Investar Holding Corp - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

_____________________________________

FORM 10-Q

_____________________________________

(Mark One)



☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018



☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-36522

Investar Holding Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Louisiana	27-1560715
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7244 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(225) 227-2222

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	þ
Non-accelerated filer	☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	þ

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No þ

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date, is as follows: Common stock, $1.00 par value, 9,550,505 shares outstanding as of May 9, 2018.

TABLE OF CONTENTS



Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	7
	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements	9
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	39
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	58
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	58

Part II. Other Information		59

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	59
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	59
Item 6.	Exhibits	60
Signatures		62

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)



	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	13,409		$	19,619
Interest-bearing balances due from other banks	7,623			10,802
Federal funds sold	70			—
Cash and cash equivalents	21,102			30,421

Available for sale securities at fair value (amortized cost of $236,225 and $220,077, respectively)	231,448			217,564
Held to maturity securities at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $17,479 and $17,947, respectively)	17,727			17,997
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $8,130 and $7,891, respectively	1,264,820			1,250,888
Equity securities	11,573			9,798
Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,300 and $7,825, respectively	38,091			37,540
Other real estate owned, net	4,266			3,837
Accrued interest receivable	4,707			4,688
Deferred tax asset	1,496			1,294
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	20,141			19,926
Bank owned life insurance	23,382			23,231
Other assets	5,435			5,550
Total assets	$	1,644,188		$	1,622,734

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	221,855		$	216,599
Interest-bearing	1,004,817			1,008,638
Total deposits	1,226,672			1,225,237
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	187,066			166,658
Repurchase agreements	21,053			21,935
Subordinated debt, net of unamortized issuance costs	18,180			18,168
Junior subordinated debt	5,806			5,792
Accrued taxes and other liabilities	11,981			12,215
Total liabilities	1,470,758			1,450,005

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, no par value per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized	—			—
Common stock, $1.00 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 9,517,328 and 9,514,926 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	9,517			9,515
Surplus	131,179			131,582
Retained earnings	35,829			33,203
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,095		)	(1,571		)
Total stockholders’ equity	173,430			172,729
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,644,188		$	1,622,734

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018		2017
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans	$	15,626	$	10,004
Interest on investment securities	1,459		1,029
Other interest income	93		60
Total interest income	17,178		11,093

INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest on deposits	2,253		1,853
Interest on borrowings	1,067		380
Total interest expense	3,320		2,233
Net interest income	13,858		8,860

Provision for loan losses	625		350
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	13,233		8,510

NONINTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts	359		97
Gain on sale of investment securities, net	—		106
Gain on sale of fixed assets, net	90		23
Gain on sale of other real estate owned, net	—		5
Servicing fees and fee income on serviced loans	288		423
Other operating income	335		231
Total noninterest income	1,072		885
Income before noninterest expense	14,305		9,395

NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Depreciation and amortization	598		376
Salaries and employee benefits	6,048		3,950
Occupancy	380		264
Data processing	542		368
Marketing	38		28
Professional fees	255		232
Acquisition expense	1,104		145
Other operating expenses	1,597		1,321
Total noninterest expense	10,562		6,684
Income before income tax expense	3,743		2,711
Income tax expense	1,341		847
Net income	$	2,402	$	1,864

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share	$	0.25	$	0.26
Diluted earnings per share	0.25		0.26
Cash dividends declared per common share	0.04		0.02

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net income	$	2,402		$	1,864
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities:
Unrealized (loss) gain, available for sale, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($475) and $381, respectively	(1,789		)	707
Reclassification of realized gain, net of tax benefit of $0 and $37, respectively	—			(69		)
Fair value of derivative financial instruments:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge, net of tax expense of $70 and $64, respectively	265			120
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,524		)	758
Total comprehensive income	$	878		$	2,622

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)



	Common Stock			Surplus			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, December 31, 2016 (audited)	$	7,102		$	81,499		$	26,227		$	(2,071	)	$	112,757
Common stock issued in offering, net of direct costs of $1,948	1,624			30,929			—			—			32,553
Surrendered shares	(4		)	(69		)	—			—			(73		)
Options and warrants exercised	35			438			—			—			473
Dividends declared, $0.02 per share	—			—			(175		)	—			(175		)
Stock-based compensation	49			130			—			—			179
Net income	—			—			1,864			—			1,864
Other comprehensive income, net	—			—			—			758			758
Balance, March 31, 2017	$	8,806		$	112,927		$	27,916		$	(1,313	)	$	148,336

Balance at December 31, 2017 (audited)	9,515			131,582			33,203			(1,571		)	172,729
Surrendered shares	(7		)	(132		)	—			—			(139		)
Shares repurchased	(28		)	(646		)	—			—			(674		)
Options and warrants exercised	13			159			—			—			172
Dividends declared, $0.04 per share	—			—			(328		)	—			(328		)
Stock-based compensation	24			216			—			—			240
Reclassification of tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act⁽¹⁾	—			—			557			—			557
Net income	—			—			2,402			—			2,402
Other comprehensive loss, net	—			—			—			(1,524		)	(1,524		)
Impact of adoption of new accounting standards⁽²⁾	—			—			(5		)	—			(5		)
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	9,517		$	131,179		$	35,829		$	(3,095	)	$	173,430

⁽¹⁾

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, required the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 as a result of the lower corporate tax rates to be realized beginning January 1, 2018. The $0.6 million adjustment to retained earnings for the period ended March 31, 2018 represents a reclassification of the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.


⁽²⁾	Represents the impact of adopting Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-01. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for more information.

