the purchase
acquisition activity discussed above, as well as efforts to aggressively
charge off nonperforming assets and delinquent accounts at Regional
Acceptance.
 
  Regional Acceptance BB&T's used automobile financing subsidiary in
Greenville, North Carolina, was acquired on September 1, 1996. Because of
current trends in the used automobile financing industry, Regional Acceptance
has experienced higher-than-expected charge-offs during 1997. Regional
Acceptance represented less than 1% of BB&T consolidated assets at December
31, 1997, but accounted for 24.5% of the Corporation's net charge-offs.
Excluding the net charge-offs of Regional Acceptance and Prime Rate Premium
Finance Corporation, Inc., BB&T's insurance premium financing subsidiary, BB&T
had a net charge-off rate of .27% for 1997, .25% for 1996 and .20% for 1995.
 
  BB&T assigns risk grades to all commercial loans in the portfolio. This
assignment of loans to one of ten categories is based upon the relative
strength of the repayment source. All significant loans in the four highest
risk grades are reviewed monthly for appropriateness of risk grade, accrual
status and allowance.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  The following table reflects relevant asset quality information for BB&T for
the most recent three years.
 
                                   TABLE 12
 
                                 ASSET QUALITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                    --------------------------
                                                      1997     1996     1995
                                                    --------  -------  -------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>      <C>
Nonaccrual loans and leases*....................... $ 88,389  $62,190  $68,634
Foreclosed property................................   34,343   27,945   18,886
                                                    --------  -------  -------
  Nonperforming assets............................. $122,732  $90,135  $87,520
                                                    ========  =======  =======
  Loans 90 days or more past due and still
   accruing........................................ $ 46,999  $41,742  $34,648
                                                    ========  =======  =======
Asset Quality Ratios
  Nonaccrual loans and leases as a percentage of
   loans and leases................................      .44%     .35%     .41%
  Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:
    Total assets...................................      .42      .35      .35
    Loans and leases plus foreclosed property......      .60      .51      .52
  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans
   and leases......................................      .39      .30      .23
  Allowance for losses as a percentage of loans and
   leases..........................................     1.30     1.30     1.30
  Ratio of allowance for losses to:
    Net charge-offs................................     3.59x    4.47x    5.72x
    Nonaccrual loans and leases....................     2.99     3.70     3.19
</TABLE>
- --------
Note: Items referring to loans and leases are net of unearned income, gross of
    the allowance and include loans held for sale.
 
* Includes $29.5 million of impaired loans at December 31, 1997 and $18.5
  million of impaired loans at December 31, 1996. See Note D in the "Notes to
  Consolidated Financial Statements."
 
DEPOSITS AND OTHER BORROWINGS
 
  Management's primary objective for funding balance sheet activity is to
provide adequate, stable and cost-effective sources of funds. Core deposits
compose BB&T's primary funding source, despite trends in recent years away
from traditional transaction and savings accounts by depositors. As depositors
have sought greater returns for savings, growth rates for deposits have
typically not kept pace with asset growth. BB&T's total deposits at December
31, 1997, compared to year-end 1996, increased $1.2 billion, or 6.4%, to $20.2
billion. The increase in end-of-period deposits was driven by a 23.6% increase
in money rate savings accounts and a 7.8% increase in noninterest-bearing
demand deposits. These growth rates include the impact of $505.8 million in
deposits divested in conjunction with the UCB merger. Excluding the impact of
this divestiture, total deposits would have increased 9.0%. On average, total
deposits increased $733.4 million, or 3.9%. This increase was led by a 4.5%
increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits and a 19.8% increase in money
rate savings accounts. These increases were offset somewhat by a 32.7%
decrease in interest checking accounts. Other time deposits, BB&T's largest
category of average deposits, increased less than 1% in 1997. This
classification of deposits includes individual retirement accounts and
certificates of deposit. Foreign deposits totaled $1.4 billion at December 31,
1997, a 117.0% increase from the prior year balance. The substantial increase
in these deposits reflects a greater reliance on these deposits as a cost-
effective alternative funding source.
 
  The average rates paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased slightly
during 1997 to 4.39% from 4.41% in 1996. The decrease was led by lower rates
paid on savings accounts, which decreased from 2.09% to 1.86%
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
during the year. Also, the average cost of certificates of deposit and other
time deposits decreased from 5.55% to 5.50%. These declines were offset
somewhat by an increase in rates paid on money rate savings accounts from
2.81% to 3.04%.
 
  BB&T focused efforts during 1997 on restructuring the composition of
deposits toward more cost-effective noninterest-bearing demand deposits and
money rate savings accounts. Thrift acquisitions in prior years had resulted
in a higher concentration of costly certificates of deposit than many of
BB&T's peers, and the restructuring was intended to reduce that concentration
and reduce the overall cost of deposits. As part of this strategy, BB&T began
the special promotion of an "Investor Deposit Account," which is more flexible
than traditional money rate savings accounts and less costly to BB&T than
certificates of deposit. The success of this promotion is evident from the
growth in money rate savings accounts discussed above.
 
  Management also uses various short-term borrowed funds to meet funding
needs. Among these are Federal funds purchased, which composed 29.8% of total
short-term borrowed funds and securities sold under repurchase agreements,
which comprised 33.1% of short-term borrowed funds at year-end 1997.
Management also utilizes master notes, U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit
notes, short-term bank notes and short-term Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB")
advances to supplement funding needs. Average short-term borrowed funds
increased $497.8 million, or 24.5%, during 1997. Total short-term borrowed
funds at year-end 1997 increased $734.4 million, or 32.2%, compared to year-
end 1996. The rates paid on average short-term borrowed funds increased from
5.26% in 1996 to 5.32% during 1997.
 
  Management also employs long-term debt for funding, and management
significantly increased reliance on longer-term funding sources during 1997.
BB&T's total long-term debt at December 31, 1997, increased $1.2 billion, or
59.8%, to $3.3 billion. On average, long-term debt increased $762.0 million,
or 40.9%. BB&T's long-term debt consists primarily of FHLB advances, which
composed 53.3% of total outstanding long-term debt at December 31, 1997, and
medium-term bank notes, which composed 31.2% of the year-end balance. FHLB
advances are the most cost-effective long-term funding source, and provides
BB&T the flexibility to structure the debt to manage interest rate risk and
liquidity. In an effort to diversify long-term funding sources, management
developed various debt programs, including $2 billion in subordinated banknote
programs. In June 1997, BB&T issued $250 million of subordinated notes due in
2007. The proceeds of this issuance are being used to repurchase shares of
BB&T's common stock issued in connection with recent acquisitions. An
additional $200 million of medium term bank notes were issued during 1997 for
general funding purposes. The average rate paid on long-term debt during 1997
increased from 5.78% for 1996 to 5.82% for 1997.
 
  BB&T continually considers liquidity needs in evaluating funding sources.
The ultimate goal is to maintain funding flexibility, which will allow BB&T to
react rapidly to opportunities in the marketplace. Management will continue to
focus on traditional core funding strategies during 1997, including targeting
growth in noninterest-bearing deposits and money rate savings accounts. Also,
because lower interest rates are currently available, management will likely
pursue additional long-term funding during 1998.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                                   TABLE 13
 
             COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE DEPOSITS AND OTHER BORROWINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        % CHANGE
                                                                                     ----------------
                                                                                     1997 V.  1996 V.
                               1997                 1996                 1995         1996     1995
                          ---------------  ----------------------------------------  -------  -------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>         <C>  <C>             <C>      <C>         <C>  <C>      <C>
Savings and interest
 checking...............  $ 1,939,789   8% $     2,125,217      10% $ 2,326,185  11%  (8.7)%    (8.6)%
Money rate savings......    4,604,762  19        3,844,718      17    3,741,917  17   19.8       2.7
Other time deposits.....   10,222,656  42       10,174,310      45    9,340,595  42     .5       8.9
                          ----------- ---  --------------- -------  ----------- ---
Total interest-bearing
 deposits...............   16,767,207  69       16,144,245      72   15,408,697  70    3.9       4.8
Noninterest-bearing
 demand deposits........    2,543,546  10        2,433,123      11    2,282,567  10    4.5       6.6
                          ----------- ---  --------------- -------  ----------- ---
Total deposits..........   19,310,753  79       18,577,368      83   17,691,264  80    3.9       5.0
Short-term borrowed
 funds..................    2,527,128  10        2,029,293       9    3,184,338  14   24.5     (36.3)
Long-term debt..........    2,623,424  11        1,861,380       8    1,130,460   6   40.9      64.7
                          ----------- ---  --------------- -------  ----------- ---
Total deposits and other
 borrowings.............  $24,461,305 100% $    22,468,041     100% $22,006,062 100%   8.9%      2.1%
                          =========== ===  =============== =======  =========== ===   ====     =====
</TABLE>
 
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Consolidated net income for 1997 totaled $359.9 million, which generated
basic earnings per share of $2.65 and diluted earnings per share of $2.60. Net
income for the prior year was $330.2 million and net income for 1995 was
$227.3 million. Basic earnings per share were $2.42 in 1996 and $1.63 in 1995,
while diluted earnings per share were $2.38 and $1.60, in 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
  BB&T incurred significant nonrecurring expenses during 1997, 1996 and 1995
which are reflected in the earnings above. During the third and fourth
quarters of 1997, BB&T recorded $115.3 million in pretax nonrecurring charges
primarily associated with the merger and conversion of UCB. These charges
included costs associated with the consolidation of branch offices and bank
operating functions, reducing staffing levels, relocating staff, early
retirement packages and other expenses. These expenses were partially offset
by a $47.5 million premium on the divestiture of deposits required to comply
with anti-trust regulations. Excluding the effects of these charges, BB&T's
net income for 1997 would have been $408.6 million, or $2.96 per diluted
share.
 
  During 1996, a one-time assessment by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC") was charged to all financial institutions with deposits
insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). The impact of
BB&T's assessment was $33.8 million on a pre-tax basis. On an after-tax basis,
the assessment totaled $21.8 million or $.16 per diluted share. Excluding the
impact of the assessment, BB&T's net income for 1996 would have been $351.9
million, or $2.53 per diluted share.
 
  During 1995, BB&T incurred $108.0 million in pretax nonrecurring expenses
related to the merger between Southern National Corporation and BB&T Financial
Corporation and $19.8 million in securities losses resulting from a
restructuring of the securities portfolio. These costs were offset somewhat by
a $2.2 million gain on the sale of divested deposits made necessary by the
merger. The net after-tax impact of these nonrecurring items and securities
losses was to reduce net income by $82.4 million. Excluding the impact of
these items, BB&T's net income for 1995 would have been $309.7 million, or
$2.18 per diluted share.
 
  On a recurring basis, BB&T's net income for 1997 grew $56.7 million, or
16.1%, from 1996, while diluted earnings per share increased $.43, or 17.0%,
from the prior year. For 1996, net income excluding nonrecurring items
increased $42.2 million, or 13.6%, from 1995. Diluted earnings per share
increased $.35, or 16.1%, compared to the previous year.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  Management utilizes return on average assets to measure the profitability of
each dollar of assets and to compare BB&T's performance to peers. The returns
on average assets produced by BB&T's earnings excluding the nonrecurring
charges discussed above were 1.52% for 1997, 1.42% for 1996 and 1.28% for
1995. Another important measure of profitability is return on average common
equity produced by recurring earnings. BB&T's returns on average common equity
were 19.31%, 17.84% and 16.70%, for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
 
  Net interest income is BB&T's primary source of revenue. The amount of net
interest income is influenced by a number of factors, including the volumes of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest
rates earned on earning assets less the rates and paid to obtain the asset-
generating funds. The difference between rates earned on interest-earning
assets (with an adjustment made to tax-exempt income to provide comparability
with taxable income) and the cost of supporting funds is measured by the net
spread. The accompanying table presents the dollar amount of changes in
interest income and interest expense and distinguishes between the changes
related to average outstanding balances of interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities (volume) and the changes related to average
interest rates on such assets and liabilities (rate). Changes attributable to
both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                                   TABLE 14
 
                 NET INTEREST INCOME AND RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              AVERAGE BALANCES             YIELD/RATE              INCOME / EXPENSE
                     ----------------------------------- ----------------  --------------------------------
                        1997        1996        1995     1997  1996  1995     1997        1996      1995
                     ----------- ----------- ----------- ----  ----  ----  ----------- ---------- ---------
                                                                             FULLY TAXABLE EQUIVALENT
                                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 <S>                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>         <C>        <C>
 ASSETS
 Securities (1):
 U.S. Treasury,
 government and
 other (5)........   $ 6,170,149 $ 5,843,116 $ 5,907,342 6.78% 6.53% 6.08% $   418,573 $  381,475 $ 359,182
 States and
 political
 subdivisions.....       171,975     204,164     235,365 8.75  8.98  9.00       15,046     18,333    21,173
                     ----------- ----------- ----------- ----  ----  ----  ----------- ---------- ---------
  Total securities
  (5).............     6,342,124   6,047,280   6,142,707 6.84  6.61  6.19      433,619    399,808   380,355
 Other earning
 assets (2).......        52,519      84,167     148,373 5.19  5.38  5.90        2,726      4,530     8,760
 Loans and leases,
 net of unearned
 income
 (1)(3)(4)(5).....    18,916,461  17,186,046  16,507,428 9.20  9.11  9.24    1,739,453  1,566,378 1,526,083
                     ----------- ----------- ----------- ----  ----  ----  ----------- ---------- ---------
  Total earning
  assets..........    25,311,104  23,317,493  22,798,508 8.60  8.45  8.40    2,175,798  1,970,716 1,915,198
                     ----------- ----------- ----------- ----  ----  ----  ----------- ---------- ---------
  Non-earning
  assets..........     1,622,386   1,452,609   1,427,507
                     ----------- ----------- -----------
  Total assets....   $26,933,490 $24,770,102 $24,226,015
                     =========== =========== ===========
 LIABILITIES AND
 SHAREHOLDERS'
 EQUITY
 Interest-bearing
 deposits:
 Savings and
 interest-
 checking.........   $ 1,939,789 $ 2,125,217 $ 2,326,185 1.74  1.86  2.29       33,736     39,478    53,335
 Money rate
 savings..........     4,604,762   3,844,718   3,741,917 3.04  2.81  3.11      139,796    108,187   116,443
 Other time
 deposits.........    10,222,656  10,174,310   9,340,595 5.50  5.55  5.57      562,724    564,826   519,991
                     ----------- ----------- ----------- ----  ----  ----  ----------- ---------- ---------
  Total interest-
  bearing
  deposits........    16,767,207  16,144,245  15,408,697 4.39  4.41  4.48      736,256    712,491   689,769
 Short-term
 borrowed funds...     2,527,128   2,029,293   3,184,338 5.32  5.26  5.91      134,479    106,777   188,301
 Long-term debt...     2,623,424   1,861,380   1,130,460 5.82  5.78  6.26      152,680    107,602    70,769
                     ----------- ----------- ----------- ----  ----  ----  ----------- ---------- ---------
  Total interest-
  bearing
  liabilities.....    21,917,759  20,034,918  19,723,495 4.67  4.63  4.81    1,023,415    926,870   948,839
                     ----------- ----------- ----------- ----  ----  ----  ----------- ---------- ---------
  Noninterest-
  bearing demand
  deposits........     2,543,546   2,433,123   2,282,567
  Other
  liabilities.....       356,175     317,081     323,572
  Shareholders'
  equity..........     2,116,010   1,984,980   1,896,381
                     ----------- ----------- -----------
  Total
  liabilities and
  shareholders'
  equity..........   $26,933,490 $24,770,102 $24,226,015
                     =========== =========== ===========
 Average interest
 rate spread......                                       3.93  3.82  3.59
 Net yield on
 earning assets...                                       4.55% 4.48% 4.24% $ 1,152,383 $1,043,846 $ 966,359
                                                         ====  ====  ====  =========== ========== =========
 Taxable
 equivalent
 adjustment.......                                                         $    52,858 $   36,146 $  35,041
                                                                           =========== ========== =========
<CAPTION>
                            1997 V. 1996                  1996 V. 1995
                     ----------------------------- ----------------------------
                                  CHANGE DUE TO                CHANGE DUE TO
                      INCREASE   -----------------  INCREASE  -----------------
                     (DECREASE)   RATE    VOLUME   (DECREASE)  RATE    VOLUME
                     ----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
 <S>                 <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>
 ASSETS
 Securities (1):
 U.S. Treasury,
 government and
 other (5)........   $  37,098   $15,256  $21,842   $22,293   $26,235  $(3,942)
 States and
 political
 subdivisions.....      (3,287)     (460)  (2,827)   (2,840)      (38)  (2,802)
                     ----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
  Total securities
  (5).............      33,811    14,796   19,015    19,453    26,197   (6,744)
 Other earning
 assets (2).......      (1,804)     (156)  (1,648)   (4,230)     (717)  (3,513)
 Loans and leases,
 net of unearned
 income
 (1)(3)(4)(5).....     173,075    14,070  159,005    40,295   (21,783)  62,078
                     ----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
  Total earning
  assets..........     205,082    28,710  176,372    55,518     3,697   51,821
                     ----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
  Non-earning
  assets..........
  Total assets....
 LIABILITIES AND
 SHAREHOLDERS'
 EQUITY
 Interest-bearing
 deposits:
 Savings and
 interest-
 checking.........      (5,742)   (2,424)  (3,318)  (13,857)   (9,523)  (4,334)
 Money rate
 savings..........      31,609     9,016   22,593    (8,256)  (11,387)   3,131
 Other time
 deposits.........      (2,102)   (4,778)   2,676    44,835    (1,453)  46,288
                     ----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
  Total interest-
  bearing
  deposits........      23,765     1,814   21,951    22,722   (22,363)  45,085
 Short-term
 borrowed funds...      27,702     1,223   26,479   (81,524)  (18,995) (62,529)
 Long-term debt...      45,078       733   44,345    36,833    (5,791)  42,624
                     ----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
  Total interest-
  bearing
  liabilities.....      96,545     3,770   92,775   (21,969)  (47,149)  25,180
                     ----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
  Noninterest-
  bearing demand
  deposits........
  Other
  liabilities.....
  Shareholders'
  equity..........
  Total
  liabilities and
  shareholders'
  equity..........
 Average interest
 rate spread......
 Net yield on
 earning assets...   $ 108,537   $24,940  $83,597   $77,487   $50,846  $26,641
                     =========== ======== ======== ========== ======== ========
 Taxable
 equivalent
 adjustment.......
</TABLE>
- ----
(1) Yields related to securities, loans and leases exempt from both federal
    and state income taxes, federal income taxes only or state income taxes
    only are stated on a taxable equivalent basis assuming tax rates in effect
    for the periods presented.
(2) Includes Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale
    agreements or similar arrangements.
(3) Loan fees, which are not material for any of the periods shown, have been
    included for rate calculation purposes.
(4) Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances. Only the
    interest collected on such loans has been included as income.
(5) Includes assets which were held for sale or available for sale at
    amortized cost and trading securities at estimated fair value.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
  For 1997, net interest income on an FTE basis totaled $1.2 billion, compared
with $1.0 billion in 1996 and $966.4 million in 1995. During 1997, there was
increased interest income from investment securities, up $33.8 million, and
from loans, up $173.1 million. During the same period, higher interest rates
and higher volumes resulted in an increase of $96.5 million in total interest
expense.
 
  The taxable equivalent net yield on average earning assets is the primary
measure used in evaluating the effectiveness of the management of earning
assets and funding liabilities. The net yield on average earning assets was
4.55% in 1997, 4.48% in 1996 and 4.24% in 1995. The increase in margin during
1997 reflects management's emphasis on generating higher-yielding commercial
and consumer loans while pursuing a more cost-effective deposit mix. The yield
on total earning assets increased 15 basis points, driven by the mix of
volumes and rates earned on loans and both higher rates earned and higher
volumes of securities. Also, management's use of more cost-effective funding
strategies, utilizing more FHLB advances and other longer-term debt, rather
than short-term borrowed funds, contributed to the improved margin. The cost
of total interest-bearing liabilities increased only 4 basis points compared
to 1996.
 
  The net interest margin peaked at 4.62% during the second quarter of 1997.
The fourth quarter net interest margin was 4.49%, 13 basis points lower than
the second quarter net yield and 6 basis points less than the net yield for
the year. The decrease in the margin resulted from a common stock repurchase
program executed in connection with acquisitions during 1997, which resulted
in an 8 basis point drop in the margin and the divestiture of loans and
deposits associated with the UCB merger, which generated the remaining 5 basis
point decrease.
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
  A provision for loan and lease losses is charged against earnings in order
to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level that reflects
management's evaluation of the risk inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount
of the provision is based on continuing assessments of problem loans,
analytical reviews of loan loss experience in relation to outstanding loans,
management's judgment with respect to current and expected economic conditions
and their impact on the existing loan portfolio. The provision recorded by
BB&T in 1997 was $89.9 million, compared with $62.5 million in 1996 and $41.9
million in 1995.
 
  The increase in the provision for loan and lease losses was influenced by
two factors: higher net charge-offs during the year and continued growth in
loans. Net charge-offs were somewhat higher during 1997 than in 1996
principally because charge-offs at Regional Acceptance and charge-offs of
loans acquired through acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the allowance was 1.30% of loans
and leases outstanding and was at 2.99 times total nonaccrual loans and leases
at year-end 1997, down from 3.70 times in 1996.
 
  The allowance for loan and lease losses is evaluated for adequacy on a
quarterly basis. Specific allowances are allocated to identified problem
commercial loans of $1 million or more, while all other commercial loans are
segregated into one of ten risk categories according to the relative strength
of the borrower and the repayment sources. Allowance allocations are then
determined by multiplying outstandings in each risk category by factors based
on historical loss experience. Allowance allocations are derived for consumer
loans based on product type, such as mortgage, retail, bankcard, etc.
Allocations are determined by applying historical loss ratios to estimated
outstandings, with adjustments made for current and anticipated business
conditions. This approach, which relates the allowance to problem loans, is
employed because changes in problem loans--both the level relative to
outstandings and the mix by risk category--are leading indicators of changes
in the risk inherent in the portfolio.
 
NONINTEREST INCOME
 
  Noninterest income includes service charges on deposit accounts, trust
revenues, mortgage banking income, insurance commissions, gains and losses on
securities transactions and other commissions and fees derived from banking
and bank-related activities.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  Noninterest income for 1997 totaled $474.9 million, compared with $353.5
million in 1996 and $271.7 million in 1995. The $121.4 million increase during
1997 resulted from growth in all areas of fee-based income combined with gains
on the divestiture of deposits associated with the UCB merger totaling $47.5
million. Excluding the gain on the divestiture of deposits, noninterest income
would have increased $73.9 million, or 20.9%, during 1997.
 
  The percentage of total revenues, (calculated as net interest income FTE
plus noninterest income excluding securities gains or losses), derived from
noninterest (fee-based) income for 1997 was 26.9%, up from 25.1% in 1996 and
23.1% during 1995.
 
  Service charges on deposit accounts represent the largest single source of
noninterest revenue. Such revenues totaled $148.1 million in 1997, an increase
of $15.9 million, or 12.0%, from the 1996 earnings. Service charges during
1996 totaled $132.2 million, which was a 16.3% increase compared with the
prior year. The primary factor contributing to the significant growth in
service charges on deposit accounts during 1997 and 1996 was a change in the
fee structure implemented during the first quarter of both years. Deposit
services are typically repriced annually to reflect current costs and
competitive factors.
 
  Mortgage banking income (which includes servicing fees and profits and
losses from the origination and sale of loans) increased $12.6 million, or
31.6%, to a total of $52.4 million for 1997. Mortgage banking income totaled
$39.8 million in 1996 and $31.2 million in 1995. The primary components of the
1997 increase were servicing fees on loans sold, which increased $2.1 million,
and net gains on sales of mortgage loans, which totaled $16.0 million, an
increase of $5.2 million from 1996.
 
  Agency insurance commissions, which are composed of commissions generated
through BB&T's agency network, increased $12.9 million, or 48.0%, in 1997 to a
total of $39.8 million. Agency insurance commissions totaled $26.9 million in
1996 and $19.3 million in 1995. BB&T currently operates the largest
independent insurance agency network in the Carolinas, which produced total
premium volume during 1997 of $325 million. During 1996 and 1997, BB&T
acquired five insurance agencies in North and South Carolina. These
acquisitions, accounted for under the purchase method, resulted in a
significant portion of the increase in agency insurance commissions during the
past two years. Expansion into additional products during the year also
generated higher fee income. The product line of the agency has been expanded
to include group health insurance, title insurance and surety bonds.
 
  Other insurance commissions, which include credit-related products offered
through the banking network, totaled $13.2 million in 1997, $12.8 million in
1996 and $12.4 million in 1995.
 
  Revenue from corporate and personal trust services totaled $32.0 million in
1997. This was an increase of $3.2 million, or 11.0% over income of $28.8
million in 1996, which was an increase of $4.9 million, or 20.6%, over the
$23.9 million earned in 1995. Managed assets totaled $8.4 billion at the end
of 1997. BB&T is the manager of the nation's largest government 401(k) plan
with assets in excess of $1.5 billion. BB&T also offers its own family of
mutual funds and manages fourteen mutual funds with total assets of
approximately $1.5 billion. These funds provide investment alternatives both
for trust clients and for other customers. The broker / dealer subsidiaries
are the principal marketing agents of BB&T's proprietary mutual funds.
 
  Other nondeposit fees and commissions, which includes bankcard fees and
brokerage commissions, increased by $26.4 million to a level of $109.2 million
in 1997 compared with $82.8 million for 1996. During 1996, other nondeposit
fees and commissions, including bankcard fees, increased 25.2% from the 1995
income of $66.1 million. Major sources of nondeposit fees and commissions
generating the increases include merchant discounts and other bankcard income,
up $6.6 million, or 18.4%, from the 1996 balance; brokerage commissions, which
increased $2.8 million during 1997 to $19.9 million; ATM and point of sale
fees, which totaled $17.2 million and increased $5.2 million, or 43.5%, during
the year. At December 31, 1997, BB&T had
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
659 ATMs, with 415 located in branches and the remaining 244 at non-branch
locations. As part of BB&T's strategy to increase fee income, the number of
ATMs at non-branch sites were significantly increased during 1997. The
purchases of Craigie, a registered broker/dealer with trading and investment
banking operations, and Phillips Factors, a factoring company, accounted for
$5.7 million in nondeposit fees and commissions during 1997.
 
  Other income increased $50.9 million in 1997 primarily because of a $47.5
million premium realized from the divestiture of deposits required by bank
regulators as a condition for their approval of BB&T's merger with UCB.
Excluding the impact of the deposit premium other income would have increased
$3.4 million, or 12.7%, primarily because of the purchase acquisitions
discussed above. Other income in 1996 totaled $27.1 million, up from the 1995
balance of $23.7 million.
 
  The ability to generate significant additional amounts of noninterest
revenues in the future will be a requisite to the ultimate success of BB&T.
Through its subsidiaries, BB&T will continue to focus on mortgage banking,
trust, insurance, investment and brokerage activities, as well as growing
other fee-related products and services. BB&T will also continue to explore
strategic acquisitions of insurance agencies and other nonbank entities to
improve noninterest income.
 
  The following table provides a breakdown of BB&T's noninterest income:
 
                                   TABLE 15
 
                              NONINTEREST INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,      % CHANGE
                                    --------------------------  ---------------
                                                                1997 V. 1996 V.
                                      1997     1996     1995     1996    1995
                                    -------- -------- --------  ------- -------
                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>
Service charges on deposits.......  $148,059 $132,180 $113,664    12.0%  16.3%
Mortgage banking income...........    52,429   39,845   31,218    31.6   27.6
Trust income......................    31,957   28,794   23,872    11.0   20.6
Agency insurance commissions......    39,759   26,859   19,306    48.0   39.1
Other insurance commissions.......    13,164   12,822   12,384     2.7    3.5
Securities gains (losses), net....     2,276    3,090  (18,589)  (26.3)    NM
Bankcard fees and merchant
 discounts........................    42,292   35,729   30,990    18.4   15.3
Investment brokerage commissions..    19,908   17,069   10,103    16.6   68.9
Other bank service fees and
 commissions......................    43,318   26,752   22,125    61.9   20.9
International income..............     3,685    3,206    2,895    14.9   10.7
Amortization of negative
 goodwill.........................     6,180    6,238    6,239     (.9)   --
Other noninterest income..........    71,887   20,884   17,503   244.2   19.3
                                    -------- -------- --------   -----   ----
  Total noninterest income........  $474,914 $353,468 $271,710    34.4%  30.1%
                                    ======== ======== ========   =====   ====
</TABLE>
- --------
NM--not meaningful.
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
  Noninterest expense for 1997 totaled $937.2 million, an increase of $128.6
million, or 15.9%, compared to 1996. Noninterest expense totaled $808.6
million in 1996 and $820.7 million in 1995. Certain material, nonrecurring
items affecting noninterest expense were recorded during 1997, 1996 and 1995.
BB&T recorded $115.3 million in pretax charges during 1997 primarily
associated with the merger with UCB. In 1996, BB&T incurred a special, one-
time SAIF assessment totaling approximately $33.8 million on a pretax basis.
During 1995, BB&T incurred $107.5 million of nonrecurring costs related to the
merger of Southern National Corporation and BB&T Financial Corporation.
Excluding the impact of the nonrecurring items from both 1997
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
and 1996, noninterest expense would have increased $47.1 million, or 6.1%. The
five-year compound rate of growth in noninterest expense on a recurring basis
has been 5.6%.
 
