by Joel Comer, Principal, Sandler O'Neill & Partners

I recently had the pleasure of making a presentation on bank valuation at the Seattle Bank’s 2005 Management Conference. Two points in particular seemed to resonate with the audience: (1) the importance of expected future earnings in determining current stock value, and (2) what constitutes an acceptable rate of return for shareholders. Because it’s important for bankers not only to have their eye on the ball, but also to have their eye on the right ball, I’d like to revisit these two points. More >

Addressing Your “Impact Areas” and Taking a Step Beyond the Numbers by Edward A. Krei, Managing Director, The Baker Group Assessing a financial institution’s long-term strategic plan goes far beyond developing investment and financial strategies. When we are engaged to facilitate the strategic planning session on behalf of our clients, we ask them to provide about 15 items to help prepare for the meeting. One of these items is the Board of Directors package or book of materials distributed to directors for their most recent meeting. More >

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