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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20459

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004,

 

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 No. 0-10587

 


 

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

PENNSYLVANIA   23-2195389

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Penn Square, P.O. Box 4887 Lancaster, Pennsylvania   17604
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(717) 291-2411

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

Common Stock, $2.50 Par Value – 120,957,000 shares outstanding as of October 29, 2004.

 



Table of Contents

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

 

INDEX

 

Description


   Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited):

    

(a) Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003

   3

(b) Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

   4

(c) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - Nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

   5

(d) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

   6

(e) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – September 30, 2004

   7

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

   13

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   33

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   37

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

    

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   38

Item 6. Exhibits

   39

Signatures

   40

Exhibit Index

   41

Certifications

    

 

2


Table of Contents

I tem 1. Financial Statements

 

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data)

 

     September 30
2004


    December 31
2003


 

ASSETS

                

Cash and due from banks

   $ 305,695     $ 300,966  

Interest-bearing deposits with other banks

     12,566       4,559  

Mortgage loans held for sale

     150,452       32,761  

Investment securities:

                

Held to maturity (Fair value: $20,093 in 2004 and $23,739 in 2003)

     19,587       22,993  

Available for sale

     2,324,099       2,904,157  

Loans, net of unearned income

     7,213,162       6,159,994  

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     (86,827 )     (77,700 )
    


 


Net Loans

     7,126,335       6,082,294  
    


 


Premises and equipment

     130,874       120,777  

Accrued interest receivable

     38,651       34,407  

Goodwill

     280,128       127,202  

Other assets

     180,429       137,172  
    


 


Total Assets

   $ 10,568,816     $ 9,767,288  
    


 


LIABILITIES

                

Deposits:

                

Noninterest-bearing

   $ 1,427,008     $ 1,262,214  

Interest-bearing

     6,033,062       5,489,569  
    


 


Total Deposits

     7,460,070       6,751,783  

Short-term borrowings:

                

Federal funds purchased

     662,509       933,000  

Other short-term borrowings

     525,955       463,711  
    


 


Total Short-Term Borrowings

     1,188,464       1,396,711  

Accrued interest payable

     27,603       24,579  

Other liabilities

     97,875       78,549  

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and long-term debt

     666,781       568,730  
    


 


Total Liabilities

     9,440,793       8,820,352  
    


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Common stock, $2.50 par value, 400 million shares authorized, 128.5 million shares issued in 2004 and 119.5 million shares issued in 2003

     321,256       284,480  

Additional paid in capital

     889,616       633,588  

Retained earnings

     57,106       117,373  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net

     (2,072 )     12,267  

Treasury stock, 7.5 million shares in 2004 and 5.8 million shares in 2003

     (137,883 )     (100,772 )
    


 


Total Shareholders’ Equity

     1,128,023       946,936  
    


 


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 10,568,816     $ 9,767,288  
    


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3


Table of Contents

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data)

 

     Three months ended
September 30


   Nine months ended
September 30


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

INTEREST INCOME

                           

Loans, including fees

   $ 103,033    $ 85,159    $ 288,358    $ 254,812

Investment securities:

                           

Taxable

     18,247      16,512      59,635      55,636

Tax-exempt

     2,407      2,740      7,480      7,786

Dividends

     1,035      904      2,979      3,205

Other interest income

     2,225      592      4,455      1,818
    

  

  

  

Total Interest Income

     126,947      105,907      362,907      323,257

INTEREST EXPENSE

                           

Deposits

     22,644      22,773      65,339      72,480

Short-term borrowings

     3,840      1,515      10,302      4,960

Long-term debt

     7,962      7,840      23,092      22,030
    

  

  

  

Total Interest Expense

     34,446      32,128      98,733      99,470
    

  

  

  

Net Interest Income

     92,501      73,779      264,174      223,787

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     1,125      2,190      3,665      7,515
    

  

  

  

Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses

     91,376      71,589      260,509      216,272
    

  

  

  

OTHER INCOME

                           

Investment management and trust services

     8,650      8,527      25,932      25,679

Service charges on deposit accounts

     10,182      9,810      29,616      28,527

Other service charges and fees

     5,367      4,782      15,363      14,076

Mortgage banking income

     6,092      6,100      14,565      17,892

Investment securities gains

     3,336      6,990      14,513      14,028

Other

     1,720      1,304      4,624      3,510
    

  

  

  

Total Other Income

     35,347      37,513      104,613      103,712
    

  

  

  

OTHER EXPENSES

                           

Salaries and employee benefits

     42,464      35,516      121,622      103,330

Net occupancy expense

     6,159      4,982      17,536      14,869

Equipment expense

     2,705      2,618      8,095      7,886

Data processing

     2,915      2,864      8,602      8,504

Advertising

     1,631      1,570      5,073      4,589

Intangible amortization

     1,233      622      3,580      1,341

Other

     13,581      11,378      39,555      32,978
    

  

  

  

Total Other Expenses

     70,688      59,550      204,063      173,497
    

  

  

  

Income Before Income Taxes

     56,035      49,552      161,059      146,487

INCOME TAXES

     16,915      15,170      48,229      44,000
    

  

  

  

Net Income

   $ 39,120    $ 34,382    $ 112,830    $ 102,487
    

  

  

  

PER-SHARE DATA:

                           

Net income (basic)

   $ 0.32    $ 0.30    $ 0.95    $ 0.92

Net income (diluted)

     0.32      0.30      0.94      0.91

Cash dividends

     0.165      0.152      0.482      0.441

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4


Table of Contents

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data)

 

     Number of
Shares
Outstanding


    Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


    Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Treasury
Stock


    Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

   113,668,000     $ 284,480    $ 633,588     $ 117,373     $ 12,267     $ (100,772 )   $ 946,936  

Comprehensive Income:

                                                     

Net Income

                          112,830                       112,830  

Other - unrealized loss on securities (net of $2.6 million tax effect)

                                  (4,906 )             (4,906 )

Less - reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of $5.1 million tax expense)

                                  (9,433 )             (9,433 )
                                                 


Total comprehensive income

                                                  98,491  
                                                 


Stock dividend - 5%

           15,278      100,247       (115,615 )                     (90 )

Stock issued (all treasury)

   926,000              (8,584 )                     16,742       8,158  

Stock issued for acquisition of

                                                     

Resource Bankshares Corporation

   9,030,000       21,498      164,365                               185,863  

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (2,621,000 )                                    (53,853 )     (53,853 )

Cash dividends - $0.482 per share

                          (57,482 )                     (57,482 )
                         


                 


Balance at September 30, 2004

   121,003,000     $ 321,256    $ 889,616     $ 57,106     $ (2,072 )   $ (137,883 )   $ 1,128,023  
    

 

  


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

   111,470,000     $ 259,943    $ 481,028     $ 138,501     $ 34,801     $ (50,531 )   $ 863,742  

Comprehensive Income:

                                                     

Net Income

                          102,487                       102,487  

Other - net unrealized loss on securities (net of $11.4 million tax effect)

                                  (21,114 )             (21,114 )

Less - reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of $4.9 million tax expense)

                                  (9,118 )             (9,118 )
                                                 


Total comprehensive income

                                                  72,255  
                                                 


Stock dividend - 5%

           12,998      79,491       (92,526 )                     (37 )

Stock issued (all treasury)

   538,000              (3,433 )                     8,912       5,479  

Stock issued for acquisition of

                                                     

Premier Bancorp, Inc.

   4,847,000       12,021      79,848                       (3,692 )     88,177  

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (2,865,000 )                                    (52,692 )     (52,692 )

Cash dividends - $0.441 per share

                          (49,448 )                     (49,448 )
                         


                 


Balance at September 30, 2003

   113,990,000     $ 284,962    $ 636,934     $ 99,014     $ 4,569     $ (98,003 )   $ 927,476  
    

 

  


 


 


 


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5


Table of Contents

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

(dollars in thousands)


  

Nine months ended

September 30


 
     2004

    2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net Income

   $ 112,830     $ 102,487  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Provision for loan losses

     3,665       7,515  

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

     9,297       9,349  

Net amortization of investment security premiums

     8,187       16,155  

Investment securities gains

     (14,513 )     (14,028 )

Net (increase) decrease in mortgage loans held for sale

     (23,145 )     18,020  

Amortization of intangible assets

     3,580       1,341  

(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable

     (4,244 )     4,142  

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (6,836 )     3,552  

Decrease in accrued interest payable

     (151 )     (3,855 )

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     4,976       (6,759 )
    


 


Total adjustments

     (19,184 )     35,432  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     93,646       137,919  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

     217,577       442,369  

Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity

     7,579       14,557  

Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale

     643,176       1,257,386  

Purchase of securities held to maturity

     (4,694 )     (7,331 )

Purchase of securities available for sale

     (174,278 )     (1,877,724 )

(Increase) decrease in short-term investments

     (2,785 )     16,293  

Net increase in loans

     (418,447 )     (164,583 )

Net cash (paid) acquired from acquisitions

     (6,404 )     17,222  

Net purchase of premises and equipment

     (9,122 )     (2,745 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     252,602       (304,556 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net increase in demand and savings deposits

     267,629       340,745  

Net decrease in time deposits

     (157,731 )     (206,456 )

Decrease in long-term debt

     (22,481 )     (5,240 )

(Decrease) increase in short-term borrowings

     (328,345 )     150,410  

Dividends paid

     (54,896 )     (47,213 )

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

     8,158       5,479  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     (53,853 )     (52,692 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (341,519 )     185,033  
    


 


Net Increase in Cash and Due From Banks

     4,729       18,396  

Cash and Due From Banks at Beginning of Period

     300,966       314,857  
    


 


Cash and Due From Banks at End of Period

   $ 305,695     $ 333,253  
    


 


Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

                

Cash paid during period for:

                

Interest

   $ 98,884     $ 103,325  

Income taxes

     40,151       37,851  
                  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6


Table of Contents

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

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 Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes 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 three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004.

 

NOTE B – Net Income Per Share

 

The Corporation’s basic net income per share is calculated as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. For diluted net income per share, net income is divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the incremental number of shares added as a result of converting common stock equivalents, calculated using the treasury stock method. The Corporation’s common stock equivalents consist solely of outstanding stock options.

