1
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                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

    [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                    FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

                                       OR

    [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                  TO 
                                    ----------------    ---------------

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-10633

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


         NEW HAMPSHIRE                                             02-0402421
         -------------                                             ----------
  (State or other jurisdiction                                 (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                            Identification No.)
                                                     
           102 MAIN STREET                             
         KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE                                        03431
         --------------------                                        -----
(Address of principal executive offices)                           (Zip Code)
                                                     
Registrant's telephone number, including area code               (603) 352-2502
                                                                 --------------


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
                                -----                  -----



As of October 31, 1997, 24,001,467 shares of the registrant's common stock were
outstanding.


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   2

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                     INDEX



PART I      FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                               PAGE
            ---------------------                                                               ----
                                                                                             
   Item 1   Financial Statements:                                                            

                  Consolidated Balance Sheets -- September 30, 1997                          
                      and December 31, 1996......................................................1

                  Consolidated Statements of Income -- Three                                 
                      months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996;                              
                      Nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996..............................2

                  Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity -                           
                      Nine months ended September 30, 1997.......................................3

                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Nine                              
                      months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996...................................4

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -                               
                      September 30, 1997.........................................................5

   Item 2   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial                                
                  Condition and Results of Operations............................................7

PART II     OTHER INFORMATION                                                                
            -----------------

   Item 1   Legal Proceedings...................................................................21

   Item 2   Changes in Securities...............................................................21

   Item 3   Defaults Upon Senior Securities.....................................................21

   Item 4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.................................21

   Item 5   Other Information...................................................................21

   Item 6   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................................................21

            SIGNATURES..........................................................................22
            ----------

   3

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)



================================================================================================================================
                                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,                       December 31,
================================================================================================================================
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                                             1997                                1996      
================================================================================================================================
                                                                                                            
ASSETS                                                                                             
     Cash and due from banks                                               $           70,833                $           77,123
     Federal funds sold and overnight deposits                                         47,190                            53,983
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------
                        CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                     118,023                           131,106
     Interest bearing deposits with other banks                                           814                               287
     Securities available for sale                                                    585,452                           414,896
     Securities held to maturity                                                       37,396                           104,682
     Mortgage loans held for sale                                                      28,909                            16,967
     Loans and leases                                                               1,913,377                         1,594,399
         Less allowance for loan and lease losses                                      21,408                            20,332
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------
                        NET LOANS AND LEASES                                        1,891,969                         1,574,067
     Premises and equipment                                                            39,306                            38,195
     Mortgage servicing rights                                                          8,152                             7,523
     Goodwill and deposit base intangibles                                              8,856                             9,235
     Foreclosed assets                                                                  3,614                             3,349
     Bank-owned life insurance                                                         62,347                            30,975
     Other assets                                                                      36,344                            37,975
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------
                                                                           $        2,821,182                $        2,369,257
                                                                           ==================                ==================
                                                                                                   
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                               
     Deposits:                                                                                     
         Interest bearing                                                  $        1,714,412                $        1,557,562
         Noninterest bearing                                                          221,202                           193,579
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------
                        TOTAL DEPOSITS                                              1,935,614                         1,751,141
     Other borrowed funds                                                             197,791                           104,750
     Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston                                   415,455                           246,593
     Other liabilities                                                                 26,631                            26,937
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------
                        TOTAL LIABILITIES                                           2,575,491                         2,129,421
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------
                                                                                                   
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                               
     Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share authorized                                         
         4,000,000 shares, no shares outstanding in 1997 or 1996                            -                                 -
     Common stock, par value $.66 2/3 per share-authorized                                         
         50,000,000 shares, issued 24,015,181 shares at September                                  
         30, 1997 and 23,609,434 shares at December 31, 1996                           16,010                            15,740
     Paid-in capital                                                                  147,756                           142,761
     Retained earnings                                                                 80,494                            81,265
     Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale,                                        
         after tax effects                                                              2,022                               489
     Cost of 37,877 shares at September 30, 1997 and 28,055                                        
         shares at December 31, 1996 of common stock in treasury                         (591)                             (419)
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------ 
                        TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                    245,691                           239,836
                                                                           ------------------                ------------------
                                                                           $        2,821,182                $        2,369,257
                                                                           ==================                ==================
Number of common shares outstanding                                                    23,977                            23,581
                                                                           ==================                ==================
Common shareholders' equity per share                                      $            10.25                $            10.17
                                                                           ==================                ==================


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                      -1-
   4

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)



====================================================================================================================================
                                                                    THREE MONTHS                             NINE MONTHS
                                                                        ENDED                                   ENDED
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,                            SEPTEMBER 30,
====================================================================================================================================
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                           1997               1996                  1997                1996
====================================================================================================================================
                                                                                                            
Interest and dividend income:                                                                                     
     Interest on loans and leases                          $     40,915        $     32,595         $    113,138        $     94,330
     Interest on investment securities:                                                                           
         Taxable                                                 10,945               8,354               29,369              24,575
         Tax-exempt                                                 253                 278                  736                 953
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
                                                                 11,198               8,632               30,105              25,528
Dividends on marketable equity securities                           405                 388                1,127               1,070
Other                                                               516                 972                2,126               3,194
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
            TOTAL INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                   53,034              42,587              146,496             124,122
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
Interest expense:                                                                                                 
     Interest on deposits                                        18,730              15,892               52,306              47,277
     Interest on borrowings:                                                                                      
         Short-term                                               5,953               4,135               14,892               9,721
         Long-term                                                2,979                  48                6,034               1,396
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
            TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                               27,662              20,075               73,232              58,394
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
            NET INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                     25,372              22,512               73,264              65,728
Provision for loan and lease losses                               1,423                 980                3,385               3,210
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
            NET INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME AFTER                                                                
            PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES                  23,949              21,532               69,879              62,518
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
Other income:                                                                                                     
     Service charges on deposit accounts                          1,245               1,302                3,807               3,797
     Mortgage banking activities                                  1,381                 947                4,660               3,326
     Net gains on trading securities                                  -                   -                   18                   -
     Net gains on investment securities                             689                 373                1,403               1,823
     Leasing activities                                             276                 459                1,443               1,820
     Bank-owned life insurance                                      527                 315                1,372                 558
     Trust fees                                                     631                 553                1,898               1,717
     Pension settlement gain                                          -                 877                    -                 877
     Other                                                        1,504                 794                2,942               2,185
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
                                                                  6,253               5,620               17,543              16,103
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
Other expense:                                                                                                    
     Salaries and employee benefits                               9,914               8,645               28,878              25,304
     Occupancy and equipment expense                              2,989               2,469                8,913               7,285
     Professional fees                                              800                 387                1,902               1,571
     Advertising and marketing                                      677                 491                1,768               1,792
     Operation of foreclosed real estate                            179                 150                  427                 437
     Goodwill and deposit base intangible amortization              155                 167                  465                 502
     SAIF special assessment                                          -                 908                    -                 908
     Merger expenses                                             11,031               4,522               11,031               4,522
     Other                                                        4,167               3,788               12,035              11,691
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
                                                                 29,912              21,527               65,419              54,012
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
            INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                              290               5,625               22,003              24,609
Income taxes                                                        463               2,459                7,013               8,575
                                                           ------------        ------------         ------------        ------------
            NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK    $       (173)       $      3,166         $     14,990        $     16,034
                                                           ============        ============         ============        ============
Weighted average common shares outstanding                       23,955              23,571               23,813              23,519
                                                           ============        ============         ============        ============
Earnings (loss) per common share                           $       (.01)       $        .13         $        .63        $        .68
                                                           ============        ============         ============        ============
Dividends declared per common share                        $        .22        $        .19         $        .66        $        .36
                                                           ============        ============         ============        ============


