UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20459


FORM 10-Q (Mark


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

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2003 ,

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

¨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

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) PENNSYLVANIA 23-2195389 ---------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) One Penn Square, P.O. Box 4887 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604 ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


PENNSYLVANIA23-2195389
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Penn Square, P.O. Box 4887 Lancaster, Pennsylvania17604
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(717) 291-2411 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's

(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]x    No  [_] ¨

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

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

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

Common Stock, $2.50 Par Value - 105,578,000– 108,450,000 shares outstanding as of -------------------------------------------------------------------- April 30,October 31, 2003. ---------------



FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

INDEX

Description


Page - ----------- ----

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited):

(a)Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31,September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 ......................................

3

(b)Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2003 and 2002 ................................

4

(c)Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'Shareholders’ Equity - ThreeNine months ended March 31,September 30, 2003 and 2002 ................................

5

(d)Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - ThreeNine months ended March 31,September 30, 2003 and 2002 ................................

6

(e)Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - March 31,–  September 30, 2003 ...............

7

Item 2. Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ........................ 10

11

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ........... 18

25

Item 4.Controls and Procedures .............................................. 21

29

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ..................................... 22

30

Signatures .................................................................... 23 Certifications ................................................................ 23

31

Exhibit Index ................................................................. 26

32
2

Item 1. Financial Statements

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
March 31 December 31 2003 2002 ------------------------------ ASSETS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and due from banks ................................................................... $ 348,229 $ 314,857 Interest-bearing deposits with other banks ................................................ 10,903 7,899 Mortgage loans held for sale .............................................................. 79,956 70,475 Investment securities: Held to maturity (Fair value: $32,885 in 2003 and $34,135 in 2002) ................... 31,611 32,684 Available for sale ................................................................... 2,409,730 2,383,607 Loans, net of unearned income ............................................................. 5,289,036 5,317,068 Less: Allowance for loan losses ..................................................... (71,786) (71,920) ----------- ----------- Net Loans .................................................................. 5,217,250 5,245,148 ----------- ----------- Premises and equipment .................................................................... 121,873 123,450 Accrued interest receivable ............................................................... 40,704 42,675 Goodwill .................................................................................. 61,048 61,048 Other assets .............................................................................. 109,026 105,935 ----------- ----------- Total Assets ............................................................... $ 8,430,330 $ 8,387,778 =========== =========== LIABILITIES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Deposits: Noninterest-bearing ................................................................. $ 1,238,087 $ 1,118,227 Interest-bearing .................................................................... 5,106,481 5,127,301 ----------- ----------- Total Deposits ............................................................. 6,344,568 6,245,528 ----------- ----------- Short-term borrowings: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ....................................... 325,420 297,556 Federal funds purchased .............................................................. 180,000 330,000 Demand notes of U.S. Treasury ........................................................ 2,487 4,638 ----------- ----------- Total Short-Term Borrowings ................................................ 507,907 632,194 ----------- ----------- Accrued interest payable .................................................................. 27,046 27,608 Other liabilities ......................................................................... 145,980 77,651 Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and long-term debt ........................................ 535,210 535,555 Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust ....... 5,500 5,500 ----------- ----------- Total Liabilities .......................................................... 7,566,211 7,524,036 ----------- ----------- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common stock, $2.50 par value, 400 million shares authorized, 109.2 million shares issued.. 272,940 259,943 Additional paid-in capital ................................................................ 565,042 481,028 Retained earnings ......................................................................... 58,948 138,501 Accumulated other comprehensive income .................................................... 27,479 34,801 Treasury stock (3.6 million shares in 2003 and 3.0 million shares in 2002) ................ (60,290) (50,531) ----------- ----------- Total Shareholders' Equity ................................................. 864,119 863,742 ----------- ----------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity ................................. $ 8,430,330 $ 8,387,778 =========== =========== - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   September 30
2003


  December 31
2002


 

ASSETS

         

Cash and due from banks

  $333,253  $314,857 

Interest-bearing deposits with other banks

   7,514   7,899 

Mortgage loans held for sale

   53,707   70,475 

Investment securities:

         

Held to maturity (Fair value: $26,252 in 2003 and $34,135 in 2002)

   25,412   32,684 

Available for sale

   2,680,051   2,383,607 

Loans, net of unearned income

   5,844,788   5,317,068 

Less: Allowance for loan losses

   (77,857)  (71,920)
   


 


Net Loans

   5,766,931   5,245,148 
   


 


Premises and equipment

   121,822   123,450 

Accrued interest receivable

   31,385   35,527 

Goodwill

   123,565   61,048 

Other assets

   136,649   113,083 
   


 


Total Assets

  $9,280,289  $8,387,778 
   


 


LIABILITIES

         

Deposits:

         

Noninterest-bearing

  $1,259,811  $1,118,227 

Interest-bearing

   5,574,356   5,127,301 
   


 


Total Deposits

   6,834,167   6,245,528 
   


 


Short-term borrowings:

         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   396,744   297,556 

Federal funds purchased

   387,343   330,000 

Demand notes of U.S. Treasury

   5,070   4,638 
   


 


Total Short-Term Borrowings

   789,157   632,194 
   


 


Accrued interest payable

   26,766   27,608 

Other liabilities

   75,882   77,651 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and long-term debt

   594,841   535,555 

Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust

   32,000   5,500 
   


 


Total Liabilities

   8,352,813   7,524,036 
   


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

         

Common stock, $2.50 par value, 400 million shares authorized, 114.0 million shares issued

   284,962   259,943 

Additional paid-in capital

   636,934   481,028 

Retained earnings

   99,014   138,501 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   4,569   34,801 

Treasury stock (5.5 million shares in 2003 and 3.0 million shares in 2002)

   (98,003)  (50,531)
   


 


Total Shareholders’ Equity

   927,476   863,742 
   


 


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

  $9,280,289  $8,387,778 
   


 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 3

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Dollars

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
Three Months Ended March 31 --------------------------------- 2003 2002 ------------- ------------- INTEREST INCOME - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loans, including fees .................................... $ 85,112 $ 94,659 Investment securities: Taxable ............................................... 20,734 19,629 Tax-exempt ............................................ 2,520 2,381 Dividends ............................................. 1,148 1,054 Other interest income .................................... 670 76 ------------- ------------- Total Interest Income ....................... 110,184 117,799 INTEREST EXPENSE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deposits ................................................. 25,707 33,574 Short-term borrowings .................................... 1,753 1,513 Long-term debt ........................................... 7,086 6,382 ------------- ------------- Total Interest Expense ...................... 34,546 41,469 ------------- ------------- Net Interest Income ......................... 75,638 76,330 PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 2,835 2,780 ------------- ------------- Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses ................. 72,803 73,550 ------------- ------------- OTHER INCOME - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investment management and trust services ................. 8,343 7,160 Service charges on deposit accounts ...................... 9,216 8,784 Other service charges and fees ........................... 4,586 4,105 Mortgage banking income .................................. 5,951 3,282 Investment securities gains .............................. 2,229 1,398 Other .................................................... 1,340 1,954 ------------- ------------- Total Other Income .......................... 31,665 26,683 ------------- ------------- OTHER EXPENSES - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Salaries and employee benefits ........................... 33,320 31,047 Net occupancy expense .................................... 5,080 4,292 Equipment expense ........................................ 2,680 2,799 Data processing .......................................... 2,864 3,213 Advertising .............................................. 1,232 1,793 Intangible amortization .................................. 359 359 Other .................................................... 10,347 11,425 ------------- ------------- Total Other Expenses ........................ 55,882 54,928 ------------- ------------- Income Before Income Taxes .................. 48,586 45,305 INCOME TAXES 14,543 13,075 ------------- ------------- Net Income .................................. $ 34,043 $ 32,230 ============= ============= PER-SHARE DATA: - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (basic) ....................................... $ 0.32 $ 0.30 Net income (diluted) ..................................... 0.32 0.30 Cash dividends ........................................... 0.143 0.130 - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Three Months Ended
September 30


  Nine Months Ended
September 30


   2003

  2002

  2003

  2002

INTEREST INCOME

                

Loans, including fees

  $85,159  $92,072  $254,812  $280,977

Investment securities:

                

Taxable

   16,512   21,489   55,636   62,303

Tax-exempt

   2,740   2,489   7,786   7,361

Dividends

   904   1,015   3,205   2,971

Other interest income

   592   91   1,818   230
   

  

  

  

Total Interest Income

   105,907   117,156   323,257   353,842

INTEREST EXPENSE

                

Deposits

   22,773   31,353   72,480   95,767

Short-term borrowings

   1,515   1,510   4,960   5,080

Long-term debt

   7,840   6,455   22,030   19,269
   

  

  

  

Total Interest Expense

   32,128   39,318   99,470   120,116
   

  

  

  

Net Interest Income

   73,779   77,838   223,787   233,726

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

   2,190   4,370   7,515   9,830
   

  

  

  

Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses

   71,589   73,468   216,272   223,896
   

  

  

  

OTHER INCOME

                

Investment management and trust services

   8,527   6,890   25,679   21,633

Service charges on deposit accounts

   9,810   9,506   28,527   27,590

Other service charges and fees

   4,782   4,693   14,076   13,071

Mortgage banking income

   6,100   5,807   17,892   11,871

Investment securities gains

   6,990   2,677   14,028   6,047

Other

   1,304   1,827   3,510   4,590
   

  

  

  

Total Other Income

   37,513   31,400   103,712   84,802

OTHER EXPENSES

                

Salaries and employee benefits

   35,516   33,336   103,330   97,001

Net occupancy expense

   4,982   4,556   14,869   13,111

Equipment expense

   2,618   2,859   7,886   8,374

Data processing

   2,864   3,018   8,504   9,181

Advertising

   1,570   1,336   4,589   4,989

Intangible amortization

   622   359   1,341   1,078

Other

   11,378   11,109   32,978   34,271
   

  

  

  

Total Other Expenses

   59,550   56,573   173,497   168,005
   

  

  

  

Income Before Income Taxes

   49,552   48,295   146,487   140,693

INCOME TAXES

   15,170   14,474   44,000   41,652
   

  

  

  

Net Income

  $34,382  $33,821  $102,487  $99,041
   

  

  

  

PER-SHARE DATA:

                

Net income (basic)

  $0.32  $0.31  $0.96  $0.92

Net income (diluted)

   0.32   0.31   0.96   0.91

Cash dividends

   0.160   0.143   0.463   0.415

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 4

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS'SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED) THREE

NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND 2002 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
Accumulated Other Number of Additional Comprehen- Shares Common Paid-In Retained sive Income Treasury Outstanding Stock Capital Earnings (Loss) Stock Total - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance at December 31, 2002 106,162,000 $ 259,943 $ 481,028 $ 138,501 $ 34,801 $ (50,531) $ 863,742 Comprehensive Income: Net income 34,043 34,043 Other - net unrealized loss on securities (net of $3.2 million tax benefit) (5,873) (5,873) Less - reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of $780,000 tax expense) (1,449) (1,449) --------- Total comprehensive income 26,721 --------- Stock dividend - 5% 12,997 85,470 (98,467) - Stock issued 192,000 (1,456) 3,246 1,790 Acquisition of treasury stock (756,000) (13,005) (13,005) Cash dividends - $0.143 per share (15,129) (15,129) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at March 31, 2003 105,598,000 $ 272,940 $ 565,042 $ 58,948 $ 27,479 $ (60,290) $ 864,119 =========== ========= ========= ========== ============ ========== ========= Balance at December 31, 2001 108,429,000 $ 207,962 $ 536,235 $ 65,649 $ 12,970 $ (11,362) $ 811,454 Comprehensive Income: Net income 32,230 32,230 Other - unrealized gain on securities (net of $838,000 tax expense) 1,557 1,557 Less - reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of $489,000 tax expense) (909) (909) ---------- Total comprehensive income 32,878 ---------- Stock issued 221,000 (2,011) 3,491 1,480 Stock split paid in the form of a 25% stock dividend 51,981 (51,981) - Acquisition of treasury stock (350,000) (6,068) (6,068) Cash dividends - $0.130 per share (14,045) (14,045) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at March 31, 2002 108,300,000 $ 259,943 $ 482,243 $ 83,834 $ 13,618 $ (13,939) $ 825,699 =========== =========== ========== =========== =========== ========= ========== - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Number of
Shares
Outstanding


  Common
Stock


 Additional
Paid-In
Capital


  Retained
Earnings


  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


  Treasury
Stock


  Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

 106,162,000  $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 benefit)

                (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 issued

 512,300      (3,433)          8,912   5,479 

Stock issued for acquisition of Premier Bancorp, Inc.

 4,615,700   12,021  79,848           (3,692)  88,177 

Stock dividend – 5%

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

Acquisition of treasury stock

 (2,729,000)                 (52,692)  (52,692)

Cash dividends - $0.463 per share

            (49,448)          (49,448)
  

 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at September 30, 2003

 108,561,000  $284,962 $636,934  $99,014  $4,569  $(98,003) $927,476 
  

 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2001

 108,429,000  $207,962 $536,235  $65,649  $12,970  $(11,362) $811,454 

Comprehensive Income:

                          

Net income

            99,041           99,041 

Other – net unrealized gain on securities (net of $9.9 million tax expense)

                18,374       18,374 

Less – reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of $2.1 million tax expense)

                (3,930)      (3,930)
                        


Total comprehensive income

                        113,485 
                        


Stock issued

 344,000      (2,997)          6,346   3,349 

Stock split paid in the form of a 25% stock dividend

     51,981  (52,050)              (69)

Acquisition of treasury stock

 (1,698,000)                 (30,059)  (30,059)

Cash dividends - $0.415 per share

            (44,967)          (44,967)
  

 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at September 30, 2002

 107,075,000  $259,943 $481,188  $119,723  $27,414  $(35,075) $853,193 
  

 

 


 


 


 


 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In

(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31 ------------------------------- 2003 2002 --------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Income .............................................................. $ 34,043 $ 32,230 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses .......................................... 2,835 2,780 Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment ............ 3,115 3,148 Net amortization of investment security premiums ................... 4,108 247 Investment security gains .......................................... (2,229) (1,398) Net increase in mortgage loans held for sale ....................... (9,481) (13,606) Amortization of intangible assets .................................. 359 359 Decrease in accrued interest receivable ............................ 1,971 2,233 Decrease in other assets ........................................... 492 26 Decrease in accrued interest payable ............................... (562) (3,700) Increase in other liabilities ...................................... 7,813 3,322 ------------- ------------- Total adjustments ............................................. 8,421 (6,589) ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by operating activities ..................... 42,464 25,641 ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale .................... 277,424 10,555 Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity ................. 6,024 5,442 Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale ............... 350,982 141,734 Purchase of securities held to maturity ................................. (4,969) (1,469) Purchase of securities available for sale ............................... (607,081) (281,783) (Increase) decrease in short-term investments ........................... (3,004) 2,512 Net decrease in loans ................................................... 25,061 4,587 Net purchase of premises and equipment .................................. (1,538) (2,181) ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities ........... 42,899 (120,603) ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in demand and savings deposits ............................. 155,011 40,109 Net decrease in time deposits ........................................... (55,971) 83,138) Decrease in long-term debt .............................................. (345) (5,420) (Decrease) increase in short-term borrowings ............................ (124,287) 61,992 Dividends paid .......................................................... (15,184) (14,042) Net proceeds from issuance of common stock .............................. 1,790 1,480 Acquisition of treasury stock ........................................... (13,005) (6,068) ------------- ------------- Net cash used in financing activities ......................... (51,991) (5,087) ------------- ------------- Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Due From Banks ...................... 33,372 (100,049) Cash and Due From Banks at Beginning of Period .......................... 314,857 356,539 ------------- ------------- Cash and Due From Banks at End of Period ................................ $ 348,229 $ 256,490 ============= ============= Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the period for: Interest ........................................................... $ 35,108 $ 45,169 Income taxes ....................................................... 955 1,492 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Nine Months Ended
September 30


 
   2003

  2002

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

         

Net Income

  $102,487  $99,041 

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

         

Provision for loan losses

   7,515   9,830 

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

   9,349   9,550 

Net amortization of investment security premiums

   16,155   1,502 

Investment security gains

   (14,028)  (6,047)

Net decrease (increase) in mortgage loans held for sale

   18,020   (26,126)

Amortization of intangible assets

   1,341   1,078 

Decrease in accrued interest receivable

   4,142   2,855 

Decrease (increase) in other assets

   3,552   (1,082)

Decrease in accrued interest payable

   (3,855)  (5,468)

(Decrease) increase in other liabilities

   (6,759)  1,251 
   


 


Total adjustments

   35,432   (12,657)
   


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

   137,919   86,384 
   


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

         

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

   442,369   23,765 

Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity

   14,557   15,824 

Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale

   1,257,386   489,080 

Purchase of securities held to maturity

   (7,331)  (5,027)

Purchase of securities available for sale

   (1,877,724)  (863,088)

Decrease in short-term investments

   16,293   2,138 

Net (increase) decrease in loans

   (164,583)  34,506 

Net cash acquired from Premier Bancorp, Inc

   17,222   —   

Net purchases of premises and equipment

   (2,745)  (6,651)
   


 


Net cash used in investing activities

   (304,556)  (309,453)
   


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

         

Increase in demand and savings deposits

   340,745   295,135 

Decrease in time deposits

   (206,456)  (22,735)

Decrease in long-term debt

   (5,240)  (7,906)

Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

   150,410   (16,019)

Dividends paid

   (47,213)  (43,555)

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

   5,479   3,280 

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (52,692)  (30,059)
   


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

   185,033   178,141 
   


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Due From Banks

   18,396   (44,928)

Cash and Due From Banks at Beginning of Period

   314,857   356,539 
   


 


Cash and Due From Banks at End of Period

  $333,253  $311,611 
   


 


Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

         

Cash paid during the period for:

         

Interest

  $103,325  $125,584 

Income taxes

   37,851   37,798 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6

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-month periodthree and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expectedexperienced for the year ending December 31, 2003.

NOTE B - Net Income Per Share

The Corporation'sCorporation’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'sCorporation’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 March 31 ----------------------------- 2003 2002 ------------ ----------- (in thousands) Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) ............... 105,922 108,339 Impact of common stock equivalents ........................ 713 740 ------------ ----------- Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) ............. 106,635 109,079 ============ ===========

   Three months ended
September 30


  Nine months ended
September 30


   2003

  2002

  2003

  2002

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)

  107,856  107,983  106,412  108,222

Impact of common stock equivalents

  875  720  777  740
   
  
  
  

Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)

  108,731  108,703  107,189  108,962
   
  
  
  

NOTE C - Stock Dividend

The Corporation declaredpaid a 5% stock dividend on April 15, 2003 which will be paid on May 23, 2003 to shareholders of record on April 30, 2003. All share and per-share information has been restated to reflect the impact of this stock dividend. In addition, shareholders' equity accounts have been adjusted to reflect the impact of the dividend, assuming 5.2 million shares will be issued on the payment date.

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 teneleven separate banks, each engages in similar activities, provides similar products and services, and operates in the same general geographical area. The Corporation'sCorporation’s non-banking activities are immaterial and, therefore, separate information has not been disclosed.

NOTE E - Goodwill– Acquisition of Premier Bancorp, Inc.

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 Intangible Assets 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 1.407 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 its eight community banking offices in Bucks, Northampton and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania complement the Corporation’s 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. The purchase price was allocated based on estimated fair values on the acquisition date as follows (in thousands):

Cash and due from banks

  $19,290

Other earning assets

   30,701

Investment securities available for sale

   168,022

Loans, net

   364,715

Premises and equipment

   4,976

Core deposit intangible asset

   8,890

Goodwill

   62,517

Other assets

   5,241
   

Total assets acquired

   664,352
   

Deposits

   454,350

Short-term borrowings

   20,094

Long-term debt

   91,026

Other liabilities

   6,895
   

Total liabilities assumed

   572,365
   

Net assets acquired

  $91,987
   

NOTE F – Stock-Based Compensation

In October,December 2002, the Corporation adoptedFinancial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 147 "Acquisitions of Certain Financial Institutions"148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure” (Statement 147)148). Statement 147 changed148 clarifies the accounting for certain branch acquisitionsoptions issued in prior periods when a company elects to allowtransition 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.

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 purchase price paidfair 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


   2003

  2002

  2003

  2002

Net income as reported

  $34,382  $33,821  $102,487  $99,041

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

   1,634   1,816   1,758   1,938
   

  

  

  

Pro-forma net income

  $32,748  $32,005  $100,729  $97,103
   

  

  

  

Net income per share (basic)

  $0.32  $0.31  $0.96  $0.92

Pro-forma net income per share

   0.30   0.30   0.95   0.90

Net income per share (diluted)

  $0.32  $0.31  $0.96  $0.91

Pro-forma net income per share

   0.30   0.29   0.94   0.89

NOTE G – Reclassifications

Certain amounts in excess of net assets acquiredthe 2002 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to be accounted for as goodwill. Perconform to the 2003 presentation.

NOTE H – New Accounting Standards

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Intangible Assets", goodwill is not amortized, but is testedEquity” (Statement 150). Statement 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both debt and equity.