 

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate basic net income per share and diluted net income per share follows:

 

     Three months ended
September 30


   Nine months ended
September 30


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

     (in thousands)

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)

   121,496    113,249    119,110    111,733

Impact of common stock equivalents

   1,216    919    1,188    814
    
  
  
  

Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)

   122,712    114,168    120,298    112,547
    
  
  
  

 

NOTE C – Stock Dividend

 

The Corporation paid a 5% stock dividend on June 4, 2004. All share and per-share information has been restated to reflect the impact of this stock dividend.

 

NOTE D – Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

 

The Corporation does not have any operating segments which require disclosure of additional information. While the Corporation owns twelve separate banks, each engages in similar activities and provides similar products and services. The Corporation’s non-banking activities are immaterial and therefore, separate information has not been disclosed.

 

NOTE E – Stock-Based Compensation

 

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure” (Statement 148). Statement 148 clarifies the accounting for options issued in prior periods when a company elects to transition from Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) accounting to Statement 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (Statement 123) accounting. It also requires additional disclosures with respect to accounting for stock-based compensation. Finally, Statement No. 148 amends Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information.

 

7


Table of Contents

The Corporation has elected to continue application of APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based employee compensation plans and, accordingly, no compensation expense is reflected in net income. Had compensation cost for these plans been recorded consistent with the fair value provisions of Statements 123 and 148, the Corporation’s net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the following pro-forma amounts:

 

     Three months ended
September 30


   Nine months ended
September 30


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

     (dollars in thousands except per-share data)

Net income as reported

   $ 39,120    $ 34,382    $ 112,830    $ 102,487

Stock based employee compensation expense under the fair value method, net of tax

     3,111      1,634      3,243      1,758
    

  

  

  

Pro-forma net income

   $ 36,009    $ 32,748    $ 109,587    $ 100,729
    

  

  

  

Net income per share (basic)

   $ 0.32    $ 0.30    $ 0.95    $ 0.92

Pro-forma net income per share (basic)

     0.30      0.29      0.92      0.90

Net income per share (diluted)

   $ 0.32    $ 0.30    $ 0.94    $ 0.91

Pro-forma net income per share (diluted)

     0.29      0.29      0.91      0.90

 

On April 22, 2004, the Corporation’s shareholders approved the “Fulton Financial Corporation 2004 Stock Option and Compensation Plan,” (the Plan) which reserved 13.9 million shares of the Corporation’s stock for future issuance as options or restricted stock awards. The total number of options eligible for grant in any calendar year is determined based on the Corporation’s stock performance relative to its peer group. The exercise price of options to be granted under the Plan is the market value of the Corporation’s stock on the grant date. Specific individual grants of options and restricted stock are at the discretion of the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Under the Plan, the Corporation granted 1.0 million options on July 1, 2004.

 

NOTE F – Employee Benefit Plans

 

The Corporation maintains a defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan) for certain employees. Contributions to the Pension Plan are actuarially determined and funded annually. Pension Plan assets are invested in money markets, fixed income securities, including corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury securities and common trust funds, and equity securities, including common stocks and common stock mutual funds. The Pension Plan has been closed to new participants, but existing participants continue to accrue benefits according to the terms of the plan. The Corporation contributed $2.6 million to the Pension Plan in 2004.

 

The Corporation currently provides medical and life insurance benefits under a post-retirement benefits plan to certain retired full-time employees who were employees of the Corporation prior to January 1, 1998. Full-time employees may become eligible for these discretionary benefits if they reach retirement while working for the Corporation. Benefits are based on a graduated scale for years of service after attaining the age of 40.

 

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Table of Contents

The net periodic benefit cost for the Corporation’s Pension Plan and post-retirement benefits plan, as determined by consulting actuaries, consisted of the following components:

 

     Pension Plan

 
     Three months ended
September 30


    Nine months ended
September 30


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 577     $ 545     $ 1,730     $ 1,634  

Interest cost

     776       738       2,327       2,213  

Expected return on plan assets

     (750 )     (658 )     (2,249 )     (1,973 )

Net amortization and deferral

     166       132       498       395  
    


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 769     $ 757     $ 2,306     $ 2,269  
    


 


 


 


     Post-Retirement Plan

 
     Three months ended
September 30


    Nine months ended
September 30


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 94     $ 70     $ 287     $ 211  

Interest cost

     155       112       473       335  

Expected return on plan assets

     (1 )     (1 )     (4 )     (2 )

Net amortization and deferral

     (116 )     (72 )     (353 )     (215 )
    


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 132     $ 109     $ 403     $ 329  
    


 


 


 


 

NOTE G – New Accounting Standards

 

Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer: In December 2003, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement of Position 03-3 (SOP 03-3), “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer”. SOP 03-3 addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities acquired in a transfer, including business combinations, if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality.

 

SOP 03-3 is effective for loans or debt securities acquired in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004. The Corporation intends to adopt the provisions of SOP 03-3 effective January 1, 2005, and does not expect the initial implementation to have a material effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments: In March 2004, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 105 (SAB 105), “Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments”. SAB 105 provides specific guidance on fair value measurement of mortgage loan commitments that are accounted for as derivatives. SAB 105 must be applied to mortgage loan commitments that are accounted for as derivatives entered into after March 31, 2004. The adoption of SAB 105 did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Post-Retirement Benefits: In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 106-2 (FSP 106-2), “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (the Act). FSP 106-2 provides guidance on the accounting for the effects of the Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 became effective on July 1, 2004 for the Corporation and, based on management’s review of the benefits provided under its post-retirement plans, the enactment of the act did not constitute a significant event. As such, the impact of the Act on its post-retirement plan will be recognized on the next measurement date of the plan, which is December 31, 2004. Management does not anticipate that there will be a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations as a result of adopting the provisions of FSP 106-2.

 

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Other Than Temporary Impairment: In the second quarter of 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) released EITF Issue 03-01, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments” (EITF 03-01), which provides guidance for evaluating whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired and requires certain disclosures with respect to these investments.

 

In September 2004, the FASB delayed the effective date of the measurement and recognition guidance of EITF 03-01 from the third calendar quarter of 2004 to a date to be determined upon the issuance of a final FASB Staff Position. The Corporation continues to apply the measurement and recognition criteria of existing authoritative literature in evaluating its investments for other than temporary impairment. Management does not expect EITF 03-01 to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

NOTE H – Acquisitions

 

On June 15, 2004, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire First Washington FinancialCorp (First Washington), of Windsor, New Jersey. First Washington is a $486 million bank holding company whose primary subsidiary is First Washington State Bank, which operates sixteen community-banking offices in Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties in New Jersey.

 

Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the approximately 4.2 million shares of First Washington’s common stock will be exchanged for 1.35 shares of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, each of the options to acquire First Washington’s stock will be converted to options to purchase the Corporation’s stock. The acquisition has been approved by First Washington’s shareholders, and is subject to approval by bank regulatory authorities. The acquisition is expected to be completed on December 31, 2004. As a result of the acquisition, First Washington will be merged into the Corporation and First Washington State Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary.

 

The acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase. Purchase accounting requires the Corporation to allocate the total purchase price of the acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date, with any remaining acquisition cost being recorded as goodwill. Resulting goodwill balances are then subject to an impairment review on at least an annual basis. The results of First Washington’s operations will be included in the Corporation’s financial statements prospectively from the date of the acquisition.

 

The total purchase price is estimated to be approximately $124.0 million, which includes the value of the Corporation’s stock to be issued, First Washington’s options to be converted and certain acquisition related costs. The net assets of First Washington as of September 30, 2004 were $37.0 million and accordingly, the purchase price exceeds the carrying value of the net assets by $87.0 million as of this date. The total purchase price will be allocated to the net assets acquired as of the merger effective date, based on fair market values at that date. The Corporation expects to record a core deposit intangible asset and goodwill as a result of the acquisition accounting.

 

In August 2004, the Corporation acquired Penn Business Credit, Inc. (PBC), a finance company with approximately $10 million of commercial loans located in Bala Cynwyd, PA. The Corporation paid approximately $6.1 million in cash and recorded $4.4 million in goodwill, representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. PBC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Fulton Bank, the Corporation’s largest subsidiary.

 

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On April 1, 2004, the Corporation acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Resource Bankshares Corporation (Resource), an $885 million financial holding company, and its primary subsidiary, Resource Bank. The total purchase price was $195.7 million, including $185.9 million in stock issued, $7.1 million in Resource stock purchased for cash and $2.7 million of direct acquisition costs. The Corporation issued 1.54 shares of its stock for each of the 5.9 million shares of Resource outstanding on the acquisition date. The purchase price was determined based on the value of the Corporation’s stock on the date when the final terms of the acquisition were agreed to and announced.

 

Resource Bank is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and operates six community-banking offices in Newport News, Chesapeake, Herndon, Virginia Beach, and Richmond, Virginia and 14 loan production and residential mortgage offices in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Florida.

 

The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the Corporation’s results of operations include Resource from the date of acquisition. The following is a summary of the preliminary purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values on the acquisition date. These preliminary amounts may be revised when final fair values are determined (in thousands):

 

Cash and due from banks

   $ 11,497
Other earning assets      5,222
Mortgage loans held for sale      94,546
Investment securities available for sale      125,473
Loans, net      619,118
Premises and equipment      10,272
Core deposit intangible asset      1,450
Goodwill      146,377
Other assets      28,859
    

Total assets acquired

     1,042,814
    

Deposits      598,389
Short-term borrowings      111,195
Long-term debt      120,532
Other liabilities      17,006
    

Total liabilities assumed

     847,122
    

Net assets acquired

   $ 195,692
    

 

On August 1, 2003, the Corporation acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Premier Bancorp, Inc. (Premier), a $600 million financial holding company, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Premier Bank. The total purchase price was $92.0 million, including $2.1 million of direct acquisition costs. The Corporation issued 1.477 shares of its stock for each of the 3.4 million shares of Premier outstanding on the acquisition date. The purchase price was determined based on the value of the Corporation’s stock on the date when the final terms of the acquisition were agreed to and announced.

 

Premier Bank is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and the eight community banking offices in Bucks, Northampton and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania acquired by the Corporation in this transaction complement its existing retail banking network. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the Corporation’s results of operations include Premier from the date of the acquisition.

