Investar Holding Corporation Reports 36.3% Asset Growth Driven by Wichita Falls Bancshares Acquisition

Investar Holding Corporation reported significant financial growth in its latest quarterly filing, with total assets increasing by $1.03 billion, or 36.3%, to $3.86 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $2.83 billion at the end of 2025. This growth was primarily driven by the acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares, Inc. (WFB), which added approximately $1.15 billion in total assets, including $950.2 million in net loans and $1.02 billion in deposits. For the second quarter of 2026, the company recorded net income available to common shareholders of $8.9 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, up from $4.5 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in the same period last year. For the first half of 2026, net income available to common shareholders was $20.4 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, compared to $10.8 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the first half of 2025.

The company’s loan portfolio saw a substantial increase, rising by $883.9 million, or 40.6%, to $3.06 billion at June 30, 2026, compared to $2.18 billion at the end of 2025. This increase was largely attributed to the acquisition of WFB. Total deposits also grew by $863.6 million, or 36.7%, to $3.21 billion, with noninterest-bearing deposits increasing by 39.4% to $621.9 million. The net interest income for the second quarter of 2026 was $33.4 million, a 70.3% increase from $19.6 million in the same quarter of 2025, driven by a rise in interest income from loans.

Operationally, the company reported a net interest margin of 3.67% for the second quarter of 2026, up from 3.03% in the same quarter of 2025. The increase in net interest margin was attributed to a higher yield on interest-earning assets and a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Noninterest income also increased by 18.0% to $3.1 million for the second quarter, with notable contributions from service charges on deposit accounts and income from bank-owned life insurance. However, noninterest expenses rose by 47.7% to $24.7 million, primarily due to increased salaries and employee benefits, acquisition expenses, and other operational costs associated with the WFB acquisition.

Looking ahead, Investar Holding Corporation remains focused on optimizing its balance sheet and pursuing growth through acquisitions and organic loan production. The company is also committed to maintaining compliance with regulatory capital requirements, with both the company and its banking subsidiary classified as "well-capitalized." The management anticipates that the integration of WFB will enhance its market presence in Texas and contribute positively to its financial performance in the coming quarters.