This statement was originally effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise was effective at least annually for impairment. Adoptionthe beginning of the first interim period beginning on or after June 15, 2003. In November 2003 the FASB deferred the effective date of certain provisions of Statement 147 resulted in the restatement150 related to corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of results for the first quarter of 2002.subsidiary trusts. The following table summarizes the results of this restatement (in thousands, except per share amounts): 7 2002 ---------- Net income, originally reported ........................... $ 32,089 Amortization of goodwill, net of taxes .................... 141 ---------- Net income, as restated ................................... $ 32,230 ========== Basic net income per share, originally reported (1) ....... $ 0.30 Amortization of goodwill, net of taxes .................... - ---------- Basic net income per share, as restated ................... $ 0.30 ========== Diluted net income per share, originally reported (1) ..... $ 0.29 Amortization of goodwill, net of taxes .................... - ---------- Diluted net income per share, as adjusted (2) ............. $ 0.30 ========== (1) As restated for the impact of stock dividends and splits. (2) AmountCorporation does not sum dueexpect the implementation of Statement 150 to rounding. In prior filings, goodwill and intangible assets were combined for presentation purposes in the consolidated balance sheets. Goodwill is now presented as a separate line item and intangible assets totaling $10.9 million in 2003 and $11.2 million in 2002 are included with other assets. have any material impact on its financial statements.

NOTE F -I – Pending Acquisition

On January 16,August 25, 2003, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire Premier Bancorp, Inc. (Premier)Resource Bankshares Corporation (Resource), of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. PremierVirginia Beach, Virginia. Resource is a $600an $850 million financial holding company whose primary subsidiary is PremierResource Bank, which operates sevensix community banking offices in Bucks, NorthamptonNewport News, Chesapeake, Herndon, Virginia Beach (two locations) and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. Richmond in Virginia. In addition, Resource operates 14 loan production and residential mortgage offices in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Florida.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the approximately 3.56.0 million shares of Premier'sResource’s common stock will be exchanged for 1.4071.4667 shares (restated to reflect the impact of the 5% stock dividend discussed in Note C) of the Corporation'sCorporation’s common stock. In addition, each of the options to acquire Premier'sResource’s stock will be converted to options to purchase the Corporation'sCorporation’s stock. The acquisition is subject to approval by bank regulatory authorities and Premier'sResource’s shareholders, and is expected to be completed in the third quarterfirst half of 2003.2004. As a result of the acquisition, PremierResource will be merged into the Corporation and PremierResource 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 Premier'sResource’s operations will be included in the Corporation'sCorporation’s financial statements prospectively from the date of the acquisition.

The total purchase price is estimated to be approximately $90$196.0 million, which includes the value of the Corporation'sCorporation’s stock to be issued, PremierResource options to be converted and certain acquisition related costs. The net assets of PremierResource as of December 31, 2002September 30, 2003 were $38.4$57.0 million and accordingly, the purchase price exceeds the carrying value of the net assets by 51.6$139.0 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. NOTE G - 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 8 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. 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. The Corporation did not grant any stock options during the first quarter of 2003 or 2002. As such, had stock-based compensation expense been recognized using the fair value method consistent with Statements 123 and 148, there would have been no impact on net income or net income per share for these periods. NOTE H - Reclassifications Certain amounts in the 2002 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation. 9

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Management's(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 analysisManagement’s Discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other financial information presented in this report.

The Corporation’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 were impacted by the August 1, 2003 acquisition of Premier Bancorp, Inc. (Premier). Where appropriate, this impact has been isolated in the discussion that follows. The terms of the acquisition are disclosed in Note E of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Corporation has made, and may continue to make, certain forward-looking statements with respect to its management of net interest income and margin, mergers and acquisitions, the ability to realize gains on equity investments, allowance and provision for loan losses, expected levels of certain non-interest expenses, mortgage lending volumes and the liquidity position of the Corporation and Parent Company.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 nonbank 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'sCorporation’s success in merger and acquisition integration.

The Corporation'sCorporation’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

Quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2003 versus Quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2002

Fulton Financial Corporation'sCorporation’s net income for the firstthird quarter of 2003 increased $1.8 million,$561,000, or 5.6%1.7%, in comparison to net income for the firstthird quarter of 2002. Diluted net income per share increased $0.02,$0.01, or 6.7%3.2%, to $0.32 for the quarter, compared to $0.31 for the same period in 2002. Net income for the third quarter of 2003 of $34.4 million represented an annualized return on average assets of 1.51% and an annualized return on average equity of 14.79%.

The increase from 2002 resulted from an increaseincreases in other income and investment securities gains and a lower loan loss provision, offset by a decrease in net interest income and increases in expenses and a higher loan loss provision. expenses.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income decreased $692,000,$4.1 million, from $76.3$77.8 million in 2002 to $75.6$73.8 million in 2003. Excluding Premier, net interest income decreased $6.5 million, or 8.4%. This decrease was due to continued low interest rates and slow overall loan growth. The Corporation'sCorporation’s average prime lending rate decreased from 4.75% in the firstthird quarter of 2002 to 4.25%4.00% in the firstthird quarter of 2003 as a result of the FRB reducing short-term interest rates in November, 2002. This reduction2002 and June, 2003. These reductions in an already low interest rate environment negatively impacted the Corporation'sCorporation’s net interest margin as average yields on earning-assets decreased fasterfurther than the average cost of deposits.

The average yield on earning assets decreased 93128 basis points (a 13.9 %20.3% decline) during the period while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 7075 basis points (a 17.5%28.4% decline). This resulted in a 3871 basis point decrease in net interest margin compared to the same period in 2002. The Corporation continues to manage its asset/liability position and interest rate risk through the methods discussed in the "Market Risk"“Market Risk” section of this document. Management’s Discussion.

The following table provides a comparative average balance sheet and net interest income analysis for the firstthird quarter of 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. All dollar amounts are in thousands. 10

   Quarter Ended September 30, 2003

  Quarter Ended September 30, 2002

 
   Average
Balance


  Interest

  Yield/
Rate (1)


  Average
Balance


  Interest

  Yield/
Rate (1)


 

ASSETS

                       

Interest-earning assets:

                       

Loans and leases

  $5,683,795  $85,159  5.94% $5,378,701  $92,072  6.79%

Taxable investment securities

   2,218,352   16,512  2.95   1,627,876   21,489  5.24 

Tax-exempt investment securities

   287,297   2,740  3.78   233,740   2,489  4.22 

Equity securities

   128,064   904  2.80   115,390   1,015  3.49 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total Investment securities

   2,633,713   20,156  3.04   1,977,006   24,993  5.02 

Short-term investments

   51,398   592  4.57   19,891   91  1.82 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-earning assets

   8,368,906   105,907  5.02%  7,375,598   117,156  6.30%

Noninterest-earning assets:

                       

Cash and due from banks

   302,248          262,971        

Premises and equipment

   125,835          123,775        

Other assets

   296,300          249,095        

Less: Allowance for loan losses

   (76,746)         (74,136)       
   


        


       

Total Assets

  $9,016,543         $7,937,303        
   


        


       

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

                       

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                       

Demand deposits

  $1,213,594  $1,426  0.47% $939,683  $1,966  0.83%

Savings deposits

   1,709,803   2,468  0.57   1,534,828   4,332  1.12 

Time deposits

   2,522,767   18,879  2.97   2,599,115   25,055  3.82 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total Interest-bearing deposits

   5,446,164   22,773  1.66   5,073,626   31,353  2.45 

Short-term borrowings

   695,550   1,515  0.86   387,159   1,510  1.55 

Long-term debt

   595,466   7,840  5.22   456,602   6,455  5.61 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

   6,737,180   32,128  1.89%  5,917,387   39,318  2.64%

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:

                       

Demand deposits

   1,258,183          1,066,328        

Other

   98,594          94,915        
   


        


       

Total Liabilities

   8,093,957          7,078,630        

Shareholders’ equity

   922,586          858,673        
   


        


       

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

  $9,016,543         $7,937,303        
   


        


       

Net interest income

      $73,779         $77,838    
       

         

    

Net interest margin (FTE)

          3.62%         4.33%
           

         


Quarter Ended March 31, 2003 Quarter Ended March 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Average Yield/ Average Yield/ ASSETS Balance Interest Rate
(1) Balance Interest Rate (1) - -------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ --------- Interest-earning assets: Loans and leases ................... $5,346,978 $ 85,112 6.46% $5,389,770 $ 94,659 7.12% Taxable investmentYields on tax-exempt securities ...... 1,959,036 20,734 4.29 1,398,133 19,629 5.69 Tax-exempt investment securities ... 241,180 2,520 4.24 219,671 2,381 4.40 Equity securities .................. 133,300 1,148 3.49 103,018 1,054 4.15 Short-term investments ............. 54,995 670 4.94 13,972 76 2.21 ---------- ----------- ------ ---------- ---------- ------ Total interest-earning assets ........ 7,735,489 110,184 5.78% 7,124,564 117,799 6.71% Noninterest-earning assets: Cash and due from banks ............ 257,555 244,949 Premises and equipment ............. 123,372 123,220 Other assets ....................... 238,132 227,330 Less: Allowance for loan losses .... (72,972) (72,441) ---------- ---------- Total Assets ............... 8,281,576 $7,647,622 ========== ========== Quarter Ended March 31, 2003 Quarter Ended March 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Average Yield/ Average Yield/ LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Balance Interest Rate (1) Balance Interest Rate (1) - -------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ --------- Interest-bearing liabilities: Demand deposits .................... $1,049,624 $ 1,623 0.63% $ 820,944 $ 1,275 0.63% Savings deposits ................... 1,535,872 2,879 0.76 1,455,128 4,114 1.15 Time deposits ...................... 2,512,211 21,205 3.42 2,604,909 28,185 4.39 Short-term borrowings .............. 611,447 1,753 1.16 385,296 1,513 1.59 Long-term debt ..................... 540,906 7,086 5.31 463,706 6,382 5.58 ---------- ----------- ------ ---------- ---------- ------ Total interest-bearing liabilities ... 6,250,060 34,546 2.24% 5,729,983 41,469 2.94% Noninterest-bearing liabilities: Demand deposits .................... 1,071,184 1,000,248 Other .............................. 95,690 103,531 ---------- ---------- Total Liabilities .......... 7,416,934 6,833,762 Shareholders' equity ................. 864,642 813,860 ---------- ---------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity ..... $8,281,576 $7,647,622 ========== ========== Net interest income .................. $ 75,638 $ 76,330 =========== ========== Net interest marginare not fully taxable equivalent (FTE) ............ 4.06% 4.44% ====== ======= .
(1) Yields on tax-exempt securities are not fully taxable equivalent (FTE). 11

