Investar Holding Corp (NASDAQ: ISTR) is a financial holding company that conducts commercial banking operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Investar Bank, National Association. The company earns revenue primarily through net interest income on loans and deposits, supplemented by noninterest income from interchange fees, bank-owned life insurance, and service charges. Incorporated in Louisiana in 2009 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Investar Bank was originally chartered as a Louisiana commercial bank in 2006 and converted to a national bank charter under the OCC in July 2019. The bank serves individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses across south Louisiana, including the Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette markets, as well as operations in Texas and Alabama. As of December 31, 2025, commercial and industrial loans represented 27.4% of total loans, with loans to consumer finance lending companies accounting for approximately 8% of total loans. Interchange fees generated $1.6 million in FY2025.
- Revenue model
- Net interest income from loans and investment securities funded by deposits and borrowings, plus noninterest income including interchange fees ($1.6 million, FY2025), bank-owned life insurance income ($2.0 million, FY2025), ATM and wire fees, derivative fee income, and gains on sale of other real estate owned ($3.1 million in sales, FY2025).
- Products and services
- Commercial banking products including commercial and industrial loans (27.4% of total loans as of December 31, 2025), consumer finance loans (approximately 8% of total loans as of December 31, 2025), public finance loans to governmental entities (less than 5% of loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025), deposit accounts (interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing), investment securities (available-for-sale at amortized cost of $416.0 million and held-to-maturity at amortized cost with estimated fair value of $50.5 million, both as of December 31, 2025), online and mobile banking, bill payment, mobile deposits, mobile wallets, video banking, and Zelle payment services.
- Customers and end markets
- Individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses in south Louisiana. Also serves governmental entities through public finance loans repaid by tax and utility revenues. Consumer finance lending companies represent approximately 8% of total loans as of December 31, 2025.
- Value-chain role
- Community bank acting as deposit-gathering and credit-intermediation institution, originating and holding loans on balance sheet while funding them through retail and commercial deposits, FHLB advances, repurchase agreements, subordinated debt, and junior subordinated debt.
- Geographic exposure
- Concentrated in south Louisiana (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette), with additional operations in Texas and Alabama, per the 10-K filed 2026-03-16.
Source: SEC 10-K, filed 2026-03-16
Industry:
State Commercial Banks
Peers:
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