Fidelity Southern Corporation, holding company for Fidelity Bank (the "Bank"), reported net income of $8.2 millionfor the third quarter of 2012 compared to $6.4 million for the second quarter of 2012 and $2.1 millionfor the third quarter of 2011. After accounting for the preferred dividend, basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2012 were $0.51 and $0.45, respectively, which compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.39 and $0.35 in the second quarter of 2012 and $0.09 and $0.08 in the third quarter of 2011, respectively. Net income for the first nine months of 2012 was $19.9 millioncompared to $7.6 million for the same period in 2011. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the first nine months of 2012 were $1.21 and $1.08, respectively, compared to $0.40 and $0.36, respectively, for 2011.

Fidelity's Chairman, Jim Miller, said, "The efforts of our 780 employees are reflected in the Company's strong results in the quarter and year. Return on Average Equity is 15.22% year to date while core operating earnings show steady, solid improvements. While we benefited from mortgage income and FDIC assisted transaction gains, we continue to expand our footprint and the controls necessary for us to meet strong demand for credit in all our southern markets which remain in transition as the realignment in banking is ongoing."

Fidelity Southern Corporation also announced that the Board of Directors has approved the distribution on November 14, 2012, of the regular quarterly dividend to be paid in shares of common stock.  The Corporation will distribute one new share for every 100 shares held on the record date of November 1, 2012.