Welcome to our dedicated page for Investar Holding news (Ticker: ISTR), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Investar Holding stock.
Corporate Overview
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: ISTR) is a US-based financial holding company headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Investar Bank, National Association, the company delivers a comprehensive suite of community banking services. With a focus on both commercial and retail lending, Investar Holding is dedicated to providing a full range of financial products including deposit accounts, loan services, cash management solutions, and electronic transaction options. This robust portfolio enables the company to serve a diverse customer base that includes individuals, professionals, and businesses of varying sizes.
Core Business Segments
Investar Holding operates across several critical business lines that are essential for its market presence and financial sustainability. Key segments include:
- Commercial Lending: Offering a diverse range of loans designed for small- to medium-sized enterprises as well as large corporate clients. Its focus on underwriting high-quality credits supports community and commercial growth.
- Retail Banking: Providing personalized financial services for individual customers and households, including simplified deposit accounts, bill paying services, and electronic banking solutions.
- Deposit Products: Facilitating secure and flexible banking through various deposit products such as checking, savings, money market accounts, and time deposits. Innovative features include direct deposit services and automated teller machines with deposit automation.
- Cash Management and Electronic Transactions: Streamlining operations for both businesses and consumers with tailored services that improve the efficiency of daily financial transactions.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Investar Holding is deeply embedded in the regional economic fabric of Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama, where it supports local businesses, families, and communities by providing accessible financial services. It distinguishes itself from national competitors through a commitment to personalized service, operational efficiency, and a strategic focus on balance sheet optimization. The company leverages its community bank heritage to build trust and maintain strong customer relationships.
Operational Excellence and Risk Management
The company emphasizes a disciplined approach to risk management and operational efficiency. With rigorous credit quality measures and a focus on high-yield loan origination paired with lower-cost funding sources, Investar Holding ensures sustainable earnings and financial stability. Its systematic processes are designed to withstand economic fluctuations while maintaining a liability-sensitive balance sheet that adapts to changing market conditions.
Commitment to Customers and Community
At its core, Investar Holding remains committed to its community banking tradition. The company emphasizes a personalized approach to banking, where customers are treated with a blend of professional expertise and local insight. Whether through the convenience of in-branch services or innovative digital banking tools, the organization continuously evolves its offerings to meet the distinct needs of its customers, reinforcing its position as a trusted and accessible financial partner.
Expertise and Industry Recognition
Investar Holding sustains industry credibility by consistently delivering quality earnings and leveraging deep operational expertise. Through strategic initiatives focused on enhancing its asset mix and managing funding costs, the company not only demonstrates financial resilience but also a strong commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving banking landscape. Analysts and industry observers recognize its methodical approach to risk and its adaptation to market dynamics as key strengths that underpin its performance.
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:ISTR) reported a net income of $8.9 million or $0.88 per diluted share for Q4 2022, an increase from $7.3 million or $0.73 in Q3 2022 and $6.9 million or $0.67 in Q4 2021. Core earnings per diluted share were $0.62, down from $0.71 in Q3 2022. Total loans reached a record $2.1 billion, marking a 4.9% increase from the previous quarter. Credit quality improved, with nonperforming loans at 0.51% of total loans. However, net interest income decreased 4.0% to $22.5 million, and net interest margin fell to 3.50%. Total deposits grew 1.4% to $2.08 billion.
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:ISTR) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.095 per share, payable on January 31, 2023, to shareholders on record by January 2, 2023. This marks the 37th quarterly dividend issued by the Company, continuing a streak of 11 consecutive quarterly dividends from its banking subsidiary, Investar Bank. As of September 30, 2022, Investar Bank had total assets of $2.7 billion and employed 352 full-time equivalents.
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:ISTR) reported a net income of $7.3 million ($0.73 per diluted share) for Q3 2022, down from $9.4 million ($0.92 per share) in Q2 2022 and a loss of $10 million in Q3 2021. Core earnings per share improved to $0.71. Total loans grew to $2.01 billion, reflecting a 4.7% increase quarter-over-quarter, while net interest income rose by 6.8% to $23.5 million. Nonperforming loans decreased to 0.65% of total loans. The board authorized an additional 300,000 shares for repurchase, reflecting a focus on long-term shareholder value.
Investar Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: ISTR) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.095 per share, marking a 6% increase from the previous quarter. This dividend will be paid on October 31, 2022 to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2022. Additionally, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of 300,000 shares under its stock repurchase program, enhancing shareholder value. To date, Investar has repurchased 2,280,082 shares at an average price of $19.32 since the program's inception in 2015.
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:ISTR) reported net income of $9.4 million ($0.92 per diluted share) for Q2 2022, down from $10.1 million ($0.97 per diluted share) in Q1 2022. Core earnings were $0.62 per diluted share, compared to $0.68 in the previous quarter. Total loans increased by $39 million (2.1%) to $1.92 billion, with a significant improvement in credit quality as nonperforming loans fell to 0.89%. Despite a decrease in total deposits by 5.6%, efficiency ratios improved, indicating effective cost management.
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:ISTR) announced the sale of two banking locations in Alice and Victoria, Texas, to First Community Bank. The deal includes approximately $23 million in loans and $27 million in deposits. This strategic move allows Investar to concentrate on its core markets, as these branches are the farthest from its Louisiana headquarters. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q1 2023. Investar currently operates 31 branches across Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama, with total assets of $2.6 billion.
Investar Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: ISTR) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share, reflecting a 6% increase from the prior quarter. The dividend is payable on July 29, 2022, to shareholders on record by June 30, 2022. This marks the 35th quarterly dividend distribution, following 11 consecutive dividend payments by Investar Bank. As of March 31, 2022, Investar Bank, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, held total assets of $2.6 billion and operates 31 branches across Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama.
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:ISTR) reported record net income of $10.1 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, for Q1 2022, an increase from $6.9 million or $0.67 in Q4 2021 and from $5.4 million or $0.51 in Q1 2021. Core earnings were $0.68 per diluted share, up from $0.56 in Q4 2021. The Board approved an additional 400,000 shares for repurchase, totaling about 4% of outstanding stock. Total deposits rose 3.1% to $2.19 billion, while noninterest income surged 249% to $5.9 million. The efficiency ratio improved significantly to 55.74%.
Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: ISTR) announced the completion of a $20 million private placement of its 5.125% Fixed-to-Floating Subordinated Notes due 2032. The notes will initially yield 5.125% interest for the first five years, transitioning to a floating rate thereafter. Proceeds will be used to refinance existing debt, fund possible share repurchases, and for general corporate purposes. The issuance received an investment grade rating of BBB from Egan Jones Ratings Company.
Investar Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: ISTR) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.085 per share, marking a 6% increase from the previous quarter. This dividend is scheduled for payment on April 29, 2022, to shareholders on record as of March 31, 2022. This announcement marks the 34th quarterly dividend and continues a streak of uninterrupted payments from Investar Bank over the past 11 quarters. Investar Holding Corporation operates with total assets of $2.5 billion across 33 branches in Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama.