10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the period ended March 31, 2004

Commission File Number: 0-6094

NATIONAL COMMERCE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of issuer as specified in charter)

Tennessee	62-0784645
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Commerce Square, Memphis, Tennessee 38150

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (901) 523-3434

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  ¨

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of

common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $2 Par Value	204,037,335
(Class of Stock)	(Shares outstanding as of May 6, 2004)

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

		Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003		3
Consolidated Statements of Income Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003		4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003		5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003		6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements As of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003		7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	28
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	28
Part II. Other Information
Item 6.	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K	29
Signatures		30

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

	(Unaudited)
In Thousands Except Share Data	March 31, 2004		December 31, 2003
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	458,494	558,313
Time deposits in other banks		4,552	64,174
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments		164,818	129,722
Investment securities:
Available for sale (amortized cost of $4,833,717 and $5,220,555)		4,858,421	5,238,429
Held to maturity (market values of $1,377,976 and $1,375,484)		1,358,756	1,380,571
Trading account securities		257,338	280,649
Loans held for sale		277,778	215,132
Loans		13,418,567	13,034,948
Less allowance for loan losses		173,384	170,452
Net loans		13,245,183	12,864,496
Bank owned life insurance		244,842	241,481
Investment in First Market Bank, FSB		33,811	32,527
Premises and equipment		261,699	266,401
Goodwill		1,090,117	1,085,565
Core deposit intangibles		158,800	172,658
Other assets		623,913	486,798
Total assets	$	23,038,522	23,016,916
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Demand (noninterest-bearing)	$	2,705,354	2,602,026
Savings, NOW and money market accounts		5,871,488	5,878,002
Jumbo and brokered certificates of deposits		2,321,673	2,206,736
Time deposits		4,892,453	4,862,823
Total deposits		15,790,968	15,549,587
Short-term borrowed funds		1,671,568	1,671,908
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		1,875,893	2,301,191
Long-term debt		279,973	277,996
Other liabilities		621,181	435,048
Total liabilities		20,239,583	20,235,730
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Serial preferred stock. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued		—	—
Common stock, $2 par value. Authorized 400,000,000 shares; 203,911,127 and 205,136,649 shares issued		407,822	410,273
Additional paid-in capital		1,700,765	1,738,157
Retained earnings		676,622	627,406
Accumulated other comprehensive income		13,730	5,350
Total stockholders’ equity		2,798,939	2,781,186
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	23,038,522	23,016,916
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
In Thousands Except Per Share Data	2004		2003
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans	$	182,982	197,669
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
U.S. Treasury		174	282
U.S. Government agencies and corporations		56,705	55,682
States and political subdivisions (primarily tax-exempt)		1,269	1,510
Equity and other securities		16,690	7,470
Interest and dividends on trading account securities		1,925	575
Interest on time deposits in other banks		408	25
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments		374	163
Total interest income		260,527	263,376
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		47,759	57,288
Short-term borrowed funds		4,565	4,368
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		15,602	22,118
Trust preferred securities and long-term debt		1,530	2,160
Total interest expense		69,456	85,934
Net interest income		191,071	177,442
Provision for loan losses		12,088	7,684
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		178,983	169,758
OTHER INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts		41,026	41,250
Other service charges and fees		8,437	9,341
Broker/dealer revenue		25,762	21,081
Asset management		16,498	12,382
Mortgage banking income		7,383	9,654
Equity earnings from First Market Bank, FSB		1,285	926
Other		8,584	7,642
Gain (loss) on branch sale		45	(145	)
Investment securities gains, net		10,918	2,464
Total other income		119,938	104,595
OTHER EXPENSE
Personnel		79,121	77,453
Net occupancy		13,407	12,904
Equipment		7,233	7,405
Core deposit intangibles amortization		13,639	16,284
Other		50,326	46,404
First Mercantile litigation		—	19,654
Total other expenses		163,726	180,104
Income before income taxes		135,195	94,249
Income taxes		44,951	30,159
Net income	$	90,244	64,090
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	$	.44	.31
Diluted		.44	.31
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic		204,978,998	205,270,721
Diluted		207,082,844	206,755,698

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited)

In Thousands Except Share Data	Shares of Common Stock		Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings		Other Comp. Income		Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance January 1, 2003	205,408,183		$	410,816		1,753,241		467,641		50,734		2,682,432
Net income	—			—		—		64,090		—		64,090
Restricted stock transactions, net	1,568			3		606		—		—		609
Options exercised, net of shares tendered	213,009			427		2,566		—		—		2,993
Shares repurchased and retired	(589,800	)		(1,180	)	(12,800	)	—		—		(13,980	)
Cash dividends ($.17 per share)	—			—		—		(34,948	)	—		(34,948	)
Change in minimum pension liability, net of applicable income taxes	—			—		—		—		(742	)	(742	)
Change in unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale, net of applicable income taxes	—			—		—		—		(3,926	)	(3,926	)
Other transactions, net	(23,394	)		(47	)	(467	)	—		—		(514	)
Balance, March 31, 2003	205,009,566		$	410,019		1,743,146		496,783		46,066		2,696,014
Balance, January 1, 2004	205,136,649		$	410,273		1,738,157		627,406		5,350		2,781,186
Net income	—			—		—		90,244		—		90,244
Restricted stock transactions, net	29,200			58		120		—		—		178
Options exercised, net of shares tendered	560,215			1,121		10,859		—		—		11,980
Shares repurchased and retired	(1,886,806	)		(3,774	)	(49,471	)	—		—		(53,245	)
Cash dividends ($.20 per share)	—			—		—		(41,028	)	—		(41,028	)
Change in minimum pension liability, net of applicable income taxes	—			—		—		—		(113	)	(113	)
Change in unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale, net of applicable income taxes	—			—		—		—		4,104		4,104
Change in unrealized loss on hedging instruments, net of applicable income taxes	—			—		—		—		4,389		4,389
Other transactions, net	71,869			144		1,100		—		—		1,244
Balance, March 31, 2004	203,911,127		$	407,822		1,700,765		676,622		13,730		2,798,939

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

5

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited)

In Thousands	2004			2003
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	90,244		64,090
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net		25,185		31,008
Provision for loan losses		12,088		7,684
Net gain on sales of investment securities		(10,918	)	(2,464	)
Deferred income taxes		(930	)	(577	)
Origination of loans held for sale		(1,078,347	)	(1,092,821	)
Sales of loans held for sale		1,022,181		1,119,583
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		1,931		765
Changes in:
Trading account securities		23,311		36,112
Other assets		(137,730	)	(50,400	)
Other liabilities		187,447		60,776
Other operating activities, net		(6,267	)	(3,622	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		128,195		170,134
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from:
Maturities and issuer calls of investment securities held to maturity		22,288		81,613
Sales of investment securities available for sale		867,025		478,779
Maturities and issuer calls of investment securities available for sale		324,620		713,276
Purchases of:
Investment securities held to maturity		(247	)	(416,237	)
Investment securities available for sale		(795,936	)	(1,116,513	)
Premises and equipment		(2,583	)	(23,851	)
Net originations of loans		(401,872	)	(49,220	)
Net cash paid on branch sales		(15,818	)	(1,327	)
Net cash used by investing activities		(2,523	)	(333,480	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in deposit accounts		259,754		433,853
Net decrease in short-term borrowed funds		(340	)	(101,659	)
Net decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(425,173	)	(154,857	)
Issuances of common stock from exercise of stock options, net		10,145		2,274
Purchase and retirement of common stock		(53,245	)	(13,980	)
Other equity transactions, net		(130	)	(53	)
Cash dividends paid		(41,028	)	(34,948	)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(250,017	)	130,630
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(124,345	)	(32,716	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (December 31)		752,209		602,757
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	627,864		570,041
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest paid during the period	$	68,484		85,516
Income taxes paid during the period	$	25,309		2,377

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited)

(1) CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of National Commerce Financial Corporation (“NCF”) have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NCF on a consolidated basis, and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with NCF’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004.

CONSOLIDATION NCF is a bank holding company that provides diverse financial services through a regional network of banking affiliates and a national network of nonbanking affiliates. NCF’s wholly owned banking subsidiaries include National Bank of Commerce (“NBC”) and NBC Bank, FSB. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts and results of operations of NCF’s direct and indirect wholly owned non-bank subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation.

NCF has two business segments: traditional banking and financial enterprises. Financial enterprises include transaction processing, trust services and investment management, retail banking consulting/in-store licensing and broker/dealer activities.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive stock options (as computed under the treasury stock method) assumed to have been exercised during the period.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive income is the change in equity during the period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Total comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2004, December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2003 are comprised of unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges and adjustments of minimum pension liability.

7

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION (Continued)

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION NCF from time to time grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares on the date of grant, which become exercisable on certain future dates with continued service by employees. NCF has elected to account for these stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and accordingly, recognizes no compensation expense for these stock option grants. For all variable stock option grants, which include any grant that is not at a fixed exercise price or whose vesting is dependent on future performance or some event other than the passage of time, compensation expense is recognized in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 over the period the employee performs related service, also called the vesting period.

NCF discloses pro forma net income and earnings per share in the notes to its consolidated financial statements as if compensation expense was measured under the fair value based method according to Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation.” Under the fair value based method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date of the option based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. Had compensation expense for the stock option plans been determined consistent with Statement No. 123, NCF’s net income and net income per share for the three-months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below. These pro forma amounts may not be representative of the effect on reported net income for future periods.

		Three Months Ended March 31,
In Thousands Except Per Share Data		2004		2003
Net income	As reported	$	90,244	64,090
	Pro forma		88,143	61,813
Basic EPS	As reported		.44	.31
	Pro forma		.43	.30
Diluted EPS	As reported		.44	.31
	Pro forma		.43	.30

8

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(2) LOANS

Management internally classifies the loan portfolio by the purpose of the borrowing. Such classification is presented below as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003. This classification method emphasizes the source of loan repayment rather than the collateral for the loan, which is the classification method followed for regulatory reporting purposes.

