10-Q 1 w34795e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20459
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007, or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File No. 0-10587
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
PENNSYLVANIA   23-2195389
     
(State or other jurisdiction of   (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)
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 þ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large accelerated filer þ     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No þ
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock, $2.50 Par Value – 173,172,000 shares outstanding as of April 30, 2007.
 
 

 


 

FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2007
INDEX
         
Description   Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
 
       
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    13  
 
       
    27  
 
       
    30  
 
       
       
 
       
    31  
 
       
    31  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    33  
 
       
    34  
 
       
Certifications
    35  
 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
 CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

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Item 1. Financial Statements
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
                 
    March 31        
    2007     December 31  
    (unaudited)     2006  
     
ASSETS
               
 
Cash and due from banks
  $ 344,969     $ 355,018  
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
    12,961       27,529  
Federal funds sold
    4,716       659  
Loans held for sale
    206,422       239,042  
Investment securities:
               
Held to maturity (estimated fair value of $12,357 in 2007 and $12,534 in 2006)
    12,424       12,524  
Available for sale
    2,609,184       2,865,714  
 
               
Loans, net of unearned income
    10,448,175       10,374,323  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (107,899 )     (106,884 )
 
           
Net Loans
    10,340,276       10,267,439  
 
           
 
               
Premises and equipment
    190,442       191,401  
Accrued interest receivable
    67,580       71,825  
Goodwill
    626,335       626,042  
Intangible assets
    35,750       37,733  
Other assets
    219,277       224,038  
 
           
 
               
Total Assets
  $ 14,670,336     $ 14,918,964  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
 
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 1,795,265     $ 1,831,419  
Interest-bearing
    8,440,315       8,401,050  
 
           
Total Deposits
    10,235,580       10,232,469  
 
           
 
               
Short-term borrowings:
               
Federal funds purchased
    442,362       1,022,351  
Other short-term borrowings
    696,081       658,489  
 
           
Total Short-Term Borrowings
    1,138,443       1,680,840  
 
           
 
               
Accrued interest payable
    63,484       61,392  
Other liabilities
    134,615       123,805  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and long-term debt
    1,576,283       1,304,148  
 
           
Total Liabilities
    13,148,405       13,402,654  
 
           
 
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
Common stock, $2.50 par value, 600 million shares authorized, 191.3 million shares issued in 2007 and 190.8 million shares issued in 2006
    478,163       476,987  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,249,549       1,246,823  
Retained earnings
    108,423       92,592  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (36,826 )     (39,091 )
Treasury stock, 18.2 million shares in 2007 and 17.1 million shares in 2006, at cost
    (277,378 )     (261,001 )
 
           
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    1,521,931       1,516,310  
 
           
 
               
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 14,670,336     $ 14,918,964  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2007     2006  
INTEREST INCOME
               
 
 
               
Loans, including fees
  $ 195,557     $ 161,114  
Investment securities:
               
Taxable
    24,619       22,539  
Tax-exempt
    4,281       3,533  
Dividends
    1,919       1,345  
Loans held for sale
    3,684       3,458  
Other interest income
    596       663  
 
           
Total Interest Income
    230,656       192,652  
 
               
INTEREST EXPENSE
               
 
 
               
Deposits
    71,208       50,190  
Short-term borrowings
    19,054       15,306  
Long-term debt
    18,619       12,113  
 
           
Total Interest Expense
    108,881       77,609  
 
           
 
               
Net Interest Income
    121,775       115,043  
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    957       1,000  
 
           
 
               
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
    120,818       114,043  
 
           
 
               
OTHER INCOME
               
 
Investment management and trust services
    9,810       10,032  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    10,627       10,247  
Other service charges and fees
    7,375       6,654  
Gains on sales of mortgage loans
    5,393       4,772  
Investment securities gains
    1,782       2,665  
Other
    4,078       2,237  
 
           
Total Other Income
    39,065       36,607  
 
               
OTHER EXPENSES
               
 
Salaries and employee benefits
    56,293       49,929  
Net occupancy expense
    10,196       8,589  
Equipment expense
    3,715       3,593  
Data processing
    3,202       2,909  
Advertising
    2,409       2,253  
Intangible amortization
    1,983       1,852  
Other
    23,107       18,891  
 
           
Total Other Expenses
    100,905       88,016  
 
           
 
               
Income Before Income Taxes
    58,978       62,634  
INCOME TAXES
    17,850       18,755  
 
           
 
               
Net Income
  $ 41,128     $ 43,879  
 
           
 
               
PER-SHARE DATA:
               
Net income (basic)
  $ 0.24     $ 0.26  
Net income (diluted)
    0.24       0.25  
Cash dividends
    0.1475       0.138  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006
                                                         
                                    Accumulated              
    Number of             Additional             Other              
    Shares     Common     Paid-in     Retained     Comprehensive     Treasury        
    Outstanding     Stock     Capital     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Stock     Total  
                    (dollars in thousands)                  
Balance at December 31, 2006
    173,648,000     $ 476,987     $ 1,246,823     $ 92,592     $ (39,091 )   $ (261,001 )   $ 1,516,310  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            41,128                       41,128  
Unrealized gain on securities (net of $1.9 million tax effect)
                                    3,537               3,537  
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments (net of $103,000 tax effect)
                                    (191 )             (191 )
Less — reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of $624,000 tax expense)
                                    (1,158 )             (1,158 )
Amortization of unrecognized pension costs (net of $41,000 tax effect)
                                    77               77  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    43,393  
 
                                                     
Stock issued, including related tax benefits
    474,000       1,176       2,218                               3,394  
Stock-based compensation awards
                    508                               508  
Cumulative effect of FIN 48 adoption
                            220                       220  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (1,039,000 )                                     (16,377 )     (16,377 )
Cash dividends — $0.1475 per share
                            (25,517 )                     (25,517 )
     
 
                                                       
Balance at March 31, 2007
    173,083,000     $ 478,163     $ 1,249,549     $ 108,423     $ (36,826 )   $ (277,378 )   $ 1,521,931  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Balance at December 31, 2005
    164,868,000     $ 430,827     $ 996,708     $ 138,529     $ (42,285 )   $ (240,808 )   $ 1,282,971  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            43,879                       43,879  
Unrealized loss on securities (net of $3.4 million tax effect)
                                    (6,297 )             (6,297 )
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments (net of $751,000 tax effect)
                                    (1,394 )             (1,394 )
Less — reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (net of $933,000 tax expense)
                                    (1,733 )             (1,733 )
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    34,455  
 
                                                     
Stock issued, including related tax benefits
    597,000       1,424       3,307                               4,731  
Stock-based compensation awards
                    344                               344  
Stock issued for acquisition of Columbia
    8,619,000       20,523       133,608                               154,131  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (51,000 )                                     (830 )     (830 )
Accelerated share repurchase settlement
                                            (3,423 )     (3,423 )
Cash dividends — $0.138 per share
                            (24,040 )                     (24,040 )
     
 
                                                       
Balance at March 31, 2006
    174,033,000     $ 452,774     $ 1,133,967     $ 158,368     $ (51,709 )   $ (245,061 )   $ 1,448,339  
 
                                         
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31  
    2007     2006  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 41,128     $ 43,879  
 
               
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    957       1,000  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    4,336       4,009  
Net amortization of investment security premiums
    563       1,015  
Investment securities gains
    (1,782 )     (2,665 )
Net decrease in loans held for sale
    32,620       40,627  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,983       1,852  
Stock-based compensation
    508       344  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (114 )     (584 )
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
    4,245       (228 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    2,026       (24,109 )
Increase in accrued interest payable
    2,092       6,441  
Increase in other liabilities
    8,594       17,180  
 
           
Total adjustments
    56,028       44,882  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    97,156       88,761  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
    271,483       64,225  
Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity
    220       4,355  
Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale
    103,032       197,541  
Purchase of securities held to maturity
    (122 )      
Purchase of securities available for sale
    (109,428 )     (319,199 )
Decrease in short-term investments
    10,511       13,129  
Net increase in loans
    (73,794 )     (228,950 )
Net cash paid for acquisition
          (105,266 )
Net purchase of premises and equipment
    (3,377 )     (7,966 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    198,525       (382,131 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net (decrease) increase in demand and savings deposits
    (48,777 )     45,118  
Net increase in time deposits
    51,888       134,953  
Additions to long-term debt
    290,000       172,642  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (17,865 )     (54,323 )
(Decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
    (542,397 )     47,336  
Dividends paid
    (25,596 )     (22,766 )
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    3,280       4,147  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    114       584  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (16,377 )     (4,253 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (305,730 )     323,438  
 