  The control of noninterest expenses is a management priority. The primary
measure of noninterest expense management is the efficiency ratio. For 1997,
BB&T's efficiency ratio, which excludes nonrecurring costs and other
nonoperating items, was 51.9%, placing BB&T in the top 15% of the top 50 banks
in the country. The 1997 ratio showed improvement from the 1996 ratio of 55.4%
and the 1995 ratio of 56.5%.
 
  Total personnel expense, the largest component of noninterest expense,
increased $46.8 million, or 12.1%, in 1997 to a balance of $433.8 million.
Personnel expense totaled $387.1 million for 1996 and $424.3 million in 1995.
Total personnel expense includes salaries and wages, as well as pension and
other employee benefits. The increase during 1997 reflects $25.5 million of
nonrecurring costs associated with the UCB merger. These costs included
severance pay, termination of employment contracts, early retirement packages
and other related benefits. Excluding these nonrecurring charges, total
personnel expense would have increased $21.3 million, or 5.5%, to $408.3
million. The increase in recurring personnel costs reflects higher incentive-
related compensation and normal annual adjustments.
 
  Premiums paid to the FDIC for deposit insurance decreased significantly to a
balance of $4.7 million, compared to $44.0 million in 1996 and $26.9 million
in 1995. As discussed above, BB&T recorded $33.8 million of Federal deposit
insurance expense during 1996 associated with a special assessment to
recapitalize the SAIF. Excluding this assessment, FDIC expense decreased $5.5
million in 1997 compared to 1996. In 1995, the FDIC reduced the rates paid
from $.23 per $100 to $.04 per $100 on deposits insured by the Bank Insurance
Fund and on January 1, 1997, the FDIC eliminated the deposit insurance
premium. This rate decrease resulted in significant savings on deposit
insurance premiums.
 
  Net occupancy and equipment expense totaled $154.7 million in 1997. This
represented an increase of $32.6 million, or 26.7%, over the expense of $122.1
million incurred in 1996. Net occupancy and equipment expense totaled $126.2
million in 1995. The 1997 increase in expenses includes the impact of $20.9
million of nonrecurring charges in 1997 relating to branch closings and the
consolidation of bank operations and systems associated with the UCB merger.
Net occupancy and equipment expense, excluding nonrecurring charges, totaled
$133.8 million for 1997, an increase of $11.7 million, or 9.6%, compared to
1996. Depreciation, maintenance and rent expenses associated with data
processing equipment purchased in connection with implementing the merger and
related to new technology initiatives were the major components of the
increase. Management has closed or consolidated more than 200 branches in the
past three years. These actions have assisted in controlling occupancy and
equipment expense while providing a high level of service to BB&T's customers.
 
  All other expense increased $88.6 million from 1996 to 1997, primarily
because of $68.9 million in nonrecurring costs recorded principally in
connection with the UCB merger. These expenses included losses on disposals of
fixed assets, operational charge-offs, branch and departmental supplies,
donations, legal fees, accounting fees, printing costs, regulatory filing fees
and other professional services. Excluding the impact of these charges, other
noninterest expenses would have increased $19.7 million, or 7.7%. This
increase was driven by higher advertising and marketing expenditures
associated with an ongoing effort to increase BB&T's brand identity, increased
amortization of intangibles because of significant purchase acquisitions
recorded in 1997 and an increase in professional fees resulting from the use
of outside consulting firms to analyze strategies to maximize noninterest
income, to assess customer and product profitability, to implement plans for a
major branch automation project and to assist in the upgrade of BB&T's systems
to make them Year 2000 compliant.
 
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
 
  The Year 2000 Issue is pervasive and presents both technical and business
risks affecting most, if not all, of BB&T's business activities. The "Year
2000 Issue" is a general term used to describe the various problems that may
result from the improper processing of dates and date-sensitive calculations
by computers and other machinery as the Year 2000 approaches. These problems
generally arise because most of the world's computer
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
hardware and software has historically used only two digits to identify the
applicable year. Any of BB&T's computer programs that have date-sensitive
software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
2000. These problems may also arise from other sources as well, such as the
use of special codes and conventions in software that make use of the date
field. If not corrected, this could result in system errors or failures
causing disruptions of normal business operations.
 
  BB&T began planning its Year 2000 remediation strategy in 1996 and has
formed a project committee that meets regularly to review the progress of
these efforts. Based on the assessments of this committee, BB&T has determined
that it will be required to modify or replace significant portions of its
information technology platform and other systems so that they will properly
utilize data as the Year 2000 approaches and is reached. Management presently
believes that with modifications to existing systems and conversions to new
systems, the effects of the Year 2000 Issue will be corrected. However, if
such modifications and conversions are not made, or are not completed on a
timely basis, the Year 2000 Issue could have a material impact on the
operations of BB&T, which in turn could have a materially adverse effect on
BB&T's results of operations and financial condition.
 
  BB&T has initiated formal communications with all of its significant
suppliers and has developed a communications plan for its large customers to
determine the extent to which BB&T is vulnerable to those third parties'
failure to remediate their own Year 2000 Issue. However, there can be no
guarantee that the systems of other organizations on which BB&T's systems
rely, or BB&T's operations depend, will be timely converted, or that a failure
to convert by another company, or a conversion that is incompatible with
BB&T's systems, would not have a materially adverse effect on BB&T.
 
  BB&T plans to utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram or
replace, and to test all software and other components of its systems for Year
2000 modifications. BB&T has targeted a completion date of December 31, 1998
for Year 2000 project work on critical business applications. System
applications have been scheduled for modification based on a risk-adjusted
priority to ensure that critical programs are adequately completed in time to
allow for extended testing. The projected remaining cost of the Year 2000
project is currently estimated at $26 million and is being funded through
operating cash flows. As of December 31, 1997, approximately $3 million had
been spent on the assessment of and preliminary efforts in connection with the
Year 2000 project and the development of the remediation plan.
 
  The costs of the project and the date on which BB&T plans to complete Year
2000 modifications are based on management's best estimates, which were
derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events including the
continued availability of certain resources, third party modification plans
and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates
will be achieved and actual results could differ materially from those plans.
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, the inability
to control third party modification plans, and similar uncertainties.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  The following table presents a breakdown of BB&T's noninterest expenses:
 
                                   TABLE 16
 
                              NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,     % CHANGE
                                    -------------------------- ---------------
                                                               1997 V. 1996 V.
                                      1997     1996     1995    1996    1995
                                    -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
Salaries and wages................  $355,562 $313,585 $349,539   13.4%  (10.3)%
Pension and other employee
 benefits.........................    78,253   73,465   74,764    6.5    (1.7)
Net occupancy expense on bank
 premises.........................    73,273   56,491   59,446   29.7    (5.0)
Furniture and equipment expense...    81,381   65,598   66,743   24.1    (1.7)
Federal deposit insurance
 premiums.........................     4,717   44,047   26,859  (89.3)   64.0
Foreclosed property expense.......     2,859    2,470    3,704   15.7   (33.3)
Amortization of intangibles and
 mortgage servicing rights........    26,175   14,534   12,305   80.1    18.1
Software..........................    14,219   11,074   12,479   28.4   (11.3)
Telephone.........................    18,053   15,788   14,978   14.3     5.4
Donations.........................     6,570    5,760    7,686   14.1   (25.1)
Advertising and public relations..    25,860   23,716   16,004    9.0    48.2
Travel and transportation.........     8,609    7,332    7,156   17.4     2.5
Professional services.............    43,051   25,609   23,894   68.1     7.2
Supplies..........................    15,123   14,196   20,326    6.5   (30.2)
Loan and lease expense............    40,951   32,090   24,844   27.6    29.2
Deposit related expense...........    16,652   14,165   12,780   17.6    10.8
Other noninterest expenses........   125,842   88,630   87,211   42.0     1.6
                                    -------- -------- --------  -----   -----
  Total noninterest expense.......  $937,150 $808,550 $820,718   15.9%   (1.5)%
                                    ======== ======== ========  =====   =====
</TABLE>
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
  BB&T's provision for income taxes during 1997 was $187.5 million, a 17.2%
increase over the provision recorded in 1996. The provision for income taxes
in 1995 totaled $113.1 million. Excluding the impact of the nonrecurring
charges associated with the UCB merger, BB&T's tax provision would have been
$19.2 million greater, or $206.7 million. Based on recurring earnings, BB&T's
effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were
33.6%, 32.8% and 34.2%, respectively.
 
MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT
 
  The effective management of market risk is essential to achieving the
Corporation's objectives. As a financial institution, BB&T's primary market
risk exposure is interest rate risk. A prime objective in interest rate risk
management is the avoidance of wide fluctuations in net interest income
through balancing the impact of changes in interest rates on interest-
sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities. Management uses balance
sheet repositioning as an efficient and cost-effective means of managing
interest rate risk. This is accomplished through strategic pricing of asset
and liability accounts. The expected result of strategic pricing is the
development of appropriate maturity and repricing opportunities in those
accounts to produce consistent net income during adverse interest rate
environments. The ALCO monitors loan, investment and liability portfolios to
ensure comprehensive balance sheet management of interest rate risk. These
portfolios are analyzed for proper fixed-rate and variable-rate "mixes" given
a specific interest rate outlook.
 
  Asset/liability management activities are designed to achieve relatively
stable net interest margins and assure liquidity by coordinating the volumes,
maturities or repricings and interest rate sensitivities of earning
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
assets, deposits and borrowed funds. It is the responsibility of the ALCO to
determine and achieve the most appropriate mix of earning assets and interest-
bearing liabilities, as well as ensure an adequate level of liquidity and
capital. The ALCO also sets policy guidelines and establishes long-term
strategies with respect to interest rate exposure and liquidity. The ALCO
meets regularly to review BB&T's interest rate and liquidity risk exposures in
relation to present and prospective market and business conditions, and adopts
funding and balance sheet management strategies that are intended to ensure
that the potential impact on earnings and liquidity of fluctuations in
interest rates is within acceptable standards.
 
  BB&T also uses off-balance sheet financial instruments to manage interest
rate sensitivity and net interest income. These instruments, commonly referred
to as derivatives, primarily consist of interest rate swaps, caps, floors,
financial forward and futures contracts and options written and purchased.
Management accounts for these financial instruments as hedges when the
following conditions are met: (1) the specific assets, liabilities, firm
commitments or anticipated transactions (or an identifiable group of
essentially similar items) to be hedged expose BB&T to interest rate risk or
price risk; (2) the financial instrument reduces that exposure; (3) the
financial instrument is designated as a hedge at inception; and (4) at the
inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period, there is a high
correlation of changes in the fair value or the net interest income associated
with the financial instrument and the hedged items. BB&T does not utilize
derivatives for trading purposes.
 
  Derivatives contracts are written in amounts referred to as notional
amounts. Notional amounts do not represent amounts to be exchanged between
parties and are not a measure of financial risks, but only provide the basis
for calculating payments between the counterparties. On December 31, 1997,
BB&T had outstanding interest rate swaps, caps and floors with notional
amounts totaling $2.4 billion. The estimated fair value of open contracts used
for risk management purposes at December 31, 1997, reflected pretax net
unrealized gains of $25.6 million.
 
  BB&T uses these derivatives as synthetic instruments to hedge specified
assets or groups of assets, liabilities or groups of liabilities, forward
commitments and anticipated transactions. BB&T's derivatives are primarily
used to hedge variable rate commercial loans, adjustable rate mortgage loans,
retail certificates of deposit and floating rate notes. These hedges
contributed net interest income of $1.1 million in 1997, compared with net
interest expense of $154,200 in 1996 and net interest expense of $10.3 million
in 1995.
 
  BB&T utilizes written covered over-the-counter call options on specific
securities in the available-for-sale securities portfolio in order to enhance
returns. BB&T also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and written
call options in its mortgage banking activities. Purchased put options are
used to hedge the mortgage pipeline against increasing interest rates. Written
call options are used to reduce the premiums paid for purchased put options
thereby reducing the cost of the hedge.
 
  A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and
therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or
reference rate. Credit risk arises when amounts receivable from a counterparty
exceed those payable. The risk of loss with any counterparty is limited to a
small fraction of the notional amount. BB&T deals only with national market
makers with strong credit ratings in its derivatives activities. BB&T further
controls the risk of loss by subjecting counterparties to credit reviews and
approvals similar to those used in making loans and other extensions of
credit. All of the derivatives contracts to which BB&T is a party settle
monthly, quarterly or semiannually. Accordingly, the amount of off-balance
sheet credit exposure to which BB&T is exposed at any time is immaterial.
Further, BB&T has netting agreements with the dealers with which it does
business. Because of these netting agreements, BB&T had a minimal amount of
off-balance sheet credit exposure at December 31, 1997.
 
  SFAS No. 119, "Disclosures About Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" requires, among other things, certain
quantitative and qualitative disclosures with regard to the amounts, nature
and terms of derivative financial instruments. See Note Q. "Derivatives and
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments" for the required quantitative
disclosures.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  BB&T's interest rate sensitivity is illustrated in the following interest
rate sensitivity gap table. The table reflects rate-sensitive positions at
December 31, 1997, and is not necessarily reflective of positions throughout
each year. The carrying amounts of interest-rate-sensitive assets and
liabilities and the notional amounts of swaps and other derivative financial
instruments are presented in the periods in which they next reprice to market
rates or mature and are aggregated to show the interest rate sensitivity gap.
To reflect anticipated prepayments, certain asset and liability categories are
included in the table based on estimated rather than contractual maturity
dates.
 
                                   TABLE 17
 
                    INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY GAP ANALYSIS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       EXPECTED REPRICING OR MATURITY DATE
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------
                             WITHIN        ONE TO      THREE TO    AFTER FIVE
                            ONE YEAR    THREE YEARS   FIVE YEARS      YEARS        TOTAL
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Assets
  Securities and other
   interest-earning
   assets*..............  $  1,367,711  $  2,198,828  $ 2,163,861  $   919,805  $ 6,650,205
  Federal funds sold and
   securities purchased
   under resale
   agreements or similar
   arrangements.........       103,245           --           --           --       103,245
  Loans and leases......    13,056,586     4,404,949    2,033,054      795,366   20,289,955
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total interest-earning
 assets.................    14,527,542     6,603,777    4,196,915    1,715,171   27,043,405
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Liabilities
  Other time deposits...     7,294,535     1,695,552      208,765       12,717    9,211,569
  Foreign deposits......     1,385,633           --           --           --     1,385,633
  Savings and interest
   checking**...........           --        976,728      325,576      325,576    1,627,880
  Money rate savings**..     2,578,160     2,578,159          --           --     5,156,319
  Federal funds
   purchased and
   securities sold under
   repurchase agreements
   or similar
   arrangements.........     1,895,673           --           --           --     1,895,673
  Other borrowings......     2,986,901       370,824      681,630      363,107    4,402,462
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total interest-bearing
 liabilities............    16,140,902     5,621,263    1,215,971      701,400   23,679,536
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Asset-liability gap.....    (1,613,360)      982,514    2,980,944    1,013,771
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Derivative financial
 instruments affecting
 interest rate
 sensitivity
  Pay fixed interest
   rate swaps...........       247,943      (220,726)     (19,417)      (7,800)
  Receive fixed interest
   rate swaps...........    (1,025,000)      525,000          --       500,000
  Caps and floors.......      (665,000)      605,000          --        60,000
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Interest rate
 sensitivity gap........  $ (3,055,417) $  1,891,788  $ 2,961,527  $ 1,565,971
                          ============  ============  ===========  ===========
Cumulative interest rate
 sensitivity gap........  $ (3,055,417) $ (1,163,629) $ 1,797,898  $ 3,363,869
                          ============  ============  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Securities based on amortized cost.
** Projected runoff of deposits that do not have contractual maturity dates
   was computed based upon decay rate assumptions developed by bank regulators
   to assist banks in addressing FDIC Improvement Act rule 305.
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
INFLATION AND CHANGING INTEREST RATES
 
  The majority of assets and liabilities of financial institutions are
monetary in nature and, therefore, differ greatly from most commercial and
industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or
inventories. Fluctuations in interest rates and the efforts of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve ("FRB") to regulate money and credit
conditions have a greater effect on a financial institution's profitability
than do the effects of higher costs for goods and services. Through its
balance sheet management function, BB&T is positioned to respond to changing
interest rates and inflationary trends.
 
  Management uses Interest Sensitivity Simulation Analysis ("Simulation") to
measure the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest rates. Simulation
Analysis takes into account the current contractual agreements that BB&T has
made with its customers on deposits, borrowings, loans, investments and any
commitments to enter into those transactions. Management monitors BB&T's
interest sensitivity by means of a computer model that incorporates current
volumes and rates, maturity streams, repricing opportunities and anticipated
growth. The model calculates an earnings estimate based on current and
projected portfolio balances and rates. This level of detail is needed to
correctly simulate the effect that changes in interest rates and portfolio
balances will have on the earnings of BB&T. This method is subject to the
accuracy of the assumptions that underlie the process, but it provides a
better illustration of the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest
rates than other analyses such as static or dynamic gap.
 
  The asset/liability management process involves various analyses. Management
determines the most likely outlook for the economy and interest rates by
analyzing environmental factors including regulatory changes, monetary and
fiscal policies and the overall state of the economy. BB&T's current and
prospective liquidity position, current balance sheet volumes and projected
growth, accessibility of funds for short-term needs and capital maintenance
are all considered, given the current environmental situation. This data is
combined with various interest rate scenarios to provide management with
information necessary to analyze interest sensitivity and to aid in the
development of strategies to reach performance goals.
 
  The following table represents the interest sensitivity position of BB&T as
of December 31, 1997. This position can be modified by management within a
relatively short time period if necessary through the use of various
techniques, including securitizing assets, changing funding and investment
strategies and utilizing derivative financial instruments. Key assumptions in
the preparation of the table include prepayment speeds of mortgage-related
assets; cash flows and maturities of derivative financial instruments; changes
in market condition, loan volumes and pricing; deposit sensitivity; customer
preferences; and capital plans. This tabular data does not reflect the impact
of a change in the credit quality of BB&T's assets and liabilities. To attempt
to quantify the potential change in net interest income, given a change in
interest rates, various interest rate scenarios are applied to projected
balances, maturities and repricing opportunities of assets and liabilities.
The resulting change in net interest income reflects the level of sensitivity
that net interest income has in relation to changing interest rates.
                                   TABLE 18
 
 
                   INTEREST SENSITIVITY SIMULATION ANALYSIS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    ANNUALIZED
                                                                                   HYPOTHETICAL
                 INTEREST RATE SCENARIO                                             PERCENTAGE
             ---------------------------------                                      CHANGE IN
             PRIME                                                                 NET INTEREST
              RATE                     LINEAR                                         INCOME
             ------                    ------                                      ------------
             <S>                       <C>                                         <C>
             +3.00%                    11.50%                                         -2.34%
             +1.50                     10.00                                          -1.88
             Flat                       8.50                                           -.20
             -1.50                      7.00                                            .46
             -3.00                      5.50                                            .60
</TABLE>
 
  Management has established parameters for asset/liability management which
prescribe a maximum effect on net interest income of 3% for a 150 basis point
parallel change in interest rates over six months from the
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
most likely interest rate scenario, and a maximum of 6% for a 300 basis point
change over 12 months. It is management's ongoing objective to effectively
manage the impact of changes in interest rates and minimize the resulting
effect on earnings as evidenced by the preceding table. Based on the results
of the simulation model as of December 31, 1997, BB&T would expect an increase
in net interest income of $6.0 million and a decrease in net interest income
of $24.5 million compared to the most likely interest rate scenario if
interest rates gradually decrease or increase, respectively, from current
rates by 150 basis points over a 12-month period.
 
LIQUIDITY
 
  Liquidity represents a bank's continuing ability to meet its funding needs,
primarily deposit withdrawals, timely repayment of borrowings and other
liabilities and funding of loan commitments. In addition to its level of
liquid assets, many other factors affect a bank's ability to meet liquidity
needs, including access to additional funding sources, total capital position
and general market conditions.
 
  Traditional sources of liquidity include proceeds from maturity of
securities, repayment of loans and growth in core deposits. Federal funds
purchased, repurchase agreements, FHLB advances and other short-term borrowed
funds, as well as certain long-term debt instruments, supplement these
traditional sources. Management believes liquidity obtainable from these
sources is adequate to meet current requirements.
 
  Total cash and cash equivalents increased to $969.9 million at December 31,
1997 compared to $927.3 million in 1996 and $934.1 million in 1995. Net cash
provided by operating activities for the year was $262.3 million, compared to
$388.7 million in 1996 and $289.2 million in 1995. The decrease in cash
provided by operating activities during 1997 was primarily the result of more
purchases and originations of loans held for sale than in the prior year and a
net increase in securities held for trading purposes.
 
  Net cash flows used in investing activities were $1.7 billion in 1997
compared to $1.1 billion in 1996. Cash used in investing activities during
1995 was $1.1 billion. The primary factors creating the current year increase
in cash flows used in investing activities were a $603.3 million increase in
cash purchases of securities available for sale, and a reduction of $540.6
million in cash proceeds from sales and maturities of securities available for
sale.
 
  Cash flows provided by financing activities were $1.5 billion in 1997
compared to $722.8 million in 1996 and $812.7 million in 1995. The substantial
increase in cash flows provided during 1997 resulted from increases in short-
term borrowed funds and long-term debt.
 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND RESOURCES
 
  The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority.
Overall capital adequacy is monitored on an ongoing basis by management and
reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. BB&T's principal capital
planning goals are to provide an adequate return to shareholders while
retaining a sufficient base from which to provide future growth and compliance
with all regulatory standards.
 
  Shareholders' equity grew 8.0% in 1997 as a result of the retention of
earnings. The growth in total shareholders' equity during the year reflects
current year earnings, reduced by resources used for the redemption of 6.9
million shares of common stock, primarily in conjunction with purchase
business combinations, and the declaration of $164.0 million in common
dividends.
 
  The provisions of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities," require securities classified as available for sale to
be carried at estimated fair value with net unrealized appreciation or
depreciation recorded as an adjustment to shareholders' equity. At the end of
1997, BB&T had recorded cumulative net unrealized appreciation of $44.9
million, net of deferred income tax.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
                                   TABLE 19
 
                        CAPITAL--COMPONENTS AND RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                       ------------------------
                                                          1997         1996
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                 <C>          <C>
   Tier 1 capital..................................... $ 1,979,462  $ 1,997,194
   Tier 2 capital.....................................     744,831      464,628
                                                       -----------  -----------
   Total regulatory capital........................... $ 2,724,293  $ 2,461,822
                                                       ===========  ===========
   Risk-based capital ratios:
     Tier 1 capital...................................         9.9%        11.5%
     Total regulatory capital.........................        13.7         14.2
   Tier 1 leverage ratio..............................         7.2          7.9
</TABLE>
 
  Management views the leverage ratio, calculated by dividing tangible equity
capital by tangible assets, as the principal indicator of capital strength.
The minimum regulatory required leverage ratio ranges from 3% to 5% subject to
Federal bank regulatory agency evaluation of an organization's overall safety
and soundness. The leverage ratio for BB&T was 7.2% at the end of 1997 and
7.9% at the end of 1996. The decreases in risk-based capital ratios and the
leverage ratio reflect efforts to actively manage BB&T's capital position
primarily through share repurchase programs.
 
  Bank holding companies and their subsidiaries are also subject to risk-based
capital measures. The risk-based capital ratios measure the relationship of
capital to a combination of balance sheet and off-balance sheet risk. The
values of both balance sheet and off-balance sheet items are adjusted to
reflect these risks. Tier 1 capital is required to be at least 4% of risk-
weighted assets, and total capital must be at least 8% of risk-weighted
assets. The Tier 1 capital ratio for BB&T at the end of 1997 was 9.9%, and the
total capital ratio was 13.7%. At the end of 1996, those ratios were 11.5% and
14.2%, respectively.
 
COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
 
  BB&T's ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on earnings from
operations, the adequacy of capital and the availability of liquid assets for
distribution. BB&T's ability to replenish liquid assets available for
distribution is primarily dependent on the ability of the banking subsidiaries
to pay dividends to BB&T. Historically, BB&T's payment of cash dividends has
been based on management's goal to retain sufficient capital to support future
growth and to meet regulatory requirements while providing a competitive
return on investment to shareholders. BB&T's common dividend payout ratio,
computed by dividing dividends per common share by earnings per common share,
was 43.8% in 1997. Excluding the impact of the nonrecurring merger-related
charges, the dividend payout ratio would have been 38.5%. BB&T's quarterly
cash dividend per common share was increased 14.8% to $.31 per common share in
the third quarter of 1997. This increase marked the 25th consecutive year that
cash dividends have been increased. A discussion of dividend restrictions is
included in Note N-- "Regulatory Requirements and Other Restrictions."
 
  BB&T's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under
the symbol "BBK." BB&T's common stock was held by 67,656 shareholders of
record at December 31, 1997. The accompanying table, "Quarterly Common Stock
Summary," sets forth the high, low and last sales prices for the common stock
as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape and the cash dividends paid per share
of common stock paid for each of the last eight quarters.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
                                   TABLE 20
                        QUARTERLY COMMON STOCK SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1997                           1996
                  ------------------------------ ------------------------------
                      SALES PRICES       CASH        SALES PRICES       CASH
                  -------------------- DIVIDENDS -------------------- DIVIDENDS
                   HIGH   LOW    LAST    PAID     HIGH   LOW    LAST    PAID
                  ------ ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ ------ ---------
<S>               <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Quarter Ended
  March 31....... $40.75 $35.25 $37.25   $.27    $29.75 $25.88 $27.75   $.23
  June 30........  47.13  35.75  45.00    .27     31.75  28.88  31.75    .23
  September 30...  55.13  45.31  53.44    .31     33.88  28.63  33.25    .27
  December 31....  65.00  51.94  64.06    .31     36.75  33.38  36.25    .27
    Year.........  65.00  35.25  64.06   1.16     36.75  25.88  36.25   1.00
</TABLE>
 
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
 
  Net income for the fourth quarter of 1997 was $103.4 million, compared to
earnings of $90.0 million for the comparable period of 1996. On a per share
basis, diluted net income was $.75 for the quarter compared to $.65 a year
ago. Annualized returns on average assets and average equity were 1.47% and
19.31%, respectively, for the fourth quarter.
 
  Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis amounted to $294.2
million for the fourth quarter of 1997, an increase of 8.6% compared to $270.8
million for the same period during 1996. Noninterest income totaled $118.5
million for the fourth quarter of 1997, up 24.6% from $95.1 million for the
fourth quarter of 1996. BB&T's noninterest expense totaled $221.6 million, up
7.5% from the $206.2 million recorded in the fourth quarter of the prior year.
 
  The provision for loan and lease losses increased significantly compared to
the prior year because of higher net charge-offs and growth in loans. The
provision totaled $22.0 million for the fourth quarter of 1997 compared to
$18.4 million for 1996.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  The accompanying table, "Quarterly Financial Summary--Unaudited," presents
condensed information relating to eight quarters in the period ended December
31, 1997.
 
