Wisconsin's banks making big strides.

MADISON, Wis. -- Richard L. Dean, Wisconsin's banking commissioner, said the 354 state-chartered banks he oversees reported the "most remarkable quarterly performance figures I have ever seen" in the first three months of 1993.

Net income rose 9.2% to $96.6 million, with much of the profit being plowed into capital and loan-loss reserves, the state said.

Equity capital as a percentage of assets climbed above 9% for the first time in 52 years, and loan-loss reserves a percentage of assets reach their highest levels since the state began recording them, Mr. Dean said in a news release.

Return on assets at the state-chartered banks averaged 1.38%, up 8 basis points from the year-earlier level. Moreover, deposits rose 2.5%.

However, the regulator warned that first-quarter numbers generally overstate bank performance because income statement adjustment are made at year's end.

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