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                      -2-
   5

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)



===============================================================================================
                                                                                                   
                                                                                                   
                                                                                                   
                                                COMMON STOCK                                      
                                            --------------------        PAID-IN      RETAINED      
(IN THOUSANDS)                              SHARES       DOLLARS        CAPITAL      EARNINGS      
===============================================================================================
                                                                                    
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996                   23,609    $  15,740    $   142,761    $   81,265    
                                                                                                   
  Net income                                        -            -              -        14,990    
                                                                                                   
  Common cash dividends                                                                            
     declared - $.66 per share                      -            -              -       (15,754)   
                                                                                                   
  Issuance of common stock                                                                         
     under stock option plan                                                                       
     and related tax effects                      377          250          4,569             -    
                                                                                                   
  Issuance of common stock under                                                                   
     employee stock purchase plan                  17           12            215             -    
                                                                                                   
  Issuance of common stock under                                                                   
     dividend reinvestment program                 12            8            211             -    
                                                                                                   
  Cash in lieu of fractional shares                 -            -              -            (7)   
                                                                                                   
  Change in net unrealized gains                                                                   
      on securities available for sale              -            -              -             -    
                                                                                                   
  Cost of shares acquired for treasury              -            -              -             -    
                                         ------------   ----------    -----------    ----------    
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997                  24,015   $   16,010    $   147,756    $   80,494    
                                         ============   ==========    ===========    ==========    

===============================================================================================
                                                NET    
                                            UNREALIZED  
                                               GAINS    
                                           ON SECURITIES         TREASURY STOCK
                                             AVAILABLE       ----------------------    
(IN THOUSANDS)                                FOR SALE       SHARES         DOLLARS      TOTAL   
===============================================================================================
                                                                        
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996             $       489          (28)      $   (419)   $   239,836
                                         
  Net income                                       -            -              -         14,990
                                         
  Common cash dividends                                 
     declared - $.66 per share                     -            -              -        (15,754)
                                         
  Issuance of common stock                              
     under stock option plan                            
     and related tax effects                       -            -              -          4,819
                                         
  Issuance of common stock under                        
     employee stock purchase plan                  -            -              -            227
                                         
  Issuance of common stock under                        
     dividend reinvestment program                 -            -              -            219
                                         
  Cash in lieu of fractional shares                -            -              -             (7)
                                         
  Change in net unrealized gains                        
      on securities available for sale         1,533            -              -          1,533
                                         
  Cost of shares acquired for treasury             -          (10)          (172)          (172)
                                         -----------    ---------       --------    -----------
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997            $     2,022          (38)      $   (591)   $   245,691
                                         ===========    =========       ========    ===========






     See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                      -3-
   6

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)



===============================================================================================================================
NINE MONTHS ENDED                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,
===============================================================================================================================
(IN THOUSANDS)                                                                                  1997                    1996   
===============================================================================================================================
                                                                                                             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                                
     Net income                                                                            $     14,990            $     16,034
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net                                     
         cash provided (used) by operating activities:                              
              Depreciation and amortization                                                       3,899                   5,455
              Amortization of deferred credit on leasehold residual                              (1,980)                 (1,059)
              Provision for loan and lease losses                                                 3,385                   3,210
              Loans originated and acquired for sale                                           (156,388)               (121,582)
              Principal balance of loans sold                                                   144,446                 117,347
              Net gain on sale of portfolio loans                                                (1,025)                   (932)
              Net gain on sale of foreclosed real estate                                            (52)                    (25)
              Net gains on investment securities                                                 (1,403)                 (1,823)
              Net deferred income tax provision                                                   4,840                     603
              Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance                      (1,072)                   (315)
              Other                                                                              (3,128)                 (3,827)
                                                                                           ------------            ------------ 
                  NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                6,512                  13,086
                                                                                           ------------            ------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                                
     Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale                                       206,616                  70,627
     Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale                                  196,091                 115,328
     Purchase of securities available for sale                                                 (510,724)               (183,929)
     Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity                                     40,911                  66,311
     Purchases of securities held to maturity                                                   (31,009)                (74,414)
     Proceeds from the sale of, or payments on, repossessed assets                                4,486                   1,174
     Proceeds from sales of portfolio loans                                                      53,102                   4,069
     Net decrease (increase) in interest bearing deposits with other banks                         (527)                 12,169
     Net increase in loans and leases                                                          (377,713)               (196,123)
     Purchase of Bank-owned life insurance                                                      (30,300)                (30,000)
     Purchases of premises and equipment                                                         (8,538)                 (4,857)
                                                                                           ------------            ------------ 
                  NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                        (457,605)               (219,645)
                                                                                           ------------            ------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                                
     Net increase in noninterest bearing deposits and savings accounts                           26,210                  31,045
     Net increase in time certificates of deposit                                               158,263                  80,445
     Net increase in other borrowed funds                                                        93,041                  64,724
     Proceeds from FHLBB advances with maturities in excess of three months                     344,421                  35,225
     Payments of FHLBB advances with maturities in excess of three months                      (202,000)                (12,607)
     Net proceeds from (payments of) FHLBB advances with maturities of three        
         months or less                                                                          26,441                  18,027
     Common cash dividends paid                                                                 (13,068)                 (8,225)
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                                       4,874                   1,561
     Fractional shares paid out                                                                       -                     (33)
     Acquisition of  treasury shares                                                               (172)                   (193)
                                                                                           ------------            ------------ 
                  NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                     438,010                 209,969
                                                                                           ------------            ------------
                  DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                         (13,083)                  3,410
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                                131,106                 139,010
                                                                                           ------------            ------------
                  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                               $    118,023            $    142,420
                                                                                           ============            ============
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                          
     Interest paid on deposit accounts                                                     $     51,077            $     49,679
     Interest paid on borrowed funds                                                             20,064                   6,910
     Income taxes paid                                                                            2,641                   4,477
     Transfers from loans to foreclosed real estate                                               4,699                   3,341
     Transfers from securities held to maturity to securities available for sale                 57,689                  76,849


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                      -4-
   7

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
NOTE A-BASIS OF PRESENTATION
================================================================================

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. Operating results for the nine month period ended September 30,
1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
current fiscal year. For further information, refer to the consolidated
financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the CFX Corporation (CFX
or the Company) annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996.