 

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The following table summarizes unaudited pro-forma information assuming the acquisitions of Resource and Premier had occurred on January 1, 2004 and 2003. This pro-forma information includes certain adjustments, including amortization related to fair value adjustments recorded in purchase accounting (in thousands, except per-share information):

 

    

Three months ended

September 30


  

Nine months ended

September 30


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

     (dollars in thousands)

Net interest income

   $ 92,501    $ 81,929    $ 271,519    $ 252,239

Other income

     35,347      43,922      109,321      122,313

Net income

     39,120      35,115      113,741      110,120

Per Share:

                           

Net income (basic)

   $ 0.32    $ 0.28    $ 0.92    $ 0.89

Net income (diluted)

     0.32      0.28      0.91      0.87

 

Note I – Derivative Financial Instruments – Interest Rate Swaps

 

Through the acquisition of Resource, the Corporation acquired interest rate swaps, which are being used to hedge certain long term fixed rate certificate of deposit liabilities held at Resource Bank. As of September 30, 2004 Resource Bank had utilized interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $230 million as a hedge against these liabilities. The terms of the certificates of deposit and the interest rate swaps mirror each other and are committed to simultaneously. Under the terms of the swap agreements, Resource Bank is the fixed rate receiver and the floating rate payer (generally tied to the three month London Interbank Offering Rate, or LIBOR, a common index used for setting rates between financial institutions). The combination of the interest rate swaps and the issuance of the certificates of deposit generates long term floating rate funding for the Corporation. Both the interest rate swap and the certificate of deposit are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as interest expense. Risk management results indicate that the hedges were 98.5% effective as of September 30, 2004 resulting in an adjustment to interest expense to reflect hedge ineffectiveness of $39,000 for the three months ended September 2004 and $71,000 since the date of acquisition.

 

NOTE J – Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk

 

The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. Those financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Corporation’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is represented by the outstanding amount of those instruments.

 

The outstanding amounts of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit were as follows:

 

     September 30

     2004

   2003

     (in thousands)

Commitments to extend credit

   3,308,678    2,457,668

Standby letters of credit

   594,694    465,015

Commercial letters of credit

   20,842    20,160

 

NOTE K – Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts in the 2003 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

 

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

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Management’s Discussion) concerns Fulton Financial Corporation (the Corporation), a financial holding company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1982, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes presented in this report.

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The Corporation has made, and may continue to make, certain forward-looking statements with respect to its acquisition and growth strategies, management of net interest income and margin, the ability to realize gains on equity investments, allowance and provision for loan losses, expected levels of certain non-interest expenses and the liquidity position of the Corporation and Parent Company. The Corporation cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Because of the possibility of changes in these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from forward-looking statements.

 

In addition to the factors identified herein, the following could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements: pricing pressures on loan and deposit products, actions of bank and non-bank competitors, changes in local and national economic conditions, changes in regulatory requirements and regulatory oversight of the Corporation, actions of the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) and the Corporation’s success in merger and acquisition integration.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

As a financial institution with a focus on traditional banking activities, Fulton Financial Corporation generates the majority of its revenue through net interest income, or the difference between interest income earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Growth in net interest income is dependent upon balance sheet growth and maintaining or increasing the net interest margin, which is net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. The Corporation also generates revenue through fees earned on the various services and products offered to its customers and through sales of assets, such as loans or investments. Offsetting these revenue sources are provisions for credit losses on loans, other operating expenses and income taxes.

 

The Corporation’s net income for the third quarter of 2004 increased $4.7 million, or 13.8%, from $34.4 million in 2003 to $39.1 million in 2004. Diluted net income per share increased $0.02, or 6.7%, from $0.30 in 2003 to $0.32 in 2004. The percentage increase in net income per share was lower than the net income increase as the average number of shares outstanding increased as a result of acquisitions. The Corporation realized annualized returns on average assets of 1.48% and average equity of 14.12% during the third quarter of 2004. The annualized return on average tangible equity, which is net income divided by average shareholders’ equity, excluding intangible assets, was 19.37% for the quarter.

 

The increase in net income compared to the third quarter of 2003 resulted from an $18.7 million increase in net interest income, a $1.5 million increase in other income (excluding security gains) and a $1.1 million decrease in the provision for loan losses, offset by a $3.7 million decrease in security gains, an $11.1 million

 

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increase in other expenses and a $1.7 million increase in income taxes. Net interest income growth resulted from increases in average earning assets, largely due to the acquisitions of Premier Bank (Premier) in August 2003 and Resource Bank (Resource) in April 2004 (see “Acquisitions” below). The net interest margin increased 7.2% compared to the third quarter of 2003, compounding the impact of the earning asset growth.

 

The following summarizes some of the more significant factors that influenced the Corporation’s third quarter 2004 results.

 

Interest RatesThe Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates three times since June, 2004, resulting in a 75 basis point increase in both the Federal funds rate (from 1.00% to 1.75%) and the prime lending rate, (from 4.00% to 4.75%). While interest rates, in general, remained relatively low, these increases had a positive impact on the Corporation’s net interest margin and earnings as floating rate assets immediately adjusted to higher rates. This increase in loan rates was coupled with slower repricing of deposits, increasing the net interest margin.

 

The relatively low deposit rate environment also had an impact on the Corporation’s deposit composition as funds from maturing time deposits continued to be deposited in core demand and savings accounts as many customers demonstrated a reluctance to lock into the relatively low rates being offered on time deposit products.

 

Residential mortgage rates also trended higher during 2004 than the historic lows reached during 2003. Although these increases were not as pronounced as the 75 basis point increase in short-term rates, mortgage loan refinance activity slowed, resulting in lower mortgage sale gains. In addition, the unprecedented volume of mortgage refinancing in the past three years has left a highly saturated market for this type of product.

 

In a rising rate environment, the Corporation expects improvements in net interest income, as discussed in the “Market Risk” section of Management’s Discussion. Increasing long-term rates, however, may continue to have a detrimental impact on mortgage loan origination volumes and related gains on sales of mortgage loans.

 

Earning Assets - The Corporation’s earning assets increased significantly, both as a result of acquisitions and strong internal loan growth. This growth also contributed to the increase in net interest income. With improving regional economic conditions and with the slowdown of mortgage loan refinancings, the Corporation is optimistic that internal loan growth in the short-term will continue to be positive.

 

Asset Quality - Asset quality refers to the underlying credit characteristics of borrowers and the likelihood that defaults on contractual payments will result in charge-offs of account balances. Asset quality is generally a function of economic conditions, but can be managed through conservative underwriting and sound collection policies and procedures.

 

The Corporation continues to maintain excellent asset quality, attributable to its credit culture and underwriting policies. Asset quality measures such as non-performing assets to total assets and net charge-offs to average loans improved in comparison to 2003, resulting in a lower provision for loan losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2004. While overall asset quality has remained strong, deterioration in quality of one or several significant accounts could have a detrimental impact and result in losses that may not be foreseeable based on current information. In addition, rising interest rates could increase the total payments of borrowers and could have a negative impact on the ability of some to pay according to the terms of their loans.

 

Equity MarketsIn recent months, the broader equity markets have leveled off from the increases they experienced in the preceding 12 months. As noted in the “Market Risk” section of Management’s Discussion, equity valuations can have an impact on the Corporation’s financial performance. In particular, bank stocks account for a significant portion of the Corporation’s equity investment portfolio. Gains on sales

 

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of these equities have been a recurring component of the Corporation’s earnings for many years, including 2004, with total gains of $3.3 million for the third quarter and $11.4 million for the first nine months of 2004. If this portfolio does not continue to perform, this component of earnings could contract.

 

Acquisitions - In August 2003, the Corporation acquired Premier Bancorp, Inc. (Premier), a $600 million bank holding company located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, strengthening its presence in eastern Pennsylvania markets. In April 2004, the Corporation completed its acquisition of Resource Bankshares Corporation, (Resource), an $885 million financial holding company located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This is the Corporation’s first acquisition in Virginia, allowing it to enter a new geographic market. Results for 2004 in comparison to 2003 were dramatically impacted by these acquisitions.

 

On June 14, 2004, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire First Washington FinancialCorp (First Washington), of Windsor, New Jersey. First Washington is a $486 million bank holding company whose primary subsidiary is First Washington State Bank, which operates sixteen community-banking offices in Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties in New Jersey.

 

Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the approximately 4.2 million shares of First Washington’s common stock will be exchanged for 1.35 shares of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, each of the options to acquire First Washington’s stock will be converted to options to purchase the Corporation’s stock. The acquisition had been approved by First Washington’s shareholders and is subject to approval by bank regulatory authorities. The acquisition is expected to be completed on December 31, 2004. As a result of the acquisition, First Washington will be merged into the Corporation and First Washington State Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary.

 

Acquisitions have long been a supplement to the Corporation’s internal growth. These recent and pending acquisitions provide opportunities for additional growth, as they will allow the Corporation’s existing products and services to be sold in new markets. The Corporation’s acquisition strategy focuses on high growth areas with strong market demographics and targets organizations that have a comparable corporate culture, strong performance and good asset quality, among other factors. Under its “super-community” banking philosophy, acquired organizations generally retain their status as separate legal entities, unless consolidation with an existing affiliate bank is practical. Back office functions are generally consolidated to maximize efficiencies.

 

Merger and acquisition activity in the financial services industry has become very competitive and the prices paid for certain acquisitions have increased recently. While the Corporation has been an active acquirer, management is committed to basing its pricing on rational economic models. Management will continue to focus on generating growth in the most cost-effective manner.

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2004 versus quarter ended September 30, 2003

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income increased $18.7 million, to $92.5 million in 2004 from $73.8 million in 2003. This increase was due to both average balance growth, with total earning assets increasing 16.2%, and an improving net interest margin. The average yield on earning assets increased 17 basis points (a 3.4% increase) over 2003 while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 15 basis points (a 7.9% decline). This resulted in a 26 basis point increase in net interest margin compared to the same period in 2003. The Corporation continues to manage its asset/liability position and interest rate risk through the methods discussed in the “Market Risk” section of Management’s Discussion.