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	2,402		$	1,864
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	598			376
Provision for loan losses	625			350
Amortization of purchase accounting adjustments	(714		)	—
Net amortization of securities	196			331
Gain on sale of securities, net	—			(106		)
Gain on sale of fixed assets, net	(90		)	(23		)
Gain on sale of other real estate owned, net	—			(5		)
FHLB stock dividend	(45		)	(18		)
Stock-based compensation	240			179
Deferred taxes	922			(141		)
Net change in value of bank owned life insurance	(151		)	(47		)
Amortization of subordinated debt issuance costs	12			—
Unrealized loss on equity securities per ASC 2016-01	17			—
Net change in:
Accrued interest receivable	(20		)	(25		)
Other assets	441			125
Accrued taxes and other liabilities	(414		)	6,272
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,019			9,132

Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	—			10,325
Funds invested in securities available for sale	(22,739		)	(26,577		)
Proceeds from maturities, prepayments and calls of investment securities available for sale	5,560			5,944
Proceeds from maturities, prepayments and calls of investment securities held to maturity	259			421
Purchase of equity securities	(905		)	(940		)
Net increase in loans	(14,413		)	(8,881		)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned	—			25
Proceeds from the sales of fixed assets	—			291
Purchases of other real estate owned	(225		)	—
Purchases of fixed assets	(1,089		)	(346		)
Distributions from investments	6			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(33,546		)	(19,738		)



INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, CONTINUED
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in customer deposits	1,495			(39,233		)
Net decrease in repurchase agreements	(882		)	(2,726		)
Net decrease in short-term FHLB advances	(8,500		)	(5,000		)
Proceeds from long-term FHLB advances	45,000			5,000
Repayment of long-term FHLB advances	(16,100		)	(390		)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(303		)	(87		)
Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs	—			32,553
Proceeds from stock options and warrants exercised	172			473
Payments to repurchase common stock	(674		)	—
Proceeds from other borrowings	—			78
Repayment of other borrowings	—			(1,000		)
Proceeds from subordinated debt, net of issuance costs	—			18,133
Net cash provided by financing activities	20,208			7,801

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(9,319		)	(2,805		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	30,421			29,448
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	21,102		$	26,643

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include information or footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, including the notes thereto, which were included as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 16, 2018.

Nature of Operations

Investar Holding Corporation, headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides full banking services, excluding trust services, through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Investar Bank (the “Bank”), a Louisiana-chartered bank. The Company’s primary market is South Louisiana. At March 31, 2018, the Company operated 20 full service banking offices located throughout its market and had 251 employees.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the allowance for loan losses may change materially in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

Other estimates that are susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of other-than-temporary impairments of securities and the fair value of financial instruments.

Investment Securities

The Company’s investments in securities are accounted for in accordance with applicable guidance contained in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), which requires the classification of securities into one of the following categories:


•	Securities to be held to maturity (“HTM”): bonds, notes, and debentures for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity.


•	Securities available for sale (“AFS”): available for sale securities consist of bonds, notes, and debentures that are available to meet the Company’s operating needs. These securities are reported at fair value.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available for sale debt securities are reported as a net amount in other comprehensive income. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Realized gains and losses on the sale of debt securities are determined using the specific-identification method.

The Company follows FASB guidance related to the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairment. The guidance specifies that if an entity does not have the intent to sell a debt security prior to recovery, the security would not be considered other-than-temporarily impaired unless there is a credit loss. When an entity does not intend to sell the security, and it is more likely than not that the entity will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it will recognize the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income.

Loans

The Company’s loan portfolio categories include real estate, commercial and consumer loans. Real estate loans are further categorized into construction and development, 1-4 family residential, multifamily, farmland and commercial real estate loans. The consumer loan category includes loans originated through indirect lending. Indirect lending, which is lending initiated through third-party business partners, is largely comprised of loans made through automotive dealerships.

Loans for which management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are stated at unpaid principal balances, adjusted by an allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding. Loans are ordinarily placed on nonaccrual when a loan is specifically determined to be impaired or when principal or interest is delinquent for 90 days or more; however, management may elect to continue the accrual when the estimated net realizable value of collateral is sufficient to cover the principal balance and the accrued interest. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on nonaccrual loans is reversed from income. Interest income, generally, is not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on such loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Interest income on other nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received. A loan may be returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured, which is typically evidenced by a sustained period of repayment performance by the borrower.

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. The Company’s impaired loans include troubled debt restructurings and performing and non-performing loans for which full payment of principal or interest is not expected. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. The Company calculates an allowance required for impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of its collateral. If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the measure of fair value, a valuation allowance is required as a component of the allowance for loan losses. Changes to the valuation allowance are recorded as a component of the provision for loan losses.

The Company follows the FASB accounting guidance on sales of financial assets, which includes participating interests in loans. For loan participations that are structured in accordance with this guidance, the sold portions are recorded as a reduction of the loan portfolio. Loan participations that do not meet the criteria are accounted for as secured borrowings.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The allowance for loan losses is estimated through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the loan balance is uncollectable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Credits deemed uncollectible are charged to the allowance. Provisions for loan losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off are adjusted to the allowance. Past due status is determined based on contractual terms.