================================================================================
NOTE B-MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
================================================================================

On October 27, 1997, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive
agreement to be acquired by Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. (Peoples
Heritage), a multi-bank and financial services holding company headquartered in
Portland, Maine. Under the terms of the agreement, each of CFX's outstanding
shares of common stock will be converted into .667 shares of Peoples Heritage
common stock. The agreement is subject to approval by shareholders of both
companies and by regulatory authorities. The transaction will be a tax-free
reorganization and is anticipated to be accounted for as a pooling-of-
interests.  In connection with the agreement, CFX has granted to Peoples 
Heritage an option to acquire up to 19.9 percent of the outstanding shares of 
CFX common stock under certain circumstances. Additionally, Peoples Heritage 
has granted CFX an option to acquire up to 10.0 percent of the outstanding 
shares of Peoples Heritage common stock under certain circumstances.

On August 29, 1997, the Company acquired Portsmouth Bank Shares, Inc.
(Portsmouth) and Community Bankshares, Inc. (Community). Pursuant to the
definitive agreements, each of Portsmouth's 5,907,000 outstanding shares of
common stock and Community's 2,489,000 outstanding shares of common stock were
converted into .9314 shares and 2.113 shares, respectively, of the Company's
common stock, resulting in the issuance of 5,502,000 shares and 5,259,000
shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock to Portsmouth and Community
shareholders. Cash was paid in lieu of issuing fractional shares.

Portsmouth was a New Hampshire bank holding company, headquartered in
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Portsmouth was merged into CFX, and Portsmouth's
subsidiary bank, Portsmouth Savings Bank, was merged into CFX's New Hampshire
banking subsidiary, CFX Bank, as part of the transaction.

Community was a New Hampshire bank holding company, headquartered in Concord,
New Hampshire. Community was merged into CFX and Community's subsidiary banks,
Concord Savings Bank and Centerpoint Bank, were merged into CFX's New Hampshire
banking subsidiary, CFX Bank, as part of the transaction.

Both the Portsmouth and Community mergers were accounted for by the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting. The financial information for all
prior periods presented has been restated to present the combined financial
condition and results of operations as if the combination had been in effect
for all periods presented.

As a result of these acquisitions, the Company recorded a charge to earnings in
the third quarter of $8,372,000, on an after-tax basis for merger related
costs.  The one-time after-tax charge of the transactions pertains to the
following areas: equipment, $899,000; personnel, $1,967,000; and other,
$5,506,000.  Equipment costs consist primarily of write-offs due to
consolidation of data processing, termination charges, and duplication of
computer hardware, software, and certain telecommunications equipment.
Personnel costs consist primarily of charges related to employee severance and
employee outplacement assistance. Other costs include investment banking fees,
legal and accounting fees, due diligence costs, proxy registration/filing fees
and mailing and printing costs. A significant portion of other costs are
capitalized for tax purposes and, therefore, are not tax deductible.

                                      -5-
   8

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
GENERAL
================================================================================

All information within this section should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Form
10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996. All
references in this discussion to the financial condition and results of
operations are to the consolidated position of the Company and its subsidiaries
taken as a whole.

CFX Corporation is a multi-bank holding company incorporated under the laws of
the State of New Hampshire. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries are CFX
Bank, headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire, Orange Savings Bank, headquartered
in Orange, Massachusetts, and Safety Fund National Bank, headquartered in
Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Included in the financial information herein are
restated numbers reflecting the acquisitions of Community and Portsmouth. Both
mergers were accounted for by the pooling-of-interests method of accounting.

The results of operations for the Company depend primarily on its net interest
and dividend income, which is the difference between (i) interest and dividend
income on earning assets, primarily loans, leases, trading and investment
securities, and (ii) interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, which
consist of deposits and borrowings. The Company's results of operations are
also affected by the provision for loan and lease losses, resulting from the
Company's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease
losses, the level of its other operating income, expenses, and income tax
expense.

The Company has made, and may continue to make, various forward-looking
statements with respect to earnings per share, cost savings related to
acquisitions, credit quality and other financial business matters for 1997 and,
in certain instances, subsequent periods. The Company cautions that these
forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and
uncertainties, and that statements for periods subsequent to 1997 are subject
to greater uncertainty because of the increased likelihood of changes in
underlying factors and assumptions. Actual results could differ materially 
from forward-looking statements.

In addition to those factors previously disclosed by the Company and those
factors identified elsewhere herein, the following factors could cause actual
results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements: continued
pricing pressures on loan and deposit products, actions of competitors, changes
in economic conditions, the extent and timing of actions of the Federal Reserve
Board, continued customer disintermediation, customers' acceptance of the
Company's products and services, the extent and timing of legislative and
regulatory actions and reforms, and the ability of the Company to realize the
benefits of its' integration plans associated with acquisitions.

The Company's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which
such statements are made. By making any forward-looking statements, the Company
assumes no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events
or circumstances.

NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The Company incurred a loss of $173,000, or $.01 per share, and earnings of
$14,990,000, or $.63 per share for the three and nine months ended September
30, 1997, respectively, compared to earnings of $3,166,000, or $.13 per share,
and $16,034,000 or $.68 per share, for the corresponding periods a year ago.
Return (loss) on average assets was (.02%) and .76% for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to .55% and .96% for
the corresponding periods a year ago. Excluding merger-related charges,
earnings and earnings per share were $8,199,000 or $.34 per share, and
$23,362,000, or $.98 per share, for the three and nine months ended September
30, 1997, respectively, compared to earnings of $6,888,000, or $.29 per share
and $19,756,000, or $.84 per share for the corresponding periods a year ago.
Excluding merger related charges, return on average assets and return on
average equity were 1.15% and 12.82%, and 1.19% and 11.61% for the three months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Excluding merger charges, for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, the return on average assets
and average equity were 1.23% and 11.76%, and 1.18% and 11.32%, respectively.

                                      -6-
   9

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - GENERAL
================================================================================

The increase in net income, excluding merger-related charges, was primarily due
to increased net revenues (net interest and dividend income and other income).
Net revenues were $31,625,000 and $90,807,000 for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to $28,132,000 and $81,831,000
for the corresponding periods a year ago, an increase of 12% and 11% for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1997, respectively. The stronger net
revenues were the result of a $359 million, or 17%, increase in average
interest earning assets during the nine months ended September 30, 1997,
compared to the same period in 1996 and continued focus on noninterest income.
However, a portion of the increase in net revenues was offset by an increase in
certain operating expenses. The increase in interest earning assets was
primarily due to retail loan growth and a planned balance sheet leverage
strategy designed as a result of the acquisition of Portsmouth which had high
capital ratios. (See "Financial Condition - Investment Securities" section of
this Management's Discussion and Analysis.)

NET INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME

The following tables set forth comparisons of average interest earning assets
and interest bearing liabilities, and interest income and interest expense
expressed as a percentage of the related asset or liability. In order to
reflect the economic impact of the Company's tax-exempt loans and leases and
investments in state and municipal securities and to present data on a
comparative basis, the income from, and yields on, these loans and leases and
securities have been restated to a taxable-equivalent basis using a 34.00% and
38.62% tax rate, respectively. The taxable-equivalent income adjustments for
loans and leases are $108,000 and $268,000 for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to $85,000 and $259,000 for the
corresponding periods a year ago. The taxable-equivalent income adjustments for
investment securities are $160,000 and $463,000 for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to $142,000 and $456,000 for
the corresponding periods a year ago. These adjustments, however, are for
comparison purposes only and have no impact on reported net income.