           
 
               
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Due From Banks
    (10,049 )     30,068  
Cash and Due From Banks at Beginning of Period
    355,018       368,043  
 
           
 
               
Cash and Due From Banks at End of Period
  $ 344,969     $ 398,111  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 106,789     $ 71,168  
Income taxes
    1,117       2,500  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE A – Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Fulton Financial Corporation (the Corporation) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 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. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.
NOTE B – Net Income Per Share and Comprehensive Income
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. Excluded from the calculation were 2.2 million and 1.4 million anti-dilutive stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate basic net income per share and diluted net income per share follows:
                 
    Three months ended
    March 31
    2007   2006
    (in thousands)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)
    173,273       170,869  
Impact of common stock equivalents
    1,605       2,297  
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)
    174,878       173,166  
 
               
Total comprehensive income was $43.4 million and $34.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
NOTE C – Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information
The Corporation does not have any operating segments, which require disclosure of additional information. While the Corporation owned thirteen separate banks as of March 31, 2007, each engaged in similar activities and provided similar products and services. The Corporation’s non-banking activities are immaterial and, therefore, separate information has not been disclosed.

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NOTE D – Income Taxes
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Specifically, the interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
The Corporation adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of adoption, the Corporation recognized a $220,000 decrease in existing reserves for unrecognized tax positions, which was accounted for as an increase to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.
As of the adoption date, the Corporation had unrecognized income tax benefits of $4.1 million, all of which if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Also as of the adoption date, the Corporation had $1.4 million in accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Corporation recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would also be recognized in income tax expense. There have been no material changes to unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2007.
The Corporation, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states. In many cases, uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. With few exceptions, the Corporation is no longer subject to U.S. Federal, state and local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.
NOTE E – Stock-Based Compensation
As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment”, the fair value of equity awards to employees is recognized as compensation expense over the period during which employees are required to provide service in exchange for such awards. The Corporation’s equity awards consist of stock options and restricted stock granted under its Stock Option and Compensation Plans (Option Plans) and shares purchased by employees under its Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
The following table presents compensation expense and the related tax impacts for equity awards recognized in the consolidated income statements:
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31  
    2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Compensation expense
  $ 508     $ 344  
Tax benefit
    (70 )     (133 )
 
           
Net income effect
  $ 438     $ 211  
 
           
Under the Option Plans, options are granted to key employees for terms of up to ten years at option prices equal to the fair market value of the Corporation’s stock on the date of grant. Options are typically granted annually on July 1st and become fully vested after a three-year cliff-vesting period. Certain events, as specified in the Option Plans and agreements, would result in the acceleration of the vesting period. As of March 31, 2007, the Option Plans had 14.9 million shares reserved for the future grants through 2013.

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NOTE F – Employee Benefit Plans
The Corporation maintains a defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan) for certain employees. Contributions to the Pension Plan are actuarially determined and funded annually. Pension Plan assets are invested in money markets; fixed income securities, including corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury securities and common trust funds; and equity securities, including common stocks and common stock mutual funds. The Pension Plan has been closed to new participants, but existing participants continue to accrue benefits according to the terms of the plan.
The Corporation currently provides medical and life insurance benefits under a post-retirement benefits plan (Post-retirement Plan) to certain retired full-time employees who were employees of the Corporation prior to January 1, 1998. Certain other full-time employees may become eligible for these discretionary benefits if they reach retirement age while working for the Corporation. Benefits are based on a graduated scale for years of service after attaining the age of 40.
The net periodic benefit cost for the Corporation’s Pension Plan and Post-retirement Plan, as determined by consulting actuaries, consisted of the following components for the quarter ended March 31:
                                 
    Pension Plan     Post-retirement Plan  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Service cost
  $ 626     $ 609     $ 108     $ 143  
Interest cost
    925       864       142       185  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,137 )     (1,057 )     (1 )     (1 )
Net amortization and deferral
    175       202       (57 )     (80 )
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 589     $ 618     $ 192     $ 247  
 
                       
NOTE G – Acquisitions
On February 1, 2006, the Corporation completed its acquisition of Columbia Bancorp (Columbia) of Columbia, Maryland. Columbia was a $1.3 billion bank holding company whose primary subsidiary was The Columbia Bank, which operates 20 full-service community-banking offices and five retirement community offices in Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Baltimore Counties and Baltimore City. The total purchase price was approximately $306.0 million, including $154.2 million in stock issued and stock options assumed, $149.4 million of Columbia stock purchased and options settled for cash and $2.4 million for other direct acquisition costs. The purchase price for shares issued was determined based on the value of the Corporation’s stock on the date when the number of shares was fixed and determinable.
As a result of the acquisition, Columbia was merged into the Corporation, and The Columbia Bank became a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition was accounted for using purchase accounting, which requires the allocation of the total purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date, with any remaining purchase price being recorded as goodwill. Resulting goodwill balances are then subject to an impairment review on at least an annual basis. The results of Columbia’s operations are included in the Corporation’s financial statements prospectively from the February 1, 2006 acquisition date.
NOTE H – Derivative Financial Instruments
As of March 31, 2007, interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $300.0 million were used to hedge certain long-term fixed rate certificates of deposit. The terms of the certificates of deposit and the interest rate swaps are similar and were committed to simultaneously. Under the terms of the swap agreements, the Corporation is the fixed rate receiver and the floating rate payer (generally tied to the three-month London Interbank Offering Rate, or LIBOR, a common index used for setting rates between financial institutions).

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The interest rate swaps are classified as fair value hedges and both the interest rate swaps and the certificates of deposit are recorded at fair value, with changes in the fair values during the period recorded to other income or expense. For interest rate swaps accounted for as fair value hedges, ineffectiveness is the difference between the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and the hedged items, in this case the certificates of deposit. The Corporation’s analysis of hedge effectiveness indicated they were highly effective as of March 31, 2007. For the quarter ended March 31, 2007, a net loss of $96,000 was recorded in other expense, representing the net impact of the change in fair values of the interest rate swaps and the certificates of deposit, compared to a net loss of $61,000 recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
The Corporation entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap with a notional amount of $150.0 million in October 2005 in anticipation of the issuance of $150.0 million of trust preferred securities in January 2006. This was accounted for as a cash flow hedge as it hedged the variability of interest payments attributable to changes in interest rates on the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt. The Corporation settled this derivative on its contractual maturity date in January 2006 with a total payment of $5.5 million to the counterparty, including a $1.4 million charge to other comprehensive loss (net of $751,000 tax effect) recorded during the first quarter of 2006. The total amount recorded in other comprehensive loss is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the related securities using the effective interest method. The total amount of net losses in accumulated other comprehensive income that will be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months is expected to be approximately $120,000.
In February 2007, the Corporation entered into a forward-starting interest swap with a notional amount of $100.0 million in anticipation of the issuance of subordinated debt in April 2007. This was accounted for as a cash flow hedge as it hedged the variability of interest payments attributable to changes in interest rates on the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt. As of March 31, 2007, $221,000 had been recorded as an other comprehensive loss representing the estimated fair value of the swap on that date, net of a $119,000 tax effect. The Corporation settled this derivative on its contractual maturity date in April 2007 with a total payment of $232,000 to the counterparty that resulted in an increase of $70,000 to other comprehensive income (net of $38,000 tax effect). The total amount of net losses in accumulated other comprehensive income that will be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months is expected to be approximately $14,000.
NOTE I – Commitments and Contingencies
The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. Those financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Corporation’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is represented by the outstanding amount of those instruments.
The outstanding amounts of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit were as follows:
                 
    March 31
    2007   2006
    (in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit
  $ 4,547,736     $ 4,268,227  
Standby letters of credit
    719,028       689,842  
Commercial letters of credit
    27,023       26,334  
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 and cash flows of the Corporation would not be affected materially by the outcome of such legal proceedings.