The allowance consists of allocated and general components. The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. Based on management’s review and observations made through qualitative review, management may apply qualitative adjustments to determine loss estimates at a group and/or portfolio segment level as deemed appropriate. Management has an established methodology to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that assesses the risks and losses inherent in its portfolio and portfolio segments. The Company utilizes an internally developed model that requires judgment to determine the estimation method that fits the credit risk characteristics of the loans in its portfolio and portfolio segments. Qualitative and environmental factors that may not be directly reflected in quantitative estimates include: asset quality trends, changes in loan concentrations, new products and process changes, changes and pressures from competition, changes in lending policies and underwriting practices, trends in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, changes in experience and depth of lending staff and management and national and regional economic trends. Changes in these factors are considered in determining changes in the allowance for loan losses. The impact of these factors on the Company’s qualitative assessment of the allowance for loan losses can change from period to period based on management’s assessment of the extent to which these factors are already reflected in historic loss rates. The uncertainty inherent in the estimation process is also considered in evaluating the allowance for loan losses.

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank enters into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable. The credit risk associated with these commitments is evaluated in a manner similar to the allowance for loan losses. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities in the balance sheet. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $40,000 and $32,000, respectively.

Acquisition Accounting

Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Purchased assets and assumed liabilities are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value. If the consideration given exceeds the fair value of the net assets received, goodwill is recognized. If the fair value of the net assets received exceeds the consideration given, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. The fair value of loans acquired is determined using a discounted cash flow model based on assumptions regarding the amount and timing of principal and interest prepayments, estimated payments, estimated default rates, estimated loss severity in the event of defaults, and current market rates. Estimated credit losses are included in the determination of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded on the acquisition date. The fair value adjustment is amortized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method, except for those loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30, discussed below.

The Company accounts for acquired impaired loans under ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”). An acquired loan is considered impaired when there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable, at the date of acquisition, that we will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. ASC 310-30 prohibits the carryover of an allowance for loan losses for acquired impaired loans. Over the life of the acquired loans, we continually estimate the cash flows expected to be collected on individual loans or on pools of loans sharing common risk characteristics. As of the end of each fiscal quarter, we evaluate the present value of the acquired loans using the effective interest rates. For any increases in cash flows expected to be collected, we adjust the amount of accretable yield recognized on a prospective basis over the loan’s or pool’s remaining life, while we recognize a provision for loan loss in the consolidated statement of operations if the cash flows expected to be collected have decreased.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Servicing Rights

Primary servicing rights represent the Company’s right to service consumer automobile loans for third-party whole-loan sales and loans sold as participations. Primary servicing involves the collection of payments from individual borrowers and the distribution of these payments to the investors.

The Company capitalizes the value expected to be realized from performing specified automobile servicing activities for others as automobile servicing rights (“ASRs”) when the expected future cash flows from servicing are projected to be more than adequate compensation for such activities. These capitalized servicing rights are purchased or retained upon sale of consumer automobile loans.

The Company measures all consumer automobile servicing assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company defines servicing rights based on both the availability of market inputs and the manner in which the Company manages the risks of servicing assets and liabilities. The Company leverages all available relevant market data to determine the fair value of recognized servicing assets and liabilities.

The Company calculates the fair value of ASRs using various assumptions including future cash flows, market discount rates, expected prepayments, servicing costs and other factors. A significant change in prepayments of loans in the servicing portfolio could result in significant changes in the valuation adjustments, thus creating potential volatility in the carrying amount of ASRs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, expected future cash flows from ASRs approximated adequate compensation for such activities. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded an asset or liability. There were no loan sales during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2017 financial statements to be consistent with the 2018 presentation, if applicable.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company’s loan portfolio consists of the various types of loans described in Note 5. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses. Real estate or other assets secure most loans. The majority of loans have been made to individuals and businesses in the Company’s market of South Louisiana. Customers are dependent on the condition of the local economy for their livelihoods and servicing their loan obligations. The Company does not have any significant concentrations in any one industry or individual customer.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Public law No. 115-97, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), enacted on December 22, 2017, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Also on December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period of up to one year from the enactment date to complete the accounting. Any adjustments during this measurement period will be included in net earnings from continuing operations as an adjustment to income tax expense in the reporting period when such adjustments are determined. Based on the information available and current interpretation of the rules, the Company recorded the impact of the reduction in the corporate tax rate and remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities. The amount recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax balance and resulted in additional income tax expense of $0.3 million. An additional $0.6 million was expensed in the first quarter of 2018 due to the remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax balance. The final impact of the Tax Act may differ from these recorded amounts based on a number of factors, including changes in management’s interpretations and assumptions, the completion of the Company’s 2017 consolidated tax return, as well as new guidance that may be issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018

FASB ASC Topic 230 “Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” Update No. 2016-15 (“ASU 2016-15”). The FASB issued ASU 2016-15 in August 2016. The amendments in the ASU address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice, as the issues are either unclear or do not have specific guidance under current GAAP. ASU 2016-15 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

FASB ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments – Overall” Update No. 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 makes targeted amendments to the guidance for recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments, other than equity method investments, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The ASU requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption to reclassify the cumulative change in fair value of equity securities previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). ASU 2016-01 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the guidance resulted in an insignificant cumulative-effect adjustment that decreased retained earnings, with offsetting related adjustments to deferred taxes and AOCI. The adoption of this ASU also resulted in equity securities previously classified as available for sale securities to be classified as equity securities at fair value in the Company’s March 31, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet. ASU 2016-01 also emphasizes the existing requirement to use exit prices to measure fair value for disclosure purposes and clarifies that entities should not make use of a practicability exception in determining the fair value of loans. Accordingly, we refined the calculation used to determine the disclosed fair value of our loans held for investment portfolio as part of adopting this standard. The refined calculation did not have a significant impact on our fair value disclosures. See Note 9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01, $1.4 million of equity securities was reclassed from available for sale securities to equity securities. At March 31, 2018, equity securities includes $1.4 million of exchange-traded equity securities that are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The remaining balance of equity securities at March 31, 2018 consists of stock in correspondent banks and is measured at cost, adjusted for any observable market transactions less any impairment. ASU 2016-01 also requires that other investments previously accounted for using the cost method be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. These investments, which had a $1.3 million balance at March 31, 2018, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet and represent investments in small business investment companies without readily determinable fair values. These investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value of the investment and any changes in fair value are recognized in net income.