===================================================================================================================================
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,                                  1997                                         1996             
===================================================================================================================================
                                                                INTEREST                                     Interest         
                                               AVERAGE           INCOME/      YIELD/        Average           Income/       Yield/
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                         BALANCE         EXPENSE (1)     RATE         Balance         Expense (1)      Rate 
===================================================================================================================================
                                                                                                            
ASSETS                                                                                                   
Interest and dividend earning assets:                                                                    
     Loans and leases                    $     1,899,776    $        40,705     8.50%    $     1,486,181   $        32,430     8.68%
     Tax-exempt loans and leases                  12,139                318    10.39               9,111               250    10.92
     Taxable securities                          642,400             11,350     7.01             528,589             8,742     6.58
     Tax-exempt securities                        22,329                413     7.34              26,105               420     6.40
     Other                                        60,867                516     3.36              78,368               972     4.93
                                         ---------------    ---------------              ---------------   ---------------         
Total interest earning assets                  2,637,511             53,302     8.02           2,128,354            42,814     8.00
                                                            ---------------                                ---------------         
Noninterest earning assets                       194,157                                         165,574 
                                         ---------------                                 --------------- 
        TOTAL                            $     2,831,668                                 $     2,293,928 
                                         ===============                                 ===============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                     
Interest bearing liabilities:                                                                            
     Savings deposits                    $       667,379              4,029     2.40     $       683,318             4,116     2.40
     Time deposits                             1,033,192             14,701     5.65             849,205            11,776     5.52
     Advances from Federal Home Loan                                                                     
        Bank of Boston                           439,857              6,442     5.81             203,082             2,875     5.63
     Other borrowed funds                        195,465              2,490     5.05             110,077             1,308     4.73
                                         ---------------    ---------------              ---------------   ---------------         
Total interest bearing liabilities             2,335,893             27,662     4.70           1,845,682            20,075     4.33
                                                            ---------------                                ---------------         
Noninterest bearing liabilities:                                                                         
     Demand deposits                             218,329                                         182,736 
     Other                                        23,806                                          29,387 
     Shareholders' equity                        253,640                                         236,123 
                                         ---------------                                 --------------- 
         TOTAL                           $     2,831,668                                 $     2,293,928 
                                         ===============                                 =============== 
Net interest and dividend income                            $        25,640                                $        22,739
                                                            ===============                                ===============
Interest rate spread                                                            3.32%                                          3.67%
Net interest margin                                                             3.86%                                          4.25%


(1)  Income from tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans and leases has been
restated to a tax-equivalent basis using a 38.62% and 34.00% tax rate, 
respectively.

                                      -7-
   10

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - GENERAL - (Cont'd.)
================================================================================




===================================================================================================================================
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,                                  1997                                         1996               
===================================================================================================================================
                                                               INTEREST                                     Interest
                                              AVERAGE          INCOME/      YIELD/        Average            Income/        Yield/
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                        BALANCE         EXPENSE (1)    RATE         Balance          Expense (1)       Rate  
===================================================================================================================================
                                                                                                           
ASSETS                                                                                                 
                                                                                                       
Interest and dividend earning assets:                                                                  
      Loans and leases                   $     1,751,578   $       112,618     8.60%   $     1,423,507    $        93,827     8.80%
      Tax-exempt loans and leases                 10,188               788    10.34              8,816                762    11.55
      Taxable securities                         591,355            30,496     6.89            535,952             25,645     6.39
      Tax-exempt securities                       21,786             1,199     7.36             29,168              1,409     6.45
      Other                                       62,970             2,126     4.51             81,886              3,194     5.21
                                         ---------------   ---------------             ---------------    ---------------         
Total interest earning assets                  2,437,877           147,227     8.07          2,079,329            124,837     8.02
                                                           ---------------                                ---------------         
Noninterest earning assets                       191,857                                       153,518 
                                         ---------------                               --------------- 
         TOTAL                           $     2,629,734                               $     2,232,847 
                                         ===============                               =============== 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                   
Interest bearing liabilities:                                                                          
      Savings deposits                   $       666,701            11,760     2.36    $       680,557             12,257     2.41
      Time deposits                              969,743            40,546     5.59            840,985             35,020     5.56
      Advances from Federal Home Loan                                                                  
         Bank of Boston                          353,395            15,260     5.77            180,223              7,683     5.69
      Other borrowed funds                       150,385             5,666     5.04             95,407              3,434     4.81
                                         ---------------   ---------------             ---------------    ---------------         
Total interest bearing liabilities             2,140,224            73,232     4.57          1,797,172             58,394     4.34
                                                           ---------------                                ---------------         
Noninterest bearing liabilities:                                                                       
      Demand deposits                            207,710                                       174,985 
      Other                                       34,059                                        27,643 
      Shareholders' equity                       247,741                                       233,047 
                                         ---------------                               --------------- 
         TOTAL                           $     2,629,734                               $     2,232,847 
                                         ===============                               ===============
Net interest and dividend income                           $        73,995                                $        66,443
                                                           ===============                                ===============
Interest rate spread                                                           3.50%                                          3.68%
Net interest margin                                                            4.06%                                          4.27%
                                            
                                                         

(1)  Income from tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans and leases has been 
restated to a tax-equivalent basis using a 38.62% and 34.00% tax rate, 
respectively.





                                      -8-
   11

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - GENERAL - (Cont'd.)
================================================================================

The following table presents changes in interest and dividend income, interest
expense, and net interest income which are attributable to changes in the
average amounts of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities
and/or changes in rates earned or paid thereon. The net changes attributable to
both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately.



====================================================================================================================================
                                            FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED                              FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,                                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                   1997 VS. 1996                                           1997 VS. 1996
                                            INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO                              INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO
====================================================================================================================================
(IN THOUSANDS)                           VOLUME          RATE             NET             VOLUME             RATE            NET 
====================================================================================================================================
                                                                                                      
Interest and dividends earned on:                                                                                   
                                                                                                                    
     Loans and leases                 $    8,950     $      (607)    $     8,343       $   18,496       $       321     $    18,817
     Investments                           1,916             685           2,601            2,674             1,967           4,641
     Other                                  (189)           (267)           (456)            (370)             (698)         (1,068)
                                      ----------     -----------     -----------       ----------       -----------     ----------- 
     Total interest and                                                                                             
         dividend income                  10,677            (189)         10,488           20,800             1,590          22,390
                                      ----------     -----------     -----------       ----------       -----------     -----------
                                                                                                                    
Interest paid on:                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                    
     Savings and time deposits             2,510             328           2,838            4,983                46           5,029
     Borrowed funds                        4,547             202           4,748            9,498               311           9,809
                                      ----------     -----------     -----------       ----------       -----------     -----------
     Total interest expense                7,057             530           7,586           14,481               357          14,838
                                      ----------     -----------     -----------       ----------       -----------     -----------
                                                                                                                    
     Change in net interest                                                                                         
         and dividend income          $    3,620     $      (719)    $     2,901       $    6,319       $     1,233     $     7,552
                                      ==========     ===========     ===========       ==========       ===========     ===========
                                                 





                                      -9-
   12

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - GENERAL - (Cont'd.)
================================================================================

Taxable-equivalent net interest and dividend income was $25,640,000, and
$73,995,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1997, compared to $22,739,000, and $66,443,000 for the same periods a year ago.
The increase in net interest and dividend income in the 1997 periods was
principally due to higher average interest earning assets and higher demand
deposits.

