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Efficiency Ratio




The efficiency ratio, a ratio that is typically applied to banks, in simple terms is defined as expenses as a percentage of revenue ('''expenses / revenue'''), with a few variations. A lower percentage is better since that means expenses are low and earnings are big. It is the inverse of Operating Leverage : revenue / expenses.


EXAMPLE

If expenses are $40 and revenue is $80 (perhaps net of interest revenue/expense) the efficiency ratio is 0.5 or 50% (40/80), the operating leverage is 2.0 or 200%. Efficiency ratio is essentially how much you spend to make a dollar. In the above example, they spent $0.50 for every dollar they earned in revenue.


Citigroup

Citigroup, Inc. 2003:
  • Revenues, net of interest expense: 77,442

  • Operating expenses: 39,168


That makes operating expenses / revenue = 39,168/77,442 = 0.51 or 51%. The efficiency ratio is 0.51 or 51%. Or the other way revenue / expenses 77,442/39,168 = 1.98. The " Operating Leverage " is 198%.


Alternative

If "benefits, claims, and credit losses" is added to operating expenses the ratio get worse.
51109/77,442=0.66


Alternative

If it's calculated as revenue divided by expenses (interest expense, "benefits, claims, and credit losses", operating expenses) it becomes 1 less the "income from continuing operations" margin.
68,380/94,713=0.72


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