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During the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation recorded a contingent loss of $5.5 million related to losses that may be incurred due to the potential repurchase of approximately $34 million of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans originated and sold in the secondary market by the Corporation’s Resource Bank affiliate. Certain residential mortgage loans and home equity loans are sold to secondary market purchasers under standard representations and warranties regarding the origination of the loans, as well as a standard agreement to repurchase the loans under specified circumstances, including failure of the borrower to timely make any of the first three payments following the sale of the loan.
NOTE J – Stock Repurchases
The Corporation periodically repurchases shares of its common stock under repurchase plans approved by the Board of Directors. These repurchases have historically been through open market transactions and have complied with all regulatory restrictions on the timing and amount of such repurchases. Shares may also be repurchased through an “Accelerated Share Repurchase” Program (ASR), which allows shares to be purchased immediately from an investment bank. The investment bank, in turn, repurchases shares on the open market over a period that is determined by the average daily trading volume of the Corporation’s shares, among other factors, with a purchase price adjustment made between the parties at the end of the program based on the cost of shares purchased by the investment bank. In 2006, the Corporation settled an ASR related to an approved stock repurchase plan by paying $3.4 million to an investment bank.
In 2006, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan for 2.1 million shares through June 30, 2007. During the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation repurchased 1.0 million shares, representing the remaining shares available under this plan.
In April 2007, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan for 1.0 million shares through December 31, 2007. Repurchases under this plan are expected to occur through open market acquisitions.
NOTE K – Long-Term Debt
In January 2006, the Corporation purchased all of the common stock of a subsidiary trust, Fulton Capital Trust I, which was formed for the purpose of issuing $150.0 million of trust preferred securities at a fixed rate of 6.29% and an effective rate of approximately 6.50% as a result of issuance costs and the settlement cost of the forward-starting interest rate swap entered into in October 2005. In connection with this transaction, $154.6 million of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures were issued to the trust. These debentures carry the same rate and mature on February 1, 2036.
In May 2007, the Corporation issued $100.0 million of ten-year subordinated notes, which mature on May 1, 2017 and carry a fixed rate of 5.75% and an effective rate of approximately 5.95% as a result of issuance costs. Interest is paid semi-annually in May and November of each year.
NOTE L – New Accounting Standards
In September 2006, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Post-retirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements ” (EITF 06-4). EITF 06-4 addresses accounting for endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to post-retirement periods. EITF 06-4 would require that the post-retirement benefit aspects of an endorsement-type split-dollar life insurance arrangement be recognized as a liability by the employer and that the obligation is not settled upon entering into an insurance arrangement. EITF 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, or January 1, 2008 for the Corporation. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of EITF 06-4 on the consolidated financial statements.

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In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurement” (Statement 157). Statement 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Statement 157 does not require any new fair value measurements and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or January 1, 2008 for the Corporation. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of Statement 157 on the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (Statement 159). Statement 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and amends Statement 115 to, among other things, require certain disclosures for amounts for which the fair value option is applied. Additionally, this standard provides that an entity may reclassify held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities to the trading account when the fair value option is elected for such securities, without calling into question the intent to hold other securities to maturity in the future. This standard is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, or January 1, 2008 for the Corporation. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of Statement 157. The Corporation has not completed its assessment of SFAS 159 and the impact, if any, on the consolidated financial statements.
In March 2007, the FASB ratified EITF 06-10, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements ” (EITF 06-10). EITF 06-10 addresses accounting for collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to postretirement periods. EITF 06-10 provides guidance for determining the liability for the postretirement benefit aspects of collateral assignment-type split-dollar life insurance arrangements, as well as the recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement. EITF 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, or January 1, 2008 for the Corporation. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of EITF 06-10 on the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE M – Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the 2006 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Management’s Discussion) concerns Fulton Financial Corporation (the Corporation), a financial holding company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1982, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes presented in this report.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Corporation has made, and may continue to make, certain forward-looking statements with respect to its acquisition and growth strategies, management of net interest income and margin, the ability to realize gains on equity investments, allowance and provision for loan losses, expected levels of certain non-interest expenses and the liquidity position of the Corporation and Parent Company. The Corporation cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to various assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Because of the possibility of changes in these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from forward-looking statements.
In addition to the factors identified herein, the following risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements:
  Changes in interest rates may have an adverse effect on the Corporation’s profitability.
  Changes in economic conditions and the composition of the Corporation’s loan portfolios could lead to higher loan charge-offs or an increase in the Corporation’s provision for loan losses and may reduce the Corporation’s net income.
  Fluctuations in the value of the Corporation’s equity portfolio, or assets under management by the Corporation’s investment management and trust services, could have an impact on the Corporation’s results of operations.
  If the Corporation is unable to acquire additional banks on favorable terms or if it fails to successfully integrate or improve the operations of acquired banks, the Corporation may be unable to execute its growth strategies.
  If the goodwill that the Corporation has recorded in connection with its acquisitions becomes impaired, it could have a negative impact on the Corporation’s profitability.
  The competition the Corporation faces is increasing and may reduce the Corporation’s customer base and negatively impact the Corporation’s results of operations.
  The supervision and regulation to which the Corporation is subject can be a competitive disadvantage.
The Corporation’s forward-looking statements are relevant only as of the date on which such statements are made. By making any forward-looking statements, the Corporation assumes no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events or circumstances.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The Corporation currently derives the majority of its earnings from traditional banking activities, with net interest income, or the difference between interest income earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits and borrowings, accounting for approximately 77% of revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Growth in net interest income is dependent upon balance sheet growth and/or maintaining or increasing the net interest margin, which is net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. The Corporation also generates revenue through fees earned on the various

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services and products offered to its customers and through sales of assets, such as loans, investments, or properties. Offsetting these revenue sources are provisions for credit losses on loans, other operating expenses and income taxes.
The following table presents a summary of the Corporation’s earnings and selected performance ratios:
                 
    Three months ended
    March 31
    2007   2006
Net income (in thousands)
  $ 41,128     $ 43,879  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.24     $ 0.25  
Annualized return on average assets
    1.12 %     1.32 %
Annualized return on average equity
    11.06 %     12.83 %
Annualized return on average tangible equity (1)
    20.34 %     23.01 %
Net interest margin (2)
    3.74 %     3.88 %
 
(1)   Calculated as net income, adjusted for intangible amortization (net of tax), divided by average shareholders’ equity, excluding goodwill and intangible assets.
 
(2)   Presented on a fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis, using 35% Federal tax rate. See also “Net Interest Income” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
The $2.8 million, or 6.3%, decline in net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 was due to an increase in other expenses of $12.9 million, or 14.6%, offset by an increase in net interest income of $6.7 million, or 5.9%, and an increase in other income of $2.5 million, or 6.7%. The increase in other expenses was due to a number of factors, most notably, a $5.5 million contingent loss recorded during the first quarter of 2007 related to losses that may be incurred due to the repurchase of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans that had been originated and sold in the secondary market.
The increase in net interest income was due to external growth through acquisitions and interest recoveries from previously charged off loans, offset by the 14 basis point decline in net interest margin. The decrease in net interest margin was caused, in part, by deposits shifting from lower cost core demand and savings accounts to higher cost certificates of deposit. Interest recoveries totaled $3.7 million and $493,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Interest recoveries in the first quarter of 2007 were almost entirely due to a $3.4 million interest recovery related to one commercial mortgage loan.
The following summarizes some of the more significant factors that influenced the Corporation’s results for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Interest Rates – Changes in the interest rate environment can impact both the Corporation’s net interest income and its non-interest income. The term “interest rate environment” generally refers to both the level of interest rates and the shape of the U. S. Treasury yield curve, which is a plot of the yields on treasury issues over various maturity periods. Typically, the shape of the yield curve is upward sloping, with longer-term rates exceeding short-term rates. For the past twelve months, the yield curve has remained relatively flat, and at times, downward sloping, with minimal differences between long and short-term rates, resulting in a negative impact to the Corporation’s net interest income and net interest margin.
Floating rate loans, short-term borrowings and savings and time deposit rates are generally influenced by short-term rates. The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) raised the Federal funds rate twice since March 31, 2006, for a total increase of 50 basis points (from 4.75% to 5.25%). The Corporation’s prime lending rate had a corresponding increase, from 7.75% to 8.25%, resulting in an increase in the rates on floating rate loans. More significantly, the increase in short-term rates also resulted in increased funding costs, with short-term borrowings immediately repricing to higher rates and deposit rates – although more discretionary – increasing due to competitive pressures. Additionally, as rates have increased, customers