The following table summarizes the changes in interest income and expense due to changes in average balances (volume) and changes in rates. 2003 vs. 2002 Increase (decrease) due To change

   September 30
2003 vs. 2002
Increase (decrease) due
to change in


 
   Volume

  Rate

  Net

 
   (in thousands) 

Interest income on:

             

Loans and leases

  $5,223  $(12,136) $(6,913)

Taxable investment securities

   7,795   (12,772)  (4,977)

Tax-exempt investment securities

   570   (319)  251 

Equity securities

   111   (222)  (111)

Short-term investments

   294   207   501 
   


 


 


Total interest-earning assets

  $13,993  $(25,242) $(11,249)
   


 


 


Interest expense on:

             

Demand deposits

  $573  $(1,113) $(540)

Savings deposits

   494   (2,358)  (1,864)

Time deposits

   (736)  (5,440)  (6,176)

Short-term borrowings

   1,203   (1,198)  5 

Long-term debt

   1,963   (578)  1,385 
   


 


 


Total interest-bearing liabilities

  $3,497  $(10,687) $(7,190)
   


 


 


Approximately $237.5 million of the $305.1 million increase in Volume Rate Net ---------- ----------- ---------- (in thousands) Interest income on: Loansaverage loans and leases ...................... $ (777) $ (8,770) $ (9,547) Taxable investment securities ......... 9,943 (8,838) 1,105 Tax-exempt investment securities ...... 244 (105) 139 Equity securities ..................... (320) 414 94 Short-term investments ................ 234 360 594 -------- --------- -------- Total$363.9 million of the $993.3 million increase in average total interest-earning assets ....... $ 9,324 $ (16,939) $ (7,615) ======== ========= ======== Interest expense on: Demandresulted from the inclusion of Premier in the average balances from August 1, 2003 through the end of the quarter. Similarly, approximately $275.6 million of the $372.5 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits ....................... $ 378 $ (30) $ 348 Savings deposits ...................... 242 (1,477) (1,235) Time deposits ......................... (1,053) (5,927) (6,980) Short-term borrowings ................. 917 (677) 240 Long-term debt ........................ 1,107 (403) 704 -------- --------- -------- Total interest-bearing liabilities .. $ 1,591 $ (8,514) $ (6,923) ======== ========= ======== is attributable to Premier.

Interest income decreased $7.6$11.2 million, or 6.5%9.6%, mainly as a result of the 93128 basis point decrease in average yields on earning assets, which accounted for a $16.9$25.2 million decline in interest income. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest income due to growth in average balances, mainly in taxable investment securities.securities and loan balances. The interest income increase attributable to volume was $9.3$14.0 million. Excluding Premier, the decrease in interest income would have been $15.2 million, or 13.0%.

The decrease in the average yield on earning assets from the firstthird quarter of 2002 was mainly due to several factors. First was the general decrease in interest rates as a result of the previously mentioned actions of the Federal Reserve Board.FRB. Second, an approximately $646 million change in the mix of the loan portfolio from fixed rate to floating rate loans occurred which trended the Corporation toward greater asset sensitivity to interest-rate changes. Finally, investment securities - which generally have lower yields than loans - became a larger component of total average earning assets. Finally, due to the high levels of mortgage refinancing activity during the period, there was an increase in prepayments of mortgage-backed securities. Prepayments negatively impact yields through the acceleration of premium amortization expense, which is netted against interest income, and the reinvestment of funds at lower rates. Premium amortization for the third quarter of 2003 was $6.8 million, including $6.3 million of accelerated amortization due to prepayments, compared to $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2002.

Average investment securities increased $656.7 million, or 33.2%, as the growth in deposits and borrowings exceeded loan growth. The Corporation'sCorporation used the excess funds to purchase investment securities, particularly mortgage-backed securities, which grew $555.0 million, or 37.8%. The average yield on investment securities declined 198 basis points from 5.02% in 2002 to 3.04% in 2003. Excluding accelerated amortization on mortgage-backed securities, the average yield on investment securities would have been 3.98% in 2003.

The Corporation’s average loan portfolio decreased $42.8increased $305.1 million, or 5.7%, mainly as increasesa result of Premier which contributed $237.5 million to the increase. Increases in commercial mortgages ($108.6133.7 million, or 7.4%7.8%, excluding Premier), commercial loans ($93.8 million, or 6.0%, excluding Premier), and consumer loans ($36.4 million, or 2.7%, excluding Premier) were offset by a decrease in residential mortgages ($198.9 million, or 26.7%, excluding Premier). Residential mortgages continued to decline as low mortgage rates fueled refinance activity and most qualifying, originated fixed rate mortgages were sold in the secondary market. Consumer loans increased mainly due to an increase in home equity lines of credit.

Interest expense decreased $7.2 million, or 18.3%, mainly due to the 75 basis point decline in interest rates, which accounted for $10.7 million of the decrease. The net $819.8 million, or 13.9%, increase in average interest-bearing liabilities resulted in only a $3.5 million increase in interest expense due to the change in the composition of these liabilities from higher rate time deposits to lower rate demand and savings accounts and short-term borrowings. Excluding Premier, the decrease in interest expense would have been $8.7 million, or 22.1%.

Average interest bearing demand and savings deposits increased $448.9 million, or 18.1%, while time deposits decreased $76.3 million, or 2.9%. This change in the deposit mix reflects depositors’ reluctance to reinvest maturing time deposits at the current low rates. Excluding Premier, interest-bearing demand and savings deposits increased $308.2 million, or 12.5%, while time deposits decreased $211.2 million, or 8.1%.

Short-term borrowings increased $308.4 million, or 79.7%, and long-term debt increased $138.9 million, or 30.4%. The increase in average short-term borrowings was realized in customer repurchase agreements ($79.1 million, or 26.2%), and Federal funds purchased ($229.4 million, or 282.1%). Federal funds purchased were used to manage the Corporation’s interest-sensitivity gap and to fund investment securities purchases. The increase in average long-term debt was due to the Corporation locking in longer term funding during the fourth quarter of 2002 through the use of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) in order to take advantage of the low interest rate environment.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table summarizes loans, net of unearned income as of the dates shown:

   September 30
2003


  December 31
2002


  September 30
2002


   (in thousands)

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  $1,723,713  $1,679,100  $1,606,897

Real estate – construction

   309,122   248,565   242,518

Real estate – residential mortgage

   1,274,328   1,244,781   1,310,599

Real estate – commercial mortgage

   1,932,735   1,527,144   1,528,167

Consumer

   537,512   543,040   564,992

Leasing and other

   67,378   74,438   76,328
   

  

  

Total Loans, net of unearned

  $5,844,788  $5,317,068  $5,329,501
   

  

  

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

   Three Months Ended
September 30


 
   2003

  2002

 
   (dollars in thousands) 

Loans outstanding at end of period (net of unearned)

  $5,844,788  $5,329,501 
   


 


Daily average balance of loans and leases

  $5,683,795  $5,378,701 
   


 


Balance at beginning of period

  $72,240  $72,801 

Loans charged-off:

         

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   1,606   3,931 

Real estate – mortgage

   131   129 

Consumer

   987   1,082 

Leasing and other

   130   155 
   


 


Total loans charged-off

   2,854   5,297 
   


 


Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:

         

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   150   258 

Real estate – mortgage

   181   32 

Consumer

   461   514 

Leasing and other

   15   11 
   


 


Total recoveries

   807   815 
   


 


Net loans charged-off

   2,047   4,482 

Provision for loan losses

   2,190   4,370 

Allowance purchased (Premier)

   5,474   —   
   


 


Balance at end of period

  $77,857  $72,689 
   


 


Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)

   0.14%  0.33%
   


 


Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding

   1.33%  1.36%
   


 


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

   September 30
2003


  December 31
2002


  September 30
2002


 

Nonaccrual loans

  $27,155  $24,090  $29,698 

Loans 90 days past due and accruing

   10,286   14,095   15,872 

Other real estate owned (OREO)

   952   938   1,614 
   


 


 


Total non-performing assets

  $38,393  $39,123  $47,184 
   


 


 


Non-accrual loans/Total loans

   0.46%  0.45%  0.56%

Non-performing assets/Total assets

   0.41%  0.47%  0.58%

Allowance/Non-performing loans

   208%  188%  160%

The provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2003 totaled $2.2 million, a decrease of $2.2 million, or 49.9%, from the same period in 2002. Net charge-offs totaled $2.0 million, or 0.14% of average loans on an

annualized basis, during the third quarter of 2003, a $2.4 million, or 54.3%, decrease from $4.5 million, or 0.33% of average loans, for the third quarter of 2002. Non-performing assets decreased to $38.4 million, or 0.41% of total assets, at September 30, 2003, from $47.2 million, or 0.58% of total assets, at September 30, 2002.

The improvements in the Corporation’s asset quality as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 were mainly due to one problem commercial relationship which negatively impacted asset quality in 2002. The Corporation charged off $3.4 million of this relationship in the third quarter of 2002 and placed the remaining $11.1 million balance on non-accrual status. Subsequent to September 30, 2002, approximately $5.8 million of the loans were paid off. The remaining balance continues to be on non-accrual status.

Management believes that the allowance balance of $77.9 million at September 30, 2003 is sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio on that date and is appropriate based on accounting standards for the allowance and provision for loan losses.

Other Income

Other income for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 was $37.5 million, an increase of $6.1 million, or 19.5%, over the comparable period in 2002. Excluding investment securities gains, which increased from $2.7 million in 2002 to $7.0 million in 2003, other income increased $1.8 million, or 6.3%. Premier did not contribute significantly to the overall increase in other income.

Investment management and trust services income increased $1.6 million, or 23.8%, mainly due to an increase in brokerage service fee income, particularly on annuity sales which have become popular in the current rate and economic environment. In addition, the Corporation continued to expand the services offered by its investment management and trust services subsidiary, Fulton Financial Advisors, throughout its affiliate bank network.

Mortgage banking income increased $293,000, or 5.0%. Mortgage banking income is comprised of two components, net gains on the sales of mortgage loans and servicing income, net of the amortization of mortgage servicing rights. Net gains on sales of loans sold increased $923,000, or 17.2%, partially offset by a decrease in net servicing income of $630,000, or 144.6%. The increase in gains on sales of mortgage loans was due to the continuing historically low average rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans throughout the period, and to the Corporation dedicating additional resources to enhance its mortgage banking activities throughout its markets. The decrease in net servicing income resulted from a $703,000 increase in amortization of servicing rights due to an increase in loans being sold with servicing retained as well as an increase of prepayments of serviced loans.

Although mortgage rates were generally low throughout the third quarter of 2003, an upward trend was evident. If rates continue to increase, new loan volume will likely decrease, and the Corporation will not be able to sustain its recent levels of gains on sales of mortgage loans.

