SCBT Financial Corporation Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

April 27, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2006--The Board of Directors of SCBT Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: SCBT) the holding company for South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A. and South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont, N.A. announces a quarterly cash dividend payable on its common stock of $.17 per share. This per-share amount is equal to the dividend paid in the immediately preceding quarter and will be payable on May 26, 2006 to shareholders of record as of May 12, 2006.

SCBT Financial Corporation is a multi-bank holding company whose principal subsidiaries are South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A. and South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont, N.A. The Mortgage Banc, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A. Through these subsidiaries, SCBT Financial Corporation operates 43 financial centers in 16 South Carolina counties, and has served South Carolinians for over 70 years. The Company offers a full range of retail and commercial banking services, mortgage lending services, trust and investment services, and consumer finance loans. SCBT Financial Corporation's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol "SCBT". More information is available at www.SCBandT.com.

    CONTACT: SCBT Financial CorporationRichard C. Mathis, 803-765-4618
             Fax: 803-765-1966

    SOURCE: SCBT Financial Corporation