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have shifted funds from lower rate core demand and savings accounts to fixed rate certificates of deposit in order to lock into higher rates.
With respect to longer-term rates, the 10-year treasury yield, which is a common benchmark for evaluating residential mortgage rates, decreased to 4.65% at March 31, 2007, as compared to 4.86% at March 30, 2006. The decreasing yield on longer-term investments and the increasing yields on short-term rates have resulted in an inversion of the yield curve.
The Corporation manages its risk associated with changes in interest rates through the techniques described in the “Market Risk” section of Management’s Discussion.
Interest-bearing Deposits – The Corporation’s interest-bearing deposits increased from 2006 to 2007 through a combination of acquisitions and internal growth.
During the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation experienced a shift from lower cost interest-bearing demand and savings deposit accounts (47.0% of total interest-bearing deposits in 2007, compared to 51.3% in 2006) to higher cost certificates of deposit (53.0% in 2007, compared to 48.7% in 2006). The shift to higher cost deposits, as well as increasing deposit rates, has resulted in a decline in net interest margin.
Asset Quality – Asset quality refers to the underlying credit characteristics of borrowers and the likelihood that defaults on contractual payments will result in charge-offs of account balances. Asset quality is influenced by economic conditions and other factors, but can be managed through conservative underwriting and sound collection policies and procedures.
The Corporation continued to maintain excellent asset quality for the first quarter of 2007, attributable to its credit culture and underwriting policies. The Corporation experienced annualized net recoveries to average loans of less than one basis point in the first quarter of 2007 in comparison to annualized net charge-offs of 0.03% in the first quarter of 2006.
While overall asset quality has remained strong, deterioration in quality of one or several significant accounts could have a detrimental impact and result in losses that may not be foreseeable based on current information. In addition, rising interest rates could increase the total payments of borrowers and could have a negative impact on the ability of some to pay according to the terms of their loans. Finally, decreases in the values of underlying collateral as a result of market or economic conditions could affect asset quality.
Equity Markets – As noted in the “Market Risk” section of Management’s Discussion, equity valuations can have an impact on the Corporation’s financial performance. In particular, bank stocks account for a significant portion of the Corporation’s equity investment portfolio. Historically, gains on sales of these equities have been a recurring component of the Corporation’s earnings. Declines in bank stock portfolio values could have a detrimental impact on the Corporation’s ability to recognize gains in the future.
Earning Assets – The Corporation’s interest-earning assets increased from 2006 to 2007 through a combination of acquisitions and internal loan growth.
During the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation experienced a slight shift in its composition of interest-earning assets from investments (21.1% of total average interest-earning assets in 2007, compared to 22.6% in 2006) to loans (77.0% in 2007, compared to 75.3% in 2006). The movement to higher-yielding loans has mitigated some of the factors that have had a negative effect on the Corporation’s net interest income and net interest margin. Slower growth in loans could result in a future shift in the composition of interest-earning assets from loans to investments.
Acquisitions – In February 2006, the Corporation acquired Columbia Bancorp (Columbia), of Columbia, Maryland, a $1.3 billion bank holding company whose primary subsidiary was The Columbia Bank.

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Results for the first quarter of 2007 in comparison to the first quarter of 2006 were impacted due to a full three-month contribution by Columbia in 2007, compared to a two-month contribution in 2006.
Acquisitions have long been a supplement to the Corporation’s internal growth. This recent acquisition provides the opportunity for additional growth, as it has allowed the Corporation’s existing products and services to be sold in new markets. The Corporation’s acquisition strategy focuses on high growth areas with strong market demographics and targets organizations that have a comparable corporate culture, strong performance and sound asset quality, among other factors. Under the Corporation’s “super-community” banking philosophy, acquired organizations generally retain their status as separate legal entities, unless consolidation with an existing subsidiary bank is practical. Back office functions are generally consolidated to maximize efficiencies.
Merger and acquisition activity in the financial services industry has been very competitive in recent years, as evidenced by the prices paid for certain acquisitions. While the Corporation has been an active acquirer, management is committed to basing its pricing on rational economic models. Management will continue to focus on generating growth in the most cost-effective manner.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income increased $6.7 million, or 5.9%, to $121.8 million in 2007 from $115.0 million in 2006. The increase was due to average balance growth, with total interest-earning assets increasing 10.4%, offset by a lower net interest margin. The average FTE yield on interest-earning assets increased 54 basis points (an 8.4% increase) over 2006 while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 75 basis points (a 24.2% increase).

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The following table provides a comparative average balance sheet and net interest income analysis for the first quarter of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006. Interest income and yields are presented on an FTE basis, using a 35% Federal tax rate. The discussion following this table is based on these FTE amounts. All dollar amounts are in thousands.
                                                 
    Three months ended March 31  
    2007     2006  
    Average             Yield/     Average             Yield/  
    Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate  
ASSETS
                                               
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Loans and leases (1)
  $ 10,414,698     $ 196,558       7.65 %   $ 9,227,642     $ 161,883       7.11 %
Taxable investment securities (2)
    2,190,230       24,619       4.50       2,186,073       22,539       4.13  
Tax-exempt investment securities (2)
    492,709       6,228       5.06       435,959       5,185       4.76  
Equity securities (2)
    178,488       2,129       4.79       145,011       1,559       4.33  
 
                                   
Total investment securities
    2,861,427       32,976       4.61       2,767,043       29,283       4.24  
Loans held for sale
    207,856       3,684       7.09       199,441       3,458       6.94  
Other interest-earning assets
    48,328       596       4.97       63,388       663       4.23  
 
                                   
Total interest-earning assets
    13,532,309       233,814       6.99 %     12,257,514       195,287       6.45 %
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    315,969                       358,481                  
Premises and equipment
    192,002                       177,761                  
Other assets
    899,843                       786,918                  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (107,683 )                     (101,999 )                
 
                                           
Total Assets
  $ 14,832,440                     $ 13,478,675                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
  $ 1,657,714     $ 6,904       1.69 %   $ 1,666,506     $ 5,575       1.36 %
Savings deposits
    2,295,822       13,811       2.44       2,272,771       10,561       1.88  
Time deposits
    4,457,363       50,493       4.59       3,744,503       34,054       3.69  
 
                                   
Total interest-bearing deposits
    8,410,899       71,208       3.43       7,683,780       50,190       2.65  
Short-term borrowings
    1,552,495       19,054       4.93       1,487,295       15,306       4.13  
Long-term debt
    1,450,016       18,619       5.14       995,478       12,113       4.93  
 
                                   
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    11,413,410       108,881       3.85 %     10,166,553       77,609       3.10 %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
    1,721,135                       1,765,897                  
Other
    189,297                       159,401                  
 
                                           
Total Liabilities
    13,323,842                       12,091,851                  
Shareholders’ equity
    1,508,598                       1,386,824                  
 
                                           
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 14,832,440                     $ 13,478,675                  
 
                                           
Net interest income/net interest margin (FTE)
            124,933       3.74 %             117,678       3.88 %
 
                                           
Tax equivalent adjustment
            (3,158 )                     (2,635 )        
 
                                           
Net interest income
          $ 121,775                     $ 115,043          
 
                                           
 
(1)   Includes non-performing loans.
 
(2)   Balances include amortized historical cost for available for sale securities. The related unrealized holding gains (losses) are included in other assets.