In Thousands	2004		2003
Commercial	$	3,935,130	3,820,585
Construction and commercial real estate		3,765,122	3,723,336
Mortgage		970,923	933,057
Consumer		4,531,275	4,342,695
Revolving credit		85,718	84,534
Lease financing		130,399	130,741
Total loans	$	13,418,567	13,034,948

(3) ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Following is the activity in the allowance for loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

In Thousands	2004			2003
Balance at beginning of period	$	170,452		163,424
Charge-offs:
Commercial		(1,600	)	(1,441	)
Construction and commercial real estate		—		(141	)
Secured by real estate		(1,022	)	(727	)
Consumer		(6,565	)	(5,977	)
Revolving credit		(1,109	)	(941	)
Lease financing		(405	)	(53	)
Total charge-offs		(10,701	)	(9,280	)
Recoveries:
Commercial		219		273
Construction and commercial real estate		1		7
Secured by real estate		50		26
Consumer		967		931
Revolving credit		234		322
Lease financing		74		37
Total recoveries		1,545		1,596
Net charge-offs		(9,156	)	(7,684	)
Provision for loan losses		12,088		7,684
Changes from sales		—		(582	)
Balance at end of period	$	173,384		162,842

9

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(4) NONPERFORMING ASSETS

Following is a summary of nonperforming assets as of March 31, 2004, December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2003:

In Thousands	March 2004		December 2003	March 2003
Nonaccrual loans	$	34,725	30,689	32,838
Foreclosed real estate		23,225	28,196	22,981
Nonperforming loans and foreclosed real estate		57,950	58,885	55,819
Other repossessed assets		6,108	4,638	11,962
Nonperforming assets	$	64,058	63,523	67,781
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due	$	65,275	64,457	56,384

(5) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2003 and three months ended March 31, 2004 for NCF’s business segments are as follows:

In Thousands	Traditional Banking		Financial Enterprises	Total
Balance as of January 1, 2003	$	1,042,146	34,972	1,077,118
Other goodwill adjustments		6,039	—	6,039
Goodwill acquired during the year		2,408	—	2,408
Balance as of December 31, 2003		1,050,593	34,972	1,085,565
Goodwill acquired during the period		—	4,552	4,552
Balance as of March 31, 2004	$	1,050,593	39,524	1,090,117

Core deposit intangibles are amortized over a period of up to 10 years using an accelerated method. Following is an analysis of core deposit intangibles:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2004				Year Ended December 31, 2003
In Thousands	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount	Accumulated Amortization
Core deposit intangibles	$	401,712	(242,912	)	402,225	(229,567	)
Aggregate amortization expense for the period		13,639			61,356
Estimated annual amortization expense:
For year ended 12/31/04		50,897
For year ended 12/31/05		41,296
For year ended 12/31/06		32,033
For year ended 12/31/07		23,137
For year ended 12/31/08		14,516

10

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(6) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income and the related tax effects allocated for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

	2004								2003
In Thousands	Before Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit		Net of Tax Amount			Before Tax Amount		Tax (Expense) Benefit	Net of Tax Amount
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during holding period	$	17,775		(7,066	)		10,709		(4,020	)	1,585	(2,435	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		(10,918	)	4,313			(6,605	)	(2,464	)	973	(1,491	)
Minimum pension liability:
Adjustment to minimum pension liability		(188	)	75			(113	)	(1,237	)	495	(742	)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedging instruments:
Unrealized losses arising during holding period		7,315		(2,926	)		4,389		—		—	—
Other comprehensive (income) loss	$	13,984		(5,604	)		8,380		(7,721	)	3,053	(4,668	)
Net income							90,244					64,090
Comprehensive income						$	98,624					59,422

(7) FHLB ADVANCES

Overnight FHLB borrowings, included in “short-term borrowed funds” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, totaled $180 million at March 31, 2004.

Maturities of FHLB advances for each of the years ending December 31 are as follows:

In Thousands	Range of Rates	Total Maturities
2004	1.06% to 7.65%	$	812,385
2005	1.82% to 5.68%		2,335
2006	4.44% to 4.44%		25,205
2007	7.00% to 7.00%		285
2008	2.00% to 5.94%		204,565
Thereafter	2.17% to 6.39%		831,118
Total	1.06% to 7.65%	$	1,875,893

11

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(8) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The following tables disclose the components of the net periodic benefit costs and the assumptions used in computing those costs for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 for NCF’s pension and other benefit plans:

	Pension Plan					Other Plans
In Thousands	2004			2003		2004	2003
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Service cost	$	1,688		1,467		112	91
Interest cost		2,164		2,173		444	402
Expected return on plan assets		(3,352	)	(2,814	)	—	—
Transition obligation amortization		—		—		5	5
Amortization of prior service cost		(26	)	(26	)	14	3
Amortization of net loss		396		564		275	184
FAS88 settlement loss		—		—		100	99
Net expense	$	870		1,364		950	784
Assumptions:
Discount rate		6.00	%	6.75		6.00	6.75
Expected long-term return on assets		8.50		8.50		—	—
Rate of compensation increase		3.50		3.50		—	—
Initial health care trend rate		—		—		9.00	9.00
Ultimate trend rate		—		—		5.00	5.00
Year ultimate trend rate is reached		—		—		2012	2011

(9) PER SHARE DATA

The following schedule presents the components of the basic and diluted EPS computations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Dilutive common shares arise from the potentially dilutive effect of NCF’s stock options outstanding.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
In Thousands Except Per Share Data	2004		2003
Basic EPS
Average common shares		204,979	205,271
Net income	$	90,244	64,090
Earnings per share		.44	.31
Diluted EPS
Average common shares		204,979	205,271
Average dilutive common shares		2,104	1,485
Adjusted average common shares		207,083	206,756
Net income	$	90,244	64,090
Earnings per share		.44	.31

12

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(10) SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION

Following is a breakdown of the components of “other expense” on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
In Thousands	2004		2003
Legal and professional fees	$	13,298	8,145
Telecommunications		4,132	4,508
Data processing		6,590	5,245
Marketing		3,029	2,518
Printing and office supplies		3,116	3,314
Postage and freight		2,365	2,780
All other		17,796	19,894
Total other expense	$	50,326	46,404

(11) CONTINGENCIES

Certain legal claims have arisen in the normal course of business in which NCF and certain of its Subsidiary Banks have been named as defendants. Although the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to such matters cannot be determined, in the opinion of management and counsel, any such liability will have no material effect on NCF’s financial position or results of operations.

(12) SEGMENT INFORMATION

Management monitors NCF performance as two business segments, traditional banking and financial enterprises.

The traditional banking segment includes sales and distribution of financial products and services to individuals. These products and services include loan products such as residential mortgage, home equity lending, automobile and other personal financing needs. Traditional banking products also include various deposit products that are designed for customers’ saving and transaction needs. This segment also includes lending and related financial services provided to small- to medium-sized companies. Included among these services are several specialty services such as real estate finance, asset-based lending and residential construction lending. The traditional banking segment also includes management of the investment portfolio and non-deposit based funding.

The financial enterprises segment is comprised of trust services and investment management, transaction processing, retail banking consulting/in-store licensing and broker/dealer activities.

The accounting policies of the individual segments are the same as those of NCF. Transactions between business segments are conducted at arm’s length. Interest income for tax-exempt loans and securities is adjusted to a taxable-equivalent basis.

13

National Commerce Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(12) SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

The following tables present condensed income statements for each reportable segment:

In Thousands	Traditional Banking			Financial Enterprises		Intersegment Eliminations		Total
Quarter ended March 31, 2004:
Net interest income (TE)	$	190,886		7,002		—		197,888
Provision for loan losses		(12,088	)	—		—		(12,088	)
Gain (loss) on branch sale		45		—		—		45
Noninterest income		68,789		53,068		(1,964	)	119,893
Intangibles amortization		(13,639	)	—		—		(13,639	)
Noninterest expense		(111,756	)	(40,295	)	1,964		(150,087	)
Income before income taxes (TE)		122,237		19,775		—		142,012
Income taxes		44,056		7,712		—		51,768
Net income	$	78,181		12,063		—		90,244
Average assets	$	22,105,456		1,038,608		—		23,144,064
Quarter ended March 31, 2003:
Net interest income (TE)	$	179,167		5,215		—		184,382
Provision for loan losses		(7,684	)	—		—		(7,684	)
Gain (loss) on branch sale		(145	)	—		—		(145	)
Noninterest income		61,601		44,757		(1,618	)	104,740
Intangibles amortization		(16,284	)	—		—		(16,284	)
First Mercantile litigation		—		(19,654	)	—		(19,654	)
Noninterest expense		(111,053	)	(34,731	)	1,618		(144,166	)
Income before income taxes (TE)		105,602		(4,413	)	—		101,189
Income taxes		38,820		(1,721	)	—		37,099
Net income	$	66,782		(2,692	)	—		64,090
Average assets	$	20,578,077		714,365		—		21,292,442

(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On May 9, 2004, NCF announced that it had signed a definitive merger agreement with SunTrust Banks, Inc. The merger, which is subject to approval by regulatory authorities and by shareholders of both companies, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2004. Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, which has been approved by both boards of directors, NCF shareholders will have the right, subject to proration, to elect to receive cash or SunTrust common stock, in either case having a value equal to $8.625 plus .3713 SunTrust shares.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following sets forth management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of National Commerce Financial Corporation (“NCF”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. NCF is a registered bank holding company that provides diverse financial services through a regional network of banking subsidiaries and a national network of non-bank subsidiaries. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with NCF’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following discussion contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated future operating and financial performance measures, including net interest margin, credit quality, business initiatives, growth opportunities and growth rates, among other things. Words such as “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “objectives” and “goals” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. We caution readers that such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates based on management’s judgment, and obtaining the estimated results is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Such risks are discussed below. A variety of factors, including those described below, could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this report. We do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The following risks are those we believe to pose the greatest risk to our financial condition, operations and prospects: fluctuations in interest rates could adversely affect our net interest income and impact funding sources; competition with other providers of financial services could adversely affect our profitability and ability to grow core businesses; adverse changes in general economic conditions could result in declines in credit quality with resulting higher charge-offs, in the value of the collateral that secure our loans and in loan demand, our largest source of revenue; unfavorable political conditions including acts or threats of terrorism and actions taken by governments in response to terrorism; various monetary and fiscal policies and regulations, including those determined by the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Securities and Exchange Commission; and management’s ability to manage these and other risks.

We are a registered bank holding company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. We provide banking and other financial services through our banking and non-banking subsidiaries. We are the surviving corporation from the July 2000 merger of National Commerce Bancorporation with CCB Financial Corporation. Our banking subsidiaries are National Bank of Commerce (“NBC”) and NBC Bank, FSB. In certain of our markets, NBC operates under the trade names of “Central Carolina Bank” and “Wal-Mart Money Center by National Bank of Commerce.” We also are a 49 percent owner of First Market Bank, FSB. First Market operates 30 branch offices in the Richmond, Virginia area. Additionally, we own all of the outstanding common stock of numerous non-bank subsidiaries that provide a variety of financial services.

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW - THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004 AND 2003

Management focuses on five key financial performance drivers in managing our operations and planning for the future. These performance drivers are: net interest margin, revenue growth, efficiency ratio, asset quality, and de novo expansion. Our discussion and analysis of operating results is structured in the context of these key drivers.

During the first quarter of 2004, with respect to our key drivers, we experienced:

• Continued compression of our net interest margin due primarily to interest rates remaining at historically low levels;

• A seven percent increase in noninterest income, excluding investment securities gains, over first quarter 2003 despite an industry-wide decline in mortgage banking activity;

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• Improvement in our operating cash efficiency ratio to 48.08 percent for first quarter 2004 compared to 50.29 percent for the same period in 2003;

• A six percent decline in nonperforming assets compared to one year ago; and

• Continued de novo expansion in Atlanta and through our co-branding relationship with Wal-Mart.

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2004 totaled $90 million compared to 2003’s $64 million. Basic and diluted net income per share were $.44 in first quarter 2004 and $.31 in the first quarter of 2003. Annualized returns on average assets and stockholders’ equity were 1.57 percent and 13.04 percent, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to 1.22 percent and 9.64 percent, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2003.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) which require that we make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) that affect the amounts reported in those financial statements. We have established procedures and processes to facilitate making the judgments necessary to prepare financial statements. In particular, we have identified accounting for loan losses, accounting for the fair value of tangible and intangible assets and accounting for income taxes as the more material items in our financial statements that involve complex accounting estimates and principles and a greater degree of judgment than required for most of our accounting entries. We refer you to our 2003 Annual Report for a more complete summary of our critical accounting policies. In each case, we have identified the variables most important in the estimation process. Management used the best information available to make the estimations necessary to value the related assets and liabilities. Actual performance that differs from our estimates and future changes in key variables could change future valuations and impact net income.

Determining our allowance for loan losses inherently entails our making estimates based on future events and involves a large degree of judgment and subjective analysis. The allowance for loan losses is discussed more fully in the section following under the heading “Provision for Loan Losses.”

As of March 31, 2004, we have unamortized goodwill totaling $1.1 billion and core deposit intangibles totaling $159 million (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Mortgage servicing rights totaled $17 million at March 31, 2004. Intangible assets subject to amortization will be reviewed for impairment in accordance with GAAP. Goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

We employ certain tax structures to reduce our tax rate below the statutory rates of the federal and individual state governments. Our estimate of tax expense considers the risk that certain income may be taxed or certain deductions may be disallowed. In the event that tax authorities disagree with our treatment of revenues and expenses, we could incur additional tax expense from prior periods and in the future. Various states have been more aggressively pursuing income taxes due to their budget shortfalls. In addition, states have considered legislation that could impact our state tax expense.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF KEY DRIVERS

Net Interest Margin

Net interest margin is one of the key drivers as net interest income is our principal source of earnings. Volume, yield/cost and relative mix of both earning assets and interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing sources of funds impact net interest income.

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The net interest margin for the first quarter of 2004 declined 12 basis points to 3.86 percent from 3.98 percent in the first quarter of 2003. This decline is attributable to lower prepayment penalty and origination fees as well as decreased fixed rate loan yields due to prepayments/maturities. New loan production continues to be predominately at lower, variable rates. Currently, more than half of our loans are at variable rates which would improve our net interest margin in the short-term if rates rise. See Table 1 for an analysis of our net interest margin.

Interest-earning Assets and Interest-bearing Liabilities To combat recession fears and slowdowns in the economy, the Federal Reserve has decreased the target federal funds rate during the past three years. Since the beginning of 2001, the Federal Reserve has decreased the target federal funds rate by a total of 550 basis points, with the most recent decrease being 25 basis points in June 2003. We do not anticipate any further decreases by the Federal Reserve in 2004 and believe that the Federal Reserve is likely to increase rates later in 2004, perhaps as soon as the end of the second quarter.

Each time the Federal Reserve decreased the target federal funds rate, our banking subsidiaries lowered their prime lending rate to keep pace with the changes in funding costs. The prime rates charged by our banking subsidiaries were 4.00 percent at March 31, 2004 and 4.25 percent at March 31, 2003. Our yield on interest-earning assets has fallen due to these interest rate changes and the lower-reinvestment rates available as loans repaid. Additionally, accelerated prepayments of our investments in mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations resulted in increased amortization of premiums on those investments that negatively impacted our yield on earning assets. We did not expand our investment securities portfolio during the first quarter of 2004 due to unattractive market rates. During first quarter of 2004, the increase in interest income from higher volumes of interest-earning assets was more than offset by the decrease in interest income from lower rates earned on those assets.

Corresponding with the falling yields on interest-earning assets, the rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities have decreased when repriced. Additionally, the long-term debt restructuring undertaken in 2003 decreased our cost of funds. Increases in interest expense due to higher volumes of interest-bearing liabilities were more than offset by decreased interest expense due to lower rates paid on those liabilities. We remain optimistic that a rise in rates will increase net interest income due to the slightly asset sensitive position of the balance sheet and the relatively low current value of noninterest-bearing deposits. Overall, our net interest income increased by $34 million in first quarter of 2004 due to variances in volume from average outstandings in first quarter of 2003 and decreased $20 million due to variances in rates in effect during first quarter 2004 compared to 2003.

Our “net free liabilities” (noninterest-bearing liabilities and equity) impact our net interest margin as they provide a free source of funding our asset growth. We focused our sales efforts on increasing noninterest-bearing deposits during 2003 with a resulting increase of $374 million in average noninterest-bearing deposits at March 31, 2004 compared to March 31, 2003. The contribution of “net free liabilities” to the net interest margin (computed as net interest margin less interest rate spread) fell to 25 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from 31 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2003. Despite the increase in our “net free liabilities” of approximately $572 million, the contribution of net free liabilities to our net interest margin declined as a result of the 63 basis point decline in the average yield on our interest-earning assets as discussed previously.

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Table 1. Average Balances and Net Interest Income Analysis

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2004						2003
In Thousands (1) – Taxable Equivalent Basis	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/ Rate		Average Balance	Interest	Average Yield/ Rate
Earning assets:
Loans (2)	$	13,451,587		184,637	5.52	%	12,789,028	199,861	6.32
U.S. Treasury and agency obligations (3)		5,253,008		60,903	4.64		4,975,088	59,887	4.82
States and political subdivision obligations (3)		89,600		1,876	8.38		114,474	2,253	7.87
Other securities (3)		1,299,803		17,212	5.30		617,142	7,537	4.89
Trading securities		259,602		1,934	2.98		87,496	586	2.68
Time deposits in other banks		38,023		408	4.31		9,575	25	1.06
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments		178,951		374	.84		51,187	167	1.33
Total earning assets		20,570,574		267,344	5.22		18,643,990	270,316	5.85
Non-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		431,289					398,564
Bank owned life insurance		243,306					228,214
Investment in First Market Bank		32,946					28,353
Premises and equipment		265,599					258,614
Goodwill		1,087,115					1,077,121
Core deposit intangibles		165,967					229,044
All other assets, net		347,268					428,542
Total assets	$	23,144,064					21,292,442
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings, NOW and money market accounts	$	5,816,757		8,990	.62	%	5,684,696	11,957	.85
Jumbo and brokered certificates of deposit		2,290,967		6,416	1.13		1,796,198	7,189	1.62
Time deposits		4,913,286		32,353	2.65		4,909,848	38,142	3.15
Total interest-bearing deposits		13,021,010		47,759	1.48		12,390,742	57,288	1.88
Short-term borrowed funds		1,697,317		4,565	1.08		1,249,458	4,368	1.40
FHLB advances		2,351,862		15,602	2.67		2,056,896	22,118	4.36
Trust preferred securities and long-term debt		278,344		1,530	2.20		296,745	2,160	2.95
Total interest-bearing liabilities		17,348,533		69,456	1.61		15,993,841	85,934	2.18
Other liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Demand deposits		2,514,792					2,140,299
Other liabilities		497,784					462,456
Stockholders’ equity		2,782,955					2,695,846
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	23,144,064					21,292,442
Net interest income and net interest margin (4)			$	197,888	3.86	%		184,382	3.98
Interest rate spread (5)					3.61	%			3.67

(1) The taxable equivalent basis is computed using 35% federal and applicable state tax rates in 2004 and 2003. A reconciliation of taxable equivalent interest income to GAAP interest income is provided below:

In Thousands	2004		2003
Taxable equivalent interest income	$	267,344	270,316
Less taxable equivalent adjustment for:
Loans		1,655	2,192
Investment securities		5,153	4,733
Trading account securities		9	11
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments		—	4
GAAP interest income	$	260,527	263,376

(2) The average loan balances include non-accruing loans. The average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans available for sale.

(3) The average balances for debt and equity securities exclude the effect of their mark-to-market adjustment, if any.

(4) Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total earning assets.

(5) Interest rate spread equals the earning asset yield minus the interest-bearing liability rate.

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Interest Rate Risk Management We manage the interest rate sensitive components of our balance sheet with a view toward achieving consistent net income increases in spite of fluctuations in net interest margin caused by changing interest rates. Interest sensitivity is our primary market risk and is defined as the risk of economic loss resulting from changes in interest rates that negatively impact net interest income. Responsibility for managing interest rate, market and liquidity risks rests with our Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”). ALCO reviews interest rate and liquidity exposures and, based on its view of existing and expected market conditions, adopts balance sheet strategies that are intended to optimize net interest income to the extent possible while minimizing the risk associated with changes in interest rates.

Interest rate sensitivity varies with different types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Overnight federal funds, on which rates change daily, and loans which are tied to the prime rate are much more interest rate sensitive than fixed-rate securities and loans. Similarly, time deposits of $100,000 and over and money market accounts are much more interest rate sensitive than savings accounts. The shorter-term interest rate sensitivities are the key to measurement of the interest sensitivity gap, or difference between interest-sensitive earning assets and interest-sensitive liabilities. Trying to minimize this gap is a continual challenge in a changing interest rate environment and one of the objectives of the ALCO. ALCO uses Gap Analysis as one method to determine and monitor the appropriate balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities.

