Exhibit 99.1

CONNECTONE BANCORP, INC.

REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2026 RESULTS

OPERATING PERFORMANCE ACCELERATES

SEQUENTIAL LOAN GROWTH OF 5% AND CORE DEPOSIT GROWTH OF 8%, ANNUALIZED

NET INTEREST MARGIN WIDENS TO 3.42%

TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE INCREASES

COMMON & PREFERRED DIVIDENDS PER SHARE DECLARED

Englewood Cliffs, N.J., July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNOB) (the “Company” or “ConnectOne”), parent company of ConnectOne Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income (loss) available to common stockholders of $40.2 million for the second quarter of 2026 compared with $36.3 million for the first quarter of 2026 and $(21.8) million for the second quarter of 2025.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share were $0.80 for the second quarter of 2026 compared with $0.72 for the first quarter of 2026 and $(0.52) for the second quarter of 2025.  Return on average assets was 1.17%, 1.10% and (0.73)% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively. Return on average tangible common equity was 13.79%, 12.89% and (8.42)% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.

Pre-provision net operating revenue ("Operating PPNR") as a percentage of average assets was 1.94%, 1.81% and 1.52% for the quarters ending June 30, 2026, March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively. The sequential increase in Operating PPNR was primarily due to a $4.8 million increase in net interest income, combined with a $0.4 million decrease in operating expenses. Operating net income available to common stockholders was $42.2 million for the second quarter of 2026, $39.6 million for the first quarter of 2026 and $23.1 million for the second quarter of 2025.  Operating diluted earnings per share were $0.84 for the second quarter of 2026, $0.79 for the first quarter of 2026 and $0.55 for the second quarter of 2025.  Operating return on average assets was 1.23%, 1.19% and 0.89% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.  Operating return on average tangible common equity was 13.81%, 13.35% and 9.29% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively. See supplemental tables for a complete reconciliation of GAAP earnings to operating earnings, and other non-GAAP measures.

The increase in net income available to common stockholders during the second quarter of 2026 when compared to the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to a $4.8 million increase in net interest income, a $1.1 million increase in noninterest income, and a $2.5 million decrease in noninterest expenses, which were partially offset by a $3.1 million increase in the provision for credit losses and a $1.5 million increase in income tax expense.  The first quarter of 2026 included merger expenses and restructuring charges related to the merger with The First of Long Island Corporation ("FLIC") of  $2.1 million, reflecting our ongoing commitment to streamlining operations and enhancing organizational efficiency.  The increase in net income available to common stockholders and diluted earnings per share during the second quarter of 2026 when compared to the second quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a $34.8 million increase in net interest income, a $27.4 million decrease in the provision for credit losses, a $2.7 million increase in noninterest income, and a $18.2 million decrease in noninterest expense, which was partially offset by a $21.2 million increase in income tax expense.  The decrease in the provision for credit losses was driven primarily by the initial $27.4 million provision recognized in the second quarter of 2025 in connection with the merger with FLIC. Overall, the variances from the second quarter of 2026 to the second quarter of 2025 were primarily due to the merger with FLIC.

"ConnectOne delivered another quarter of accelerated performance metrics, driven by sustained momentum across our franchise and a disciplined execution of our relationship-banking business model,” commented Frank Sorrentino, ConnectOne's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Loans and core deposits grew sequentially at annualized rates of approximately 5% and 8%, respectively, while our net interest margin expanded for the 7^th consecutive quarter, climbing past 3.40%. The quarter also saw enhanced operating efficiency, and strong capital levels, alongside a substantial rise in tangible book value per share."

Mr. Sorrentino added, “As one of the most efficient banks in the country, we remain committed to further enhancing our operating performance by driving productivity gains through technological innovation, including agentic workflows.”  

Mr. Sorrentino concluded, “Looking ahead, we're encouraged by the strength of our business and the opportunities we see for the balance of the year and beyond. Through the continued execution of our strategic priorities and results-oriented culture, we’re confident in ConnectOne's ability to deliver profitable growth and create long-term value for shareholders.”

Dividend Declarations

The Board of Directors declared cash dividends on the Company's common and outstanding preferred stock.  A cash dividend on common stock of $0.195 per share will be paid on September 1, 2026, to common stockholders of record on August 14, 2026.  A dividend of $0.328125 per depositary share, representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the Company’s 5.25% Fixed Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, will also be paid on September 1, 2026, to holders of record on August 14, 2026.

