UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 10-K --------- [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, or [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ___________ to ___________ Commission File Number: 0-10587 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (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) (717) 291-2411 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Name of each Exchange Title of each class on which registered ----------------------------- ------------------- Common Stock, $2.50 Par Value None Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]. Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K [_] 1 The aggregate market value of 37,139,237 shares of common stock held by non-affiliates, calculated based on the average of the bid and asked prices on March 12, 1998, was $1,180,331,363. As of March 12, 1998 there were 40,647,044 shares of Fulton Financial Corporation common stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference: Part of Form 10-K into Document which incorporated -------- ---------------------- Definitive Proxy Statement of Part III Fulton Financial Corporation dated March 6, 1998 2 PART I Item 1. Description of Business - -------------------------------- Fulton Financial Corporation (the Corporation) is a Pennsylvania business corporation which was organized on February 8, 1982 and became a bank holding company through the acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of Fulton Bank on June 30, 1982. Fulton Financial Corporation provides a wide variety of retail and commercial banking and investment management and trust services to customers located primarily in central and eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, northern Maryland and southern Delaware through its eleven wholly-owned banking subsidiaries: Fulton Bank, Farmers Trust Bank, Swineford National Bank, Lafayette Bank, FNB Bank, N.A., Great Valley Bank, Hagerstown Trust Company, Delaware National Bank, The Bank of Gloucester County, The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company, and The Peoples Bank of Elkton. In addition, Fulton Financial Corporation owns all of the outstanding stock of four nonbank subsidiaries: (i) Fulton Financial Realty Company, which holds title to or leases certain properties upon which Fulton Bank and Farmers Trust Bank branch offices and other Fulton Bank facilities are located; (ii) Fulton Life Insurance Company, which engages in the business of reinsuring credit life and accident and health insurance directly related to extensions of credit by the banking subsidiaries of the Corporation; (iii) Central Pennsylvania Financial Corporation which owns certain limited partnership interests in partnerships invested in low and moderate income housing projects and two nonbank companies in various stages of liquidation; and (iv) FFC Management, Inc. which owns certain investment securities and other passive investments. Fulton Financial Corporation is registered with the Federal Reserve Board in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, the State of Maryland and the New Jersey Department of Banking. The common stock of Fulton Financial Corporation is listed for quotation on the National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System under the symbol FULT. All of the banking subsidiaries face significant competition from commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions and various nonbank providers of financial services. None of the Corporation's banking subsidiaries is dependent upon any single customer, and the loss of any single customer or a few customers would not have a material adverse impact on any of the banking subsidiaries. The table below summarizes selected information about the Corporation and its banking subsidiaries. No. of Employees --------------------- Main Office Total Total Full- Part- Banking Subsidiary Location Assets Deposits time time ---------------------------------------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- (in millions) Fulton Bank Lancaster, PA $ 1,883.3 $ 1,442.1 661 236 Farmers Trust Bank Lebanon, PA 181.5 150.2 57 20 Swineford National Bank Hummels Wharf, PA 222.2 185.2 79 41 Lafayette Bank Easton, PA 451.7 394.1 163 75 FNB Bank, N.A. Danville, PA 283.2 245.0 86 28 Great Valley Bank Reading, PA 287.5 225.7 83 15 Hagerstown Trust Company Hagerstown, MD 373.6 309.1 169 19 Delaware National Bank Georgetown, DE 132.5 120.0 65 11 The Bank of Gloucester County Woodbury, NJ 276.9 235.2 99 39 The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Co. Woodstown, NJ 267.3 240.3 83 44 The Peoples Bank of Elkton Elkton, MD 99.1 86.7 42 0 Fulton Financial (Parent Company) Lancaster, PA N/A N/A 83 4 ------- ------- 1,670 532 ======= ======= 3 Fulton Financial Corporation maintains branch offices in twenty counties across four mid-Atlantic states. In nine of these counties, the Corporation ranks in the top three in deposit market share (based on deposits as of June 30, 1997). The following table summarizes information about the counties in which the Corporation has branch offices and its market position in each county. No. of Financial Deposit Market Institutions Share (6/30/97) Population ------------------- --------------- (1997 Banking Banks/ Credit County State Estimate) Subsidiary Thrifts Unions Rank % - -------------------- ----- ------------ ---------------------- --------- -------- ------ ------- Lancaster PA 453,000 Fulton Bank 18 13 1 21.0% Dauphin PA 248,000 Fulton Bank 23 15 8 3.5 Cumberland PA 208,000 Fulton Bank 17 11 11 1.9 York PA 371,000 Fulton Bank 22 25 19 0.6 Chester PA 415,000 Fulton Bank 35 11 25 0.8 Lebanon PA 117,000 Farmers Trust Bank 12 2 4 11.1 Snyder PA 38,000 Swineford National 5 0 1 35.7 Union PA 41,000 Swineford National 8 1 6 4.8 Northumberland PA 96,000 Swineford National 17 3 13 2.4 FNB Bank, N.A. 3 8.5 Montour PA 18,000 FNB Bank, N.A. 4 3 1 40.0 Lycoming PA 119,000 FNB Bank, N.A. 12 14 12 0.8 Columbia PA 64,000 FNB Bank, N.A. 11 0 6 6.2 Northampton PA 259,000 Lafayette Bank 21 19 3 10.1 Berks PA 354,000 Great Valley Bank 19 21 8 4.4 Montgomery PA 712,000 Great Valley Bank 41 40 44 0.1 Washington MD 128,000 Hagerstown Trust Company 10 3 1 21.5 Cecil MD 80,000 Peoples Bank of Elkton 8 3 2 14.0 Sussex DE 133,000 Delaware National Bank 11 4 7 1.3 Gloucester NJ 246,000 Bank of Gloucester County 23 6 3 9.6 Woodstown National 12 3.1 Salem NJ 68,000 Woodstown National 9 5 1 19.3 Fulton Bank ----------- Fulton Bank (Fulton) is a full-service commercial bank which was originally chartered as a national banking association on February 8, 1882, and converted to a Pennsylvania bank and trust company on July 1, 1974. As a state-chartered bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, Fulton is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. Fulton offers a full range of general retail and commercial banking services, including the following: demand, savings and time deposits; commercial, consumer and mortgage loans; vehicle and equipment leasing and financing; VISA and MasterCard credit cards; VISA debit cards; and a wide range of international services such as letters of credit and currency exchange. Fulton maintains a network of automated teller machines, which is integrated with the MAC(tm) regional and CIRRUS(tm) national automated teller systems, as well as telephone banking services through the Bank-By-Phone system. Fulton has trust powers and maintains a staff of investment, trust and financial professionals. Personal services available through the Investment Management and Trust Services Department of Fulton include trust and estate planning, investment management, estate settlement, private banking, investments and brokerage services, a mutual fund asset allocation program, and IRA rollovers. Institutional services available include full service 4 retirement plan management and 401(k) programs, cash reserve investment management accounts, administrative and investment services for Foundations and Endowments and comprehensive corporate trust services. Fulton maintains correspondent relationships with major banks in New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Charlotte and through them offers a variety of collection and funds transfer services. Fulton is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Fulton's market area consists of the south-central region of Pennsylvania, primarily Lancaster County, Dauphin County, and portions of Cumberland, Chester and York Counties. For marketing purposes, the Fulton Bank trade area is divided into two primary regions -- the Lancaster County Region and the Capital Region (consisting of Dauphin and Cumberland Counties) -- and two secondary regions (York County and Chester County). Approximately 70 percent of the business of Fulton is derived from the Lancaster County Region, where its administrative headquarters, 27 branch offices and six remote service facilities are located. Approximately 30 percent of the business of Fulton is derived from its other regions, where its remaining fifteen branch offices are located. Fulton's market areas have exhibited stable economies and have experienced low unemployment rates. Diversity is the key to the economic well-being of the Lancaster County Region. There are over 25 manufacturing companies located in the Lancaster Region having 500 or more employees. The Lancaster County Region also ranks as one of the top agricultural production areas in the country. While the Capital Region also has a wide range of industry, its economy is anchored by the thousands of workers who are employed by the state government in the capitol city of Harrisburg and by the employees of several large service organizations, including Capital Blue Cross/Pennsylvania Blue Shield which is located in Cumberland County. Government employment figures are fairly constant and are therefore an important factor in the below-average unemployment rate experienced in the Capital Region. Farmers Trust Bank ------------------ Farmers Trust Bank (Farmers) is a full-service commercial bank which was chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1892. Farmers is a member of the Federal Reserve System and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. Farmers is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. In addition to its administrative headquarters located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Farmers maintains seven branch offices and one remote service facility. The market area of Farmers consists of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Farmers offers a full range of general retail and commercial banking services, including demand, savings and time deposits, and commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans. Farmers maintains automated teller machines which are integrated with the MAC(tm) regional and CIRRUS(tm) national automated teller systems. Farmers maintains correspondent relationships with major banks in New York and Philadelphia and through them offers a variety of collection and funds transfer services. Farmers is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Farmers has trust powers and offers a variety of services through its Trust Department, including estate planning, executorships, estate administration, living trusts, life insurance trusts, testamentary trusts, custodianships, guardianships, investment management accounts, escrow accounts and mutual fund asset allocation accounts. Swineford National Bank ----------------------- Swineford National Bank (Swineford) is a national banking association which was chartered in 1903. Swineford is a member of the Federal Reserve System and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. As a national banking association, Swineford is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. In addition to its administrative headquarters located in Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania, Swineford maintains six branch offices. Swineford's market area is located entirely in Pennsylvania and includes Snyder, Northumberland and Union Counties. 5 Swineford offers a full range of general retail and commercial banking services, including demand, savings and time deposits and commercial, consumer and mortgage loans. Swineford maintains automated teller machines which are integrated with the MAC(tm) regional and CIRRUS(tm) national automated teller systems. Swineford maintains a correspondent relationship with major banks in New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and through them offers a variety of collection and funds transfer services. Swineford is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Lafayette Bank -------------- Lafayette Bank (Lafayette) is a full-service commercial bank which was originally chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1922 as Lafayette Trust Bank. During 1988, Lafayette Trust Bank and Pen Argyl National Bank, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Fulton Financial Corporation, merged to form Lafayette Bank. During 1991, Second National Bank of Nazareth, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation serving the same market area, was merged into Lafayette Bank. As a state-chartered bank whose deposits are insured by the FDIC and which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, Lafayette is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the FDIC and by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. In addition to its administrative headquarters located in the City of Easton, Lafayette currently maintains twelve branch offices, all of which are located in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Lafayette offers a full range of general retail and commercial banking services, including demand, savings and time deposits, and commercial, consumer and mortgage loans. Lafayette maintains automated teller machines which are integrated with the MAC(tm) regional and CIRRUS(tm) national automated teller systems. Lafayette maintains correspondent relationships with major banks in New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Charlotte and through them offers a variety of collection and funds transfer services. Lafayette Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Lafayette has trust powers and offers a variety of services through its Trust Department, including estate planning, estate administration, living trusts, life insurance trusts, testamentary trusts, custodianships, guardianships, investment management accounts, escrow accounts, and IRA rollover accounts. FNB Bank, N.A. -------------- FNB Bank, N.A. (FNB) is a national banking association which was chartered in 1864. FNB is a member of the Federal Reserve System and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. As a national banking association, FNB is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. In addition to its administrative headquarters located in Danville, Pennsylvania, FNB currently maintains eight branch offices. The market area of FNB is located entirely in Pennsylvania and includes Montour, Lycoming, Northumberland and Columbia Counties. FNB offers a full range of general retail and commercial banking services, including demand, savings and time deposits and commercial, consumer and mortgage loans. FNB maintains automated teller machines which are integrated with the MAC(tm) regional automated teller system. FNB maintains a correspondent relationship with major banks in New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and through them offers a variety of collection and funds transfer services. FNB is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. FNB has trust powers and offers a variety of services including estate planning, executorships, estate administration, living trusts, life insurance trusts, testamentary trusts, agency accounts, guardianships and asset management accounts. Great Valley Bank ----------------- Great Valley Bank (Great Valley) was organized as a Pennsylvania chartered mutual savings association in 1974. During 1991, Great Valley converted to a Pennsylvania chartered stock savings bank. As a state-chartered savings bank whose deposits are insured by the FDIC and which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, Great Valley is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the FDIC and by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. In addition to its administrative headquarters located in the City of Reading, Great Valley maintains 6 eight branch offices. The market area of Great Valley includes Berks County, Pennsylvania and a portion of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Great Valley offers retail banking services, principally in the form of demand, savings and time deposits, as well as commercial, mortgage and consumer loans. Great Valley maintains a correspondent banking relationship with a major bank in Philadelphia and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Hagerstown Trust Company ------------------------ Hagerstown Trust Company (Hagerstown) is a full-service commercial bank which was chartered under the laws of the State of Maryland in 1933. As a state-chartered bank whose deposits are insured by the FDIC and which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, Hagerstown is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the FDIC and by the Bank Commissioner of the State of Maryland. In addition to its administrative headquarters located in Hagerstown, Maryland, Hagerstown maintains thirteen branch offices, all of which are within Washington County, Maryland. Hagerstown offers a full range of general retail and commercial banking services, including demand, savings and time deposits and commercial, consumer and mortgage loans. Hagerstown maintains automated teller machines which are integrated with MAC(tm) and HONOR(tm) regional and CIRRUS(tm) national automated teller systems. Hagerstown maintains correspondent relationships with major banks in Philadelphia, New York, Richmond, Baltimore and Charlotte. Hagerstown is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. Hagerstown has trust powers and offers a variety of services including estate administration, estate planning, living trusts, life insurance trusts, testamentary trusts, custodianships, guardianships, investment management accounts, agency accounts, escrow accounts, employee benefits, pension and profit sharing accounts, and mutual fund accounts. Delaware National Bank ---------------------- Delaware National Bank (Delaware) is a national banking association chartered in 1979. Delaware is a member of the Federal Reserve System and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. Delaware is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Delaware maintains six branch offices in addition to an operations and administrative facility, all of which are located within Sussex County, Delaware. Delaware offers a full range of banking services including retail and commercial checking, savings and time deposits, and consumer, mortgage, and commercial loans. At this time, Delaware does not have trust powers and does not offer investment or discount brokerage services. Delaware currently maintains automated teller machines on the MAC(tm) regional automated teller system. Delaware maintains a correspondent relationship with major banks in New York, Baltimore and Wilmington and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. The Bank of Gloucester County ----------------------------- The Bank of Gloucester County (Gloucester) is a state bank chartered by the State of New Jersey in 1989. The deposits of Gloucester are insured by the FDIC and the bank is subject to regulation and periodic examinations by both the State of New Jersey and the FDIC. Gloucester maintains eight branch offices in addition to an operations facility and operates solely within Gloucester County, New Jersey. Gloucester offers a full range of banking services including retail and commercial checking, savings and time deposits, and consumer, mortgage and commercial loans. At this time, Gloucester does not have trust powers and does not offer investment or discount brokerage services. Currently, Gloucester has automated teller machines on the MAC(tm) regional automated teller system. Gloucester maintains correspondent relationships with major banks in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. 7 The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company ------------------------------------------- The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company (Woodstown) is a national banking association which was chartered in 1920. Woodstown is a member of the Federal Reserve System and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. As a national banking association, Woodstown is subject to regulation and periodic examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Woodstown maintains seven full service branch offices located in Salem and Gloucester Counties, New Jersey. Woodstown offers a full range of banking services, including retail and commercial checking, savings and time deposits, and consumer, mortgage and commercial loans. Through its trust operations, Woodstown provides investment management, estate settlement and planning and trust management services. Woodstown maintains automated teller machines on the MAC(tm) regional automated teller system. Woodstown maintains correspondent relationships with major banks in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Charlotte and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. The Peoples Bank of Elkton -------------------------- The Peoples Bank of Elkton (Elkton) is a state bank chartered by the State of Maryland in 1924. The deposits of Elkton are insured by the FDIC and the Bank is subject to regulation and periodic examinations by both the FDIC and the State of Maryland. Elkton maintains two branch offices within Cecil County, Maryland. Elkton offers a full range of banking services, including retail and commercial checking, savings and time deposits, and consumer, mortgage and commercial loans. Elkton maintains automated teller machines on the MAC(tm) regional automated teller system. At this time, Elkton does not have trust powers and does not offer investment or discount brokerage services. Elkton maintains correspondent relationships with major banks in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Charlotte and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. ----------------------------- On August 15, 1997, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. (Keystone Heritage) of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Keystone Heritage is a $650 million bank holding company whose sole banking subsidiary is Lebanon Valley National Bank (Lebanon Valley), which has 24 community banking offices in Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, Berks and Schuylkill Counties. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the approximately 4.0 million shares of Keystone Heritage's common stock will be exchanged for 1.83 shares of the Corporation's common stock. In addition, each of the 84,000 options to acquire Keystone Heritage stock will be converted to options to purchase the Corporation's stock. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 1998 and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. As a result of the acquisition, Keystone Heritage will be merged into the Corporation and Lebanon Valley will be combined with Farmers Trust Bank, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania to become Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank. Concurrently with the merger, deposits, loans and branches located in Lancaster and Dauphin Counties will be transferred to Fulton Bank. Based upon June 30, 1997 deposit market share information, Lebanon Valley ranked first in Lebanon County with approximately 24% of the county's total deposits. Upon merging with Farmers, the combined banks will have approximately 35% of the deposit market share in Lebanon County. Lebanon Valley's share of deposits in Lancaster County was approximately 2%, ranking it twelfth. Upon completion of the merger, Fulton Bank will remain first in terms of market share with approximately 23% of total deposits. Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ----------------------------------- On January 26, 1998, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth (Ambassador) of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Ambassador is a $275 million bank, which operates eight community banking offices in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the 1.9 million shares of Ambassador's common stock will be exchanged for 1.12 shares of the Corporation's common stock. In addition, the 417,000 options and warrants to acquire Ambassador stock will be exchanged for approximately 327,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The 8 acquisition is subject to approval by bank regulatory authorities and Ambassador shareholders. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 1998 and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. As a result of the acquisition, Ambassador will be merged with and into Lafayette Bank. Based upon June 30, 1997 deposit market share information, Ambassador ranked sixth in Lehigh County with approximately 4.5% of the county's total deposits. Ambassador's share of deposits in Northampton County was approximately 0.9%, ranking it sixteenth. Upon completion of the merger, the combined Lafayette/Ambassador entity would rank third in Northampton County, with approximately 11% of total deposits. Certain additional statistical information relating to the business of Fulton Financial Corporation is set forth in the following tables. 9 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION COMPARATIVE AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS Year Ended December 31 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Yield/ Average Yield/ ASSETS Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate - ----------------------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ----------- --------- ------ Interest-earning assets: Loans and leases (1)................... $ 3,163,610 $ 271,791 8.59% $ 2,854,139 $ 246,579 8.64% Taxable investment securities (2)...... 684,616 42,348 6.19 704,443 41,653 5.91 Tax-exempt investment securities (2)... 45,537 2,603 5.72 61,808 3,607 5.84 Equity securities (2).................. 51,779 2,599 5.02 40,880 2,101 5.14 Short-term investments................. 5,579 287 5.14 15,958 909 5.70 -------------- ------------ ------ ------------ ---------- ------ Total interest-earning assets............ 3,951,121 319,628 8.09 3,677,228 294,849 8.02 Noninterest-earning assets: Cash and due from banks................ 162,296 156,501 Premises and equipment................. 59,232 55,291 Other assets(2)........................ 124,598 114,148 Less: Allowance for loan losses........ (46,337) (42,759) -------------- ------------- Total Assets................... $ 4,250,910 $ 3,960,409 ============== ============= Year Ended December 31 -------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) 1995 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Yield/ ASSETS Balance Interest Rate - ----------------------------------------- ----------- --------- ------ Interest-earning assets: Loans and leases (1)................... $ 2,612,438 $ 230,201 8.81% Taxable investment securities (2)...... 646,878 35,722 5.52 Tax-exempt investment securities (2)... 84,544 5,166 6.11 Equity securities (2).................. 37,731 2,072 5.49 Short-term investments................. 51,064 2,983 5.84 ------------ ---------- ------ Total interest-earning assets............ 3,432,655 276,144 8.04 Noninterest-earning assets: Cash and due from banks................ 154,283 Premises and equipment................. 50,715 Other assets(2)........................ 109,488 Less: Allowance for loan losses........ (41,004) ------------ Total Assets................... $ 3,706,137 ============ Year Ended December 31 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Yield/ Average Yield/ LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate - ----------------------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ----------- --------- ------ Interest-bearing liabilities: Demand deposits........................ $ 400,938 $ 7,427 1.85% $ 410,159 $ 8,081 1.97% Savings deposits....................... 827,637 20,346 2.46 843,463 20,819 2.47 Time deposits.......................... 1,740,840 97,013 5.57 1,554,375 85,714 5.51 Short-term borrowings.................. 186,843 8,836 4.73 179,805 8,569 4.77 Long-term debt......................... 56,135 3,396 6.05 31,407 1,994 6.35 -------------- ------------- ------ ------------- ----------- ------ Total interest-bearing liabilities....... 3,212,393 137,018 4.27 3,019,209 125,177 4.15 Noninterest-bearing liabilities: Demand deposits........................ 522,439 474,692 Other.................................. 74,125 65,436 -------------- ------------- Total Liabilities.............. 3,808,957 3,559,337 Shareholders' equity..................... 441,953 401,072 -------------- ------------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity......... $ 4,250,910 $ 3,960,409 ============== ============= Net interest income...................... 182,610 169,672 Net yield on interest-earning assets..... 4.62% 4.61% Tax equivalent adjustment (3)............ 3,823 3,896 ------------- ------ ----------- ------ Net interest margin...................... $ 186,433 4.72% $ 173,568 4.72% ============= ====== =========== ====== - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Year Ended December 31 ------------------------------------ (Dollars in thousands) 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Yield/ LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Balance Interest Rate - ----------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------ Interest-bearing liabilities: Demand deposits........................ $ 423,670 $ 8,810 2.08% Savings deposits....................... 831,165 22,950 2.76 Time deposits.......................... 1,422,677 78,709 5.53 Short-term borrowings.................. 125,613 6,428 5.12 Long-term debt......................... 36,531 2,233 6.11 ------------- ------------ ------ Total interest-bearing liabilities....... 2,839,656 119,130 4.20 Noninterest-bearing liabilities: Demand deposits........................ 431,767 Other.................................. 68,326 ------------- Total Liabilities.............. 3,339,749 Shareholders' equity..................... 366,388 ------------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity......... $ 3,706,137 ============= Net interest income...................... 157,014 Net yield on interest-earning assets..... 4.57% Tax equivalent adjustment (3)............ 4,671 ------------- ------ Net interest margin...................... $ 161,685 4.71% ============ ====== - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Includes nonperforming loans. (2) Balances include amortized historical cost for available for sale securities. The related unrealized holding gains on securities of $19,214 in 1997, $10,281 in 1996 and $6,315 in 1995 are included in other assets. (3) Based on marginal Federal income tax rate and statutory interest expense disallowances. 10 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION RATE/VOLUME TABLE The following table sets forth for the periods indicated a summary of changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from corresponding volume and rate changes: 1997 vs. 1996 1996 vs. 1995 Increase (decrease) due Increase (decrease) due to change in to change in ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Volume Rate Net Volume Rate Net (in thousands) Interest income on: Loans and leases ............................... $ 26,736 $(1,524) $ 25,212 $ 21,298 $(4,920) $ 16,378 Taxable investment securities .................. (1,172) 1,867 695 3,179 2,752 5,931 Tax-exempt investment securities ............... (950) (54) (1,004) (1,389) (170) (1,559) Equity securities .............................. 560 (62) 498 173 (144) 29 Short-term investments ......................... (591) (31) (622) (2,051) (23) (2,074) Total interest-earning assets ................ $ 24,583 $ 196 $ 24,779 $ 21,210 $(2,505) $ 18,705 Interest expense on: Demand deposits ................................ $ (182) $ (472) $ (654) $ (281) $ (448) $ (729) Savings deposits ............................... (391) (82) (473) 340 (2,471) (2,131) Time deposits .................................. 10,282 1,017 11,299 7,286 (281) 7,005 Short-term borrowings .......................... 335 (68) 267 2,773 (632) 2,141 Long-term debt ................................. 1,570 (168) 1,402 (313) 74 (239) Total interest-bearing liabilities ........... $ 11,614 $ 227 $ 11,841 $ 9,805 $(3,758) $ 6,047 Note: The rate/volume variances are allocated in the table above by applying the changes in volume times the prior period rate and by applying the changes in rate times the current period volume on a consistent basis throughout. 11 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO The following table sets forth the carrying amount of investment securities held to maturity (HTM) and available for sale (AFS) as of the dates shown: December 31 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ HTM AFS Total HTM AFS Total HTM AFS Total -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) United States Treasury and U.S. Government agencies and corporations ............... $ 43,617 $185,515 $229,132 $133,778 $177,335 $311,113 $253,678 $161,571 $415,249 State and municipal ............. 33,473 5,499 38,972 52,224 5,990 58,214 67,441 832 68,273 Other securities ................ 483 -- 483 1,326 150 1,476 12,670 778 13,448 Equity securities ............... -- 98,890 98,890 -- 63,161 63,161 -- 58,618 58,618 Mortgage-backed securities ...... 179,554 307,544 487,098 241,810 102,456 344,266 226,505 56,202 282,707 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Totals .................... $257,127 $597,448 $854,575 $429,138 $349,092 $778,230 $560,294 $278,001 $838,295 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== 12 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION MATURITY DISTRIBUTION OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES The following tables set forth the maturities of investment securities at December 31, 1997 and the weighted average yields of such securities (calculated based upon historical cost). HELD TO MATURITY (at amortized cost) - ---------------- MATURING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After One But After Five But Within One Year Within Five Years Within Ten Years After Ten Years --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- (dollars in thousands) United States Treasury and U.S. Government agencies and corporations ................. $ 24,434 5.63% $ 15,898 5.98% $ 2,849 6.19% $ 436 7.38% State and municipal (1) ........................ 8,506 8.22 12,731 8.54 8,937 8.65 3,299 9.71 Other securities ............................... 250 8.50 55 7.18 178 6.52 -- -- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- Totals ...................................... $ 33,190 6.31% $ 28,684 7.12% $ 11,964 8.03% $ 3,735 9.44% ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== Mortgage-backed securities (2) ................ $179,554 6.06% ======== ===== AVAILABLE FOR SALE (at estimated fair value) - ------------------ MATURING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After One But After Five But Within One Year Within Five Years Within Ten Years After Ten Years --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- (dollars in thousands) United States Treasury and U.S. Government agencies and corporations ................. $ 47,657 5.64% $123,967 6.53% $ 13,644 6.36% $ 247 7.03% State and municipal (1) ........................ 1,342 5.92 2,372 6.39 1,429 7.65 356 8.40 -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- Totals ...................................... $ 48,999 5.65% $126,339 6.53% $ 15,073 6.48% $ 603 7.83% ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== Mortgage-backed securities (2) ................. $307,544 6.46% ======== ===== (1) Weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a fully tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 35 percent. (2) Maturities for mortgage-backed securities are dependent upon the interest rate environment and prepayments on the underlying loans. For the purpose of this table, the entire balance and weighted average rate is shown in one period. 13 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION LOAN PORTFOLIO BY TYPE The following table sets forth the amount of loans outstanding (including unearned income) as of the dates shown (1): December 31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (in thousands) Commercial, financial and agricultural ............. $ 417,434 $ 389,377 $ 381,875 $ 367,032 $ 377,968 Real estate - construction ......................... 136,775 118,131 101,594 101,433 70,196 Real estate - mortgage ............................. 2,100,079 1,934,030 1,758,749 1,674,352 1,357,799 Consumer ........................................... 609,244 549,647 455,972 400,903 307,897 Leasing and other .................................. 53,698 43,962 33,699 25,205 18,428 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Totals .......................................... $3,317,230 $3,035,147 $2,731,889 $2,568,925 $2,132,288 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== (1) At December 31, 1997, Fulton Financial Corporation did not have any loan concentrations to borrowers engaged in the same or similar industries that exceeded 10% of total loans. MATURITY & SENSITIVITY OF LOANS TO CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES The following table summarizes the maturity and sensitivity of loans to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 1997: One One Year Through More Than or Less Five Years Five Years Total ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (in thousands) Floating rate ............. $ 645,620 $ 237,004 $ 381,308 $ 1,263,932 Fixed rate ................ 461,010 1,048,301 543,987 2,053,298 ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- Totals................ $ 1,106,630 $ 1,285,305 $ 925,295 $ 3,317,230 =========== =========== ========== =========== 14 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION RISK ELEMENTS IN LOAN PORTFOLIO The following table presents information concerning the aggregate amount of nonaccrual, past due and restructured loans and other nonperforming assets (4): December 31 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Nonaccrual loans (1) (2) (3) ....................... $ 15,225 $ 15,183 $ 15,346 $ 19,326 $ 17,771 Accruing loans past due 90 days or more ............ 9,580 7,055 8,816 6,658 6,997 Other real estate .................................. 1,177 2,134 2,106 3,175 2,756 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Totals ........................................ $ 25,982 $ 24,372 $ 26,268 $ 29,159 $ 27,524 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== (1) Includes impaired loans as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114 of approximately $12.9 million at December 31, 1997. (2) As of December 31, 1997, the gross interest income that would have been recorded during 1997 if nonaccrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms was approximately $1.4 million. The amount of interest income on those nonaccrual loans that was included in 1997 net income was approximately $892,000. At December 31, 1997, $13.5 million of nonaccrual loans are considered to be adequately secured. (3) Accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal and interest. When interest accruals are discontinued, interest credited to income is reversed. Nonaccrual loans are restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest becomes current or the loan is considered secured and in the process of collection. Certain loans, primarily residential mortgages, that are determined to be sufficiently collateralized may continue to accrue interest after reaching 90 days past due. (4) Excluded from the amounts presented above at December 31, 1997 are $15.8 million in domestic commercial loans for which payments were current, but as to which the borrowers were experiencing significant financial difficulties. These loans are subject to constant management attention and their classification is reviewed monthly. 15 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE An analysis of the Corporation's loss experience is as follows: Year Ended December 31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (dollars in thousands) Loans outstanding at end of year ................... $3,307,759 $3,027,067 $2,722,584 $2,558,544 $2,121,116 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Daily average balance of loans and leases .......... $3,163,610 $2,854,139 $2,612,438 $2,262,734 $2,051,532 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of year .......................... $ 44,792 $ 41,134 $ 40,377 $ 32,874 $ 32,675 Loans charged-off: Commercial, financial and agricultural ......... 2,397 1,629 1,875 1,825 3,694 Real estate - construction ..................... -- 30 -- 144 -- Real estate - mortgage ......................... 1,604 1,268 2,366 1,333 3,897 Consumer ....................................... 4,164 2,513 1,796 1,154 1,736 Leasing and other .............................. 70 50 59 33 51 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total loans charged-off ........................ 8,235 5,490 6,096 4,489 9,378 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Recoveries of loans previously charged-off: Commercial, financial and agricultural ......... 790 1,204 1,462 1,207 2,146 Real estate - construction ..................... -- -- -- 58 -- Real estate - mortgage ......................... 708 1,378 530 593 242 Consumer ....................................... 1,211 983 843 561 816 Leasing and other .............................. 15 22 20 29 62 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total recoveries ............................... 2,724 3,587 2,855 2,448 3,266 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net loans charged-off .............................. 5,511 1,903 3,241 2,041 6,112 Provision for loan losses .......................... 7,742 5,561 3,998 3,074 6,311 Allowance purchased ................................ 130 -- -- 6,470 -- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance at end of year ............................. $ 47,153 $ 44,792 $ 41,134 $ 40,377 $ 32,874 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Ratio of net charge-offs during period to average loans ................................. 0.17% 0.07% 0.12% 0.09% 0.30% ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding at end of year .................... 1.43% 1.48% 1.51% 1.58% 1.55% ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== 16 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES The allowance for loan losses has been allocated as follows to provide for the possibility of losses being incurred within the following categories of loans at the dates indicated: December 31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ (dollars in thousands) % of % of % of % of % of loans in loans in loans in loans in loans in each each each each each Allowance category Allowance category Allowance category Allowance category Allowance category --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Commercial, financial & agriculture ............. $ 10,087 12.6% $ 10,154 12.8% $ 11,615 14.0% $ 14,741 14.3% $ 14,484 17.7% Real estate - construction & mortgages ............... 10,889 67.4 13,975 67.6 13,744 68.1 14,472 69.1 12,679 67.0 Consumer, leasing & other ................... 6,156 20.0 2,881 19.6 2,909 17.9 2,652 16.6 2,959 15.3 Unallocated .................... 20,021 -- 17,782 -- 12,866 -- 8,512 -- 2,752 -- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Totals .................... $ 47,153 100.0% $ 44,792 100.0% $ 41,134 100.0% $ 40,377 100.0% $ 32,874 100.0% ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== (1) The Corporation allocates the allowance for loan losses in three components: (1) specific accounts; (2) 50% of doubtful, 15% of substandard and 10% of fair internally risk rated loans (excluding those subject to specific allocation under (1)); and (3) based upon historical averages for the remaining balances. As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation has allocated $27.1 million based on four-year historical averages, as follows: $3.5 million commercial, $6.1 million consumer, $3.6 million mortgage, and $104,000 leasing. Additional allocations of the allowance for loan losses include: $512,000 for specific accounts; $7.7 million for fair rated loans; $5.1 million for substandard rated loans; $444,000 for doubtful rated loans; and $149,000 for off-balance sheet risk for standby letters of credit. (2) Charge-offs for 1998 are not anticipated to exceed $4.9 million: commercial - $1.3 million; consumer - $2.6 million; and mortgage - $1.0 million. The overall risk factors in the portfolio are best evidenced by a 30 day and over delinquency rate in the 2.00% to 2.50% range and overall credit risk ratings of satisfactory and above for 75% of the commercial and real estate portfolios. 17 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION DEPOSITS The average daily balances of deposits and rates paid on such deposits are summarized for the periods indicated in the following table: Year Ended December 31 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate ---------- ------ ---------- ------ ---------- ------ (dollars in thousands) Noninterest-bearing demand deposits ............... $ 522,439 - % $ 474,692 - % $ 431,767 - % Interest-bearing demand deposits .................. 400,938 1.85 410,159 1.97 423,670 2.08 Savings deposits .................................. 827,637 2.46 843,463 2.47 831,165 2.76 Time deposits ..................................... 1,740,840 5.57 1,554,375 5.51 1,422,677 5.53 ---------- ------ ---------- ------ ---------- ------ Totals ............................................ $3,491,854 3.57% $3,282,689 3.49% $3,109,279 3.55% ========== ====== ========== ====== ========== ====== Maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding at December 31, 1997 are summarized as follows: Time Deposits $100,000 or more -------------- (in thousands) Three months or less .................... $ 98,236 Over three through six months ........... 47,634 Over six through twelve months .......... 30,285 Over twelve months ...................... 76,917 -------------- Totals ............................ $ 253,072 ============== FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS The following table presents information related to Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. No other categories of short-term borrowings exceeded 30% of shareholders' equity at December 31, 1997. December 31 ------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- (dollars in thousands) Amount outstanding at December 31 .............. $231,101 $203,495 $115,239 Weighted average interest rate at year end ..... 4.70% 4.86% 4.88% Maximum amount outstanding at any month end .... $231,101 $233,564 $216,650 Average amount outstanding during the year ..... $186,843 $179,805 $125,613 Weighted average interest rate during the year.. 4.73% 4.77% 5.12% 18 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS The ratio of net income to average shareholders' equity and to average total assets and certain other ratios are as follows: Year Ended December 31 -------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993(1) -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Percentage of net income to: Average shareholders' equity ............................ 14.75% 13.90% 14.09% 13.85% 12.62% Average total assets .................................... 1.53 1.41 1.39 1.38 1.21 Percentage of dividends declared per common share to basic net income per share ..................... 41.6 43.0 39.2 38.3 42.2 Percentage of average shareholders' equity to average total assets ................................. 10.4 10.1 9.9 9.9 9.6 (1) Percentage of income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles to average shareholders' equity and average total assets was 13.76% and 1.32%, respectively. 19 Item 2. Properties - ------------------ The administrative headquarters of Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank is located in a six-story brick building at the northeast corner of Penn Square in the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This building, together with fourteen properties upon which Fulton Bank branch offices are located, are owned in fee by Fulton Bank, free and clear of encumbrances. Five properties upon which Fulton Bank branch offices are located and four properties upon which remote service facilities are located are leased by Fulton Bank from nonaffiliated persons. Twenty-two properties upon which Fulton Bank branch offices are located and two properties upon which remote service facilities are located are owned or leased by Fulton Financial Realty Company and subleased to Fulton Bank. Office space is leased by Fulton Financial Realty Company and subleased to Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank. The foregoing leases expire intermittently over the years through the year 2023 and most are subject to one or more renewal options. The Fulton Bank Administrative Service Center is located on property which is owned free and clear of encumbrances by Fulton Financial Realty Company. The administrative headquarters of Farmers Trust Bank is located in a five- story building at 817 Cumberland Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. This building and three branch offices are owned in fee by Farmers Trust Bank, free and clear of encumbrances. One of the properties upon which a Farmers Trust Bank branch office is located is leased by Fulton Financial Realty Company and subleased to Farmers Trust Bank, while three additional properties are owned by Fulton Financial Realty Company and leased to Farmers Trust Bank for branch offices. Farmers Trust Bank has two remote service facilities, which are leased from nonaffiliated persons. These leases expire intermittently over the years through the year 2009 and are subject to two renewal options. National Bank are located in a one-story brick building on Routes 11 and 15 in Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania. In addition to a branch located at the site of the operations center, Swineford National Bank operates five other branch offices. The Hummels Wharf property and four branch offices are owned free and clear of encumbrances by Swineford National Bank. One additional property used for a branch office is leased by Swineford National Bank from a non-affiliated person. This lease expires in 2002. The administrative headquarters of Lafayette Bank is located in a three- story brick building at 360 Northampton Street, Easton, Pennsylvania. Lafayette Bank maintains two other sites housing administrative operations of the bank. In addition to these three buildings, which are owned in fee by Lafayette Bank, free and clear of encumbrances, six branch offices and another structure are also owned in fee by Lafayette Bank, free and clear of encumbrances. Seven additional properties are leased by Lafayette Bank from nonaffiliated persons; these leases expire intermittently over the years through the year 2024 and are subject to one or more renewal options. Six of these leased properties are used as branch offices and one of these properties is a branch that was relocated and is no longer used as a branch office. The administrative headquarters of FNB Bank, N.A. is located at 354 Mill Street, Danville, Pennsylvania. This building and five branch offices are owned in fee by FNB Bank, N.A. free and clear of encumbrances. Two other branch facilities are leased by FNB Bank, N.A. from nonaffiliated persons. These leases expire intermittently over the years through the year 2014 and are subject to one or more options. The administrative headquarters of Great Valley Bank is located in a two- story building at 210 North Fifth Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. This building and two branches are owned in fee by Great Valley Savings Bank, free and clear of encumbrances. Five branch offices are leased by Great Valley Bank from nonaffiliated persons. These leases expire intermittently over the years through the year 2023 and are subject to two or more options. The administrative headquarters of Hagerstown Trust Company is located in a three story brick building at 83 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. This building and eleven branch offices are owned in fee by Hagerstown Trust Company, free and clear of encumbrances. Two branch offices and seven remote facilities are leased by Hagerstown Trust Company from non-affiliated persons. These leases expire intermittently over the years through the year 2006 and are subject to one or more options. The administrative headquarters and operations center for Delaware National Bank are located at 9 South Dupont Highway, Georgetown, in Sussex County, Delaware. The facility is approximately 8,000 square feet on the first and second floors of a former bank operations facility leased from a non-affiliated entity. Two bank branch offices are leased from non-affiliated entities. These leases expire intermittently over the years through the year 2012 and are subject to one or more renewal options. Four branch offices are owned free and clear of encumbrances by Delaware National Bank. 20 The administrative headquarters of The Bank of Gloucester County is located at 100 Park Avenue, Woodbury, in Gloucester County, New Jersey. This building and five branch offices are owned by the bank, free and clear of encumbrances. The operations center and two branch offices are leased from non-affiliated entities at market rates for varying terms. The administrative headquarters of The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company is located at 1 South Main Street, Woodstown, in Salem County, New Jersey. This building and five branch offices are owned by the bank, free and clear of encumbrances. A sixth branch office is located on land leased by the bank from a non-affiliated entity. This lease will expire in 2002 and the bank has a buyout option to purchase the land upon the expiration of the lease. The administrative headquarters of The Peoples Bank of Elkton is located at 130 North Street, Elkton, in Cecil County, Maryland. This building is owned by the bank, free and clear of encumbrances. The bank's other branch office is operated under a lease agreement which expires in 2000. Item 3. Legal Proceedings - -------------------------- There are no legal proceedings pending against Fulton Financial Corporation or any of its subsidiaries which are expected to have a material impact upon the financial position and/or the operating results of the Corporation. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - ------------------------------------------------------------ No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of Fulton Financial Corporation during the fourth quarter of 1997. 21 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The information appearing under the heading "Capital Resources" and "Common Stock" in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is incorporated herein by reference. Item 6. Selected Financial Data - -------------------------------- FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION 5-YEAR CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS For the Year ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ (Dollars in thousands, except per-share data) SUMMARY OF INCOME - ----------------- Interest income............................. $ 319,628 $ 294,849 $ 276,144 $ 231,325 $ 218,591 Interest expense............................ 137,018 125,177 119,130 86,341 85,575 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net interest income......................... 182,610 169,672 157,014 144,984 133,016 Provision for loan losses................... 7,742 5,561 3,998 3,074 6,311 Other income................................ 41,055 34,983 31,691 28,018 31,508 Other expenses.............................. 122,293 119,883 112,878 105,616 102,101 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before income taxes.................. 93,630 79,211 71,829 64,312 56,112 Income taxes................................ 28,431 23,464 20,217 17,747 14,310 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles............... 65,199 55,747 51,612 46,565 41,802 Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles............... - - - - (3,457) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income.................................. $ 65,199 $ 55,747 $ 51,612 $ 46,565 $ 38,345 ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ PER-SHARE DATA (1) - ------------------ Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (basic)....... $ 1.61 $ 1.38 $ 1.28 $ 1.16 $ 1.05 Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (diluted)..... $ 1.60 $ 1.37 $ 1.27 $ 1.15 $ 1.05 Net income (basic).......................... 1.61 1.38 1.28 1.16 0.96 Net income (diluted)........................ 1.60 1.37 1.27 1.15 0.96 Cash dividends.............................. 0.669 0.594 0.502 0.444 0.405 PERIOD-END BALANCES - ------------------- Total assets................................ $ 4,460,823 $ 4,111,323 $3,851,897 $3,645,453 $3,239,002 Net loans................................... 3,260,606 2,982,275 2,681,428 2,517,597 2,088,122 Deposits.................................... 3,621,569 3,367,954 3,217,206 3,007,183 2,748,828 Long-term debt.............................. 47,695 51,560 37,689 30,283 16,051 Shareholders' equity........................ 475,294 419,557 386,266 348,972 325,581 AVERAGE BALANCES - ---------------- Average shareholders' equity................ $ 441,953 $ 401,072 $ 366,388 $ 336,312 $ 303,827 Average total assets........................ 4,250,910 3,960,409 3,706,137 3,385,613 3,165,658 (1) Adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits. 22 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results ----------------------------------------------------------------------- of Operations ------------- This discussion concerns Fulton Financial Corporation (the Corporation), a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1982, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other financial information presented in this report. The Corporation has made, and may continue to make, certain forward-looking statements with respect to market risk, expenses, the effect of competition on net interest margin and net interest income, investment strategy and income growth, deposit growth and other financial business matters for future periods. The Corporation cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Because of the possibility of change in the underlying assumptions, 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, actions of the Federal Reserve Board, the Corporation's success in merger and acquisition integration and customers' acceptance of the Corporation's products and services. The Corporation's forward-looking statements are relevant only as of the date on which such statements are made. By making any forward-looking statements, the Corporation assumes no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events or circumstances. MERGER ACTIVITY - --------------- In recent years, the Corporation has engaged in the strategic acquisition of banks with similar operating philosophies located in desirable suburban or rural markets. This external growth strategy, balanced with the growth of the Corporation's existing franchise, is intended to increase the value of the Corporation to customers, employees and shareholders. The Peoples Bank of Elkton - On August 31, 1997, the Corporation completed its acquisition of The Peoples Bank of Elkton (Elkton) of Elkton, Maryland. As provided under the terms of the merger agreement, Elkton became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation and each of the outstanding shares of the common stock of Elkton was converted into 4.158 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The Corporation issued 959,000 shares of its common stock in connection with the merger. Elkton, with approximately $99 million in assets as of December 31, 1997, operates two branch offices in Cecil County, Maryland. As a result of the merger, Elkton became the Corporation's second banking subsidiary in Maryland and eleventh overall. The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company - On February 28, 1997, the Corporation completed its acquisition of The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company (Woodstown) of Woodstown, New Jersey. As provided under the terms of the merger agreement, Woodstown became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation and each of the outstanding shares of Woodstown common stock was converted into 1.76 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The Corporation issued 3.2 million shares of its common stock in connection with the merger. Woodstown, with approximately $267 million in total assets as of December 31, 1997, operates seven branch offices in Salem and Gloucester Counties. As a result of the merger, Woodstown became the Corporation's second banking subsidiary in New Jersey and tenth overall. Gloucester County Bankshares, Inc. - On February 29, 1996, the Corporation completed its acquisition of Gloucester County Bankshares, Inc. (Gloucester) of Woodbury, New Jersey. As provided under the terms of the merger agreement, Gloucester was merged with and into the Corporation and each of the outstanding shares of the common stock of Gloucester was converted into 1.91 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The Corporation issued 2.0 million shares of its common stock in connection with the merger. Through this transaction, the Corporation acquired ownership of The Bank of Gloucester County, its first banking subsidiary in New Jersey. The Bank of Gloucester County, with approximately $277 million in assets as of December 31, 1997, operates eight branch offices in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The acquisitions of Elkton, Woodstown and Gloucester were accounted for as poolings of interests and all financial statements and financial information contained herein have been restated to include the accounts and results of operations of these companies for all periods presented 23 Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. - On August 15, 1997, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. (Keystone Heritage) of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Keystone Heritage is a $650 million bank holding company whose sole banking subsidiary is Lebanon Valley National Bank (Lebanon Valley), which has 24 community banking offices in Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, Berks and Schuylkill Counties. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the approximately 4.0 million shares of Keystone Heritage's common stock will be exchanged for 1.83 shares of the Corporation's common stock. In addition, each of the 84,000 options to acquire Keystone Heritage stock will be converted to options to purchase the Corporation's stock. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 1998 and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. As a result of the acquisition, Keystone Heritage will be merged into the Corporation and Lebanon Valley will be combined with Farmers Trust Bank, one of the Corporation's existing affiliate banks, to become Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank. Concurrently with the merger, deposits, loans and branches located in Lancaster and Dauphin Counties will be transferred to Fulton Bank. Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth. - On January 26, 1998, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth (Ambassador) of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Ambassador is a $275 million bank, which operates eight community banking offices in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the 1.9 million shares of Ambassador's common stock will be exchanged for 1.12 shares of the Corporation's common stock. In addition, the 417,000 options and warrants to acquire Ambassador stock will be exchanged for approximately 327,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The acquisition is subject to approval by bank regulatory authorities and Ambassador shareholders. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 1998 and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. As a result of the acquisition, Ambassador will be merged with and into Lafayette Bank, one of the Corporation's existing affiliate banks. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - --------------------- Overview The Corporation's net income for 1997 was a record $65.2 million or $1.61 per share (basic). This compares to 1996 net income of $55.7 million or $1.38 per share (basic) and 1995 net income of $51.6 million or $1.28 per share (basic). Over the past three years, the Corporation has generated steady earnings growth through its focus on core banking business, strategic acquisitions and controlling expenses. Net income as reported for 1997 was 17.0% higher than 1996, while 1996 net income was 8.0% higher than 1995. Reported net income includes certain unusual income and expense items which distort the earnings growth rate over the past three years. The following table adjusts net income for significant unusual items. The adjustments shown reflect the after-tax impact on income: 1997 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- ---------- (Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts) Net income (as reported) ...... $ 65,199 $ 55,747 $ 51,612 Investment securities gains ... (3,790) (2,031) (2,083) SAIF charge ................... -- 1,634 -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Adjusted income ............... $ 61,409 $ 55,350 $ 49,529 ========== ========== ========== % increase over prior year .... 10.9% 11.8% 9.6% ========== ========== ========== Adjusted income per-share: Basic .................... $ 1.51 $ 1.37 $ 1.23 % increase over prior year 10.2% 11.4% 8.8% ========== ========== ========== Diluted .................. $ 1.50 $ 1.36 $ 1.22 % increase over prior year 10.3% 11.5% 8.9% ========== ========== ========== 24 The SAIF charge in 1996 represents the Corporation's share of the industry-wide FDIC assessment to recapitalize the underfunded Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF). The table also adjusts for investment security gains to remove the impact of varying levels of gains. However, as discussed in the "Other Income" section, the Corporation does have a history of recurring income from investment security gains. The table illustrates the steady core earnings growth that the Corporation has realized over the past three years. The Corporation also continued to achieve strong returns on average assets (ROA) and average shareholders' equity (ROE) over the period. ROA was 1.53% in 1997 compared to 1.41% in 1996 and 1.39% in 1995. ROE increased in 1997 to 14.75% from 13.90% in 1996 and 14.09% in 1995. Net Interest Income Net interest income is the most significant component of net income. The ability to manage net interest income over a variety of interest rate environments is critical to the success of a banking entity. As with overall net income, the Corporation has demonstrated consistent growth in net interest income over the past three years. In addition, the Corporation was able to maintain a stable net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent) over the period: 4.72% in both 1997 and 1996 and 4.71% in 1995. The Corporation's net interest margin has historically placed it in the top third of its self-defined peer group. During 1997, net interest income increased 7.6% to $182.6 million compared to increases of 8.1% and 8.3% during 1996 and 1995, respectively. The "Comparative Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis" on page 19 and the "Rate/Volume Table" on page 20 summarize the components of net interest income and illustrate increases as a result of changes in interest rates versus growth in assets and liabilities. In general, the increases in net interest income in both 1997 and 1996 were a result of balance sheet growth. Interest income increased $24.8 million or 8.4% from $294.8 million in 1996 to $319.6 million in 1997. This increase reflects the growth in average interest-earning assets, which increased $273.9 million or 7.4% during 1997, after increasing $244.6 million or 7.1% during 1996 and $297.7 million or 9.5% during 1995. The majority of this growth in interest-earning assets was in loans. Average loans increased $309.5 million (10.8%), $241.7 million (9.3%) and $345.6 million (15.2%) during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In recent years, consumer and commercial lending have driven this growth. Average annual yields on interest-earning assets over the past three years have remained fairly stable (8.09% in 1997, 8.02% in 1996 and 8.04% in 1995) and have had little impact on overall interest income. In March, 1997 the Federal Reserve Board raised short-term interest rates by 25 basis points. As a result, the Corporation's affiliate banks raised their prime lending rates from 8.25% to 8.50% and the average prime rate increased to 8.44% in 1997 from 8.27% in 1996. This prime rate increase contributed to the 7 basis point increase in the Corporation's overall yield in 1997. The 1997 yield on the Corporation's loans, however, actually declined by 5 basis points to 8.59%. This decrease was due to: a) increased competition caused more aggressive pricing of certain new loans; and b) the mix of the Corporation's loan portfolio to a larger percentage of consumer loans and fixed rate loans reduced the percentage of floating rate loans which are affected by short-term rate fluctuations. Offsetting the decrease in the loan yield was an increase in yields on investments, primarily taxable investment securities. This was a result of the Corporation shifting its investment focus from U.S. Treasury and agency issues to mortgage-backed securities. In general, funds from maturing investments were reinvested in mortgage-backed securities to achieve a higher return with only moderate increases in credit risk. As a result, yields on the portfolio steadily improved. Interest expense increased $11.8 million or 9.5% in 1997, reflecting the growth in interest-bearing liabilities. Interest-bearing liabilities increased $193.2 million or 6.4% during 1997, after increasing $179.6 million or 6.3% during 1996 and $241.3 million or 9.3% during 1995. Average interest-bearing deposits provided much of this growth, increasing $161.4 million (5.7%), $130.5 million (4.9%) and $241.2 million (9.9%) during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As with interest-earning assets, changes in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities had a lesser impact on interest expense than changes in volume. The average annual cost of funds was 4.27% in 1997, 4.15% in 1996 and 4.20% in 1995. The cost of funds, however, did rise faster than the yield on interest-earning assets in 1997 as a result of the growth of the Corporation's time deposits as a percentage of total deposits. 25 Provision for Loan Losses The provision for loan losses for 1997 totaled $7.7 million, compared to the 1996 and 1995 provisions of $5.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The $2.2 million increase in the provision in 1997 was a result of loan growth and a higher rate of net charge-offs experienced during the year. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding were 0.17% in 1997, 0.07% in 1996 and 0.12% in 1995. The increase in charge-offs in 1997 was due to certain large accounts at newly acquired affiliate banks as well as an increase in charge-offs on the Corporation's consumer loan portfolio. Despite this increase, however, the Corporation's low charge-off levels continued to rank it among the best in its peer group. Nonperforming assets (including accruing loans greater than 90 days past due) as of December 31, 1997 were $26.0 million. This was a $1.6 million or 6.6% increase over the December 31, 1996 total of $24.4 million. This increase was due to the growth in the loan portfolio during 1997. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets decreased to 0.58% at the end of 1997 as compared to 0.59% at the end of 1996. At December 31, 1997, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans (net of unearned income) stood at 1.43%, as compared to 1.48% and 1.51% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As a percentage of total nonperforming loans, the allowance was 190%, 201% and 170% at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The detail of non-performing assets as of December 31, and net charge-offs by loan type for 1997 and 1996 follows: Nonperforming Assets Net Charge-Offs ---------------------- ----------------------- 1997 1996 1997 1996 --------- ---------- --------- ----------- (in thousands) Real Estate Loans ............. $ 15,107 $ 13,555 $ 896 $ (80) Commercial & Industrial Loans ......... 4,850 5,220 1,607 425 Consumer Loans ................ 4,848 3,463 3,008 1,558 Other Real Estate Owned ....... 1,177 2,134 -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total ......................... $ 25,982 $ 24,372 $ 5,511 $ 1,903 ========== ========== ========== ========== Nonperforming assets include all loans 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest, nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned. The majority of the nonperforming real estate loans were residential real estate loans which, in the opinion of management, are adequately secured. Management considers various factors in assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determining the provision for the period. Among these are the mix and risk characteristics of loan types in the portfolio, charge-off history, risk classification of significant credits, adequacy of collateral, the amount of the allowance that is not specifically allocated to individual loans, and the balance of the allowance relative to total and nonperforming loans. In management's opinion, based on its consideration of these factors, the allowance for loan losses of $47.2 million at December 31, 1997 is adequate. Other Income Noninterest income was $41.1 million for 1997. This represents an increase of $6.1 million or 17.4% over the 1996 total of $35.0 million, which, in turn, was 10.4% higher than the 1995 total of $31.7 million. Excluding the impact of higher security gains in 1997, other income increased $3.4 million or 10.6%. Almost all noninterest income categories increased during 1997, mainly as a result of the Corporation's growth. Investment management and trust services income reached a record level of $9.0 million in 1997, an increase of $1.1 million or 14.6%, following a 1996 increase of $437,000 or 5.9%. The growth during 1997 and 1996 was due to increased marketing of traditional trust services as well as the continued success of several new investment management products. The customized Cash Reserve Investment Management product continued to grow as an important vehicle for companies, municipalities, and not-for-profit institutions looking to enhance the short-term return on their invested funds. Likewise, Private Banking, which integrates personalized investment portfolio management with traditional commercial bank deposit and loan services, continued to attract new clients. In 1997, 26 the Corporation also introduced Investment Brokerage Services. An expanded, full-service 401(k) program was introduced toward the end of 1995 which contributed to trust revenue growth during 1996. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $1.6 million or 11.6% during 1997, after increasing $2.4 million or 20.2% in 1996. The increase in 1997 was due to changes in fee structures on some of the Corporation's deposit products and services, as well as growth in fee-based deposits. The 1996 increase was generated by the introduction of foreign ATM charges. The Corporation uses a product review and development process through which all products and services provided by the Corporation's subsidiary banks are reviewed on a rotating basis. This review allows the Corporation to formally assess product features and pricing in comparison to its competitors. Other service charges and fees increased $444,000 or 5.2% during 1997 after increasing $460,000, or 5.6% in 1996. The increases in both 1997 and 1996 were a result of growth. Investment security gains increased $2.7 million or 86.7% to $5.8 million in 1997. The majority of the gains realized during 1997, $5.7 million, were generated from the sale of equity securities. Management monitors the Corporation's available for sale securities and makes periodic sale and investment decisions based on current and expected market conditions. During the past three years, certain investments were sold as a result of management's assessment of market conditions. The increase in 1997 was due to the strong performance of the equity markets, which made realizing certain gains appropriate. Other Expenses Noninterest expenses for 1997 increased $2.4 million or 2.0% to $122.3 million, from the 1996 total of $119.9 million, after increasing $7.0 million or 6.2% during 1996. Excluding the pre-tax impact of the one-time SAIF assessment of $2.5 million recorded in 1996, other expenses increased $4.9 million or 4.2% in 1997 and $4.5 million or 4.0% in 1996. The Corporation's efficiency ratio, which is the ratio of noninterest expenses to fully taxable equivalent revenues (excluding investment securities gains), improved from 57.1% in 1996 (excluding the impact of the SAIF assessment) to 55.2% in 1997. This improvement illustrates the Corporation's success in controlling expenses. Salaries and employee benefits expense, which accounts for the largest portion of other expenses, increased $3.7 million or 6.0% during 1997 as compared to an increase of $2.5 million or 4.2% in 1996. The salary portion of the increase in 1997 was $2.6 million or 5.7%, which exceeded the Corporation's average merit increase budget of 4%. The increase in excess of budget was due to an increase in the total number of employees. The average number of full-time equivalent employees in 1997 rose to 1,907 from 1,873 in 1996, resulting in an increase in cost of approximately $850,000. The salaries component of the 1996 increase was $1.5 million or 3.4%. This lower increase rate is reflected in a stable employee base, with average full-time equivalent employees of 1,873 in both 1996 and 1995. The Corporation manages its staffing levels to function at the highest level of efficiency while maintaining quality customer service. Employee benefits increased $1.1 million or 7.0% in 1997 and $940,000 or 6.6% in 1996. The 1997 increase was due to establishing a $300,000 accrual for certain post-employment benefits. Excluding this accrual, benefits increased only 5.0%. Despite the overall cost increases, the Corporation has seen improvement in salaries and benefits expense measures. The salaries and benefits efficiency ratio improved from 29.9% in 1996 to 29.4% in 1997 and salaries and benefits to average assets improved from 1.55% in 1996 to 1.53% in 1997. Net occupancy expense increased $485,000 or 4.9% during 1997, compared to an increase of $544,000 or 5.8% in 1996. Equipment expense increased $937,000 or 14.9% in 1997, after increasing $476,000 or 8.2% in 1996. The increases in occupancy and equipment expenses reflect the growth in the Corporation's branch network and investment in necessary technology initiatives. The increase in equipment expense in 1997 was due, in part, to the roll-out of Fulton Bank's check-imaging product, which became available to customers in the latter part of 1997. Investments in technology have been carefully balanced with the Corporation's commitment to its branch network, which continues to be the customers' preferred delivery channel in the Corporation's markets. The 27 Corporation will continue to face the challenge of developing and offering modern conveniences to customers while maintaining its community and branch banking focus. Expenses incurred to address the Year 2000 computer problem have been, and are expected to be, immaterial to the Corporation. The significant loans and deposits data processing functions of the Corporation are outsourced to an independent third party, which is in the process of ensuring that the Corporation's systems will be Year 2000 compliant. The costs associated with this process will be absorbed by the service provider. The Corporation, however, does recognize the business risks posed by the Year 2000 and has been working closely with the third party to address its specific needs. The Corporation would incur expenses to replace, modify or upgrade other computer hardware and software that it employs in the normal course of its business. Such equipment and software includes items processing readers/sorters, branch terminals and networks, other personal computers and networks, security systems, and certain other processing systems. Based on its review of this equipment and software, the Corporation has determined that the costs to be incurred will be immaterial. FDIC assessment expense decreased $2.6 million or 79.1% in 1997 after decreasing $553,000 or 14.6% in 1996. The decrease in 1997 was due to the one-time SAIF assessment of $2.5 million recorded in 1996. The $675,000 expense for 1997 was based on an assessment rate of 0.0644% on the Corporation's approximately $400 million of SAIF-insured deposits and 0.0129% for Bank-insurance fund (BIF) deposits, which represent all other deposits. These rates will be in effect for the next two years. FDIC expense will increase in the future as the Corporation's deposits grow. From January 1, 1996 through September 30, 1996, the rate on the Corporation's BIF-insured deposits was reduced to zero, with a requirement for a minimum premium of $2,000 per institution. The savings from this rate reduction, which approximated $2.8 million in 1996, were offset by the one-time assessment on SAIF-insured deposits. On September 30, 1996, legislation was enacted to adequately fund the SAIF, which remained undercapitalized as a result of the savings and loan crisis in the late 1980s. The legislation called for a one-time assessment on SAIF-insured deposits. As a result of this special one-time assessment, the SAIF became fully funded, and the new insurance rates noted above were implemented. Special services expense, which represents the cost of data processing, increased $203,000 or 3.0% during 1997 after increasing $1.0 million or 18.1% in 1996. The Corporation has generally been able to control this cost by maintaining common systems for all subsidiaries under a corporate contract. The 1997 and 1996 increases are due to growth in trust operations and loans, resulting in larger transaction volumes and costs. Other expenses decreased $365,000 or 1.1% during 1997 after increasing $3.0 million or 10.5% during 1996. Expenses in this category include stationery and supplies, postage, audits, telecommunications, Pennsylvania shares tax, advertising, insurance, legal fees and goodwill amortization. The decrease in 1997 was due mainly to fewer operating risk losses (decrease of $694,000 or 51.5%) and a decrease in the cost of the Corporate-owned life insurance plan due to a change in the underlying contracts (decrease in expense of $708,000 or 400%). These decreases were offset by increases in state taxes ($603,000 or 32.7%); telephone expense (244,000 or 11.7% increase); and advertising (224,000 or 6.2% increase). Income Taxes Income tax expense continued to increase both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of pretax income. The effective tax rate was 30.4% in 1997 compared to 29.6% and 28.1% in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate reflects the reduction in the beneficial effect of tax-exempt income as the Corporation's investments in tax-free securities continued to decline. The Corporation continued to invest in low and moderate income housing partnerships which generate federal income tax credits. Net credits earned from these investments totaled $2.3 million, $2.5 million and $1.8 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 28 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Month Ended December 31 ----------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ------------- ------------------ -------------- ASSETS (in thousands) - ------ Cash and due from banks .......................................... $ 164,812 $ 153,856 $ 156,149 Interest-bearing deposits with other banks ....................... 1,040 2,059 4,302 Federal funds sold ............................................... 1,548 9,307 18,297 Investment securities ............................................ 847,297 782,781 807,997 Loans, including loans held for sale ............................. 3,289,577 3,015,231 2,702,689 Less: Allowance for loan losses .................................. (47,273) (45,140) (41,071) ----------- ----------- ----------- Net Loans ............................................... 3,242,304 2,970,091 2,661,618 ----------- ----------- ----------- Premises and equipment ........................................... 61,504 57,250 51,810 Other assets ..................................................... 108,558 109,798 105,668 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Assets ............................................ $ 4,427,063 $ 4,085,142 $ 3,805,841 =========== =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - ------------------------------------ Deposits: Noninterest-bearing ............................................ $ 535,729 $ 507,319 $ 453,826 Interest-bearing ............................................... 3,071,803 2,816,705 2,737,062 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Deposits .......................................... 3,607,532 3,324,024 3,190,888 ----------- ----------- ----------- Short-term borrowings ............................................ 224,128 233,570 118,094 Long-term debt ................................................... 47,776 42,667 37,692 Other liabilities ................................................ 81,511 68,324 75,126 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Liabilities ....................................... 3,960,947 3,668,585 3,421,800 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Shareholders' Equity .............................. 466,116 416,557 384,041 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity .............. $ 4,427,063 $ 4,085,142 $ 3,805,841 =========== =========== =========== FINANCIAL CONDITION - ------------------- The Corporation functions as a financial intermediary and its financial condition is analyzed in terms of its sources and uses of funds. The table on page 23 highlights the trends in the balance sheet over the past two years. Because annual averages tend to conceal trends and ending balances can be distorted by one-day fluctuations, the December monthly averages for each of the last three years are provided to give a better indication of trends in the balance sheet. All references within the discussion that follows are to these December average balances unless specifically noted otherwise. The Corporation's assets continued to grow during 1997, reaching $4.4 billion, an increase of $341.9 million or 8.4% as compared to 1996. The 1997 increase was due to strong loan demand throughout the Corporation's markets that resulted in loan growth of approximately $274.3 million or 9.1% for the year. This loan growth was funded primarily through an increase in deposits. Loans Loans outstanding (net of unearned income) increased $274.3 million or 9.1% for 1997, compared to a 1996 increase of $312.5 million or 11.6%. Commercial loans and commercial mortgages increased $134.2 million or 11.9% in 1997, reflecting the strength of the local economy. The increase in 1997 was evident primarily in fixed rate categories, as customers locked in the relatively low rates in effect throughout the period. Fixed rate commercial mortgages increased $67.7 million or 17.5% and fixed rate commercial loans increased $32.6 million or 23.8%. 29 Demand for consumer credit also provided a significant share of loan growth during 1997, with such loans increasing $102.7 million or 11.0%. This increase was largely due to the Corporation continuing to expand its indirect lending operations. This expansion, coupled with strong demand for automobiles, resulted in an installment loan increase of approximately $74.6 million or 10.8%. Also contributing to the increase in consumer loans were student loans (increase of $8.3 million or 13.7%), and leasing (increase of $11.5 million or 37.9%). The Corporation engages in the origination and sale of conforming fixed-rate residential mortgage loans primarily to the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). In general, fixed rate mortgages are underwritten to salable criteria and are sold to FNMA through forward sales commitments to limit risk. The Corporation generally retains servicing rights for such loans and receives a standard servicing fee of 25 basis points on the outstanding principal. In 1997 and 1996, the Corporation originated approximately $87.2 million and $78.9 million, respectively, of such loans for sale into the secondary market. At December 31, 1997, the Corporation had servicing rights on approximately $520.1 million of sold mortgage loans. As a result of its secondary market activity, residential mortgage loans outstanding increased only $23.0 million or 2.7% in 1997. The majority of this increase was in adjustable rate mortgages. Investment Securities Investment securities increased $64.5 million or 8.2% during 1997, compared to a decrease of $25.2 million or 3.1% during 1996. In general, the 1997 increase resulted from strong deposit growth, while maturing investments were used to fund loan growth during 1996. In 1997, the Corporation continued two shifts in its investment strategy. One of these was the classification of almost all new purchases as available for sale rather than held to maturity to increase flexibility in managing the Corporation's funding needs (see further discussion below). The second was in investing in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) rather than U.S. Treasury securities. At December 31, 1997, MBS investments had an amortized cost of $486.1 million, a $140.4 million or 40.6% increase over 1996. Conversely, U. S. Treasuries decreased $119.1 million or 49.0% to $124.2 million. Investments in MBS have become more attractive to the Corporation due to their higher yields, with little increase in relative risk. The Corporation's investment in equity securities was $60.2 million (amortized cost basis) at December 31, 1997, of which approximately $16.0 million represented holdings of stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). As of December 31, 1997, all subsidiary banks were members of the FHLB and therefore eligible for its funding programs. The Corporation continued to follow an equity securities investment strategy of seeking and maintaining long-term investment positions in regional financial institutions which, in management's view, represent solid investment value. At December 31,1997, the Corporation's equity portfolio had unrealized gains of $38.7 million, which increased the overall investment balance, but used no additional funds. Investments in tax-exempt municipal securities decreased to $38.9 million at December 31, 1997 from $58.2 million in 1996. This continued decrease reflects the effect of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which sharply reduced the tax benefit of the majority of tax-exempt securities acquired subsequent to its passage and thus reduced the Corporation's incentive to invest in them. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" requires that all investment securities be classified as either (i) held to maturity, (ii) available for sale, or (iii) a trading security. The Corporation possesses both the intent, subject to credit impairment, and ability to hold debt security in its investment portfolio to maturity. Management does, however, recognize the portfolio to be an important potential source of liquidity. Therefore at December 31, 1997, $496.6 million or 65.9% (amortized cost basis) of all debt securities were classified as available for sale. This compares to $287.0 million or 40.1% classified as available for sale at December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1997, securities available for sale had an estimated fair value of $597.4 million and an amortized cost of $556.8 million, compared to an estimated fair value of $349.1 million and an amortized cost of $334.6 million at December 31, 1996. The increase in the aggregate unrealized appreciation is primarily a result of the favorable performance of the Corporation's equity portfolio, offset by the gains realized during 1997. At December 31, 1997, securities held to maturity had an estimated fair value of $257.5 million, $391,000 above their amortized cost, compared to an estimated fair value of $428.9 million, or $240,000 below their amortized cost at December 31, 1996. 30 Short-term investments, which include Federal funds sold, money market investments and interest-bearing deposits with other banks, have decreased over the past several years in order to fund loan growth. Short-term investments decreased $8.8 million during 1997 after decreasing $11.2 million during 1996. Other Assets Noninterest earning assets increased $3.0 million or 1.8% in 1997 after increasing $9.6 million or 6.1% in 1996. The increases in both years were due mainly to new expenditures for premises and equipment Capital expenditures on premises and equipment totaled $10.8 million during 1997, compared to $12.1 million and $7.7 million during 1996 and 1995, respectively. Capital expenditures were made for branches and improvements, as well as investments in technology to strengthen the Corporation's competitive position in its markets. During 1997, the Corporation continued its participation in affordable housing and community development projects through investments in partnerships. Equity commitments totaling $7.3 million were made to six new projects. The Corporation made its initial investment of this type during 1989 and is now involved in 29 projects, all located in the various communities served by its subsidiary banks. The carrying value of such investments was approximately $25.6 million at December 31, 1997. With these investments, the Corporation not only improves the quantity and quality of available housing for low and moderate income individuals in its service area in support of its subsidiary bank's Community Reinvestment Act compliance effort, but also becomes eligible for tax credits under federal and, in some instances, state programs. Deposits The Corporation has historically been able to rely on deposit growth as a relatively low-cost funding source for loans. In recent years, increased competition from other financial services providers has made attracting deposits more difficult. In 1997, deposit growth was strong, with a $283.5 million or 8.5% increase, which was sufficient to support the loan growth of $274.3 million. In 1996, however, deposits increased only $133.1 million or 4.2%, as compared to loan growth of $312.5 million. The Corporation used higher-cost borrowings as an alternative funding source. Management believes that its community banking focus and merger strategy will result in lower-cost deposits continuing to be its primary funding source over the long term. However, the occasional use of borrowings for additional funds may be necessary at times. The use of borrowings in recent years has not had a detrimental impact on the Corporation's net interest margin (4.72% in 1997 and 1996 and 4.71% in 1995), and management believes that there will be no material adverse impact on the net interest margin in the near future. Despite the overall increase in deposits in 1997, there was a shift in the composition. Core deposits, including non-interest bearing deposits and interest-bearing NOW, checking and savings accounts increased $40.8 million or 2.3%. Time deposits (certificates and IRA's) increased $242.7 million or 15.3%. As a result, core deposits accounted for 49.2% of total deposits at December 31, 1997 as compared to 52.2% a year ago. Total interest-bearing deposits grew $255.1 million or 9.1% in 1997 compared to growth of $79.6 million or 2.9% in 1996. A large portion of this increase was realized in short-term certificates of deposit, those with initial maturities of less than two years, which increased $139.1 million or 18.3% in 1997. The Corporation has been much more successful attracting deposits with shorter terms, indicating a preference by customers to maintain liquidity in their accounts. Noninterest-bearing demand deposit accounts increased during 1997 and 1996, growing $28.4 million or 5.6% and $53.5 million or 11.8%, respectively. In the future, the Corporation must continue to focus on retaining time deposits and generating additional core deposit relationships. Borrowings Short-term borrowings, consisting of Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), and treasury, tax and loan notes, decreased $9.4 million or 4.0% in 1997 after increasing $115.5 million or 97.8% in 1996. As noted above, the decrease in 1997 was a result of strong deposit growth while the increase in 1996 was necessary to fund new loans. 31 Long-term debt increased $5.1 million or 12.0% during 1997 after increasing $5.0 million or 13.2% during 1996. During 1997 and 1996, the Corporation took advantage of certain FHLB funding programs. FHLB advances represent the majority of the long-term debt balances. Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' equity continued to be an important funding source, with a 1997 balance of $466.1 million, an increase of $49.6 million or 11.9% from $416.6 million in 1996. In spite of increasing dividends, the Corporation maintained a strong rate of internal capital generation (net income less dividends paid divided by beginning equity). This internal capital growth was 9.1% in 1997 and 8.2% 1996. Growth in capital is dependent upon strong earnings and a prudent dividend policy, represented by payout ratios of 41.6% for 1997 and 43.0% for 1996. In March, 1997, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to 80,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock through March, 1998. The stock to be repurchased is to be used for various purposes, including the Corporation's Incentive Stock Option Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Profit Sharing Plan. During 1997, a total of 42,000 shares were repurchased under this plan at a total cost of $1.2 million. All of these shares were held in treasury at December 31, 1997. The Corporation and its subsidiary banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by banking regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that could have a material effect on the Corporation's financial statements. The regulations require that banks maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk weighted assets (as defined), and Tier I capital to average assets (as defined). As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation and each of its subsidiaries met the minimum capital requirements. In addition, the Corporation and each of its subsidiaries' capital ratios exceeded the amounts required to be considered "well-capitalized" as defined in the regulations. The Corporation's total and Tier I risk-based capital ratios have generally placed the Corporation near the middle of its self-defined peer group over the past year. The Corporation's ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets, however, has generally placed it in the top quartile in comparison to its peers. MARKET RISK - ----------- The types of market risk exposures generally faced by banking entities include interest rate risk, equity market price risk, foreign currency risk and commodity price risk. Due to the nature of its operations, only equity market price risk and interest rate risk are significant to the Corporation. Equity Market Price Risk: Equity market price risk is the risk that changes in the values of equity investments could have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Corporation. The Corporation's equity investments consist of common stocks of publicly traded financial institutions (cost basis of approximately $44.2 million) and U.S. Government and agency stock (cost basis of approximately $16.0 million). The Corporation's equity investments had a total estimated fair value of $98.9 million at December 31, 1997. The $38.7 million unrealized gain is attributable to the financial institutions stock. Although the book value of equity investments accounted for only 1.4% of the Corporation's total assets, the unrealized gains on the portfolio represent a potential source of revenue. The Corporation has a history of periodically realizing gains from this portfolio and, if values were to decline significantly, this revenue source could be lost. The Corporation manages its equity market price risk by investing only in regional financial institutions. Management continuously monitors the fair value of its equity investments and evaluates current market conditions and operating results of the companies. Periodic sale and purchase decisions are made based on this monitoring process. None of the Corporation's equity securities are classified as trading. Future cash flows from these investments are not provided here since none of them have maturity dates. Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk creates exposure in two primary areas. First of all, changes in rates have an impact on the Corporation's liquidity position and could affect its ability to meet obligations and continue to grow. Secondly, movements in interest rates can create fluctuations in the Corporation's net income. 32 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. This committee's primary responsibility is to address the liquidity and net income risks noted above. The goals of the Corporation's asset/liability management function are to ensure adequate liquidity and to maintain an appropriate balance between the relative rate sensitivity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Corporation must maintain a sufficient level of liquid assets to meet the ongoing cash flow requirements of customers, who, as depositors, may want to withdraw funds or who, as borrowers, need credit availability. Liquidity sources are found on both sides of the balance sheet. Liquidity is provided on a continuous basis through scheduled and unscheduled principal reductions and interest payments on outstanding loans and investments. Liquidity is also provided through the availability of deposits and borrowings. At December 31, 1997, liquid assets (defined as cash and due from banks, short-term investments, securities available for sale, and non-mortgage-backed securities held to maturity due in one year or less) totaled $804.1 million or 18.0% of total assets. This represents an increase from the December 31, 1996 total of $628.8 million or 15.3% of total assets. Liquidity is also provided by non-mortgage-backed securities held to maturity due from one to five years, which totaled $28.7 million and $89.6 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Principal payments received on the held to maturity mortgage-backed securities portfolio also provide liquidity. The Corporation had $179.6 million of such mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 1997 and $241.8 million at December 31, 1996. The loan portfolio provides an additional source of liquidity due to the Corporation's ability to participate in the secondary mortgage market. Sales of residential mortgages into the secondary market of $87.5 million and $80.5 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively, provided the necessary funding which allowed the Corporation to meet the needs of its customers for new mortgage financing. From a funding standpoint, the Corporation has been able to rely over the years on a stable base of "core" deposits. Even though the Corporation has experienced notable changes in the composition and interest sensitivity of this deposit base, it has been able to rely on the steady growth of this base to provide needed liquidity. The Corporation also has access to sources of large denomination or jumbo time deposits and repurchase agreements as potential sources of liquidity. However, the Corporation has attempted to minimize its reliance upon these more volatile short-term funding sources and to use them primarily to meet the requirements of its existing customer base or when it is profitable to do so. Each of the Corporation's subsidiary banks are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides them access to FHLB overnight and term credit facilities. At December 31, 1997, the Corporation had $47.3 million in term advances from the FHLB with an additional $765 million of borrowing capacity (including both short-term funding on its lines of credit and long-term borrowings). This availability, along with Federal funds lines at various correspondent commercial banks, provides the Corporation with additional liquidity. The following table provides information about the Corporation's interest rate sensitive financial instruments. The table provides expected cash flows and weighted average rates for each significant interest rate sensitive financial instrument, by expected maturity period. None of the Corporation's financial instruments are classified as trading. 33 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY (dollars in thousands) Expected Maturity Period ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Beyond ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ Fixed rate loans (1) ........ $ 461,010 $ 361,909 $ 303,096 $ 224,184 $ 159,112 $ 534,516 Average rate ............ 8.31% 8.26% 8.19% 8.15% 8.21% 8.14% Floating rate loans (2) ..... 645,620 78,377 65,471 42,190 50,966 381,308 Average rate ............ 7.17% 8.71% 8.64% 8.73% 8.81% 8.37% Fixed rate investments (3) .. 196,291 136,340 105,780 117,227 86,901 105,891 Average rate ............ 5.94% 6.00% 6.40% 6.12% 6.51% 6.87% Floating rate investments (3) -- 977 -- -- -- 4,301 Average rate ............ -- 6.46% -- -- -- 7.46% Other interest-earning assets 1,042 -- -- -- -- -- Average rate ............ 5.75% -- -- -- -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total ....................... $1,303,963 $ 577,603 $ 474,347 $ 383,601 $ 296,979 $1,026,016 Average rate ............ 7.39% 7.78% 7.85% 7.59% 7.82% 8.09% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed rate deposits (4) ..... $ 945,007 $ 448,086 $ 257,217 $ 57,205 $ 61,355 $ 20,347 Average rate ............ 5.31% 5.87% 6.11% 6.00% 6.01% 5.48% Floating rate deposits (5) .. 543,262 67,955 43,032 43,032 43,032 541,024 Average rate ............ 2.46% 1.60% 1.81% 1.81% 1.81% 1.86% Fixed rate borrowings (6) ... 17,672 9,431 20,063 22 -- 507 Average rate ............ 5.84% 6.00% 6.21% 4.45% -- 5.16% Floating rate borrowings (7) 236,762 -- -- -- -- -- Average rate ............ 4.83% -- -- -- -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total ....................... $1,742,703 $ 525,472 $ 320,312 $ 100,259 $ 104,387 $ 561,878 Average rate ............ 4.36% 5.32% 5.54% 4.20% 4.28% 1.99% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (dollars in thousands) Estimated Fair Total Value - ----------------------------- ------------ ---------- Fixed rate loans (1) ........ $2,043,827 $2,074,285 Average rate ............ 8.21% Floating rate loans (2) ..... 1,263,932 1,257,332 Average rate ............ 7.82% Fixed rate investments (3) .. 748,430 750,798 Average rate ............ 6.24% Floating rate investments (3) 5,278 5,278 Average rate ............ 7.46% 7.27% Other interest-earning assets 1,042 1,042 Average rate ............ 5.75% --------------------------- Total ....................... $4,062,509 $4,088,735 Average rate ............ 7.72% --------------------------- Fixed rate deposits (4) ..... $1,789,217 $1,798,138 Average rate ............ 5.61% Floating rate deposits (5) .. 1,281,337 1,281,337 Average rate ............ 2.10% Fixed rate borrowings (6) ... 47,695 47,740 Average rate ............ 5.16% 6.02% Floating rate borrowings (7) 236,762 236,762 Average rate ............ 4.83% --------------------------- Total ....................... $3,355,011 $3,363,977 Average rate ............ 4.22% --------------------------- Assumptions: 1) Amounts are based on contractual maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments. 2) Amounts are based contractual maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments. Balance in 1998 consists of: commercial lending arrangements which are due on demand; commercial floor plan loans; and lines of credit with remaining maturity of less than one year. 3) Amounts are based on contractual maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments on mortgage-backed securities. 4) Amounts are based on contractual maturities of time deposits. 5) Money market deposits are shown in first year. NOW and savings accounts are spread based on history of deposit flows. 6) Amounts are based on contractual maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances. 7) Amounts are Federal Funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which mature in less than 90 days. 34 The preceding table and discussion addressed the liquidity implications of interest rate risk and focused on expected contractual cash flows from financial instruments. Expected contractual maturities, however, do not necessarily estimate the net income impact of interest rate changes. Certain financial instruments, such as adjustable rate loans, have repricing periods that differ from contractual cash flows. In order to manage the risk that changes in interest rates could have a significant impact on net income, the Corporation, through its ALCO function, relies on certain analytical tools, including "static gap" analyses and net interest income forecasting. As required by banking regulators, the Corporation also employs certain interest sensitivity, income volatility and market value of equity analyses. Static gap illustrates the expected repricing periods for all rate-sensitive assets and liabilities and shows the difference (or gap) for each period. Despite the fact that static gap only addresses rate risk at a point in time and is not as sophisticated as certain modeling and forecasting methods, it remains a popular tool in the industry and for the Corporation. Interest rate sensitivity varies widely with different types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. At the short end of the asset spectrum are overnight Federal funds, on which rates change daily, and loans, whose rates float with the prime rate or a similar index. At the other end are long-term investment securities and fixed-rate loans. On the liability side, jumbo time deposits and short-term borrowings are much more interest rate sensitive than passbook savings and FHLB advances. While the interest rate sensitivity gap (the difference between repricing opportunities for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities) must be managed over all time periods, the Corporation focuses on the 6-month period as the key interval affecting net interest income. This shorter period is monitored because a large percentage of the Corporation's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are subject to repricing within this period. In addition, short-term interest rate swings can be more pronounced and provide a shorter time for reaction or strategy adjustment. The following is a summary of the interest sensitivity gaps for four different time intervals as of December 31, 1997: Daily 0-90 91-180 181-365 Adjustable Days Days Days ------------ ------ -------- --------- GAP ........................ 1.09 0.78 1.01 1.15 CUMULATIVE GAP ............. 1.09 0.98 0.99 1.02 The Corporation's policy provides for the 6-month cumulative gap to be maintained between .85 and 1.15. The Corporation was positioned within this range throughout 1997 and as of December 31, 1997. In addition to static gap analysis, the Corporation also performs periodic net interest income forecasts using a "rate shock" approach. Rate shocks measure the impact of severe interest rate changes on a static balance sheet over a one year period. The Corporation's policy, as approved by the Board of Directors, is for the Corporation and each individual affiliate to experience no more than a 10% decline in net interest income and market value of equity for every 100 basis point change in interest rates. This policy is reviewed and updated on an annual basis. The rate shocks employ various assumptions about the magnitude of rate changes on individual rate sensitive financial instruments. In addition, the beginning point for these shocks is a historical or static balance sheet position. Variations from the static position could result in significant variance from the models. The assumptions used are reviewed and updated on a periodic basis. For the rate shocks performed during 1997, each affiliate bank was within the policy limits. Common Stock - ------------ As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had 40,602,088 shares of $2.50 par value common stock outstanding held by 12,600 shareholders. The common stock of the Corporation is traded on the national market system of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (NASDAQ) under the symbol FULT. 35 The following table presents the quarterly high and low prices of the Corporation's common stock and per-share cash dividends declared for each of the quarterly periods in 1997 and 1996. Per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of stock dividends declared. Price Range Per-Share ------------ ----------- High Low Dividend ------------ ----------- ------------ 1997 - ---- First Quarter....... 23 3/16 18 41/64 0.159 Second Quarter...... 28 22 17/64 0.170 Third Quarter....... 30 1/4 26 7/8 0.170 Fourth Quarter...... 32 1/2 28 0.170 1996 First Quarter....... 18 25/64 16 47/64 0.137 Second Quarter...... 18 55/64 17 3/64 0.152 Third Quarter....... 18 55/64 16 15/16 0.152 Fourth Quarter...... 19 35/64 17 1/2 0.153 36 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands, except per-share data) December 31 --------------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- Assets - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and due from banks ........................................................... $ 172,392 $ 180,691 Interest-bearing deposits with other banks ........................................ 1,042 2,077 Mortgage loans held for sale ...................................................... 1,118 125 Investment securities: Held to maturity (estimated fair value- $257,518 in 1997 and $428,898 in 1996) 257,127 429,138 Available for sale ........................................................... 597,448 349,092 Loans ............................................................................. 3,317,230 3,035,147 Less: Allowance for loan losses ............................................. (47,153) (44,792) Unearned income .................................................... (9,471) (8,080) ------------- ------------- Net Loans ................................................ 3,260,606 2,982,275 ------------- ------------- Premises and equipment ............................................................ 61,647 57,900 Accrued interest receivable ....................................................... 26,771 27,044 Other assets ...................................................................... 82,672 82,981 ------------- ------------- Total Assets ............................................. $ 4,460,823 $ 4,111,323 ============= ============= Liabilities - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Deposits: Noninterest-bearing .......................................................... $ 551,015 $ 543,628 Interest-bearing ............................................................. 3,070,554 2,824,326 ------------- ------------- Total Deposits ........................................... 3,621,569 3,367,954 ------------- ------------- Short-term borrowings: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase................................ 160,290 139,670 Federal funds purchased....................................................... 70,811 63,825 Demand notes of U.S. Treasury ................................................ 5,661 5,544 ------------- ------------- Total Short-Term Borrowings .............................. 236,762 209,039 ------------- ------------- Accrued interest payable .......................................................... 25,618 20,667 Other liabilities ................................................................. 53,885 42,546 Long-term debt .................................................................... 47,695 51,560 ------------- ------------- Total Liabilities ........................................ 3,985,529 3,691,766 ------------- ------------- Shareholders' Equity - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common stock ($2.50 par) Shares: Authorized 200,000,000 Issued 40,644,088 (40,447,949 in 1996) Outstanding 40,602,088 (40,447,949 in 1996) ..................... 101,610 92,174 Capital surplus ................................................................... 293,308 217,833 Retained earnings ................................................................. 55,163 100,160 Net unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale...................... 26,409 9,390 Less: Treasury stock (42,000 shares in 1997)....................................... (1,196) - ------------- ------------- Total Shareholders' Equity ............................... 475,294 419,557 ------------- ------------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity ............... $ 4,460,823 $ 4,111,323 ============= ============= - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See notes to consolidated financial statements 37 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands, except per-share data) Year Ended December 31 ---------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----------- ----------- ------------ Interest Income - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loans, including fees ................................................ $ 271,791 $ 246,579 $ 230,201 Investment securities: Taxable ......................................................... 42,348 41,653 35,722 Tax-exempt ...................................................... 2,603 3,607 5,166 Dividends ....................................................... 2,599 2,101 2,072 Federal funds sold ................................................... 215 730 2,711 Interest-bearing deposits with other banks ........................... 72 179 272 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Interest Income ...................... 319,628 294,849 276,144 Interest Expense - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deposits ............................................................. 124,786 114,614 110,469 Short-term borrowings ................................................ 8,836 8,569 6,428 Long-term debt ....................................................... 3,396 1,994 2,233 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Interest Expense ...................... 137,018 125,177 119,130 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net Interest Income ......................... 182,610 169,672 157,014 Provision for Loan Losses ............................................ 7,742 5,561 3,998 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses ............ 174,868 164,111 153,016 ----------- ----------- ----------- Other Income - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trust department ..................................................... 9,019 7,872 7,435 Service charges on deposit accounts .................................. 15,803 14,164 11,787 Other service charges and fees ....................................... 9,063 8,619 8,159 Gain on sale of mortgage loans ....................................... 1,339 1,204 1,105 Investment securities gains .......................................... 5,831 3,124 3,205 ----------- ----------- ----------- 41,055 34,983 31,691 Other Expenses - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Salaries and employee benefits ....................................... 65,220 61,520 59,060 Net occupancy expense ................................................ 10,460 9,975 9,431 Equipment expense .................................................... 7,218 6,281 5,805 FDIC assessment expense .............................................. 675 3,225 3,778 Special services ..................................................... 6,967 6,764 5,727 Other ................................................................ 31,753 32,118 29,077 ----------- ----------- ----------- 122,293 119,883 112,878 ----------- ----------- ----------- Income Before Income Taxes .................. 93,630 79,211 71,829 Income Taxes ......................................................... 28,431 23,464 20,217 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net Income .................................. $ 65,199 $ 55,747 $ 51,612 =========== =========== =========== - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Per-Share-Data: Net Income (Basic) ................................................... $ 1.61 $ 1.38 $ 1.28 Net Income (Diluted) ................................................. $ 1.60 $ 1.37 $ 1.27 Cash Dividends ....................................................... $ 0.669 $ 0.594 $ 0.502 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See notes to consolidated financial statements 38 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Net Unrealized Common Capital Retained Holding Gains Treasury (Dollars in thousands, except per-share data) Stock Surplus Earnings on Securities Stock Total - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance at January 1, 1995 ............................... $ 78,689 $ 135,607 $ 138,810 $ 340 $ (4,474) $ 348,972 Net income .......................................... 