Gap Analysis measures the interest sensitivity of assets and liabilities at a given point in time. The interest sensitivity of assets and liabilities is based on the timing of contractual maturities and repricing opportunities. A positive interest-sensitive gap occurs when interest-sensitive assets exceed interest-sensitive liabilities. The reverse situation results in a negative gap. Management believes that an essentially balanced position (+/- 15 percent of tangible assets) between interest-sensitive assets and liabilities is necessary in order to protect against wide fluctuations in interest rates. An analysis of our interest sensitivity position at March 31, 2004 is presented in Table 2. At March 31, 2004, we had a cumulative “positive gap” (interest-sensitive assets exceeded interest-sensitive liabilities, equity and interest rate swaps) of $972 million or 4.22 percent of total assets over a twelve-month horizon. This compares to a cumulative “negative gap” of $821 million or 3.57 percent of total assets over a twelve-month horizon at December 31, 2003. The ratio of assets to liabilities, equity and interest rate swaps was 1.09x at March 31, 2004 compared to .93x at December 31, 2003. ALCO decided that a change in our gap position was prudent due to its expectation that short-term interest rates may rise slightly during 2004. As a result of the asset sensitive gap position in the less than 30 day category, as shown in Table 2, additional declines in interest rates could have a negative impact on our net interest margin until our interest-bearing liabilities reprice.

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Table 2. Interest Sensitivity Analysis

	As of March 31, 2004 (1)
In Thousands	30 Days Sensitive			6 Months Sensitive		6 Months to 1 Year Sensitive	Total Sensitive	Beyond 1 Year Sensitive		Total
Assets:
Short term investments	$	426,708		—		—	426,708	—		426,708
Investment securities		770,944		1,083,046		718,904	2,572,894	3,644,283		6,217,177
Loans		6,900,592		1,137,827		1,163,964	9,202,383	4,493,962		13,696,345
Other assets		—		—		—	—	2,698,292		2,698,292
Total assets		8,098,244		2,220,873		1,882,868	12,201,985	10,836,537		23,038,522
Liabilities:
Noninterest DDA		225,454		450,907		—	676,361	2,028,993		2,705,354
Savings deposits		887,928		584,452		584,452	2,056,832	3,814,656		5,871,488
Time deposits		1,921,040		2,421,237		1,103,216	5,445,493	1,768,633		7,214,126
Short-term borrowed funds		1,312,170		349,414		9,984	1,671,568	—		1,671,568
Long-term debt		854,023		407		498	854,928	1,300,938		2,155,866
Other liabilities		—		—		—	—	621,181		621,181
Total liabilities		5,200,615		3,806,417		1,698,150	10,705,182	9,534,401		20,239,583
Total equity		—		—		—	—	2,798,939		2,798,939
Total liabilities and equity		5,200,615		3,806,417		1,698,150	10,705,182	12,333,340		23,038,522
Interest rate swaps:
Pay floating/receive fixed		300,000		225,000		—	525,000	(525,000	)	—
Total interest rate swaps		300,000		225,000		—	525,000	(525,000	)	—
Interest sensitivity gap	$	2,597,629		(1,810,544	)	184,718	971,803
Cumulative gap	$	2,597,629		787,085		971,803
Cumulative ratio of assets to liabilities, equity and interest rate swaps		1.47	x	1.08		1.09
Cumulative gap to total assets		11.28	%	3.42		4.22

Comparative Interest Sensitivity Gap

	As of December 31, 2003
In Thousands	30 Days Sensitive			6 Months Sensitive		6 Months to 1 Year Sensitive		Total Sensitive	Beyond 1 Year Sensitive	Total
Cumulative gap	$	1,634,139		(326,487	)	(821,082	)
Cumulative ratio of assets to liabilities, equity and interest rate swaps		1.26	x	.97		.93
Cumulative gap to total assets		7.10	%	(1.42	)	(3.57	)

(1) Assets and liabilities that mature in one year or less and/or have interest rates that can be adjusted during this period are considered interest-sensitive. The interest sensitivity position has meaning only as of the date for which it is prepared.

Gap Analysis is a limited measurement tool, however, because it does not incorporate the interrelationships between interest rates charged or paid, balance sheet trends and reaction to interest rate changes. In addition, a gap analysis model does not consider that changes in interest rates do not affect all categories of assets and liabilities equally or simultaneously. Therefore, ALCO uses Gap Analysis as a tool to monitor changes in the balance sheet structure. To estimate the impact that changes in interest rates would have on our earnings, ALCO uses Simulation Analysis. ALCO prepares and reviews the Simulation Analysis quarterly. The most recent Simulation Analysis was as of February 29, 2004 and those results do not vary significantly from those that would have been obtained for an analysis as of March 31, 2004.

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Simulation Analysis is performed using a computer-based asset/liability model incorporating current portfolio balances and rates, contractual maturities, repricing opportunities, and assumptions about prepayments, future interest rates and future volumes. Using this information, the model calculates earnings estimates under multiple interest rate scenarios. To measure the sensitivity of our earnings, the results of multiple simulations, which assume changes in interest rates, are compared to the “base case” simulation, which assumes no changes in interest rates. The sensitivity of earnings is expressed as a percentage change in comparison to the “base case” simulation. The model assumes an immediate parallel shift in the interest rate environment. Using data as of February 29, 2004, a 100 basis point increase is projected to decrease net income .3 percent and a 100 basis point decrease is projected to decrease net income 3.6 percent. The model uses asymmetrical pricing assumptions with respect to certain borrowings whereby interest rates are assumed not to be able to fall as much as they are able to rise (a floor is established but no ceiling). With call risk, in a falling interest rate environment, issuer calls of higher yielding securities produce excess cash that would be re-invested at the lower rates available in the market. In a rising rate environment, maturities of lower-yielding callable securities are extended and less cash is generated for re-investment at the higher market rates available.

As of March 31, 2004, management believes that NCF is positioned to avoid material negative changes in net income resulting from future changes in interest rates. Management continues to target a relatively neutral position relative to future interest rate increases in the event that interest rates increase in 2004. If simulation results show that earnings sensitivity exceeds the targeted limit, ALCO will adopt on-balance sheet and/or off-balance sheet strategies to bring earnings sensitivity within target guidelines. ALCO reviews the interest-earning and interest-bearing portfolios to ensure a proper mix of fixed- and variable-rate products.

Estimating the amount of interest rate risk requires using significant assumptions about the future. These estimates will be different from actual results for many reasons, including but not limited to, changes in the growth of the overall economy, changes in credit spreads, market interest rates moving in patterns other than the patterns chosen for analysis, changes in customer preferences, changes in tactical and strategic plans and changes in Federal Reserve policy. Stress testing is performed quarterly on all market risk measurement analyses to help understand the relative sensitivity of key assumptions and thereby better understand and evaluate our risk profile.

Management will continue to monitor our interest sensitivity position with the goals of ensuring adequate liquidity while at the same time seeking profitable spreads between the yields on funding uses and the rates paid for funding sources.

Revenue Growth

Revenue growth is our second identified driver. Revenue consists of net interest income, discussed above, and noninterest income. Growth in noninterest income is, and will continue to be, a significant factor in determining our financial success. Noninterest income as a percentage of total revenues (taxable equivalent basis) grew to 37.7 percent in first quarter 2004 compared to first quarter 2003’s 35.2 percent. Excluding net investment securities gains and gains on branch sales, the percentages would be 34.3 percent and 34.4 percent, respectively. The largest increases in noninterest income in first quarter 2004 were broker/dealer revenues and asset management fees.

Service charges on deposit accounts are our largest single category of noninterest income. Despite our higher volume of deposit accounts, service charge revenue was negatively impacted over the last 12 months by the Wal-Mart interchange settlement, by commercial deposit customers maintaining higher deposit balances as interest rates on overnight sweep opportunities are not as attractive, by commercial customers processing more electronic and less paper transactions, by the rollout of our free Internet bill pay, and by the continued conversion by our retail customers of fee-paying checking accounts to no-fee products. Additionally, first quarter historically results in seasonally lower consumer banking fees; we are encouraged the service charge revenue came back strongly in March 2004. We review our deposit products and service charge structure periodically to ensure that we are competitive with the marketplace. We anticipate growth in deposit service charge income as we emphasize transaction account deposit growth.

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Our mortgage banking income declined in first quarter 2004 to $7 million from $10 million in first quarter 2003. The mortgage industry experienced unprecedented levels of refinancings during the first three quarters of 2003 due to the lowest mortgage rates in many years; mortgage activity slowed significantly in the latter part of 2003 and 2004 activity is expected to be significantly below 2003 levels. For approximately the last year and a half, we retained the servicing rights on newly originated, conforming loans eligible for sale in the secondary market. In second quarter 2004, we anticipate selling servicing on loans with outstanding principal balances of $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2004. Gains, if any, realized on mortgage servicing sales will be dependent on market rates in effect at the time of sale. Loans originated by the Atlanta mortgage-originator acquired in late 2002 continue to be sold on a flow basis.

Broker/dealer revenues were up $5 million in first quarter 2004 to $26 million from first quarter 2003 due primarily to sales of trust preferred securities to institutional customers. We anticipate selling another pool of trust preferred securities during the second quarter. We expect broker/dealer revenues in 2004 to be lower than 2003’s. Changes in interest rate levels or equity markets could significantly impact these revenues.

In 2002, we began to extend our wealth management programs throughout our NCF footprint with the goal of synchronizing private banking, trust, brokerage and our First Mercantile retirement plan products to provide complete wealth management solutions. In response to those efforts, asset management fees have risen steadily over the past five quarters. First Mercantile continues to market their retirement plan products to other financial providers and we anticipate a strong year in 2004.

The sale of our merchant processing operations in late 2003 was the primary cause of the decrease in other service charges and fees for the first quarter 2004 compared to the same quarter in 2003.

In the first quarter of 2004, we recognized $11 million of investment securities gains. The market rates in effect presented us with the opportunity to take some of the gains in the investment portfolio and, with our expectation that rates might rise in 2004, we determined that it was in our best interest to sell investments from the available for sale portfolio. We do not anticipate significant securities sales during the remainder of 2004.