Operating Results

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income for the second quarter of 2026 was $114.8 million, an increase of $4.9 million, or 4.4%, from the first quarter of 2026, largely due to a 3 basis-point widening of the net interest margin to 3.42% from 3.39% and a 2.2% increase in average interest-earning assets.  The margin benefited from an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets, primarily due to loan repricing, partially offset by a 6 basis-point increase in the average cost of deposits, including noninterest-bearing deposits.  

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income for the second quarter of 2026 increased $35.0 million, or 43.9%, from the second quarter of 2025, due to a 36 basis-point widening of the net interest margin to 3.42% from 3.06%, and a 28.5% increase in average interest-earning assets.  The increase in average interest-earning assets was primarily due to the merger with FLIC.  The margin benefited from a 16 basis-point increase in the yield on interest-earning assets and a 32 basis-point decrease in the average cost of deposits, including noninterest-bearing deposits.

Noninterest income was $7.9 million in the second quarter of 2026, $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2026 and $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2025. The increase compared to the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in net gains on sale of loans held-for-sale, primarily SBA loans.  The increase compared to the second quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in net gains on sale of loans held-for-sale, a $0.9 million increase in BOLI income and a $0.8 million increase in deposit, loan and other income, which was partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in net gains on equity securities. The year-over-year increases in BOLI income and deposit, loan and other income were primarily due to the merger with FLIC.

Noninterest expenses were $55.4 million for the second quarter of 2026, $57.9 million for the first quarter of 2026 and $73.6 million for the second quarter of 2025. Excluding merger expenses and restructuring charges, noninterest expenses totaled $55.3 million in the second quarter of 2026, $55.7 million in the first quarter of 2026 and $42.9 million in the second quarter of 2025.  The decrease of $0.4 million during the second quarter of 2026 when compared to the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to a $1.2 million decrease in salaries and employee benefits and a $0.3 million decrease in FDIC insurance expense, which were partially offset by a  $0.5 million increase in other expenses, a $0.2 million increase in marketing and advertising expenses, a $0.2 million increase in occupancy and equipment expenses, and a $0.2 million increase in information technology and communication expenses.  The $12.4 million increase for the second quarter of 2026 when compared to the second quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a $6.3 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $2.0 million increase in occupancy and equipment expenses, a $1.6 million increase in amortization of core deposit intangibles, a $1.3 million increase in other expenses, a $0.6 million increase in information technology and communication expenses and a $0.5 million increase in professional and consulting expense. The variances from the second quarter of 2026 to the second quarter of 2025 were primarily due to the merger with FLIC.

Income tax expense (benefit) was $16.2 million for the second quarter of 2026, $14.7 million for the first quarter of 2026 and $(5.0) million for the second quarter of 2025. The effective tax rates were 28.0%, 28.0% and (19.7)% for the second quarter of 2026, first quarter of 2026 and second quarter of 2025, respectively. The negative tax rate in 2025 was due to the merger with FLIC.  As of June 30, 2026, ConnectOne Bank executed a $50.0 million capital commitment to a renewable energy tax credit fund. This investment supports our community sustainability initiatives while helping to maintain our projected full-year 2026 effective tax rate of approximately 28%.

Asset Quality

The provision for credit losses was $8.3 million for the second quarter of 2026, $5.2 million for the first quarter of 2026 and $35.7 million for the second quarter of 2025. In each of the quarters presented, the provision for credit losses reflected net portfolio growth, charges related to individually evaluated loans, changing macroeconomic forecasts and conditions and qualitative factors, while the second quarter of 2025 included the merger-related initial provision.  The current quarter's increased sequential provision was primarily driven by a $13.8 million charge-off on a previously disclosed group of New York City loans secured by multiple rent-stabilized multi-family buildings, partially offset by the release of $9.2 million in multifamily qualitative reserves previously related to the criticized portion of this segment.  The decrease in the provision for credit losses when compared to the second quarter of 2025 was driven primarily by the initial $27.4 million provision originally booked in the second quarter of 2025 in connection with the FLIC merger.