51,612 51,612 Stock dividends issued - 10% (3,047,783 shares, including 342,980 shares of treasury stock) ...... 5,591 34,656 (45,397) 4,934 (216) Stock issued (253,499 shares, including 210,817 shares of treasury stock) ........................ 244 355 3,331 3,930 Acquisition of treasury stock (364,555 shares) ...... (5,979) (5,979) Net unrealized holding gain on securities ........... 8,202 8,202 Cash dividends - $0.502 per share ................... (20,255) (20,255) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance at December 31, 1995 ............................. 84,524 170,618 124,770 8,542 (2,188) 386,266 Net income .......................................... 55,747 55,747 Stock dividends issued - 10% (3,302,042 shares including 123,271 shares of treasury stock) ...... 7,225 46,859 (56,364) 2,206 (74) Stock issued (280,945 shares, including 83,072 shares of treasury stock) ........................ 425 356 1,464 2,245 Acquisition of treasury stock (83,875 shares) ....... (1,482) (1,482) Net unrealized holding gain on securities ........... 848 848 Cash dividends - $0.594 per share ................... (23,993) (23,993) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance at December 31, 1996 ............................. 92,174 217,833 100,160 9,390 -- 419,557 Net income .......................................... 65,199 65,199 Stock dividends issued - 10% (3,595,654 shares) ..... 8,989 73,962 (83,046) (95) Stock issued (196,325 shares) ....................... 447 1,513 1,960 Net unrealized holding gain on securities ........... 17,019 17,019 Acquisition of treasury stock (42,000 shares) ....... (1,196) (1,196) Cash dividends - $0.669 per share ................... (27,150) (27,150) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance at December 31, 1997 ............................. $ 101,610 $ 293,308 $ 55,163 $ 26,409 $ (1,196) $ 475,294 ======================================================================== - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ See notes to consolidated financial statements 39 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31 ------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- ------------- Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income ................................................ $ 65,199 $ 55,747 $ 51,612 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Provision for loan losses ................................ 7,742 5,561 3,998 Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment .. 7,020 6,257 5,663 Net amortization of investment security premiums ......... 204 649 1,793 Deferred income tax expense .............................. 1,624 103 1,343 Gain on sale of investment securities .................... (5,831) (3,124) (3,205) Gain on sale of mortgage loans ........................... (1,339) (1,204) (1,105) Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans ..................... 87,498 80,548 83,955 Originations of mortgage loans held for sale ............. (87,152) (78,856) (83,346) Amortization of intangible assets ........................ 1,571 1,536 1,622 Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable ....... 273 700 (3,915) Increase in other assets ................................. (11,914) (3,432) (7,466) Increase in accrued interest payable ..................... 4,951 365 6,607 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities ................. 8,008 (4,749) 2,636 ------------- ------------- ------------- Total adjustments .................................. 12,655 4,354 8,580 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by operating activities ....... 77,854 60,101 60,192 ------------- ------------- ------------- Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale ..... 120,713 47,149 14,918 Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity .. 176,338 213,545 222,901 Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale. 75,180 58,099 69,357 Purchase of securities held to maturity .................. (4,695) (106,721) (256,396) Purchase of securities available for sale ................ (410,177) (171,852) (75,039) Decrease (increase) in short-term investments ............ 1,035 2,348 (1,886) Net increase in loans .................................... (286,073) (306,408) (167,224) Purchase of premises and equipment, net .................. (10,767) (12,116) (7,662) ------------- ------------- ------------- Net cash used in investing activities ........... (338,446) (275,956) (201,031) ------------- ------------- ------------- Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net increase (decrease) in demand and savings deposits ... 9,770 55,036 (8,421) Net increase in time deposits ............................ 243,845 95,712 218,443 Addition to long-term debt ............................... 13,747 27,878 8,383 Repayment of long-term debt .............................. (17,612) (14,007) (977) Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings ............. 27,723 88,742 (57,965) Dividends paid ........................................... (25,849) (23,213) (19,838) Net proceeds from issuance of common stock ............... 1,865 2,171 3,714 Acquisition of treasury stock ............................ (1,196) (1,482) (5,979) ------------- ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by financing activities ....... 252,293 230,837 137,360 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net (Decrease) increase in Cash and Due From Banks ....... (8,299) 14,982 (3,479) Cash and Due From Banks at Beginning of Year ............. 180,691 165,709 169,188 ------------- ------------- ------------- Cash and Due From Banks at End of Year ................... $ 172,392 $ 180,691 $ 165,709 ============= ============= ============= Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the year for: Interest ........................................ $ 132,067 $ 124,812 $ 112,523 Income taxes .................................... $ 23,788 $ 19,763 $ 16,910 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See notes to consolidated financial statements 40 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Business: Fulton Financial Corporation (Parent Company) provides a full range of banking and financial services to businesses and consumers through its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries: Fulton Bank, Farmers Trust Bank, Swineford National Bank, Lafayette Bank, FNB Bank, N.A., Great Valley Bank, Hagerstown Trust Company, Delaware National Bank, The Bank of Gloucester County, The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company and The Peoples Bank of Elkton. In addition, the Parent Company owns four non-banking subsidiaries: Fulton Financial Realty Company, Fulton Life Insurance Company, Central Pennsylvania Financial Corporation and FFC Management, Inc. Collectively, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the Corporation. The Corporation's primary source of revenue is interest income on loans and investment securities and fee income on its products and services. Its expenses consist of interest expense on deposits and borrowed funds and other operating expenses. The Corporation is subject to competition from other financial services providers operating in its region. The Corporation is also subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by such regulatory authorities. The Corporation offers, through its eleven banking subsidiaries, a full range of retail and wholesale banking services throughout fifteen central and eastern Pennsylvania counties, two Maryland counties, one Delaware county and two New Jersey counties. Approximately 50% of the Corporation's business is conducted in the south central Pennsylvania region. Industry diversity is the key to the economic well-being of this region and the Corporation is not dependent upon any single customer or industry. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and include the accounts of the Parent Company and all wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of GAAP-basis financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Investments: Debt securities acquired are classified as held to maturity at the time of purchase when the Corporation has both the intent and ability to hold these investments until they mature. Such debt securities are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the effective yield method. The Corporation does not engage in trading activities, however, since the investment portfolio serves as a source of liquidity, certain specific debt securities and all marketable equity securities are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value with the related unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of tax. Realized security gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method and are recorded on a trade date basis. Revenue Recognition: Loan and lease financing receivables are stated at their principal amount outstanding, except for mortgages held for sale which are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. Interest income on loans is accrued as earned. Unearned income on installment loans is recognized on a basis which approximates the interest method. Accrual of interest income is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest credited to income is reversed. Nonaccrual loans are restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest become current or the loan is considered secured and in the process of collection. Loan Origination Fees and Costs: Loan origination fees and the related direct origination costs are offset and the net amount is deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to interest income. For mortgage loans sold, the net amount is included in gain (loss) upon the sale of the related mortgage loan. Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on the Corporation's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse 41 situations that may affect the borrowers' ability to repay, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, and current economic conditions. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate, however, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. Impaired loans, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or at the loan's observable market price or fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The provision for depreciation and amortization is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are a maximum of 39 years for buildings and improvements and eight years for furniture and equipment. Interest costs incurred during the construction of major bank premises are capitalized. Other Real Estate Owned: Assets acquired in settlement of mortgage loan indebtedness are recorded as other real estate owned and are included in other assets initially at the lower of the estimated fair value of the asset or the carrying amount of the loan. Costs to maintain the assets and subsequent gains and losses on sales are included in other income and other expense. Income Taxes: The provision for income taxes is based upon the results of operations, adjusted primarily for the effect of tax-exempt income and net credits received as a result of investments in low and moderate income housing partnerships. Certain items of income and expense are reported in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences are recognized currently in the deferred income tax provision or benefit. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the applicable enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expenses or benefits are based on the changes in the deferred tax asset or liability from period to period. Net Income Per Share: The Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (Statement 128), on December 31, 1997. Statement 128 requires dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the income statement for all entities with complex capital structures. The Corporation's basic net income per share is calculated as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. For diluted net income per share, net income is divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the incremental number of shares added as a result of converting common stock equivalents, calculated using the treasury stock method. The Corporation's common stock equivalents consist solely of outstanding stock options (See Note J). A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate basic net income per share and diluted net income per share follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)........ 40,564 40,372 40,333 Impact of common stock equivalents................. 306 250 278 ------------ ------------ ------------ Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)...... 40,870 40,622 40,611 ============ ============ ============ Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights: The Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights" (Statement 122), on January 1, 1996. This statement requires capitalization of the cost of the rights to service mortgage loans when originated mortgages are sold and servicing is retained, and for that cost to be amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income. In addition, the mortgage servicing rights must be periodically evaluated for impairment based on their fair value. There has been no material financial statement impact as a result of adopting Statement 122. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation: In 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (Statement 123). This statement requires a fair 42 value approach to valuing compensation expense associated with stock options and employee stock purchase plans. This statement encourages, but does not require, the use of this method for financial statement purposes. Companies that do not elect to adopt this statement for financial statement purposes are required to present pro-forma footnote disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value approach were used. Statement 123 became effective for the Corporation in 1996 and is applicable to all options granted after January 1, 1995. Management has adopted the disclosure requirements of this statement only and, accordingly, there has been no impact on the consolidated financial statements other than additional disclosures as provided in Note J. Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities: Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" (Statement 125), was issued in 1996 and is effective for 1997. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 127 (Statement 127) was also issued in 1996 and amended Statement 125 by deferring for one year the effective date for certain provisions of Statement 125. The Corporation adopted the applicable provisions of Statement 125 on January 1, 1997 and the remaining provisions on January 1, 1998. There was no material financial statement impact as a result of adopting Statement 125. Reporting Comprehensive Income: Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" (Statement 130), was issued in July, 1997. Statement 130 establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. The objective of Statement 130 is to report a measure of all changes in equity that result from economic events of the period other than transactions with owners. Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all other non-owner changes in equity. Statement 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Adoption of the statement will require the Corporation to include all non-owner changes in equity as components of comprehensive income. Currently, such non-owner changes in equity include only unrealized gains and losses on available for sale investment securities. Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the 1996 and 1995 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation. NOTE B - RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Corporation's subsidiary banks are required to maintain reserves, in the form of cash and balances with the Federal Reserve Bank, against their deposit liabilities. The average amount of such reserves during 1997 and 1996 was approximately $34.5 million and $43.9 million, respectively. NOTE C - INVESTMENT SECURITIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities as of December 31 (in thousands): Gross Gross Estimated Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair 1997 Held to Maturity Cost Gains Losses Value - -------------------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- U.S. Government and agency securities ................. $ 43,617 $ 184 $ (94) $ 43,707 State and municipal securities....... 33,473 744 (32) 34,185 Debt securities issued by foreign governments ............ 405 1 (3) 403 Corporate debt securities ........... 78 -- (6) 72 Mortgage-backed securities .......... 179,554 319 (722) 179,151 --------- ---------- ----------- ----------- $ 257,127 $ 1,248 $ (857) $ 257,518 ========= ========== =========== =========== 43 Gross Gross Estimated Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair 1997 Available for Sale Cost Gains Losses Value - ------------------------------------ --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Equity securities .................. $ 60,238 $ 38,680 $ (28) $ 98,890 U.S. Government and agency securities ................ 184,619 1,229 (333) 185,515 State and municipal securities...... 5,406 93 -- 5,499 Mortgage-backed securities ......... 306,556 1,806 (818) 307,544 --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- $ 556,819 $ 41,808 $ (1,179) $ 597,448 ========= ========== =========== ========== Gross Gross Estimated Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair 1996 Held to Maturity Cost Gains Losses Value - ------------------------------------ --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- U.S. Government and agency securities ................ $ 133,778 $ 466 $ (331) $ 133,913 State and municipal securities...... 52,224 1,232 (64) 53,392 Debt securities issued by foreign governments ........... 410 1 (3) 408 Corporate debt securities .......... 916 -- (9) 907 Mortgage-backed securities ......... 241,810 389 (1,921) 240,278 --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- $ 429,138 $ 2,088 $ (2,328) $ 428,898 ========= ========== =========== =========== Gross Gross Estimated Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair 1996 Available for Sale Cost Gains Losses Value - ------------------------------------ --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Equity securities .................. $ 47,649 $ 15,843 $ (331) $ 63,161 U.S. Government and agency securities ................ 176,975 785 (425) 177,335 State and municipal securities...... 5,959 37 (6) 5,990 Corporate debt securities .......... 150 -- -- 150 Mortgage-backed securities ......... 103,913 184 (1,641) 102,456 --------- ---------- ----------- ---------- $ 334,646 $ 16,849 $ (2,403) $ 349,092 ========= ========== =========== ========== The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 1997 by contractual maturity are shown in the following table. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Held to Maturity Available for Sale ---------------------------- -------------------------- Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value ------------ ------------- ----------- ------------ (in thousands) Due in one year or less ................ $ 33,190 $ 33,632 $ 49,060 $ 48,999 Due from one year to five years ........ 28,684 28,725 125,231 126,339 Due from five years to ten years ....... 11,964 12,138 15,142 15,073 Due after ten years .................... 3,735 3,872 592 603 ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- 77,573 78,367 190,025 191,014 Mortgage-backed securities ............. 179,554 179,151 306,556 307,544 ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- $ 257,127 $ 257,518 $ 496,581 $ 498,558 ============ ============ =========== =========== 44 Gains totaling $5.7 million, $2.9 million and $3.2 million were realized on the sale of equity securities during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Gains totaling $176,000 and $261,000 were realized on the sale of available for sale debt securities during 1997 and 1996, respectively. There were no sales of debt securities during 1995. Securities carried at $508.8 million and $437.5 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were pledged as collateral to secure public and trust deposits and for other purposes. NOTE D - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross loans are summarized as follows as of December 31: 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- (in thousands) Commercial, financial and agricultural..... $ 417,434 $ 389,377 Real estate-construction................... 136,775 118,131 Real estate-mortgage: First and second-residential............ 1,193,834 1,159,149 Commercial.............................. 906,245 774,881 Consumer................................... 609,244 549,647 Leasing and other......................... 53,698 43,962 ------------- ------------- $ 3,317,230 $ 3,035,147 ============= ============= Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows for the years ended December 31: 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Balance at January 1 ................. $ 44,792 $ 41,134 $ 40,377 -------- -------- -------- Loans charged off .................... (8,235) (5,490) (6,096) Recoveries of loans previously charged off ............ 2,724 3,587 2,855 Net loans charged off ................ (5,511) (1,903) (3,241) -------- -------- -------- Provision for loan losses ............ 7,742 5,561 3,998 Allowance purchased .................. 130 -- -- -------- -------- -------- Balance at December 31 ............... $ 47,153 $ 44,792 $ 41,134 ======== ======== ======== Nonaccrual loans aggregated approximately $15.2 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and $15.3 million at December 31, 1995. Interest of approximately $1.4 million, $1.6 million and $1.7 million was not recognized as interest income due to the nonaccrual status of loans during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1997, the recorded investment in loans that are considered to be impaired as defined by Statement 114 was $12.9 million (of which $12.0 million were included in nonaccrual loans). Included in this amount were $11.1 million of impaired loans with a related allowance for loan losses of $1.9 million and $1.8 million of impaired loans that as a result of write-downs do not have an allowance for loan losses. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was approximately $12.5 million and $15.4 million, respectively. The Corporation applies all payments received on nonaccruing impaired loans to principal until such time as the principal is paid off, after which time any additional payments received are recognized as interest income. Payments received on accruing impaired loans are applied to principal and interest according to the original terms of the loan. The Corporation recognized interest income of approximately $90,000 and $290,000 on impaired loans in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Corporation has granted loans to the officers and directors of the Corporation and to their associates. Related-party loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility. The aggregate dollar amount of these loans was $63.4 million and $61.2 million at December 45 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. During 1997, $12.9 million of new loans were made and repayments totaled $10.7 million. The total portfolio of mortgage loans serviced by the Corporation for unrelated third parties at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was $520.1 million and $514.0 million, respectively. NOTE E - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following is a summary of premises and equipment as of December 31: 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- (in thousands) Premises and leasehold improvements.. $ 73,239 $ 69,326 Furniture and equipment.............. 47,987 43,824 Construction in progress............. 2,337 1,878 ------------- ------------- 123,563 115,028 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization......................... (61,916) (57,128) ------------- ------------- $ 61,647 $ 57,900 ============= ============= NOTE F - LONG-TERM DEBT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term debt included the following as of December 31: 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- (in thousands) Federal Home Loan Bank advances...... $ 47,294 $ 49,028 Collateralized mortgage obligations.. - 2,098 Other................................ 