                                   TABLE 21
 
                    QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY--UNAUDITED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1997                                             1996
                         ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------
                           FOURTH       THIRD      SECOND        FIRST      FOURTH       THIRD      SECOND        FIRST
                           QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER
                         ----------- ----------- -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------  -----------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Consolidated Summary of
 Operations
 Net interest income
  FTE................... $   294,232 $   291,292 $   291,630  $   275,229 $   270,792 $   262,119 $   259,913  $   251,022
 FTE adjustment.........      15,223      14,169      13,039       10,427       9,755       8,831       8,967        8,593
 Provision for loan and
  lease losses..........      21,999      21,901      25,100       20,850      18,350      15,400      15,161       13,600
 Securities gains
  (losses), net.........       1,664         731        (933)         814       2,681         705         (95)        (201)
 Other noninterest
  income................     116,815     154,337     102,188       99,298      92,377      88,517      87,248       82,236
 Noninterest expense....     221,560     312,673     205,326      197,591     206,228     226,770     189,369      186,183
 Provision for income
  taxes.................      50,533      36,353      50,760       49,851      41,533      31,999      44,449       41,951
                         ----------- ----------- -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------  -----------
 Net income............. $   103,396 $    61,264 $    98,660  $    96,622 $    89,984 $    68,341 $    89,120  $    82,730
                         =========== =========== ===========  =========== =========== =========== ===========  ===========
 Diluted net income per
  share................. $       .75 $       .45 $       .71  $       .69 $       .65 $       .49 $       .64  $       .59
                         =========== =========== ===========  =========== =========== =========== ===========  ===========
Selected Average
 Balances
 Assets................. $27,914,984 $27,168,511 $26,859,692  $25,764,559 $25,452,779 $24,926,111 $24,519,336  $24,172,965
 Securities, at
  amortized cost........   6,438,552   6,432,481   6,399,463    6,093,212   6,306,888   6,263,001   5,834,404    5,779,706
 Loans and leases *.....  19,635,614  19,076,615  18,833,469   18,101,528  17,450,217  17,185,125  17,217,223   16,888,726
 Total earning assets...  26,137,362  25,545,232  25,290,207   24,248,283  23,897,386  23,479,956  23,120,326   22,764,248
 Deposits...............  19,328,866  19,309,491  19,568,134   19,033,287  19,039,282  18,803,569  18,324,501   18,134,559
 Short-term borrowed
  funds.................   2,882,616   2,637,455   2,436,444    2,142,654   1,888,252   1,857,538   2,141,579    2,233,239
 Long-term debt.........   3,106,477   2,806,159   2,406,161    2,162,518   2,164,007   1,979,930   1,782,464    1,514,490
 Total interest-bearing
  liabilities...........  22,682,436  22,182,112  21,867,163   20,917,021  20,554,985  20,205,493  19,830,232   19,541,370
 Shareholders' equity...   2,124,191   2,105,646   2,128,949    2,105,159   2,048,895   1,969,944   1,950,958    1,969,586
</TABLE>
- --------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and include loans held for sale.
 
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
                 SIX-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY AND SELECTED RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         AS OF / FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------   COMPOUND
                             1997         1996         1995         1994         1993         1992      GROWTH RATE
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Summary of Operations
 Interest income........  $ 2,122,940  $ 1,934,570  $ 1,880,157  $ 1,586,515  $ 1,427,684  $ 1,436,751      8.1%
 Interest expense.......    1,023,415      926,870      948,839      678,571      590,709      686,922      8.3
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net interest income....    1,099,525    1,007,700      931,318      907,944      836,975      749,829      8.0
 Provision for loan and
  lease losses..........       89,850       62,511       41,924       23,730       59,829       76,030      3.4
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net interest income
  after provision for
  loan and lease
  losses................    1,009,675      945,189      889,394      884,214      777,146      673,799      8.4
 Noninterest income.....      474,914      353,468      271,710      278,339      268,856      229,736     15.6
 Noninterest expense....      937,150      808,550      820,718      740,234      791,060      625,875      8.4
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Income before income
  taxes.................      547,439      490,107      340,386      422,319      254,942      277,660     14.5
 Provision for income
  taxes.................      187,497      159,932      113,118      147,003       95,229       97,290     14.0
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Income before
  cumulative effect of
  changes in accounting
  principles............      359,942      330,175      227,268      275,316      159,713      180,370     14.8
 Cumulative effect of
  changes in accounting
  principles, net of
  deferred income
  taxes.................          --           --           --           --       (32,762)         --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income.............  $   359,942  $   330,175  $   227,268  $   275,316  $   126,951  $   180,370     14.8
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
 Average shares
  outstanding (000's)
 Basic..................      135,742      136,025      135,911      134,150      129,089      122,034      2.2
 Diluted................      138,220      138,956      141,914      140,377      135,926      130,682      1.1
Per Common Share
 Basic earnings
 Income before
  cumulative effect.....  $      2.65  $      2.42  $      1.63  $      2.01  $      1.20  $      1.44     13.0
 Cumulative effect......          --           --           --           --          (.25)         --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net income............  $      2.65  $      2.42  $      1.63  $      2.01  $      0.95  $      1.44     13.0
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
 Diluted earnings
 Income before
  cumulative effect.....  $      2.60  $      2.38  $      1.60  $      1.96  $      1.18  $      1.38     13.5
 Cumulative effect......          --           --           --           --          (.24)         --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net income............  $      2.60  $      2.38  $      1.60  $      1.96  $       .94  $      1.38     13.5
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
 Cash dividends
  declared..............  $      1.16  $      1.00  $       .86  $       .74  $       .64  $       .50     18.3
 Shareholders' equity...        16.45        15.13        14.32        12.79        12.06        11.95      6.6
Average Balance Sheets
 Securities, at carrying
  value.................  $ 6,361,054  $ 6,137,748  $ 6,244,509  $ 6,050,612  $ 5,401,762  $ 4,733,403      6.1
 Loans and leases*......   18,667,328   16,958,876   16,286,928   14,711,409   13,155,522   11,978,837      9.3
 Other assets...........    1,905,108    1,673,478    1,694,578    1,707,055    1,626,305    1,567,185      4.0
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total assets...........  $26,933,490  $24,770,102  $24,226,015  $22,469,076  $20,183,589  $18,279,425      8.1
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
 Deposits...............  $19,310,753  $18,577,368  $17,691,264  $17,318,921  $16,260,492  $15,167,080      4.9
 Other liabilities......    2,883,303    2,346,374    3,507,910    2,724,841    1,687,474    1,535,422     13.4
 Long-term debt.........    2,623,424    1,861,380    1,130,460      679,654      598,753      154,113     76.3
 Common shareholders'
  equity................    2,116,010    1,969,821    1,824,036    1,671,517    1,562,727    1,357,005      9.3
 Preferred shareholders'
  equity................          --        15,159       72,345       74,143       74,143       65,805       NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total liabilities and
   shareholders'
   equity...............  $26,933,490  $24,770,102  $24,226,015  $22,469,076  $20,183,589  $18,279,425      8.1
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Period End Balances
 Total assets...........  $29,177,600  $25,707,646  $24,671,277  $23,497,824  $22,273,226  $18,979,348      9.0
 Deposits...............   20,210,116   19,003,340   18,321,708   17,458,085   17,594,408   15,674,867      5.2
 Long-term debt.........    3,282,958    2,054,040    1,386,910      913,060      839,631      424,102     50.6
 Shareholders' equity...    2,237,637    2,071,567    2,025,112    1,803,888    1,686,134    1,510,774      8.2
Selected Performance
 Ratios
 Rate of return on:
 Average total assets...         1.34%        1.33%         .94%        1.23%         .63%         .99%
 Average common
  shareholders' equity..        17.01        16.73        12.18        16.16         7.79        12.95
 Dividend payout........        43.77        41.32        52.76        36.82        67.37        34.72
 Average equity to
  average assets........         7.86         8.01         7.83         7.77         8.11         7.78
</TABLE>
- -------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and the allowance for losses.
  Amounts include loans held for sale.
NM--Not meaningful.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
              MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
  The management of BB&T is responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements, related financial data and other information in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts based on
management's estimates and judgment where appropriate. Financial information
appearing throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with the
financial statements.
 
  BB&T's accounting system, which records, summarizes and reports financial
transactions, is supported by an internal control structure which provides
reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are
recorded in accordance with BB&T's policies and established accounting
procedures. As an integral part of the internal control structure, BB&T
maintains a professional staff of internal auditors who monitor compliance
with and assess the effectiveness of the internal control structure.
 
  The Audit Committee of BB&T's Board of Directors, composed solely of outside
directors, meets regularly with BB&T's management, internal auditors and
independent public accountants to review matters relating to financial
reporting, internal control structure and the nature, extent and results of
the audit effort. The independent public accountants and the internal auditors
have access to the Audit Committee with or without management present.
 
  The financial statements have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, who render an independent opinion on
management's financial statements. Their appointment was recommended by the
Audit Committee, approved by the Board of Directors and ratified by the
shareholders. Their examination provides an objective assessment of the degree
to which BB&T's management meets its responsibility for financial reporting.
Their opinion on the financial statements is based on auditing procedures
which include reviewing the internal control structure to determine the timing
and scope of audit procedures and performing selected tests of transactions
and records as they deem appropriate. These auditing procedures are designed
to provide a reasonable level of assurance that the financial statements are
fairly presented in all material respects.
 
John A. Allison                Scott E. Reed                   Sherry A.
Chairman and                   Chief Financial Officer         Kellett
Chief Executive Officer                                        Controller
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders of BB&T Corporation:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BB&T
Corporation, (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries 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 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 provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of BB&T Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina,
January 14, 1998, except for Note B, as to which the date is March 1, 1998.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                       BB&T CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1997         1996
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,
                                                      EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
ASSETS
 Cash and due from banks............................. $   839,579  $   840,391
 Interest-bearing deposits with banks................      27,051        2,010
 Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
  resale agreements or
 similar arrangements................................     103,245       84,940
 Trading securities..................................      67,878          --
 Securities available for sale.......................   6,481,515    6,014,221
 Securities held to maturity (market value: $151,581
  in 1997 and $175,744 in 1996)......................     147,799      170,808
 Loans held for sale.................................     509,141      228,333
 Loans and leases, net of unearned income............  19,780,814   17,518,224
  Allowance for loan and lease losses................    (263,943)    (230,070)
                                                      -----------  -----------
   Loans and leases, net.............................  19,516,871   17,288,154
                                                      -----------  -----------
 Premises and equipment, net.........................     417,897      374,954
 Other assets........................................   1,066,624      703,835
                                                      -----------  -----------
   Total assets...................................... $29,177,600  $25,707,646
                                                      ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Deposits:
  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits................ $ 2,828,715  $ 2,623,429
  Savings and interest checking......................   1,627,880    2,026,462
  Money rate savings.................................   5,156,319    4,170,949
  Other time deposits................................   9,211,569    9,544,085
  Foreign deposits...................................   1,385,633      638,415
                                                      -----------  -----------
   Total deposits....................................  20,210,116   19,003,340
 Short-term borrowed funds...........................   3,015,177    2,280,824
 Long-term debt......................................   3,282,958    2,054,040
 Accounts payable and other liabilities..............     431,712      297,875
                                                      -----------  -----------
   Total liabilities.................................  26,939,963   23,636,079
                                                      -----------  -----------
 Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $5 par, 5,000,000 shares
   authorized, none issued and outstanding at
   December 31, 1997 and 1996........................         --           --
  Common stock, $5 par, 300,000,000 shares
   authorized, issued and outstanding 136,051,623 at
   December 31, 1997 and 136,896,865 at December 31,
   1996..............................................     680,258      684,484
  Additional paid-in capital.........................      85,185      145,704
  Retained earnings..................................   1,428,017    1,231,592
  Loan to employee stock ownership plan and unvested
   restricted stock..................................        (725)      (1,952)
  Net unrealized appreciation on securities available
   for sale, net of deferred income taxes of $29,136
   in 1997 and $8,481 in 1996........................      44,902       11,739
                                                      -----------  -----------
   Total shareholders' equity........................   2,237,637    2,071,567
                                                      -----------  -----------
   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........ $29,177,600  $25,707,646
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
                       BB&T CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1997       1996       1995
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                      PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest Income
  Interest and fees on loans and leases.....  $1,713,299 $1,554,822 $1,516,909
  Interest and dividends on securities......     406,977    375,257    354,509
  Interest on short-term investments........       2,664      4,491      8,739
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total interest income...................   2,122,940  1,934,570  1,880,157
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Interest Expense
  Interest on deposits......................     736,256    712,491    689,769
  Interest on short-term borrowed funds.....     134,479    106,777    188,301
  Interest on long-term debt................     152,680    107,602     70,769
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total interest expense..................   1,023,415    926,870    948,839
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Net Interest Income.........................   1,099,525  1,007,700    931,318
  Provision for loan and lease losses.......      89,850     62,511     41,924
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan
 and Lease Losses...........................   1,009,675    945,189    889,394
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Noninterest Income
  Service charges on deposits...............     148,059    132,180    113,664
  Mortgage banking income...................      52,429     39,845     31,218
  Trust income..............................      31,957     28,794     23,872
  Agency insurance commissions..............      39,759     26,859     19,306
  Other insurance commissions...............      13,164     12,822     12,384
  Bankcard fees and merchant discounts......      42,292     35,729     30,990
  Other nondeposit fees and commissions.....      66,911     47,027     35,123
  Securities gains (losses), net............       2,276      3,090    (18,589)
  Other income..............................      78,067     27,122     23,742
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total noninterest income................     474,914    353,468    271,710
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Noninterest Expense
  Personnel expense.........................     433,815    387,050    424,303
  Occupancy and equipment expense...........     154,654    122,089    126,189
  Federal deposit insurance expense.........       4,717     44,047     26,859
  Amortization of intangibles and mortgage
   servicing rights.........................      26,175     14,534     12,305
  Advertising and public relations expense..      25,860     23,716     16,004
  Professional services.....................      43,051     25,609     23,894
  Other expense.............................     248,878    191,505    191,164
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total noninterest expense...............     937,150    808,550    820,718
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings
  Income before income taxes................     547,439    490,107    340,386
  Provision for income taxes................     187,497    159,932    113,118
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Net Income..............................     359,942    330,175    227,268
  Preferred dividend requirements...........         --         610      5,079
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Income applicable to common shares......  $  359,942 $  329,565 $  222,189
                                              ========== ========== ==========
Per Common Share
  Net income:
    Basic...................................  $     2.65 $     2.42 $     1.63
                                              ========== ========== ==========
    Diluted.................................  $     2.60 $     2.38 $     1.60
                                              ========== ========== ==========
  Cash dividends declared...................  $     1.16 $     1.00 $      .86
                                              ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
                       BB&T CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           SHARES OF                       ADDITIONAL   RETAINED       TOTAL
                            COMMON     PREFERRED  COMMON    PAID-IN     EARNINGS   SHAREHOLDERS'
                             STOCK       STOCK    STOCK     CAPITAL    AND OTHER*     EQUITY
                          -----------  --------- --------  ----------  ----------  -------------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1994...................  135,269,365   $3,850   $676,347  $ 285,703   $  837,988   $1,803,888
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --       --         --         --       227,268      227,268
 Common stock issued....    3,167,198      --      15,836     33,511         (105)      49,242
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (1,993,351)     --      (9,967)   (37,344)         --       (47,311)
 Preferred stock
  cancellations and
  conversions...........      104,836     (181)       524     (2,714)         --        (2,371)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation on
  securities available
  for sale, net of
  deferred income
  taxes.................          --       --         --         --       112,234      112,234
 Cash dividends
  declared:
 Common stock...........          --       --         --         --      (115,887)    (115,887)
 Preferred stock........          --       --         --         --        (5,079)      (5,079)
 Other..................          --       --         --         --         3,128        3,128
                          -----------   ------   --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1995...................  136,548,048    3,669    682,740    279,156    1,059,547    2,025,112
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --       --         --         --       330,175      330,175
 Common stock issued....    2,788,586      --      13,942     56,469           45       70,456
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (6,774,461)     --     (33,872)  (173,537)           2     (207,407)
 Preferred stock
  cancellations and
  conversions...........    4,334,692   (3,669)    21,674    (18,005)         --           --
 Net unrealized
  depreciation on
  securities available
  for sale, net of
  deferred income
  taxes.................          --       --         --         --       (22,351)     (22,351)
 Cash dividends
  declared:
 Common stock...........          --       --         --         --      (127,791)    (127,791)
 Preferred stock........          --       --         --         --          (610)        (610)
 Other..................          --       --         --       1,621        2,362        3,983
                          -----------   ------   --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1996...................  136,896,865      --     684,484    145,704    1,241,379    2,071,567
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --       --         --         --       359,942      359,942
 Common stock issued....    6,097,910      --      30,490    225,989          --       256,479
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (6,943,152)     --     (34,716)  (286,508)         --      (321,224)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation on
  securities available
  for sale, net of
  deferred income
  taxes.................          --       --         --         --        33,163       33,163
 Cash dividends declared
  on common stock.......          --       --         --         --      (163,981)    (163,981)
 Other..................          --       --         --         --         1,691        1,691
                          -----------   ------   --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1997...................  136,051,623   $  --    $680,258  $  85,185   $1,472,194   $2,237,637
                          ===========   ======   ========  =========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Other includes net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities
  available for sale, unvested restricted stock and a loan to the employee
  stock ownership plan.
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                       BB&T CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1997         1996         1995
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 <S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income.............................  $   359,942  $   330,175  $   227,268
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating
  activities:
  Provision for loan and lease losses...       89,850       62,511       41,924
  Depreciation of premises and
   equipment............................       57,662       45,259       42,099
  Amortization of intangibles and
   mortgage servicing rights............       26,175       14,534       12,305
  Accretion of negative goodwill........       (6,180)      (6,238)      (6,239)
  Amortization of unearned stock
   compensation.........................        1,227        2,450        3,128
  Discount accretion and premium
   amortization on securities, net......       (1,111)       4,826      (26,089)
  Net increase in trading account
   securities...........................      (25,688)         --           --
  Loss (gain) on sales of securities,
   net..................................       (2,276)      (3,090)      18,589
  Loss (gain) on sales of loans and
   mortgage loan servicing rights,
   net..................................      (15,876)      (9,049)       1,619
  Loss (gain) on disposals of premises
   and equipment, net...................       30,642          178        3,971
  Proceeds from sales of loans held for
   sale.................................    1,552,732    1,348,118      789,164
  Purchases of loans held for sale......     (734,727)    (429,523)    (311,059)
  Origination of loans held for sale,
   net of principal collected...........     (986,823)    (879,496)    (600,676)
  Decrease (increase) in:
   Accrued interest receivable..........        5,414       20,692      (26,682)
   Other assets.........................     (185,825)    (111,400)      16,146
  Increase (decrease) in:
   Accrued interest payable.............        3,093        5,567       15,012
   Accounts payable and other
    liabilities.........................       93,635       (8,635)      88,413
  Other, net............................          470        1,821          321
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net cash provided by operating
     activities.........................      262,336      388,700      289,214
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from sales of securities
  available for sale....................    1,396,669      605,792    1,290,237
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  available for sale....................    1,338,002    2,669,532    1,711,859
 Purchases of securities available for
  sale..................................   (3,102,245)  (2,498,976)  (3,323,423)
 Proceeds from sales of securities held
  to maturity...........................          --           --         3,810
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  held to maturity......................       37,200       46,088      304,096
 Purchases of securities held to
  maturity..............................      (14,516)      (2,228)     (77,701)
 Leases made to customers...............      (74,420)     (72,390)     (18,091)
 Principal collected on leases..........       57,581       48,222       14,620
 Loan originations, net of principal
  collected.............................   (1,122,249)  (1,622,476)    (717,639)
 Purchases of loans.....................     (205,232)    (232,236)    (189,997)
 Net cash acquired in transactions
  accounted for under the purchase
  method................................       95,205        1,887          --
 Purchases and originations of mortgage
  servicing rights......................      (39,093)     (26,356)     (18,082)
 Proceeds from disposals of premises
  and equipment.........................       14,433        8,764       18,114
 Purchases of premises and equipment....     (146,116)     (67,106)     (62,318)
 Proceeds from sales of foreclosed
  property..............................       15,917       16,156       14,213
 Proceeds from sales of other real
  estate held for development or sale...        7,955        8,127        1,728
 Other, net.............................        1,531       (1,079)      (8,696)
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net cash used in investing
     activities.........................   (1,739,378)  (1,118,279)  (1,057,270)
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Net increase in deposits...............      313,633      681,632      874,011
 Net decrease (increase) in short-term
  borrowed funds........................      485,331     (345,025)    (426,810)
 Proceeds from long-term debt...........    5,193,130    1,586,766    2,945,754
 Repayments of long-term debt...........   (4,022,548)    (919,661)  (2,471,904)
 Net proceeds from common stock
  issued................................       22,583       49,736       49,242
 Redemption of common stock.............     (321,224)    (207,407)     (47,311)
 Preferred stock cancellations and
  conversions...........................          --           --        (2,371)
 Cash dividends paid on common and
  preferred stock.......................     (151,329)    (123,270)    (107,869)
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net cash provided by financing
     activities.........................    1,519,576      722,771      812,742
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and
  Cash Equivalents......................       42,534       (6,808)      44,686
 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning
  of Year...............................      927,341      934,149      889,463
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of
  Year..................................  $   969,875  $   927,341  $   934,149
                                          ===========  ===========  ===========
 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
  INFORMATION:
 Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest..............................  $ 1,043,047  $   921,632  $   935,366
  Income taxes..........................      137,195      160,307      141,236
 Noncash financing and investing
  activities:
  Transfer of securities from held to
   maturity to available for sale.......          --        36,646    1,763,513
  Transfer of securities from available
   for sale to held to maturity.........          --           240          --
  Transfer of loans to foreclosed
   property.............................       15,655       23,970       11,243
  Transfer of fixed assets to other
   real estate owned....................       13,761       10,466       21,846
  Common stock issued upon conversion
   of debentures........................          --           --         4,896
  Restricted stock issued...............           74           88          --
  Securitization of mortgage loans......          --       817,268      354,882
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
                       BB&T CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
  BB&T Corporation ("BB&T" or "Parent Company"), formerly Southern National
Corporation, is a multi-bank holding company organized under the laws of North
Carolina and registered with the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. BB&T changed its corporate name from Southern
National Corporation effective at the close of business on May 16, 1997.
Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"), Branch Banking and Trust Company
of South Carolina ("BB&T-SC"), Branch Banking and Trust Company of Virginia
("BB&T-VA"), Fidelity Federal Savings Bank ("Fidelity"), and Virginia First
Savings Bank ("Virginia First") (collectively, the "Banks"), Regional
Acceptance Corporation ("Regional Acceptance") and Craigie Incorporated
("Craigie") comprise the principal subsidiaries.
 
  The accounting and reporting policies of BB&T Corporation and Subsidiaries
are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and conform to
general practices within the banking industry. The following is a summary of
the more significant policies.
 
NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements of BB&T include the accounts of the
Parent Company and its subsidiaries. In consolidation, all significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Prior period
financial statements have been restated to include the accounts of companies
acquired in material transactions accounted for as poolings of interests (See
Note B). Results of operations of companies acquired in transactions accounted
for as purchases are included from the dates of acquisition.
 
  Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with
statement presentations for 1997. The reclassifications have no effect on
either shareholders' equity or net income as previously reported.
 
 Nature of Operations
 
  BB&T is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina. BB&T conducts its operations in North Carolina, South Carolina and
Virginia primarily through its commercial banking subsidiaries and, to a
lesser extent, through its other subsidiaries. BB&T's subsidiaries provide a
full range of traditional commercial banking services and additional services
including investment brokerage, trust services, agency insurance, credit-
related insurance and leasing.
 
 Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing
bank balances, Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale
agreements or similar arrangements. Generally, both cash and cash equivalents
are considered to have maturities of three months or less. Accordingly, the
carrying amount of such instruments is considered a reasonable estimate of
fair value.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
 Securities
 
  BB&T classifies investment securities in one of three categories: held to
maturity, available for sale and trading. Debt securities acquired with both
the intent and ability to be held to maturity are classified as held to
maturity and reported at amortized cost. Gains or losses realized from the
sale of securities held to maturity, if any, are determined by specific
identification and are included in noninterest income.
 
  Securities, which may be used to meet liquidity needs arising from
unanticipated deposit and loan fluctuations, changes in regulatory capital and
investment requirements, or unforeseen changes in market conditions, including
interest rates, market values or inflation rates, are classified as available
for sale. Securities available for sale are reported at estimated fair value,
with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of
shareholders' equity, net of deferred income tax. Gains or losses realized
from the sale of securities available for sale are determined by specific
identification and are included in noninterest income.
 
  Trading account securities are selected according to fundamental and
technical analyses that identify potential market movements. Trading account
securities are positioned to take advantage of such movements and are reported
at fair value. Market adjustments, fees and gains or losses earned on trading
account securities are included in noninterest income. Interest income on
trading account securities is included in other interest income. Gains or
losses realized from the sale of trading securities are determined by specific
identification.
 
  During 1996, BB&T transferred securities with an amortized cost of $36.6
million from the held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale
portfolio. These securities were previously classified as held-to-maturity by
entities acquired under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. BB&T
transferred these amounts pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities," to conform the combined investment portfolio to
BB&T's existing interest rate risk position.
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1995, BB&T transferred $1.8 billion of
securities which were previously classified as held to maturity under SFAS No.
115 to the available-for-sale category. The Financial Accounting Standards
Board ("FASB") provided enterprises the opportunity to make a one-time
reassessment of the classification of all investment securities held at that
time, such that the reclassification of any security from the held-to-maturity
category would not call into question the enterprise's intent to hold other
debt securities to maturity in the future. Management anticipates that this
classification will allow more flexibility in the day-to-day management of the
overall portfolio than the prior classifications.
 
 Loans Held for Sale
 
  Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market value on an
aggregate loan basis. Gains or losses realized on the sales of loans are
recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between
the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loans sold, adjusted for
any servicing asset or liability. Any resulting deferred premium or discount
is amortized, as an adjustment of servicing income, over the estimated lives
of the loans using the level-yield method.
 
 Loans and Lease Receivables
 
  Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the
foreseeable future are reported at their outstanding principal balances
adjusted for any deferred fees or costs and unamortized premiums or discounts.
The net amount of nonrefundable loan origination fees, including commitment
fees, and certain direct costs associated with the lending process are
deferred and amortized to interest income over the contractual lives of the
loans using methods which approximate level-yield, with adjustments for
prepayments as they occur. If the loan commitment expires unexercised, the
income is recognized upon expiration of the commitment. Discounts and premiums
are amortized to interest income over the estimated life of the loans using
methods which approximate level-yield.
 
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  Commercial loans and substantially all installment loans accrue interest on
the unpaid balance of the loans. Lease receivables consist primarily of direct
financing leases on rolling stock, equipment and real property. Lease
receivables are stated at the total amount of lease payments receivable plus
guaranteed residual values, less unearned income. Recognition of income over
the lives of the lease contracts approximates the level-yield method.
 
  As of January 1, 1995, BB&T adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a Loan," which was amended by SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosures." SFAS
No. 114, as amended, requires that impaired loans be measured based on the
present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective
interest rate, or as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market
price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent.
A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is
probable that BB&T will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the
contractual terms of the loan agreement. When the measure of the impaired loan
is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the impairment is recorded
through a valuation allowance. BB&T had previously measured the allowance for
credit losses using methods similar to those prescribed in SFAS No. 114. As a
result of adopting these statements, no additional allowance for loan losses
was required as of January 1, 1995.
 
  BB&T's policy is to disclose as impaired loans all commercial loans, greater
than $250,000, that are on nonaccrual status. Substantially all other loans
made by BB&T are excluded from the scope of SFAS No. 114 as they are large
groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans (residential mortgage and consumer
installment) that are collectively evaluated for impairment.
 
 Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
 
  The provision for loan and lease losses is the estimated amount required to
maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level adequate to cover
estimated incurred losses related to loans and leases currently outstanding.
The primary factors considered in determining the allowance are the
distribution of loans by risk class, the amount of the allowance specifically
allocated to nonperforming loans and other problem loans, prior years' loan
loss experience, economic conditions in BB&T's market areas and the growth of
the credit portfolio. While management uses the best information available in
establishing the allowance for losses, future adjustments to the allowance may
be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions
used in making the valuations or if required by regulators based upon
information at the time of their examinations. Such adjustments to original
estimates, as necessary, are made in the period in which these factors and
other relevant considerations indicate that loss levels may vary from previous
estimates.
 
 Nonperforming Assets
 
  Nonperforming assets include loans and leases on which interest is not being
accrued and foreclosed property. Foreclosed property consists of real estate
and other assets acquired through customers' loan defaults.
 
  Commercial and unsecured consumer loans and leases are generally placed on
nonaccrual status when concern exists that principal or interest is not fully
collectible, or when any portion of principal or interest becomes 90 days past
due, whichever occurs first. Mortgage loans and most other consumer loans past
due 90 days or more may remain on accrual status if management determines that
concern over the collectability of principal and interest is not significant.
When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, interest receivable is reversed
against interest income in the current period. Interest payments received
thereafter are applied as a reduction to the remaining principal balance when
concern exists as to the ultimate collection of the principal. Loans and
leases are removed from nonaccrual status when they become current as to both
principal and interest and when concern no longer exists as to the
collectability of principal or interest.
 
  Assets acquired as a result of foreclosure are valued at the lower of cost
or fair value, and carried thereafter at the lower of cost or fair value less
estimated costs to sell the asset. Cost is the sum of unpaid principal,
accrued
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
but unpaid interest and acquisition costs associated with the loan. Any excess
of unpaid principal over fair value at the time of foreclosure is charged to
the allowance for losses. Generally, such properties are appraised annually
and the carrying value, if greater than the fair value, less costs to sell, is
adjusted with a charge to income. Routine maintenance costs, declines in
market value and net losses on disposal are included in other noninterest
expense.
 