Although net interest and dividend income has increased during the 1997 periods
compared to the respective 1996 periods, the net interest margin has declined.
The Company's net interest margin of 3.86% for the three months ended September
30, 1997 decreased from 4.25% for the corresponding period a year ago. The net
interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was 4.06%,
compared to 4.27% for the corresponding period a year ago. The decreases in net
interest margins were primarily due to the increase in average earning assets
being funded with higher cost liabilities (predominantly Federal Home Loan Bank
of Boston (FHLBB) borrowings, repurchase agreements and brokered certificates
of deposits). The increase in average interest earning assets was primarily the
result of a leverage strategy invoked to utilize excess capital acquired with
the Portsmouth merger. These assets are being funded with wholesale borrowings,
which have higher rates than lower cost core deposits, creating a reduction in
the net interest margin (see "Financial Condition - Investment Securities"
section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis).

PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

The provision for loan and lease losses in the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1997 was $1,423,000, and $3,385,000, respectively, compared to
$980,000 and $3,210,000, respectively, for the same periods a year ago. The
higher provision for loan and lease losses in 1997 is primarily the result of
continued growth in the loan portfolios and the increases in nonperforming
asset levels during 1997 versus 1996, offset by lower net charge-offs in 1997
as discussed in the "Risk Elements - Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses"
section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis. Total net charge-offs
amounted to $2,309,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, as
compared to $2,850,000 for the same period a year ago.

The higher net charge-offs in 1996 were principally due to residential real
estate foreclosures and the resolution of several long-term problem commercial
loan relationships.

At September 30, 1997, nonperforming loans stood at $11,914,000, or .62% of
total loans and leases, compared to $10,783,000, or .68% of total loans and
leases, as of December 31, 1996. The allowance for loan and lease losses as a
percentage of nonperforming loans as of September 30, 1997 and December 31,
1996 amounted to 179.69% and 188.56%, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 1997, the higher 1997 provisions
compared to 1996 primarily relates to specific  charge-offs to one borrower
totaling  $350,000, and additional loan growth.





                                      -10-
   13

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - GENERAL - (Cont'd.)
================================================================================

OTHER INCOME

Other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 totaled
$6,253,000 and $17,543,000, respectively, compared to $5,620,000, and
$16,103,000 for the same periods a year ago.

The $633,000 increase in other income for the third quarter of 1997 compared to
the third quarter of 1996 and the $1,440,000 increase for the nine months is
principally due to mortgage banking activities, net gains on investment
securities, investments in Bank-owned life insurance (BOLI), trust fees, and
other income.

The increase in mortgage banking activities in 1997 compared to 1996 is due to
higher net gains on sales of loans and mortgage loan servicing. Net gains on
the sale of loans for the first nine months of 1997 increased by $304,000 over
the same period a year ago. Also during the second quarter of 1997, mortgage
loan servicing rights were sold for a pre-tax gain of $435,000.

The increase of $212,000 in BOLI income in the third quarter of 1997 versus
1996 resulted from an additional investment. The investment, totaling $62
million at September 30, 1997 generated $631,000 in other income during the
third quarter of 1997, and $1,372,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
1997. (For more information on BOLI, see "Financial Condition - Other Assets"
section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis.) The increase in trust
fees resulted from trust assets increasing 20% over the past year to end at
$429 million at September 30, 1997, translating into higher fees of $78,000 and
$181,000, respectively, for the three and none months ended September 30, 1997,
compared to the same period a year ago. Other income increased by $710,000 in
the third quarter of 1997 versus 1996 as a result of the sale of the merchant
credit card program for a pre-tax gain of approximately $600,000.

Offsetting the increases in other income for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1997, as compared to the same period a year ago, was a decrease
in revenues from leasing activities as a result of fewer securitizations
(portfolio sales) in 1997, and a reduction of deferred income pertaining to
lease residuals.

Also during 1996, The Company terminated CFX Corporation's and Safety Fund's
pension plans and transferred the assets and liabilities to a multi-employer
pension plan. This transaction resulted in a settlement gain of $877,000 during
the third quarter of 1996 and a reduction of pension expense.

OTHER EXPENSE

Other expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 totaled
$29,912,000 and $65,419,000, respectively, compared to $21,527,000 and
$54,012,000, respectively, for the same periods a year ago.

Other expenses increased by $8,385,000 in the three months ended September 30,
1997, compared to the same period a year ago, principally due to the increase
in merger-related expenses, which totaled $11,031,000 in 1997 for the
acquisitions of Portsmouth and Community, and $4,522,000 in 1996 with the
acquisitions of Safety Fund Corporation and Milford Co/operative (see Note B -
Mergers and Acquisitions in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"
section), and salaries and employee benefits which increased as a result of
merit increases, an increase in staffing in the lending and data processing
functions, the additional staffing for two de novo branches, the development of
a trust function at CFX Bank and the expansion of the trust function at Safety
Fund National Bank. Occupancy and equipment expenses have increased as a result
of opening a new operations center, technology enhancements, the creation of
two de novo branches, and the relocation of two branches. Offsetting the
above-mentioned increases was a reduction in the SAIF special assessment of
$908,000 resulting from the acquisition of Milford Co/operative in 1996.

For the nine months ended September 30, 1997, other expenses increased
$11,407,000 over the same period a year ago. This increase was primarily due to
the increase in the merger-related expenses incurred in the third quarter of
1997 and 1996 totaling $11,031,000 and $4,522,000, respectively, and salaries,
employee benefits, occupancy and equipment as noted above. Offsetting the 
above mentioned increases was a reduction in the SAIF special assessment of 
$908,000.