Service charges on deposit accounts increased $304,000, or 3.2%, due to growth in transaction accounts, such as savings and demand deposits. Other service charges and fees increased $89,000.

Income from debit card transactions, which is included in other service charges and fees, was unchanged from the third quarter of 2002, despite increases in purchase volumes. Due to recent legal settlements between VISA and MasterCard and a third party, beginning on August 1, 2003 the earnings rate paid by these companies decreased by approximately one third. As a result, debit card income was negatively impacted by approximately $250,000 for the third quarter of 2003, or $125,000 per month. This monthly reduction is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2003. Due to uncertainties created by the terms of these settlements, the impact on debit card income for the Corporation beyond 2003 cannot reasonably be projected.

Investment securities gains increased $4.3 million, or 161.1%, during the period. Improvements in the equity markets bolstered the value of the Corporation’s equity portfolio during the quarter, resulting in increased realized security gains.

Other Expenses

Total other expenses for the third quarter of 2003 were $59.6 million, representing an increase of $3.0 million, or 5.3%, from 2002. Total other expenses for the quarter, excluding Premier, were $57.7 million, a $1.1 million, or 2.0%, increase from 2002.

Total salaries and benefits expense increased $2.2 million, or 6.5%, with Premier contributing $879,000 to the increase. Salary expense, excluding benefits and the impact of Premier, increased $1.4 million, or 4.9%, driven by an increase in commissions for mortgage originators and investment brokerage professionals as well as normal salary increases for existing employees. Employee benefits expense decreased $52,000, or 2.5%, due to increases in retirement plan expenses being offset by decreases in health insurance as a result of recent favorable health claim experience. Despite this recent decline in costs, management expects health care costs to continue to rise in the future consistent with overall national trends.

Net occupancy expense increased $426,000, or 9.4%, over the same period in 2002, due to general increases in rental expenses and real estate taxes as a result of growth in the Corporation’s branch network. Equipment expense decreased $241,000, or 8.4%, due to a reduction in depreciation expense as certain equipment became fully depreciated during 2002. Premier did not contribute significantly to either of these expense categories.

Data processing expense decreased $154,000, or 5.1%, due to favorable renegotiations of certain contracts for data processing services. Intangible amortization increased $263,000 due to the amortization of the core deposit intangible asset recorded as a result of the Premier acquisition. Advertising expense increased $234,000, or 17.5 %, and other expense increased $269,000, or 2.4%, both mainly due to Premier.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2003 was $15.2 million, a $696,000, or 4.8%, increase from $14.5 million in 2002. The Corporation’s effective tax rate was approximately 30.6% in 2003 as compared to 30.0% in 2002. 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, 2003 versus Nine months ended September 30, 2002

The Corporation’s net income for the first nine months of 2003 increased $3.4 million, or 3.5%, in comparison to net income for the same period in 2002. Diluted net income per share increased $0.05, or 5.5%, compared to 2002. Net income for the first nine months of 2003 of $102.5 million, or $0.96 per share (basic and diluted), represented an annualized return on average assets of 1.60% and an annualized return on average equity of 15.49%. Premier’s impact on results for the nine-month period was not as pronounced as the impact for the quarter as results included Premier for only two months.

Net Interest Income

For the first nine months of 2003, net interest income decreased $9.9 million, or 4.3%. This decrease was due to decreasing interest rates and slow overall loan growth. The Corporation’s average prime lending rate

decreased from 4.75% for the first nine months of 2002 to 4.17% during the same period in 2003 as a result of the FRB reducing short-term interest rates in November, 2002 and June, 2003. This reduction in an already low interest rate environment negatively impacted the Corporation’s net interest margin as average yields on earning-assets decreased further than the average cost of deposits.

The following table provides a comparative average balance sheet and net interest income analysis for the first nine months of 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. All dollar amounts are in thousands.

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2003


  

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2002


 
   Average
Balance


  Interest

  

Yield/

Rate (1)


  Average
Balance


  Interest

  Yield/
Rate (1)


 

ASSETS

                       

Interest-earning assets:

                       

Loans and leases

  $5,473,055  $254,812  6.22% $5,398,395  $280,977  6.96%

Taxable investment securities

   2,074,947   55,636  3.58   1,519,411   62,303  5.48 

Tax-exempt investment securities

   260,266   7,786  4.00   228,753   7,361  4.30 

Equity securities

   129,895   3,205  3.30   109,197   2,971  3.64 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total Investment securities

   2,465,108   66,627  3.61   1,857,361   72,635  5.23 

Short-term investments

   48,960   1,818  4.96   16,895   230  1.82 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-earning assets

   7,987,123   323,257  5.41   7,272,651   353,842  6.50 

Non-interest-earning assets:

                       

Cash and due from banks

   279,650          248,964        

Premises and equipment

   123,681          123,834        

Other assets

   260,122          236,649        

Less: Allowance for loan losses

   (74,182)         (73,218)       
   


        


       

Total Assets

  $8,576,394         $7,808,880        
   


        


       

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

                       

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                       

Demand deposits

  $1,116,959  $4,545  0.54% $870,078  $4,609  0.71%

Savings deposits

   1,614,721   8,090  0.67   1,506,714   12,739  1.13 

Time deposits

   2,498,711   59,845  3.20   2,577,925   78,419  4.07 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total Interest-bearing deposits

   5,230,391   72,480  1.85   4,954,717   95,767  2.58 

Short-term borrowings

   634,745   4,960  1.04   425,280   5,080  1.60 

Long-term debt

   559,129   22,030  5.27   459,402   19,269  5.61 
   


 

  

 


 

  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

   6,424,265   99,470  2.07   5,839,399   120,116  2.75 

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:

                       

Demand deposits

   1,170,831          1,036,553        

Other

   96,898          98,497        
   


        


       

Total Liabilities

   7,691,994          6,974,449        

Shareholders’ equity

   884,400          834,431        
   


        


       

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

  $8,576,394         $7,808,880        
   


        


       

Net interest income

      $223,787         $233,726    
       

         

    

Net interest margin (FTE)

          3.86%         4.42%
           

         


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

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

   

September 30

2003 vs. 2002

Increase (decrease) due

to change in


 
   Volume

  Rate

  Net

 
   (in thousands) 

Interest income on:

             

Loans and leases

  $3,886  $(30,051) $(26,165)

Taxable investment securities

   22,780   (29,447)  (6,667)

Tax-exempt investment securities

   1,014   (589)  425 

Equity securities

   563   (329)  234 

Short-term investments

   437   1,151   1,588 
   


 


 


Total interest-earning assets

  $28,680  $(59,265) $(30,585)
   


 


 


Interest expense on:

             

Demand deposits

  $1,308  $(1,372) $(64)

Savings deposits

   913   (5,562)  (4,649)

Time deposits

   (2,410)  (16,164)  (18,574)

Short-term borrowings

   2,502   (2,622)  (120)

Long-term debt

   4,183   (1,422)  2,761 
   


 


 


Total interest-bearing liabilities

  $6,496  $(27,142) $(20,646)
   


 


 


Interest income decreased $30.6 million, or 8.6%, as a result of the 109 basis point decrease in average yields, which caused a $59.3 million decline in interest income. This was offset by a $28.7 million increase in interest income mainly due to growth in average investment securities balances.

Average investment securities increased $607.7 million, or 32.7%, as the growth in deposits and borrowings exceeded loan growth. The Corporation used the excess funds to purchase investment securities, particularly mortgage-backed securities, which grew $560.6 million, or 36.1%. The average yield on investment securities declined 162 basis points from 5.23% in 2002 to 3.61% in 2003. Excluding $14.7 million of accelerated premium amortization on mortgage-backed securities due to prepayments, the average yield on investment securities for the first nine months of 2003 would have been approximately 4.41%.

The Corporation’s average loan portfolio increased by approximately $74.7 million, or 1.4%. Growth in commercial mortgages ($178.2 million, or 10.6%) and commercial loans ($161.8157.1 million, or 10.5%10.2%) were more than, was offset by decreasesdeclines in consumer loans ($84.612.8 million, or 14.0%1.0%), leases ($9.7 million, or 11.8%), and residential mortgages ($250.9242.8 million, or 17.6%30.3%). Residential mortgages continued to decline as low mortgage rates fueled refinance activity and most qualifying originated fixed rate mortgages were sold in the secondary market. In addition, in August 2002 the Corporation sold approximately $96 million of existing residential mortgages for balance sheet management purposes. Consumer loans and leases decreased due to payoffs as consumer debt was refinancedreplaced with mortgagesmortgage debt and the runoff of automobile loans and leases as the Corporation electingelected not to compete with manufacturer-sponsored automobile loan rate incentives. Average investment securities increased $612.7 million, or 35.6%, as the growth in deposits and borrowings exceeded loan growth. The Corporation used the excess funds to purchase investment securities, particularly mortgage-backed securities, which grew $583.7 million, or 47.0%. The average yield on investment securities declined 120 basis points from 5.44% in 2002 to 4.24% in 2003. rate.

Interest expense decreased $6.9$20.6 million, or 16.7%17.2%, mainly due to the decline in interest rates. The 68 basis point decline in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities resulted in an $27.1 million decrease in interest expense. The net $584.9 million, or 10.0%, increase in average interest-bearing liabilities resulted in only a $6.5 million increase in interest expense due to the change in the composition of these liabilities.

Interest bearing demand and savings deposits increased $309.4$354.9 million, or 13.6%14.9%, while time deposits decreased 12 $92.7$79.2 million, or 3.6%3.1%. This change in the deposit mix reflects the depositors'depositors’ reluctance to reinvest maturing time deposits at the current low rates. Short-term borrowings increased $226.2$209.5 million, or 58.7%49.3%, and long-term debt increased $77.2$99.7 million, or 17.0%21.7%. The net $520.1 million, or 9.1%, increase in average interest-bearing liabilities resulted in only a $1.6 million increase in interest expense due to the change in the composition of these liabilities. The 70 basis point decline in the average cost of interest-bearing funds resulted in an $8.5 million decrease in interest expense. The increase in average short-term borrowings was realized mainly in customer repurchase agreements ($43.8 million, or 15.3%) and Federal funds purchased which were used to reduce interest rate sensitivity to the previously mentioned change in the loan mix from fixed to floating rates. Long-term debt increased $77.2($166.9 million, or 16.6%, from the same period in 2002. The Corporation locked in longer term funding rates through the use of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) in order to take advantage of the low interest rate environment. 124.3%).