 Premises and Equipment
 
  Premises, equipment, capital leases and leasehold improvements are stated at
cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Depreciation is computed
principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line
basis over the lesser of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the
improvements. Capitalized leases are amortized by the same methods as premises
and equipment over the estimated useful lives or the lease term, whichever is
lesser. Obligations under capital leases are amortized using the interest
method to allocate payments between principal reduction and interest expense.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The operating results of BB&T and its subsidiaries are included in a
consolidated Federal income tax return. Each subsidiary pays its calculated
portion of Federal income taxes to BB&T, or receives payment from BB&T to the
extent that tax benefits are realized. Deferred income taxes have been
provided where different accounting methods have been used for reporting for
income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are recognized based on future tax consequences of the
differences arising from their carrying values and respective tax bases. In
the event of changes in the tax laws, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
adjusted in the period of the enactment of those changes, with effects
included in the income tax provision.
 
  The operating results of acquired institutions were included in their
respective income tax returns prior to consummation of the acquisitions.
 
 Derivatives and Off-Balance Sheet Instruments
 
  BB&T utilizes a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage
various financial risks. These instruments include financial forward and
futures contracts, options written and purchased, interest rate caps and
floors and interest rate swaps. Management accounts for these financial
instruments as hedges when the following conditions are met: (1) the specific
assets, liabilities, firm commitments or anticipated transactions (or an
identifiable group of essentially similar items) to be hedged expose BB&T to
interest rate risk or price risk; (2) the financial instrument reduces that
exposure; (3) the financial instrument is designated as a hedge at inception;
and (4) at the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period, there
is a high correlation of changes in the fair value or the net interest income
associated with the financial instrument and the hedged items.
 
  The net interest payable or receivable on interest rate swaps, caps and
floors that are designated as hedges is accrued and recognized as an
adjustment to the interest income or expense of the related asset or
liability. For interest rate forwards, futures and options qualifying as a
hedge, gains and losses are deferred and are recognized in income as an
adjustment of yield. Gains and losses from early terminations of derivatives
are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the shorter of the
remaining term of the hedged asset or liability or the remaining term of the
derivative instrument. Upon disposition or settlement of the asset or
liability being hedged, deferral accounting is discontinued and any gains or
losses are recognized in income. Derivative financial instruments that fail to
qualify as a hedge are carried at fair value with gains and losses recognized
in current earnings.
 
  BB&T utilizes written covered over-the-counter call options on specific
securities in the available-for-sale securities portfolio in order to enhance
returns. Fees received are deferred and recognized in noninterest income upon
exercise or expiration. Written options are carried at estimated fair value.
Unrealized and realized gains and losses on written call options are included
with securities gains and losses.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
  BB&T also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and net purchased
put options (combination of purchased put option and written call option) in
its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to hedge the mortgage
warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates. Written call options
are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a net purchased put
option that reduces the cost of the hedge. Net unrealized gains and losses on
purchased put options and net purchased put options are carried with loans
held for sale at the lower of cost or market on an aggregate basis. Realized
gains and losses on purchased put options and net purchased put options are
included in mortgage banking income.
 
 Per Share Data
 
  Effective December 31, 1997, BB&T adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share." This statement establishes standards for computing and
presenting earnings per share ("EPS") and simplifies the standards for
computation previously found in Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion
No. 15, "Earnings Per Share," making them more comparable to international EPS
standards. It replaces the presentation of primary EPS with a presentation of
basic EPS and requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS (which
replaces the former fully diluted EPS) for all entities with complex capital
structures. The EPS information reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
reflects the implementation of SFAS No. 128. Prior periods have been restated
to include the provisions of the statement.
 
  Basic net income per common share has been computed by dividing net income
applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of shares of common
stock outstanding during the years presented.
 
  Diluted net income per common share has been computed by dividing net
income, as adjusted for the interest expense related to convertible debt in
prior years, by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common
stock equivalents and other potentially dilutive securities outstanding during
the years. Other potentially dilutive securities include the number of shares
issuable upon conversion of the preferred stock. Restricted stock grants are
considered as issued for purposes of calculating net income per share.
 
  Weighted average numbers of shares were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1997        1996        1995
                                             ----------- ----------- -----------
   <S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
   Basic.................................... 135,742,174 136,024,587 135,911,150
   Diluted.................................. 138,220,057 138,955,834 141,914,467
</TABLE>
 
 Intangible Assets
 
  BB&T's intangible assets consist of the cost in excess of the fair value of
net assets acquired in transactions accounted for as purchases (goodwill),
premiums paid on acquisitions of deposits (core deposit intangibles) and other
identifiable intangible assets. Such assets are included in other assets in
the "Consolidated Balance Sheets." Intangible assets are being amortized on
straight-line or accelerated bases over periods ranging from 5 to 25 years. At
December 31, 1997, BB&T had $199.6 million recorded as goodwill and $6.8
million as core deposit and other intangibles, net of amortization. Negative
goodwill is created when the fair value of the net assets purchased exceeds
the purchase price. Such balances are included in other liabilities in the
"Consolidated Balance Sheets" and are being amortized over periods ranging
from 10 to 15 years. At December 31, 1997, BB&T had negative goodwill totaling
$33.0 million, net of amortization.
 
 Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
  Amounts paid to acquire the right to service certain mortgage loans are
capitalized and amortized over the estimated lives of the loans to which they
relate. In May 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights," which amends SFAS No. 65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage
Banking Activities." This statement was superceded by SFAS No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishments of Liabilities," which BB&T adopted on January 1, 1997. SFAS
No. 122,
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
as superceded by SFAS No. 125, requires that mortgage banking enterprises
recognize, as separate assets, rights to service mortgage loans for others,
however those servicing rights are acquired. The statement further requires
mortgage banking enterprises to assess their capitalized mortgage servicing
rights for impairment based on the fair value of those rights. BB&T elected,
in the third quarter of 1995, to adopt this statement effective as of January
1, 1995. The impact of the adoption of this statement resulted in additional
mortgage banking income of $7.6 million, before taxes, or $.03 per diluted
share, after taxes, during 1995. SFAS No. 125 prohibits retroactive
application to prior years. At December 31, 1997, BB&T had capitalized
mortgage servicing rights totaling $68.8 million.
 
 Changes in Accounting Principles and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
  During 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This statement
establishes accounting standards for long-lived assets, certain identifiable
intangibles and goodwill related to those assets to be held and to be disposed
of. The statement requires such assets to be reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. Any resulting impairment loss is required to be
reported in the period in which the recognition criteria are first applied and
met. BB&T adopted the provisions of the statement on January 1, 1996. The
implementation did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial
position or consolidated results of operations.
 
  In October of 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation," which establishes financial accounting and reporting
standards for stock-based compensation plans. The statement defines a fair
value based method of accounting for an employee stock option or similar
equity instrument and encourages the adoption of that method of accounting.
However, the statement also allows entities to continue to account for such
plans under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. Entities electing to
remain with the accounting in Opinion No. 25 must make pro forma disclosures
of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method of
accounting defined in the statement had been applied. BB&T adopted the
statement effective January 1, 1996 and elected to continue to account for
stock-based compensation plans under the provisions of Opinion No. 25.
Therefore, the implementation of the statement did not have an impact on
BB&T's consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations.
The required pro forma disclosures relating to SFAS No. 123 are presented in
Note J.
 
  In June of 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities," which
provides accounting and reporting standards for such transactions based on
consistent application of a financial components approach. This approach
recognizes the financial and servicing assets an entity controls and the
liabilities it has incurred, as well as derecognizes financial assets when
control has been surrendered and liabilities when they are extinguished. The
statement requires that liabilities and derivatives incurred or obtained by
transferors as part of a transfer of financial assets be initially measured at
fair value, if practicable. It also requires that servicing assets and other
retained interests in the transferred assets be measured by allocating the
previous carrying amount between the assets sold, if any, and retained
interests, if any, based on their relative fair values at the date of
transfer. In December 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the
Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125." This
statement allows the implementation of certain provisions of SFAS No. 125 to
be deferred for one year. BB&T adopted SFAS No. 125, as amended by SFAS No.
127, effective January 1, 1997. The adoption of these statements did not have
a material impact on BB&T's consolidated financial position or consolidated
results of operations.
 
  In February of 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," as
discussed above. The statement was effective for financial statements issued
for periods ending after December 15, 1997, including interim periods, and
requires restatement of all prior periods presented. Accordingly, BB&T adopted
the provisions of the statement effective December 31, 1997, including
retroactive restatement of prior periods. The implementation of the statement
did not have a material impact on BB&T's consolidated financial position or
consolidated results of operations.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
  In February of 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of
Information about Capital Structure," which establishes standards for
disclosing information about an entity's capital structure by continuing and
amending existing standards. The statement is effective for financial
statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997. Management has
determined that BB&T is currently in compliance with the disclosure
requirements of SFAS No. 129, and, therefore, the implementation of the
statement will not affect the capital structure disclosures made by BB&T.
 
  In June of 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," which establishes standards for reporting and displaying
comprehensive income (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of
general purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income is net income plus
other comprehensive income, or the change in equity (net assets) of a company
during a period from transactions and other events. SFAS No. 130 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, including interim periods,
and requires restatement of all prior periods presented. Management does not
believe that the implementation of the statement will have a material impact
on the consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations
of BB&T, but will require additional disclosures to be made. Currently, BB&T's
only item considered other comprehensive income is unrealized gains and losses
on available-for-sale securities, net of reclassification adjustments and
taxes. At December 31, 1997, this balance totaled $44.9 million.
 
  In June of 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information," which establishes standards for the
way that business enterprises report information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report
selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. It
also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is effective for
periods beginning after December 15, 1997, and requires restatement of all
prior periods presented. Management does not believe that the implementation
of the statement will have a material impact on the consolidated financial
position or consolidated results of operations of BB&T, but will require
substantial additional disclosures to be made.
 
 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
  As referenced in the "Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows," BB&T acquired
assets and assumed liabilities in transactions accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. The fair values of these assets acquired and
liabilities assumed, at acquisition, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997       1996    1995
                                                    ---------  --------  -----
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                              <C>        <C>       <C>
   Fair value of net assets acquired............... $ 129,719  $  1,394  $ --
   Purchase price..................................  (276,483)  (22,256)   --
                                                    ---------  --------  -----
   Excess of purchase price over net assets
    acquired....................................... $(146,764) $(20,862) $ --
                                                    =========  ========  =====
</TABLE>
 
  During the first quarter of 1996, BB&T redeemed all outstanding shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock. This transaction, a noncash financing activity,
resulted in the conversion of 733,869 shares of preferred stock into 4,334,692
shares of common stock.
 
 Income and Expense Recognition
 
  Items of income and expense are recognized using the accrual basis of
accounting, except for some immaterial amounts.
 
NOTE B.  ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS
 
 Completed Mergers and Acquisitions
 
  On June 30, 1996, BB&T completed the purchase of certain fixed assets and
expiration rights from the James R. Lingle Agency of Florence, South Carolina.
In conjunction with the purchase, BB&T recorded expiration rights totaling
$1.7 million which are being amortized over 15 years.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
  On August 28, 1996, BB&T became a majority shareholder of AutoBase
Information Systems, Inc., ("AutoBase") through the purchase of 51% of
AutoBase's outstanding common stock. In conjunction with this investment, BB&T
recorded $1.2 million in goodwill which is being amortized over 15 years.
 
  During November 1996, BB&T completed the acquisitions of three insurance
agencies in South Carolina. On November 7, 1996, BB&T completed the
acquisition of the William Goldsmith Agency Inc. ("Goldsmith") of Greenville,
South Carolina through the issuance of 70,207 shares of common stock. On
November 13, 1996, BB&T completed the acquisition of the C. Dan Joyner
Insurance Agency ("Joyner") based in Greenville, South Carolina through the
issuance of 48,120 shares of common stock. Boyle-Vaughan Associates, Inc.
("Boyle-Vaughan") based in Columbia, South Carolina, was acquired on November
22, 1996 through the issuance of 492,063 shares of common stock. In
conjunction with the purchase of these agencies, BB&T recorded $17.9 million
in goodwill, which is being amortized over 15 years.
 
  On March 1, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Fidelity Financial
Bankshares Corporation ("Fidelity") of Richmond, Virginia, in a transaction
accounted for as a purchase. BB&T issued 1.6 million shares for all of the
shares of Fidelity's common stock outstanding. In conjunction with the
acquisition, BB&T recorded $37.9 million in goodwill, which is being amortized
using the straight-line method over 15 years.
 
  On May 20, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Phillips Factors
Corporation ("Phillips") and its subsidiaries, Phillips Financial Corporation
and Phillips Acceptance Corporation, all of High Point, North Carolina.
Phillips purchases and manages receivables in the temporary staffing industry
nationwide. It also provides payroll processing services to that industry.
Phillips also buys and manages account receivables primarily in the furniture,
textiles and home furnishings-related industries. The acquisition of Phillips
was accounted for as a purchase. In conjunction with the acquisition, BB&T
recorded $11.1 million of goodwill which is being amortized using the
straight-line method over 15 years.
 
  On July 31, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Refloat, Inc. of Mount
Airy, North Carolina, and its principal subsidiary, Sheffield Financial Corp.
(collectively, "Refloat"), a financial company that specializes in loans to
small commercial lawn care businesses across the country. The acquisition,
which was completed through the issuance of 375,000 shares of common stock,
was accounted for as a purchase. In conjunction with the acquisition of
Refloat, BB&T recorded $3.0 million of goodwill which is being amortized using
the straight-line method over 15 years.
 
  On October 1, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Craigie Incorporated
("Craigie"), an investment banking firm located in Richmond, Virginia. Craigie
specializes in the origination, trading and distribution of fixed-income
securities and equity products in both the public and private capital markets.
Craigie also has a public finance department that provides investment banking
services, financial advisory services and municipal bond financing to a
variety of regional tax-exempt issuers. The acquisition, which was accounted
for as a purchase, was accomplished through the issuance of approximately
463,000 shares of BB&T's common stock. In conjunction with the acquisition,
BB&T recorded $6.9 million of goodwill, which is being amortized using the
straight-line method over a period of 25 years.
 
  On December 1, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of Virginia First
Financial Corporation of Petersburg, Virginia ("VFFC"), a financial
institution with $822.9 million in assets at the time of purchase. The merger,
which was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, was
consummated through the issuance of 1.9 million shares of BB&T's common stock
and the payment of $44.8 million. In conjunction with the acquisition, BB&T
recorded $89.5 million in goodwill, which is being amortized using the
straight-line method over a period of 15 years.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
  The above-discussed acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting, and, therefore, the financial information contained
herein includes data relevant to the acquirees since the date of acquisition.
The pro forma effects of the material 1997 purchase transactions, as if they
had been acquired as of the beginning of the years presented, are presented in
the accompanying table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                           ---------------------
                                                              1997       1996
                                                           ---------- ----------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN
                                                                THOUSANDS,
                                                             EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                   DATA)
   <S>                                                     <C>        <C>
   Total revenues......................................... $1,536,925 $1,436,786
                                                           ========== ==========
   Net income............................................. $  354,437 $  337,026
                                                           ========== ==========
   Basic EPS.............................................. $     2.61 $     2.47
                                                           ========== ==========
   Diluted EPS............................................ $     2.56 $     2.43
                                                           ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  On February 28, 1995, BB&T (formerly Southern National Corporation) and BB&T
Financial Corporation completed a merger accounted for as a pooling of
interests. BB&T Financial Corporation's shareholders received 57.9 million
shares of the common stock of the resulting company for all of the shares of
BB&T Financial Corporation stock held. On January 10, 1995, BB&T acquired
Commerce Bank (subsequently, BB&T-VA) through the issuance of 5.2 million
shares of BB&T common stock for all of the outstanding stock of Commerce Bank.
 
  On April 28, 1995, BB&T issued 75,273 shares of common stock to complete an
acquisition of United Agencies, Inc., a general insurance agency located in
Wilmington, North Carolina. The transaction was accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting.
 
  Effective January 25, 1996, BB&T consummated a merger with Seaboard Savings
Bank, Inc. ("Seaboard"), headquartered in Plymouth, North Carolina. BB&T
issued 475,158 shares of common stock for all of the outstanding shares of
Seaboard common stock. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of
interests.
 
  Effective March 29, 1996, BB&T consummated a merger with Triad Bank
("Triad") headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. BB&T issued 1.8 million
shares of common stock for all of the outstanding shares of Triad common
stock. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests.
 
  On August 30, 1996, BB&T issued 42,135 shares of common stock to complete an
acquisition of Tomlinson Insurers, Inc., a general insurance agency in
Fayetteville, North Carolina. The transaction was accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting.
 
  On September 1, 1996, BB&T completed the acquisition of Regional Acceptance
Corporation of Greenville, N.C. ("Regional Acceptance") in a transaction
accounted for as a pooling of interests. BB&T issued 5.85 million shares in
exchange for all of the outstanding stock of Regional Acceptance.
 
  On July 1, 1997, BB&T completed its acquisition of United Carolina
Bancshares Corporation ("UCB") of Whiteville, North Carolina, in a stock
transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. UCB shareholders received
27.7 million shares of BB&T common stock in exchange for all of the shares of
UCB common stock held.
 
  On March 1, 1998, BB&T completed its merger with Life Bancorp, Inc. ("Life")
of Norfolk, Virginia. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of
interests. In conjunction with the merger, BB&T issued 9.8 million shares of
common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Life common
stock.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
 Pending Mergers and Acquisitions
 
  On December 16, 1997, BB&T announced plans to acquire Franklin
Bancorporation Inc. ("Franklin") of Washington, D.C. in a stock transaction to
be accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. Franklin
shareholders will receive between .35 and .3743 shares of BB&T common stock in
exchange for each share of Franklin stock held.
 
  On February 25, 1998, BB&T announced plans to acquire Maryland Federal
Bancorp, Inc. ("Maryland Federal") of Hyattsville, Maryland in a stock
transaction to be accounted for as a purchase. Maryland Federal shareholders
will receive no less than .5975 and no greater than .6102 shares of BB&T
common stock in exchange for each share of Maryland Federal stock held.
 
NOTE C. SECURITIES
 
  The amortized costs and approximate fair values of securities held to
maturity and available for sale were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    DECEMBER 31, 1997                       DECEMBER 31, 1996
                          -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
                                     GROSS UNREALIZED ESTIMATED             GROSS UNREALIZED  ESTIMATED
                          AMORTIZED  -----------------   FAIR    AMORTIZED  -----------------    FAIR
                             COST     GAINS   LOSSES    VALUE       COST     GAINS    LOSSES    VALUE
                          ---------- -------- ------------------ ---------- -------- -------- ----------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>        <C>      <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
Securities held to
 maturity:
 U.S. Treasury,
  government and agency
  obligations...........  $   14,952 $    --  $    30 $   14,922 $    6,283 $    --  $      4 $    6,279
 States and political
  subdivisions..........     132,847    3,884      72    136,659    164,525    5,121      181    169,465
                          ---------- -------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ----------
 Total securities held
  to maturity...........     147,799    3,884     102    151,581    170,808    5,121      185    175,744
                          ---------- -------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ----------
Securities available for
 sale:
 U.S. Treasury,
  government and agency
  obligations...........   4,137,267   32,034   5,310  4,163,991  3,949,039   17,393   12,393  3,954,039
 States and political
  subdivisions..........      36,785      387      31     37,141     23,985      168      176     23,977
 Mortgage-backed
  securities............   1,821,378   36,584   2,207  1,855,755  1,735,797   29,440   14,212  1,751,025
 Equity and other
  securities............     412,047   12,583       2    424,628    285,180        2        2    285,180
                          ---------- -------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ----------
 Total securities
  available for sale....   6,407,477   81,588   7,550  6,481,515  5,994,001   47,003   26,783  6,014,221
                          ---------- -------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ----------
 Total securities.......  $6,555,276 $ 85,472 $ 7,652 $6,633,096 $6,164,809 $ 52,124 $ 26,968 $6,189,965
                          ========== ======== ======= ========== ========== ======== ======== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Securities with a book value of approximately $3.2 billion and $3.4 billion
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were pledged to secure municipal
deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Federal Reserve
discount window borrowings and for other purposes as required by law.
 
  At December 31, 1997 and 1996, there was no concentration of investments in
obligations of states and political subdivisions that were secured by or
payable from the same taxing authority or revenue source and that exceeded ten
percent of shareholders' equity.
 
  Trading securities totaling $67.9 million are excluded from the accompanying
tables. These securities are reported at fair value with net unrealized gains
of $.7 million included in earnings during 1997.
 
  Proceeds from sales of securities during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $1.4
billion, $605.8 million and $1.3 billion, respectively. Gross gains of $3.6
million, $5.4 million and $2.7 million and gross losses of $1.3 million, $2.4
million and $21.3 million were realized on those sales in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities portfolio at
December 31, 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown in the accompanying
table. The expected life of mortgage-backed securities will differ from
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
the underlying mortgage loans with or without call or prepayment penalties.
For purposes of the maturity table, mortgage-backed securities, which are not
due at a single maturity date, have been allocated over maturity groupings
based on the weighted average contractual maturities of underlying collateral.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                      HELD TO MATURITY    AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                     ------------------- ---------------------
                                               ESTIMATED            ESTIMATED
                                     AMORTIZED   FAIR    AMORTIZED     FAIR
                                       COST      VALUE      COST      VALUE
                                     --------- --------- ---------- ----------
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
   Debt Securities
   Due in one year or less.......... $ 38,677  $ 38,737  $  740,473 $  751,154
   Due after one year through five
    years...........................   95,435    98,367   3,562,085  3,577,074
   Due after five years through ten
    years...........................   11,494    12,077     212,489    213,081
   Due after ten years..............    2,193     2,400   1,501,308  1,536,519
                                     --------  --------  ---------- ----------
     Total debt securities.......... $147,799  $151,581  $6,016,355 $6,077,828
                                     ========  ========  ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE D. LOANS AND LEASES
 
  Loans and leases were composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1997        1996
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Loans--
     Commercial, financial and agricultural............ $ 3,017,729 $ 2,715,363
     Real estate--construction and land development....   2,102,234   1,525,964
     Real estate--mortgage.............................  11,415,319  10,110,927
     Consumer..........................................   2,688,304   2,748,572
                                                        ----------- -----------
       Loans held for investment.......................  19,223,586  17,100,826
                                                        ----------- -----------
     Leases............................................     788,462     576,991
                                                        ----------- -----------
         Total loans and leases........................  20,012,048  17,677,817
           Less: unearned income.......................     231,234     159,593
                                                        ----------- -----------
         Loans and leases, net of unearned income...... $19,780,814 $17,518,224
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The net investment in direct financing leases was $616.3 million and $470.5
million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. BB&T had loans held for
sale at December 31, 1997 and 1996 totaling $509.1 million and $228.3 million,
respectively.
 
  BB&T's only significant concentration of credit at December 31, 1997
occurred in loans secured by real estate, which totaled $14.2 billion.
However, this amount was not concentrated in any specific market or geographic
area other than the Banks' primary markets.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding BB&T's impaired
loans as defined under SFAS No. 114.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                       -----------------------
                                                          1997        1996
                                                       ----------- -----------
                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                 <C>         <C>
   Total recorded investment--impaired loans.......... $    29,494 $    18,479
                                                       ----------- -----------
   Total recorded investment with related valuation
    allowance.........................................      29,494      17,401
   Valuation allowance assigned to impaired loans.....       3,086       2,530
                                                       ----------- -----------
     Net carrying value--impaired loans............... $    26,408 $    14,871
                                                       =========== ===========
   Average balance of impaired loans.................. $    20,599 $    22,648
                                                       =========== ===========
   Cash basis interest income recognized on impaired
    loans............................................. $       --  $        48
                                                       =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The following table provides an analysis of loans made to directors,
executive officers and their interests, which in the aggregate exceeded
$60,000 at any time during 1997. All amounts shown represent loans made by
BB&T's subsidiary banks in the ordinary course of business at the Banks'
normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateralization prevailing
at the time for comparable transactions with other persons.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>
   Balance, December 31, 1996............................        $174,668
     Additions...........................................          32,421
     Repayments..........................................          33,587
                                                                 --------
   Balance, December 31, 1997............................        $173,502
                                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
  An analysis of the allowance for loan and lease losses is presented in the
following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           ----------------------------------
                                              1997        1996        1995
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
   Balance, January 1..................... $  230,070  $  219,052  $  215,443
   Provision for losses charged to
    expense...............................     89,850      62,511      41,924
   Allowances of purchased companies......     17,513         --          --
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                              337,433     281,563     257,367
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
   Total charge-offs......................    (90,637)    (69,073)    (53,064)
   Recoveries.............................     17,147      17,580      14,749
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net charge-offs......................    (73,490)    (51,493)    (38,315)
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
   Balance, December 31................... $  263,943  $  230,070  $  219,052
                                           ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, loans not currently accruing interest
totaled $88.4 million, $62.2 million and $68.6 million, respectively. Loans 90
days or more past due and still accruing interest totaled $47.0 million, $41.7
million and $34.6 million, at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The gross interest income that would have been earned during 1997 if the
outstanding nonaccrual loans and leases had been current in accordance with
the original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period (or since
origination, if held for part of the period) was approximately $6.7 million.
Foreclosed property was $34.3 million, $27.9 million and $18.9 million at
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
NOTE F. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1997        1996
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Land and land improvements.......................... $    70,982 $    63,041
   Buildings and building improvements.................     299,368     284,377
   Furniture and equipment.............................     336,745     277,217
   Capitalized leases on premises and equipment........       3,647       3,804
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                            710,742     628,439
   Less--accumulated depreciation and amortization.....     292,845     253,485
                                                        ----------- -----------
     Net premises and equipment........................ $   417,897 $   374,954
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Depreciation expense, which is included in occupancy and equipment expense,
was $57.7 million, $45.3 million and $42.1 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
  BB&T has noncancellable leases covering certain premises and equipment.
Total rent expense applicable to operating leases was $44.8 million, $28.4
million and $33.1 million for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Future
minimum lease payments for operating and capitalized leases for years
subsequent to 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             LEASES
                                                     -------------------------
                                                     OPERATING    CAPITALIZED
                                                     ------------ ------------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                               <C>          <C>
   Years ended December 31:
     1998........................................... $     21,518   $      450
     1999...........................................       20,588          450
     2000...........................................       20,071          450
     2001...........................................       19,159          450
     2002...........................................       16,599          450
     2003 and years later...........................       82,272        4,547
                                                     ------------   ----------
   Total minimum lease payments..................... $    180,207        6,797
                                                     ============
   Less--amount representing interest...............                     3,506
                                                                    ----------
   Present value of net minimum payments on
    capitalized leases (Note I).....................                $    3,291
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE G. LOAN SERVICING
 
  The following is a summary of capitalized mortgage servicing rights, net of
accumulated amortization and adjustments necessary to present the balances at
the lower of cost or estimated fair value, which are included in other assets
in the "Consolidated Balance Sheets:"
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        CAPITALIZED MORTGAGE
                                                          SERVICING RIGHTS
                                                       ------------------------
                                                          1997         1996
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                 <C>          <C>
   Balance, January 1,................................ $    41,891  $    21,948
     Amount capitalized...............................      39,093       26,356
     Amortization expense.............................      (9,561)      (6,197)
     Change in valuation allowance....................      (2,643)        (216)
                                                       -----------  -----------
   Balance, December 31,.............................. $    68,780  $    41,891
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are being amortized on a disaggregated
loan basis using an accelerated method over the estimated life of the
servicing income. The servicing rights portfolio is analyzed each quarter to
identify possible impairment using a disaggregated discounted cash flow
methodology that is stratified by
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
predominant risk characteristics. These characteristics include stratification
based on interest rates in intervals of 150 basis points, type of loan and
maturity of loan. Following is an analysis of the aggregate changes in the
valuation allowances for mortgage servicing rights in 1997 and 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           VALUATION ALLOWANCE
                                                               FOR MORTGAGE
                                                             SERVICING RIGHTS
                                                          ----------------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>
   Balance, January 1, 1996..............................         $  499
     Additions...........................................          1,184
     Reductions..........................................           (968)
                                                                  ------
   Balance, December 31, 1996............................            715
                                                                  ------
     Additions...........................................          3,257
     Reductions..........................................           (614)
                                                                  ------
   Balance, December 31, 1997............................         $3,358
                                                                  ======
</TABLE>
 
  Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying
"Consolidated Balance Sheets." The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans
serviced for others were $8.1 billion and $7.5 billion at December 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively.
 
