Laurentian Bank of Canada today said its third-quarter profit rose 63% on strong interest income and loan growth.

The bank reported net income of $15.8 million, or 54¢ per share, up from $9.7 million, or 31¢ per share, in the year-before period.

Return on equity was 7.4%, up from 4.2% in the same period in 2004.

The bank said revenue rose 12% to $131.1 million, due mainly to strong net interest income.

Return on equity, a key measure of profitability, was 7.4% for the quarter, compared to 4.2% for the same period in 2004.

“After nine months, we reached our earnings objectives; net interest income and loan growth have continued to improve during the quarter,” said Raymond McManus, president and CEO, in a news release.