Efficiency

Management looks to our efficiency ratio as a key indicator of how well we manage the noninterest cost of operating our diverse institution. NCF’s effort to improve operational efficiency remains a top initiative. The first wave of recommendations from the previously announced project to improve internal performance will be implemented in the second quarter and revenue enhancement/expense control benefits should gradually increase through the fourth quarter of this year. First quarter 2004 included an expense of $2.4 million for outside consulting services related to this initiative.

NCF’s first quarter operating cash efficiency ratio, defined as cash operating noninterest expense divided by operating revenues, has improved 221 basis points from first quarter 2003 despite our significant de novo expansion in the Atlanta metropolitan area. During this time operating revenues rose 7.0 percent while cash operating noninterest expense rose only 2.3 percent. The first quarter 2004 operating cash efficiency ratio increased 80 basis points from fourth quarter 2003 primarily due to lower net interest income, annual salary increases adopted in the first quarter, seasonally higher FICA and employee benefits, and the addition of eight new branches. We expect the current revenue/expense initiatives to provide significant leverage as much of the anticipated lift in revenue is not expected to require an offsetting rise in expense.

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Table 3 presents efficiency ratios for the first quarter 2004, fourth quarter 2003 and first quarter 2003. Included within Table 3 is our efficiency ratio computed on a cash operating basis. Management uses a cash operating efficiency ratio as a key performance indicator rather a ratio computed using GAAP measures. Accordingly, our cash operating efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that is reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measure in the table below. Management believes that certain noninterest expenses included in the GAAP measure are not fairly indicative of the on-going cost to operate our business. For example, gains or losses on investment securities are not considered part of our core earnings. Core deposit intangible amortization is a noninterest expense related to an intangible asset that was recorded due to the accounting basis of certain acquisitions. Accordingly, such items have been excluded in computing our cash operating efficiency ratio. Our goal for 2004 is to maintain an operating cash efficiency ratio of less than 48 percent.

Table 3. Efficiency Ratios

	Three Months Ended
In Thousands	March 2004			December 2003		March 2003
Noninterest expense	$	163,726		162,236		180,104
Net interest income (TE) (1)	$	197,888		202,391		184,382
Noninterest income		119,938		111,705		104,595
Total revenues	$	317,826		314,096		288,977
Efficiency ratio (TE)		51.51	%	51.65		62.32
Noninterest expense	$	163,726		162,236		180,104
Less:
Core deposit intangible and goodwill amortization		(13,639	)	(14,337	)	(16,284	)
First Mercantile litigation		—		—		(19,654	)
Employment contract terminations		—		(987	)	—
Other items (2)		(2,543	)	(1,021	)	—
Cash operating noninterest expense	$	147,544		145,891		144,166
Net interest income (TE) (1)	$	197,888		202,391		184,382
Noninterest income		119,938		111,705		104,595
Less:
(Gain) loss on branch sales		(45	)	(2,200	)	145
Investment securities (gains) losses		(10,918	)	(3,338	)	(2,464	)
Operating revenues	$	306,863		308,558		286,658
Cash operating efficiency ratio (TE)		48.08	%	47.28		50.29

(1) The taxable equivalent adjustment to net interest income is computed using a 35% federal tax rate and applicable state tax rates.

(2) Comprised of expenses related to consulting project, severance and branch closures.

Core deposit intangible amortization expense decreased $3 million in first quarter of 2004 from first quarter of 2003. This decrease is consistent with the accelerated amortization method we use. During 2003, core deposit intangibles were reduced by $3 million in connection with deposits sold in branch sales. We anticipate 2004’s core deposit intangible amortization will be approximately $51 million.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming Loans and Nonperforming Assets Nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets have experienced moderate improvement over the last four quarters. During 2003, we charged-off $11 million of known problem loans within our aircraft portfolio and do not expect any future significant losses in this portfolio. The ratio of nonperforming loans to loans outstanding was .26 percent at March 31, 2004 compared to .24 percent at December 31, 2003 and .28 percent at March 31, 2003. At March 31, 2004, total nonperforming assets (consisting of nonperforming loans, foreclosed real estate and other repossessed assets) amounted to $64 million or .48 percent of outstanding loans plus other real estate acquired through foreclosure and other repossessed assets. This compares to $64 million or .49 percent at December 31, 2003 and $68 million or .57 percent at March 31, 2003.

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Allowance for Loan Losses Management considers determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses to be a critical accounting estimate and performs periodic analysis of the loan portfolio to determine its appropriateness. The overall allowance analysis considers the results of the loan reviews, quantitative and qualitative indicators of the current quality of the loan portfolio and the inherent risk of loss not captured in the reviews and assessments of pools of loans. Management responsible for credit and financial matters performs the assessment and determines the amount of the allowance for loan losses.

As discussed in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we refined our risk scoring system in late 2002 to better align our risk definitions with regulatory requirements but had not completed the re-evaluation of loss factors assigned to each credit category as of December 31, 2002. The loss factors used in our allowance allocation model were re-evaluated in the first quarter of 2003 based upon the modified loan classification system. The re-evaluation of our risk factors included historical data, including loss levels and resulted in decreased loss factors utilized in allocating our allowance. Consequently, our unallocated allowance increased. Although the allocation of the allowance is an important management process, no portion of the allowance is restricted to any individual or group of loans; rather the entire allowance is available to absorb losses for the entire loan portfolio.

The unallocated allowance for loan losses increased to $51 million at March 31, 2004 compared to $50 million at December 31, 2003 and $45 million at March 31, 2003. We believe the level of unallocated reserve is appropriate given that the economy has not yet experienced consistent trends in economic recovery indicators, we have higher levels of nonperforming loans than experienced one year ago, there is the possibility of rising interest rates placing increased debt service requirements on borrowers and the levels of unallocated allowance we have historically maintained.

Table 4 summarizes indicators of portfolio quality and the allowance for loan losses as of and for the five quarters ended March 31, 2004.

Table 4. Indicators of Portfolio Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses

	2004			2003	2003	2003	2003
In Thousands	First Quarter			Fourth Quarter	Third Quarter	Second Quarter	First Quarter
Loans outstanding (1)	$	13,418,567		13,034,948	12,897,774	12,411,446	11,881,973
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding		1.29	%	1.31	1.34	1.35	1.37
Average loans outstanding for the period (1)	$	13,239,512		12,992,875	12,736,334	12,220,225	12,373,824
Ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average loans for the period		.28	%	.43	.31	.29	.25
Ratio of recoveries to charge-offs for the period		14.44		14.48	11.80	14.23	17.20
Ratio of nonperforming loans to:
Loans outstanding		.26		.24	.28	.27	.28
Total assets		.15		.13	.16	.15	.15
Ratio of nonperforming assets to:
Loans outstanding plus foreclosed real estate and other repossessed assets		.48		.49	.52	.53	.57
Total assets		.28		.28	.29	.29	.31
Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans		4.99	x	5.55	4.79	4.94	4.96

(1) Excluding loans held for sale.

The provision for loan losses during the first quarter of 2004 was $12 million compared to $8 million in the first quarter of 2003. Net loan charge-offs totaled $9 million in the first quarter of 2004 and $8 million in the first quarter of 2003, representing .28 percent and .25 percent (annualized) net charge-offs to average loans for the respective periods. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans, excluding loans held for sale, was 1.29 percent at March 31, 2004 and 1.37 percent at March 31, 2004.

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Net annualized chargeoffs were .28 percent of average loans in the first quarter of 2004 compared to .25 percent in the first quarter of 2003. We continue to target a range of .25 percent to .30 percent for the full year of 2004. The allowance at March 31, 2004 provides for a coverage level of 4.71 times the current quarter’s annualized net charge-offs and 4.99 times nonperforming loans.

Management considers many quantitative ratios and factors in its ultimate determination of the allowance for loan losses including: coverage ratio, the level of nonperforming loans and past due loans, the level of unallocated reserve and our loan mix. Qualitative factors considered include considerations of overall interest rates, political conditions, legislation that may directly or indirectly affect the banking industry and economic conditions in the geographical areas and industries in which we do business.

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb estimated probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The most recent regulatory agency examinations have not revealed any material problem credits that had not been previously identified; however, future regulatory examinations may result in the regulatory agencies requiring adjustments to the allowance for loan losses based on information available at the date of examination.

De Novo Expansion

NCF continues to focus its efforts on de novo expansion opportunities with emphasis on its newest markets: Asheville, Savannah, Atlanta, and Wal-Mart Money Centers. In April 2004, NCF announced that it has entered into a master lease agreement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to expand its existing relationship by adding approximately 70 new branches in stores throughout Florida and Georgia, with plans for additional branches under discussion. The agreement provides NCF with its initial entry into Florida, a market which complements NCF’s existing geographic footprint in the Southeast United States. The planned branches will be concentrated primarily in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg with the first branch under this agreement expected to open in the third quarter of 2004, with the remainder to follow through 2005. These planned branches could result in immaterial short-term earnings drag.

Each of the de novo expansion initiatives experienced another strong quarter of strong growth with Asheville and Savannah (acquired from Wachovia), Atlanta, and the pilot Wal-Mart Money Centers experiencing double-digit end-of-period loan growth, a pace faster than NCF as a whole.

Table 5 provides information regarding loan and deposit growth for our de novo markets.

Table 5. De Novo Loans and Deposits

In Thousands	March 31, 2004		December 31, 2003	March 31, 2003
Loans:
Asheville and Savannah	$	399,065	380,151	276,570
Atlanta		335,304	281,372	91,102
Wal-Mart Money Center		78,008	71,028	48,131
Total	$	812,377	732,551	415,803
Deposits:
Asheville and Savannah	$	648,224	644,207	611,017
Atlanta		555,857	487,070	348,354
Wal-Mart Money Center		497,244	469,667	383,628
Total	$	1,701,325	1,600,944	1,342,999

In Atlanta, five new traditional locations were opened in the first quarter of 2004, six are planned for the second quarter and three additional Kroger locations are planned to be added by year-end. This will complete the opening of the traditional branches previously acquired from Wachovia and bring the year-end planned branch total to 52. In addition to the significant growth of new customers, we anticipate that the Atlanta branches will begin to experience significant operating leverage. With much of the investment behind us, every effort is being made to increase the number of high-value households as well as to improve the number of services per household.

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During the quarter, three additional Wal-Mart Money Center pilot locations were added, increasing their total to 19. The co-branded Wal-Mart pilot program began in October 2003 and we are encouraged by the results and look forward to expanding the relationship. El Banco, our Hispanic banking partner, now operates four locations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and plans to open six additional locations by year end.

Within existing markets, NCF now has the first right of refusal for branch opportunities within Harris Teeter supermarkets in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Harris Teeter, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, has 23 percent market share and will provide the first in-store locations in Charlotte supporting the 40 traditional locations we currently operate. The first two locations opened in mid-April 2004 and additional locations will be evaluated as they become available.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND REGULATORY CAPITAL

Capital Resources Our ratio of average equity to average assets has fallen from 12.66 percent as of March 31, 2003 to 12.02 percent as of March 31, 2004 due to the increase in our average assets and the impact of our share repurchase program discussed below. Our book value per share at March 31, 2004 was $13.73 compared to $13.15 at March 31, 2003. The effect of unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale, net of applicable tax expense, increased stockholders’ equity by $4 million from December 31, 2003. As of March 31, 2004, unrealized net gains on investment securities available for sale, net of applicable tax expense, totaled $15 million and contributed $.07 per share to period-end book value.

NCF’s Board of Directors announced approval in January 2004 of a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to three million shares through December 31, 2004. In April 2004 the Board of Directors announced approval of a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of an additional three million shares through December 31, 2004, in addition to the stock repurchase program announced in January. However, with the announcement of our pending merger with SunTrust, there may be limited repurchase opportunities prior to consummation of that merger. As of March 31, 2004, approximately 1,113,000 shares remain available for repurchase in the remainder of 2004 from the January 2004 stock repurchase program.

Table 6. Stock Repurchases During the Quarter

	Shares Repurchased	Average Price per share
January 2004	245,000	$	28.23
February 2004	452,900		28.28
March 2004	1,188,906		28.19
Total for the quarter	1,886,806		28.22

On April 28, 2004, NCF’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.20 per common share payable July 1, 2004 to shareholders of record June 4, 2004.

Regulatory Capital Bank holding companies are required to comply with the Federal Reserve’s risk-based capital guidelines requiring a minimum leverage ratio relative to average total assets and minimum capital ratios relative to risk-adjusted assets. The minimum leverage ratio is 3 percent if the holding company has the highest regulatory rating and meets other requirements but the leverage ratio required may be raised from 100 to 200 basis points if the holding company does not meet these requirements. The minimum risk-adjusted capital ratios are 4 percent for Tier I capital and 8 percent for total capital. Additionally, the Federal Reserve may set capital requirements higher than the minimums we have described for holding companies whose circumstances warrant it. Each of our banking subsidiaries is subject to similar risk-based and leverage capital requirements adopted by its applicable federal banking agency. Each continues to maintain higher capital ratios than required under regulatory guidelines and all were considered to be “well-capitalized” as of March 31, 2004. Table 7 discloses our components of capital, risk-adjusted asset information and capital ratios.

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Table 7. Capital Information and Ratios

	As of March 31, 2004
	NCF				NBC
In Thousands	Regulatory Minimum			Actual	Regulatory Minimum	Actual
Tier I capital	$	655,429		1,778,990	648,841	1,595,132
Tier II capital:
Allowable loan loss reserve				173,384		172,972
Other				864		864
Total capital	$	1,310,857		1,953,238	1,297,683	1,768,968
Risk-adjusted assets				16,385,713		16,221,032
Average regulatory assets				21,875,647		21,653,095
Tier I capital ratio		4.00	%	10.86	4.00	9.83
Total capital ratio		8.00		11.92	8.00	10.91
Leverage ratio		3.00		8.13	3.00	7.37

OTHER ACCOUNTING MATTERS

In December 2003, the FASB revised Statement No. 132, Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. This Statement retains the disclosures required by the original SFAS 132 and requires additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. In addition, this Statement requires interim period disclosure of the components of net period benefit cost and contributions if significantly different from previously reported amounts. NCF adopted the provisions of this Statement as of December 31, 2003; see Note 8 for the interim pension and other postretirement benefit disclosures.

On March 9, 2004, the SEC staff issued a Staff Accounting Bulletin that require all registrants to account for mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments related to loans held for sale as written options, effective no later than for commitments entered into after March 31, 2004. NCF enters into such commitments with customers in connection with residential mortgage loan applications and at March 31, 2004 had approximately $159 million in notional amount of these commitments outstanding. This guidance requires NCF to recognize a liability on its balance sheet equal to the fair value of the commitment at the time the loan commitment is issued. As a result, this guidance would delay the recognition of any revenue related to these commitments until such time as the loan is sold; however, it would have no effect on the ultimate amount of revenue or cash flows recognized over time. NCF is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position. In the quarter of adoption, there will likely be an immaterial one-time negative impact to mortgage banking revenue.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market price and interest rates. This risk of loss can be reflected in diminished current market values and/or reduced potential net interest income in future periods.

NCF’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit-taking activities. The structure of NCF’s loan and deposit portfolios is such that a significant rise or decline in interest rates may adversely impact net market values and net interest income. NCF is not subject to currency exchange risk or commodity price risk. Responsibility for monitoring interest rate risk rests with ALCO, comprised of senior management. ALCO regularly reviews NCF’s interest rate risk position and adopts balance sheet strategies that are intended to optimize net interest income while maintaining market risk within a set of Board-approved guidelines.

Management believes that there have been no other significant changes in market risk as disclosed in NCF’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a). Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

NCF maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to NCF’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. NCF also has an investment in an unconsolidated entity which is not under our control. Consequently, our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entity are necessarily more limited than those we maintain with respect to our consolidated subsidiaries.

Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of NCF’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that NCF’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to NCF (including its consolidated subsidiaries) that is required to be included in our Exchange Act filings.

(b). Changes in Internal Controls

There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors which could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date our evaluation was completed.

Special Note Regarding Analyst Reports

Investors should also be aware that while NCF’s management does, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts, it is against our policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that NCF agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, we have a policy against issuing or confirming financial forecasts or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of NCF.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a). Exhibits

10	Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2004 by and between Registrant and John J. Mistretta.
31.1	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(b). Reports on Form 8-K

A current report on Form 8-K dated January 15, 2004 was filed January 16, 2004 under Item 7 furnishing Financial Statements and Exhibits and Item 12 reporting Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

	NATIONAL COMMERCE FINANCIAL CORPORATION                                          Registrant
Date: May 10, 2004	/s/ JOHN M. PRESLEY
	John M. Presley
	Chief Financial Officer

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EX-10

Exhibit 10

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT by and between National Commerce Financial Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the “Company”), and JOHN J. MISTRETTA (the “Executive”) dated as of the 1st day of January, 2004.

WHEREAS, Company desires to continue to engage Executive to perform executive and managerial services for Company, and Executive desires to perform such services, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of all of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

1. Effective Date. The “Effective Date” shall mean January 1, 2004. For purposes of entering into this agreement, the Employee has agreed to relocate to Memphis, Tennessee. Unless the Company has agreed in writing otherwise, if the Employee has not relocated to Memphis, Tennessee on or before July 31, 2004, this Agreement shall be treated as if it had never been effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if there has been a Change In Control (as such term is defined herein) prior to July 31, 2004, the Employee shall not be obligated to relocate to Memphis, Tennessee and this contract shall remain effective.

2. Employment Period. Unless the Agreement is sooner terminated in accordance with its terms, the term of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and shall continue for a term of two (2) years ending on December 31, 2005 (the “Employment Period”). The Employment Period shall be automatically extended, without any further action by the Company or the Executive, for successive two-year periods upon the expiration of the initial two-year term of the Agreement, provided that such period shall terminate without further extension on the date the Employee becomes age 65. Either party may elect not to extend the term of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement by giving written notice of such desire to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial two-year term or any succeeding term thereafter.

3. Terms of Employment.

(a) Position and Duties.

(i) During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve in the position and with duties and responsibilities as are set forth on Exhibit A.

(ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote substantially all of his attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs

of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements or (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement.

(b) Compensation.

(i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary (“Annual Base Salary”) in the amount set forth on Exhibit A hereto. During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually. Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term Annual Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased. The Annual Base Salary shall be a payment for services rendered by the Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

(ii) Annual Bonus. In addition to the Annual Base Salary, during the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) on the same basis as other members of the executive management committee of the Company (“Executive Officers”), and in accordance with the bonus compensation policies and practices established by the Company from time to time. The Executive shall be paid in cash an amount equal to the Annual Bonus reduced by the Minimum Bonus, as defined in Section 3(b)(iii), for each calendar year. To the extent that the Minimum Bonus for any year is greater than or equal to the Annual Bonus determined under this Section 3(b)(ii), then the Executive shall receive no cash payment pursuant to this Section 3(b)(ii). The Annual Bonus shall be considered compensation for purposes of all benefit plans and benefit related policies of the Company to the extent determined solely by the Company’s Plan Administrator taking into account provisions of applicable plans/policies, federal and state laws, and administrative capabilities. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent the Minimum Bonus is greater than the Annual Bonus for any fiscal year, the excess shall not be considered compensation for the purposes of any benefit plans or benefit related policies of the Company.

(iii) Minimum Bonus. On December 19, 2003, the Executive received a grant from the Company of 9,000 shares of restricted common stock of the Company (the “Restricted Stock”) pursuant to the terms of the Company’s stock incentive plan (the “Stock Plan”). The Restricted Stock shall vest in accordance with the Company’s restricted stock agreement dated December 19, 2003, provided, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Stock shall immediately vest and be exercisable or transferable upon a “change in control” of the Company (as defined in the Stock Plan) following the Effective Date or upon the Executive’s termination of employment by the Company other than for Cause, including the Executive’s death or Disability, or by the Executive for Good Reason. The number of shares of the Restricted Stock shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted simultaneously with any change in capitalization or any reorganization of the Company, as provided for in the Stock

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Plan. The vesting of the Restricted Stock each year shall be a “Minimum Bonus” to the Executive for his services performed in 2003, 2004, and 2005. For purposes of Section 3(b)(ii), the Minimum Bonus for 2003, 2004, and 2005 shall be valued as follows:

Bonus Year	Minimum Bonus
2003	$	67,500
2004	$	67,500
2005	$	67,500

(iv) Other Employee Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit, retirement, welfare and other plans, practices, policies and programs applicable to the other Executive Officers of the Company or its affiliated companies on a basis no less favorable than that provided to the other Executive Officers of the Company or its affiliated companies. As used in this Agreement, the terms “affiliated companies” and “affiliates” shall include only the principal banking subsidiaries of the Company.

(v) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company’s policies.

(vi) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits, to the extent applicable to other Executive Officers of the Company or its affiliated companies.

(vii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its affiliated companies as in effect with respect to other Executive Officers of the Company or its affiliated companies.

4. Termination of Employment.

(a) Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment. In such event, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s “Disability” shall be governed by the terms of the Company’s Long-Term Disability Plan.

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(b) Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:

(i) the continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the Executive’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or Chief Executive Officer believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties and the Executive shall have failed to remedy such alleged breach within 45 days from his receipt of written demand, or

(ii) willful engagement by the Executive in illegal conduct or misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company, or

(iii) conviction of a felony or the entry of a guilty or nolo contendre pleas by the Executive with respect thereto.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause as described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(c) Good Reason. The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean in the absence of a written consent of the Executive:

(i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3(a)(i) of this Agreement, or any other action by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(ii) any material failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 3(b) of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

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(iii) any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(iv) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 11(c) of this Agreement.

(d) Other than for Cause, Death or Disability. Subject to the obligations of Section 5(a), the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for any reason in its sole discretion upon written notice to the Executive.

(e) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than thirty days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

(f) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein within 30 days of such notice, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination, (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be and (iv) if the Company notifies the Executive of its desire not to extend the Executive’s Employment Period pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the Date of Termination shall be the last day of the Employment Period.

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5. Obligations of the Company upon Termination.

(a) Good Reason; Other Than for Cause or Disability. If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment other than for Cause or Disability or the Executive’s employment shall terminate after the Company has provided the Executive notice pursuant to Section 2 of its intent not to extend the term of the Executive’s employment or the Executive shall terminate employment for Good Reason:

(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of the following amounts:

(A) the sum of (1) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2) the product of (x) the average of the two highest Annual Bonuses paid or payable to the Executive in respect of the three most recent fiscal years ending immediately prior to the Date of Termination including any bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred (and annualized for any calendar year consisting of less than twelve full months or during which the Executive was employed for less than twelve full months) (such amount being referred to as the “Recent Annual Bonus”¹) and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current calendar year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, and (3) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Accrued Obligations”); provided, however, for the first three years following the Effective Date of this Agreement, the Recent Annual Bonus shall be the greater of the amount calculated under this Section 5(a)(i) or $67,500; and

(B) the amount equal to the product of (1) two and (2) the sum of (x) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary and (y) the Recent Annual Bonus;

(ii) the restrictions on any restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall lapse immediately and any options granted to the Executive by the Company shall become immediately and fully exercisable;

(iii) all stock options that were granted and vested prior to the Date of Termination, but are unexercised, shall remain exercisable for the period of exercise in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

(iv) for two years following the Date of Termination provided such period does not extend beyond the Executive’s 65^th birthday, the Executive and the Executive’s dependents shall continue to be eligible to participate in the medical, dental and health benefit plans and arrangements applicable to Executive Officers on the same terms and conditions as the Executive Officers of the Company;

(v) for up to a twelve month period following the Date of Termination, the Company shall, at its sole expense as incurred, provide the Executive with outplacement services the scope and provider of which shall be selected by the Executive in the Executive’s sole discretion, provided that such expenses shall not exceed $25,000 in the aggregate;

(vi) to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies through the Date of Termination (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Other Benefits”); and

¹ The Recent Annual Bonus shall not be considered “Compensation” for purposes of the Company’s SERP or the company’s Equity Investment Plan.

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(vii) if the termination occurs within eighteen (18) months of the Executive’s relocation to Memphis, Tennessee, the Executive shall be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in relocating back to Durham, North Carolina or an equivalent amount thereto.

(b) Death. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during the Employment period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive’s legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. In addition, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock shall lapse immediately. All stock options granted and vested prior to the Date of Termination, that are unexercised, shall remain exercisable for the longer of twelve months or the exercise period in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination. The Executive’s rights to all benefits under all benefit plans that are “non-qualified” plans shall be 100% vested regardless of the Executive’s age and years of service, at the time of the Executive’s death. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term Other Benefits as utilized in this Section 5(b) shall include death benefits as in effect on the date of the Executive’s death with respect to Executive Officers of the Company under the terms of the Company’s Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan describing basic life insurance coverage, provided that such benefits shall consist of no less than a payment to the Executive’s surviving spouse or to the executor or administrator of the Executive’s estate (if spouse shall not survive him) of an amount equal to two times his Annual Base Salary, such death benefit to be paid in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments commencing on the first day of the month following the date of death of the Executive. Without limiting the foregoing, for one year after the Executive’s death, the Company shall pay any premium required for any “qualified beneficiary” to continue his or her health care coverage in accordance with Title I, Part 6 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

(c) Disability. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. In addition the restrictions on the Restricted Stock shall lapse immediately. All stock options that are “incentive stock options” that were granted and vested prior to the Date of Termination, but are unexercised, shall remain exercisable for the lesser of twelve months or the period of exercise in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination, and all other stock options shall remain exercisable for the period of exercise in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term Other Benefits as utilized in this Section 5(c) shall include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other Executive Officers of the Company under the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.

(d) Cause; Other than for Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause or the Executive terminates his employment for other than Good Reason or on account of death or Disability during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall

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terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation to pay the Executive (y) the Accrued Obligations, less the amount determined under Section 5(a)(i)(A)(2) hereof, and (z) Other Benefits, in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid.

6. Change in Control.

(a) Operation of Section 6; Definitions.

(i) Operation. This Section 6 shall be effective, but not operative, immediately upon execution of this Agreement by the parties hereto and shall remain in effect so long as the Executive remains employed by the Company on active status, but shall not be operative unless and until there has been a Change in Control, as defined in this Section 6. Upon such a Change in Control, (A) this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, (B) Section 6 shall become operative immediately, (C) Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall no longer be operative and shall be replaced with the provisions set forth in this Section 6.

(ii) Definitions.

(A) “Change in Control” shall mean:

(1) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this Section l(d), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any affiliated company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections 1(d)(3)(A), l(d)(3)(B) and 1(d)(3)(C).

(2) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.

(3) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange, consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of

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the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

(4) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(B) “CIC Effective Date” shall mean the date on which a Change in Control is deemed to have occurred.

(b) Employment Period. The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its employ, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the CIC Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary of the CIC Effective Date (the “CIC Employment Period”).

(c) Terms of Employment.

(i) Position and Duties.

(A) During the CIC Employment Period, (1) the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the CIC Effective Date and (2) the Executive’s services shall be performed at the office where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the CIC Effective Date or at any other location less than 35 miles from such office.

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(B) During the CIC Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. During the CIC Employment Period, it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (1) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (2) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements and (3) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that, to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the CIC Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the CIC Effective Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities to the Company.

(ii) Compensation.

(A) Base Salary. During the CIC Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary (the “CIC Annual Base Salary”), which CIC Annual Base Salary shall be paid in 12 equal monthly installments and shall be at an annual rate at least equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary paid or payable, including any base salary that has been earned but deferred, to the Executive by the Company and the affiliated companies in respect of the 12-month period immediately preceding the month in which the CIC Effective Date occurs. During the CIC Employment Period, the CIC Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually, beginning no more than 12 months after the last salary increase awarded to the Executive prior to the CIC Effective Date. Any increase in the CIC Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. The CIC Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term “CIC Annual Base Salary” shall refer to the CIC Annual Base Salary as so increased.

(B) Annual Bonus. In addition to the CIC Annual Base Salary, the Executive shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the CIC Employment Period, an annual bonus (the “CIC Annual Bonus”) in cash at least equal to those provided generally at any time after the CIC Effective Date to other peer executive managers of the Company.

(C) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the CIC Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to other peer executive managers of the Company.

(D) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the CIC Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company or the affiliated companies (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executive managers of the Company.

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(E) Expenses. During the CIC Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices and procedures of the Company as in effect generally with respect to other peer executive managers of the Company.

(F) Fringe Benefits. During the CIC Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company as in effect generally with respect to other peer executive managers of the Company.

(G) Office and Support Staff. During the CIC Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, as provided generally with respect to other peer executive managers of the Company.

(H) Vacation. During the CIC Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company as in effect generally with respect to other peer executive managers of the Company.

(d) Termination of Employment.

(i) Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the CIC Employment Period. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the CIC Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment. In such event, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s “Disability” shall be governed by the terms of the Company’s Long-Term Disability Plan.

(ii) Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the CIC Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:

(A) the continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the Executive’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or Chief Executive Officer believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties and the Executive shall have failed to remedy such alleged breach within 45 days from his receipt of written demand, or

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(B) willful engagement by the Executive in illegal conduct or misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company, or

(C) conviction of a felony or the entry of a guilty or nolo contendre pleas by the Executive with respect thereto.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause as described in subparagraph (A) or (B) above unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (A) or (B) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(iii) Good Reason. The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean in the absence of a written consent of the Executive:

(A) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 6(c)(i)(A) of this Agreement, or any other action by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(B) any material failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 6(c)(ii) of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

(C) any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement;

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(D) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 11(c) of this Agreement; or

(E) the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at an office or location more than 35 miles from that set forth in Section 6(c)(i) hereof; or

(F) a termination by the Executive for any reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the CIC Effective Date.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if within one year of the Date of Termination pursuant to Section 6(d)(iii)(F), two-thirds of the Board of Directors of the Company determine that, during the 30-day period referenced in Section 6(d)(iii)(F), the Executive could have been terminated for Cause pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii)(B) or (C), then the Executive shall be treated as if his termination were for Cause and the Executive shall be obligated to reimburse the Company an amount equal to the difference between (1) the sum of all payments and benefits received by the Executive as a result of his termination and (2) the sum of all payments and benefits to which the Executive would have been entitled pursuant to Section 6(e)(iv).

(iv) Other than for Cause or Disability. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the CIC Employment Period for any reason in its sole discretion upon written notice to the Executive.

(v) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than thirty days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

(vi) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein within 30 days of such notice, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination and (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.

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(e) Obligations of the Company upon Termination.

