Regional banking company Fulton Financial (NASDAQ: FULT) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q3 2026, with sales up 9.6% year on year to $371.6 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.62 per share was 13% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy FULT? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

StockStory’s take

Fulton Financial’s third quarter results were met with a positive market reaction, driven by notable growth in both revenue and non-GAAP profit. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to strong commercial deposit inflows, expansion of the commercial sales force, and productivity gains from technology investments. CEO Curt Myers emphasized that new customer wins and enhancements in treasury management services played a central role, while investments in talent and process improvements further supported efficiency gains. Myers noted, “Our strategy is centered around growth, customer delivery, operational excellence, and stakeholder value.”

Looking forward, Fulton Financial’s management pointed to continued investments in talent and technology as key factors shaping the company’s growth trajectory into 2027. Myers highlighted the addition of commercial bankers and the integration of AI-enabled tools as positioning the bank for mid-single-digit organic growth in the coming year. CFO Rick Kraemer added that improvements in credit quality and a stable funding profile should provide flexibility for future capital deployment. Management expressed optimism that headwinds to loan growth will ease and that the company’s diversified business mix will support long-term expansion.

Key insights from management’s remarks

Fulton Financial’s Q3 results were driven by commercial deposit growth, technology adoption, and disciplined expense management, with management highlighting investments in talent and market expansion.

• Commercial deposit momentum: Management reported nearly $1 billion in customer deposit growth, with over $600 million attributable to new commercial wins. Treasury management and embedded banking solutions contributed to the acceleration in core transactional deposits.
• Expansion of sales force: Fulton increased its commercial sales force by 14% year-to-date, with more than two-thirds of hires in Q3. This investment was aimed at strengthening customer acquisition, particularly in growth markets such as Northern New Jersey and Philadelphia.
• Technology and AI adoption: The company expanded its use of Salesforce’s AI-enabled capabilities, enhancing productivity and customer engagement. Myers noted that Fulton’s adoption was recognized by Salesforce for its effectiveness in driving efficiency.
• Wealth management strength: Assets under management and administration reached $18.6 billion, with revenue in this segment growing over 9% linked quarter. Management cited success in attracting new advisors and expanding relationships across mass affluent, institutional, and high net worth clients.
• Balanced capital strategy: Fulton returned $56.1 million to shareholders through buybacks while maintaining a strong capital position. Management emphasized flexibility in capital deployment, balancing organic growth, M&A opportunities, and capital returns as priorities.

Drivers of future performance

Management expects accelerated organic loan growth and continued deposit gains to drive results, supported by technology investments and a stable credit environment.

• Talent-driven growth outlook: The addition of experienced commercial bankers and wealth advisors is expected to fuel mid-single-digit organic growth, with hiring focused on strategic markets to broaden reach and deepen client relationships.
• Loan growth acceleration: While commercial loan balances were flat in Q3 due to higher-than-expected multifamily payoffs, management anticipates that structural runoff will abate, allowing for stronger loan origination momentum. The company projects that these trends, combined with market normalization, will support a step up in lending activity by 2027.
• NIM and funding cost stability: Management highlighted that net interest margin (NIM) should trend stable to slightly higher, as excess liquidity pressures recede and the funding profile remains solid. Kraemer clarified that municipal deposit costs, which adjust quickly with interest rates, will be closely monitored but are not expected to disrupt overall margin trends.

Catalysts in upcoming quarters

In future quarters, our analysts will track (1) the pace of loan origination and whether paydown trends in commercial real estate moderate, (2) the effectiveness of recent hires and technology investments in accelerating customer acquisition, and (3) sustained expansion in wealth management. Additionally, we will monitor capital deployment priorities—particularly the balance between organic growth, M&A, and buybacks—as well as overall credit quality stability.

Fulton Financial currently trades at $23.07, up from $22.53 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

Our favorite stocks right now

ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.

Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662% between October 2022 and February 2026. AppLovin before it ran 753% between February 2024 and February 2026. Nvidia before it ran 1,178% between January 2023 and February 2026. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.

Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+271% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.