FASB ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. ASU 2014-09 amends existing guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers by (i) creating a single framework for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers that fall within its scope and (ii) revising when it is appropriate to recognize a gain (loss) from the transfer of nonfinancial assets, such as other real estate owned (“OREO”). The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with legacy GAAP. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not result in a significant change to the accounting for any in-scope revenue streams. As such, no cumulative effect adjustment was recorded. The majority of the Company’s revenues comes from interest income from loans and securities, which falls outside the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company’s services that fall within the scope of ASU 2014-09 are primarily included within noninterest income in the consolidated income statements and are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies its obligation to the customer. Services within the scope of the new guidance include service charges on deposit accounts, interchange fees and other fees, and the sale of OREO. The adoption of this ASU was not significant to the Company and had no material effect on how the Company recognizes revenue nor did it result in any presentation changes to the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

FASB ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” Update No. 2017-12. The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 in August 2017. The ASU amends the hedge accounting model in Topic 815 to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements and enhance the transparency and understandability of hedge results. The amendments expand an entity’s ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components and reduce complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. This amended guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and, given the current level of derivatives designated as hedges, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated operating results or financial condition.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

FASB ASC Subtopic 310-20 “Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities” Update No. 2017-08. The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08 in March 2017. The amendments in the ASU shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. Update 2017-08 will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The amendments should be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is assessing the impact of ASU 2017-08 on its accounting and disclosures.

FASB ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” Update No. 2017-04. The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 in January 2017. The ASU simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, any carrying amount which exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, up to the amount of goodwill recorded, will be recognized as an impairment loss. ASU 2017-04 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The amendments will be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Based on recent goodwill impairments tests, which did not require the application of Step 2, the Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an immediate impact.

FASB ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” Update No. 2016-13. The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 in June 2016. The amendments introduce an impairment model that is based on expected credit losses, rather than incurred losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments (e.g., loans and held-to-maturity securities), including certain off-balance sheet financial instruments (e.g., loan commitments). The expected credit losses should consider historical information, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments, over the contractual term. Financial instruments with similar risk characteristics may be grouped together when estimating expected credit losses. The ASU also amends the current AFS security impairment model for debt securities. The new model will require an estimate of expected credit losses when the fair value is below the amortized cost of the asset through the use of an allowance to record estimated credit losses (and subsequent recoveries). Non-credit related losses will continue to be recognized through other comprehensive income. In addition, the amendments provide for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since their origination. The initial estimate of expected credit losses would be recognized through an allowance for loan losses with an offset (i.e., increase) to the cost basis of the related financial asset at acquisition.

ASU 2016-13 will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The amendments will be applied through a modified-retrospective approach, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. A prospective transition approach is required for debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized before the effective date. Amounts previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the date of adoption that relate to improvements in cash flows expected to be collected should continue to be accreted into income over the remaining life of the asset. Recoveries of amounts previously written off relating to improvements in cash flows after the date of adoption should be recorded in earnings when received. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-13 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Citizens Bancshares, Inc.

On July 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Citizens Bancshares, Inc. (“Citizens”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens Bank, located in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana. The Company acquired 100% of Citizens’ outstanding common shares for an aggregate amount of cash consideration equal to $45.8 million, or approximately $419.20 per share. The acquisition of Citizens expands the Company’s branch footprint in Louisiana and increases the core deposit base to help position the Company to continue to grow. After fair value adjustments, including total adjustments of $32,000 to bank premises and equipment, other assets, and other liabilities recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2018, the acquisition added $251 million in total assets, $129 million in loans, and $212 million in deposits. As consideration paid was in excess of the net fair value of acquired assets, the Company recorded $9.1 million of goodwill.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The table below shows the allocation of the consideration paid for Citizens’ common equity to the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities assumed and the goodwill generated from the transaction (dollars in thousands). The fair values listed below, primarily related to loans, are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information becomes available.



Purchase price:
Cash paid	$	45,800

Fair value of assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	44,565
Investment securities	69,912
Loans	129,181
Bank premises and equipment	3,307
Core deposit intangible asset	1,462
Other assets	2,223
Total assets acquired	250,650

Fair value of liabilities acquired:
Deposits	212,228
Other liabilities	1,675
Total liabilities assumed	213,903

Fair value of net assets acquired	36,747
Goodwill	$	9,053

Fair value adjustments to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally amortized using the effective yield method over periods consistent with the average life, useful life and/or contractual term of the related assets and liabilities.

The fair value of net assets acquired includes a fair value adjustment to loans as of the acquisition date. The adjustment for the acquired loan portfolio is based on current market interest rates and the Company’s initial evaluation of credit losses identified.

The tables below present information about the loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality from Citizens as of the date of acquisition (dollars in thousands).



	Purchase Credit Impaired
Contractually required principal	$	5,123
Non-accretable difference	(700		)
Cash flows expected to be collected	4,423
Accretable yield	—
Fair value of acquired loans	$	4,423

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

BOJ Bancshares, Inc.