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses The following table summarizes loans outstanding (including unearned income) as of the dates shown:
March 31 December 31 March 31 2003 2002 2002 ----------- ----------- ----------- (in thousands) Commercial, financial and agricultural .. $ 1,710,323 $ 1,679,100 $ 1,548,492 Real estate - construction .............. 241,861 248,565 248,109 Real estate - residential mortgage ...... 1,170,664 1,244,781 1,421,517 Real estate - commercial mortgage ....... 1,570,509 1,527,144 1,461,896 Consumer 521,281 543,040 605,898 Leasing and other ....................... 74,398 74,438 79,952 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Loans ........................... $ 5,289,036 $ 5,317,068 $ 5,365,864 =========== =========== ===========
13

The following table summarizes the activity in the Corporation'sCorporation’s allowance for loan losses:
Three Months Ended March 31 ------------------------ 2003 2002 ----------- ---------- (dollars in thousands) Loans outstanding at end of period (net of unearned) ............. $5,289,036 $5,365,864 ========== ========== Daily average balance of loans and leases ........................ $5,346,978 $5,389,770 ========== ========== Balance at beginning of period ................................... $ 71,920 $ 71,872 Loans charged-off: Commercial, financial and agricultural ....................... 1,809 805 Real estate - mortgage ....................................... 644 810 Consumer ..................................................... 1,336 1,724 Leasing and other ............................................ 160 189 ---------- ---------- Total loans charged-off ...................................... 3,949 3,528 ---------- ---------- Recoveries of loans previously charged-off: Commercial, financial and agricultural ....................... 310 378 Real estate - mortgage ....................................... 215 38 Consumer ..................................................... 443 542 Leasing and other ............................................ 12 1 ---------- ---------- Total recoveries ............................................. 980 959 ---------- ---------- Net loans charged-off ............................................ 2,969 2,569 Provision for loan losses ........................................ 2,835 2,780 ---------- ---------- Balance at end of period ......................................... $ 71,786 $ 72,083 ========== ========== Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized) .................... 0.22% 0.19% ========== ========== Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding ................... 1.36% 1.34% ========== ==========
The following table summarizes the Corporation's non-performing assets as of the indicated dates. March 31 Dec. 31 March 31 (Dollars in thousands) 2003 2002 2002 -------- ------- -------- Non-accrual loans ....................... $25,686 $24,090 $22,054 Loans 90 days past due and accruing ..... 10,676 14,095 10,870 Other real estate owned (OREO) .......... 757 938 1,718 ------- ------- ------- Total non-performing assets ............. $37,119 $39,123 $34,642 ======= ======= ======= Non-accrual loans/Total loans ........... 0.49% 0.45% 0.61% Non-performing assets/Total assets ...... 0.44% 0.47% 0.44% Allowance/Non-performing loans .......... 197% 188% 219%

   Nine Months Ended
September 30


 
   2003

  2002

 
   (dollars in thousands) 

Loans outstanding at end of period (net of unearned)

  $5,844,788  $5,329,501 
   


 


Daily average balance of loans and leases

  $5,473,055  $5,398,395 
   


 


Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

  $71,920  $71,872 

Loans charged-off:

         

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   4,542   6,284 

Real estate – mortgage

   1,434   1,095 

Consumer

   3,432   4,005 

Leasing and other

   357   476 
   


 


Total loans charged-off

   9,765   11,860 
   


 


Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:

         

Commercial, financial and agricultural

   684   736 

Real estate – mortgage

   552   261 

Consumer

   1,413   1,796 

Leasing and other

   64   54 
   


 


Total recoveries

   2,713   2,847 
   


 


Net loans charged-off

   7,052   9,013 

Provision for loan losses

   7,515   9,830 

Allowance purchased (Premier)

   5,474   —   
   


 


Balance at end of period

  $77,857  $72,689 
   


 


Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)

   0.17%  0.22%
   


 


Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding

   1.33%  1.36%
   


 


The provision for loan losses for the first quarternine months of 2003 totaled $2.8$7.5 million, an increasea decrease of $55,000,$2.3 million, or 2.0%23.6%, from the same period in 2002. Net charge-offs totaled $3.0$7.1 million, or 0.22%0.17% of average loans on an annualized basis, during the first quarternine months of 2003, a $400,000, or 15.6%, increase from the $2.6$2.0 million, or 0.19%21.8%, in net charge-offsdecrease from $9.0 million, or 0.22% of average loans, for the first quarternine months of 2002. Non-performing assets increaseddecreased to $37.1$38.4 million, or 0.44%0.41% of total assets, at March 31,September 30, 2003, from $34.6$47.2 million, or 0.44%0.58% of total assets, at March 31,September 30, 2002. 14

The improvements in the Corporation’s asset quality as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were mainly due to one problem commercial relationship which negatively impacted asset quality in 2002. The Corporation charged off $3.4 million of this relationship in the third quarter of 2002 and placed the remaining $11.1 million balance on non-accrual status. Subsequent to September 30, 2002, approximately $5.8 million of the loans were paid off. The remaining balance continues to be on non-accrual status.

The provision for loan losses resulted from the Corporation'sCorporation’s allowance allocation procedures. Trends that would indicate the need for a higher provision include the general national and regional economies and the continued growth in the Corporation'sCorporation’s commercial loan and commercial mortgage portfolios, which are inherently more risky.risky than residential mortgages. Despite these factors,general trends, the Corporation'sCorporation’s loan loss provision decreased from 2002 as overall asset quality measures have remained consistent over the past several years. The net result of the Corporation's allowance allocation procedures was a provision for loan losses that was essentially unchanged from 2002 and was comparable to total net charge-offs for the quarter. Management believes that the allowance balance of $71.8 million at March 31, 2003 is sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio on that date and is appropriate based on applicable accounting standards. improved.

Other Income

Other income for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2003 was $31.7$103.7 million, an increase of $5.0$18.9 million, or 18.7%22.3%, over the comparable period in 2002. Excluding investment securities gains, which increased from $1.4$8.0 million, in 2002or 132.0%, to $2.2$14.0 million in 2003, other income increased $4.1$10.9 million, or 16.4%13.9%.

The most significant increase in other income for the first nine months of 2003 was realized in mortgage banking income, which increased $2.7$6.0 million, or 44.8%50.7%, to $6.0$17.9 million. The national average rate for new fixed rate mortgage loans decreased 118 basis points from 7.16% in January of 2002 to 5.98% in September of 2003. In addition, the Corporation has devoteddedicated additional resources to mortgage banking activities to provide enhanced mortgage lending services throughout its geographic markets. In addition, the national monthly average for fixed rate mortgage loans decreased 114 basis points from 7.10% in the first quarter of 2002 to 5.96% in the first quarter of 2003. These factors resulted in ancontributed to a $291.0 million increase in mortgage loan originations of $75.4 million for a total of $258.8to $968.0 million in the first nine months of 2003 as compared to $183.4$677.0 million in the first nine months of 2002. In order to limit interest rate risk, the Corporation generally sells the qualifying fixed rate mortgage loans it originates, resultingoriginates. These sales resulted in gains. gains of $17.9 million for the first nine months of 2003, compared to $10.7 million for the first nine months of 2002.

Although mortgage rates were generally low throughout the first nine months of 2003, a recent upward trend was evident. If rates continue to increase, new loan volume will likely decrease, and the Corporation will not be able to sustain its recent levels of gains on sales of mortgage loans.

Investment management and trust services income increased $1.2$4.0 million, or 16.5%18.7%, mainly due to an increase in brokerage services as fixed-rateservice fee income, particularly on annuities which have become popular in the current rate and economic environment. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $432,000,$937,000, or 4.9%3.4%, mainly due to growth in transaction accounts, such as savings and demand deposits. Other service charges and fees increased $481,000,$1.0 million, or 11.7%7.7%, as the scope and penetration of the Corporation'sCorporation’s other services continued to expand. Income from debit card transactions increased $111,000, or 9.9%,

Other income decreased $1.1 million to $1.2$3.5 million, formainly due to the reversal of $848,000 of negative goodwill during the first quarternine months of 2003 due to an increase in purchase volumes. In response to recent legal settlements between VISA and MasterCard and a third party, the earnings rate paid by these companies on debit card purchase volumes is expected to decrease by at least one third2002. This reversal resulted from August 1, 2003 through the end of 2003. Due to uncertainties created by the terms of these settlements, the impact on debit card income for the Corporation beyond 2003 cannot reasonably be projected. adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, “Business Combinations” on January 1, 2002.

Investment securities gains increased $831,000,$8.0 million, or 59.4%.132.0%, to $14.0 million for the period. Investment securities gains duringfor the first quarternine months of 2003 consisted of realized gains of $2.2$11.8 million of net gains on the sale of equity securities and $3.2$5.9 million on the sale of available for sale debt securities. These gains were offset by $3.2$3.4 million of losses recognized for equity securities exhibiting other than temporary impairment. Improvements in the equity markets bolstered the value of the Corporation’s equity portfolio, resulting in increased realized security gains.

Other Expenses

Total other expenses for the first quarternine months of 2003 were $55.9$173.5 million, representing ana $5.5 million, or 3.3%, increase of $954,000, or 1.7%, fromover the same period in 2002. The increase was due to a $2.2 million, or 7.3%, increaseincreases in salaries and benefits, which grew $6.3 million, or 6.5%, and an increase in occupancy expenses of $788,000,expense, which increased $1.8 million, or 18.4%13.4%. Partially offsetting theseThese increases was a decreasewere partially offset by decreases in equipment expense of $119,000,$488,000, or 4.3%5.8%, a decrease in data processing expense of $349,000,$677,000, or 10.9%7.4%, a decrease in advertising expense of $561,000,$400,000, or 31.3%8.0%, and a decrease in other expense of $1.1$1.3 million, or 9.4%3.8%.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.2$6.3 million, or 7.3%6.5%, to $103.3 million in comparison to $97.0 million for the first quarternine months of 2002. The salary expense component increased $1.6$5.5 million, or 6.6%6.8%, driven by normal salary increases for existing employees as well an increase in commissions paid in mortgage banking and trust services.services and normal salary increases for existing employees. The employee benefits component of the expense increased $281,000,$856,000, or 5.3%5.1%, due mainly to rising retirement plan expenses.

Net occupancy expense increased $788,000,$1.8 million, or 18.4%13.4%, over the same period in 2002, mainly due to the particularly harsh winter in the Corporation's geographic locations which drove up the cost of snow removal 15 and utilities expenses over the same period in 2002. The remaining increase was due to general increases in rental costs and real estate taxes. In addition, utilities expense and snow removal costs increased significantly during the first quarter of 2003 due to the relatively harsh winter in the Corporation’s geographic locations.