401 434 ------------- ------------- $ 47,695 $ 51,560 ============= ============= As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had a series of collateralized Federal Home Loan Bank advances totaling $47.3 million. These advances mature through July, 2007, and carry a weighted average interest rate of 6.01%. As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation had an additional borrowing capacity of approximately $765 million with the Federal Home Loan Bank. NOTE G - REGULATORY MATTERS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend and Loan Limitations The dividends that may be paid by subsidiary banks to the Parent Company are subject to certain legal and regulatory limitations. Under such limitations, the total amount available for payment of dividends by subsidiary banks was approximately $157 million at December 31, 1997. Under current Federal Reserve regulations, the subsidiary banks are limited in the amount they may loan to their affiliates, including the Parent Company. Loans to a single affiliate may not exceed 10%, and the aggregate of loans to all affiliates may not exceed 20% of each bank subsidiary's capital and surplus. At December 31, 1997, the maximum amount available for transfer from the subsidiary banks to the Parent Company in the form of loans and dividends was approximately $182 million. Regulatory Capital Requirements The Corporation's subsidiary banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by banking regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory--and possibly additional discretionary--actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the subsidiary banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the 46 subsidiary banks' assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The subsidiary banks' capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the subsidiary banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 1997, that all of its bank subsidiaries meet the capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. As of December 31, 1997, the most recent notifications from The Pennsylvania Department of Banking categorized the Corporation's two significant subsidiaries -Fulton Bank and Lafayette Bank -- as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, these banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institutions' categories The table below presents the total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage requirements for the Corporation, Fulton Bank, and Lafayette Bank. Actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented. As of December 31, 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Well Capitalized Under For Capital Prompt Corrective Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions -------------------- ------------------- -------------------- Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio -------- ------- --------- ------- -------- -------- (Dollars in thousands) Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets): Corporation .............................. $472,110 14.3% $264,604 8.0% $330,754 10.0% Fulton Bank .............................. 193,892 12.7 121,807 8.0 152,258 10.0 Lafayette Bank ........................... 44,092 13.7 25,685 8.0 32,106 10.0 Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets): Corporation .............................. $430,694 13.0% $132,302 4.0% $198,453 6.0% Fulton Bank .............................. 176,392 11.6 60,903 4.0 91,355 6.0 Lafayette Bank ........................... 40,060 12.5 12,842 4.0 19,264 6.0 Tier I Capital (to Average Assets): Corporation .............................. $430,694 10.1% $127,527 3.0% $212,546 5.0% Fulton Bank .............................. 176,392 9.9 53,229 3.0 88,715 5.0 Lafayette Bank ........................... 40,060 9.1 13,163 3.0 21,939 5.0 As of December 31, 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Well Capitalized Under For Capital Prompt Corrective Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions -------------------- ------------------- -------------------- Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio -------- ------- --------- ------- -------- -------- (Dollars in thousands) Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets): Corporation .............................. $431,818 14.5% $233,816 8.0% $298,520 10.0% Fulton Bank .............................. 179,555 13.1 102,084 8.0 127,605 10.0 Lafayette Bank ........................... 42,801 14.3 24,017 8.0 30,022 10.0 Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets): Corporation .............................. $394,406 13.2% $119,408 4.0% $179,112 6.0% Fulton Bank .............................. 163,923 11.9 51,042 4.0 76,562 6.0 Lafayette Bank ........................... 39,089 13.0 12,009 4.0 18,013 6.0 Tier I Capital (to Average Assets): Corporation .............................. $394,406 10.0% $118,657 3.0% $197,761 5.0% Fulton Bank .............................. 163,923 9.9 49,629 3.0 82,716 5.0 Lafayette Bank ........................... 39,089 9.5 12,356 3.0 20,593 5.0 47 NOTE H - INCOME TAXES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: Year ended December 31 ----------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ------- ------- ------- (in thousands) Current tax expense - Federal ................................ $26,782 $22,982 $18,504 State .................................. 25 379 370 ------- ------- ------- 26,807 23,361 18,874 Deferred tax expense (primarily federal)..... 1,624 103 1,343 ------- ------- ------- $28,431 $23,464 $20,217 ======= ======= ======= The differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate are as follows: Year ended December 31 -------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ------ ------ ------ Statutory tax rate ........................... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Effect of tax-exempt income .................. (2.7) (3.3) (3.9) Effect of low income housing investments ..... (2.4) (3.1) (2.6) Goodwill amortization ........................ 0.4 0.5 0.6 Other, net ................................... 0.1 0.5 (1.0) ------ ------ ------ Effective income tax rate .................... 30.4% 29.6% 28.1% ====== ====== ====== The net deferred tax asset recorded by the Corporation consisted of the following tax effects of temporary differences at December 31: 1997 1996 --------- --------- (in thousands) Allowance for loan losses............................ $ 16,175 $ 14,747 Deferred loan fees................................... 1,002 1,641 Direct leasing....................................... (4,430) (3,235) Deferred compensation................................ 1,778 1,675 Postretirement benefits.............................. 3,136 3,156 Fixed asset depreciation............................. (282) (245) Other................................................ 451 1,715 --------- --------- 17,830 19,454 Unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale................................................. (14,220) (5,056) --------- --------- $ 3,610 $ 14,398 ========= ========= As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Corporation has not established any valuation allowance against deferred tax assets since these tax benefits are realizable either through carryback availability against prior years' taxable income or the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities. NOTE I - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Description of Plans The Corporation has a noncontributory defined contribution profit-sharing plan covering substantially all employees of the Parent Company, Fulton Bank, Farmers Trust Bank and certain employees of Lafayette Bank. Contributions are based on a formula providing for an amount not to exceed 15% of each eligible employee's annual salary for employees hired prior to January 1, 1996 and 10% of such annual salary for employees hired subsequent to January 1, 1996. 48 The Corporation also maintains a defined benefit pension plan which covers substantially all full-time employees of Swineford National Bank, FNB Bank, N.A., Lafayette Bank, Great Valley Savings Bank, Hagerstown Trust Company and Delaware National Bank. Pension contributions are actuarially determined and funded as accrued. These funds are invested in guaranteed investment contracts, U.S. Treasury securities, money market funds and common stock investment funds. For employees covered under the defined benefit plan, the Corporation provides an optional 401(k) plan. The terms of the plan allow eligible employees to defer up to 10% of their pre-tax salary on an annual basis. On a discretionary basis, the Corporation may also make a matching contribution which is limited to a maximum of 3%. The following summarizes the Corporation's expense under the above plans for the years ended December 31: 1997 1996 1995 --------- ---------- ---------- (in thousands) Profit-sharing plan.................... $ 3,322 $ 3,089 $ 2,969 Defined benefit plan................... 1,197 1,159 947 401(k) plan............................ 638 600 514 --------- ---------- ---------- $ 5,157 $ 4,848 $ 4,430 ========= ========== ========== Defined Benefit Pension Plan The net periodic pension cost for the Corporation's defined benefit plan, as determined by consulting actuaries, consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31: 1997 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- --------- (in thousands) Service cost-benefits earned during period...................... $ 969 $ 927 $ 657 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation................. 1,006 899 806 Actual return on assets................. (2,496) (808) (1,784) Net amortization and deferral........... 1,718 141 1,268 ---------- ---------- --------- Net periodic pension cost............... $ 1,197 $ 1,159 $ 947 ========== =========- ========= In 1996, the Corporation changed the valuation date of the defined benefit plan from December 31 to September 30. The accumulated plan benefits and funded status of the Corporation's defined benefit plan are as follows as of September 30: 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- (in thousands) Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Vested benefit obligation................. $ 11,142 $ 9,436 ============= ============= Accumulated benefit obligation............ $ 11,386 $ 9,683 ============= ============= Projected benefit obligation.............. $ 15,575 $ 14,015 Plan assets at fair value...................... 15,083 11,546 ------------- ------------- Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets............................... (492) (2,469) Unrecognized net (gain) loss................... (1,149) 382 Service cost not yet recognized in net periodic pension cost..................... 34 39 Unrecognized net obligation at transition...... 556 690 ------------- ------------- Pension liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheets............... $ (1,051) $ (1,358) ============= ============= 49 The following rates were used in calculating net periodic pension cost and the actuarial present value of benefit obligations: 1997 1996 1995 ------ ------ ------ Discount rate-projected benefit obligation ......... 7.00% 7.25% 7.00% Rate of increase in compensation level ............. 4.50 4.75 5.00 Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets ... 8.00 8.00 8.00 Postretirement Benefits The Corporation currently provides medical and life insurance benefits to retired full-time employees. Substantially all of the Corporation's full-time employees may become eligible for these discretionary benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Corporation. The components of the expense for postretirement benefits other than pensions are as follows for the years ended December 31: 1997 1996 1995 ------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Service cost-benefits earned during the period. $ 217 $ 230 $ 189 Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation 369 367 377 Actual return on plan assets................... (10) (6) (10) Net amortization and deferral.................. (309) (269) (279) ------- -------- -------- Net nonpension postretirement benefit cost..... $ 267 $ 322 $ 277 ======= ======== ======== The following table presents the status of the postretirement benefits plan at December 31: 1997 1996 --------- --------- (in thousands) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Fully eligible active and former members.. $ (968) $ (1,019) Other active members...................... (1,424) (1,367) Retired members........................... (3,270) (3,193) --------- --------- (5,662) (5,579) Plan assets at fair value...................... 196 189 Unrecognized prior service cost................ (2,263) (2,489) Unrecognized net gain.......................... (1,232) (1,138) --------- --------- Accrued postretirement benefit obligation...... $ (8,961) $ (9,017) ========= ========= For measuring the postretirement benefits obligation, an 8.5% increase in the per capita cost of health care benefits was assumed for 1997. This rate was assumed to gradually decline to 6.0% in 2000 and remain at that level thereafter. This health care cost trend rate has a significant impact on the amounts reported. Assuming a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would increase or decrease by approximately $728,000 and the current period expense would increase or decrease by approximately $111,000. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.00% and 7.25% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. NOTE J - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incentive Stock Option Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Corporation has an Incentive Stock Option Plan (Option Plan) and an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). The Option Plan, which was adopted in 1996, replaced a prior plan that originated in 1986 and expired in 1996. The terms of the plans are substantially the same. Under the Option Plan, options are granted to key personnel for terms of up to 10 years at option prices equal to the fair market value of the Corporation's stock on the date of grant. Options granted are 100% vested immediately upon grant. The Plan has reserved 1.55 million shares for grant under this plan through 2006. The number of options granted in any year is dependent upon the Corporation's performance relative to that of a self-defined peer group. A summary of stock option activity under the current and prior plan follows: 50 Option Price Per Share ------------------------------- Stock Weighted Options Range Average --------- ------------------ -------- Balance at January 1, 1995............ 1,058,233 $ 4.79 - $ 16.44 $ 9.90 Granted............................. 135,762 14.98 14.98 Exercised........................... (123,661) 5.06 - 16.44 9.88 Canceled (6,059) 5.06 5.06 ---------- Balance at December 31, 1995.......... 1,064,275 4.79 - 16.44 10.61 Granted............................. 126,638 17.39 17.39 Exercised........................... (269,922) 4.79 - 16.44 8.11 Canceled............................ (69) 12.55 12.55 ---------- Balance at December 31, 1996.......... 920,922 4.79 - 17.39 12.27 Granted............................. 138,500 27.13 27.13 Exercised........................... (212,956) 4.79 - 17.39 11.09 ---------- Balance at December 31, 1997.......... 846,466 $ 5.27 - $ 27.13 $ 15.00 ========== The following table summarizes information concerning options outstanding at December 31, 1997: Weighted Weighted Range of Unexercised Average Average Exercise Stock Remaining Exercise Prices Options Life (Years) Price --------------- ----------- ------------ -------- $5.00 - $10.00 196,284 4.24 $ 6.71 $10.00 - $15.00 289,905 5.66 13.33 $15.00 - $20.00 221,777 7.62 16.93 $20.00 - $30.00 138,500 9.50 27.13 ----------- ------------ -------- 846,466 6.49 $15.00 =========== ============ ======== The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase stock in the Corporation at 85% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise. Under the terms of the ESPP, 44,338 shares, 57,994 shares and 58,699 shares were issued in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. A total of 411,249 shares have been issued since the inception of the ESPP in 1986. As of December 31, 1997, 124,648 shares have been reserved for future issuances under the ESPP. The Corporation accounts for both the Option Plan and the ESPP under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, and, accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized in the financial statements of the Corporation. Had compensation cost for these plans been recorded in the financial statements of the Corporation consistent with the provisions of Statement 123, the Corporation's net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the following pro-forma amounts (in thousands, except per-share data): 1997 1996 1995 ------------- ------------ ------------- Net income: As reported.............. $ 65,199 $ 55,747 $ 51,612 Proforma................. 64,263 55,093 51,075 WNet income per share (basic): As reported.............. $ 1.61 $ 1.38 $ 1.28 Proforma................. 1.58 1.36 1.27 Net income per share (diluted): As reported.............. $ 1.60 $ 1.37 $ 1.27 Proforma................. 1.57 1.36 1.26 Weighted average fair value of options granted.............. $ 6.68 $ 4.10 $ 3.08 Because the Statement 123 method has not been applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro-forma compensation cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years. The fair 51 value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black- Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants: 1997 1996 1995 ------- ------- ------- Risk-free interest rate............... 6.44% 6.74% 6.65% Volatility of Corporation's stock..... 18.80 20.30 19.10 Expected dividend yield............... 2.50 3.20 3.20 Expected life of options.............. 6 Years 6 Years 6 Years Shareholder Rights In 1989, the Corporation declared a dividend distribution of one Right for each outstanding share of common stock to existing shareholders of record. In addition, each share of common stock issued subsequent to the record date of the dividend also entitles the holder to one Right. Upon distribution, each Right entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock or depending on events, receive common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. The purchase price was $90 per share in 1989 and is currently $40.65 due to stock dividends and splits. The Rights are not exercisable or transferable apart from the common stock prior to distribution. Distribution of the Rights will occur ten business days following (1) a public announcement that a person or group of persons ("Acquiring Person") has acquired or obtained the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Acquisition Date") or (2) the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group beneficially owning 25% or more of such outstanding shares of common stock. The Rights are redeemable in full, but not in part, by the Corporation at any time until ten business days following the Stock Acquisition Date, at a price of $0.01 per Right. The Rights will expire at the close of business on June 20, 1999, unless earlier redeemed. NOTE K - LEASES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Certain branch offices and equipment are leased under agreements which expire at varying dates through 2025. Most leases contain renewal provisions at the Corporation's option. Total rental expense was approximately $2.3 million in 1997, and $2.1 million in 1996 and 1995. Future minimum payments as of December 31, 1997 under noncancelable operating leases are as follows: Minimum Year Rent ----------------- -------- (in thousands) 1998............. $ 2,117 1999............. 2,054 2000............. 2,036 2001............. 1,980 2002............. 1,925 Thereafter....... 32,570 -------- $ 42,682 ======== NOTE L - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Corporation has not engaged in the practice of trading, issuing or holding derivative financial instruments such as futures, forward, swap, or option contracts. The Corporation is, however, a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, letters of credit, and guarantees which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk that are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. The Corporation had the following outstanding commitments to fund loans as of December 31: 52 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ (in thousands) Fixed rate: Less than 8.00%............ $ 17,997 $ 15,454 8.00% - 8.99%.............. 31,557 25,385 9.00% - 9.99%.............. 2,751 9,309 Greater than 10.00%........ 2,713 2,880 ------------ ------------ Total fixed rate................. 55,018 53,028 Floating rate.................... 938,996 876,056 ------------ ------------ $ 994,014 $ 929,084 ============ ============ Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitments is expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Corporation evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income producing commercial properties. Commitments under outstanding standby letters of credit were $89.9 million at December 31, 1997 and $75.8 million at December 31, 1996. From time to time, the Corporation and its subsidiary banks may be defendants in legal proceedings relating to the conduct of their banking business. Most of such legal proceedings are a normal part of the banking business, and in management's opinion, the financial position and results of operations of the Corporation would not be affected materially by the outcome of such legal proceedings. NOTE M - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following are the estimated fair values of the Corporation's financial instruments as of December 31 followed by a general description of the methods and assumptions used to estimate such fair values. These fair values are significantly affected by assumptions used, principally the timing of future cash flows and the discount rate. Because assumptions are inherently subjective in nature, the estimated fair values cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent market quotes and, in many cases, the estimated fair values could not necessarily be realized in an immediate sale or settlement of the instrument. Further, certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not necessarily represent management's estimation of the underlying value of the Corporation. 1997 1996 --------------------------- ---------------------------- Estimated Estimated FINANCIAL ASSETS Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value - --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- (in thousands) Cash and due from banks.......... $ 172,392 $ 172,392 $ 180,691 $ 180,691 Interest-bearing deposits with other banks............ 1,042 1,042 2,077 2,077 Mortgage loans held for sale..... 1,118 1,118 125 125 Securities held to maturity...... 257,127 257,518 429,138 428,898 Securities available for sale.... 597,448 597,448 349,092 349,092 Net loans........................ 3,260,606 3,284,464 2,982,275 2,987,506 Accrued interest receivable...... 26,771 26,771 24,044 24,044 53 1997 1996 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Estimated Estimated FINANCIAL LIABILITIES Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value - -------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- (in thousands) Demand and savings deposits........... $ 1,789,613 $ 1,789,613 $ 1,779,843 $ 1,779,843 Time deposits......................... 1,831,956 1,840,877 1,588,111 1,592,918 Short-term borrowings................. 236,762 236,762 209,039 209,039 Accrued interest payable.............. 25,618 25,618 20,667 20,667 Other financial liabilities........... 