On December 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of BOJ Bancshares, Inc. (“BOJ”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Highlands Bank, located in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. The Company acquired 100% of BOJ’s outstanding common shares for an aggregate merger consideration consisting of $3.95 million in cash, and an aggregate of 799,559 shares of the Company’s common stock, for a total of approximately $22.7 million. As with the Citizens acquisition, the acquisition of BOJ expands the Company’s branch footprint in Louisiana, allowing us to serve more customers in our surrounding market areas. After fair value adjustments, including total adjustments of $0.3 million to loans, bank premises and equipment, other assets, and deposits recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2018, the acquisition added $152 million in total assets, $102 million in loans, and $126 million in deposits. As consideration paid was in excess of the net fair value of acquired assets, the Company recorded $5.7 million of goodwill.

The table below shows the allocation of the consideration paid for BOJ’s common equity to the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities assumed and the goodwill generated from the transaction (dollars in thousands). The fair values listed below, primarily related to loans and deferred tax assets and liabilities, are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information becomes available.



Purchase price:
Cash paid	$	3,950
Stock Issued	18,749

Fair value of assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	26,438
Investment securities	16,194
Loans	102,393
Bank premises and equipment	3,725
Core deposit intangible asset	1,018
Other assets	2,375
Total assets acquired	152,143

Fair value of liabilities acquired:
Deposits	125,788
FHLB advances	5,956
Trust preferred	2,178
Other liabilities	1,209
Total liabilities assumed	135,131

Fair value of net assets acquired	17,012
Goodwill	$	5,687

The fair value of net assets acquired includes a fair value adjustment to loans as of the acquisition date. The adjustment for the acquired loan portfolio is based on current market interest rates, and the Company’s initial evaluation of credit losses identified.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The tables below present information about the loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality from BOJ as of the date of acquisition (dollars in thousands).



	Purchase Credit Impaired
Contractually required principal	$	4,557
Non-accretable difference	(671		)
Cash flows expected to be collected	3,886
Accretable yield	—
Fair value of acquired loans	$	3,886

Supplemental Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information is presented to show estimated results assuming Citizens and BOJ were acquired as of January 1, 2017. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that the Company would have achieved had it completed the acquisitions as of January 1, 2017 and should not be considered representative of future operating results. The pro forma net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 excludes the tax-affected amount of $0.9 million of acquisition expenses recorded in noninterest expense by the Company. The pro forma net income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 excludes the tax-affected amount of $0.1 million of acquisition expenses recorded in noninterest expense by the Company and Citizens.



	Unaudited Pro Forma for the
	Three months ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2018		2017
Interest income	$	17,178	$	13,546
Noninterest income	1,072		1,262
Net income	3,285		2,656

In the three months ended March 31, 2018, the acquired companies have added approximately $3.6 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million to interest income, noninterest income, and net income, respectively.

Acquisition Expense

Acquisition related costs of $1.1 million are included in acquisition expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the three month period ended March 31, 2018. These costs include system conversion and integrating operations charges as well as legal and consulting expenses.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a summary of the information used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands, except share data).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Earnings per common share - basic
Net income allocated to common shareholders	$	2,370	$	1,864
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding	9,513,332		7,205,942
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.25	$	0.26

Earnings per common share - diluted
Net income allocated to common shareholders	$	2,370	$	1,864
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding	9,513,332		7,205,942
Dilutive effect of securities	96,271		70,927
Total weighted average diluted shares outstanding	9,609,603		7,276,869
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.25	$	0.26

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities classified as available for sale are summarized below as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2018	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	57,864	$	37	$	(1,054	)	$	56,847
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	35,485		4		(768		)	34,721
Corporate bonds	18,404		105		(400		)	18,109
Residential mortgage-backed securities	120,841		49		(2,619		)	118,271
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	3,631		—		(131		)	3,500
Total	$	236,225	$	195	$	(4,972	)	$	231,448



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
December 31, 2017	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	52,889	$	24	$	(697	)	$	52,216
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	35,572		87		(422		)	35,237
Corporate bonds	16,428		112		(330		)	16,210
Residential mortgage-backed securities	110,690		58		(1,270		)	109,478
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	3,651		—		(70		)	3,581
Equity securities	847		24		(29		)	842
Total	$	220,077	$	305	$	(2,818	)	$	217,564

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale and gross gains and losses are summarized below for the periods presented (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Proceeds from sale	$	—	$	10,325
Gross gains	$	—	$	107
Gross losses	$	—	$	(1	)

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities classified as held to maturity are summarized below as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2018	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	$	11,752	$	9	$	(83	)	$	11,678
Residential mortgage-backed securities	5,975		—		(174		)	5,801
Total	$	17,727	$	9	$	(257	)	$	17,479



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
December 31, 2017	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	$	11,861	$	9	$	(15	)	$	11,855
Residential mortgage-backed securities	6,136		4		(48		)	6,092
Total	$	17,997	$	13	$	(63	)	$	17,947

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Securities are classified in the consolidated balance sheets according to management’s intent. The Company had no securities classified as trading as of March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

The aggregate fair values and aggregate unrealized losses on securities whose fair values are below book values are summarized in the tables below. Unrealized losses are generally due to changes in interest rates. The Company has the intent to hold these securities either until maturity or a forecasted recovery, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before the recovery of their cost basis. Due to the nature of the investment, current market prices, and a rising interest rate environment, these unrealized losses are considered a temporary impairment of the securities.