(i) Good Reason; Other Than for Cause, Death or Disability. If, during the CIC Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment other than for Cause or Disability or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason:

(A) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the aggregate of the following amounts:

(1) the sum of (a) the Executive’s CIC Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (b) the product of (x) the average of the two highest Annual Bonuses paid or payable to the Executive in respect of the three most recent fiscal years ending immediately prior to the Date of Termination including any bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred (and annualized for any calendar year consisting of less than twelve full months or during which the Executive was employed for less than twelve full months) (such amount being referred to as the “CIC Recent Annual Bonus”²) and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current calendar year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, and (c) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued vacation pay, in each case, to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in subclauses (a), (b) and (c), the “CIC Accrued Obligations”); provided, however, for the first three years following the Effective Date of this Agreement, the CIC Recent Annual Bonus shall be the greater of the amount calculated under this Section 6(e)(i)(A) or $67,500;

(2) the amount equal to the product of (a) three and (b) the sum of (i) the Executive’s CIC Annual Base Salary and (ii) the higher of the CIC Recent Annual Bonus or sixty-five percent (65%) of the Executive’s CIC Annual Base Salary; and

(3) an amount equal to the excess of (a) the actuarial equivalent of the benefit under the Company’s qualified defined benefit retirement plan (the “Retirement Plan”) (utilizing actuarial assumptions no less favorable to the Executive than those in effect under the Retirement Plan immediately prior to the CIC Effective Date) and any excess or supplemental retirement plan in which the Executive participates (collectively, the “SERP”) that the Executive would receive if the Executive’s employment continued for three years after the Date of Termination, assuming for this purpose that all accrued benefits are fully vested and assuming that the Executive’s compensation in each of the three years is that required by Sections 6(c)(ii)(A) and 6(c)(ii)(B), over (b) the actuarial equivalent of the Executive’s actual benefit (paid or payable), if any, under the Retirement Plan and the SERP as of the Date of Termination;

(B) for three years after the Executive’s Date of Termination, or such longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family at

² The CIC Recent Annual Bonus shall not be considered “Compensation” for purposes of the Company’s SERP or the company’s Equity Investment Plan.

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least equal to those that would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described in Section 6(c)(ii)(D) if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated, provided, however, that, if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be terminated. For purposes of determining eligibility (but not the time of commencement of benefits) of the Executive for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive shall be considered to have remained employed until three years after the Date of Termination and to have retired on the last day of such period;

(C) for up to a twelve month period following the Date of Termination, the Company shall, at its sole expense as incurred, provide the Executive with outplacement services the scope and provider of which shall be selected by the Executive in the Executive’s sole discretion, provided that such expenses shall not exceed $25,000 in the aggregate;

(D) any unvested stock options and restricted stock granted on or prior to the CIC Effective Date shall become immediately vested and exercisable, and all options granted on or prior to the CIC Effective Date that are vested (including those which vest pursuant to this Section 6(e)(i)(D)), but unexercised, as of the Date of Termination shall remain exercisable for the period during which they would have been exercisable absent the termination of the Executive’s employment;

(E) to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or that the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and the affiliated companies (such other amounts and benefits, the “Other Benefits”); and

(F) if the termination occurs within eighteen (18) months of the Executive’s relocation to Memphis, Tennessee, the Executive shall be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in relocating back to Durham, North Carolina or an equivalent amount thereto.

(ii) Death. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during the CIC Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive’s legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of CIC Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of the Other Benefits. All stock options granted prior to the CIC Effective Date that vested prior to the Date of Termination shall remain exercisable for the longer of twelve months or the exercise period in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination, and the Executive’s rights to all benefits under all benefit plans that are “non-qualified” plans shall be 100% vested, regardless of the Executive’s age and years of service, at the time of the Executive’s death. The CIC Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of the Other Benefits, the term “Other Benefits” as utilized in this Section 6(e)(ii) shall include, without limitation, and the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to receive, benefits at

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least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company and the affiliated companies to the estates and beneficiaries of peer executives of the Company and the affiliated companies under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as in effect with respect to other peer executives and their beneficiaries at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the CIC Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive’s estate and/or the Executive’s beneficiaries, as in effect on the date of the Executive’s death with respect to other peer executives of the Company and the affiliated companies and their beneficiaries, provided that such benefits shall consist of no less than a payment to the Executive’s surviving spouse or to the executor or administrator of the Executive’s estate (if his spouse shall not survive him) of an amount equal to two times his CIC Annual Base Salary, such death benefit to be paid in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments commencing on the first day of the month following the date of death of the Executive. Without limiting the foregoing, for one year after the Executive’s death, the Company shall pay any premium required for any “qualified beneficiary” to continue his or her health care coverage in accordance with Title 1, Part 6 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

(iii) Disability. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Disability during the CIC Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for payment of CIC Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of the Other Benefits. All stock options that are “incentive stock options” granted prior to the CIC Effective Date that vested prior to the Date of Termination shall remain exercisable for the lesser of twelve months and the period of exercise in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination, and all other stock options granted prior to the CIC Effective Date that vested prior to the Date of Termination shall remain exercisable for the period of exercise in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination. The CIC Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of the Other Benefits, the term “Other Benefits” as utilized in this Section 6(e)(iii) shall include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally provided by the Company and the affiliated companies to disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the CIC Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and the affiliated companies and their families.

(iv) Cause; Other Than for Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause or the Executive terminates his employment for other than Good Reason or on account of Death or Disability during the CIC Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation to pay the Executive (y) the CIC Accrued Obligations, less the amount determined under Section 6(e)(i)(A)(1)(b) hereof, and (z) Other Benefits, in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid.

7. Non-exclusivity of Rights. Except as specifically provided, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan,

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program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and for which the Executive may qualify, nor, subject to Section 12(f), shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

8. Full Settlement. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment except as expressly provided for in Section 6(e)(i)(B). The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

9. Certain Additional Payments by the Company. (a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payment required under this Section 9 (a “Payment”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 9(c), all determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by KPMG or such other certified public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Company as may be designated by the Executive (the “Accounting Firm”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive

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within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 8, shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s determination. Any determination by the Accounting firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 9(c) and the Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.

(c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten business days after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:

(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim,

(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,

(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim, and

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 9(c), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection

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with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from an Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and further provided that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

(d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 9(c)) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), a determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.

10. Confidential Information/Noncompetition. Subsections (a), (b) and (c) of this Section 10 shall apply to the Executive prior to a Change in Control. After a Change in Control, only subsection (d) shall apply to the Executive.

(a) The Executive recognizes and acknowledges that he has and will have access to confidential information concerning Company and its affiliates of a special and unique value which includes (but is not limited to) the books and records relating to operation, finance, accounting, loans, investments, personnel and management, written policies and other printed matter relating particularly to operations such as customer names and addresses and customer financial information. The Executive also recognizes that a portion of the Company’s business is dependent upon a large number of trade secrets, including secret formulations, techniques, methods, processes, data and the like. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that a protection of these trade secrets and confidential information against unauthorized disclosure and use is of critical importance to the Company, and the Executive therefore agrees that he will not at any time, either while employed by the Company or afterwards, make any independent use of, or knowingly disclose to any other person or organization (except as required by regulatory authority or by a court or as authorized by the Company) any of the trade secrets or other confidential proprietary information of the Company or its affiliates, whether patentable or not.

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(b) The Executive recognizes that in the highly competitive business in which the Company is engaged, personal contact is of primary importance in securing new customers and in retaining the accounts and goodwill of present customers and protecting the business of the Company. The Executive, therefore, agrees that at all times while employed by the Company and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of his employment, the Executive will not, for himself or on behalf of any person, corporation, association or other entity other than the Company: (i) engage in the commercial banking business within any county in any state in which the Company or any of its affiliates either maintains an office or is engaged in the commercial banking business that produced in excess of 5% of the net income after tax of the Company on a consolidated basis for the twelve months prior to the date of termination of employment; or (ii) directly or indirectly solicit or attempt to solicit business from any customer of the Company or any of its affiliates existing on the date of termination of employment.

(c) If the provisions of this Section 10 are violated or threatened to be violated, in whole or in part, the Company shall be entitled, upon application to any court of proper jurisdiction, to a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction (without the necessity of posting any bond with respect thereto) to restrain and enjoin the Executive from such violation without prejudice to any other remedies the Company may have at law or in equity. Further, in the event that the provisions of this Section 10 should ever be deemed to exceed the time geographic, temporal or occupational limitations permitted by the applicable laws, the Executive and the Company agree that such provisions shall be and are hereby reformed to the maximum time, geographic, temporal or occupational limitations permitted by the applicable laws. The provisions of this Section 10 shall survive the termination of the Executive’s employment or expiration or the termination of this Agreement.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, after a Change in Control, the Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or the affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which information, knowledge or data shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company or the affiliated companies and which information, knowledge or data shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or by representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement). After termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those persons designated by the Company. In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 10 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement.

11. Successors. (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.

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(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

(c) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

12. Miscellaneous. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.

(b) All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to the Executive:

At the most recent address on file

for the Executive at the Company

If to the Company:

National Commerce Financial Corporation

One Commerce Square

Memphis, Tennessee 38150

Attention: General Counsel

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(d) The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

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(e) The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4(c)(i)-(iv) and Section 6(c)(iii)(A)-(E) of this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

(f) From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any other employment, severance or change of control agreement between the parties, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(g) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which together shall constitute one and the same original.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day and year indicated above.

/s/ John J. Mistretta John J. Mistretta
NATIONAL COMMERCE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By:	/s/ William R. Reed, Jr.
	William R. Reed, Jr.
Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

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EXHIBIT A

Name:	John J. Mistretta
Position and Duties of the Executive:	Director of Human Resources of the Company, Customer Experience and Alternative Delivery (Internet Banking, Telebanking and ATM Services), reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, with such authority, duties and responsibilities as are commensurate with such position and as may be consistent with such position.
Annual Base Salary:	$250,000

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, William R. Reed, Jr., certify that:

(1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Commerce Financial Corporation;

(2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c) Disclosed in the report any change in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(5) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2004	/s/ WILLIAM R. REED JR.
	William R. Reed, Jr.
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, John M. Presley, certify that:

(1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Commerce Financial Corporation;

(2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c) Disclosed in the report any change in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(6) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2004	/s/ JOHN M. PRESLEY
	John M. Presley
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

Exhibit 32

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Commerce Financial Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, William R. Reed, Jr. and John M. Presley, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1.) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2.) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 10, 2004	By:	/s/ WILLIAM R. REED, JR.
		William R. Reed, Jr.
		Chief Executive Officer
		/s/ JOHN M. PRESLEY
		John M. Presley
		Chief Financial Officer