24,259 24,259 18,617 18,617 Long-term debt........................ 47,695 47,740 51,560 51,529 For short-term financial instruments, defined as those with remaining maturities of 90 days or less, the carrying amount was considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value. The following instruments are predominantly short-term: Assets Liabilities ----------------------------- ------------------------------- Cash and due from banks Demand and savings deposits Interest bearing deposits Short-term borrowings Accrued interest receivable Accrued interest payable Other financial liabilities For those components of the above-listed financial instruments with remaining maturities greater than 90 days, fair values were determined by discounting contractual cash flows using rates which could be earned for assets with similar remaining maturities and, in the case of liabilities, rates at which the liabilities with similar remaining maturities could be issued as of the balance sheet date. As indicated in Note A, securities available for sale are carried at their estimated fair values. The estimated fair values of securities held to maturity as December 31, 1997 and 1996 were generally based on quoted market prices, broker quotes or dealer quotes. For short-term loans and variable rate loans which reprice within 90 days, the carrying value was considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value. For other types of loans, fair value was estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. In addition, for loans secured by real estate, appraisal values for the collateral were considered in the fair value determination. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows using a rate at which the Corporation could issue debt with a similar remaining maturity as of the balance sheet date. The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of standby letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations. NOTE N - MERGERS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Peoples Bank of Elkton On August 31, 1997, the Corporation completed its acquisition of The Peoples Bank of Elkton (Elkton) of Elkton, Maryland. As provided under the terms of the merger agreement, Elkton became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation and each of the outstanding shares of the common stock of Elkton was converted into 4.158 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The Corporation issued 959,000 shares of its common stock in connection with the merger. Elkton, with approximately $99 million in assets at December 31, 1997, operates two branch offices in Cecil County, Maryland. As a result of the merger, Elkton became the Corporation's second banking subsidiary in Maryland and eleventh overall. 54 The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company On February 28, 1997, the Corporation completed its acquisition of The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company (Woodstown) of Woodstown, New Jersey. As provided under the terms of the merger agreement, Woodstown became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation and each of the outstanding shares of Woodstown common stock was converted into 1.76 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The Corporation issued 3.2 million shares of its common stock in connection with the merger. Woodstown, with approximately $267 million in total assets at December 31, 1997, operates seven branch offices in Salem and Gloucester Counties. As a result of the merger, Woodstown became the Corporation's second banking subsidiary in New Jersey and tenth overall. Gloucester County Bankshares, Inc. On February 29, 1996, the Corporation completed its acquisition of Gloucester County Bankshares, Inc. (Gloucester) of Woodbury, New Jersey. As provided under the terms of the merger agreement, Gloucester was merged with and into the Corporation and each of the outstanding shares of the common stock of Gloucester was converted into 1.91 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The Corporation issued 2.0 million shares of its common stock in connection with the merger. Through this transaction, the Corporation acquired ownership of The Bank of Gloucester County, its first banking subsidiary in New Jersey. The Bank of Gloucester County, with approximately $277 million in assets as of December 31, 1997, operates eight branch offices in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The acquisitions of Elkton, Woodstown and Gloucester were accounted for as poolings of interest and all financial statements and financial information contained herein have been restated to include the accounts and results of operations of these companies for all periods presented. Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. On August 15, 1997, the Corporation entered into a merger agreement to acquire Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. (Keystone Heritage) of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Keystone Heritage is a $650 million bank holding company whose sole banking subsidiary is Lebanon Valley National Bank (Lebanon Valley), which has 24 community banking offices in Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, Berks, and Schuylkill Counties. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the approximately 4.0 million shares of Keystone Heritage's common stock will be exchanged for 1.83 shares of the Corporation's common stock. In addition, each of the 84,000 options to acquire Keystone Heritage stock will be converted to options to purchase the Corporation's stock. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 1998 and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. As a result of the acquisition, Keystone Heritage will be merged into the Corporation and Lebanon Valley will be combined with Farmers Trust Bank, one of the Corporation's existing affiliate banks, to become Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank. Concurrently with the merger, deposits, loans and branches located in Lancaster and Dauphin Counties will be transferred to Fulton Bank. Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth On January 26, 1998, the Corporation entered into a Merger Agreement to acquire Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth. (Ambassador) of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Ambassador is a $275 million bank, which operates eight community banking offices in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of the 1.9 million shares of Ambassador's common stock will be exchanged for 1.12 shares of the Corporation's common stock. In addition, the 417,000 options and warrants to acquire Ambassador stock will be exchanged for approximately 327,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The acquisition is subject to approval by bank regulatory authorities and Ambassador shareholders. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 1998 and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. As a result of the acquisition, Ambassador will be merged with and into Lafayette Bank, one of the Corporation's existing affiliate banks. 55 NOTE O - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION - PARENT COMPANY ONLY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - ------------------------ December 31 --------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ (in thousands) ASSETS - ------ Cash, securities, and other assets......... $ 3,644 $ 40,938 Receivable from: Bank subsidiaries..................... - 822 Nonbank subsidiaries.................. 262 753 Investment in: Bank subsidiaries..................... 410,924 380,580 Nonbank subsidiaries.................. 90,080 21,497 ------------ ------------ Total Assets.......................... $ 504,910 $ 444,590 ============ ============ LIABILITIES - ----------- Short-term borrowings...................... $ 16,000 $ 15,111 Other liabilities.......................... 13,616 9,922 ------------ ------------ Total Liabilities..................... 29,616 25,033 Shareholders' equity....................... 475,294 419,557 ------------ ------------ Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity..................................... $ 504,910 $ 444,590 ============ ============ CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - ------------------------------ Year ended December 31 ------------------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 ------------ ------------ ------------ (in thousands) Income: Dividends from bank subsidiaries...... $ 41,428 $ 30,936 $ 35,653 Other................................. 12,262 8,432 8,764 ------------ ------------ ------------ 53,690 39,368 44,417 Expenses................................... 13,043 11,663 12,824 ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries.......................... 40,647 27,705 31,593 Income tax benefit......................... (2,192) (3,162) (3,249) ------------ ------------ ------------ 42,839 30,867 34,842 Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of: Bank subsidiaries..................... 23,291 25,694 16,373 Nonbank subsidiaries.................. (931) (814) 397 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net Income....................... $ 65,199 $ 55,747 $ 51,612 ============ ============ ============ 56 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - ---------------------------------- Year Ended December 31 ------------------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 ------------ ------------ ------------ (in thousands) Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net Income..................................................... $ 65,199 $ 55,747 $ 51,612 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)....................... 566 (211) 172 Gain on sale of investment securities....................... (5,191) (2,801) (3,151) Decrease (increase) in other assets......................... 2,366 2,708 (2,223) Increase in investment in subsidiaries...................... (22,361) (24,880) (16,770) Increase in other liabilities............................... 2,659 191 2,486 ------------ ------------ ------------ Total adjustments....................................... (21,961) (24,993) (19,486) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by operating activities............... 43,238 30,754 32,126 ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Investment in subsidiaries.................................. (20,283) (4,025) (12,851) Investment in real estate partnerships...................... (266) (296) (770) Proceeds from sales of investment securities................ 7,756 5,827 6,333 Purchase of investment securities........................... (5,978) (6,331) (5,767) Proceeds from sales of fixed assets......................... - - 1,090 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash used in investing activities................... (18,771) (4,825) (11,965) ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings............ 889 (5,389) (2,500) Dividends paid.............................................. (25,849) (21,126) (18,215) Net proceeds from issuance of common stock.................. 1,865 2,171 3,714 Acquisition of treasury stock............................... (1,196) (1,482) (5,979) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net used in financing activities........................ (24,291) (25,826) (22,980) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents............... 176 103 (2,819) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year..................... 5 (98) 2,721 ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year........................... $ 181 $ 5 $ (98) ============ ============ ============ Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the year for: Interest..................................................... $ 3,416 $ 3,508 $ 4,289 Income taxes................................................. $ 23,788 $ 19,763 $ 16,910 57 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Fulton Financial Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fulton Financial Corporation (a Pennsylvania corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company, which was acquired in 1997 in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests, as discussed in Note N. Such statements are included in the consolidated financial statements of Fulton Financial Corporation and reflect total assets of 6 percent in 1996, and interest income of 6 percent and 7 percent in 1996 and 1995, respectively, of the consolidated totals. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company, is based solely on the report of the other auditors. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fulton Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Lancaster, Pennsylvania January 23, 1998 58 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT ---------------------------- The Board of Directors and Shareholders The Woodstown National Bank and Trust Company P. O. Box 248 Woodstown, NJ 08098 We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of condition of The Woodstown National Bank and Trust Company and Subsidiary as of December 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Woodstown National Bank and Trust Company and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. PETRONI & ASSOCIATES /s/ Nick L. Petroni Certified Public Accountant January 30, 1997 59 FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per-share data) Three Months Ended ------------------------------------------------------------ For the Year 1997 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 - ------------------------------ ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Interest income............... $ 76,009 $ 79,092 $ 81,098 $ 83,429 Interest expense.............. 32,187 33,437 35,049 36,345 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net interest income........... 43,822 45,655 46,049 47,084 Provision for loan losses..... 1,818 1,641 1,930 2,353 Other income.................. 10,308 9,121 11,409 10,217 Other expenses................ 29,955 29,440 31,593 31,305 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Income before income taxes.... 22,357 23,695 23,935 23,643 Income taxes.................. 6,657 7,669 7,377 6,728 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net income.................... $ 15,700 $ 16,026 $ 16,558 $ 16,915 ============= ============= ============= ============= Per-share data: Net income (basic)....... $ 0.39 $ 0.40 $ 0.41 $ 0.42 Net income (diluted)..... $ 0.39 $ 0.39 $ 0.41 $ 0.41 Cash dividends........... $ 0.159 $ 0.170 $ 0.170 $ 0.170 Three Months Ended -------------------------------------------------------- For the Year 1996 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 - ------------------------------ --------- ---------- --------- --------- Interest income............... $ 71,268 $ 72,591 $ 74,806 $ 76,184 Interest expense.............. 30,696 30,662 31,434 32,385 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Net interest income........... 40,572 41,929 43,372 43,799 Provision for loan losses..... 742 1,031 1,669 2,119 Other income.................. 8,596 7,990 8,680 9,717 Other expenses................ 28,399 28,519 31,826 31,139 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes.... 20,027 20,369 18,557 20,258 Income taxes.................. 5,993 6,076 5,597 5,798 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Net income.................... $ 14,034 $ 14,293 $ 12,960 $ 14,460 ========= ========== ========= ========= Per-share data: Net income (basic)....... $ 0.35 $ 0.35 $ 0.32 $ 0.36 Net income (diluted)..... $ 0.35 $ 0.35 $ 0.32 $ 0.36 Cash dividends........... $ 0.137 $ 0.152 $ 0.152 $ 0.153 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on - --------------------------------------------------------- Accounting and Financial Disclosure ----------------------------------- None. 60 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant - ------------------------------------------------------------ Incorporated by reference herein is the information appearing under the heading "Information about Nominees and Continuing Directors" on pages 8 through 12 of the 1997 Proxy Statement and under the heading "Executive Officers" on pages 13 and 14 of the 1997 Proxy Statement. Item 11. Executive Compensation - -------------------------------- Incorporated by reference herein is the information appearing under the heading "Executive Compensation" on pages 15 through 17 of the 1997 Proxy Statement and under the heading "Compensation of Directors" on page 13 of the 1997 Proxy Statement. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Incorporated by reference herein is the information appearing under the heading "Voting of Shares and Principal Holders Thereof" on page 5 of the 1997 Proxy Statement and under the heading "Information about Nominees and Continuing Directors" on pages 8 through 12 of the 1997 Proxy Statement. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions - -------------------------------------------------------- Incorporated by reference herein is the information appearing under the heading "Transactions with Directors and Executive Officers" on pages 20 and 21 of the 1997 Proxy Statement, and the information appearing in Note D - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data". 61 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: 1. Financial Statements -- The following consolidated financial statements of Fulton Financial Corporation and subsidiaries are incorporated herein by reference in response to Item 8 above: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1997 and 1996. (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income - Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. (iii) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (vi) Report of Independent Public Accountants. 2. Financial Statement Schedules -- All financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and have therefore been omitted. 3. Exhibits -- The following is a list of the Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and filed as part of this report: (i) Articles of Incorporation as amended on April 13, 1990 and Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation, as amended on April 17, 1990 Incorporated by reference from Exhibits 19(a) and 19(b) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990. (ii) Rights Amendment dated June 20, 1989 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 June 21, 1989. (iii) Material Contracts - Executive Compensation Agreements and Plans: (a) Severance Agreements entered into as of April 17, 1984 and as of May 17, 1988 between Fulton Financial Corporation and the following executive officers: Robert D. Garner, Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., James K. Sperry and R. Scott Smith, Jr. - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 28 (a) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990. (b) Incentive Stock Option Plan adopted September 19, 1995 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit A of Fulton Financial Corporation's 1996 Proxy Statement. (c) Severance Agreement entered into as of November 19, 1992 between Fulton Financial Corporation and Charles J. Nugent, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10 (c) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992. (iv) Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (v) Consents of Independent Public Accountants 62 (vi) Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K -- 1. Form 8-K dated March 7, 1997 reporting the merger of Fulton Financial Corporation and The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company. 2. Form 8-K dated March 31, 1997 reporting execution of a Merger Agreement between Fulton Financial Corporation and The Peoples Bank of Elkton. 3. Form 8-K dated August 28, 1997 reporting execution of a Merger Agreement between Fulton Financial Corporation and Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. 4. Form 8-K dated September 15, 1997 reporting the merger of Fulton Financial Corporation and The Peoples Bank of Elkton. (c) Exhibits -- The exhibits required to be filed as part of this report are submitted as a separate section of this report. (d) Financial Statement Schedules -- None required. 63 SIGNATURES ---------- Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 (Registrant) Dated: March 17, 1998 By: /s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. ----------------------------- Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been executed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Capacity Date - --------- -------- ---- /s/ Jeffrey G. Albertson Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ Jeffrey G. Albertson /s/ James P. Argires, M.D. Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ James P. Argires, M.D. Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ Donald M. Bowman, Jr. /s/ Thomas D. Caldwell, Jr., Esq. Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ Thomas D. Caldwell, Jr., Esq. /s/ Beth Ann L. Chivinski Senior Vice President March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ Beth Ann L. Chivinski and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) /s/ Harold D. Chubb Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ Harold D. Chubb /s/ William H. Clark, Jr. Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ William H. Clark, Jr. /s/ Frederick B. Fichthorn Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ Frederick B. Fichthorn Director March 17, 1998 - ------------------------------------ Patrick J. Freer 64 Signature Capacity Date - --------- -------- ---- /s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. President, Chief Executive March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Eugene H. Gardner Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Eugene H. Gardner /s/ Robert D. Garner Chairman of the Board and March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Robert D. Garner Director /s/ Daniel M. Heisey Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Daniel M. Heisey /s/ J. Robert Hess Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- J. Robert Hess /s/ Carolyn R. Holleran Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Carolyn R. Holleran /s/ Clyde W. Horst Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Clyde W. Horst /s/ Samuel H. Jones, Jr. Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Samuel H. Jones, Jr. /s/ Bernard J. Metz, Sr. Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Bernard J. Metz, Sr. /s/ Charles J. Nugent Executive Vice President and March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Charles J. Nugent Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ Arthur M. Peters, Jr., Esq. Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Arthur M. Peters, Jr., Esq. /s/ Stuart H. Raub, Jr. Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Stuart H. Raub, Jr. /s/ William E. Rusling Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- William E. Rusling /s/ Mary Ann Russell Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Mary Ann Russell 65 Signature Capacity Date - --------- -------- ---- /s/ John O. Shirk, Esq. Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- John O. Shirk, Esq. /s/ James K. Sperry Executive Vice President and March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- James K. Sperry Director /s/ Kenneth G. Stoudt Director March 17, 1998 - ----------------------------------- Kenneth G. Stoudt 66 EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- Exhibits Required Pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K - ----------------------------- 3. Articles of Incorporation as amended on April 13, 1990, and Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation as amended on April 17, 1990 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibits 19(a) and 19(b) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990. 4. (a) Rights Agreement dated June 20, 1989 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 June 21, 1989. 10. Material Contracts - Executive Compensation Agreements and Plans: (a) Severance Agreements entered into as of April 17, 1984 and as of May 17, 1988 between Fulton Financial Corporation and the following executive officers: Robert D. Garner, Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., James K. Sperry and R. Scott Smith, Jr. - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 28(a) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990. (b) Incentive Stock Option Plan and Amendment No. 1 to that Plan adopted February 17, 1987 - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit (a)(i) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1987. (c) Severance Agreement entered into as of November 19, 1992 between Fulton Financial Corporation and Charles J. Nugent, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(c) of the Fulton Financial Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992. 13. Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997. 21. Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 23. Consents of Independent Public Accountants. 27. Financial Data Schedule. 67