 

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The following table provides a comparative average balance sheet and net interest income analysis for the third quarter of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three months ended September 30, 2004

    Three months ended September 30, 2003

 
     Average
Balance


    Interest

  

Yield/

Rate (1)


    Average
Balance


    Interest

   Yield/
Rate (1)


 

ASSETS

                                          

Interest-earning assets:

                                          

Loans and leases

   $ 7,159,211     $ 103,033    5.73 %   $ 5,683,795     $ 85,159    5.94 %

Taxable investment securities

     2,037,040       18,247    3.56 %     2,218,352       16,512    2.95 %

Tax-exempt investment securities

     262,962       2,407    3.64 %     287,297       2,740    3.78 %

Equity securities

     138,264       1,035    2.98 %     128,064       904    2.80 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total investment securities

     2,438,266       21,689    3.54 %     2,633,713       20,156    3.04 %

Short-term investments

     126,089       2,225    7.02 %     51,398       592    4.57 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-earning assets

     9,723,566       126,947    5.19 %     8,368,906       105,907    5.02 %

Noninterest-earning assets:

                                          

Cash and due from banks

     326,204                    302,248               

Premises and equipment

     130,776                    125,835               

Other assets

     453,196                    296,300               

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     (87,148 )                  (76,746 )             
    


              


            

Total Assets

   $ 10,546,594                  $ 9,016,543               
    


              


            

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

                                          

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                          

Demand deposits

   $ 1,399,005     $ 1,863    0.53 %   $ 1,213,594     $ 1,426    0.47 %

Savings deposits

     1,868,650       2,972    0.63 %     1,709,803       2,468    0.57 %

Time deposits

     2,764,597       17,809    2.56 %     2,522,767       18,879    2.97 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-bearing deposits

     6,032,252       22,644    1.49 %     5,446,164       22,773    1.66 %

Short-term borrowings

     1,208,379       3,840    1.26 %     695,550       1,515    0.86 %

Long-term debt

     654,969       7,962    4.84 %     595,466       7,840    5.22 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     7,895,600       34,446    1.74 %     6,737,180       32,128    1.89 %

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

                                          

Demand deposits

     1,429,259                    1,258,183               

Other

     119,551                    98,594               
    


              


            

Total Liabilities

     9,444,410                    8,093,957               

Shareholders’ equity

     1,102,184                    922,586               
    


              


            

Total Liabilities and

    Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 10,546,594                  $ 9,016,543               
    


              


            

Net interest income

           $ 92,501                  $ 73,779       
            

                

      

Net interest margin (FTE)

                  3.88 %                  3.62 %
                   

                


(1) Yields on tax-exempt securities are not fully taxable equivalent (FTE).

 

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The following table summarizes the changes in interest income and expense due to changes in average balances (volume) and changes in rates:

 

    

2004 vs. 2003

Increase (decrease) due

To change in


 
     Volume

    Rate

    Net

 
     (in thousands)  

Interest income on:

                        

Loans and leases

   $ 21,131     $ (3,257 )   $ 17,874  

Taxable investment securities

     (1,438 )     3,173       1,735  

Tax-exempt investment securities

     (230 )     (103 )     (333 )

Equity securities

     73       58       131  

Short-term investments

     1,192       441       1,633  
    


 


 


Total interest-earning assets

   $ 20,728     $ 312     $ 21,040  
    


 


 


Interest expense on:

                        

Demand deposits

   $ 231     $ 206     $ 437  

Savings deposits

     235       269       504  

Time deposits

     1,671       (2,741 )     (1,070 )

Short-term borrowings

     1,423       902       2,325  

Long-term debt

     732       (610 )     122  
    


 


 


Total interest-bearing liabilities

   $ 4,292     $ (1,974 )   $ 2,318  
    


 


 


 

Interest income increased $21.0 million, or 19.9%, mainly due to the Premier and Resource acquisitions, which added approximately $14.7 million to this increase in interest income. Total interest earning assets increased $1.3 billion, or 16.2%, resulting in a $20.7 million increase in interest income. Approximately $1.0 billion of this earning asset increase was a result of the Premier and Resource acquisitions. The increase in interest income was almost entirely attributable to growth in average interest-earning assets.

 

Average interest-earning assets increased mainly due to an increase in loans partially offset by a decrease in investment securities. The Corporation’s average loan portfolio increased $1.5 billion, or 26.0%, with approximately $750.0 million of the increase due to the Premier and Resource acquisitions. The following summarizes the growth in average loans by category:

 

     Three months ended
September 30


   Increase (decrease)

 
     2004

   2003

   $

    %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Commercial - industrial and financial

   $ 1,824,842    $ 1,502,673    $ 322,169     21.4 %

Commercial - agricultural

     320,544      193,465      127,079     65.7 %

Real estate - commercial mortgage

     2,276,774      1,803,085      473,689     26.3 %

Real estate - commercial construction

     318,959      243,242      75,717     31.1 %

Real estate - residential mortgage

     531,973      498,536      33,437     6.7 %

Real estate - residential construction

     258,946      48,041      210,905     439.0 %

Real estate - home equity

     1,027,252      789,342      237,910     30.1 %

Consumer

     529,479      536,961      (7,482 )   (1.4 %)

Leasing and other

     70,442      68,450      1,992     2.9 %
    

  

  


 

Total

   $ 7,159,211    $ 5,683,795    $ 1,475,416     26.0 %
    

  

  


 

 

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Loan growth continued to be particularly strong in the commercial and commercial mortgage categories. Even factoring out the loans added by the Premier and Resource acquisitions, these categories grew in excess of 12%. The significant growth in the commercial - agricultural category reflects the purchase of a $165 million portfolio in December 2003. Residential mortgage and construction loans also increased $244.3 million, reflecting the $275.0 million added by Resource, offset by a reduction of $30.7 million in average loans due to refinance activity. The Corporation generally sells newly originated fixed rate mortgages in the secondary market to promote liquidity and manage interest rate risk. Home equity loans increased $237.9 million due to promotional efforts and customers using home equity loans as a cost-effective refinance alternative. Consumer loans decreased slightly, reflecting repayment of these loans with tax-advantaged residential mortgage or home equity loans. The Premier and Resource acquisitions did not significantly impact home equity or other loans.

 

The average yield on loans during the third quarter of 2004 was 5.73%, a 21 basis point, or 3.5%, decline from 2003. This reflects the impact of customers continuing to favor adjustable rate loans, which in the current interest rate environment carry a lower rate than fixed rate loans. If the recent trend of increasing rates continues however, these adjustable rates will reprice to higher rates and will contribute to an increase in interest income.

 

Average investment securities decreased $195.4 million, or 7.4%. Excluding the impact of the Premier and Resource acquisitions, this decrease was $332.7 million, or 13.2%. The Corporation sold approximately $220 million of securities during 2004 and did not reinvest the majority of the proceeds in order to mitigate the portfolio’s interest rate risk in anticipation of increasing rates. The average yield on investment securities increased 50 basis points from 3.04% in 2003 to 3.54% in 2004. This increase was primarily due to the disproportionately high level of prepayments on mortgage-backed securities received in 2003 and the correspondingly higher level of premium amortization. Total premium amortization was $2.3 million in 2004 compared to $6.8 million in 2003.

 

Interest expense increased $2.3 million, or 7.2%, to $34.4 million in the third quarter of 2004 from $32.1 million in the third quarter of 2003. Interest expense increased $4.3 million due to an increase in average balance growth, with Premier and Resource adding approximately $3.9 million to this volume-related increase. Interest expense decreased approximately $2.0 million as a result of the 15 basis point decrease in the cost of total interest-bearing liabilities. The cost of interest-bearing deposits declined 17 basis points, or 10.2%, from 1.66% in 2003 to 1.49% in 2004. This reduction was due to the decrease in the cost of time deposits, which tends to lag the general interest rate environment decreases.

 

The following table summarizes the growth in average deposits by category:

 

     Three months ended
September 30


   Increase

 
     2004

   2003

   $

   %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Noninterest-bearing demand

   $ 1,429,259    $ 1,258,183    $ 171,076    13.6 %

Interest-bearing demand

     1,399,005      1,213,594      185,411    15.3 %

Savings and money market

     1,868,650      1,709,803      158,847    9.3 %

Time deposits

     2,764,597      2,522,767      241,830    9.6 %
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 7,461,511    $ 6,704,347    $ 757,164    11.3 %
    

  

  

  

 

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Table of Contents

The acquisitions of Premier and Resource added approximately $593.4 million to the increase in the total average balance of deposits. If those balances were factored out, the deposit categories would show the following increases (decreases) – noninterest-bearing demand, 9.6%, interest-bearing demand, 10.9%, savings and money market, 6.1%, and time deposits, (7.5)%.

 

Other borrowings increased significantly from 2003, with average short-term borrowings increasing $512.8 million, or 73.7%, to $1.2 billion. and average long-term debt increasing $59.5 million, or 10.0%, to $655.0 million. Approximately $241.8 million of the increase in short-term borrowings resulted from the Premier and Resource acquisitions, with the remaining increase representing the funding requirement for loan growth in excess of deposit growth. In addition, customer cash management accounts, which are included in short-term borrowings, grew $35.1 million, or 9.2%, to reach $415.6 million in 2004. The increase in average long-term debt was mainly due to the acquisitions of Premier and Resource.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table summarizes loans outstanding (net of unearned income) as of the dates shown:

 

     September 30
2004


   December 31
2003


   September 30
2003


     (in thousands)

Commercial - industrial and financial

   $ 1,848,058    $ 1,594,451    $ 1,526,952

Commercial - agricultural

     316,323      354,517      196,761

Real estate - commercial mortgage

     2,284,755      1,992,650      1,932,735

Real estate - commercial construction

     327,985      264,129      255,966

Real estate - residential mortgage

     528,421      434,568      447,025

Real estate - residential construction

     252,338      42,979      53,156

Real estate - home equity

     1,053,333      890,044      827,303

Consumer

     529,413      516,587      537,512

Leasing and other

     72,536      70,069      67,378
    

  

  

Total Loans

   $ 7,213,162    $ 6,159,994    $ 5,844,788
    

  

  

 

19


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the activity in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses:

 

    

Three months ended

September 30


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Loans outstanding at end of period (net of unearned)

   $ 7,213,162     $ 5,844,788  
    


 


Daily average balance of loans and leases

   $ 7,159,211     $ 5,683,795  
    


 


Balance at beginning of period

   $ 86,539     $ 72,240  

Loans charged-off:

                

Commercial, financial and agricultural

     832       1,606  

Real estate

     166       131  

Consumer

     933       987  

Leasing and other

     125       130  
    


 


Total loans charged-off

     2,056       2,854  
    


 


Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:

                

Commercial, financial and agricultural

     548       150  

Real estate

     181       181  

Consumer

     278       461  

Leasing and other

     12       15  
    


 


Total recoveries

     1,019       807  
    


 


Net loans charged-off

     1,037       2,047  

Provision for loan losses

     1,125       2,190  

Allowance purchased

     200       5,474  
    


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 86,827     $ 77,857  
    


 


Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)

     0.06 %     0.14 %
    


 


Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding

     1.20 %     1.33 %
    


 


 

20


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s non-performing assets as of the indicated dates:

 

    

September 30

2004


   

December 31

2003


    September 30
2003


 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Non-accrual loans

   $ 23,422     $ 22,422     $ 27,155  

Loans 90 days past due and accruing

     10,962       9,609       10,286  

Other real estate owned (OREO)

     1,325       585       952  
    


 


 


Total non-performing assets

   $ 35,709     $ 32,616     $ 38,393  
    


 


 


                          

Non-accrual loans/Total loans

     0.32 %     0.36 %     0.46 %

Non-performing assets/Total assets

     0.34 %     0.33 %     0.41 %

Allowance/Non-performing loans

     253 %     243 %     208 %

 

The provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2004 totaled $1.1 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 48.6%, from the same period in 2003. Net charge-offs totaled $1.0 million, or 0.06% of average loans on an annualized basis, during the third quarter of 2004, a $1.0 million improvement over $2.0 million, or 0.14% of average loans, for the third quarter of 2003. The provision for loan losses for the three month period ended September 30, 2004 was more than adequate to cover net chargeoffs experienced during the period. Non-performing assets decreased to $35.7 million, or 0.34% of total assets, at September 30, 2004, from $38.4 million, or 0.41% of total assets, at September 30, 2003.