NOTE H. SHORT-TERM BORROWED FUNDS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1997        1996
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Federal funds purchased............................. $   898,160 $   729,995
   Term Federal funds purchased........................         --       50,000
   Securities sold under agreements to repurchase......     997,513     680,315
   Master notes........................................     638,325     566,225
   U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable....     105,851     101,681
   Short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances..........     155,810     150,000
   Short-term Bank Notes...............................     208,079         --
   Other short-term borrowed funds.....................      11,439       2,608
                                                        ----------- -----------
     Total short-term borrowed funds...................  $3,015,177  $2,280,824
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Federal funds purchased represent unsecured borrowings from other banks and
generally mature daily. Term Federal funds purchased are identical to Federal
funds; however, maturities vary and are greater than one day. Securities sold
under agreements to repurchase are borrowings collateralized by securities of
the U.S. Government or its agencies and have maturities ranging from one to
ninety days. U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable are payable upon
demand to the U.S. Treasury. Master notes are unsecured, non-negotiable
obligations of BB&T (variable rate commercial paper). Short-term Federal Home
Loan Bank advances are typically unsecured and generally mature daily.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
NOTE I. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1997        1996
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>
Capitalized leases, varying maturities to 2028 with
 rates from 8.11% to 12.65%. Balance represents the
 unamortized amounts due on leases of various
 facilities............................................  $     3,291 $     3,561
Medium-term bank notes, unsecured, varying maturities
 to 2001 with rates from 5.69% to 6.20%................    1,024,833     424,794
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank, varying
 maturities to 2017 with rates from 1.00% to 8.95%.....    1,750,202   1,375,971
Subordinated Notes, unsecured, dated May 21, 1996 and
 June 3, 1997, maturing May 23, 2003 and June 15, 2007,
 with interest rates of 7.05% and 7.25%,
 respectively*.........................................      495,589     248,019
CMO Bonds, secured by investments, dated 1985, callable
 July 1, 2001, with an interest rate of 11.25%.........        8,112         --
Other mortgage indebtedness............................          931       1,695
                                                         ----------- -----------
  Total long-term debt.................................   $3,282,958  $2,054,040
                                                         =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
Excluding the capitalized leases set forth in Note F, future debt maturities
total $3.3 billion and are $398.6 million, $1.1 billion, $294.5 million,
$404.4 million, and $225.0 million for the next five years. The maturities for
2003 and later years are $850.8 million.
 
* Subordinated notes qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2
  supplementary capital.
 
NOTE J. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  The authorized capital stock of BB&T consists of 300,000,000 shares of
common stock, $5 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $5 par
value. At December 31, 1997, 136,051,623 shares of common stock and no shares
of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
 
 Stock Option Plans
 
  At December 31, 1996, BB&T had the following stock-based compensation plans:
the 1994 and the 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans ("Omnibus Plans"), the
Incentive Stock Option Plan ("ISOP"), the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
("NQSOP") and the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan ("Directors'
Plan"), which are described below. BB&T accounts for these plans under APB
Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had
compensation cost for these plans been determined based on the fair value at
the grant dates for awards under those plans granted after December 31, 1994,
consistent with the method described by SFAS No. 123, BB&T's pro forma net
income and pro forma earnings per share would have been as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                      --------------------------
                                                        1997     1996     1995
                                                      -------- -------- --------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,
                                                        EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>
Net income applicable to common shares:
  As reported........................................ $359,942 $329,565 $222,189
  Pro Forma..........................................  352,390  327,135  221,853
Basic EPS:
  As reported........................................     2.65     2.42     1.63
  Pro Forma..........................................     2.60     2.40     1.63
Diluted EPS:
  As reported........................................     2.60     2.38     1.60
  Pro Forma..........................................     2.55     2.36     1.60
</TABLE>
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
  The SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options
granted prior to January 1, 1995; therefore, the weighted average fair value
of options granted prior to that date has not been calculated. The fair value
of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions
used for grants in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively: dividend yield of 3.0%
in 1997 and 3.5% in 1996 and 1995; expected volatility of 20% for all years;
risk free interest rates of 6.2%, 6.4% and 5.7% for 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively; and expected lives of 6.1 years, 6.5 years and 6.0 years for
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
 
  In April 1994 and May 1995, the shareholders approved the Omnibus Plans
which cover the award of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options,
shares of restricted stock, performance shares and stock appreciation rights.
In April, 1996, the shareholders approved an amendment to the 1995 Omnibus
Plan that increased the maximum number of shares issuable under the terms of
the plan to 6,000,000 shares. The combined shares issuable under both Omnibus
Plans is 10,000,000. The Omnibus Plans are intended to allow BB&T to recruit
and retain employees with ability and initiative and to associate the
employees' interests with those of BB&T and its shareholders. At December 31,
1997, 2,599,270 incentive stock options at prices ranging from $9.4828 to
$40.3750 and 1,889,770 non-qualified stock options at prices ranging from $.01
to $38.99 were outstanding. The stock options generally vest over 3 years and
have a 10 year term.
 
  The ISOP and the NQSOP were established to retain key officers and key
management employees and to offer them the incentive to use their best efforts
on behalf of BB&T. The plans, which expire on December 19, 2000, further
provide for up to 1,101,000 shares of common stock to be reserved for the
granting of options, which have a four year vesting schedule and must be
exercised within ten years from the date granted. Incentive stock options
granted must have an exercise price equal to at least 100% of the fair market
value of common stock on the date granted, and the non-qualified stock options
must have an exercise price equal to at least 85% of the fair market value on
the date granted. At December 31, 1997, options to purchase 258,167 shares of
common stock at prices ranging from $9.50 to $16.75 were outstanding pursuant
to the NQSOP. At December 31, 1997, options to purchase 94,174 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $19.777 were outstanding pursuant to the
ISOP.
 
  The Directors' Plan is intended to provide incentives to non-employee
directors to remain on the Board of Directors and share in the profitability
of BB&T. The plan creates a deferred compensation system for participating
non-employee directors. Each non-employee director may elect to defer 0%, 50%
or 100% of the annual retainer fee for each calendar year and apply that
percentage toward the grant of options to purchase BB&T common stock. Such
elections are required to be in writing and are irrevocable for each calendar
year. The exercise price at which shares of BB&T common stock may be purchased
shall be equal to 75% of the market value of the common stock as of the date
of grant. Options are vested in six months and may be exercised anytime
thereafter until the expiration date, which is 10 years from the date of
grant. The Directors' Plan provides for the reservation of up to 900,000
shares of BB&T common stock. At December 31, 1997, options to purchase 368,613
shares of common stock at prices ranging from $12.7155 to $45.2047 were
outstanding pursuant to the Directors' Plan.
 
  BB&T also has options outstanding from companies acquired in prior years.
These options, which have not been included in the plans described above,
totaled 244,281 as of December 31, 1997, with option prices ranging from
$2.6667 to $23.7069.
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
  A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 and changes during the years then ended is presented
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1997                 1996                  1995
                             --------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                         WTD. AVG.            WTD. AVG.            WTD. AVG.
                                         EXERCISE             EXERCISE             EXERCISE
                               SHARES      PRICE    SHARES      PRICE    SHARES      PRICE
                             ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------
   <S>                       <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
   Outstanding at beginning
    of year................   5,697,319   $18.41   6,255,396   $17.58   5,527,583   $14.95
     Granted...............   1,012,851    37.48     107,996    25.34   1,379,192    25.24
     Exercised.............  (1,189,196)   15.29    (615,452)   11.43    (608,181)   10.88
     Forfeited or Expired..     (66,699)   27.46     (50,621)   15.82     (43,198)   19.24
                             ----------   ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------
   Outstanding at end of
    year...................   5,454,275   $22.52   5,697,319   $18.41   6,255,396   $17.58
                             ==========   ======   =========   ======   =========   ======
   Options exercisable at
    year-end...............   4,547,860   $19.24   4,570,593   $16.98   4,319,304   $15.33
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average fair value of options granted was $9.33, $6.59 and
$5.05 per option at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at
December 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     WEIGHTED-
                          AVERAGE     AVERAGE    WEIGHTED-             WEIGHTED-
                          NUMBER     REMAINING    AVERAGE    NUMBER     AVERAGE
   RANGE OF             OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL  EXERCISE  EXERCISABLE EXERCISE
   EXERCISE PRICES      AT 12/31/97    LIFE        PRICE   AT 12/31/97   PRICE
   ---------------      ----------- -----------  --------- ----------- ---------
   <S>                  <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>         <C>
   $0.01...............        998      5.0 yrs   $ 0.01          998   $ 0.01
   $2.67 to $3.67......     13,571      6.1         2.88       13,571     2.88
   $4.92 to $7.03......     23,343      3.1         6.36       23,343     6.36
   $7.45 to $10.81.....    275,346      3.3         9.29      275,346     9.29
   $11.72 to $17.50....  1,518,899      3.9        14.50    1,518,899    14.50
   $18.13 to $26.75....  2,670,869      6.9        22.75    2,640,146    22.80
   $27.88 to $40.38....    936,775      9.1        39.12       75,557    33.49
   $45.20..............     14,474     10.0        45.20          --       --
                         ---------     ----       ------    ---------   ------
                         5,454,275      6.3 yrs   $22.52    4,547,860   $19.24
                         =========     ====       ======    =========   ======
</TABLE>
 
 Shareholder Rights Plan
 
  On January 17, 1997, pursuant to the Rights Agreement approved by the Board
of Directors, BB&T distributed to shareholders one preferred stock purchase
right for each share of BB&T's common stock then outstanding. Subsequent to
this date, all shares issued are accompanied by a stock purchase right.
Initially, the rights, which expire in 10 years, are not exercisable and are
not transferable apart from the common stock. The rights will become
exercisable only if a person or group acquires 20% or more of BB&T's common
stock, or BB&T's Board of Directors determines, pursuant to the terms of the
Rights Agreement, that any person or group that has acquired 10% or more of
BB&T's common stock is an "Adverse Person." Each right would then enable the
holder to purchase 1/100th of a share of a new series of BB&T preferred stock
at an initial exercise price of $145.00. The Board of Directors will be
entitled to redeem the rights at $.01 per right under certain circumstances
specified in the Rights Agreement.
 
  Under the terms of the Rights Agreement, if any person or group becomes the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of BB&T's common stock, with certain
exceptions, or if the Board of Directors determines that any 10% or more
stockholder is an "Adverse Person," each right will entitle its holder (other
than the person triggering exercisability of the rights) to purchase, at the
right's then-current exercise price, shares of BB&T's common
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
stock having a value of twice the right's exercise price. In addition, if
after any person or group has become a 20% or more stockholder, BB&T is
involved in a merger or other business combination transaction with another
person in which its common stock is changed or converted, or sells 50% or more
of its assets or earning power to another person, each right will entitle its
holder to purchase, at the right's then-current exercise price, shares of
common stock of such other person having a value of twice the right's exercise
price.
 
NOTE K. INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision for income taxes was composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                   1997       1996      1995
                                                 ---------  --------- ---------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                           <C>        <C>       <C>
   Current expense:
     Federal.................................... $ 193,669  $ 151,713 $ 125,190
     State......................................     7,991      4,372     6,535
                                                 ---------  --------- ---------
                                                   201,660    156,085   131,725
   Deferred expense (benefit)...................   (14,163)     3,847   (18,607)
                                                 ---------  --------- ---------
   Provision for income taxes................... $ 187,497  $ 159,932 $ 113,118
                                                 =========  ========= =========
</TABLE>
 
  The reasons for the difference between the provision for income taxes and
the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to
income before income taxes were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                    1997      1996      1995
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C>
   Federal income taxes at statutory rates of
    35%.......................................... $191,604  $171,538  $119,135
   Tax-exempt income from securities, loans and
    leases less related non-deductible interest
    expense......................................   (9,841)   (8,692)   (8,263)
   State income taxes, net of Federal tax
    benefit......................................    4,221     3,217     3,446
   Other, net....................................    1,513    (6,131)   (1,200)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Provision for income taxes.................... $187,497  $159,932  $113,118
                                                  ========  ========  ========
   Effective income tax rate.....................     34.2%     32.6%     33.2%
                                                  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
  The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant
portions of the net deferred tax assets (liabilities) in the "Consolidated
Balance Sheets" were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                      ------------------------
                                                         1997         1996
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                <C>          <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Allowance for loan and lease losses............. $   101,873  $   88,924
     Deferred compensation...........................      27,127      17,761
     Postretirement benefits other than pensions.....      16,850      18,256
     Expense accruals................................      13,394       2,861
     Other...........................................      27,035      20,005
                                                      -----------  ----------
       Total tax deferred assets.....................     186,279     147,807
                                                      -----------  ----------
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Depreciation....................................     (24,721)    (21,972)
     Net unrealized appreciation on securities
      available for sale.............................     (29,136)     (8,481)
     Lease financing.................................     (19,193)    (15,623)
     Pension plan contribution.......................      (9,839)     (6,363)
     Loan servicing rights...........................      (9,745)     (4,048)
     Other...........................................     (21,781)    (21,857)
                                                      -----------  ----------
   Total tax deferred liabilities....................    (114,415)    (78,344)
                                                      -----------  ----------
   Net deferred tax asset............................ $    71,864  $   69,463
                                                      ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The deferred tax assets have been determined to be realizable, and,
accordingly, a valuation allowance was not required. At December 31, 1997,
there were no operating losses, income tax credits or alternative minimum tax
credit carryforwards.
 
  Securities transactions resulted in income tax expense (benefits) of $.9
million, $1.1 million and ($7.1 million) related to securities gains (losses)
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
NOTE L. BENEFIT PLANS
 
  BB&T has various employee benefit plans and arrangements. Employees of
acquired entities typically participate in existing BB&T plans upon
consummation of the acquisitions. Credit is usually given to these employees
for years of service at the acquired institution.
 
  The following table discloses expenses relating to employee benefit plans
restated for transactions accounted for as poolings of interests.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1997    1996    1995
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
   Defined benefit plans............................... $12,960 $12,663 $18,643
   Defined contribution and ESOP plans.................  13,160  13,035  11,712
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Total expense related to benefit plans............ $26,120 $25,698 $30,355
                                                        ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
 Retirement Plans
 
  BB&T has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. This plan covers
substantially all employees. Benefits are based on years of service, age at
retirement and the employee's compensation during the five highest consecutive
years of earnings within the last ten years of employment.
 
  BB&T's contributions to the plan were in amounts between the minimum
required for funding standard account purposes and the maximum deductible for
Internal Revenue Service purposes.
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
  Supplemental retirement benefits are provided to certain key officers under
supplemental executive retirement plans, which are not qualified under the
Internal Revenue Code. Although technically unfunded plans, insurance policies
on the lives of the covered employees partially fund future benefits.
 
  Net periodic pension cost, which is included in employee benefits expense,
consisted of the following components in 1997, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1997      1996      1995
                                                   --------  --------  --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Service cost...................................... $ 12,412  $ 11,488  $ 11,765
Interest cost.....................................   17,911    16,253    14,984
Actual return on assets...........................  (42,875)  (24,260)  (31,771)
Early retirement..................................      --        --      3,372
Net amortization and deferral and other...........   25,684     8,833    19,746
                                                   --------  --------  --------
  Net periodic pension cost....................... $ 13,132  $ 12,314  $ 18,096
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the plans' funded status at December 31, 1997
and 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PLANS FOR WHICH         PLANS FOR WHICH
                                    ASSETS EXCEED       ACCUMULATED BENEFITS
                                ACCUMULATED BENEFITS        EXCEED ASSETS
                                ----------------------  ----------------------
                                   1997        1996        1997        1996
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Accumulated benefit
 obligation:
  Vested benefits.............  $ (185,227) $ (163,691) $  (10,110) $   (5,471)
  Nonvested benefits..........      (4,488)     (3,720)       (805)       (751)
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                $ (189,715) $ (167,411) $  (10,915) $   (6,222)
                                ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Projected benefit obligation..  $ (234,396) $ (221,697) $  (22,946) $  (16,821)
Plan assets at fair value.....     273,922     219,038         --          --
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Plan assets in excess of (less
 than) projected benefit
 obligation...................      39,526      (2,659)    (22,946)    (16,821)
Unrecognized transition
 amount.......................      (6,523)     (7,626)        277         321
Unrecognized prior service
 cost.........................     (23,201)     (5,931)      3,516       4,163
Unrecognized net loss.........       6,616      22,281       6,066       3,153
Minimum liability adjustment..         --          --          (89)       (861)
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Prepaid (accrued) pension cost
 included in other assets
 (other liabilities)..........  $   16,418  $    6,065  $  (13,176) $  (10,045)
                                ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Plan assets consist primarily of investments in mutual funds consisting of
equity investments, obligations of the U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies and
corporations. Plan assets included $20.3 million, $11.2 million and $7.9
million of BB&T common stock at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
  Actuarial assumptions used in calculating these amounts were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997   1996    1995
                                                           ----  -------  ----
<S>                                                        <C>   <C>      <C>
Rate of increase in future compensation...................  5.5%     5.5% 5.5%
Weighted average discount rate............................ 7.25      7.5  7.5
Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on
 assets...................................................  8.0  8.0-9.0  8.0
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
 Postretirement Benefits
 
  BB&T revised its retiree health care plans in preparation for the
implementation of SFAS No. 106, "Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other
Than Pensions." The plan covers employees retiring after December 31, 1995 who
are eligible for participation in the BB&T pension plan and have at least ten
years of service. The plan requires retiree contributions, with a subsidy by
BB&T based upon years of service of the employee at the time of retirement.
The subsidy is periodically reviewed for adjustment. The plan provides
flexible benefits to retirees which may also be used for dependents.
 
  The following table sets forth the components of the retiree benefit plan
and the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements at December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 as originally reported.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997      1996      1995
                                                 --------  --------  --------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   Net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
     Service cost............................... $    733  $    834  $  1,048
     Interest cost..............................    2,586     2,667     2,920
     Amortization of net loss and other.........      (37)      344       524
                                                 --------  --------  --------
       Total expense............................ $  3,282  $  3,845  $  4,492
                                                 ========  ========  ========
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997      1996      1995
                                                 --------  --------  --------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   Reconciliation of funded status:
     Accumulated postretirement benefit
      obligation................................ $(38,342) $(38,208) $(39,505)
     Unrecognized net (gain) loss...............   (4,359)   (1,463)    1,766
                                                 --------  --------  --------
       Accrued postretirement benefit costs
        included in other liabilities........... $(42,701) $(39,671) $(37,739)
                                                 ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Actuarial assumptions used in calculating these amounts were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997     1996       1995
                                                   ----  ----------  --------
   <S>                                             <C>   <C>         <C>
   Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost
    of health care claims:
     Current year................................  10.0% 11.0-11.25% 8.0-14.0%
     Final constant amount.......................   5.0    5.0-6.25  4.75-6.5
     Annual decrease.............................   1.0      .5-1.0    .8-1.5
   General inflation rate........................   4.0         4.0       4.0
   Weighted average discount rate................  7.25         7.5   7.5-8.0
   Impact of 1% increase in assumed health care
    cost on:
     Net periodic benefit cost...................   --          3.0   2.0-3.0
     Expected postretirement benefit obligation..   2.0         5.0   3.0-4.0
</TABLE>
 
 401-k Savings Plan
 
  Prior to 1996, BB&T had an Employee Stock Ownership Plan which allowed all
employees to acquire common stock in BB&T by contributing up to 15% of their
salaries to the plan. BB&T matched 100% of each employee's contributions, up
to a maximum of 6% of the employee's salary. BB&T Financial Corporation had a
Savings and Thrift Plan which permitted eligible employees to make
contributions up to 16% of base compensation, with matching contributions up
to 4% of the employee's base compensation. Effective January 1, 1996, BB&T's
Employee Stock Ownership Plan was merged into the former BB&T Financial
Corporation Savings and Thrift Plan to form the BB&T Corporation 401-k Savings
Plan. The new plan permits employees to contribute up to 16% of their
compensation. BB&T matches up to 6% of the employee's compensation with a 100%
matching contribution.
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
 Settlement Agreements
 
  In connection with recent significant mergers, three executive officers of
merged institutions agreed to retire during 1995 and 1997. BB&T entered into
settlement and noncompetition agreements with these executive officers to
settle existing employment contracts and to require them not to compete with
BB&T. One of the agreements provides for annual payments of $1,655,000 less
the company-provided portion of certain benefits payable under existing
benefit plans. The payments continue for the life of the executive and his
current wife but in no event for a period of less than fifteen years. The
executive has agreed not to compete in a defined geographic area for fifteen
years and to serve as a consultant to BB&T for five years. A second agreement
provides for annual payments of $312,000 for ten years or until death. The
third settlement agreement provides for annual payments of $769,392 (to be
adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index) until the
executive reaches the age of 65 in 2002, at which time the annual payments
will be reduced to 70% of the amount paid during the final year pursuant to
the agreement, estimated to be approximately $623,000, less the company-
provided portion of benefits payable under certain existing benefit plans. The
reduced payments will continue for the life of the executive. If the
executive's current wife survives him, payments will continue to her in the
annual amount equal to 35% of the amount paid to the executive during the
final year pursuant to the agreement. The executive officer has agreed not to
compete in a defined geographic area for ten years.
 
 Other
 
  There are various other employment contracts, deferred compensation
arrangements and covenants not to compete with selected members of management
and certain retirees.
 
NOTE M. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  BB&T is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to
reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial
instruments include commitments to extend credit, options written, standby
letters of credit and financial guarantees, interest rate caps and floors
written, interest rate swaps and forward and futures contracts.
 
  BB&T's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other
party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby
letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the
contractual notional amount of those instruments. BB&T uses the same credit
policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-
balance sheet instruments.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            CONTRACT OR
                                                        NOTIONAL AMOUNT AT
                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -----------------------
                                                         1997        1996
                                                      ----------- -----------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                <C>         <C>
   Financial instruments whose contract amounts
    represent credit risk:
     Commitments to extend, originate or purchase
      credit......................................... $ 7,791,823 $ 6,754,901
     Standby letters of credit and financial
      guarantees written.............................     262,264     216,910
     Commercial letters of credit....................      35,915      21,703
   Financial instruments whose notional or contract
    amounts exceed the
    amount of credit risk:
     Commitments to sell loans and securities........     555,722     240,121
     Foreign exchange contracts......................     145,855     103,506
</TABLE>
 
  Commitments to extend credit are arrangements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses
and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected
to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not
necessarily represent future cash requirements. BB&T
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount
and type of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by BB&T upon extension of
credit, is based on management's evaluation of the creditworthiness of the
counterparty.
 
  Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional
commitments issued by BB&T to guarantee the performance of a customer to a
third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and
private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and
similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is
essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to
customers, and letters of credit are collateralized when necessary.
 
  Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities
are contracts for delayed delivery of securities in which BB&T agrees to make
delivery at a specified future date of a specified instrument, at a specified
price or yield. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to
meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in securities' values and
interest rates.
 
 Legal Proceedings
 
  The nature of the business of BB&T's banking subsidiaries ordinarily results
in a certain amount of litigation. The subsidiaries of BB&T are involved in
various legal proceedings, all of which are considered incidental to the
normal conduct of business. Management believes that the liabilities arising
from these proceedings will not have a materially adverse effect on the
consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations of BB&T.
 
NOTE N.  REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
 
  BB&T's subsidiary banks are required by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System to maintain reserve balances based on certain
percentages of deposit types subject to various adjustments. At December 31,
1997, these reserves (including average daily vault cash) amounted to $90.1
million.
 
  Subject to restrictions imposed by state laws and federal regulations, the
Boards of Directors of the subsidiary banks could have declared dividends from
their retained earnings up to $1.2 billion at December 31, 1997. The
subsidiary banks are prohibited from paying dividends from their capital stock
and additional paid-in capital accounts and are required by regulatory
authorities to maintain minimum capital levels. BB&T was in compliance with
these requirements at December 31, 1997.
 
  BB&T is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by
the Federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can
initiate certain mandatory--and possibly additional discretionary--actions by
regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on BB&T'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 BB&T's assets,
liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory
accounting practices. BB&T's capital amounts and classification are also
subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk
weightings and other factors.
 
  Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require BB&T to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1
capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined),
and of Tier 1 capital to average assets.
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              DECEMBER 31, 1997             DECEMBER 31, 1996
                         ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                           FOR MINIMUM                   FOR MINIMUM
                              ACTUAL         CAPITAL        ACTUAL         CAPITAL
                         -----------------  ADEQUACY   -----------------  ADEQUACY
                         RATIO    AMOUNT    PURPOSES   RATIO    AMOUNT    PURPOSES
                         -----  ---------- ----------- -----  ---------- -----------
                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>    <C>        <C>         <C>    <C>        <C>
TIER 1 CAPITAL
  BB&T Corporation......  9.9%  $1,979,462 $  796,985  11.5%  $1,997,194 $  692,952
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company.............. 11.0    1,672,558    606,912  10.8    1,513,438    558,944
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company of South
   Carolina............. 12.2      368,256    121,094  14.0      396,537    113,370
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company of Virginia.. 12.1       73,296     24,297  11.7       66,640     22,845
  Fidelity Federal
   Savings Bank......... 12.3       28,253      9,201   N/A          N/A        N/A
  Virginia First Savings
   Bank................. 10.5       62,796     23,882   N/A          N/A        N/A
TOTAL CAPITAL
  BB&T Corporation...... 13.7%  $2,724,293 $1,593,971  14.2%  $2,461,822 $1,385,903
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company.............. 12.3    1,862,258  1,213,824  12.1    1,686,083  1,117,887
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company of South
   Carolina............. 13.4      406,120    242,188  15.2      431,991    226,741
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company of Virginia.. 13.3       80,892     48,593  12.9       73,792     45,691
  Fidelity Federal
   Savings Bank......... 13.3       30,636     18,402   N/A          N/A        N/A
  Virginia First Savings
   Bank................. 11.8       70,317     47,764   N/A          N/A        N/A
LEVERAGE CAPITAL
  BB&T Corporation......  7.2%  $1,979,462 $  836,158   7.9%  $1,997,194 $  761,562
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company..............  7.6    1,672,558    656,147   7.4    1,513,438    609,794
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company of South
   Carolina.............  8.5      368,256    129,748   9.4      396,537    126,303
  Branch Banking & Trust
   Company of Virginia..  9.4       73,296     23,284   8.6       66,640     23,267
  Fidelity Federal
   Savings Bank.........  7.9       28,253     10,712   N/A          N/A        N/A
  Virginia First Savings
   Bank.................  7.3       62,796     25,710   N/A          N/A        N/A
</TABLE>
- --------
N/A--not applicable.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
 
NOTE O. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1997       1996
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN
                                                               THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks.................................. $    2,748 $    9,047
Interest-bearing bank balances...........................    605,319    587,330
Investment securities....................................     13,824     40,560
Investment in banking subsidiaries.......................  2,544,183  2,063,285
Investment in other subsidiaries.........................    185,504     52,283
Premises and equipment...................................      5,537      5,809
Receivables from subsidiaries and other assets...........     80,778    183,644
                                                          ---------- ----------
  Total assets........................................... $3,437,893 $2,941,958
                                                          ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Short-term borrowed funds................................ $  638,325 $  566,225
Dividends payable........................................     42,173     29,521
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................     23,503     25,626
Long-term debt...........................................    496,255    249,019
                                                          ---------- ----------
  Total liabilities......................................  1,200,256    870,391
                                                          ---------- ----------
  Total shareholders' equity.............................  2,237,637  2,071,567
                                                          ---------- ----------
  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............. $3,437,893 $2,941,958
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
                          CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1997      1996     1995
                                                   --------  -------- --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>       <C>      <C>
INCOME
  Dividends from subsidiaries....................  $248,294  $142,854 $240,699
  Interest and other income from subsidiaries....    41,682    36,627   20,261
  Interest on investment securities..............     1,739     2,936    1,855
  Other income...................................    18,047     7,835    6,143
                                                   --------  -------- --------
    Total income.................................   309,762   190,252  268,958
                                                   --------  -------- --------
EXPENSES
  Interest expense...............................    53,161    33,845   17,859
  Occupancy expense..............................       171       171      171
  Other expenses.................................    12,520    11,327   26,760
                                                   --------  -------- --------
    Total expenses...............................    65,852    45,343   44,790
                                                   --------  -------- --------
Income before income tax benefit and equity in
 undistributed earnings of subsidiaries..........   243,910   144,909  224,168
Income tax expense (benefit).....................      (816)      661   (6,042)
                                                   --------  -------- --------
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of
 subsidiaries....................................   244,726   144,248  230,210
Net income of subsidiaries (less than) in excess
 of dividends from subsidiaries..................   115,216   185,927   (2,942)
                                                   --------  -------- --------
Net income.......................................  $359,942  $330,175 $227,268
                                                   ========  ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
 
                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1997       1996       1995
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.................................... $ 359,942  $ 330,175  $ 227,268
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
 cash provided by operating activities:
  Net income of subsidiaries less than (in
   excess of) dividends from subsidiaries.....  (115,216)  (185,927)     2,942
  Depreciation of premises and equipment......       272        214        214
  Amortization of unearned compensation.......     1,227      2,450      3,172
  Discount accretion and premium
   amortization...............................       396        192       (298)
  Loss (gain) on sales of securites...........       --          (9)       100
  Loss on disposals of other real estate
   owned......................................       --         --         240
  Loss on disposal of premises and equipment..       --         --          29
  (Increase) decrease in other assets.........   (20,858)   103,134   (145,852)
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
   accrued liabilities........................    (1,984)     2,293      5,974
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by operating
     activities...............................   223,779    252,522     93,789
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of securities available
 for sale.....................................       --          14         87
Proceeds from maturities of securities
 available for sale...........................    35,482     49,347    101,339
Purchases of securities available for sale....    (8,717)   (52,324)   (41,697)
Proceeds from sales of securities held to
 maturity.....................................       --         --         520
Proceeds from sales of premises and
 equipment....................................       --         --          79
Investment in subsidiaries....................      (483)   (68,625)      (264)
Advances to subsidiaries......................  (430,897)  (306,857)       --
Repayment of advances to subsidiaries.........   369,375    182,875        --
Net cash paid (received) in purchase
 accounting transactions......................   (45,852)       --         --
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing
     activities...............................   (81,092)  (195,570)    60,064
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase (decrease) in long-term debt.....   246,873    247,625     (7,333)
Net increase in short-term borrowed funds.....    72,100    169,952    142,004
Net proceeds from common stock issued.........    22,583     49,736     44,242
Redemption of common stock....................  (321,224)  (207,407)   (47,311)
Preferred stock cancellations and
 conversions..................................       --         --      (2,371)
Cash dividends paid on common and preferred
 stock........................................  (151,329)  (123,270)  (107,869)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing
     activities...............................  (130,997)   136,636     21,362
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents.....    11,690    193,588    175,215
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of
 Year.........................................   596,377    402,789    227,574
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year...... $ 608,067  $ 596,377  $ 402,789
                                               =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
 
NOTE P.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,"
requires BB&T to disclose the estimated fair value of its on- and off-balance
sheet financial instruments. A financial instrument is defined by SFAS No. 107
as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or a contract that
creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver to or receive cash or
another financial instrument from a second entity on potentially favorable or
unfavorable terms.
 
  Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market
data and information about the financial instrument. SFAS No. 107 specifies
that fair values should be calculated based on the value of one trading unit
without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations
of ownership of a financial instrument, possible tax ramifications, estimated
transaction costs that may result from bulk sales or the relationship between
various financial instruments. Because no readily available market exists for
a significant portion of BB&T's financial instruments, fair value estimates
for these instruments are based on judgments regarding current economic
conditions, currency and interest rate risk characteristics, loss experience
and other factors. Many of these estimates involve uncertainties and matters
of significant judgment and cannot be determined with precision. Therefore,
the calculated fair value estimates cannot always be substantiated by
comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in
a current sale of the instrument. Changes in assumptions could significantly
affect the estimates.
 
  The following methods and assumptions were used by BB&T in estimating the
fair value of its financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996:
 
  Cash and cash equivalents: For these short-term instruments, the carrying
amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair values.
 
  Securities: Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices, if
available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on
quoted market prices for similar securities.
 
  Loans receivable: The fair values for loans are estimated using discounted
cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans
with similar terms and credit quality. The carrying amounts of accrued
interest approximate fair values.
 
  Deposit liabilities: The fair values for demand deposits, interest-checking
accounts, savings accounts and certain money market accounts are, by
definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, i.e.,
their carrying amounts. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated
using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates
to aggregate expected maturities.
 
  Short-term borrowed funds: The carrying amounts of Federal funds purchased,
borrowings under repurchase agreements, master notes and other short-term
borrowed funds approximate their fair values.
 
  Long-term debt: The fair values of long-term debt are estimated based on
quoted market prices for similar instruments or by using discounted cash flow
analyses, based on BB&T's current incremental borrowing rates for similar
types of instruments.
 
  Interest rate swap agreements: The fair values of interest rate swaps (used
for hedging purposes) are the estimated amounts that BB&T would receive or pay
to terminate the swap agreements at the reporting date, taking into account
current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the swap
counterparties.
 
  Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial
guarantees written: The fair values of commitments are estimated using the
fees charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the
remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the
counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair values also consider the
difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.
The fair values of guarantees and letters of credit are estimated based on
fees currently charged for similar agreements.
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
  Other off-balance sheet instruments: The fair values for off-balance sheet
instruments (futures, forwards, options, and commitments to sell or purchase
financial instruments) are estimated based on quoted prices, if available. For
instruments for which there are no quoted prices, fair values are estimated
using current settlement values or pricing models.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1997                      1996
                            ------------------------  ------------------------
                             CARRYING       FAIR       CARRYING       FAIR
                              AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Financial assets:
  Cash and cash
   equivalents............. $   969,875  $   969,875  $   927,341  $   927,341
  Trading securities.......      67,878       67,878          --           --
  Securities available for
   sale....................   6,481,515    6,481,515    6,014,221    6,014,221
  Securities held to
   maturity................     147,799      151,581      170,808      175,744
  Loans and leases:
    Loans..................  19,673,653   19,893,665   17,276,102   17,272,691
    Leases.................     616,302          N/A      470,455          N/A
    Allowance for losses...    (263,943)         N/A     (230,070)         N/A
                            -----------               -----------
      Net loans and
       leases.............. $20,026,012               $17,516,487
                            ===========               ===========
Financial liabilities:
  Deposits................. $20,210,116   20,248,044  $19,003,340   19,052,070
  Short-term borrowed
   funds...................   3,015,177    3,015,177    2,280,824    2,280,824
  Long-term debt...........   3,279,667    3,582,628    2,050,479    2,146,487
  Capitalized leases.......       3,291          N/A        3,561          N/A
<CAPTION>
                             NOTIONAL/                 NOTIONAL/
                             CONTRACT       FAIR       CONTRACT       FAIR
                              AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Unrecognized financial
 intruments:
  Interest rate swaps, caps
   and floors.............. $ 2,428,930  $    25,570  $ 1,167,099  $     5,775
  Commitments to extend,
   originate or purchase
   credit..................   7,791,823      (14,835)   6,754,901      (12,576)
  Standby and commercial
   letters of credit and
   financial guarantees
   written.................     298,179       (4,495)     238,613       (3,579)
  Commitments to sell loans
   and securities..........     555,722       (2,925)     240,121          822
  Foreign exchange
   contracts...............     145,855          326      103,506          312
  Option contracts
   purchased...............      55,000         (303)      14,000          142
  Option contracts
   written.................      55,000          --        14,000          --
  Futures contracts........       8,486          --           --           --
</TABLE>
- --------
N/A--Not applicable.
 
NOTE Q. DERIVATIVES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Interest rate volatility often increases to the point that balance sheet
repositioning through the use of account repricing and other on-balance sheet
strategies cannot occur rapidly enough to avoid adverse net income effects. At
those times, off-balance sheet or synthetic hedges are utilized. During 1997,
management used interest rate swaps, caps and floors to supplement balance
sheet repositioning. Such actions were designed to lower the interest
sensitivity of BB&T toward a neutral position.
 
  Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements between two parties to
exchange a series of cash flows representing interest payments. A swap allows
both parties to transform the repricing characteristics of an asset or
liability from a fixed to a floating rate, a floating rate to a fixed rate, or
one floating rate to another floating
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
rate. The underlying principal positions are not affected. Swap terms
generally range from one year to ten years depending on the need. At December
31, 1997, derivatives with a total notional value of $2.4 billion, with terms
ranging up to ten years, were outstanding.
 
  The following tables set forth certain information concerning BB&T's
interest rate swaps at December 31, 1997:
 
                     INTEREST RATE SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             NOTIONAL      RECEIVE         PAY         FAIR
TYPE                          AMOUNT        RATE          RATE        VALUE
- ----                        -----------  -----------  ------------- ----------
                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Receive fixed swaps.......  $1,301,000         6.39%         5.86%  $   23,785
Pay fixed swaps...........     351,930         5.88          5.58         (121)
Basis swaps...............     100,000         5.70          5.63          --
Caps & Floors.............     676,000          --            --         1,906
                            ----------   ----------     ---------   ----------
Total.....................  $2,428,930         6.25%         5.79%  $   25,570
                            ==========   ==========     =========   ==========
<CAPTION>
                              RECEIVE     PAY FIXED    BASIS SWAPS
YEAR-TO-DATE ACTIVITY       FIXED SWAPS     SWAPS     CAPS & FLOORS   TOTAL
- ---------------------       -----------  -----------  ------------- ----------
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance, December 31,
 1996.....................  $  487,000   $  304,099     $ 376,000   $1,167,099
Additions.................     849,000      223,900       660,000    1,732,900
Maturities/amortizations..     (35,000)    (176,069)      (10,000)    (221,069)
Terminations..............         --           --       (250,000)    (250,000)
                            ----------   ----------     ---------   ----------
Balance, December 31,
 1997.....................  $1,301,000   $  351,930     $ 776,000   $2,428,930
                            ==========   ==========     =========   ==========
<CAPTION>
                             ONE YEAR    ONE TO FIVE   FIVE TO 10
MATURITY SCHEDULE             OR LESS       YEARS         YEARS       TOTAL
- -----------------           -----------  -----------  ------------- ----------
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Receive fixed swaps.......  $  276,000   $  525,000     $ 500,000   $1,301,000
Pay fixed swaps...........     103,987      240,143         7,800      351,930
Basis swaps...............     100,000          --            --       100,000
Caps & Floors.............      11,000      605,000        60,000      676,000
                            ----------   ----------     ---------   ----------
Total.....................  $  490,987   $1,370,143     $ 567,800   $2,428,930
                            ==========   ==========     =========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
  As of December 31, 1997, unearned income from new swap transactions
initiated during 1997 was $13.5 million. There were no unamortized deferred
gains or losses from terminated transactions remaining at year end. Active
transactions resulted in pretax net income of $1.1 million.
 
  In addition to interest rate swaps, BB&T utilizes written covered over-the-
counter call options on specific securities in the available-for-sale
portfolio in order to enhance returns. During 1997, options were written on
securities totaling $705.0 million. Option fee income was $1.4 million for
1997. There were no unexercised options outstanding at December 31, 1997 or
1996.
 
  BB&T also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and net purchased
put options (combination of purchased put option and written call option) in
its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to hedge the mortgage
warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates. Written call options
are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a net purchased put
option that reduces the cost of the hedge. At December 31, 1997, net purchased
put option contracts with a notional value of $55.0 million were outstanding.
 
  The $2.4 billion of derivatives used in interest rate risk management are
primarily used to hedge variable rate commercial loans, adjustable rate
mortgage loans, retail certificates of deposit and fixed rate notes. BB&T does
not utilize derivatives for trading purposes.
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
  Although off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments do not expose
BB&T to credit risk equal to the notional amount, such agreements generate
credit risk to the extent of the fair value gain in an off-balance sheet
derivative financial instrument if the counterparty fails to perform. Such
risk is minimized based on the quality of the counterparties and the
consistent monitoring of these agreements. The counterparties to these
transactions were large commercial banks and investment banks. Annually, the
counterparties are reviewed for creditworthiness by BB&T's credit policy
group. Where appropriate, master netting agreements are arranged or collateral
is obtained in the form of rights to securities. At December 31, 1997, BB&T's
interest rate swaps, caps and floors reflected an unrealized gain of $25.6
million.
 
  Other risks associated with interest-sensitive derivatives include the
impact on fixed positions during periods of changing interest rates. Indexed
amortizing swaps' notional amounts and maturities change based on certain
interest rate indices. Generally, as rates fall the notional amounts decline
more rapidly, and as rates increase notional amounts decline more slowly.
Under unusual circumstances, financial derivatives also increase liquidity
risk, which could result from an environment of rising interest rates in which
derivatives produce negative cash flows while being offset by increased cash
flows from variable rate loans. Such risk is considered insignificant due to
the relatively small derivative positions held by BB&T. At December 31, 1997,
BB&T had no indexed amortizing swaps outstanding.
 
NOTE R. CALCULATIONS OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
  The basic and diluted earnings per share calculations are presented in the
following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                               -----------------------------------------------
                                    1997            1996            1995
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                            <C>             <C>             <C>
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 Weighted average number of
  common shares outstanding
  during the period...........     135,742,174     136,024,587     135,911,150
                               =============== =============== ===============
 Net income................... $       359,942 $       330,175 $       227,268
 Less--Preferred dividend
  requirement.................             --              610           5,079
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
 Income available for common
  shares...................... $       359,942 $       329,565 $       222,189
                               =============== =============== ===============
 Basic earnings per share..... $          2.65 $          2.42 $          1.63
                               =============== =============== ===============
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 Weighted average number of
  common shares outstanding
  during the period...........     135,742,174     136,024,587     135,911,150
 Add--
   Shares issuable assuming
    conversion of convertible
    preferred stock...........             --          938,652       4,458,426
   Dilutive effect of
    outstanding options (as
    determined by application
    of treasury stock
    method)...................       2,405,589       1,890,577       1,218,140
   Issuance of additional
    shares under share
    repurchase agreement,
    contingent upon market
    price.....................          72,294         102,018         326,751
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
 Weighted average number of
  common shares, as adjusted..     138,220,057     138,955,834     141,914,467
                               =============== =============== ===============
 Net income................... $       359,942 $       330,175 $       227,268
 Add--After tax interest
  expense and amortization of
  issue costs applicable to
  convertible debentures......             --              --              211
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
 Net income, as adjusted...... $       359,942 $       330,175 $       227,479
                               =============== =============== ===============
 Diluted earnings per share... $          2.60 $          2.38 $          1.60
                               =============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, AS OF MARCH 17,
1998:
 
                                          BB&T Corporation
                                          (Registrant)
 
                                                /s/ John A. Allison, IV
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                   John A. Allison, IV
                                             Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED AS OF MARCH 17, 1998.
 
                                                /s/ John A. Allison, IV
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   John A. Allison, IV
                                             Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
 
                                                  /s/ Scott E. Reed
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      Scott E. Reed
                                           Senior Executive Vice President and
                                                 Chief Financial Officer
 
                                                /s/ Sherry A. Kellett
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    Sherry A. Kellett
                                              Executive Vice President and
                                                       Controller
 
  A Majority of the Directors of the Registrant are included.
 
                                                /s/ Paul B. Barringer
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    Paul B. Barringer
                                                        Director
 
                                               /s/ Alfred E. Cleveland
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   Alfred E. Cleveland
                                                        Director
 
                                              /s/ W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.
                                                        Director
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
 
                                                  /s/ Ronald E. Deal
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     Ronald E. Deal
                                                        Director
 
                                                 /s/ A. J. Dooley, Sr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    A. J. Dooley, Sr.
                                                        Director
 
                                                   /s/ Tom D. Efird
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      Tom D. Efird
                                                        Director
 
                                                 /s/ Paul S. Goldsmith
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    Paul S. Goldsmith
                                                        Director
 
                                               /s/ Lloyd Vincent Hackley
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  Lloyd Vincent Hackley
                                                        Director
 
                                                 /s/ Ernest F. Hardee
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    Ernest F. Hardee
                                                        Director
 
                                                   /s/ Jane P. Helm
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      Jane P. Helm
                                                        Director
 
                                               /s/ Richard Janeway, M.D.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  Richard Janeway, M.D.
                                                        Director
 
                                              /s/ J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.
                                                        Director
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
 
 
                                                 /s/ James H. Maynard
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    James H. Maynard
                                                        Director
 
                                              /s/ Joseph A. McAleer, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 Joseph A. McAleer, Jr.
                                                        Director
 
                                                /s/ Albert O. McCauley
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   Albert O. McCauley
                                                        Director
 
                                                 /s/ L. Glenn Orr, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    L. Glenn Orr, Jr.
                                                        Director
 
                                              /s/ Richard L. Player, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 Richard L. Player, Jr.
                                                        Director
 
                                             /s/ C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.
                                                        Director
 
                                                  /s/ Nido R. Qubein
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     Nido R. Qubein
                                                        Director
 
                                                  /s/ E. Rhone Sasser
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     E. Rhone Sasser
                                                        Director
 
                                                   /s/ Jack E. Shaw
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      Jack E. Shaw
                                                        Director
 
                                                  /s/ Harold B. Wells
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     Harold B. Wells
                                                        Director
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                  DESCRIPTION                           LOCATION
- -----------                  -----------                           --------
<S>          <C>                                         <C>
  2(a)       Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated  Incorporated herein by
             as of July 29, 1994 and amended and         reference to Registration
             restated as of October 22, 1994 between the No. 33-56437.
             Registrant and BB&T Financial Corporation.
  2(b)       Plan of Merger as of July 29, 1994 as       Incorporated herein by
             amended and restated on October 22, 1994    reference to Registration
             between the Registrant and BB&T Financial   No. 33-56437.
             Corporation.
  2(c)       Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated  Incorporated herein by
             as of November 1, 1996 between the          reference to Exhibit 3(a)
             Registrant and United Carolina Bancshares   filed in the Annual Report
             Corporation, as amended.                    on Form 10-K, filed March
                                                         17, 1997.
  2(d)       Agreement of Plan of Reorganization dated   Incorporated herein by
             as of October 29, 1997 between the          reference to Registration
             Registrant and Life Bancorp, Inc.           No. 333-44183.
  3(a)(i)    Amended and Restated Articles of            Incorporated herein by
             Incorporation of the Registrant, as         reference to Exhibit 3(a)
             amended.                                    filed in the Annual Report
                                                         on Form 10-K, filed March
                                                         17, 1997.
  3(a)(ii)   Articles of Amendment of Articles of        Filed herewith.
             Incorporation.
  3(b)       Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended.       Filed herewith.
  4(a)       Articles of Amendment to Amended and        Incorporated herein by
             Restated Articles of Incorporation of the   reference to Exhibit 3(a)
             Registrant related to Junior Participating  filed in the Annual Report
             Preferred Stock.                            on Form 10-K, filed March
                                                         17, 1997.
  4(b)       Rights Agreement dated as of December 17,   Incorporated herein by
             1996 between the Registrant and Branch      reference to Exhibit 1 filed
             Banking and Trust Company, Rights Agent.    under Form 8-A, filed
                                                         January 10, 1997.
  4(c)       Subordinated Indenture (including Form of   Incorporated herein by
             Subordinated Debt Security) between the     reference to Exhibit 4(d) of
             Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust  Registration No. 333-02899.
             Company, Trustee, dated as of May 24, 1996.
  4(d)       Senior Indenture (including Form of Senior  Incorporated herein by
             Debt Security) between the Registrant and   reference to Exhibit 4(c) of
             State Street Bank and Trust company,        Registration No. 333-02899.
             Trustee, dated as of May 24, 1996.
 10(a)*      Death Benefit Only Plan, Dated April 23,    Incorporated herein by
             1990, by and between Branch Banking and     reference to Registration
             Trust Company (as successor to Southern     No. 33-33984.
             National Bank of North Carolina) and L.
             Glenn Orr, Jr.
 10(b)*      BB&T Corporation Non-Employee Directors'    Incorporated herein by
             Deferred Compensation and Stock Option      reference to Exhibit 10(b)
             Plan.                                       of the Annual Report on Form
                                                         10-K, filed March 17, 1997.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                  DESCRIPTION                           LOCATION
- -----------                  -----------                           --------
<S>          <C>                                         <C>
 10(c)*      BB&T Corporation 1994 Omnibus Stock         Incorporated herein by
             Incentive Plan.                             reference to Registration
                                                         No. 33-57865.
 10(d)*      Settlement and Non-Compete Agreement, dated Incorporated herein by
             February 28, 1995, by and between the       reference to Registration
             Registrant and L. Glenn Orr, Jr.            No. 33-56437.
 10(e)*      Settlement Agreement, Waiver and General    Incorporated herein by
             Release dated September 19, 1994, by and    reference to Registration
             between the Registrant, Branch Banking and  No. 33-56437.
             Trust Company (as successor to Southern
             National Bank of North Carolina) and Gary
             E. Carlton.
 10(f)       BB&T Corporation Savings and Thrift Plan.   Incorporated herein by
                                                         reference to Registration
                                                         No. 33-57867.
 10(g)*      BB&T Corporation 1995 Omnibus Stock         Incorporated herein by
             Incentive Plan.                             reference to Exhibit 10(g)
                                                         filed in the Annual Report
                                                         on Form 10-K, filed March
                                                         17, 1997.
 10(h)*      Form of Branch Banking and Trust Company    Incorporated by reference to
             Long-Term Incentive Plan.                   the identified exhibit under
                                                         the Quarterly Report on Form
                                                         10-Q, filed May 14, 1991.
 10(i)*      Form of Branch Banking and Trust Company    Incorporated by reference to
             Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.      the identified exhibit under
                                                         the Annual Report on Form
                                                         10-K, filed February 22,
                                                         1985.
 10(j)*      BB&T Deferred Compensation Plan for Key     Incorporated herein by
             Employees.                                  reference to Exhibit 10(j)
                                                         filed in the Annual Report
                                                         on Form 10-K, filed March
                                                         17, 1997.
 
 
 10(k)*      BB&T Corporation Target Pension Plan.       Incorporated herein by
                                                         reference to Exhibit 10(k)
                                                         filed in the Annual Report
                                                         on Form 10-K, filed March
                                                         17, 1997.
 10(l)*      BB&T Corporation Special Supplemental       Incorporated herein by
             Retirement Plan.                            reference to Exhibit 10(l)
                                                         filed in the Annual Report
                                                         on Form 10-K, filed March
                                                         17, 1997.
 10(m)*      Settlement and Noncompetition Agreement,    Filed herewith.
             dated July 1, 1997, by and between the
             Registrant and E. Rhone Sasser.
 11          Statement re Computation of Earnings Per    Filed herewith as Note R. of
             Share.                                      the "Notes to Consolidated
                                                         Financial Statements."
 21          Subsidiaries of the Registrant.             Filed herewith.
 22          Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting Future filing incorporated
             of Shareholders, dated April 28, 1998.      by reference pursuant to the
                                                         General Instruction G(3).
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       83
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                  DESCRIPTION                           LOCATION
- -----------                  -----------                           --------
<S>          <C>                                         <C>
 23(a)       Consent of Independent Public Accountants.  Filed herewith.
 23(b)       Opinion of Independent Public Accountants.  Filed herewith.
 27          Financial Data Schedule.                    Filed as an exhibit to the
                                                         electronically-filed
                                                         document as required.
</TABLE>
- --------
* Management compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
                                       84

<PAGE>
 
STATE OF                     [SEAL OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA APPEARS HERE]
  NORTH                                  Department of The
   CAROLINA                            Secretary of State

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


    To all whom these presents shall come, Greetings:

    I, ELAINE F. MARSHALL, Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina, 
  do hereby certify the following and hereto attached to be a true copy of

                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

                                      OF

                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

                          Which changed its name to:

                               BB&T CORPORATION

  the original of which was filed in this office on the 6th day of May, 1997.



                                       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
                                       my hand and affixed my official seal 
                                       at the City of Raleigh, this 6th day of
                                       May, 1997.
 [SEAL OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
 OF NORTH CAROLINA APPEARS HERE]


                                       /s/ Elaine F. Marshall

                                              Secretary of State
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                            ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT 
                                      OF
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

     
     The undersigned corporation hereby submits these articles of amendment for 
the purpose of amending its articles of incorporation:

     1.   The name of the corporation is Southern National Corporation.

     2.   The following amendment to the articles of incorporation of the 
corporation was adopted by its shareholders on the 22nd day of April, 1997 in 
the manner prescribed by law:

          Delete the provisions of Article I and substitute therefor the 
following:

               "The name of the Corporation is BB&T Corporation"

     3.   The above amendment is effective at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 
1997.

     This the 1st day of May, 1997.


                                           SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION



                                           By: /s/ Jerone C. Herring
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Jerone C. Herring, Secretary

<PAGE>
 
                          BYLAWS OF BB&T CORPORATION

                                   ARTICLE I

                                    Offices

    1.  Principal Office: The principal office of the corporation shall be
        ----------------                                                  
located at 500 North Chestnut Street, Lumberton, North Carolina.

    2.  Registered Office: The registered office of the corporation required
        ------------------                                                  
by law to be maintained in the State of North Carolina may be, but need not be,
identical with the principal office.

    3.  Other Offices: The corporation may have offices at such other places,
        -------------                                                        
either within or without the State of North Carolina, as the Board of Directors
may from time to time determine, or as the affairs of the corporation may
require.

                                  ARTICLE II

                           Meetings of Stockholders

    1.  Place of Meetings: All meetings of shareholders shall be held at the
        ------------------                                                  
principal office of the corporation, or at such other place, either within or
without the State of North Carolina, as shall be designated in the notice of the
meeting or agreed upon by a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote
thereat.

    2.  Annual Meetings: The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be held on
        ----------------                                                        
the third Tuesday of April of each year at such time of day as shall be
designated by the Chief Executive Officer, President or Secretary for the
purpose of electing directors of the corporation and for such other business as
may be properly brought before the meeting.

    3.  Substitute Annual Meeting: If the annual meeting shall not be held on
        --------------------------                                           
the day designated by these bylaws, a substitute annual meeting may be called in
accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of this Article. A meeting so called
shall be designated and treated for all purposes as the annual meeting.

    4.  Special Meetings: Special meetings of the shareholders may be called at
        -----------------                                                      
any time by the Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary or Board of
Directors of the corporation.

    5.    Notice of Meetings: Written or printed notice stating the time and
          -------------------                                                 
place of the meeting shall be delivered not less than ten nor more than fifty
days before the date thereof, either personally or by mail, by or at the
direction of the Chief Executive Officer, President, the Secretary, or other
persons calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at
the meeting.

    In case of an annual or substitute annual meeting, the notice of meeting
need not specifically state the business to be transacted thereat unless it is a
matter, other than election of directors, on which the
<PAGE>
 
vote of shareholders is expressly required by the provisions of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act. In the case of a special meeting, the notice
of meeting shall specifically state the purpose or purposes for which the
meeting is called.

    When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. When a meeting is
adjourned for less than thirty days in any one adjournment, it is not necessary
to give any notice of the adjourned meeting other than by announcement at the
meeting at which the adjournment is taken.

    6.  Quorum: The holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote,
        -------                                                          
represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at meetings of
shareholders. If there is no quorum at the opening of a meeting of shareholders,
such meeting may be adjourned from time to time by the vote of a majority of the
shares voting on the motion to adjourn; and at any adjourned meeting at which a
quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the original meeting.

    The stockholders at a meeting at which quorum is present may continue to do
business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
shareholders to leave less than a quorum.

    7.  Voting of Shares: Each outstanding share having voting rights shall be
        ----------------
entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of
shareholders.

    Except in the election of directors, the vote of a majority of the shares
voted on any matter at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present
shall be the act of the shareholders on that matter, unless the vote of a
greater number is required by law or by the charter or bylaws of this
corporation. Voting on all matters except the election of directors shall be by
voice or by a show of hands unless the holders of one-tenth of the shares
represented at the meeting shall, prior to the voting on any matter, demand a
ballot vote on that particular matter.

    8.  Proxies: Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by
        -------
proxies duly authorized in writing, but no officer or employee of this
corporation shall act as proxy. Proxies shall be valid only for one meeting, to
be specified therein, and any adjournment of such meeting. Proxies shall be
dated and shall be filed with the records of the meeting.

    9.  Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominees for Election as
        -----------------------------------------------------------
Directors:  In addition to the requirements of any applicable laws with
- ----------                                                             
respect to any proposal presented by a shareholder for action at a meeting of
the shareholders of the corporation, and subject to the provisions of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act as in effect from time to time, any
shareholder desiring to introduce any business before any meeting of the
shareholders of the corporation shall be required to deliver to the Secretary
written notice containing the information specified herein (a) in the case of an
annual meeting at least 60 days prior to the date one year from the date of the
immediately
<PAGE>
 
preceding annual meeting, and (b) in the case of a special meeting at least 10
days prior to such meeting or not more than 3 days after receipt of notice of
such meeting, whichever is closer to the date of such meeting.  Such written
notice shall contain the following information: The shareholder's name and
address; the number of shares of each class of capital stock owned by the
shareholder; a description of the business to be introduced to the shareholders;
and any material interest, direct or indirect, which the shareholder may have in
the business described in the notice.

    Any shareholder desiring to nominate a person for election as a director of
the corporation in addition to the nominees set forth in the proxy materials
delivered to the shareholders prior to an annual meeting shall deliver to the
Secretary a written notice at such time and containing such information as set
forth in the immediately preceding paragraph, with such additional information
in the notice concerning the nominee for election as a director of the
corporation as is disclosed in the proxy materials concerning all persons
nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director of the
corporation.