The number of securities available for sale, fair value, and unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are summarized below as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2018	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	100	$	41,230	$	(725	)	$	11,776	$	(329	)	$	53,006	$	(1,054	)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	64	23,914		(372		)	9,872		(396		)	33,786		(768		)
Corporate bonds	24	2,776		(22		)	6,219		(378		)	8,995		(400		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	187	82,818		(1,672		)	27,223		(947		)	110,041		(2,619		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	6	1,938		(45		)	1,562		(86		)	3,500		(131		)
Total	381	$	152,676	$	(2,836	)	$	56,652	$	(2,136	)	$	209,328	$	(4,972	)



		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
December 31, 2017	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	88	$	34,281	$	(444	)	$	11,119	$	(253	)	$	45,400	$	(697	)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	57	12,315		(77		)	9,930		(345		)	22,245		(422		)
Corporate bonds	20	1,116		(6		)	6,273		(324		)	7,389		(330		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	159	71,893		(729		)	28,410		(541		)	100,303		(1,270		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	6	1,979		(12		)	1,602		(58		)	3,581		(70		)
Equity securities	1	—		—			478		(29		)	478		(29		)
Total	331	$	121,584	$	(1,268	)	$	57,812	$	(1,550	)	$	179,396	$	(2,818	)

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The number of securities held to maturity, fair value, and unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are summarized below as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2018	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	1	$	5,829	$	(83	)	$	—	$	—		$	5,829	$	(83	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	9	3,354		(75		)	2,447		(99		)	5,801		(174		)
Total	10	$	9,183	$	(158	)	$	2,447	$	(99	)	$	11,630	$	(257	)



		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
December 31, 2017	Count	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	1	$	6,007	$	(15	)	$	—	$	—		$	6,007	$	(15	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	6	1,601		(3		)	2,522		(45		)	4,123		(48		)
Total	7	$	7,608	$	(18	)	$	2,522	$	(45	)	$	10,130	$	(63	)

The unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio, caused by interest rate increases, are not credit issues and the Company does not intend to sell the securities. Furthermore, it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases. The Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of debt securities, by contractual maturity (including mortgage-backed securities), are shown below as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.




	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
March 31, 2018	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due within one year	$	3,513	$	3,503	$	720	$	721
Due after one year through five years	14,705		14,602		3,245		3,250
Due after five years through ten years	31,055		30,369		1,875		1,878
Due after ten years	186,952		182,974		11,887		11,630
Total debt securities	$	236,225	$	231,448	$	17,727	$	17,479




	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
December 31, 2017	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due within one year	$	1,319	$	1,319	$	720	$	721
Due after one year through five years	15,379		15,331		3,245		3,249
Due after five years through ten years	28,242		27,833		1,875		1,878
Due after ten years	174,290		172,239		12,157		12,099
Total debt securities	$	219,230	$	216,722	$	17,997	$	17,947

At March 31, 2018, securities with a carrying value of $94.3 million were pledged to secure certain deposits, borrowings, and other liabilities, compared to $90.8 million in pledged securities at December 31, 2017.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Company’s loan portfolio consists of the following categories of loans as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Construction and development	$	162,337	$	157,667
1-4 Family	277,978		276,922
Multifamily	54,504		51,283
Farmland	20,725		23,838
Commercial real estate	554,155		537,364
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,069,699		1,047,074
Commercial and industrial	135,965		135,392
Consumer	67,286		76,313
Total loans	$	1,272,950	$	1,258,779

Unamortized premiums and discounts on loans, included in the total loans balances above, were $2.5 million and $2.6 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. In determining whether or not a borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations for each class of loans, we consider the borrower’s debt service capacity through the analysis of current financial information, if available, and/or current information with regard to our collateral position. Regulatory provisions would typically require the placement of a loan on nonaccrual status if (i) principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection or (ii) full payment of principal and interest is not expected. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent that cash payments are received in excess of principal due. A loan may be returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured, which is typically evidenced by a sustained period (at least six months) of repayment performance by the borrower.

The table below provides an analysis of the aging of loans as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018
	Accruing
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past		90 Days or More Past Due		Nonaccrual		Total Past Due & Nonaccrual		Acquired Impaired Loans		Total Loans
Construction and development	$	161,575	$	610	$	53	$	—	$	44	$	707	$	55	$	162,337
1-4 Family	275,587		424		110		—		524		1,058		1,333		277,978
Multifamily	53,676		—		—		—		—		—		828		54,504
Farmland	18,156		—		—		57		—		57		2,512		20,725
Commercial real estate	551,160		245		—		—		675		920		2,075		554,155
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,060,154		1,279		163		57		1,243		2,742		6,803		1,069,699
Commercial and industrial	133,959		63		76		—		552		691		1,315		135,965
Consumer	65,777		343		73		—		1,090		1,506		3		67,286
Total loans	$	1,259,890	$	1,685	$	312	$	57	$	2,885	$	4,939	$	8,121	$	1,272,950

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	December 31, 2017
	Accruing
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past		90 Days or More Past Due		Nonaccrual		Total Past Due & Nonaccrual		Acquired Impaired Loans		Total Loans
Construction and development	$	157,123	$	225	$	—	$	—	$	34	$	259	$	285	$	157,667
1-4 Family	273,321		1,396		185		56		478		2,115		1,486		276,922
Multifamily	50,271		—		—		—		—		—		1,012		51,283
Farmland	19,619		—		—		58		—		58		4,161		23,838
Commercial real estate	535,014		107		89		—		67		263		2,087		537,364
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,035,348		1,728		274		114		579		2,695		9,031		1,047,074
Commercial and industrial	133,009		977		67		—		10		1,054		1,329		135,392
Consumer	74,409		610		152		20		1,118		1,900		4		76,313
Total loans	$	1,242,766	$	3,315	$	493	$	134	$	1,707	$	5,649	$	10,364	$	1,258,779

Credit Quality Indicators

Loans are categorized into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The following definitions are utilized for risk ratings, which are consistent with the definitions used in supervisory guidance:

Pass - Loans not meeting the criteria below are considered pass. These loans have high credit characteristics and financial strength. The borrowers at least generate profits and cash flow that are in line with peer and industry standards and have debt service coverage ratios above loan covenants and our policy guidelines. For some of these loans, a guaranty from a financially capable party mitigates characteristics of the borrower that might otherwise result in a lower grade.

Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention possess some credit deficiencies that need to be corrected to avoid a greater risk of default in the future. For example, financial ratios relating to the borrower may have deteriorated. Often, a special mention categorization is temporary while certain factors are analyzed or matters addressed before the loan is re-categorized as either pass or substandard.

Substandard - Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or the liquidation value of any collateral. If deficiencies are not addressed, it is likely that this category of loan will result in the Bank incurring a loss. Where a borrower has been unable to adjust to industry or general economic conditions, the borrower’s loan is often categorized as substandard.

Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss - Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as recorded assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the assets have absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off these assets.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The table below presents the Company’s loan portfolio by category and credit quality indicator as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Construction and development	$	162,253	$	—	$	84	$	—	$	162,337
1-4 Family	276,732		72		1,174		—		277,978
Multifamily	54,504		—		—		—		54,504
Farmland	18,150		—		2,575		—		20,725
Commercial real estate	553,480		—		119		556		554,155
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,065,119		72		3,952		556		1,069,699
Commercial and industrial	135,392		—		28		545		135,965
Consumer	65,943		251		1,092		—		67,286
Total loans	$	1,266,454	$	323	$	5,072	$	1,101	$	1,272,950



	December 31, 2017
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Construction and development	$	157,385	$	—	$	282	$	—	$	157,667
1-4 Family	275,492		74		1,356		—		276,922
Multifamily	51,283		—		—		—		51,283
Farmland	19,611		2,773		1,454		—		23,838
Commercial real estate	536,741		—		623		—		537,364
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,040,512		2,847		3,715		—		1,047,074
Commercial and industrial	134,522		—		870		—		135,392
Consumer	74,934		258		1,121		—		76,313
Total loans	$	1,249,968	$	3,105	$	5,706	$	—	$	1,258,779

The Company had no loans that were classified as loss at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Loan participations and whole loans sold to and serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The balance of loans serviced for others was $186.6 million and $204.2 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The unpaid principal balance of these loans was approximately $236.4 million and $237.3 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company makes loans to its executive officers, principal stockholders, directors and to companies in which these individuals are principal owners. Loans outstanding to such related party borrowers (including companies in which they are principal owners) amounted to approximately $31.2 million as of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

The table below shows the aggregate amount of loans to such related parties as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	31,153		$	19,957
New loans	3,129			24,428
Repayments and changes in relationship	(3,036		)	(13,232		)
Balance, end of period	$	31,246		$	31,153

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality

The Company accounts for certain loans acquired as acquired impaired loans under ASC 310-30 due to evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition and the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments.

The table below shows the changes in the accretable yield on acquired impaired loans for the periods presented (dollars in thousands).



	For the three months ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Balance at January 1,	$	—	$	275
Accretion to interest income	—		(25		)
Balance at March 31,	$	—	$	250

The table below shows a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	7,891		$	7,051
Provision for loan losses	625			350
Loans charged off	(446		)	(166		)
Recoveries	60			8
Balance, end of period	$	8,130		$	7,243

The following tables outline the activity in the allowance for loan losses by collateral type for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and show both the allowances and portfolio balances for loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands).

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended March 31, 2018
	Construction & Development		Farmland		1-4 Family			Multifamily		Commercial Real Estate		Commercial & Industrial			Consumer			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	945	$	60	$	1,287		$	332	$	3,599	$	693		$	975		$	7,891
Provision	23		3		—			27		9		519			44			625
Charge-offs	—		—		(7		)	—		—		(310		)	(129		)	(446		)
Recoveries	6		—		3			—		—		33			18			60
Ending balance	$	974	$	63	$	1,283		$	359	$	3,608	$	935		$	908		$	8,130
Ending allowance balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	58		$	293		$	351
Ending allowance balance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	—		—		—			—		—		—			—			—
Ending allowance balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment	$	974	$	63	$	1,283		$	359	$	3,608	$	877		$	615		$	7,779
Loans receivable:
Balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	159	$	—	$	1,133		$	—	$	1,186	$	545		$	1,056		$	4,079
Balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	55		2,512		1,333			828		2,075		1,315			3			8,121
Balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment	162,123		18,213		275,512			53,676		550,894		134,105			66,227			1,260,750
Total period-end balance	$	162,337	$	20,725	$	277,978		$	54,504	$	554,155	$	135,965		$	67,286		$	1,272,950

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	Three months ended March 31, 2017
	Construction & Development		Farmland			1-4 Family			Multifamily		Commercial Real Estate		Commercial & Industrial			Consumer			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	579	$	60		$	1,377		$	355	$	2,499	$	759		$	1,422		$	7,051
Provision	112		(6		)	(141		)	19		409		(15		)	(28		)	350
Charge-offs	—		—			—			—		—		—			(166		)	(166		)
Recoveries	3		—			1			—		—		—			4			8
Ending balance	$	694	$	54		$	1,237		$	374	$	2,908	$	744		$	1,232		$	7,243
Ending allowance balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment	—		—			—			—		—		130			329			459
Ending allowance balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment	$	694	$	54		$	1,237		$	374	$	2,908	$	614		$	903		$	6,784
Ending allowance balance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Loans receivable:
Balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	640	$	—		$	1,662		$	—	$	606	$	438		$	1,173		$	4,519
Balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment	94,901		7,994			170,486			47,776		391,858		89,914			94,700			897,629
Total period-end balance	$	95,541	$	7,994		$	172,148		$	47,776	$	392,464	$	90,352		$	95,873		$	902,148
Balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	$	658	$	—		$	489		$	1,046	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,193

Impaired Loans

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, the Company determines that it will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. Determination of impairment is treated the same across all classes of loans. When the Company identifies a loan as impaired, it measures the impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when the sole (remaining) source of repayment for the loans is the operation or liquidation of the collateral. In these cases when foreclosure is probable, the Company uses the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows. If the Company determines that the value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs, and unamortized premium or discount), the Company recognizes impairment through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance.