                                      -11-
   14

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - GENERAL - (Cont'd.)
================================================================================

INCOME TAX

Income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 were
159.66% and 31.87%, respectively, of pretax income, compared to 43.72% and
34.85% of pretax income for the same periods a year ago. The effective tax
rates were higher due to the merger-related expenses of $11,031,000 in 1997, of
which $4,145,000 were non-tax deductible, and $4,522,000 in 1996, of which
$2,537,000 were non-tax deductible. Excluding these charges, the effective tax
rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 would
have been 27.38% and 29.28%, and 32.12% and 32.18%, respectively. The lower
rates for 1997 are primarily due to higher tax credits pertaining to low income
housing projects and the reversal of a portion of a valuation allowance
established by Safety Fund for net operating loss carryforwards at one of their
subsidiaries as a result of current and projected profits from that subsidiary
and the development of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

================================================================================
FINANCIAL CONDITION
================================================================================

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The carrying value and estimated fair value of investment securities at
September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, follows:



      ==============================================================================================================================
                                                                         SEPTEMBER 30,                           December 31,
                                                                             1997                                    1996        
      ==============================================================================================================================
                                                                     CARRYING            FAIR             Carrying            Fair
      (IN THOUSANDS)                                                   VALUE            VALUE               Value            Value
      ==============================================================================================================================
                                                                                                           
      Securities available for sale:                                                                                
         Debt securities:                                                                                           
            U.S. Treasury and agency obligations                  $      156,835    $     156,835    $      226,126    $     226,126
            Corporate bonds                                                7,867            7,867            14,284           14,284
            Federal agency mortgage pass-through securities              168,173          168,173           108,931          108,931
            Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO's)                                                             
                 and other asset backed                                  197,584          197,584            19,608           19,608
            State and municipal                                            2,563            2,563             2,005            2,005
            Marketable equity securities                                  52,430           52,430            39,073           39,073
            Other securities                                                   -                -             4,869            4,869
                                                                  --------------    -------------    --------------    -------------
                     TOTAL SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE          $      585,452    $     585,452    $      414,896    $     414,896
                                                                  ==============    =============    ==============    =============
      Securities held to maturity:                                                                                  
         Debt securities:                                                                                           
            U.S. Treasury and agency obligations                  $        7,644    $       7,659    $       45,883    $      45,760
            Corporate Bonds                                                    -                -             2,013            2,007
            State and municipal                                           21,514           21,655            13,986           14,083
            Federal agency mortgage pass-through securities                7,255            7,346            28,338           28,470
            Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO's)                                                             
                 and other asset backed                                      583              584             1,184            1,185
            Other securities                                                 400              400            13,278           13,278
                                                                  --------------    -------------    --------------    -------------
                     TOTAL SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY            $       37,396    $      37,644    $      104,682    $     104,783
                                                                  ==============    =============    ==============    =============


As discussed in Note B - Mergers and Acquisitions in the "Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements" section, the Company acquired Portsmouth and Community on
August 29, 1997, as a result, to be consistent with the Company's current
interest risk profile, certain securities held to maturity with an amortized
cost of $61,170,000 and a net unrealized loss of $95,000 were transferred to
securities available for sale.

In the first quarter of 1997, as part of the acquisition of Portsmouth, the
Company commenced a leverage strategy to utilize the higher capital levels at
Portsmouth. At June 30, 1997, Portsmouth had a Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio of
25.7%. As of September 30, 1997, the Company had purchased or originated in
excess of $300 million in investment securities and loans, which were funded by
additional advances from the FHLBB and brokered deposits. The current leverage
strategy is designed to optimize the use of capital, enhance earnings and the
return on equity. As traditional retail opportunities become available, it is
the Company's intent that the leveraged assets, or wholesale assets, will be
redeployed into higher yielding assets and wholesale funding will be replaced
with core deposits.

                                      -12-
   15

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
FINANCIAL CONDITION - (Cont'd.)
================================================================================

LOANS AND LEASES

The table below sets forth the composition of the Company's loan and lease
portfolio, net of unearned income and deferred costs, at the dates indicated:



      ===========================================================================================================================
                                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,                            December 31,
      ===========================================================================================================================
      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                            1997                                    1996             
      ===========================================================================================================================
                                                                                     % OF                                   % of 
                                                                BALANCES            TOTAL                Balances          Total
      ===========================================================================================================================
                                                                                                                   
      Real estate:                                                                                                               
           Residential                                    $       1,083,665          56.64%       $         873,794        54.81%
           Construction                                              31,270           1.63                   19,830         1.24 
           Commercial                                               253,830          13.27                  248,083        15.56 
      Commercial, financial, and agricultural                       204,552          10.69                  170,146        10.67 
      Warehouse lines of credit to leasing companies                 14,236           0.74                   18,393         1.15 
      Consumer lease financing                                      103,987           5.44                   67,146         4.21 
      Other consumer                                                221,837          11.59                  197,007        12.36 
                                                          -----------------       --------        -----------------      ------- 
                                                                  1,913,377         100.00%               1,594,399       100.00% 
                                                                                  ========                               =======
           Less allowance for loan and lease losses                  21,408                                  20,332              
                                                          -----------------                       -----------------              
              Net loans and leases                        $       1,891,969                       $       1,574,067              
                                                          =================                       =================



The $318,978,000 increase in total loans and leases was primarily due to a
$209,871,000 increase in residential real estate loans from the Company's
leverage strategy (See "Financial Condition - Investment Securities" section of
this Management's Discussion and Analysis), a $36,841,000 increase in consumer
lease financing, and a $24,830,000 increase in other consumer loans, primarily
indirect automobile loans. Residential loan production is generated by a
combination of originations and purchases by the Company's mortgage banking
affiliate, CFX Mortgage. The consumer lease financing and indirect automobile
loans are generated through automobile dealerships throughout New Hampshire and
central Massachusetts.

OTHER ASSETS

As of September 30, 1997, the Company's  investment in BOLI totaled $62
million.  During the third quarter of 1997, the Company invested an additional
$30,000,000 in BOLI to finance the cost of certain employee benefit plan
expenses.

The BOLI investment is accomplished through the purchase of life insurance on
the lives of certain employees through two insurance companies with a Standard
& Poors rating of AA+ or better. The Company, not the employee or family, is
the beneficiary of the insurance policies. The first source of income is from
the growth of the cash value of the policy. The cash value increases each year
as interest (rate is guaranteed each year and changes annually to reflect
market rates) is added by the insurance company. The second source of income
comes from the insurance proceeds paid to the bank upon the death of an
employee. The payment of the insurance proceeds and the earnings from the cash
value are income tax free (unless the policy is surrendered).

                                      -13-
   16

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
FINANCIAL CONDITION - (Cont'd.)
================================================================================

DEPOSITS AND BORROWED FUNDS

The following table shows the various components of deposits and borrowed funds
at the dates indicated:



      =============================================================================================================================
                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, 1997                     DECEMBER 31, 1996
      =============================================================================================================================
      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                      AMOUNT           % OF TOTAL             AMOUNT         % OF TOTAL
      =============================================================================================================================
                                                                                                               
      Deposits:                                                                                 
                                                                                                
      Noninterest bearing demand deposits                  $         221,202           11.43%       $        193,579         11.05%
      Regular savings deposits                                       326,140           16.85                 343,169         19.60
      NOW & money market deposits                                    339,124           17.52                 323,508         18.47
      Time deposits                                                  835,180           43.15                 820,925         46.88
                                                           -----------------          ------        ----------------        ------
            Total retail deposits                                  1,721,646           88.95               1,681,181         96.00
      Brokered deposits                                              213,968           11.05                  69,960          4.00
                                                           -----------------          ------        ----------------        ------
            Total deposits                                 $       1,935,614          100.00%       $      1,751,141        100.00%
                                                           =================          ======        ================        ======
                                                                                                
      Borrowed Funds:                                                                           
                                                                                                
      Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston                                            
               Short-Term                                  $         214,800           35.03%       $        207,733         59.13%
               Long-Term                                             200,655           32.72                  38,860         11.06
      Other borrowed funds                                           197,791           32.25                 104,750         29.81
                                                           -----------------          ------        ----------------        ------
            Total borrowed funds                           $         613,246          100.00%       $        351,343        100.00%
                                                           =================          ======        ================        ======



The increase in deposits, advances from the FHLBB, and other borrowed funds
funded asset growth and the leverage strategy over the past nine months. (See
"Financial Condition - Investment Securities" of this Management's Discussion
and Analysis.) Management customarily directs movement of funding between
brokered deposits, advances from the FHLBB and repurchase agreements (included
in borrowed funds). During 1997, there has been a shift from short-term to
long-term funding from FHLBB to meet interest-risk parameters and secure
long-term funding costs.

================================================================================
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
================================================================================

Shareholders' equity increased by $5,855,000 from $239,836,000 at December 31,
1996 to $245,691,000 at September 30, 1997. The increase was due to $14,990,000
in net income, issuance of $4,819,000 in common stock under the stock option
plan, issuance of $227,000 in common stock under the employee stock purchase
plan offset by a $1,533,000 increase in net unrealized gains on securities
available for sale, issuance of $219,000 in common stock under the dividend
reinvestment plan, offset by the cost of shares acquired for treasury of
$172,000, $7,000 paid for fractional shares, and $15,754,000 in common cash
dividends declared on common stock.

                                      -14-
   17

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RISK ELEMENTS
================================================================================

Nonperforming assets are evaluated quarterly by management to ensure proper
classification and to confirm that the recorded carrying value of the assets is
reasonable and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
regulatory requirements, and the Company's policies. Loans are placed on
nonaccrual status when management determines that significant doubt exists as
to the collectibility of principal or interest on a loan. Moreover, loans past
due 90 days or more as to principal or interest are placed on nonaccrual
status.

The following table provides the composition of the Company's nonperforming
loans and foreclosed assets at the dates indicated:



      ===========================================================================================================================
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,                            December 31,
      ===========================================================================================================================
      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                           1997                                    1996          
      ===========================================================================================================================
                                                                                 % OF                                      % of
                                                             BALANCES            TOTAL             Balances                Total
      ===========================================================================================================================
                                                                                                                  
      Nonperforming loans:                                                                                         
           Real estate:                                                                                            
              Residential                                 $       6,785          56.95%           $       6,944            64.44%
              Commercial                                          3,167          26.58                    1,904            17.66
           Commercial, financial, and agricultural                1,490          12.51                    1,634            15.15
           Consumer and other                                       472           3.96                      301             2.79
                                                          -------------        -------            -------------          -------
                                                                 11,914         100.00%                  10,783           100.00%
                                                          -------------        =======            -------------          ======= 
           Foreclosed assets:                                                                                      
              Residential real estate                             2,016          55.78%                   2,108            62.94%
              Construction                                          468          12.95                      467            13.94
              Commercial real estate                                503          13.92                      496            14.81
              Leasing receivable-equipment                          206           5.70                        -                -
              Non-real estate repossessions                         421          11.65                      288             8.60
              Valuation allowance                                     -              -                      (10)            (.29)
                                                          -------------        -------            -------------          ------- 
                                                                  3,614         100.00%                   3,349           100.00%
                                                          -------------        =======            -------------          =======
           TOTAL NONPERFORMING ASSETS                     $      15,528                           $      14,132    
                                                          =============                           =============    
                                                                                                                   
      Nonperforming loans as a percent of total                                                                    
           loans and leases                                         .62%                                    .68%   
                                                          =============                           =============    
      Nonperforming assets as a percent of total                                                                   
           loans and leases and foreclosed assets                   .81%                                    .88%
                                                          =============                           =============
                                              





                                      -15-
   18

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
RISK ELEMENTS - (CONT'D.)
================================================================================

The increase in nonperforming assets over the December 31, 1996 balance is more
reflective of the increase in the size of the overall portfolio than an
indication of economic deterioration. Loans delinquent less than 90 days have
decreased from $31,020,000 at December 31, 1996 to $27,343,000 at September 30,
1997 as a result of the continued focus on collection efforts from the
increases in the loan portfolios.

The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans at the
dates indicated:



      =======================================================================================================================
                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30                  December 31 
      =======================================================================================================================
      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                                           1997                         1996   
      =======================================================================================================================
                                                                                                           
      Loans with a valuation allowance                                           $      1,785                    $      2,816
      Loans without a valuation allowance                                               4,194                           3,090
                                                                                 ------------                    ------------
              Total impaired loans                                               $      5,979                    $      5,906
                                                                                 ============                    ============
      Valuation allowance allocated to impaired loans                            $        873                    $        934
                                                                                 ============                    ============
                                                                     
                                                                             
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES                                          
                                                                             
The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained through charges to     
earnings. Loan and lease losses recognized, and recoveries received, are     
charged or credited directly to the allowance. The Company's management      
determines the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses based upon a 
review of the Company's loan and lease portfolio. This review identifies     
specific problem loans and leases requiring allocations of the allowance and 
also estimates an allocation for potential loan and lease losses based on    
current economic conditions and historical experience.                       
                                                                             
Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses are as follows:           
                                                                             
                                                                      
                                                                    
      =======================================================================================================================
      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, (IN THOUSANDS)                                1997                             1996    
      =======================================================================================================================
                                                                                                           
      Balance at beginning of period                                             $     20,332                    $     19,843
      Provision for loan and lease losses                                               3,385                           3,210
      Loans charged-off                                                                (3,636)                         (3,598)
      Recoveries of loans previously charged-off                                        1,327                             748
                                                                                 ------------                    ------------
                                                                             
      Balance at end of period                                                   $     21,408                    $     20,203
                                                                                 ============                    ============
      Allowance for loan and lease losses                                    
           as a percent of total loans and leases                                        1.12%                           1.35%
                                                                                 ============                    ============
                                                                             
      Allowance for loan and lease losses as a                               
                                                                             
            percent of total nonperforming loans                                       179.69%                         187.36%
                                                                                 ============                    ============
      Net charge-offs/average loans and leases (1)                                        .18%                            .17%
                                                                                 ============                    ============


      (1) Annualized

Management considers the allowance for loan and lease losses to be adequate in
view of its evaluation of the Company's loan and lease portfolio, the level of
nonperforming loans and leases, current economic conditions and historical
experience with loan and lease losses. However, if economic conditions
deteriorate, the Company may have to increase the allowance for loan and lease
losses from its current level.

                                      -16-
   19

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                      AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
================================================================================

The Company's primary objective regarding asset/liability management is to
position the Company so that changes in interest rates do not have a materially
adverse impact upon forecasted net income and the net fair value of the
Company.  The Company's primary strategy for accomplishing its asset/liability
management objective is achieved by matching the cash flows and repricing
characteristics of assets, liabilities, and off-balance-sheet items.

To measure the impact of interest rate changes, the Company utilizes a
comprehensive financial planning model that recalculates the fair value of the
Company assuming instantaneous, permanent parallel shifts in the yield curve of
both up and down 100 and 200 basis points, or four separate calculations.
Larger increases or decreases in forecasted net income and the net market value
of the Company as a result of these interest rate changes represent greater
interest rate risk than do smaller increases or decreases.