 

Management believes that the allowance balance of $86.8 million at September 30, 2004 is sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio on that date and is appropriate based on applicable accounting standards.

 

Other Income

 

The following table details the components of other income:

 

     Three months ended
September 30


   Increase (decrease)

 
     2004

   2003

   $

    %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Investment management and trust services

   $ 8,650    $ 8,527    $ 123     1.4 %

Service charges on deposit accounts

     10,182      9,810      372     3.8 %

Other service charges and fees

     5,367      4,782      585     12.2 %

Mortgage banking income

     6,092      6,100      (8 )   (0.1 )%

Investment securities gains

     3,336      6,990      (3,654 )   (52.3 )%

Other

     1,720      1,304      416     31.9 %
    

  

  


 

Total

   $ 35,347    $ 37,513    $ (2,166 )   (5.8 )%
    

  

  


 

 

21


Table of Contents

Other income for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 was $35.3 million, a decrease of $2.2 million, or 5.8%, over the comparable period in 2003. Excluding investment securities gains, which decreased from $7.0 million in 2003 to $3.3 million in 2004, other income increased $1.5 million, or 4.9%. This net increase resulted from the Resource acquisition, which added $5.2 million to other income, partially offset by an internal decrease of $3.7 million, mainly in mortgage banking income.

 

Mortgage banking income was virtually unchanged from the third quarter of 2003 as an increase of $4.0 million added by Resource was entirely offset by a decrease in the Corporation’s existing mortgage banking business due to a significant decrease in refinance activity.

 

Service charges on deposits increased $372,000, or 3.8%, primarily due to the increase in demand and savings accounts. Other service charges and fees increased $585,000, or 12.2%, mainly from increases in letter of credit fees and merchant credit card fees. Other income increased $416,000, or 31.9%, with $1.0 million increase due to the addition of Resource, partially offset by decreases in gains on sales of fixed assets and earnings on the Corporation’s life insurance investments.

 

Investment securities gains decreased $3.7 million, or 52.3%. Investment securities gains during the third quarter of 2004 consisted almost entirely of realized gains of $3.3 million on the sale of equity securities. Investment securities gains during the third quarter of 2003 consisted of net realized gains of $4.4 million on the sale of equity securities and $2.6 million on the sale of available for sale debt securities.

 

Other Expenses

 

The following table details the components of other expenses:

 

     Three months ended
September 30


   Increase

 
     2004

   2003

   $

   %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 42,464    $ 35,516    $ 6,948    19.6 %

Net occupancy expense

     6,159      4,982      1,177    23.6 %

Equipment expense

     2,705      2,618      87    3.3 %

Data processing

     2,915      2,864      51    1.8 %

Advertising

     1,631      1,570      61    3.9 %

Intangible amortization

     1,233      622      611    98.2 %

Other

     13,581      11,378      2,203    19.4 %
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 70,688    $ 59,550    $ 11,138    18.7 %
    

  

  

  

 

Total other expenses for the third quarter of 2004 were $70.7 million, representing an increase of $11.1 million, or 18.7%, from 2003. Approximately $8.3 million of the increase was due to the Resource acquisition. The remaining $2.8 million, or 4.8%, increase was due primarily to normal increases in salaries and to the continuing increase in the cost of health insurance.

 

Salaries and employee benefits increased $6.9 million, or 19.6%, in comparison to the third quarter of 2003. The salary and payroll tax expense component increased $4.7 million, or 15.8%, with approximately $4.1 million of the increase due to Resource. The remaining $600,000 was driven by normal salary increases for existing employees. The employee benefits component of the expense increased $2.3 million, or 38.9%, with Resource adding approximately $700,000. The remaining increase resulted mainly from a $1.3 million increase in health insurance costs.

 

22


Table of Contents

Net occupancy expense increased $1.2 million, or 23.6%, over the third quarter of 2003 with Resource adding approximately $700,000. The remaining increase resulted from increases in rent expense, real estate taxes and repairs and maintenance expenses. Equipment expense increased $87,000, or 3.3%, due to a $366,000 increase from the Resource acquisition offset by a reduction in depreciation expense as certain equipment became fully depreciated. The $51,000, or 1.8%, increase in data processing expense resulted from a $234,000 increase from the Resource acquisition, offset by a decrease due to favorable renegotiations of certain contracts for data processing services.

 

Advertising expense increased $61,000, or 3.9%, with $229,000 added by Resource, offset by a decrease due to the timing of promotional campaigns and expenditures. Intangible amortization expense increased $611,000, or 98.2%, as a result of acquisitions. Other expense increased $2.2 million, or 19.4%, to $13.6 million, mainly due to the Resource acquisition.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2004 was $16.9 million, a $1.7 million, or 11.5%, increase from $15.2 million in 2003. The Corporation’s effective tax rate was approximately 30.2% in 2004, compared to 30.6% in 2003. The effective rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due mainly to investments in tax-free municipal securities and federal tax credits from investments in low and moderate income housing partnerships.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2004 versus nine months ended September 30, 2003

 

Fulton Financial Corporation’s net income for the first nine months of 2004 increased $10.3 million, or 10.1%, from $102.5 million in 2003 to $112.8 million in 2004. Diluted net income per share increased $0.03, or 3.3%, to $0.94, compared to $0.91 for the same period in 2003. The Corporation realized an annualized return on average assets of 1.47% and an annualized return on average equity of 14.34%. The annualized return on average tangible equity, which is net income divided by average shareholders’ equity, excluding average intangible assets, was 18.38%.

 

The increase in net income compared to the first nine months of 2003 resulted from a $40.4 million increase in net interest income, a $500,000 increase in investment securities gains, a $400,000 increase in other income and a $3.9 million decrease in loan loss provision, offset by a $30.6 million increase in other expenses and a $4.2 million increase in income taxes.

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income increased $40.4 million, from $223.8 million in 2003 to $264.2 million in 2004. This increase was due primarily to average balance growth, with total average earning assets increasing $1.5 billion, or 19.0%, and was offset by the impact of the changes in the interest rate environment. While the Corporation’s average prime lending rate was approximately 4.15% during both 2004 and 2003, during 2003 rates were falling compared to 2004 where rates were rising. The impact of repricing on fixed rate balances will lag the trends in the general interest rate environment.

 

The average yield on earning assets decreased 31 basis points (a 5.7% decline) during the period while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 37 basis points (a 17.9% decline). The percentage of total interest-bearing funding increased slightly resulting in a six basis point decrease in net interest margin compared to the same period in 2003. The Corporation continues to manage its asset/liability position and interest rate risk through the methods discussed in the “Market Risk” section of Management’s Discussion.

 

23


Table of Contents

The following table provides a comparative average balance sheet and net interest income analysis for the first nine months of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine months ended September 30, 2004

    Nine months ended September 30, 2003

 
     Average
Balance


    Interest

  

Yield/

Rate (1)


    Average
Balance


    Interest

  

Yield/

Rate (1)


 

ASSETS

                                          

Interest-earning assets:

                                          

Loans and leases

   $ 6,766,049     $ 288,358    5.69 %   $ 5,473,055     $ 254,812    6.22 %

Taxable investment securities

     2,245,667       59,635    3.55 %     2,074,940       55,636    3.58 %

Tax-exempt investment securities

     270,637       7,480    3.69 %     260,266       7,786    4.00 %

Equity securities

     135,791       2,979    2.93 %     129,895       3,205    3.30 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total investment securities

     2,652,095       70,094    3.53 %     2,465,101       66,627    3.61 %

Short-term investments

     89,274       4,455    6.67 %     48,977       1,818    4.96 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-earning assets

     9,507,418       362,907    5.10 %     7,987,133       323,257    5.41 %

Noninterest-earning assets:

                                          

Cash and due from banks

     319,905                    279,633               

Premises and equipment

     127,660                    123,681               

Other assets

     405,788                    260,150               

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     (84,237 )                  (74,182 )             
    


              


            

Total Assets

   $ 10,276,534                  $ 8,576,415               
    


              


            

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

                                          

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                          

Demand deposits

   $ 1,343,681     $ 4,852    0.48 %   $ 1,116,959     $ 4,545    0.54 %

Savings deposits

     1,828,788       8,115    0.59 %     1,614,721       8,090    0.67 %

Time deposits

     2,679,615       52,372    2.61 %     2,498,711       59,845    3.20 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-bearing deposits

     5,852,084       65,339    1.49 %     5,230,391       72,480    1.85 %

Short-term borrowings

     1,278,517       10,302    1.08 %     634,745       4,960    1.04 %

Long-term debt

     627,384       23,092    4.92 %     559,128       22,030    5.27 %
    


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     7,757,985       98,733    1.70 %     6,424,264       99,470    2.07 %

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

                                          

Demand deposits

     1,358,118                    1,170,831               

Other

     109,078                    96,920               
    


              


            

Total Liabilities

     9,225,181                    7,692,015               

Shareholders’ equity

     1,051,353                    884,400               
    


              


            

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 10,276,534                  $ 8,576,415               
    


              


            

Net interest income

           $ 264,174                  $ 223,787       
            

                

      

Net interest margin (FTE)

                  3.80 %                  3.86 %
                   

                


(1) Yields on tax-exempt securities are not fully taxable equivalent (FTE).

