Analysis of Income Sources in Small Nebraska State Banks, 1946-1955 with Case Studies

The writer has chosen the topic of bank income sources as a result of a desire to ascertain, if possible, certain standards by which to measure the potential profitability of banks and to learn some of the factors which cause a wide variation in earnings between banks of approximately the same size.By using smaller banks, as a basis for the income study, it was felt that an important showing could be obtained for evaluating the factors affecting an above or below average income figure.Since the small banks, under $1 million in deposits, equal 48.6% of all state banks in Nebraska, it is felt that such study would be significant and these figures should be helpful as to Nebraska banking. The objectives of the writer are to obtain and analyze information on small bank income and banking management; to identify, if possible, the factors that make some banks produce better gross income than others; and to aid anyone interested in banking as a vocation, to recognize factors useful in evaluating a possible situation in a small bank. This report analyzed the income sources in small Nebraska state banks for the period 1946 through 1955. Case studies of twelve small Nebraska banks are included as part of the report. Advisor: Clifford M. Hick