This led to the Group's loans to deposit ratio reaching 101.3%. QNB Group's prudent cost control policy and strong revenue generating capability allowed it to maintain an efficiency ratio (cost to income ratio) of 30%, which is considered one of the best ratios among large financial institutions in the region. The Group was able to maintain the ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans at 1.8%, a level considered one of the lowest amongst large banks in the MEA region, reflecting the high quality of the Group's loan book and the effective management of credit risk. The Group's conservative policy in regard to provisioning, improved the coverage ratio to reach 130% in 30 September 2016. Total Equity increased by 26% from September 2015 to reach QAR76 billion (USD21 billion) as at 30 September 2016. Earnings per Share reached QAR11.5 (USD3.2), compared to QAR10.4 in September 2015.