 

24


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the changes in interest income and expense due to changes in average balances (volume) and changes in rates:

 

    

2004 vs. 2003

Increase (decrease) due

To change in


 
     Volume

   Rate

    Net

 
     (in thousands)  

Interest income on:

                       

Loans and leases

   $ 56,733    $ (23,187 )   $ 33,546  

Taxable investment securities

     4,588      (589 )     3,999  

Tax-exempt investment securities

     306      (612 )     (306 )

Equity securities

     142      (368 )     (226 )

Short-term investments

     1,861      776       2,637  
    

  


 


Total interest-earning assets

   $ 63,630    $ (23,980 )   $ 39,650  
    

  


 


Interest expense on:

                       

Demand deposits

   $ 861    $ (554 )   $ 307  

Savings deposits

     1,014      (989 )     25  

Time deposits

     4,144      (11,617 )     (7,473 )

Short-term borrowings

     5,188      154       5,342  

Long-term debt

     2,594      (1,532 )     1,062  
    

  


 


Total interest-bearing liabilities

   $ 13,801    $ (14,538 )   $ (737 )
    

  


 


 

Interest income increased $39.7 million, or 12.3%, mainly due to the Premier and Resource acquisitions, which added approximately $38.3 million to the increase in interest income. Total average earning assets increased $1.5 billion, or 19.0%, resulting in a $63.6 million increase in interest income. Approximately $915 million of the increase in average earning assets was the result of Premier and Resource. The increase in interest income attributable to growth in average interest-earning assets was partially offset by the 31 basis point decrease in average yields on earning assets, which accounted for a $24.0 million decline in interest income.

 

Average interest-earning assets increased in both the loan and investment categories. The Corporation’s average loan portfolio increased $1.3 billion, or 23.6%, with approximately $665.1 million of the increase due to the Premier and Resource acquisitions.

 

25


Table of Contents

The following summarizes the growth in average loans by category:

 

     Nine months ended
September 30


   Increase (decrease)

 
     2004

   2003

   $

    %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Commercial - industrial and financial

   $ 1,736,307    $ 1,511,172    $ 225,135     14.9 %

Commercial - agricultural

     333,724      191,749      141,975     74.0 %

Real estate - commercial mortgage

     2,169,353      1,647,785      521,568     31.7 %

Real estate - commercial construction

     295,119      218,020      77,099     35.4 %

Real estate - residential mortgage

     497,850      511,905      (14,055 )   (2.7 )%

Real estate - residential construction

     181,438      45,486      135,952     298.9 %

Real estate - home equity

     961,935      741,032      220,903     29.8 %

Consumer

     519,919      533,205      (13,286 )   (2.5 )%

Leasing and other

     70,404      72,701      (2,297 )   (3.2 )%
    

  

  


 

Total

   $ 6,766,049    $ 5,473,055    $ 1,292,994     23.6 %
    

  

  


 

 

Loan growth was particularly strong in the commercial and commercial mortgage categories. Even factoring out the loans added by the Premier and Resource acquisitions, these categories grew in excess of 10%. The significant growth in the commercial - agricultural category reflects the purchase of a portfolio in December 2003. Residential mortgage and construction loans also increased $121.9 million, or 21.9%, primarily due to $180.9 million added by Resource, offset by a reduction of $59.0 million in average loans due to the refinance activity that occurred over the past year. The Corporation generally sells newly originated fixed rate mortgages in the secondary market to promote liquidity and manage interest rate risk. Home equity loans increased significantly due to promotional efforts and customers using home equity loans as a cost-effective refinance alternative. Consumer, leasing and other loans decreased slightly, reflecting repayment of these loans with tax-advantaged residential mortgage or home equity loans.

 

The average yield on loans during the first nine months of 2004 was 5.69%, a 53 basis point, or 8.5%, decline from 2003. Much of the recent loan growth has been experienced in the floating rate categories, which tend to carry lower interest rates than fixed-rate products.

 

Average investment securities increased $187.0 million, or 7.6%, mainly due to the balances added by the Premier and Resource acquisitions. The average yield on investment securities declined slightly from 3.61% in 2003 to 3.53% in 2004.

 

Interest expense decreased $737,000, or 0.7%, to $98.7 million in 2004 from $99.5 million in 2003. Interest expense increased $13.8 million due to an increase in average balances, with Premier and Resource adding approximately $10.2 million to this volume-related increase. Interest expense decreased $14.5 million, mainly as a result of a 37 basis point decrease in the cost of total interest-bearing liabilities. The cost of interest-bearing deposits declined 19.5%, from 1.85% in 2003 to 1.49% in 2004. This reduction was due to both the impact of the interest rate environment as well as the continuing shift in the composition of deposits from higher-rate time deposits to lower-rate demand and savings deposits. Customers continued to exhibit an unwillingness to invest in certificates of deposit at the rates available, instead keeping their funds in demand and savings products.

 

26


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the growth in average deposits by category:

 

     Nine months ended September
30


   Increase

 
     2004

   2003

   $

   %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Noninterest-bearing demand

   $ 1,358,118    $ 1,170,831    $ 187,287    16.0 %

Interest-bearing demand

     1,343,681      1,116,959      226,722    20.3 %

Savings and money market

     1,828,788      1,614,721      214,067    13.3 %

Time deposits

     2,679,615      2,498,711      180,904    7.2 %
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 7,210,202    $ 6,401,222    $ 808,980    12.6 %
    

  

  

  

 

The acquisitions of Premier and Resource added $615.0 million to the increase in the total average balance of deposits in 2004. If those balances were factored out, the deposit categories would show the following increases (decreases) – non-interest-bearing demand, 11.7%, interest bearing demand, 12.1%, savings and money market, 8.5%, and time deposits, (8.5)%.

 

Other borrowings increased significantly from 2003. Average short-term borrowings increased $643.8 million, or 101.4%, to $1.3 billion in 2004, while average long-term debt increased $68.3 million, or 12.2%, to $627.4 million in 2004. Approximately $164.6 million of the increase in short-term borrowings resulted from the Premier and Resource acquisitions, with the remaining increase required to fund loan growth in excess of deposit growth. In addition, customer cash management accounts, which are included in short-term borrowings, grew $67.2 million, or 20.3%, to reach $397.9 million in 2004. Average long-term debt increased mainly as a result of the acquisitions of Premier and Resource, which added $81.8 million to the increase.

 

27


Table of Contents

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table summarizes the activity in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses:

 

    

Nine months ended

September 30


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Loans outstanding at end of period (net of unearned)

   $ 7,213,162     $ 5,844,788  
    


 


Daily average balance of loans and leases

   $ 6,766,049     $ 5,473,055  
    


 


Balance at beginning of period

   $ 77,700     $ 71,920  

Loans charged-off:

                

Commercial, financial and agricultural

     2,321       4,542  

Real estate

     1,134       1,434  

Consumer

     2,528       3,432  

Leasing and other

     306       357  
    


 


Total loans charged-off

     6,289       9,765  
    


 


Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:

                

Commercial, financial and agricultural

     1,640       684  

Real estate

     741       552  

Consumer

     1,189       1,413  

Leasing and other

     69       64  
    


 


Total recoveries

     3,639       2,713  
    


 


Net loans charged-off

     2,650       7,052  

Provision for loan losses

     3,665       7,515  

Allowance purchased

     8,112       5,474  
    


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 86,827     $ 77,857  
    


 


Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)

     0.05 %     0.17 %
    


 


Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding

     1.20 %     1.33 %
    


 


 

The provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2004 totaled $3.7 million, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 51.2%, from the same period in 2003. Net charge-offs totaled $2.7 million, or 0.05% of average loans on an annualized basis, during the first nine months of 2004, a $4.4 million improvement over $7.1 million, or 0.17% of average loans, for the same period in 2003. The provision for loan losses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2004 was more than adequate to cover net chargeoffs experienced during the period. Non-performing assets decreased to $35.7 million, or 0.34% of total assets, at September 30, 2004, from $38.4 million, or 0.41% of total assets, at September 30, 2003.

 

The acquisition of Resource in April 2004 increased the allowance balance by $7.9 million. Management believes that the allowance balance of $86.8 million at September 30, 2004 is sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio on that date and is appropriate based on applicable accounting standards.

 

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Table of Contents

Other Income

 

The following table details the components of other income:

 

     Nine months ended
September 30


   Increase (decrease)

 
     2004

   2003

   $

    %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Investment management and trust services

   $ 25,932    $ 25,679    $ 253     1.0 %

Service charges on deposit accounts

     29,616      28,527      1,089     3.8 %

Other service charges and fees

     15,363      14,076      1,287     9.1 %

Mortgage banking income

     14,565      17,892      (3,327 )   (18.6 )%

Investment securities gains

     14,513      14,028      485     3.5 %

Other

     4,624      3,510      1,114     31.7 %
    

  

  


 

Total

   $ 104,613    $ 103,712    $ 901     0.9 %
    

  

  


 

 

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $104.6 million, an increase of $901,000, or 0.9%, over the comparable period in 2003. Excluding investment securities gains, which increased from $14.0 million in 2003 to $14.5 million in 2004, other income increased $416,000. The Resource acquisition, which added $10.1 million to other income, was offset by an internal decrease of $9.7 million, mainly in mortgage banking income.

 

Mortgage banking income decreased $3.3 million, the net of $7.8 million added by Resource and an $11.1 million decrease in the Corporations’ existing mortgage banking business. This decrease resulted from a significant reduction in the demand for mortgage refinancing. During the past three years (including the nine month period ended September 30, 2003) unprecedented volumes of mortgage refinances resulted from historically low interest rates, leaving a heavily saturated market for this type of product.

 

Service charges on deposits increased $1.1 million, or 3.8%, primarily due to the increase in demand and savings accounts. Other service charges and fees increased $1.3 million, or 9.1%, mainly due to increases in letter of credit fees, merchant credit card fees and certain branch fees. Other income increased $1.1million, or 31.7%, with $1.8 million contributed by Resource. The resulting decrease was due mainly to gains on sales of fixed assets that occurred in 2003.

 

Investment securities gains increased $485,000, or 3.5%. Investment securities gains during the first nine months of 2004 consisted of net realized gains of $11.4 million on the sale of equity securities and $3.1 million on the sale of available for sale debt securities. Investment securities gains during the first nine months of 2003 consisted of net realized gains of $8.3 million on the sale of equity securities and $5.7 million on the sale of available for sale debt securities. Included in net gains in 2003 were $3.3 million of losses recognized for equity securities exhibiting other than temporary impairment.