The results of the financial planning model are highly dependent on numerous
assumptions. These assumptions generally fall into two categories: those
relating to the interest rate environment and those relating to general
business and economic factors. Assumptions related to the interest rate
environment include the prepayment speeds on mortgage-related assets and the
cash flows and maturities of financial instruments. Assumptions related to
general business and economic factors include changes in market conditions,
loan volumes and pricing, deposit sensitivity, customer preferences,
competition, and management's financial and capital plans. The assumptions are
developed based on current business and asset/liability management strategies,
historical experience, the current economic environment, forecasted economic
conditions and other analyses.  These assumptions are inherently uncertain and
subject to change as time passes.  Accordingly, the Company adjusts the pro
forma net income and net fair values as it believes appropriate on the basis of
historical experience and prudent business judgment. The Company endeavors to
maintain a position where it experiences no material change in net fair value
and no material fluctuation in forecasted net income as a result of assumed 100
and 200 basis point increases and decreases in interest rates. However, there
can be no assurances that the Company's projections in this regard will be
achieved.

Management considers interest rate risk exposure in concert with other business
risks, such as credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company's Board of Directors
and the directors of each subsidiary bank establish various policy guidelines
and limitations for interest rate risk. Management communicates regularly with
boards of directors and board committees about key assumptions, current
strategies, and exposure positions being deliberated by the Company's
Asset/Liability Management Committee. Management feels that these processes in
place at the Company are in compliance with new risk management guidelines
issued jointly by the Company's three primary regulatory agencies.

================================================================================
YEAR 2000
================================================================================

The Company is aware of the issues associated with the programming code in
existing computer systems as the millennium (year 2000) approaches. The "year
2000" problem is pervasive and complex as virtually every computer operation
will be affected in some way by the rollover of the two digit year value to 00.
The issue is whether computer systems will properly recognize date sensitive
information when the year changes to 2000. Systems that do not properly
recognize such information could generate erroneous data or cause a system to
fail.

The Company is utilizing both internal and external resources to identify,
correct or reprogram, and test the systems for the year 2000 compliance. It is
anticipated that all reprogramming efforts will be completed by December 31,
1998, allowing adequate time for testing. To date, confirmations have been
received from the Company's primary processing vendors that plans are being
developed to address processing of transactions in the year 2000. Management
has not yet assessed the impact of the pending acquisition on the year 2000
compliance issues.

                                      -17-
   20

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                       AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONT'D.
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

================================================================================
LIQUIDITY
================================================================================

The Company maintains numerous sources of liquidity in the form of marketable
assets and borrowing capacity. Interest bearing deposits with other banks,
trading and available for sale securities, regular cash flows from loan and
securities portfolios are the primary sources of asset liquidity.

Because the Company's subsidiaries maintain large residential mortgage loan
portfolios, a substantial capability exists to borrow funds from the Federal
Home Loan Bank of Boston. Additionally, investment portfolios are predominantly
made up of securities which can be readily borrowed against through the
repurchase agreement market. Relationships with deposit brokers and
correspondent banks are also maintained to facilitate possible borrowing needs.

================================================================================
CAPITAL RESOURCES
================================================================================

Federal regulation requires the Company to maintain minimum capital standards.
Tier 1 capital is composed primarily of common stock, retained earnings and
perpetual preferred stock in limited amounts less certain intangibles. In
addition, the Company and its subsidiary banks are required to satisfy certain
capital adequacy guidelines relating to the risk nature of an institution's
assets. These guidelines, established by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC
are applicable to bank holding companies and state chartered non-member banks,
respectively. Banks and bank holding companies are also required to have total
capital (composed of Tier 1 plus "supplemental" or Tier 2 capital, the latter
being composed primarily of allowances for loan and lease losses, perpetual
preferred stock in excess of the amount included in Tier 1 capital, and certain
"hybrid capital instruments" including mandatory convertible debt).

As of September 30, 1997, the Company and each of its banking subsidiaries were
in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements. The decline
in the capital ratios since year end is the result of the continued asset
growth and the Company's leverage program. (See "Financial Condition -
Investment Securities" of this Management's Discussion and Analysis.)

The following table sets forth the minimum regulatory capital requirements and
the actual capital ratios of the Company and its banking subsidiaries at
September 30, 1997:



      =======================================================================================================================
                                                                                                                    ACTUAL
      =======================================================================================================================
                                                                                    REQUIRED                    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                    MINIMUM                          1997
      =======================================================================================================================
                                                                                                               
           Total capital to risk-weighted assets:                                                 
                                                                                                  
                  Consolidated                                                          8.0%                          15.0%
                  CFX Bank                                                              8.0                           12.5
                  Safety Fund                                                           8.0                           13.3
                  Orange                                                                8.0                           21.3
                                                                                                  
           Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:                                                
                                                                                                  
                  Consolidated                                                          4.0                           13.7
                  CFX Bank                                                              4.0                           11.5
                  Safety Fund                                                           4.0                           12.0
                  Orange                                                                4.0                           20.1
                                                                                                  
           Tier 1 capital to average assets:                                                      
                                                                                                  
                  Consolidated                                                          4.0                            8.4
                  CFX Bank                                                              4.0                            7.0
                  Safety Fund                                                           4.0                            7.0
                  Orange                                                                4.0                           10.8


                                      -18-
   21

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

               There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the
               Company, its subsidiaries, or any directors, officers,
               affiliates or any owner of record or beneficiary of more than
               five percent (5%) of the common stock of the Company, or any
               associate of any such director, officer, affiliate of the
               Company or any security holder is a party adverse to the Company
               or its subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to the
               Company or its subsidiaries.

ITEM 2 - CHANGES IN SECURITIES

               Not applicable.

ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

               Not applicable.

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

               Not applicable

ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION

               Not applicable

ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

               (a)     EXHIBITS



                        Exhibit
                        Number                             Description
                        ------                             -----------
                               
                            27    Financial Data Schedule
                          99.1    Change of Control Agreement by and between CFX Corporation and Gregg R. Tewksbury
                          99.2    Change of Control Agreement by and between CFX Corporation and Edwin L. Herbert
                          99.3    Change of Control Agreement by and between CFX Corporation and David N. Rasmussen
                          99.4    CFX Corporation 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan



               (b)     REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

                       (i)        On November 3, 1997, a Current Report on 
                                  Form 8-K was filed announcing the Company 
                                  entered into a definitive agreement to merge 
                                  with Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.

                       (ii)       On September 15, 1997, a Form 8-K was filed 
                                  announcing the Company consummated the 
                                  acquisitions of Portsmouth Bank Shares, Inc. 
                                  and Community Bankshares, Inc. on August 29,
                                  1997.

                                      -19-
   22

                        CFX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

                                   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.

                                           CFX CORPORATION
                                           
November 14, 1997                          By: /s/
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Gregg R. Tewksbury
                                               Authorized Officer
                                               Chief Financial Officer





                                      -20-