Equipment expense decreased $119,000,$488,000, or 4.3%5.8%, due to a reduction in depreciation expense as certain equipment became fully depreciated during 2002. The 10.9% decrease in data processingthe period. Data Processing expense wasdecreased $677,000, or 7.4%, due to favorable renegotiations of certain contracts for data processing services.third-party contracts. Advertising expense decreased $561,000,$400,000, or 31.3%8.0%, mainly due to a significant branding campaign at the Corporation'sCorporation’s lead bank in 2002. Other expense decreased $1.1$1.3 million, or 9.4%3.8%, to $10.3$33.0 million in 2003.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2002nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $14.5$44.0 million, a $1.5$2.3 million, or 11.2%,5.6% increase from $13.1$41.7 million in 2002. The Corporation'sCorporation’s effective tax rate was approximately 29.9%30.0% in 2003 as compared to 28.9%29.6% in 2002. The effective rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due mainly to investments in tax-free municipal securities and federalFederal tax credits from investments in low and moderate income housing partnerships. partnerships

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets of the Corporation at March 31,September 30, 2003 remained almost unchangedincreased $892.5 million, or 10.6% ($251.0 million, or 3.0%, excluding Premier), to $9.3 billion at September 30, 2003 from $8.4 billion at December 31, 2002 at $8.4 billion. 2002. Investment securities increased $289.2 million, or 12.0% ($125.1 million, or 5.2%, excluding Premier), as the growth in deposits and borrowings exceeded loan growth. The Corporation used the excess funds from deposits and borrowings to purchase investment securities, particularly mortgage-backed securities, which grew $262.8 million, or 14.6% ($129.6 million, or 7.2%, excluding Premier).

Loans outstanding, net of unearned income, decreased $28.0increased $527.7 million, or 0.1%9.9% ($160.8 million, or 3.0%, excluding Premier), during the period. Commercial loans and commercial mortgages increased $74.6$505.0 million, or 2.3%14.8% ($140.5 million, or, 4.1%, excluding Premier), and consumer loans increased $111.3 million, or 8.9% ($108.8 million, or 8.7%, excluding Premier), offset by a decrease in residential mortgages ($74.1of $81.5 million, or 6.0%)14.0% ($83.2 million, or 14.3%, excluding Premier), as a result of refinance activity. In addition, consumer loans and leases declined $21.8 million, or 3.5%.

Cash and due from banks increased $33.4$18.4 million, or 10.6%5.8%, during the period. Dueperiod due to the nature of these accounts, normal daily balances can fluctuate up or downfluctuations in the normal course of business. OnAccrued interest receivable decreased $11.3 million to $31.4 million at September 30, 2003 as a monthly average balance basis, cashresult of decreases in interest rates.

Goodwill increased $62.5 due to the acquisition of Premier. Other assets increased $23.6 million to $136.6 million at September 30, 2003. This was due to the $8.9 million core deposit intangible asset recorded as a result of the Premier acquisition and due from banksan increase in net deferred tax assets as net unrealized gains on investment securities decreased during the period. See Note E to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the Premier acquisition.

Deposits increased $10.7$588.6 million, or 4.1%. Investment securities increased $58.19.4% ($136.1 million, or 2.4%2.2%, as securities purchases of $672.9 million exceeded proceeds from maturities and sales of $632.9 million. Deposits increased $99.0 million, or 1.6%excluding Premier), from December 31, 2002. In addition to this slight increase, a change in the mix also occurred. Savings deposits and demand deposits increased by $122.3$241.0 million and $32.7$347.1, respectively, while time deposits increased $543,000. Excluding Premier, savings and demand deposits increased by $153.7 million, and $189.7 million, respectively, while time deposits decreased $56.0by $207.2 million. This reflects a continuing sentiment in the financial community that interest rates will start to rise in the future, leaving consumers reluctant to reinvest maturinginvest in time deposits at the current lower rates.

Short-term borrowings, which consist mainly of Federal funds purchased and customer cash management accounts, decreased $124.3increased $157.0 million, or 19.7%24.8%, during the first quarternine months of 2003. Federal funds purchased decreased $150.0increased $57.3 million, or 45.5%17.4%, while customer cash management accounts increased $27.9$99.2 million, or 9.4%33.3%. Federal funds purchased decreased as a result of the increase in deposits exceeding the demand for loans. Long-term debt decreased slightly by $345,000, or 1.0%, as a result of maturing Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Other liabilities increased $68.3$59.8 million, or 88.0%11.2%, mainly due to $60.1the Premier acquisition. Corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust increased $26.5 million of investment securities which were purchased in March, but not yet settled at March 31, 2003. due to the Premier acquisition.

Capital Resources

Total shareholders'shareholders’ equity increased only $377,000$63.7 million during the first threenine months of 2003. Increases due to net income of $34.0$102.5 million and $1.8$88.2 million in issuances ofdue to the stock issued for the Premier acquisition were offset by $15.1$49.4 million in cash dividends to shareholders, $13.0$52.7 million of stock repurchases and $7.3$30.2 million in net unrealized losses on securities. 16 Current

The Corporation and its subsidiary banks are subject to various regulatory capital guidelines measurerequirements administered by banking regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that could have a material effect on the adequacyCorporation’s financial statements. The regulations require that banks maintain minimum amounts and ratios of a bank holding company's capital by taking into consideration the differences in risk associated with holding various types of assets as well as exposure to off-balance sheet commitments. The guidelines call for a minimum risk-basedtotal and Tier I capital percentage of 4.0%(as defined in the regulations) to risk weighted assets (as defined), and a minimum risk-based total capital percentage of 8.0%. Tier I capital includes common shareholders' equity less goodwill and non-qualified intangible assets. Total capital includes all Tier I capital components plus the allowance for loan losses. The Corporation is also subject to a "leverage capital" requirement, which compares capital (using the definition of Tier I capital) to total balance sheetaverage assets and is intended to supplement the risk based capital ratios in measuring capital adequacy. The minimum acceptable leverage capital ratio is 3.0% for institutions such as the Corporation which are highly-rated in terms of safety and soundness. Other institutions are expected to maintain capital levels at least one or two percent above the minimum.(as defined). As of March 31,September 30, 2003, the Corporation and each of its bank subsidiaries met the minimum capital requirements. In addition, the Corporation and each of its subsidiaries'bank subsidiaries’ capital ratios exceeded the amounts required to be considered "well-capitalized"“well-capitalized” as defined in the regulations. On January 15, 2002,

The Corporation has a stock repurchase plan that was originally approved by the Board of Directors approved a planin December 2002 and is currently scheduled to terminate in June 2004. This Plan allows for the repurchase of up to 3.35.8 million shares of the Corporation'sCorporation’s common stock through June 30, 2002 (the plan was subsequently extended to December 31, 2002). Stock repurchased was added to the Corporate treasury to be used for general corporate purposes. During the first quarter of 2002, the Corporation repurchased 350,000 shares under these plans. On December 17, 2002, the Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to 3.2 million shares through June 30, 2003. During the first quarter of 2003, the Corporation repurchased 756,000 shares under the current plan.

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 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'sCorporation’s sources and uses of cash were discussed in general terms in the net interest income section of Management'sManagement’s Discussion. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows providesprovide additional information. The Corporation generated $42.5$137.9 million in cash from operating activities during the first quarternine months of 2003, mainly due to net income. Investing activities resulted in a net cash inflowoutflow of $42.9$304.6 million, compared to a net cash outflow of $120.6$309.5 million in 2002, as prepaymentsproceeds from sales and maturities of loans and mortgage-backedinvestment securities exceeded originations and purchases.decreased in proportion to purchases in both periods. Finally, financing activities resulted in a net outflowinflow of $52.0$185.0 million as excess funds were used to pay down borrowings. from net deposit growth exceeded payments of borrowings and net common stock activity.

Liquidity must also be managed at the Fulton Financial Corporation Parent Companyparent 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'banks’ regulatory capital levels and their net income. The Parent Company has historically been able to meet its cash needs through normal, allowable dividends and loans. If additional cash needs arise that cannot be met through such dividends and loans, the Parent Company may need to investigatepursue alternative liquidityfunding sources, including stock or debt issuances.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Aboutabout 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 17 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'sCorporation’s equity investments consist primarily of common stocks of publicly traded financial institutions (costwith a cost basis of approximately $79.3$75.8 million and a fair value of $85.0$86.0 million at March 31, 2003).September 30, 2003. The Corporation'sCorporation’s financial institutions stock portfolio had gross unrealized gains of approximately $10.7$11.4 million at March 31,September 30, 2003.

Although the carrying value of equity investments accounted for less than 1.0% of the Corporation'sCorporation’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'sCorporation’s equity securities are classified as trading. Future cash flows from these investments are not provided in the table on page 1926, as such investments do not have maturity dates.

Certain of the Corporation'sCorporation’s equity investments havehad shown negative returns in tandem with the general performance of equity markets.markets during the past year. The Corporation hashad evaluated, based on current and proposed accounting guidance, whether the decreases in value of any of these investments constitute "otherconstituted “other than temporary"temporary” impairment which would require a write-down through a charge to earnings. During the fourth quarter of 2002, the first quarter of 2003, and the third quarter of 2003 the Corporation recorded a pre-tax chargecharges of $342,000, $3.2 million, and $175,000, respectively, for specific equity securities which were determined to have "otherexhibit “other than temporary"temporary” impairment in value. Ifvalue as of the market valuesend of certain equitythose periods. At September 30, 2003 these securities do not improve over the next twelve months,showed unrealized gains of $900,000 compared to their adjusted carrying amounts. The Corporation continues to monitor its portfolio and will record additional impairment charges could be deemed necessary. if appropriate.