Nonperforming assets, which include nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned (the Bank had no other real estate owned during the periods reported), were $79.7 million as of June 30, 2026, $41.6 million as of March 31, 2026 and $39.2 million as of June 30, 2025.  Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets increased to 0.55% as of June 30, 2026, versus 0.29% as of March 31, 2026 and 0.28% as of June 30, 2025. The ratio of nonaccrual loans to loans receivable also increased to 0.67%, as of June 30, 2026, versus 0.35% and 0.35%, at March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.  The annualized net loan charge-offs ratio (excluding PCD loans) was 0.56% for the second quarter of 2026, 0.08% for the first quarter of 2026 and 0.22% for the second quarter of 2025.  The increase in nonaccrual loans was primarily driven by a group of loans secured by multiple New York City rent-stabilized multi-family buildings, which added $29.9 million (net of charge-offs) to nonaccruals during the quarter, while $20.0 million of the previously announced $63.8 million of loans attributable to the group were brought current.  Additionally, the increase in our net loan charge-off ratio (excluding PCD loans) was primarily attributable to the aforementioned $13.8 million charge-off related to this same group of loans.

The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") represented 1.18%, 1.30% and 1.40% of loans receivable as of June 30, 2026, March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.  The ACL decreased $12.9 million to $140.1 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to $153.1 million as of March 31, 2026, reflecting recent charge-off activity and the impact on specific and qualitative reserves previously established, improvements in economic factors, and historically low levels of delinquencies and criticized loans. The ACL as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was 175.9% as of June 30, 2026, 368.1% as of March 31, 2026 and 398.2% as of June 30, 2025. Criticized and classified loans as a percentage of loans receivable improved to 1.89% as of June 30, 2026, down from 2.26% as of March 31, 2026 and from 2.44% as of June 30, 2025.  Loans past due 30-89 days were 0.03% of loans receivable as of June 30, 2026, 0.81% as of March 31, 2026 and 0.13% as of June 30, 2025. 

Selected Balance Sheet Items

The Company’s total assets were $14.4 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $14.0 billion as of December 31, 2025.  Loans receivable were $11.9 billion as of June 30, 2026 and $11.5 billion as of December 31, 2025.  Total deposits were $11.7 billion as of June 30, 2026 and $11.2 billion as of December 31, 2025.  

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity increased to $1.627 billion as of June 30, 2026 from $1.573 billion as of December 31, 2025.  Retained earnings increased $57.6 million, partially offset by an increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $3.0 million. As of June 30, 2026, the Company’s tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share were 8.78% and $24.66, respectively, compared to 8.62% and $23.52, respectively, as of December 31, 2025.  Total goodwill and other intangible assets were $274.5 million as of June 30, 2026, and $280.2 million as of December 31, 2025.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the results presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), ConnectOne routinely supplements its evaluation with an analysis of certain non-GAAP measures.  ConnectOne believes these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to the related GAAP measures, provide meaningful information to investors in understanding our operating performance and trends.  These non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations and are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited.  They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of results reported under GAAP.  These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.  Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this earnings release to the comparable GAAP measures are provided in the accompanying tables.

Second Quarter 2026 Results Conference Call

Management will also host a conference call and audio webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET on July 23, 2026, to review the Company's financial performance and operating results. The conference call dial-in number is 1 (585) 542-9983, meeting ID: 646 211 267.  Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the call to register.  An audio webcast of the conference call will be available to the public, on a listen-only basis, via the "Investor Relations" link on the Company's website https://www.ConnectOneBank.com or at http://ir.connectonebank.com.

An online archive of the webcast will be available following the completion of the conference call at https://www.ConnectOneBank.com or at http://ir.connectonebank.com.

About ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc., is a modern financial services company that operates, through its subsidiary, ConnectOne Bank, and the Bank’s fintech subsidiary, BoeFly, Inc. ConnectOne Bank is a high-performing commercial bank offering a full suite of banking & lending products and services that focus on small to middle-market businesses.  BoeFly, Inc. is a fintech marketplace that connects borrowers in the franchise space with funding solutions through a network of partner banks. ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol "CNOB," and information about ConnectOne may be found at https://www.connectonebank.com.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company.  These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," or similar expressions.  The Company's ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain.  Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in Item 1A – Risk Factors of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as supplemented by the Company’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in the Company's market area, changes in accounting principles and guidelines and the impact of the health emergencies and natural disasters on the Company, its employees and operations, and its customers.  These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Investor Contact:

William S. Burns

Senior Executive Vice President & CFO

201.816.4474; bill.burns@cnob.com

Media Contact:

Shannan Weeks 

MikeWorldWide

732.299.7890; sweeks@mww.com

ConnectOne's management believes that the supplemental financial information, including non-GAAP measures provided below, is useful to investors. The non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures presented by other companies.