The investors can look at several metrics. The simplest is the equity-to-assets ratio; the higher, the better.
The level of capital should vary with each institution based on a number of factors including the riskiness of its loans, but most of the bigger banks have capital ratios in the 8% to 9% range.
Also look for a high level of loan loss reserves relative to non-performing assets.
These equity-to-assets ratio vary depending on
- the type of lending an institution does, as well as,
- the point of the business cycle in which they are taken.
In the US you can get these figures by logging on to the FDIC Web site, http://www.fdic.gov/.
Related posts:
Hallmarks of Success for Banks
Hallmarks of Success for Banks: Strong Capital Base
Hallmarks of Success for Banks: ROE and ROA
Hallmarks of Success for Banks: Efficiency Ratios
Hallmarks of Success for Banks: Net Interest Margins
Hallmarks of Success for Banks: Strong Revenues
Hallmarks of Success for Banks: Price-to-Book