ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the quarter, the company reported net interest income of $37,019,000 against $33,024,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $18,684,000 against $17,299,000 a year ago. Net income available to common stockholders was $13,077,000 or $0.41 per basic and diluted share against $11,856,000 or $0.39 per basic and diluted share a year ago. Excluding taxi, the company earned $0.46 per share, up 15% from the year-ago quarter on an operating basis. Return on tangible equity surpassing 14% and return on assets of 1.25%.

For the nine months, the company reported net interest income of $105,261,000 against $96,738,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $45,248,000 against $48,330,000 a year ago. Net income available to common stockholders was $32,640,000 or $1.01 per diluted share against $33,084,000 or $1.09 per diluted share a year ago. Book value per share was $17.42 against $16.54 a year ago. Tangible book value per share (non-gaap) was $12.78 against $11.60 a year ago.

Excluding any changes to the taxi medallion valuation allowance, the effective tax rate for 2017 is expected to be maintained in the low 30% range.