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

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk creates exposure in two primary areas. First, changes in rates have an impact on the Corporation'sCorporation’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'sCorporation’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. 18

The following table provides information about the Corporation'sCorporation’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'sCorporation’s financial instruments are classified as trading. trading

  Expected Maturity Period

  Total

  

Estimated
Fair Value


 2003

  2004

  2005

  2006

  2007

  Beyond

   

Fixed rate loans (1)

 $969,226  $667,288  $516,698  $397,038  $278,107  $557,694  $3,386,051  $3,536,630

Average rate

  6.56%  6.63%  6.59%  6.70%  6.54%  6.89%  6.65%   

Floating rate loans (1)

  939,221   260,448   200,128   169,783   126,738   762,419   2,458,737   2,461,116

Average rate

  4.74%  4.57%  4.47%  4.38%  4.35%  4.22%  4.49%   

Fixed rate investments (2)

  885,491   473,080   303,575   220,491   289,953   498,525   2,671,115   2,678,606

Average rate

  3.15%  3.47%  3.60%  3.89%  3.99%  3.58%  3.49%   

Floating rate investments (2)

  433   —     —     —     —     5,015   5,448   5,513

Average rate

  5.85%  —     —     —     —     3.04%  3.26%   

Other interest-earning assets

  61,221   —     —     —     —     —     61,221   61,221

Average rate

  6.03%  —     —     —     —     —     6.03%   
  


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Total

 $2,855,592  $1,400,816  $1,020,401  $787,312  $694,798  $1,823,653  $8,582,572  $8,743,086

Average rate

  4.89%  5.18%  5.28%  5.41%  5.08%  4.86%  5.04%   
  


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Fixed rate deposits (3)

 $1,232,516  $501,898  $153,989  $237,911  $84,413  $74,341  $2,285,068  $2,345,321

Average rate

  2.35%  3.25%  3.59%  4.74%  3.52%  4.67%  3.00%   

Floating rate deposits (4)

  1,957,669   158,894   158,894   158,894   158,894   1,955,854   4,549,099   4,549,099

Average rate

  0.98%  0.18%  0.18%  0.18%  0.18%  0.14%  0.51%   

Fixed rate borrowings (5)

  54,286   83,589   603   10,755   210,624   270,690   630,547   657,574

Average rate

  4.86%  6.29%  5.09%  3.50%  4.95%  5.12%  5.17%   

Floating rate borrowings (6)

  785,452   —     —     —     —     —     785,452   789,425

Average rate

  0.66%  —     —     —     —     —     0.66%   
  


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Total

 $4,029,923  $744,381  $313,486  $407,560  $453,931  $2,300,885  $8,250,166  $8,341,419

Average rate

  1.39%  2.94%  1.86%  2.93%  3.02%  0.87%  1.57%   
  


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Assumptions:

Expected Maturity Period -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Beyond ------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- Fixed rate loans
(1) ............ $ 870,933 $ 636,549 $ 432,918 $ 301,625 $ 192,857 $ 425,137 Average rate ................ 7.04% 7.26% 7.21% 7.24% 7.17% 7.41% Floating rate loans (1) ......... 872,668 272,234 213,206 176,737 135,094 759,078 Average rate ................ 5.21% 5.51% 5.54% 5.57% 4.76% 4.55% Fixed rate investments Based on contractual maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments.
(2) ...... 1,024,477 342,253 140,256 156,834 134,938 460,370 Average rate ................ 4.77% 4.79% 4.53% 4.42% 4.38% 3.92% Floating rate investments (2) ... 1,000 - - - - 7,942 Average rate ................ 7.55% - - - - 3.48% Other interest-earning assets ... 90,859 - - - - - Average rate ................ 5.78% - - - - - ------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- Total ........................... $ 2,859,937 $ 1,251,036 $ 786,380 $ 635,196 $ 462,889 $ 1,652,527 Average rate ................ 5.63% 6.20% 6.28% 6.08% 5.65% 5.11% ------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- Fixed rateBased on contractual maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments on mortgage-backed securities and expected calls on agency and municipal securities.
(3)Based on contractual maturities of time deposits.
(4)Money market and Super NOW deposits (3) ......... $ 1,283,151 $ 485,409 $ 196,309 $ 145,845 $ 128,670 $ 70,677 Average rate ................ 2.80% 3.60% 3.95% 4.66% 4.61% 4.86% Floating rate deposits (4) ...... 1,588,089 147,239 147,239 147,239 147,239 1,857,462 Average rate ................ 1.18% 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.15% Fixed rate borrowings are shown in first year. NOW and savings accounts are spread based on history of deposit flows.
(5) ....... 45,623 5,240 78,254 10,268 140,416 255,373 Average rate ................ 4.80% 6.37% 6.29% 3.44% 4.72% 5.12% Floating rate borrowings Amounts are based on expected payoffs and calls of Federal Home Loan Bank advances.
(6) .... 502,555 - - - - - Average rate ................ 1.11% - - - - - ------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- Total ........................... $ 3,419,418 $ 637,888 $ 421,802 $ 303,352 $ 416,325 $ 2,183,512 Average rate ................ 1.83% 2.83% 3.06% 2.43% 3.07% 0.88% ------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------
Estimated Total Fair Value ------------- ---------- Fixed rate loans (1) ............ $ 2,860,019 $3,282,183 Average rate ................ 7.20% Floating rate loans (1) ......... 2,429,017 2,316,567 Average rate ................ 5.07% Fixed rate investments (2) ...... 2,259,128 2,295,458 Average rate ................ 4.54% Floating rate investments (2) ... 8,942 8,942 Average rate ................ 3.94% Other interest-earning assets ... 90,859 90,859 Average rate ................ 5.78% ------------- ---------- Total ........................... $ 7,647,965 $7,994,009 Average rate ................ 5.72% ------------- ---------- Fixed rate deposits (3) ......... $ 2,310,061 $2,371,675 Average rate ................ 3.35% Floating rate deposits (4) ...... 4,034,507 4,034,507 Average rate ................ 0.56% Fixed rate borrowings (5) ....... 535,174 570,179 Average rate ................ 5.14% Floating rate borrowings (6) .... 502,555 502,555 Average rate ................ 1.11% ------------- ---------- Total ........................... $ 7,382,297 $7,478,916 Average rate ................ 1.80% ------------- ----------
Amounts are Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which mature in less than 90 days.
Assumptions: (1) Based on contractual maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments. (2) Based on contractual maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments on mortgage-backed securities. (3) Based on contractual maturities of time deposits. (4) Money market and Super NOW deposits are shown in first year. NOW and savings accounts are spread based on history of deposit flows. (5) Amounts are based on expected payoffs and calls of Federal Home Loan Bank advances. (6) Amounts are Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which mature in less than 90 days.

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'sCorporation’s balance sheet as of a point in time. This measurement is accomplished through stratification of the Corporation'sCorporation’s assets and liabilities 19 into predetermined repricing periods.periods based on contractual repricings and maturities and other assumptions. The assetsassumptions used are monitored and liabilities in each of these periods are summed and compared for mismatches within that maturity segment.periodically revised based on current market conditions. Core deposits not having noncontractual maturitiesa contractual maturity 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 balancesreflect both contractual maturities and estimated prepayments based upon industry projections for prepayment speeds. The Corporation'sCorporation’s policy limits the cumulative 6-month gap to plus or minus 15% of total earning assets. The cumulative 6-month gap as of March 31,September 30, 2003 was 1.12. 0.98.

Simulation of net interest income and of net income is performed for the next twelve-month period. A variety of interest rate scenarios is 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'sCorporation’s short-term earnings exposure to rate movements. The Corporation'sCorporation’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"“shock” in interest rates. A "shock'“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: Annual change -------------- ------------------- -------------- --------------income. These results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results, nor do they reflect certain actions that the Corporation may take in netresponse to future interest -------------- Rate Shock income % Change -------------- ------------------- -------------- +300 bp +$ 23.1 million + 8.1% +200 bp +$ 17.1 million + 5.9% +100 bp +$ 12.8 million + 4.4% -100 bp -$ 17.8 million - 6.2% rate changes.

Rate Shock


Annual change

in net interest
income


% Change


+300 bp

+$ 15.8 million+ 5.4%

+200 bp

+$ 10.3 million+ 3.5%

+100 bp

+$   6.5 million+ 2.3%

-100 bp

-$ 12.9 million- 4.5%

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 termlonger-term re-pricing risks and options in the Corporation'sCorporation’s balance sheet. A policy limit of 10% of economic equity may be at risk for every 100 basis point "shock"“shock” movement in interest rates. The following table summarizes the expected impact of interest rate shocks on economic value of equity. Change in -------------- ------------------ -------------- -------------- economic value -------------- Rate Shock of equity % Change -------------- ------------------ -------------- +300 bp +$ 20.4 million + 1.5% +200 bp +$ 19.2 million + 1.4% +100 bp +$ 73.0 million + 5.4% -100 bp -$ 30.6 million - 2.3% 20

Rate Shock


Change in

economic value

of equity


% Change


+300 bp

-$ 77.9 million- 6.5%

+200 bp

-$ 65.4 million- 5.4%

+100 bp

-$ 27.1 million- 2.3%

-100 bp

-$ 14.6 million- 1.2%

Item 4. Controls and Procedures Within the 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, the

The Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation'sCorporation’s management, including the Corporation'sCorporation’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'sCorporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Corporation'send 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'sCommission’s rules and forms.

There have been no significant changes in our internal controlscontrol over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or in other factors that could significantlyis reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls subsequent to the date we carried out this evaluation. 21 control over financial reporting.

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (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: (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) 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 the quarter ended March 31, 1999. (b) Incentive Stock Option Plan adopted September 19, 1995 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit A of Fulton Financial Corporation's 1996 Proxy Statement. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: (1) Form 8-K dated January 16, 2003 disclosing the execution of a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger with Premier Bancorp, Inc. (2) Form 8-K dated February 4, 2003 reporting a presentation made at an investor meeting to provide an overview of the Corporation's strategy and performance. (3) Form 8-K dated February 14, 2003 amending Form 8-K dated February 4, 2003 for additional investor presentation information. 22

(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 the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

(b)Incentive Stock Option Plan adopted September 19, 1995 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit A of Fulton Financial Corporation’s 1996 Proxy Statement.

(b)Reports on Form 8-K:

(1)Form 8-K dated July 15, 2003 filing the Corporation’s press release of financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

(2)Form 8-K dated July 29, 2003 reporting a presentation at an investor meeting to provide an overview of the Corporation’s strategy and performance.

(3)Form 8-K dated August 4, 2003 reporting the consummation of the Premier Bancorp, Inc. acquisition.

(4)Form 8-K dated August 26, 2003 disclosing the execution of a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger with Resource Bancshares Corporation.

(5)Form 8-K dated Sept 19, 2003 reporting a presentation at an investor meeting to provide an overview of the Corporation’s strategy and performance.

(6)Form 8-K dated October 22, 2003 filing the Corporation’s press release of financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.

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: May 14, 2003 /s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. ------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Date: May 14, 2003 /s/ Charles J. Nugent ------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Charles J. Nugent Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer CERTIFICATION I, Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fulton Financial Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have: a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and 23 c. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: May 14, 2003 /s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. ------------------- ----------------------------------------- Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 24 CERTIFICATION I, Charles J. Nugent, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fulton Financial Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have: a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: May 14, 2003 /s/ Charles J. Nugent ----------------------- --------------------------------------- Charles J. Nugent Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 25

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Date:November 14, 2003

/s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.


      Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.

      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date:November 14, 2003

/s/ Charles J. Nugent


      Charles J. Nugent

      Senior Executive Vice President and

      Chief Financial Officer

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. 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. (b) Incentive Stock Option Plan adopted September 19, 1995 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit A of Fulton Financial Corporation's 1996 Proxy Statement. 99.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 99.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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)Incentive Stock Option Plan adopted September 19, 1995 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit A of Fulton Financial Corporation’s 1996 Proxy Statement.

31Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.1Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32