    Failure of any shareholder to provide such notices in such a timely manner
as set forth in this Section 9 shall authorize the presiding officer at the
meeting of shareholders before which such business is to be introduced or at
which such nominee is to be considered for election as a director to rule such
proposal or nomination out of order and not to be introduced or considered.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                   Directors

    1.  General Powers: The business and affairs of the corporation shall be
        ---------------                                                     
managed by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee.

    2.  Number, Term and Qualification: The Board shall consist of not less than
        -------------------------------                                         
three nor more than twenty-five members and the number of members shall be fixed
and determined from time to time by a resolution of the majority of the full
board or by resolution of the shareholders at any meeting thereof, but the
number of Directors shall not be less than three. The Board of Directors shall
be divided into three classes, each class to be as nearly equal in number as
possible. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1984, the directors of one
class shall be elected for a term of three years. At each annual meeting of the
stockholders after the 1984 annual meeting, the successor of the directors of
the class whose terms expire in that year shall be elected to hold office for a
term of three years, so that the term of office of one class of directors shall
expire each year. Each director shall hold office until his death, resignation,
retirement, removal, disqualification, or his successor is elected and
qualified. If the size of the Board of Directors is increased, the new directors
elected in the year of the increase shall be elected to serve for terms of one,
two or three years such that the three classes shall remain equal or nearly
equal. Directors must possess the qualifications required of directors of
National Banks as set forth in the laws of the United States and the regulations
and rulings of the regulatory authorities supervising such National Banks.
<PAGE>
 
    3.  Election of Directors: Except as provided in Section 6 of this Article,
        ----------------------                                                 
the directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of shareholders, and those
persons who receive the highest number of votes shall be deemed to have been
elected.

    Every election of directors shall be managed by three judges, who shall be
appointed from among the shareholders by the Board of Directors. The judges of
election shall hold and conduct the election at which they are appointed to
serve; and, after the election, they shall file with the Secretary a certificate
under their hands, certifying the result thereof and the names of the directors
elected. The judges of election, at the request of the Chairman of the meeting,
shall act as tellers of any other vote by ballot taken at such meeting, and
shall certify the result thereof.

    4.  Cumulative Voting: Every shareholder entitled to vote at an election of
        ------------------                                                     
directors shall have the right to vote the number of shares standing of record
in his name for as many persons as there are directors to be elected and for
whose election he has a right to vote, or to cumulate his vote by giving one
candidate as many votes as the number of such directors multiplied by the number
of shares shall equal, or by distributing such votes on the same principal among
any number of such candidates. This right of cumulative voting shall not be
exercised unless some shareholder or proxy holder announces in open meeting,
before the voting for the directors starts, his intention so to vote
cumulatively; and if such announcement is made, the chair shall declare that all
shares entitled to vote have the right to vote cumulatively and shall thereupon
grant a recess of not less than one nor more than four hours, as he shall
determine, or of such other period of time as is unanimously then agreed upon.

    5.  Removal: Directors may be removed from office only for cause and only by
        -------
a vote of shareholders holding a majority of the shares entitled to vote at an
election of directors. However, unless the entire board is removed, an
individual director may not be removed when the number of shares voting against
the proposal for removal would be sufficient to elect a director if such shares
were voted cumulatively at an annual election. If any or all directors are so
removed, new directors may be elected at the same meeting.

    6.  Vacancies: A vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors, including a
        ---------                                                            
vacancy not filled by the shareholders and a vacancy created by an increase in
the number of directors, may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors
provided, however, that a majority of the full Board of Directors may not
increase the number of directors to a number which: (a) exceeds by more than two
the number of directors last fixed by shareholders where such number was fifteen
or less, and (b) to a number which exceeds by more than four the number of
directors last fixed by shareholders where such number was sixteen or more.

    7.  Chairman: There shall be a Chairman of the Board of Directors elected by
        --------                                                                
the directors from their number at any meeting of the board. The Chairman shall
be Chief Executive Officer as provided under Article V, shall preside at all
meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be
directed by the board. There may also be a Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors who shall preside in the absence of the Chairman.
<PAGE>
 
    8.  Compensation: The Board of Directors may compensate Directors for their
        -------------                                                          
services as such and may provide for the payment of all expenses incurred by the
directors in attending regular and special meetings of the board.

    9.  Executive Committee: There shall be an Executive Committee composed of
        -------------------                                                   
not less than three members, appointed by the Chief Executive Officer with the
approval of the board annually or more often. The Executive Committee shall have
and may exercise, to the extent provided by law, all of the authority and powers
of the Board of Directors in the management of the corporation, during intervals
between meetings of the board. The Executive Committee shall advise in regard to
policies of the corporation and the conduct of its affairs, may make such
recommendations to the Board of Directors as it may deem proper, and shall
consider any matters submitted to it by the officers or by any committee during
intervals between meetings of the board, with power to act in the premises. The
Board of Directors may elect a Chairman of the Executive Committee, and if the
board does not elect a chairman of the committee, the Executive Committee shall
elect as its chairman one of its members.

    10. Examining Committee: There shall be an examining committee composed of
        --------------------                                                  
not less than three directors, exclusive of any active officers, appointed by
the Chief Executive Officer with the approval of the board annually or more
often. The duty of the Examining Committee shall be to examine at least once
during each calendar year and within 15 months of the last examination the
affairs of the corporation and its subsidiaries or cause suitable examinations
to be made by auditors appointed by the board of directors whose report shall be
made to the shareholders, and to report the result of such examinations in
writing to the board at the next regular meeting thereafter. Such reports shall
state whether the corporation and its subsidiaries are in a sound condition,
whether adequate internal controls and procedures are being maintained and shall
recommend to the board such changes in the manner of conducting the affairs of
the corporation and its subsidiaries as shall be deemed advisable.

    11. Other Committees: The board may provide for any other committee not
        -----------------                                                  
provided for in these bylaws composed of members appointed by the Chief
Executive Officer with the approval of the board.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                              Meeting of Directors

    1.  Organization Meeting: The Secretary, upon receiving the certificate of
        ---------------------                                                 
the judges of the result of any election, shall notify the directors-elect of
their election and of the time at which they are required to meet at the Main
Office of the corporation of the purpose of organizing a new board and electing
and appointing officers of the corporation for the succeeding year. Such meeting
shall be appointed to be held on the day of election or as soon thereafter as
practicable, and, in any event, within thirty days thereof. If, at the time
fixed for such meeting, there shall not be a quorum present, the directors
present may adjourn the meeting, from time to time, until a quorum is obtained.
<PAGE>
 
    2.  Regular Meetings: The regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall
        -----------------                                                     
be held, without notice, on the third Thursday of each month at the Main Office
except when five days notice of another meeting date or place is given by the
Chief Executive Officer or Secretary. When any regular meeting of the board
falls upon a holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next banking business day
unless the board shall designate some other day.

    3.  Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be
        -----------------                                                  
called by the Chief Executive Officer or President of the corporation, or at the
request of three or more directors. Each member of the Board of Directors shall
be given notice stating the time and place, by telegram, letter, or in person,
of each special meeting not less than two days before the meeting. Such notice
need not specify the purpose for which the meeting is called.

    Attendance by a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of
such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not
lawfully called.

    4.  Quorum: A majority of the directors fixed by these bylaws shall
        -------                                                        
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board
of Directors but a less number may adjourn any meeting from time to time and the
meeting may be held as adjourned, without further notice.

    5.  Manner of Acting: Except as otherwise provided in this section, the act
        -----------------                                                      
of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is
present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

    The vote of a majority of the number of directors fixed by these bylaws
shall be required to adopt a resolution constituting an Executive Committee. The
vote of a majority of the directors then holding office shall be required to
adopt, amend or repeal a bylaw, or to adopt a resolution dissolving the
corporation without action by the shareholders. Vacancies in the Board of
Directors may be filled as provided in Article III, Section 6, of these bylaws.

    6.  Evaluation of Business Combinations: The Board of Directors of the
        ------------------------------------                              
corporation, when evaluating any offer of another party to (a) make a tender or
exchange offer for any equity security of the corporation, (b) merge or
consolidate the corporation with another corporation, or (c) purchase or
otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the
corporation, shall, in connection with the exercise of its judgment in
determining what is in the best interests of the corporation, give due
consideration to all relevant factors, including without limitation the social
and economic effects on the employees, customers and other constituents of the
corporation and its subsidiaries and on the communities in which the corporation
and its subsidiaries operate or are located.
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V

                                    Officers

    1.  Number: The officers of the corporation shall consist of a Chairman of
        ------                                                                
the Board and Chief Executive Officer, a President, one or more Executive Vice
Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Comptroller, and such Senior Vice
Presidents, Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and
other officers as the Board of Directors may from time to time elect. Any two or
more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of Chief
Executive Officer or President or Executive Vice President and Secretary, and
the offices of Treasurer and Comptroller may not be held by the same person.

    2.  Election and Term: The officers of the corporation shall be elected by
        -----------------                                                     
the Board of Directors. Such election may be held at any meeting of the board.
Each officer shall hold office until the next organizational meeting as provided
in Article IV, Section I.

    3.  Removal: Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of
        --------                                                          
Directors may be removed by the board with or without cause; but such removal
shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so
removed.

    4.  Compensation: The compensation of all officers of the corporation shall
        -------------                                                          
be fixed by the Board of Directors.

    5.  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer: The Board of
        -------------------------------------------------
Directors shall appoint and elect one of its members to be Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of the corporation. The Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer shall have full executive powers, shall be the principal
executive officer of the corporation, shall have and exercise all powers, duties
and authority pertaining by practice or custom to the Office of Chief Executive
and shall supervise, direct and control the management of the corporation in
accordance with these Bylaws. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of
Directors. He shall appoint all committees of the Board of Directors with the
approval of the Board of Directors. He shall also have and may exercise such
further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon, or
assigned to him by the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board is herein
called and is referred to throughout these Bylaws and the "Chief Executive
Officer".

    6.  President: The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members to be
        ---------                                                               
President of the corporation. The President shall be the Chief Administrative
Officer of the corporation and he shall also have and may exercise such further
powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon, or assigned to him
by the Board of Directors.

    7.  Executive Vice President: The Board of Directors may appoint one or more
        -------------------------                                               
Executive Vice Presidents. Each Executive Vice President, in the order
designated by the Board, in the absence of the President, shall perform all the
duties and have all the powers of the President.

    8.  Senior Vice Presidents: The Board of Directors may appoint Senior Vice
        ----------------------                                                
Presidents whose responsibilities and management shall extend to more than one
area of the management of the corporation.
<PAGE>
 
    9.  Vice Presidents: The Board of Directors may appoint Vice Presidents who
        ----------------                                                       
shall perform such duties and have such other powers as the Chief Executive
Officer, President, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents and/or
Board of Directors shall prescribe.

    10.  Secretary: The Secretary shall keep accurate records of the acts and
         ----------                                                          
proceedings of all meetings of shareholders and directors. He shall give all
notices required by law and by these bylaws. He shall have general charge of the
corporate books and records of the corporate seal, and he shall affix the
corporate seal to any lawfully executed instrument requiring it. He shall have
general charge of the stock transfer books of the corporation and shall keep, at
the registered or principal office of the corporation, a record of shareholders
showing the name and address of each shareholder and the number and class of the
shares held by each. He shall sign such instruments as may require his
signature, and, in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of
secretary and such other duties as may be assigned him from time to time by the
Chief Executive Officer or by the Board of Directors.

    11.  Treasurer: The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds and securities
         ---------                                                              
belonging to the corporation and shall receive and deposit the same under the
direction of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall, in general, perform
all duties incident to his office and such other duties as may be assigned to
him from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer or by the Board of
Directors.

    12.  Comptroller: The Comptroller shall keep full and accurate accounts of
         ------------                                                         
the finances of the corporation in records especially provided for that purpose;
and, he shall cause to be made a true statement of its assets and liabilities as
of the close of each fiscal year and of the results of its operations and of
changes in surplus for such fiscal year. The Comptroller shall mail or otherwise
deliver a copy of the latest of such statement to any shareholder upon his
written request therefor. The Comptroller shall, in general, perform all duties
incident to his office and such other duties as may be assigned to him by the
Board of Directors.

    13.  Assistant Secretaries and Treasurers: The Assistant Secretaries and
         ------------------------------------                                  
Assistant Treasurers shall by delegation by or in the absence of the Secretary
or Treasurer, respectively, perform the duties and exercise the powers of those
offices, and they shall, in general, perform such other duties as shall be
assigned to them by the Secretary or Treasurer, respectively, or by the Chief
Executive Officer or the Board of Directors.

    14.  Bonds: The Board of Directors may by resolution require any or all
         -----                                                             
officers, agents and employees of the corporation to give bond to the
corporation, with sufficient sureties, conditioned on the faithful performance
of the duties of their respective offices or positions, and to comply with such
other conditions as may from time to time be required by the Board of Directors.

    15.  Chairman of the Board Emeritus: The Board of Directors may elect
         ------------------------------                                  
annually a Chairman of the Board Emeritus who shall be a special officer of the
Corporation, to have such duties as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer may
assign to him from time to time.
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE VI

                         Contracts, Loans and Deposits

    1.  Contracts: The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers,
        ---------                                                               
agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any
instrument on behalf of the corporation, and such authority may be general or
confined to special instances.

    2.  Loans: No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation and no
        -----                                                                  
evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a
resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined
to specific instances.

    3.  Checks and Drafts: All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment
        ------------------                                                    
of money issued in the name of the corporation shall be signed by such officer
or officers, agent or agents of the corporation and in such manner as shall from
time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

    4.  Deposits: All funds of the corporation not otherwise employed shall be
        ---------                                                             
deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such
depositories as the Board of Directors shall direct.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                   Certificates for Shares and Their Transfer

    1.  Certificates for Shares: Certificates representing shares of the
        ------------------------                                        
corporation shall be issued in such form as the Board of Directors shall
determine, to every shareholder for the fully-paid shares owned by him. These
certificates shall be signed by the Chief Executive Officer or President by
facsimile or manually by the Chief Executive Officer or President, Executive
Vice President, any Senior Vice President and by the Secretary by facsimile or
manually by the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or Assistant
Treasurer. They shall bear a facsimile of the seal of the Corporation and be
consecutively numbered or otherwise identified. The name of the persons to whom
they are issued, the number of shares and the date of issue shall appear on each
certificate that is issued. The Board of Directors shall designate a Transfer
Agent who may countersign each certificate either manually or by use of a
facsimile signature.

    The Transfer Agent shall keep the stock transfer books of the corporation
which shall reflect the name and address of the persons to whom certificates are
issued and the number of shares represented by each certificate and its date of
issue.

    The Board of Directors may designate a Registrar to register each
certificate that is issued either manually or by use of a facsimile signature.

    2.  Transfer of Shares: Transfer of shares shall be made and recorded on the
        -------------------                                                     
stock transfer books of the corporation only upon surrender of the certificates
for the shares sought to be transferred by the record holder thereof or by his
duly authorized agent, transferee or legal representative. All certificates
surrendered for transfer shall be 
<PAGE>
 
canceled before new certificates for the transferred shares shall be issued.
Every person becoming a shareholder by such transfer shall, in proportion to his
shares, succeed to all rights and liabilities of the prior holder of such
shares.

    3.  Closing Transfer Books and Fixing Record Date: For the purpose of
        ---------------------------------------------
determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other
proper purpose, the Board of Directors may provide that the stock transfer books
shall be closed for a stated period but not to exceed, in any case, fifty days.
If the stock transfer books shall be closed for the purpose of determining
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such
books shall be closed for at least ten days immediately preceding such meeting.

    In lieu of closing the stock transfer books, the Board of Directors may fix
in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of shareholders,
such record date in any case to be not more than fifty days, and in case of a
meeting of shareholders, not less than ten days immediately preceding the date
on which the particular action, requiring such determination of shareholders, is
to be taken.

    If the stock transfer books are not closed and no record date is fixed for
the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting
of shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the
date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the
resolution of the Board of Directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the
case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of shareholders.

    4.  Lost Certificates: The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of
        -----------------                                                     
a new share certificate in place of a certificate claimed to have been lost or
destroyed, upon receipt of an affidavit of such fact from the person claiming
the loss or destruction. When authorizing such issuance of a new certificate,
the board may require the claimant to give the corporation a bond in such sum as
it may direct to indemnify the corporation against loss from any claim with
respect to the certificate claimed to have been lost or destroyed; or the board
may, by resolution reciting the circumstances justifying such action, authorize
the issuance of the new certificate without requiring such a bond.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                   Indemnification of Officers and Directors

    Section 1: Any person who at any time hereafter serves or heretofore has
    ----------                                               
served:

  (i)   As an officer or director of the Corporation; or

 (ii)   At the request of the Corporation as an officer or director (or in any
    position of similar authority, by whatever title known) of any other
    corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise in which
    the Corporation has a significant financial interest (hereinafter referred
    to as an "Affiliate" of the Corporation); or
<PAGE>
 
(iii)     As an individual trustee or administrator under any employee benefit
      plan sponsored by the corporation or any of its Affiliates, shall have a
      right to be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted
      by law against:

      (a) All liability expense including without limitation costs and expenses
          of litigation and reasonable attorney's fees, actually and reasonable
          incurred by him in connection with or as a consequence of any
          threatened, pending or completed action, suit or preceding, whether
          civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including appeals,
          and whether or not brought by or on behalf the Corporation or any of
          its affiliates or by or on behalf of any third party, outsider or any
          other person, seeking to hold him liable by reason of or arising out
          of his status or his activities in any of the foregoing capacities;
          and

      (b) Liability incurred by him for any judgments, money decrees, fines,
          penalties or amounts paid in settlement in connection with or as a
          consequence of any action, suit or proceeding described in (a) above.

      Provided, however, the Corporation shall not indemnify any person against
any liability or litigation expense he may incur on account of his activities
which were at the time taken known or believed by him to be clearly in conflict
with the best interest of the Corporation or any of its affiliates.

      Section 2: Any person entitled to indemnification under this Article shall
      ---------
be entitled to recover from the Corporation his costs, expenses and reasonable
attorney's fees incurred in connection with enforcing his right to
indemnification.

      Section 3: Expenses incurred by a director or officer of the Corporation
      --------- 
in defending an action, suit or proceeding described above shall, at the request
of such director or officer, be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by
or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount unless it shall
ultimately be determined that he is entitled to indemnification from the
Corporation under this Article or otherwise.

      Section 4: Any person who at any time after the adoption of this Article
      ----------                                                              
serves or has served in any of the foregoing capacities for or on behalf of the
Corporation or any of its Affiliates shall be deemed to be doing so and to have
done so in reliance upon, and as consideration for, the rights provided herein.
Such rights shall inure to the benefit of the heirs and legal representatives of
any such person and shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which such
person may be entitled apart from the provisions of this Article.

      Section 5: Any amendment, alteration, repeal or other change hereof
      ----------
limiting or restricting in any way the rights granted hereunder shall operate
prospectively only and shall not prejudice, defeat or impair any rights of any
person existing at the time of such amendment, alteration, or repeal or other
change.
<PAGE>
 
      Section 6: If this Article or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on
      ----------
any ground by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction, then the
Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each person described in Section I to
the full extent permitted by the portion of this Article that is not invalidated
and also to the full extent permitted or required by other applicable law.
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE IX

                               General Provisions

    1.  Dividends: The Board of Directors may from time to time declare, and the
        ---------                                                               
corporation may pay, dividends on its outstanding shares in the manner and upon
the terms and conditions provided by the law and by the charter.

    2.  Seal: The corporate seal of the corporation shall consist of two
        ----                                                            
concentric circles between which is the name of the corporation and in the
center of which is embossed the corporation's eagle logo; and such seal, as
impressed on the margin hereof, is hereby adopted as the seal of the
corporation.

    3.  Waiver of Notice: Whenever any notice is required to be given to any
       -----------------                                                   
shareholder or director under the provisions of the North Carolina Business
Corporation Act or under the provisions of the charter or bylaws of this
corporation, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons
entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall
be equivalent to the giving of such notice.

     4. Fiscal Year: Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the
        -----------                                                         
fiscal year of the corporation shall be from January 1 to December 31.

     5. Amendments: Except as otherwise provided herein, these bylaws
        ----------                                                   
may be amended or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by the affirmative vote
of a majority of the directors then holding office at any regular or special
meeting of the Board of Directors, provided ten days notice of the proposed
amendment has been given to each member of the Board of Directors.

     The Board of Directors shall have no power to adopt a bylaw:
(1)  requiring more than a majority of the voting shares for a quorum at a
regular meeting of the shareholders or more than a majority of the votes cast to
constitute action by the shareholders, except where higher percentages are
required by law; (2) providing for the management of the corporation otherwise
than by the Board of Directors or its Executive Committee; (3) increasing or
decreasing the number of directors; (4) that is inconsistent with the
requirements of the laws of the State of North Carolina and of the Articles of
Incorporation. No bylaw adopted or amended by the shareholders shall be altered
or repealed by the Board of Directors. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
total number of shares outstanding shall be required to amend, alter, change or
repeal Article III, Section 2.5 and 6 and this Section 5 of Article VIII of
these bylaws.
<PAGE>
 
    6.  North Carolina Shareholder Protection Act Inapplicable.  The provisions
        ------------------------------------------------------                 
of Article 7, Affiliated Transactions, of Chapter 55 of the General Statutes of
North Carolina, known as the North Carolina Shareholder Protection Act, shall
not be applicable to the Corporation.
 
Adopted:                                             Amended:
March 23, 1976 and                                   October 18, 1986
 
Amended:                                             Amended:
July 20,  1978                                       July 16, 1987
 
Amended:                                             Amended:
March 27, 1984                                       February 18, 1988
by Stockholders at Southern National
Corporation Annual Meeting
                                                     Amended
                                                     February 16, 1989

                                                     Amended
                                                     August 16, 1990

                                                     Amended
                                                     April 9, 1992
<PAGE>
 
AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS MADE AT 4/22/97 MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF SOUTHERN NATIONAL
CORPORATION

     RESOLVED, that Article III, Section 2 of the Bylaws of Southern National
Corporation be amended to read as follows:

     2.  Number, Term and Qualification: The Board shall consist of not less
         -------------------------------                                    
than three nor more than 30 members and the number of members shall be fixed and
determined from time to time by resolution of the majority of the full board or
by resolution of the shareholders at any meeting thereof, but the number of
directors shall not be less than three.
<PAGE>
 
AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS MADE AT 4/22/97 MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SOUTHERN
NATIONAL CORPORATION


      WHEREAS, the first sentence of Article II, Section 8 of the Bylaws of the
Company currently provides as follows:

      "Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies
      duly authorized in writing, but no officer or employee of this corporation
      shall act as proxy."; and

      WHEREAS, the Board of Directors deems it to be in the best interests of
the Company to amend the Bylaws to permit officers and employees of the Company
to act as proxies in connection with voting by the shareholders of the Company;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the first sentence of Article II,
Section 8 of the Bylaws of the Company is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:

      "Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies duly
      authorized in writing."

      FURTHER RESOLVED, that such amendment shall be retroactive to the date of
adoption of Article II, Section 8 of the Bylaws in the form herein amended; and

      FURTHER RESOLVED, that prior appointments of officers and employees of the
Company as proxies in connection with voting by the shareholders of the Company,
and all actions of all such officers and employees as proxies pursuant to such
appointments, are hereby approved and ratified in all respects whatsoever.
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit C

                                   RESOLUTION

      WHEREAS, the first sentence of Article II, Section 8 of the Bylaws of the
Company currently provides as follows:

      "Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies duly
      authorized in writing, but no officer or employee of this corporation
      shall act as proxy."; and

      WHEREAS, the Board of Directors deems it to be in the best interests of
the Company to amend the Bylaws to permit officers and employees of the Company
to act as proxies in connection with voting by the shareholders of the Company;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the first sentence of Article II,
Section 8 of the Bylaws of the Company is hereby amended to read in its entirety
as follows:

      "Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies duly
      authorized in writing."

      FURTHER RESOLVED, that such amendment shall be retroactive to the date of
adoption of Article II, Section 8 of the Bylaws in the form herein amended;
and

      FURTHER RESOLVED, that prior appointments of officers and employees of the
Company as proxies in connection with voting by the shareholders of the Company,
and all actions of all such officers and employees as proxies pursuant to such
appointments, are hereby approved and ratified in all respects whatsoever.
<PAGE>
 
                               Charles E. Nichols
                               A. Winniett Peters

     The Chairman recognized the Secretary for remarks relating to a proposal to
amend the Corporation's Charter. Mr. Herring reported that Southern National
Corporation and BB&T Financial Corporation had merged in February of 1995, and
that all of the subsidiary banks had operated under the BB&T name since that
time. In order to eliminate confusion among banking clients, investors and the
public generally, the Board of Directors has recommended that the holding
company name be changed to BB&T Corporation. Mr. Herring, on behalf of the Board
of Directors, moved the adoption of the following resolution, which motion was
duly seconded and the resolution adopted:

     RESOLVED, that Article I of the Articles of Incorporation of Southern
National Corporation be amended to read as follows:

     The name of the Corporation is BB&T Corporation.

     The Chairman recognized the Secretary for remarks relating to a proposal to
amend the Bylaws to increase the maximum number of directors. Mr. Herring
reported that the Bylaws presently provide that the maximum number of directors
is 25, and that the board presently consists of 24 directors. The UCB
Reorganization Agreement provides that four current UCB directors be added to
the Southern National board, and to assist in complying with this requirement it
would be desirable to increase the maximum number of directors to 30. He further
indicated that five of the current directors would retire in December 1997,
pursuant to normal retirement policy. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr.
Herring moved the adoption of the following resolution, which motion was duly
seconded and the resolution adopted:

     RESOLVED, that Article III, Section 2 of the Bylaws of Southern National
Corporation be amended to read as follows:

     2.  Number, Term and Qualification: The Board shall consist of not less
         ------------------------------
than three nor more than 30 members and the number of members shall be fixed and
determined from time to time by resolution of the majority of the full board or
by resolution of the shareholders at any meeting thereof, but the number of
directors shall not be less than three.

     The Chairman recognized the Secretary for remarks relating to a proposal to
allocate additional shares to the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan
("Directors' Plan"). Mr. Herring reported that the Directors' Plan was
originally adopted in 1992 and 400,000 shares of common stock were reserved for
use under the plan. Approximately 93,000 remain available under the Directors'
Plan, which was amended in January 1997 to include it as a sub-plan of the
Directors' Stock Option and Deferred Compensation Plan. In order to provide
additional shares for the sub-plan, it is recommended that an additional 500,000
shares be allocated for use under the sub-plan. On behalf of the Compensation
Committee, Mr. Herring moved the adoption of the following resolution, which was
duly seconded and adopted:

     RESOLVED, that the number of shares of Southern National Corporation common
stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the Stock Option Subplan of the
Non-Employee Directors'

                                                                               3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(M)

                         SETTLEMENT AND NONCOMPETITION
                                   AGREEMENT

          THIS SETTLEMENT AND NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") made 
and entered into this 1st day of July 1997, by and between BB&T CORPORATION, a 
North Carolina corporation with its principal office at Winston-Salem, North 
Carolina ("BB&T"), and E. RHONE SASSER, an individual residing in Whiteville, 
North Carolina ("Sasser").

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

          Sasser has been employed by United Carolina Bancshares Corporation 
("UCB") as its Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer 
pursuant to an Employment Agreement entered into by Sasser and UCB dated as of 
January 18, 1995 (the "UCB Employment Agreement"). As of November 1, 1996, BB&T 
and UCB entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (later modified as 
of the same date in an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of 
Reorganization, and referred to herein as the "Reorganization Agreement"), 
pursuant to which UCB has been merged with and into BB&T (the "Merger"). The 
parties hereto acknowledge that the UCB Employment Agreement constitutes a 
legally enforceable agreement by Sasser, that Sasser has complied with his 
obligations thereunder in all material respects, and that Sasser is willing and 
able to continue to perform his obligations thereunder, BB&T, as successor to 
UCB, desires to terminate the UCB Employment Agreement and Sasser's employment 
by BB&T and to enter into this Agreement in full settlement of the UCB 
Employment Agreement. BB&T and Sasser acknowledge that this Agreement has been
negotiated at arms-length, that both parties hold equal bargaining positions,
and that each has relied on the advice of experienced counsel in negotiating the
terms and provisions of this Agreement.

          BB&T also recognizes that Sasser has broad experience in the banking 
business and close relations with many of UCB's major customers, has close 
relations with key employees of UCB, and has extensive knowledge of UCB trade 
secrets and other proprietary information, and BB&T thus believes that Sasser 
could substantially damage the business of BB&T were he to compete with BB&T or
attempt to solicit away customers or employees of BB&T.

          Sasser, in consideration of the payments in Article I and the benefits
provided in Article II, agrees that the UCB Employment Agreement shall be and 
hereby is terminated in its entirety effective on the date hereof, and 
acknowledges and agrees that he has no further rights or entitlements 
thereunder.

          NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the 
mutual promises and agreements hereinafter set forth, and other good and 
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby 
acknowledged, BB&T and Sasser covenant and agree as follows:
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE I

                                 COMPENSATION
                                 ------------

1.01.  Annual Compensation.
       -------------------

          (a)  Payments to Sasser.
               ------------------

               Commencing on the date hereof and continuing through the earlier 
of (i) attainment by Sasser of his sixty-fifth birthday, or (ii) Sasser's death,
BB&T shall pay to Sasser $769,392 per annum, as adjusted as provided in Section 
1.01(d) (such amount as adjusted is referred to herein as the "Base Amount"). 
The payments made pursuant to this Section 1.01 are in addition to the benefits 
provided in Article II. One-twelfth of the Base Amount shall be paid for each 
calendar month in accordance with the normal payroll practices of BB&T on the 
date set from time to time for payment of monthly salary to BB&T senior 
executives (the "Payment Date"). If Sasser shall survive to the date of his 
sixty-fifth birthday (the "Determination Date"), he shall receive for the 
remainder of his lifetime monthly amounts (payable on the Payment Date each 
month) of seventy percent of the highest monthly Base Amount paid to him during 
the twelve calendar months preceding the Determination Date, reduced as provided
in Section 1.02.

          (b)  Payments following Death of Sasser.
               ----------------------------------

               If Sasser's death occurs before the Determination Date, BB&T
shall pay through and including the Determination Date, to Sasser's current
spouse, Dorothy F. Sasser ("Current Spouse"), if she survives him and was
married to Sasser at the date of his death, or if not, in equal portions to
Saaser's two sons, Edward Craig Sasser and Douglas Bryon Sasser, if they both
survive him, or if they do not both survive him, to Sasser's estate (the
foregoing to be referred to hereinafter, as appropriate, as "Sasser's
Beneficiary") a monthly death benefit equal to one-twelfth of the Base Amount,
including continuing adjustments as provided in Section 1.01(d). The monthly
payment for each calendar month shall be made on the Payment Date for the month.
Upon the occurrence of the Determination Date (if Sasser's death occurs before
the Determination Date), or upon Sasser's death if he dies following the
Determination Date, BB&T shall pay to his Current Spouse, if she is then living
and was married to Sasser at the date of his death, a monthly death benefit for
her life, payable on the Payment Date each month, equal to thirty-five percent
of the highest monthly Base Amount paid by BB&T to Sasser or Sasser's
Beneficiary during the twelve-month period immediately preceding the
Determination Date, reduced as provided in Section 1.02. No payments shall be
made under this Section 1.01(b) following the Determination Date if Sasser dies
prior to the Determination Date and his Current Spouse either is not married to
him on the date of his death or does not survive beyond the Determination Date,
or following Sasser's death if Sasser dies following the Determination Date and
his Current Spouse is not married to him on the date of his death.

          (c)  Partial Month.
               -------------

               If any payment pursuant to 1.01(a) or (b) commences on a day 
other than the first day of a calendar month, or ceases on a day other than the 
last day of a calendar month, the monthly amount payable for such partial month 
shall equal the amount payable for a full month multiplied by a fraction, the 
numerator of which is the number of days in the month during the period for 
which the payment is to be made, and the denominator of which is the number of 
days in the month.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
        (d)   CPI Adjustment
              --------------

              The Base Amount shall be automatically increased as of each year
(commencing on July 1, 1998 and ending with July 1 next preceding the
Determination Date) to reflect increases in the cost of living (as hereinafter
described). The amount of any annual automatic cost of living increase in the
Base Amount shall be determined by multiplying the most recent Base Amount by a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Consumer Price Index (the "CPI")
[All Urban Consumers, South Region Average (1982-84 = 100); All Items, Bureau of
Labor Statistics of The United States Department of Labor], for the month of May
preceding the July 1 of the current calendar year, and the denominator of which
shall be the CPI for May of the calendar year preceding the current year. If the
quotient obtained in the foregoing fraction shall be less than one, the Base
Amount shall not be adjusted for the current year (and, for the purpose of
determining the CPI adjustment, if any, for future years, the denominator of the
above fraction shall be the CPI for May of the calendar year in which a CPI
adjustment was last made to the Base Amount). In the event (i) the CPI ceases to
use the 1982-84 average of 100 as the base of calculation, or (ii) a substantial
change is made in the quality or quantity of the items utilized in determining
the CPI, or (iii) the publishing of the CPI shall be discontinued for any
reason, the parties hereto shall thereafter accept and use such other index or
comparable statistics to measure the cost of living as shall be mutually
agreeable to BB&T and Sasser or Sasser's Beneficiary.

        (e)   Parachute Payment Adjustment.
              ----------------------------

              In the event that any amount required to be paid or distributed to
Sasser pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a parachute within the 
meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and 
the rules and regulations thereunder (the "Code"), and the aggregate of such 
parachute payments and any other amounts otherwise required to be paid or 
distributed to Sasser by BB&T shall cause Sasser to be subject to the excise
tax on excess parachute payments under Section 4999 of the Code (the "Excise 
Tax"), BB&T shall pay to Sasser an additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") 
such that the net amount Sasser shall receive after the payment of any Excise 
Tax shall equal the amount which he would have received if the Excise Tax had 
not been imposed. The Gross-Up Payment shall be determined by BB&T's regular 
independent auditors and shall equal the sum of the following:

        (i)   The rate of the Excise Tax multiplied by the amount of the excess 
     parachute payments;

        (ii)  Any federal income tax, social security tax, unemployment tax or 
     Excise Tax imposed upon Sasser as a result of the Gross-Up Payment required
     to be made under this paragraph (e); and

        (iii) Any state income or other tax imposed upon Sasser as a result of 
     the Gross-Up Payment required to be made under this paragraph (e).

        For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Sasser 
shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of 
federal income taxation for individuals in the calendar year in which the Excise
Tax is required to be paid. In addition, Sasser shall be deemed to pay state 
income taxes at a rate determined in accordance with the following formula:

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                ( l - (highest marginal rate of federal income taxation for 
        individuals)) X (highest marginal rate of North Carolina income taxes
        for individuals in the calendar year in which the Excise Tax is required
        to be paid).

The Gross-Up Payment shall be made on or before the date that Sasser is required
to pay the Excise Tax; provided, that if the amount of such Payment cannot be 
finally determined on or before such date, BB&T shall pay to Sasser on such date
an estimate, as determined in good faith by BB&T's regular independent auditors,
of the minimum amount of such payment and shall pay the remainder of such 
payment (together with interest at the rate provided under Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but no later than the 
thirtieth day after the date Sasser becomes subject to the payment of the Excise
Tax. In the event that the Excise Tax is subsequently determined to be less than
the amount taken into account hereunder at the time the Gross-Up Payment is 
made, Sasser shall repay to BB&T at the time that the amount of such reduction 
in Excise Tax is finally determined, the portion of the Gross-Up Payment 
attributable to such reduction (plus the portion of the Gross-Up Payment 
attributable to the Excise Tax, federal and state taxes imposed on the Gross-Up 
Payment being repaid by Sasser, if such repayment results in a reduction in 
Excise Tax and/or a federal or state tax deduction) plus interest on the amount 
of such repayment at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. In 
the event that the Excise Tax is determined to exceed the amount taken into 
account hereunder at the time the Gross-Up Payment is made (including by reason 
of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time
of the Gross-Up Payment), BB&T shall make an additional Gross-Up Payment in 
respect of such excess (plus any interest payable with respect to such excess) 
at the time that the amount of such excess is finally determined.

1.02.   Other Payments.
        --------------

                The payments due after the Determination Date to Sasser or his 
Current Spouse under Section 1.01 shall be reduced by the sum of the following 
amounts:

                (a)     BB&T Pension Plan.
                        -----------------

                        The amount actually paid each month to Sasser (and to 
his Current Spouse, if applicable) under the BB&T Pension Plan (which plan shall
succeed by plan merger to the assets and liabilities under the UCB defined 
benefit pension plan), based on the payment option applicable with respect to 
Sasser under the BB&T Pension Plan.

                (b)     Benefit Equivalency Plan.
                        ------------------------

                        The amount actually paid each month to Sasser (and to 
his Current Spouse, if applicable) under the UCB Benefit Equivalency Plan, based
on the payment option applicable with respect to Sasser under such Plan.

1.03.   Liquidated Damages.
        ------------------

                The amounts payable pursuant to this Article I and the life 
insurance coverages and other benefits provided in Article II are payable to or 
for the benefit of Sasser as liquidated damages for settlement of the UCB 
Employment Agreement, as well as compensation for the covenants in Article III.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE II

                              ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

          In order to protect Sasser against the loss of certain rights and 
benefits to which he is entitled under the UCB Employment Agreement, and to 
provide certain additional benefits, BB&T hereby agrees to the following:

2.01. Life Insurance.
      --------------

          BB&T shall maintain Sasser's split-dollar life insurance policies and 
shall provide additional life insurance, as follows:

          (a)  Split-Dollar Life Insurance.
               ---------------------------

          BB&T shall continue to pay through the earlier of the Determination 
Date or Sasser's death the employer's portion of the premiums on the UCB 
split-dollar insurance policies on Sasser's life. Sasser or his designee shall 
continue to own the policies subject to BB&T's interest therein.

          (b)  Life Insurance.
               --------------

          BB&T has acquired and shall maintain one or more life insurance 
policies with an insurer reasonably acceptable to Sasser with an aggregate death
benefit of $1,000,000 on Sasser's life, payable to one or more beneficiaries 
designated from time to time by Sasser. BB&T shall pay the premium payments for 
such policies until the date of Sasser's death.

2.02. Medical Insurance.
      -----------------

          BB&T shall provide medical benefits coverage to Sasser, including 
dependent coverage for his Current Spouse (if she shall remain married to 
Sasser), at the same level as provided by BB&T to participants under the BB&T 
Corporation Retiree Health Care Plan (the "BB&T Plan") for the period beginning 
on the date hereof and ending on the date of death of Sasser or, if later, the 
date of death of his Current Spouse if she shall be married to him at the date 
of his death; provided, however, that in on event will the level of such 
benefits be less than that provided under UCB's retiree health plan in effect 
immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. Sasser (or, if coverage 
extends beyond Sasser's death, his Current Spouse) shall be responsible for that
percentage of the cost of his coverage (and that of his dependent spouse) under 
the BB&T Plan which is paid by other similarly situated participants under the 
BB&T plan.

2.03. Other Benefits.
      --------------

         In addition to the benefits provided in Section 2.02, Sasser shall be 
entitled to participate in the benefit plans or arrangements under the BB&T 
Corporation Flexible Compensation Program (the "BB&T Flexible Benefits Plan"), 
if and to the extent he is eligible to participate in accordance with the terms 
and provisions of the BB&T Flexible Benefits Plan. Sasser shall be responsible 
for that portion of the cost of his coverage under the BB&T Flexible Benefits 
Plan which is paid by other similarly situated

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
participants under the BB&T Plan. If Sasser is not eligible to participate in 
accordance with the terms and conditions of the BB&T Flexible Benefits Plan, 
BB&T shall, if Sasser so requests, provide similar coverage outside such plan at
a level not less than that provided under UCB's flexible benefits plan in effect
immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, and Sasser will pay an 
amount towards such alternate coverage as he would have paid had he been 
eligible to participate in the BB&T Flexible Benefits Plan.

2.04 Long Term Incentive Plan.
     ------------------------

          In accordance with the UCB Long Term Incentive Plan, immediately prior
to the effective time of the Merger, the dollar amount of Sasser's accrued
benefits under such plan were converted to shares of UCB common stock based on
the average of the closing price of such stock over the 20 trading days
immediately preceding the Merger. Such UCB shares were converted to shares of
BB&T common stock in the Merger, based on the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the
Reorganization Agreement). Such shares of BB&T common stock shall be distributed
to Sasser in a single lump sum on the date hereof.

2.05 Stock Options.
     -------------

          Any Stock Options (as defined in the Reorganization Agreement) issued 
pursuant to the Stock Option Plan (as defined in the Reorganization Agreement) 
in which Sasser is vested as of the date hereof shall be converted to options to
acquire shares of common stock of BB&T pursuant to Section 2.10 of the 
Reorganization Agreement. Such Stock Options as so converted shall be subject to
and governed by the terms of the Stock Option Plan as defined in the 
Reorganization Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE III


                      NONCOMPETITION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

3.01 Background for Covenants.
     ------------------------

          Sasser has been an employee of UCB for approximately 29 years, of 
which 14 years have been as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive 
Officer or in other senior executive positions. During his tenure with UCB, 
Sasser has established close personal relationships with many of UCB's largest 
and most significant customers. In addition, he has established close personal 
relationships with many of UCB's key employees at all levels within the 
organization, many of whom will be important to BB&T in the transition period 
following the merger of UCB into BB&T and in conducting the former business of 
UCB on an on-going basis. Sasser and BB&T recognize and acknowledge that Sasser 
could cause serious harm to the business formerly conducted by UCB (and now to 
be conducted by BB&T) if he were to compete with BB&T in its market area or if 
he were to attempt to entice key employees of UCB (now employees of BB&T) to 
terminate their employment with BB&T. The parties further acknowledge that the 
terms and provisions of this Article III have been negotiated at arms-length, 
that both parties hold equal bargaining positions, that each party has relied on
the advice of experienced legal counsel in negotiating the terms and provisions 
of this Article III, and that each party intends to be legally bound by these 
terms and provisions.

                                       6
<PAGE>

3.02.   Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation Covenants.
        --------------------------------------------

                Following the date of this Agreement, Sasser shall not directly
or indirectly, (i) anywhere in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina and
Virginia and in any county outside such states contiguous to one or more of such
states, either as a principal, agent, employee, employer, stockholder, owner,
member, proprietor, partner or in any other individual or representative
capacity whatsoever, engage in the banking and financial services business,
which includes consumer, savings and commercial banking and the insurance and
trust businesses, or the savings and loan or mortgage banking business, or any
other business in which BB&T is engaged at this time; (ii) solicit or assist any
other person in soliciting, any depositors or customers of BB&T (including
without limitation any former depositors or customers of UCB) to become
depositors or customers of any other institution; or (iii) induce any employee
of BB&T (including without limitation any former employee of UCB) to terminate
his or her employment with BB&T; provided, that nothing contained in part (i) of
this Section 3.02 shall be deemed to limit Sasser's right to invest in a
business similar to BB&T's business if such investment is limited to less than
one percent of the capital stock or other securities of any corporation or
similar organization with stock or securities publicly owned or regularly traded
on any public exchange or market. This Section 3.02 shall apply for a period of
ten years from the date hereof.

3.03.   Proprietary and Confidential Information.
        ----------------------------------------

                Sasser acknowledges that during his employment with UCB he 
learned a substantial amount of information which is now proprietary and 
confidential to BB&T.  Such proprietary and confidential information includes, 
but is not limited to, UCB's business, marketing, customer development,
strategic planning and expansion plans, methods of doing business, trade secrets
and similar information as related to the business formerly conducted by UCB.
Sasser acknowledges that BB&T would be damaged if such proprietary and
confidential information were made available to BB&T's competitors. Sasser
agrees that, except as required by law, he shall not at any time divulge to any
person, agency, institution, company or other entity any information which he
knows or has reason to believe is proprietary or confidential to BB&T. Sasser
agrees that his duties and obligations under this Section 3.03 shall continue
for as long as such information remains proprietary or confidential to BB&T.

3.04.  Breach of Obligations.
       ---------------------

                Payments and benefits due Sasser under Article I (other than 
under Section 1.01(e)) shall be discontinued in the event Sasser breaches the 
provisions of Section 3.02 or 3.03; provided that Sasser has received written 
notice from BB&T of such breach and such breach remains uncured thirty days 
after the delivery of such notice.  If there is a disagreement between the 
parties as to whether Sasser has breached Section 3.02 or 3.03, then after the 
above thirty-day period, if such breach remains uncured in BB&T's opinion, BB&T 
may suspend payments and benefits to Sasser until such time as BB&T and Sasser 
shall agree as to BB&T's right to discontinue payments and benefits or until
there is a final determination of the issue. In the event such determination
results in a continuation of payments and benefits to Sasser, BB&T shall pay any
suspended payments in a lump sum, together with interest at the rate provided
under Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from the date of suspension, and shall
resume regular payments and benefits in accordance with Article I.

                                       7
                      
<PAGE>
 
3.05    Reasonableness of Restrictions.
        ------------------------------

              BB&T and Sasser acknowledge and agree that this Agreement, 
including without limitation the noncompetition provisions of Section 3.02 and 
the nondisclosure provisions of Section 3.03, does not unduly or unfairly 
curtail Sasser's ability to support himself and his family due to Sasser's 
financial resources, extensive business experience and expertise, and ability to
engage in banking and related businesses outside of North Carolina, South 
Carolina and Virginia. BB&T and Sasser further acknowledge and agree that the 
protections to BB&T in this Article III are reasonable and necessary in relation
to the need of BB&T to protect its business.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                           AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION

              BB&T may, with the prior written consent of Sasser or Sasser's 
Beneficiary following his death, modify, alter, amend or terminate this 
Agreement, in whole or in part at any time. An amendment may be made 
retroactively if it is necessary to make this Agreement conform to applicable 
law or if agreeable to the parties. No amendment or modification of this 
Agreement or any covenant, condition or limitation shall be valid unless in 
writing and duly executed by the parties to this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE V

               BOARD OF DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SERVICE

              At the first meeting of the Board of Directors of BB&T following 
the date hereof, Sasser will be appointed to BB&T's Board of Directors, which 
appointment will continue for so long as Sasser is willing and able to serve 
and until the next annual meeting of shareholders of BB&T. Sasser will also at 
such meeting be appointed as a member of the Executive Committee of BB&T's Board
of Directors. Thereafter, BB&T will use to best efforts, subject to the 
fiduciary duties of the members of the Nominating Committee and the other 
members of its Board of Directors, to nominate Sasser for election to BB&T's 
Board of Directors and to appoint him to the Executive Committee, in each case 
so that he will serve on the Board and Executive Committee until the normal 
retirement age for BB&T directors as established from time to time (currently
age 70). Sasser will receive the normal compensation of an outside director or
committee member with respect to these services.

                                  ARTICLE VI

                              GENERAL PROVISIONS

6.01.   Construction.
        ------------

              Headings and subheadings used in this Agreement have been inserted
for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in any construction of
the provisions. If a provision of this Agreement is illegal or invalid, that
illegality or invalidity does not affect other provisions in this Agreement.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
6.02. Governing Law.
      -------------

          This Agreement shall be construed, enforced, and administered in 
accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina (other than its choice 
of law rules), except to the extent that those laws are superseded by the laws 
of the United States of America.

6.03. Mitigation.
      ----------

          Sasser shall not be required to mitigate the amounts of any payments 
provide for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor 
shall the amount of any such payment be reduced by any compensation earned by 
Sasser as the result of employment by another employer, subject to compliance by
Sasser with the provisions of Sections 3.02 and 3.03.

6.04  Withholding.
      -----------

          All payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any 
applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law.

6.05. Notice.
      ------

          For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications 
shall be in writing. All notices to BB&T shall be directed to the attention of 
the Chief Executive Officer. Notices and communications are effective when 
personally delivered or sent by nationally recognized air courier, charges 
prepaid, addressed to the addressee at the addressee's last known address. 
Notices of change in address are effective only upon receipt.

6.06  Certain Expenses.
      ----------------

          In the event a dispute arises as to Sasser's entitlements to any 
rights or benefits hereunder, and thereafter Sasser incurs legal fees and other 
expenses, including court costs or arbitrator fees, in seeking to obtain or to 
enforce such rights or benefits, and Sasser prevails in obtaining or enforcing 
such rights or benefits through settlement, arbitration, judgment or otherwise, 
BB&T shall promptly pay Sasser's reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in 
so enforcing this Agreement. Except to the extent provided in the preceding 
sentence, each party hereto shall pay its own legal fees and other expenses 
associated with any dispute.

6.07. Entire Agreement.
      ----------------

          This Agreement sets forth all of the promises, covenants, agreements, 
conditions and understandings between the parties to this Agreement with respect
to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous 
agreements, understandings, inducements or conditions, express or implied, oral 
or written, with respect thereto, except as contained herein. Specifically, 
without limitation, Sasser agrees that (i) this Agreement fulfills the 
obligations of BB&T with respect to him as set forth in that letter agreement 
between UCB and BB&T dated November 1, 1996, as amended and supplemented, (ii) 
the UCB Employment Agreement is terminated in its entirety effective on the date
hereof, and he has no further rights or entitlements under the UCB Employment 
Agreement, and (iii) his employment with UCB

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
is terminated and the benefits and payments herein are in full settlement of all
obligations to him under the UCB Employment Agreement or otherwise arising out 
of his employment with UCB.

6.08.   Recitals.
        --------

               The Recitals to this Agreement shall form a part of this 
Agreement.

6.09.   Counterparts.
        ------------

               This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in one or more 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which 
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.10.   Contests and Audits.
        -------------------

               Sasser agrees that for tax purposes he shall report the payments
made to him hereunder in a manner that is consistent with the tax treatment of
such payments by BB&T. Sasser shall promptly notify BB&T in writing upon receipt
of notice of any pending or threatened audit or assessment with respect to
Sasser which may relate to the treatment of payments hereunder. BB&T shall have
the right at its option and expense to exclusively control and have
responsibility for the conduct of any audit, examination, proceeding or
litigation (a "Contest") to the extent such Contest relates to the treatment of
payments hereunder, but Sasser shall retain control of any other matter included
in such Contest. BB&T agrees to notify Sasser reasonably in advance of any
proposed settlement.



                           [signature page follows]

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BB&T, by its duly authorized officer and Sasser have
hereunto set their hands as of the day and year first written above.


                                       BB&T CORPORATION


                                       By: /s/ John A. Allison, IV
                                          --------------------------------------
                                             John A. Allison, IV
                                             Chairman of the Board of Directors 
                                             and Chief Executive Officer



                                       -----------------------------------------
                                              E. RHONE SASSER

<PAGE>
 
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BB&T, by its duly authorized officer and Sasser have
hereunto set their hands as of the day and year first written above.


                                       BB&T CORPORATION


                                       By:
                                          --------------------------------------
                                             John A. Allison, IV
                                             Chairman of the Board of Directors 
                                             and Chief Executive Officer


                                       /s/ E. Rhone Sasser
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                              E. RHONE SASSER

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 21
 
                        SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  BB&T Corporation, a North Carolina corporation, is a multi-bank holding
company. The table below sets forth all of BB&T's subsidiaries as to State or
Jurisdiction of Organization and Percentage of Voting Securities Owned as well
as their relationship to BB&T. All of the subsidiaries listed below are
included in the consolidated financial statements, and no separate financial
statements are submitted for any subsidiary.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PERCENTAGE
                                           STATE OR JURISDICTION  OF VOTING
SUBSIDIARY                                    OF ORGANIZATION    SHARES OWNED
- ----------                                 --------------------- ------------
<S>                                        <C>                   <C>
Branch Banking and Trust Company.........     North Carolina         100%
BB&T Financial Corporation of South
 Carolina................................     South Carolina         100%
Branch Banking and Trust Company of South
 Carolina................................     South Carolina         100%(1)
BB&T Financial Corporation of Virginia...     Virginia               100%
Regional Acceptance Corporation..........     North Carolina         100%
Money 24, Inc............................     North Carolina         100%
Craigie, Incorporated....................     Virginia               100%
Phillips Factors Corporation.............     North Carolina         100%
Refloat, Incorporated....................     North Carolina         100%
Unified Investors Life Insurance
 Company.................................     Arizona                100%
BB&T Leasing Corp........................     North Carolina         100%(2)
Southern National Mortgage Company.......     North Carolina         100%(2)
BB&T Investment Services, Inc............     North Carolina         100%(2)
BB&T Insurance Services, Inc.............     North Carolina         100%(2)
Grey Eagle, Inc..........................     Delaware               100%(2)
BB&T Realty Investments, Inc.............     Virginia               100%(2)
Prime Rate Premium Finance Corporation,
 Inc.....................................     South Carolina         100%(2)
Agency Technologies, Inc.................     South Carolina         100%(2)
150 Corporation..........................     North Carolina         100%(2)
Farr Associates, Inc.....................     North Carolina         100%(2)
AutoBase Information Systems, Inc........     North Carolina          51%(2)
Workmen's Service Corp...................     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
First Savings Service Corp...............     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
Fay-Charl Corp...........................     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
Peoples Service Corp. of Thomasville.....     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
City Finance Company, Inc................     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
Guaranty Financial Services..............     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
CSB Financial Services, Inc..............     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
North Carolina Trustee Company...........     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
Davidson Financial, Inc..................     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
BT Financial Corporation.................     North Carolina         100%(2,13)
BB&T Investment Services of South
 Carolina, Inc...........................     South Carolina         100%(3)
Investor Services, Inc...................     South Carolina         100%(3)
The First Real Estate Group, Inc.........     South Carolina         100%(3,13)
FICORP of South Carolina.................     South Carolina         100%(3,13)
BB&T Realty Corporation..................     North Carolina         100%(3,13)
College Investments of South Carolina,
 Inc.....................................     South Carolina         100%(3,13)
College Investments of North Carolina,
 Inc.....................................     North Carolina         100%(3,13)
College Properties, Inc..................     South Carolina         100%(3,13)
Firstmark Development Corporation........     South Carolina         100%(3,13)
Branch Banking and Trust Company of
 Virginia................................     Virginia               100%(4)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PERCENTAGE
                                        STATE OR JURISDICTION   OF VOTING
SUBSIDIARY                                 OF ORGANIZATION     SHARES OWNED
- ----------                              ---------------------- ------------
<S>                                     <C>                    <C>
Fidelity Federal Savings Bank.......... Virginia                   100%(4)
Virginia First Savings Bank............ Virginia                   100%(4)
Nexus Software, Inc.................... North Carolina              51%(5)
BB&T Real Estate Investment Trust,
 Inc................................... North Carolina             100%(6)
Regional Acceptance Investment
 Corporation of Nevada................. Nevada                     100%(7)
Rega Insurance Services, Inc........... North Carolina             100%(7)
Greenville Car Mart, Inc............... North Carolina             100%(7)
Regional Fidelity Limited.............. British Virgin Islands      99%(7)
Roanoke Fidelity Limited............... British Virgin Islands      99%(7)
Universal Fidelity Limited............. British Virgin Islands      99%(7)
Atlantic Financing Corporation......... Virginia                   100%(8)
Mountain Financial Corporation......... Virginia                   100%(8)
Security Federal Financing
 Corporation........................... Virginia                   100%(8)
Phillips Financial Corporation......... North Carolina             100%(9)
Sheffield Financial Corporation........ North Carolina             100%(10)
Southside Services Corp................ Virginia                   100%(11)
Century Title.......................... Virginia                   100%(11)
Freedom Financial...................... Virginia                   100%(11)
American Finance & Investment.......... Virginia                   100%(11)
Century Mortgage Inc................... Virginia                   100%(11)
Virginia First Investment Corp......... Virginia                   100%(11,13)
Colony Financial....................... Virginia                   100%(11,13)
Fidelity Service Corporation........... Virginia                   100%(12)
Southern International Corp............ North Carolina             100%(13)
BB&T Savings Corporation............... North Carolina             100%(13)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1)Owned by BB&T Financial Corporation of South Carolina
(2)Owned by Branch Banking and Trust Company (North Carolina)
(3)Owned by Branch Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina
(4)Owned by BB&T Financial Corporation of Virginia
(5)Owned by 150 Corporation
(6)Owned by BB&T Realty Investments, Inc.
(7)Owned by Regional Acceptance Corporation
(8)Owned by Craigie, Inc.
(9)Owned by Phillips Factors Corporation
(10)Owned by Refloat, Inc.
(11)Owned by Virginia First Savings Bank
(12)Owned by Fidelity Federal Savings Bank
(13)Inactive
 

<PAGE>
                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)



Report of Independent Public Accountants



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report included in this Form 10-K into BB&T Corporation's previously filed
Registration Statement File Nos. 33-52367, 33-57865, 33-57867 and 333-03989
filed on Form S-8 and Registration Statement File Nos. 33-57859, 33-57861, 
33-57871 and 333-02899 filed on Form S-3.




Charlotte, North Carolina,
  March 17, 1998.



<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders of BB&T Corporation:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BB&T
Corporation, (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries 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 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 provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of BB&T Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina,
January 14, 1998, except for Note B, as to which the date is March 1, 1998.
 
                                      44

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                         839,579
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                          27,051
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                               103,245
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                67,878
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                  6,481,515
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         147,799
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           151,581
<LOANS>                                     20,289,955
<ALLOWANCE>                                    263,943
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              29,177,600
<DEPOSITS>                                  20,210,116
<SHORT-TERM>                                 3,015,177
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                            431,712
<LONG-TERM>                                  3,282,958
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       680,258
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,557,379
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