Washington Federal, Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the quarter ended December 31, 2017. For the quarter, the company's net interest income was $115,735,000 against $103,152,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $60,635,000 against $61,105,000 a year ago. Net income was $51,670,000 or $0.59 per basic/diluted share against $41,246,000 or $0.46 per basic/diluted share a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.35% against 1.11% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 10.25% against 8.31% a year ago. Adjusted pre-tax income was $69,200,000. Adjusted non-interest income was $15,300,000. Adjusted total income of $131,100,000. Total Interest income was $145,780,000 against $132,764,000 a year ago. The increase in net interest income from the prior year was primarily due to both higher balances and yield.

The Company estimates that its annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2018 (blended rate year) will be approximately 22% to 23%.

For the fiscal year 2019, the company expects the effective tax rate to be approximately 19.5% to 20.5%.