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The following table summarizes the changes in FTE interest income and expense due to changes in average balances (volume) and changes in rates:
                         
    2007 vs. 2006  
    Increase (decrease) due  
    To change in  
    Volume     Rate     Net  
    (in thousands)  
Interest income on:
                       
Loans and leases
  $ 21,818     $ 12,857     $ 34,675  
Taxable investment securities
    43       2,037       2,080  
Tax-exempt investment securities
    708       335       1,043  
Equity securities
    391       179       570  
Loans held for sale
    151       75       226  
Other interest-earning assets
    (172 )     105       (67 )
 
                 
 
                       
Total interest income
  $ 22,939     $ 15,588     $ 38,527  
 
                 
 
                       
Interest expense on:
                       
Demand deposits
  $ (29 )   $ 1,358     $ 1,329  
Savings deposits
    108       3,142       3,250  
Time deposits
    7,178       9,261       16,439  
Short-term borrowings
    697       3,051       3,748  
Long-term debt
    5,969       537       6,506  
 
                 
 
                       
Total interest expense
  $ 13,923     $ 17,349     $ 31,272  
 
                 
Interest income increased $38.5 million, or 19.7%, due to increases in both average balances of interest-earning assets and rates. Interest income increased $22.9 million as a result of a $1.3 billion, or 10.4%, increase in average balances, while an increase of $15.6 million was realized from a 54 basis point increase in rates. Columbia contributed $11.4 million to the increase in interest income.
The increase in average interest-earning assets was primarily due to loan growth, and partially due to investment growth. The following summarizes the growth in average loans, by type:
                                 
    Three months ended        
    March 31     Increase (decrease)  
    2007     2006     $     %  
            (dollars in thousands)          
Commercial – industrial and financial
  $ 2,670,641     $ 2,278,597     $ 392,044       17.2 %
Commercial – agricultural
    360,601       327,929       32,672       10.0  
Real estate – commercial mortgage
    3,239,179       2,944,676       294,503       10.0  
Real estate – residential mortgage
    701,918       589,665       112,253       19.0  
Real estate – home equity
    1,441,741       1,333,897       107,844       8.1  
Real estate – construction
    1,396,527       1,163,368       233,159       20.0  
Consumer
    516,335       518,330       (1,995 )     (0.4 )
Leasing and other
    87,756       71,180       16,576       23.3  
 
                       
Total
  $ 10,414,698     $ 9,227,642     $ 1,187,056       12.9 %
 
                       

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Loan growth was particularly strong in the commercial loan and commercial mortgage loan categories, which together increased $719.2 million, or 13.0%, with the Columbia acquisition contributing $162.8 million to the increase. The Corporation experienced internal commercial loan growth throughout almost all commercial loan types, while the commercial mortgage loan growth was primarily in adjustable rate mortgages. Additional growth was due to an increase in construction loans due primarily to the Columbia acquisition, which contributed $161.8 million to the $233.2 million increase. Finally, residential mortgage loans and home equity loans increased $220.1 million, or 11.4%. This growth was primarily due to internal growth across both categories and partially due to the Columbia acquisition, which added $90.7 million to the increase.
The average yield on loans during the first quarter of 2007 was 7.65%, a 54 basis point, or 7.6%, increase over 2006. This mainly reflects the impact of floating and adjustable rate loans, which reprice to higher rates when interest rates rise, as they have over the past twelve months.
Average investment securities increased $94.4 million, or 3.4%. Excluding the impact of the Columbia acquisition, average investments decreased $51.6 million, or 1.9%. This decrease was due to the sale of approximately $250 million of lower yielding investment securities during the first quarter of 2007, at a total gain of $777,000, whose proceeds were used to repay higher cost Federal funds purchased. The average yield on investment securities increased 37 basis points from 4.24% in 2006 to 4.61% in 2007.
The increase in interest income (FTE) was largely offset by an increase in interest expense of $31.3 million, or 40.3%, to $108.9 million in the first quarter of 2007 from $77.6 million in the first quarter of 2006. The increase in interest expense was partially due to a 75 basis point, or 24.2%, increase in the cost of total interest-bearing liabilities in the first quarter of 2007 in comparison to the same period in 2006. The remaining increase was due to a $1.2 billion, or 12.3%, increase in interest-bearing liabilities, due primarily to internal growth and partially due to the Columbia acquisition contributing $6.8 million to the increase.
The following table summarizes the growth in average deposits, by type:
                                 
    Three months ended        
    March 31     Increase (decrease)  
    2007     2006     $     %  
            (dollars in thousands)          
Noninterest-bearing demand
  $ 1,721,135     $ 1,765,897     $ (44,762 )     (2.5 )%
Interest-bearing demand
    1,657,714       1,666,506       (8,792 )     (0.5 )
Savings
    2,295,822       2,272,771       23,051       1.0  
Time deposits
    4,457,363       3,744,503       712,860       19.0  
 
                       
Total
  $ 10,132,034     $ 9,449,677     $ 682,357       7.2 %
 
                       
The Corporation experienced significant growth in time deposits, of which $306.3 million was due to the Columbia acquisition. The remaining time deposit increase of $406.5 million was due to favorable interest rates making time deposits an attractive investment alternative for customers. The net decrease in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand and savings accounts of $30.5 million, or 0.5%, was mitigated by a $135.9 million increase related to external growth from the Columbia acquisition. The internal decrease of $166.4 million in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand and savings accounts was due to customers shifting from these accounts to higher yielding time deposits.
Average borrowings increased $519.7 million, or 20.9%, from the first quarter of 2006. Excluding the impact of the Columbia acquisition, average short-term borrowings decreased $20.8 million, or 1.5%, to $1.3 billion, while average long-term debt increased $432.2 million, or 44.1%, to $1.4 billion. The increase in long-term debt was primarily due to an increase in FHLB advances as longer-term rates were

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locked, and partially due to the average balance impact of the January 2006 issuance of $154.6 million of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. See Note K, “Long-term Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table presents ending balances of loans outstanding (net of unearned income):
                         
    March 31     December 31     March 31  
    2007     2006     2006  
    (in thousands)  
Commercial – industrial and financial
  $ 2,730,456     $ 2,603,224     $ 2,412,836  
Commercial – agricultural
    365,036       361,962       325,140  
Real-estate – commercial mortgage
    3,257,914       3,213,809       3,020,376  
Real-estate – residential mortgage
    699,528       696,836       612,584  
Real-estate – home equity
    1,425,948       1,455,439       1,406,076  
Real-estate – construction
    1,377,791       1,428,809       1,343,364  
Consumer
    514,007       523,066       516,789  
Leasing and other
    77,495       91,178       81,545  
 
                 
 
  $ 10,448,175     $ 10,374,323     $ 9,718,710  
 
                 
Approximately $4.6 billion, or 44.4%, of the Corporation’s loan portfolio was in commercial mortgage and construction loans at March 31, 2007, compared to 44.9% at March 31, 2006. While the Corporation does not have a concentration of credit risk with any single borrower, repayments on loans in these portfolios can be negatively influenced by decreases in real estate values. The Corporation mitigates this risk through stringent underwriting policies and procedures.

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The following table presents the activity in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses:
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31  
    2007     2006  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Loans outstanding at end of period (net of unearned)
  $ 10,448,175     $ 9,718,710  
 
           
Daily average balance of loans and leases
  $ 10,414,698     $ 9,227,642  
 
           
 
               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 106,884     $ 92,847  
 
               
Loans charged off:
               
Commercial – financial and agricultural
    361       879  
Real estate – mortgage
    42       81  
Consumer
    790       461  
Leasing and other
    167       79  
 
           
Total loans charged off
    1,360       1,500  
 
           
 
               
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
               
Commercial – financial and agricultural
    770       381  
Real estate – mortgage
    64       94  
Consumer
    393       331  
Leasing and other
    191       51  
 
           
Total recoveries
    1,418       857  
 
           
 
               
Net loans (recovered) charged off
    (58 )     643  
 
               
Provision for loan losses
    957       1,000  
 
               
Allowance purchased
          12,991  
 
           
 
               
Balance at end of period
  $ 107,899     $ 106,195  
 
           
 
               
Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans (annualized)
          0.03 %
 
           
Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding
    1.03 %     1.09 %
 
           
The following table summarizes the Corporation’s non-performing assets as of the indicated dates:
                         
    March 31     December 31     March 31  
    2007     2006     2006  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Non-accrual loans
  $ 37,914     $ 33,113     $ 34,716  
Loans 90 days past due and accruing
    13,467       20,632       13,126  
Other real estate owned
    6,576       4,103       2,011  
 
                 
Total non-performing assets
  $ 57,957     $ 57,848     $ 49,853  
 
                 
 
                       
Non-accrual loans/total loans
    0.36 %     0.32 %     0.36 %
Non-performing assets/total assets
    0.40 %     0.39 %     0.35 %
Allowance/non-performing loans
    210 %     199 %     222 %
The provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2007 totaled $957,000, a decrease of $43,000, or 4.3%, from the same period in 2006. During the first quarter of 2007, net recoveries totaled $58,000, or less than

