ISTR · Investar Holding Corporation

Investar Holding Corporation delivered robust first quarter 2026 results, with net income available to common shareholders reaching $11.5 million, more than doubling from the previous quarter. This performance was significantly driven by the transformational acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares, Inc., which closed on January 1, 2026, adding $1.2 billion in total assets, including $1.0 billion in gross loans and $1.0 billion in deposits. The acquisition contributed to substantial balance sheet growth, with total loans increasing 41.0% to $3.07 billion and total deposits rising 37.6% to $3.23 billion at March 31, 2026. Net interest margin improved substantially to 3.59%, a 39 basis point increase from the previous quarter, reflecting higher loan yields and lower funding costs. Management highlighted the strategic decision to keep liability duration short, allowing the replacement of higher-cost brokered time deposits with lower-cost, non-maturing deposits. The company also continued its focus on shareholder returns, repurchasing 53,420 shares of common stock during the quarter at an average price of $28.63. Credit quality metrics showed an increase in nonperforming loans to $20.3 million, primarily due to one commercial real estate relationship and nonperforming loans acquired from WFB, though the allowance for credit losses remained strong at 177.0% of nonperforming loans.