 

29


Table of Contents

Other Expenses

 

The following table details the components of other expenses:

 

    

Nine months ended

September 30


  

Increase


 
     2004

   2003

   $

   %

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 121,622    $ 103,330    $ 18,292    17.7 %

Net occupancy expense

     17,536      14,869      2,667    17.9 %

Equipment expense

     8,095      7,886      209    2.7 %

Data processing

     8,602      8,504      98    1.2 %

Advertising

     5,073      4,589      484    10.5 %

Intangible amortization

     3,580      1,341      2,239    167.0 %

Other

     39,555      32,978      6,577    19.9 %
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 204,063    $ 173,497    $ 30,566    17.6 %
    

  

  

  

 

Total other expenses for the first nine months of 2004 were $204.1 million, representing an increase of $30.6 million, or 17.6%, from 2003. Approximately $22.7 million of the increase was due to the Premier and Resource acquisitions. The remaining $7.9 million was due primarily to normal increases in salaries, the continuing increase in the cost of health insurance and an increase in intangible amortization expense.

 

Salaries and employee benefits increased $18.3 million, or 17.7%, in comparison to the first nine months of 2003. The salary and payroll tax expense component increased $12.8 million, or 15.0%. Approximately $10.2 million of the increase was due to the Premier and Resource acquisitions, with the remaining $2.6 million driven by normal salary increases. The employee benefits component of the expense increased $5.5 million, or 30.8%, with Premier and Resource adding approximately $1.9 million and the remaining increase resulting from rising health insurance costs and other benefit related expenses.

 

Net occupancy expense increased $2.7 million, or 17.9%, over the first nine months of 2003, with Premier and Resource adding approximately $1.9 million, while the remaining increase resulted from growth in the Corporations’ branch network. Equipment expense increased $209,000, or 2.7%, due to a $942,000 increase from the acquisitions, offset by a $747,000 reduction in depreciation expense as certain equipment became fully depreciated. The 0.8%, or $98,000, increase in data processing expense resulted from a $530,000 increase from the acquisitions, partially offset by decreases due to favorable renegotiations of certain contracts for data processing services.

 

Advertising expense increased $484,000, or 10.5%, almost entirely due to Premier and Resource. Intangible amortization increased $2.2 million, or 167.0%, as result of the acquisitions. Other expense increased $6.6 million, or 19.9%, partially due to $3.5 million of expense added by Resource and $2.2 million added by Premier.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the first nine months of 2004 was $48.2 million, a $4.2 million, or 9.6%, increase from $44.0 million in 2003. The Corporation’s effective tax rate was approximately 29.9% in 2004, compared to 30.0% in 2003. The effective rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due mainly to investments in tax-free municipal securities and federal tax credits from investments in low and moderate income housing partnerships.

 

30


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

The changes in the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheet from December 31, 2003 to September 30, 2004 were largely due to the acquisition of Resource in April 2004. The table in Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements summarizes the balances of Resource that were added to the Corporation on the acquisition date.

 

Total assets of the Corporation increased $801.5 million, or 8.2%, to $10.6 billion at September 30, 2004, compared to $9.8 billion at December 31, 2003. Included in total assets as of September 30, 2004 was $1.1 million due to the acquisition of Resource. Investment securities decreased $583.5 million, or 19.9%. The Resource acquisition added $118.3 million, resulting in a net decrease of $701.8 million, or 24.0%, as proceeds from maturities were generally not reinvested and approximately $220 million of investments were sold for asset-liability management purposes. Loans outstanding, net of unearned income, increased $1.1 billion, or 17.1%, during the period. Approximately $683.4 million of this increase was due to the Resource acquisition. The remaining increase was due to increases in commercial loans, commercial mortgages, residential mortgages and home equity loans.

 

Cash and due from banks increased $4.7 million, or 1.6%, during the period. Due to the nature of these accounts, daily balances can fluctuate up or down in the normal course of business. Mortgage loans held for sale increased $117.7 million, with Resource adding $109.1 million to this increase.

 

Deposits increased $708.3 million, or 10.5%, from December 31, 2003, with Resource adding $570.6 million to this increase. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $164.8 million, or 13.1%, interest-bearing demand deposits increased $101.1 million, or 7.8%, and savings and money market deposits increased $138.1 million, or 7.9%. Time deposits increased $304.3 million, with Resource adding $419.5 million. The net decrease of $115.2 million reflects customers’ continued hesitation to invest in time deposits in this relatively low interest rate environment.

 

Short-term borrowings, which consist mainly of Federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and customer cash management accounts, decreased $208.2 million, or 14.9%, during the first nine months of 2004. Resource added $205.0 million to the ending balance. The net decrease of $413.2 million represents repayments of short-term borrowings made from maturing investment securities.

 

Capital Resources

 

Total shareholders’ equity increased $181.1 million, or 19.1%, during the first nine months of 2004. Increases due to net income of $112.8 million, $8.2 million in stock issuances and $185.9 million from stock issued for the Resource acquisition were offset by $14.0 million in unrealized losses on securities, $57.5 million in cash dividends to shareholders and $53.9 million in stock repurchases. The $14.0 million in net unrealized net losses on investment securities was attributable mainly to mortgage-backed securities. As a result of rising interest rates for mortgage loans, the estimated fair values of such investments has decreased over the past nine months.

 

The Corporation had a stock repurchase plan that was approved by the Board of Directors in December 2002 and which ended in June 2004. During 2004, approximately 1.26 million shares were purchased under this plan. On June 15, 2004 a new stock repurchase plan was approved by the Board of Directors, which allows the corporation to repurchase up to 4.0 million shares through December 31, 2004. Through September 30, 2004, 1.37 million shares were purchased under the new plan. As of September 30, 2004, there were approximately 2.63 million authorized shares remaining that could be repurchased under this program.

 

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Table of Contents

The Corporation and its subsidiary banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by banking regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that could have a material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. The regulations require that banks maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk weighted assets (as defined), and Tier I capital to average assets (as defined). As of September 30, 2004, the Corporation and each of its bank subsidiaries met the minimum requirements. In addition, the Corporation and each of its bank subsidiaries’ capital ratios exceeded the amounts required to be considered “well-capitalized” as defined in the regulations. The following table summarizes the Corporation’s capital ratios in comparison to regulatory requirements as of the dates indicated:

 

    

September 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


   Regulatory Minimum

 
         Capital
Adequacy


   

Well-

Capitalized


 

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

   12.00    12.70    8.0 %   10.0 %

Tier I Capital to (Risk Weighted Assets)

   10.86    11.50    4.0 %   6.0 %

Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)

   8.35    8.80    3.0 %   5.0 %

 

Liquidity

 

The Corporation must maintain a sufficient level of liquid assets to meet the cash needs of its customers, who, as depositors, may want to withdraw funds or who, as borrowers, need credit availability. Liquidity is provided on a continuous basis through scheduled and unscheduled principal and interest payments on outstanding loans and investments and through the availability of deposits and borrowings. In addition, the Corporation can borrow on a secured basis from the Federal Home Loan Bank to meet short-term liquidity needs.

 

The Corporation’s sources and uses of cash were discussed in general terms in the net interest income section of Management’s Discussion. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows provide additional information. The Corporation generated $94.0 million in cash from operating activities during the first nine months of 2004, mainly due to net income. Investing activities resulted in a net cash inflow of $252.2 million during the first nine months of 2004, as sales and maturities of investment securities exceeded purchases and net loan originations. This compares to a net cash outflow of $304.6 million in 2003, when purchases of investment securities and net loan originations exceeded sales and maturities. Finally, financing activities resulted in a net outflow of $341.5 million as excess funds were used to pay down borrowings.

 

Liquidity must also be managed at the Fulton Financial Corporation Parent Company (Parent Company) level. For safety and soundness reasons, banking regulations limit the amount of cash that can be transferred from subsidiary banks to the Parent Company in the form of loans and dividends. Generally, these limitations are based on the subsidiary banks’ regulatory capital levels and their net income. The Parent Company had historically been able to meet its cash needs through normal, allowable dividends and loans.

 

On July 12, 2004, the Parent Company entered into a borrowing arrangement with another financial institution. Under the terms of the agreement the Parent Company can borrow up to $50 million (may be

 

32


Table of Contents

increased to $100 million upon request) under a revolving line of credit with interest currently calculated at one-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offering Rate) plus 0.625%. This borrowing arrangement supplements the liquidity available from subsidiaries through dividends and borrowings and provides some flexibility in Parent Company cash management. As of September 30, 2004, $8.5 million had been borrowed under this line.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Market risk is the exposure to economic loss that arises from changes in the values of certain financial instruments. The types of market risk exposures generally faced by financial institutions include interest rate risk, equity market price risk, foreign currency risk and commodity price risk. Due to the nature of its operations, only equity market price risk and interest rate risk are significant to the Corporation.

 

Equity Market Price Risk

 

Equity market price risk is the risk that changes in the values of equity investments could have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Corporation. The Corporation’s equity investments consist primarily of common stocks of publicly traded financial institutions (cost basis of approximately $61.1 million and fair value of $66.5 million at September 30, 2004). The Corporation’s financial institutions stock portfolio had gross unrealized gains of approximately $6.5 million at September 30, 2004.

 

Although the carrying value of equity investments accounted for less than 1.0% of the Corporation’s total assets, the unrealized gains on the portfolio represent a potential source of revenue. The Corporation has a history of periodically realizing gains from this portfolio and, if values were to decline significantly, this revenue source could be lost.

 

Management continuously monitors the fair value of its equity investments and evaluates current market conditions and operating results of the companies. Periodic sale and purchase decisions are made based on this monitoring process. None of the Corporation’s equity securities are classified as trading. Future cash flows from these investments are not provided in the table on page 35 as such investments do not have maturity dates.

 

The Corporation evaluates, based on current accounting guidance, whether any decreases in values of its equity investments constitute “other than temporary” impairment that would require a write-down through a charge to earnings. Based on the results of such evaluations, no charges were recorded during the first nine months of 2004. Additional impairment charges may be necessary depending upon the performance of the equity markets in general and the performance of individual investments held by the Corporation.