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one basis point as a percentage of average loans on an annualized basis, an improvement of $701,000 over the $643,000 in net charge-offs, or 0.03% of average loans, recorded during the first quarter of 2006. Non-performing assets increased to $58.0 million, or 0.40% of total assets, at March 31, 2007, from $49.9 million, or 0.35% of total assets, at March 31, 2006. Total non-performing assets increased $109,000 from December 31, 2006.
Management believes that the allowance balance of $107.9 million at March 31, 2007 is adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio on that date and is appropriate based on applicable accounting standards.
Other Income
The following table presents the components of other income:
                                 
    Three months ended        
    March 31     Increase (decrease)  
    2007     2006     $     %  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Investment management and trust services
  $ 9,810     $ 10,032     $ (222 )     (2.2 )%
Service charges on deposit accounts
    10,627       10,247       380       3.7  
Other service charges and fees
    7,375       6,654       721       10.8  
Gains on sales of mortgage of loans
    5,393       4,772       621       13.0  
Other
    4,078       2,237       1,841       82.3  
 
                       
Total, excluding investment securities gains
  $ 37,283     $ 33,942     $ 3,341       9.8 %
Investment securities gains
    1,782       2,665       (883 )     (33.1 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 39,065     $ 36,607     $ 2,458       6.7 %
 
                       
Excluding investment security gains, total other income increased $3.3 million, or 9.8%, with the Columbia acquisition contributing $565,000 of this increase.
Investment management and trust services decreased by $371,000, excluding the acquisition of Columbia. The decrease was almost entirely due to a $314,000, or 8.1%, decrease in brokerage revenue. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was due to a $197,000 increase contributed by the Columbia acquisition, with additional increases of $289,000 and $102,000 in cash management fees and overdraft fees, respectively, offset by a $208,000 decrease in other service charges earned on both business and personal deposit accounts. The increase in other service charges and fees was primarily due to an increase of $684,000 in foreign currency processing revenues as a result of the recent acquisition of a foreign currency processing company. Additional increases were due to letter of credit fees ($130,000, or 10.8%) and debit card fees ($198,000, or 11.5%), offset by decreases in merchant fees of $324,000, or 15.9%. The increase in gains on sales of mortgage loans resulted from the spread on sales increasing 21 basis points, or 22.6%, offset partially by a $42.6 million, or 8.3%, decrease in sales volumes resulting from the increase in longer-term mortgage rates.
Investment securities gains decreased $833,000, or 33.1%. Investment securities gains during the first quarter of 2007 and 2006 consisted of net realized gains on the sale of equity securities of $999,000 and $2.7 million, respectively. Investment security gains on the sale of available for sale debt securities for the first quarter of 2007 and 2006 were $779,000 and $12,000, respectively.

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Other Expenses
The following table presents the components of other expenses:
                                 
    Three months ended        
    March 31     Increase (decrease)  
    2007     2006     $     %  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 56,293     $ 49,929     $ 6,364       12.7 %
Net occupancy expense
    10,196       8,589       1,607       18.7  
Equipment expense
    3,715       3,593       122       3.4  
Data processing
    3,202       2,909       293       10.1  
Advertising
    2,409       2,253       156       6.9  
Telecommunications
    1,983       2,092       (109 )     (5.2 )
Intangible amortization
    1,983       1,852       131       7.1  
Supplies
    1,481       1,592       (111 )     (7.0 )
Postage
    1,449       1,301       148       11.4  
Professional fees
    1,197       1,408       (211 )     (15.0 )
Operating risk loss
    5,914       1,099       4,815       438.1  
Other
    11,083       11,399       (316 )     (2.8 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 100,905     $ 88,016     $ 12,889       14.6 %
 
                       
The increase in salaries and employee benefits includes a $4.3 million, or 10.7%, increase in salaries, driven by the Columbia acquisition, which added approximately $1.4 million to the increase, as well as an increase in total average full-time equivalent employees and normal salary increases for existing employees. Also contributing to the increase in salaries was a $644,000 increase related to corporate and affiliate senior management bonuses and a $164,000 increase in stock compensation expense. Employee benefits increased $1.2 million, or 14.2%, primarily due to increases in healthcare costs and pension expenses and partially due to the Columbia acquisition.
The increase in net occupancy expense was partially due to the Columbia acquisition, which contributed $504,000 to the increase. The remaining increase was due to additional rental expense and depreciation of real property as a result of growth in the branch network in the first quarter of 2007 in comparison to 2006.
The increase in operating risk loss was due to the $5.5 million contingent loss recorded during the first quarter of 2007 related to losses that may be incurred due to the repurchase of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans that had been originated and sold in the secondary market.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2007 was $17.9 million, a $905,000, or 4.8%, decrease from $18.8 million in 2006. The Corporation’s effective tax rate was fairly consistent over both periods, at approximately 30.3% in 2007 and 29.9% in 2006. The effective rate is lower than the Federal statutory rate of 35% due mainly to investments in tax-free municipal securities and Federal tax credits from investments in low and moderate-income housing partnerships.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets of the Corporation decreased $248.6 million, or 1.7%, to $14.7 billion at March 31, 2007, compared to $14.9 billion at December 31, 2006 mainly as a result of sales of investment securities and payoffs of borrowings with the proceeds.
The Corporation experienced a $73.9 million, or 0.7%, increase in loans, including a moderate increase in commercial loan and commercial mortgage loans, offset by slight decreases in construction and home equity loans. Commercial loans and commercial mortgages increased $174.4 million, or 2.8%, while construction loans decreased $51.0 million, or 3.6%, and home equity loans decreased $29.5 million, or 2.0%.
Investment securities decreased $256.6 million, or 8.9%, due to the sale of approximately $250 million of securities, the proceeds from which were largely used to reduce Federal funds purchased.
In comparison to December 31, 2006, deposits remained relatively unchanged, with decreases in noninterest-bearing demand deposits and interest-bearing savings accounts of $48.6 million, or 1.2%, offset by an increase in time deposits of $51.9 million, or 1.2%. The decrease in noninterest–bearing demand and interest-bearing savings accounts was largely due to a decrease in business accounts, offset partially by an increase in personal accounts. The increase in time deposits resulted from the price sensitivity of customers who have taken advantage of favorable interest rates offered on time deposits in the recent interest rate and competitive environment.
Short-term borrowings, which consist mainly of Federal funds purchased and customer cash management accounts, decreased $542.4 million, or 32.3%, during the first quarter of 2007. The decrease was mainly in Federal funds purchased, which decreased $580.0 million, or 56.7%, offset slightly by an increase in short-term promissory notes of $80.3 million, or 28.8%. As discussed above, the proceeds from certain investment security sales were used to repay higher rate Federal funds purchased. In addition, new FHLB advances totaling $290.0 million were primarily used to reduce Federal funds purchased.
Capital Resources
Total shareholders’ equity increased $5.6 million, or 0.4%, during the first quarter of 2007. Equity increased due to net income of $41.1 million and $2.3 million in other comprehensive income, offset by $25.5 million in cash dividends paid to shareholders and $16.4 million in treasury stock purchases.
The Corporation periodically repurchases shares of its common stock under repurchase plans approved by the Board of Directors. These repurchases have historically been through open market transactions and have complied with all regulatory restrictions on the timing and amount of repurchases. Shares may also be repurchased through an “Accelerated Share Repurchase” program (ASR), which allows shares to be repurchased immediately from an investment bank. The investment bank, in turn, repurchases shares on the open market over a period that is determined by the average daily trading volume of the Corporation’s shares, among other factors, with a purchase price adjustment made between the parties at the end of the program based on the cost of shares purchased by the investment bank. Shares repurchased have been added to treasury stock and are accounted for at cost. These shares are periodically reissued for various corporate needs.
In 2006, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan for 2.1 million shares through June 30, 2007. During the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation repurchased 1.0 million shares, representing the remaining shares available under this plan. In April 2007, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan for 1.0 million shares through December 31, 2007.

