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Investar Holding Corporation Announces Third Quarter Results for 2026

BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 22, 2026 – Investar Holding Corporation, the parent company of Investar Bank, has reported its financial outcomes for the third quarter of 2026. The results illustrate a robust growth trajectory with net income at $11.1 million, translating to $0.74 per diluted common share. This is a notable increase compared to the previous quarter, which saw earnings of $8.9 million or $0.61 per diluted share, and represents significant growth from $5.7 million, or $0.54 per share, reported for the same period in 2025.

Financial Highlights

The company’s core earnings, which offer a clearer view of its operational performance by excluding volatile items, revealed $0.77 per diluted common share in Q3 2026. This is an increase from $0.75 in Q2 2026 and from $0.54 in Q3 2025. The net interest margin showed marked improvement, rising to 3.73%, a six basis point increase from the prior quarter.

Investar’s President and CEO John D'Angelo expressed satisfaction with these figures, emphasizing the impact of the acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares, Inc. (WFB) and the company’s balanced approach to earnings quality. "The transformation from this acquisition is clearly reflected in our results, as we optimize our balance sheet for future growth," he stated.

Strategic Moves and Developments

The report highlights an effective strategy that included replacing some higher-cost broker deposits with cheaper, non-maturing deposits. Additionally, the company continues to shift its focus toward business lending by reducing consumer mortgage loans in favor of higher-yield commercial and industrial loans. This strategic pivot aims to refine the loan portfolio for optimal performance.

On October 1, 2026, Investar secured approximately $65 million in commercial and industrial variable-rate revolving credit lines, contributing to the diversification and optimization of its lending portfolio. As of September 30, 2026, Investar observed an overall increase in loans to $3.07 billion, showcasing a growth of $6.9 million from the previous quarter.

Growth Metrics

The bank’s statistics present a promising picture:

• - Return on average assets increased to 1.21%, compared to 0.98% in the previous quarter.
• - The total loans, excluding those from WFB, increased significantly by $50.4 million, underscoring the institution's capacity to enhance its lending operations.
• - Nearly 59% of new loans originated and renewed during the quarter were variable-rate loans, reflecting strategic adjustments in a fluctuating interest environment.

Operational Efficiency and Shareholder Value

Despite a slight decline in share repurchases—25,113 shares were repurchased at an average price of $29.44—there was significant attention to maintaining and enhancing shareholder value. The efficiency ratio has improved to 61.77%, indicating operational efficiency is being prioritized.

D'Angelo reiterated the commitment to maximizing shareholder returns while threading through potential acquisitions in the pipeline for future growth. This, along with prudent management practices, positions Investar favorably in the landscape of financial services.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, Investar Holding Corporation remains optimistic about its long-term growth strategies fueled by both organic growth and further acquisitions. The continued focus on high-quality earnings and shareholder returns will remain at the forefront as the company navigates future challenges and opportunities in the banking industry. The executives expect to leverage the successes of the recent acquisition while establishing a strong foundation for sustained profitability and resilience.

Investar’s growth trajectory paints a compelling picture as it embraces the future, fostering a culture of strategic management and commitment to its shareholders, clients, and community.

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