 

In addition to its equity portfolio, the Corporation’s investment management and trust services revenue could be impacted by fluctuations in the securities markets. A portion of the Corporation’s trust revenue is based on the value of the underlying investment portfolios. If securities markets contract, the Corporation’s revenue could be negatively impacted. In addition, the ability of the Corporation to sell its equities brokerage services is dependent, in part, upon consumers’ level of confidence in the outlook for rising securities prices.

 

33


Table of Contents

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk creates exposure in two primary areas. First, changes in rates have an impact on the Corporation’s liquidity position and could affect its ability to meet obligations and continue to grow. Second, movements in interest rates can create fluctuations in the Corporation’s net income and changes in the economic value of its equity.

 

The Corporation employs various management techniques to minimize its exposure to interest rate risk. An Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO), consisting of key financial and senior management personnel, meets on a weekly basis. The ALCO is responsible for reviewing the interest rate sensitivity position of the Corporation, approving asset and liability management policies, and overseeing the formulation and implementation of strategies regarding balance sheet positions and earnings. The primary goal of asset/liability management is to address the liquidity and net income risks noted above.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table provides information about the Corporation’s interest rate sensitive financial instruments. The table provides expected cash flows and weighted average rates for each significant interest rate sensitive financial instrument, by expected maturity period. None of the Corporation’s financial instruments are classified as trading.

 

     Expected Maturity Period

   

Total


   

Estimated

Fair Value


     <1 Year

    1-2 Years

    2-3 Years

    3-4 Years

    4-5 Years

    >5 Years

     

Fixed rate loans (1)

   $ 709,643     $ 467,879     $ 399,415     $ 269,887     $ 161,576     $ 323,643     $ 2,332,043     $ 2,391,433

Average rate (2)

     5.99 %     6.17 %     6.12 %     6.06 %     6.30 %     6.37 %     6.13 %      

Floating rate loans (8)

     1,226,474       610,074       509,308       424,353       368,517       1,742,393       4,881,119       4,877,339

Average rate

     5.52 %     5.63 %     5.60 %     5.64 %     5.30 %     5.27 %     5.45 %      

Fixed rate investments (3)

     558,712       328,711       279,863       418,665       171,833       440,777       2,198,561       2,186,586

Average rate

     3.38 %     3.66 %     4.11 %     3.91 %     3.99 %     3.65 %     3.72 %      

Floating rate investments (3)

     —         —         —         164       —         10,504       10,668       10,668

Average rate

     —         —         —         5.85 %     —         3.32 %     3.36 %      

Other interest-earning assets

     163,018       —         —         —         —         —         163,018       163,018

Average rate

     5.92 %     —         —         —         —         —         5.92 %      
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Total

   $ 2,657,847     $ 1,406,664     $ 1,188,586     $ 1,113,069     $ 701,926     $ 2,517,317       9,585,409       9,629,044

Average rate

     5.24 %     5.35 %     5.42 %     5.10 %     5.21 %     5.12 %     5.23 %      
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Fixed rate deposits (4)

   $ 1,386,117     $ 459,022     $ 415,634     $ 95,573     $ 57,759     $ 289,235     $ 2,703,340     $ 2,713,816

Average rate

     2.20 %     2.72 %     3.94 %     3.52 %     3.27 %     4.27 %     2.85 %      

Floating rate deposits (5)

     1,968,085       171,527       171,527       171,527       171,527       2,102,537       4,756,730       4,756,730

Average rate

     0.85 %     0.22 %     0.22 %     0.22 %     0.22 %     0.17 %     0.45 %      

Fixed rate borrowings (6)

     129,417       8,571       27,100       222,832       90,249       203,021       681,190       672,136

Average rate

     4.73 %     2.92 %     3.65 %     4.85 %     4.45 %     4.95 %     4.73 %      

Floating rate borrowings (7)

     1,174,156       —         —         —         —         —         1,174,156       1,174,156

Average rate

     1.50 %     —         —         —         —         —         1.50 %      
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Total

   $ 4,657,775     $ 639,120     $ 614,261     $ 489,932     $ 319,535     $ 2,594,793     $ 9,315,416     $ 9,316,838

Average rate

     1.52 %     2.05 %     2.89 %     2.95 %     1.95 %     0.99 %     1.59 %      
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Assumptions:

(1) Amounts are based on contractual payments and maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments.
(2) Average rates are shown on a fully taxable equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 35%.
(3) Amounts are based on contractual maturities; adjusted for expected prepayments on mortgage-backed securities and expected calls on agency and municipal securities. Amounts do not include equity securities.
(4) Amounts are based on contractual maturities of time deposits.
(5) Money market, Super NOW, NOW and savings accounts are placed based on history of deposit flows.
(6) Amounts are based on contractual maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, adjusted for possible calls.
(7) Amounts are Federal Funds Purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which mature in less than 90 days.
(8) Floating rate loans include adjustable rate commercial mortgages.

 

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Table of Contents

The preceding table and discussion addressed the liquidity implications of interest rate risk and focused on expected contractual cash flows from financial instruments. Expected maturities, however, do not necessarily estimate the net interest income impact of interest rate changes. Certain financial instruments, such as adjustable rate loans, have repricing periods that differ from expected cash flows.

 

The Corporation uses three complementary methods to measure and manage interest rate risk. They are static gap analysis, simulation of earnings, and estimates of economic value of equity. Using these measurements in tandem provides a reasonably comprehensive summary of the magnitude of interest rate risk in the Corporation, level of risk as time evolves, and exposure to changes in interest rate relationships.

 

Static gap provides a measurement of repricing risk in the Corporation’s balance sheet as of a point in time. This measurement is accomplished through stratification of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities into predetermined repricing periods. The assets and liabilities in each of these periods are summed and compared for mismatches within that maturity segment. Core deposits having noncontractual maturities are placed into repricing periods based upon historical balance performance. Repricing for mortgage loans held and for mortgage-backed securities includes the effect of expected cash flows. Estimated prepayment effects are applied to these balances based upon industry projections for prepayment speeds. The Corporation’s policy limits the cumulative 6-month gap to plus or minus 15% of total earning assets. The cumulative 6-month gap as of September 30, 2004 was 0.96.

 

Simulation of net interest income and of net income is performed for the next twelve-month period. A variety of interest rate scenarios are used to measure the effects of sudden and gradual movements upward and downward in the yield curve. These results are compared to the results obtained in a flat or unchanged interest rate scenario. Simulation of earnings is used primarily to measure the Corporation’s short-term earnings exposure to rate movements. The Corporation’s policy limits the potential exposure of net interest income to 10% of the base case net interest income for every 100 basis point “shock” in interest rates. A “shock’ is an immediate upward or downward movement of interest rates across the yield curve based upon changes in the prime rate. The following table summarizes the expected impact of interest rate shocks on net interest income:

 

Rate Shock


  

Annual change

in net interest

income


  

% Change


+300bp

   +$ 22.0 million    +6.2%

+200bp

   +$ 15.3 million    +4.3%

+100bp

   +$ 9.6 million    +2.7%

-100bp

   -$ 19.1 million    -5.4%

 

Economic value of equity estimates the discounted present value of asset cash flows and liability cash flows. Discount rates are based upon market prices for like assets and liabilities. Upward and downward shocks of interest rates are used to determine the comparative effect of such interest rate movements relative to the unchanged environment. This measurement tool is used primarily to evaluate the longer-term re-pricing risks and options in the Corporation’s balance sheet. A policy limit of 10% of economic equity may be at risk for every 100 basis point “shock” movement in interest rates. The following table summarizes the expected impact of interest rate shocks on economic value of equity.

 

Rate Shock


  

Change in

economic value

of equity


  

% Change


+300bp

   -$ 21.2 million    -1.4%

+200bp

   +$ 4.9 million    +0.3%

+100bp

   +$ 18.8 million    +1.3%

-100bp

   -$ 41.9 million    -2.8%

 

36


Table of Contents

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Corporation reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Period


   Total number
of shares
purchased


   Average
Price paid
per share


   Total number of shares
purchased as part of a
publicly announced plan
or program


   Maximum number of
shares that may yet be
purchased under the
plan or program


(7/1/04 - 7/31/04)

   272,000    20.3479    272,000    3,507,000

(8/1/04 -8/31/04)

   442,000    20.6648    442,000    3,065,000

(9/1/04 - 9/30/04)

   430,699    21.5219    430,699    2,634,301

 

On June 15, 2004 a stock repurchase plan was approved by the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 4.0 million shares through December 31, 2004. As of September 30, 2004, 1.37 million shares were repurchased under this plan. No stock repurchases were made outside the plans and all were made under the guidelines of Rule 10b-18 and in compliance with Regulation M.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

 

  (a) Exhibits — The following is a list of the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and filed as part of this report:

 

  (3) Articles of incorporation, as amended and restated, and Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation, as amended – Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

 

  (4) Instruments defining the right of securities holders, including indentures:

 

  (a) Rights Agreement dated June 20, 1989, as amended and restated on April 27, 1999 between Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1 of the Fulton Financial Corporation Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 27, 1999.

 

  (10) Material Contracts - Executive Compensation Agreements and Plans:

 

  (a) Severance Agreements entered into between Fulton Financial and: Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., as of April 17, 1984; R. Scott Smith, Jr., as of May 17, 1988; Richard J Ashby, Jr., as of May 17, 1988; and Charles J. Nugent, as of November 19, 1992 – Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(a) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 1999.

 

  (b) 2004 Stock Option and Compensation Plan adopted October 21, 2003 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit C of Fulton Financial Corporation’s 2004 Proxy Statement.

 

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FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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.

 

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

Date: November 5, 2004

 

/s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.


   

Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 5, 2004  

/s/ Charles J. Nugent


   

Charles J. Nugent

Senior Executive Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibits Required Pursuant

to Item 601 of Regulation S-K

 

3. Articles of incorporation, as amended and restated, and Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation as amended - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

 

4. Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures.

 

  (a) Rights Agreement dated June 20, 1989, as amended and restated on April 27, 1999 between Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Fulton Financial Corporation Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 27, 1999.

 

10. Material Contracts

 

  (a) Severance Agreements entered into between Fulton Financial and: Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., as of April 17, 1984; R. Scott Smith, Jr., as of May 17, 1988; Charles J. Nugent, as of November 19, 1992; and Richard J Ashby, Jr., as of May 17, 1988 – Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10 (a) of the Fulton Financial Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

 

  (b) 2004 Stock Option and Compensation Plan adopted October 21, 2003 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit C of Fulton Financial Corporation’s 2004 Proxy Statement.

 

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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