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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 March 31, 2007, the Corporation and each of its bank subsidiaries met the minimum requirements. In addition, the Corporation and each of its bank subsidiaries’ capital ratios exceeded the amounts required to be considered “well-capitalized” as defined in the regulations. The following table summarizes the Corporation’s capital ratios in comparison to regulatory requirements:
                                 
                    Regulatory Minimum
    March 31   December 31   Capital   Well
    2007   2006   Adequacy   Capitalized
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
    11.9 %     11.7 %     8.0 %     10.0 %
Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
    10.0 %     9.9 %     4.0 %     6.0 %
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
    7.7 %     7.7 %     3.0 %     5.0 %
Liquidity
The Corporation must maintain a sufficient level of liquid assets to meet the cash needs of its customers, who, as depositors, may want to withdraw funds or who, as borrowers, need credit availability. Liquidity is provided on a continuous basis through scheduled and unscheduled principal and interest payments on outstanding loans and investments and through the availability of deposits and borrowings. The Corporation also maintains secondary sources that provide liquidity on a secured and unsecured basis to meet short-term liquidity needs.
The Corporation’s sources and uses of cash were discussed in general terms in the net interest income section of Management’s Discussion. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows provide additional information. The Corporation generated $97.2 million in cash from operating activities during the first quarter of 2007, mainly due to first quarter net income and a net decrease in loans held for sale. Cash flows from investing activities were $198.5 million, due to proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities exceeding purchases. Financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $305.7 million, due to decreases of short-term borrowings, offset partially by proceeds received from additional long-term debt.
Liquidity must also be managed at the Fulton Financial Corporation Parent Company level. For safety and soundness reasons, banking regulations limit the amount of cash that can be transferred from subsidiary banks to the Parent Company in the form of loans and dividends. Generally, these limitations are based on the subsidiary banks’ regulatory capital levels and their net income. As a result of increased stock repurchase plans and acquisition activity the Parent Company’s cash needs have increased in recent years, requiring additional sources of funds.
In May 2007, the Corporation issued $100.0 million of subordinated ten-year notes, which mature on May 1, 2017 at an effective rate of approximately 5.95%. Interest paid semi-annually in May and November of each year.
The Corporation also has a revolving line of credit agreement with an unaffiliated bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the Corporation can borrow up to $100.0 million with interest calculated at the one-month London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.35%. The credit agreement requires the Corporation to maintain certain financial ratios related to capital strength and earnings. The Corporation was in compliance with all required covenants under the credit agreement as of March 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2007, there was $57.1 million borrowed against this line.

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These borrowing arrangements supplement the liquidity available from subsidiaries through dividends and borrowings and provide some flexibility in Parent Company cash management. Management continues to monitor the liquidity and capital needs of the Parent Company and will implement appropriate strategies, as necessary, to remain well capitalized and to meet its cash needs.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the exposure to economic loss that arises from changes in the values of certain financial instruments. The types of market risk exposures generally faced by financial institutions include interest rate risk, equity market price risk, foreign currency risk and commodity price risk. Due to the nature of its operations, only equity market price risk and interest rate risk are significant to the Corporation.
Equity Market Price Risk
Equity market price risk is the risk that changes in the values of equity investments could have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Corporation. The Corporation’s equity investments consist primarily of common stocks of publicly traded financial institutions (cost basis of approximately $93.9 million and fair value of $90.0 million at March 31, 2007). The Corporation’s financial institutions stock portfolio had gross unrealized gains of approximately $1.4 million at March 31, 2007.
Although the carrying value of financial institutions stock accounted for only 0.6% 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 more significantly, or for an extended period of time, this revenue source could be lost.
Management continuously monitors the fair value of its equity investments and evaluates current market conditions and operating results of the companies. Periodic sale and purchase decisions are made based on this monitoring process. None of the Corporation’s equity securities are classified as trading. Future cash flows from these investments are not provided in the table on page 28 as such investments do not have maturity dates.
The Corporation has evaluated, based on existing accounting guidance, whether any unrealized losses on individual equity investments constituted “other-than-temporary” impairment, which would require a write-down through a charge to earnings. Based on the results of such evaluations, the Corporation recorded write-downs of $117,000 for specific equity securities, which were deemed to exhibit other-than-temporary impairment in value as of March 31, 2007. Additional impairment charges may be necessary depending upon the performance of the equity markets in general and the performance of the individual investments held by the Corporation.
In addition to its equity portfolio, the Corporation’s investment management and trust services revenue could be impacted by fluctuations in the securities markets. A portion of the Corporation’s trust revenue is based on the value of the underlying investment portfolios. If securities markets contract, the Corporation’s revenue could be negatively impacted. In addition, the ability of the Corporation to sell its equities brokerage services is dependent, in part, upon consumers’ level of confidence in the outlook for rising securities prices.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk creates exposure in two primary areas. First, changes in rates have an impact on the Corporation’s liquidity position and could affect its ability to meet obligations and continue to grow. Second, movements in interest rates can create fluctuations in the Corporation’s net income and changes in the economic value of its equity.
The Corporation employs various management techniques to minimize its exposure to interest rate risk. An Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO), consisting of key financial and senior management personnel, meets on a bi-weekly basis. The ALCO is responsible for reviewing the interest rate sensitivity position of the Corporation, approving asset and liability management policies, and overseeing the formulation and implementation of strategies regarding balance sheet positions and earnings.

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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. All dollar amounts are in thousands.
                                                                 
    Expected Maturity Period           Estimated
    Year 1   Year 2   Year 3   Year 4   Year 5   Beyond   Total   Fair Value
Fixed rate loans (1)
  $ 884,263     $ 607,086     $ 495,016     $ 352,157     $ 253,648     $ 619,019     $ 3,211,189     $ 3,157,312  
Average rate
    6.66 %     6.46 %     6.56 %     6.72 %     6.78 %     6.42 %     6.58 %        
Floating rate loans (1) (7) (8)
    3,208,574       784,253       643,169       536,916       446,094       1,610,136       7,229,142       7,195,942  
Average rate
    8.23 %     7.72 %     7.74 %     7.76 %     7.26 %     6.76 %     7.71 %        
 
                                                               
Fixed rate investments (2)
    494,138       442,619       479,352       463,653       200,646       307,025       2,387,433       2,353,345  
Average rate
    4.23 %     4.02 %     4.07 %     3.96 %     4.14 %     5.32 %     4.24 %        
Floating rate investments (2)
    44       1,569             500             86,710       88,823       89,362  
Average rate
    5.12 %     5.01 %           6.24 %           5.55 %     5.54 %        
 
                                                               
Other interest-earning assets
    224,099                                     224,099       224,099  
Average rate
    7.08 %                                   7.08 %        
     
 
                                                               
Total
  $ 4,811,118     $ 1,835,527     $ 1,617,537     $ 1,353,226     $ 900,388     $ 2,622,890     $ 13,140,686     $ 13,020,060  
Average rate
    7.48 %     6.41 %     6.29 %     6.19 %     6.43 %     6.47 %     6.78 %        
     
 
                                                               
Fixed rate deposits (3)
  $ 3,515,704     $ 443,770     $ 140,473     $ 98,856     $ 63,296     $ 181,438     $ 4,443,537     $ 4,433,120  
Average rate
    4.59 %     4.34 %     4.27 %     4.52 %     4.73 %     4.61 %     4.56 %        
Floating rate deposits (4)
    1,681,906       265,789       265,789       254,081       247,830       3,076,645       5,792,040       5,792,041  
Average rate
    3.04 %     1.06 %     1.06 %     0.96 %     0.90 %     0.75 %     1.46 %        
 
                                                               
Fixed rate borrowings (5)
    320,726       94,667       98,266       264,290       20,268       415,637       1,213,854       1,217,277  
Average rate
    5.47 %     4.60 %     5.03 %     5.23 %     5.15 %     5.27 %     5.24 %        
Floating rate borrowings (6)
    1,142,617       191,000                         166,565       1,500,182       1,500,182  
Average rate
    4.77 %     4.59 %                       4.69 %     4.74 %        
     
 
                                                               
Total
  $ 6,660,953     $ 995,226     $ 504,528     $ 617,227     $ 331,394     $ 3,840,285     $ 12,949,613     $ 12,942,620  
Average rate
    4.27 %     3.54 %     2.73 %     3.36 %     1.89 %     1.59 %     3.26 %        
     
 
(1)   Amounts are based on contractual payments and maturities, adjusted for expected prepayments.
 
