A bank profile typically summarizes important characteristics.  What is the overall total asset size of the bank?  What are its largest loan and investment concentrations?  What are its primary sources of funding?  What is the geographical scope of its business?  What "type" of bank is it? (commercial, consumer, community, investment, etc.)  Profile can also refer to intangibles like tradition and reputation.  When comparing banks...

• What bank is the largest? smallest? (by Total Assets)

• Which one has the most branches? states with deposits? Where does Florida rank?

• Which bank has the largest % of loans? smallest?

• What is the largest loan concentration in any one bank?

• Which bank has the largest % of deposits? smallest?

• What is the largest deposit concentration in any one bank?

Return or earnings ratios measure the compensation to the bank and its shareholders for successfully managing operations and risks over time.  Generally speaking, earnings performance is evaluated by looking at net income, margin (including yield & cost), fees, overhead, and investor return.  When comparing banks...

• What bank has the highest Yield? lowest?

• Which bank has had the largest change in Yield over the past 6 quarters?

• Which bank has the lowest Cost? highest?

• Which bank has had the largest change in Cost over the past 6 quarters?

• Which bank has the highest Margin? is it the same bank that had highest Yield? or Lowest Cost?

• Which bank has the best Net Income? Trend?

Risk is the possibility of loss. While banks face a litany risks, usually an overall bank performance assessment examines these three financial risks: Asset Quality Risk, Liquidity Risk, and Rate Risk.  When comparing banks...

• Which bank has the highest Non-performers?

• Which bank has the highest Charge-offs?

• Which bank has the highest Liquidity level? lowest?

Capital, or equity, is the fulcrum of the risk/return balance. It is needed to acquire funding via deposits and borrowed money. This funding is used to make loans and purchase investments which ultimately create return and generate growth. A bank's capital level is specifically subject to regulatory scrutiny. Adequate capital is required by regulators to help maintain safety and soundness of the industry.  When comparing banks...

• Which bank has the highest Capital?

• Is their Regulatory Capital noticeably different?

Growth is necessary for banks to (1) meet the changing needs of customers, (2) offset economic changes, and (3) increase return to shareholders. Consistency among the growth of assets, loans, deposits, and equity indicate how well bank management is balancing diverse operating pressures.  When comparing banks...

• Which bank has the highest Loan Growth? 

• Which bank has the highest Deposit Growth?

• Describe their growth trends.