(2)   Amounts are based on contractual maturities; adjusted for expected prepayments on mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and expected calls on agency and municipal securities.
 
(3)   Amounts are based on contractual maturities of time deposits.
 
(4)   Estimated based on history of deposit flows.
 
(5)   Amounts are based on contractual maturities of debt instruments, adjusted for possible calls.
 
(6)   Amounts include Federal Funds purchased, short-term promissory notes, floating FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which mature in less than 90 days, in addition to junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures.
 
(7)   Floating rate loans include adjustable rate mortgages.
 
(8)   Line of credit amounts are based on historical cash flow assumptions, with an average life of approximately 5 years.
The preceding table and discussion addressed the liquidity implications of interest rate risk and focused on expected contractual cash flows from financial instruments. Expected maturities, however, do not necessarily estimate the net interest income impact of interest rate changes. Certain financial instruments, such as adjustable rate loans, have repricing periods that differ from expected cash flows. Fair value adjustments related to acquisitions and overdraft deposit balances are not included in the preceding table.
The Corporation uses three complementary methods to measure and manage interest rate risk. They are static gap analysis, simulation of earnings, and estimates of economic value of equity. Using these measurements in tandem provides a reasonably comprehensive summary of the magnitude of interest rate

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risk in the Corporation, level of risk as time evolves, and exposure to changes in interest rate relationships.
Static gap provides a measurement of repricing risk in the Corporation’s balance sheet as of a point in time. This measurement is accomplished through stratification of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities into repricing periods. The sum of assets and liabilities in each of these periods are compared for mismatches within that maturity segment. Core deposits having no contractual maturities are placed into repricing periods based upon historical balance performance. Repricing for mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations includes the effect of expected cash flows. Estimated prepayment effects are applied to these balances based upon industry projections for prepayment speeds. The Corporation’s policy limits the cumulative six-month gap to plus or minus 15% of total rate sensitive earning assets. The cumulative six-month gap as of March 31, 2007 was a negative 0.9% and the cumulative six-month ratio of rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities (RSA/RSL) was 0.98.
Simulation of net interest income and net income is performed for the next twelve-month period. A variety of interest rate scenarios are used to measure the effects of sudden and gradual movements upward and downward in the yield curve. These results are compared to the results obtained in a flat or unchanged interest rate scenario. Simulation of earnings is used primarily to measure the Corporation’s short-term earnings exposure to rate movements. The Corporation’s policy limits the potential exposure of net interest income to 10% of the base case net interest income for a 100 basis point shock in interest rates, 15% for a 200 basis point shock and 20% for a 300 basis point shock. A “shock’ is an immediate upward or downward movement of interest rates across the yield curve based upon changes in the prime rate. The shocks do not take into account changes in customer behavior that could result in changes to mix and/or volumes in the balance sheet nor do they account for competitive pricing over the forward 12-month period. The following table summarizes the expected impact of interest rate shocks on net interest income:
                 
    Annual change    
    in net interest    
Rate Shock   income   % Change
+ 300 bp
  + $28.4 million     + 5.8 %
+ 200 bp
  + $19.0 million     + 3.9 %
+ 100 bp
  + $9.6 million     + 2.0 %
- 100 bp
  - $11.7 million     - 2.4 %
- 200 bp
  - $25.9 million     - 5.3 %
- 300 bp
  - $40.0 million     - 8.2 %
Economic value of equity estimates the discounted present value of asset cash flows and liability cash flows. Discount rates are based upon market prices for like assets and liabilities. Upward and downward shocks of interest rates are used to determine the comparative effect of such interest rate movements relative to the unchanged environment. This measurement tool is used primarily to evaluate the longer-term re-pricing risks and options in the Corporation’s balance sheet. A policy limit of 10% of economic equity may be at risk for every 100 basis point shock movement in interest rates. As of March 31, 2007, the Corporation was within policy limits for every basis point shock movement in interest rates.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Corporation reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Not applicable.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Information responsive to this item as of December 31, 2006 appears under the heading, “Risk Factors” within the Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, except for the following risk factor, which has been updated.
Changes in economic conditions and the composition of the Corporation’s loan portfolio could lead to higher loan charge-offs or an increase in the Corporation’s provision for loan losses and may reduce the Corporation’s net income.
Changes in national and regional economic conditions could impact the loan portfolios of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks. For example, an increase in unemployment, a decrease in real estate values or increases in interest rates, as well as other factors, could weaken the economies of the communities the Corporation serves. Weakness in the market areas served by the Corporation’s subsidiary banks could depress its earnings and consequently its financial condition because:
    customers may not want or need the Corporation’s products or services;
 
    borrowers may not be able to repay their loans;
 
    the value of the collateral securing the Corporation’s loans to borrowers may decline; and
 
    the quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio may decline.
Any of the latter three scenarios could require the Corporation to charge-off a higher percentage of its loans and/or increase its provision for loan losses, which would reduce its net income.
The second and third scenarios could also result in potential repurchase liability to the Corporation on residential mortgage loans originated and sold into the secondary market. Except for The Columbia Bank, the Corporation’s bank subsidiaries originate mortgages through mortgage divisions. One subsidiary in particular, Resource Bank, originates a variety of residential products through its Resource Mortgage Division to meet customer demand. These products include conventional residential mortgages that meet published guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for sale into the secondary market, which are generally considered prime loans, and loans that deviate from those guidelines. This latter category of loans includes loans with higher loan to value ratios, loans with no or limited verification of a borrower’s income or net worth stated on the loan application, and loans to borrowers with lower credit ratings, referred to as FICO scores. The general market for these alternative loan products across the country has declined as a result of moderating real estate prices, increased payment defaults by borrowers and increased loan foreclosures. In particular, Resource Bank has recently experienced an increase in requests from investors for Resource Bank to repurchase loans sold to those investors due to claimed loan payment defaults in one particular loan product. This resulted in the Corporation recording a $5.5 million contingent loss during the first quarter of 2007. This charge reflects losses that may be incurred due to potential repurchases of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans originated and sold in the secondary market. The Corporation cannot be assured that additional payment defaults and related repurchase requests with respect to loans originated and sold by Resource Bank will not continue, which may result in additional related charges, which would adversely affect the Corporation’s net income.
In addition, the amount of the Corporation’s provision for loan losses and the percentage of loans it is required to charge-off may be impacted by the overall risk composition of the loan portfolio. In recent years, the amount of the Corporation’s commercial loans (including agricultural loans) and commercial mortgages has increased, comprising a greater percentage of its overall loan portfolio. These loans are inherently more

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risky than certain other types of loans, such as residential mortgage loans. While the Corporation believes that its allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2007 is sufficient to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio on that date, the Corporation may be required to increase its loan loss provision or charge-off a higher percentage of loans due to changes in the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, thereby reducing its net income. To the extent any of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks rely more heavily on loans secured by real estate, a decrease in real estate values could cause higher loan losses and require higher loan loss provisions.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
                                 
                    Total number of   Maximum
                    shares purchased   number of shares
    Total           as part of a   that may yet be
    number of   Average price   publicly   purchased under
    shares   paid per   announced plan   the plan or
             Period   purchased   share   or program   program
(01/01/07 – 01/31/07)
    521,000     $ 15.83       521,000       517,490  
(02/01/07 – 02/28/07)
    424,000     $ 15.79       424,000       93,490  
(03/01/07 – 03/31/07)
    93,490     $ 15.37       93,490        
On March 21, 2006, a stock repurchase plan was approved by the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 2.1 million shares through December 31, 2006. On December 19, 2006 the Board of Directors extended the stock repurchase plan through June 30, 2007. As of March 31, 2007, 2.1 million shares were repurchased under this plan. No stock repurchases were made outside the plan and all were made under the guidelines of Rule 10b-18 and in compliance with Regulation M.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits
See Exhibit Index for a list of the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and filed as part of this report.

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FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
         
     
Date: May 10, 2007  /s/ R. Scott Smith, Jr.    
  R. Scott Smith, Jr.   
  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President   
 
     
Date: May 10, 2007  /s/ Charles J. Nugent    
  Charles J. Nugent   
  Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 
 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibits Required Pursuant
to Item 601 of Regulation S-K
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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