When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual, all payments are applied to principal, under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual, contractual interest is credited to interest income when received, under the cash basis method.

The following tables contain information on the Company’s impaired loans, which include all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), discussed in more detail below, and nonaccrual loans individually evaluated for impairment for purposes of determining the allowance for loan losses. The average balances are calculated based on the month-end balances of the loans during the period reported (dollars in thousands).

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	March 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Construction and development	$	159	$	177	$	—
1-4 Family	1,133		1,169		—
Commercial real estate	1,186		1,201		—
Total mortgage loans on real estate	2,478		2,547		—
Commercial and industrial	158		158		—
Consumer	211		225		—
Total	2,847		2,930		—

With related allowance recorded:
Commercial and industrial	387		387		58
Consumer	845		888		293
Total	1,232		1,275		351

Total loans:
Construction and development	159		177		—
1-4 Family	1,133		1,169		—
Commercial real estate	1,186		1,201		—
Total mortgage loans on real estate	2,478		2,547		—
Commercial and industrial	545		545		58
Consumer	1,056		1,113		293
Total	$	4,079	$	4,205	$	351

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	December 31, 2017
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Construction and development	$	182	$	202	$	—
1-4 Family	1,136		1,169		—
Commercial real estate	640		654		—
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,958		2,025		—
Consumer	168		217		—
Total	2,126		2,242		—

With related allowance recorded:
Consumer	918		956		304
Total	918		956		304

Total loans:
Construction and development	182		202		—
1-4 Family	1,136		1,169		—
Commercial real estate	640		654		—
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,958		2,025		—
Consumer	1,086		1,173		304
Total	$	3,044	$	3,198	$	304

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Presented in the tables below is the average recorded investment of the impaired loans and the related amount of interest income recognized during the time within the period that the loans were impaired. The average balances are calculated based on the month-end balances of the loans during the periods reported (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018				2017
	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Construction and development	$	160	$	2	$	641	$	5
1-4 Family	1,210		11		1,666		17
Commercial real estate	1,189		8		607		2
Total mortgage loans on real estate	2,559		21		2,914		24
Commercial and industrial	359		—		37		—
Consumer	274		—		226		1
Total	3,192		21		3,177		25

With related allowance recorded:
Commercial and industrial	387		—		404		—
Consumer	862		—		925		1
Total	1,249		—		1,329		1

Total loans:
Construction and development	160		2		641		5
1-4 Family	1,210		11		1,666		17
Commercial real estate	1,189		8		607		2
Total mortgage loans on real estate	2,559		21		2,914		24
Commercial and industrial	746		—		441		—
Consumer	1,136		—		1,151		2
Total	$	4,441	$	21	$	4,506	$	26

Troubled Debt Restructurings

In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession for other than an insignificant period of time to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider, the related loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). The Company strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify their loans to more affordable terms before such loans reach nonaccrual status. These modified terms may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, payment forbearance and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. In cases in which the Company grants the borrower new terms that provide for a reduction of either interest or principal, or otherwise include a concession, the Company identifies the loan as a TDR and measures any impairment on the restructuring as previously noted for impaired loans.

Loans classified as TDRs, consisting of sixteen credits, totaled approximately $1.6 million at March 31, 2018, compared to eighteen credits totaling $1.6 million at December 31, 2017. Seven of the restructured loans were considered TDRs due to modification of terms through adjustments to maturity, eight of the restructured loans were considered TDRs due to a reduction in the interest rate to a rate lower than the current market rate, and one restructured loan was considered a TDR due to modification of terms through principal payment forbearance, paying interest only for a specified period of time. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, all restructured loans were performing under their modified terms. The Company individually evaluates each TDR for allowance purposes, primarily based on collateral value, and excludes these loans from the loan population that is collectively evaluated for impairment.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no available balances on loans classified as TDRs that the Company was committed to lend.

There were no loans modified under TDRs during the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. There were no loans modified under TDRs during the previous twelve month period that subsequently defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

NOTE 6. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net is shown in the tables below (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018									2017
	Beginning of Period			Net Change			End of Period			Beginning of Period			Net Change			End of Period
Unrealized (loss) gain, available for sale, net	$	(71	)	$	(1,789	)	$	(1,860	)	$	(401	)	$	707		$	306
Reclassification of realized gain, net	(1,914		)	—			(1,914		)	(1,683		)	(69		)	(1,752		)
Unrealized loss, transfer from available for sale to held to maturity, net	7			—			7			8			—			8
Change in fair value of interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge, net	407			265			672			5			120			125
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(1,571	)	$	(1,524	)	$	(3,095	)	$	(2,071	)	$	758		$	(1,313	)

NOTE 7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Incentive Plan. The Company’s 2017 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) authorizes the grant of various types of equity grants and awards, such as restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights, to eligible participants, which include all of the Company’s employees, non-employee directors, and consultants. The Plan has reserved 600,000 shares of common stock for grant, award or issuance to eligible participants, including shares underlying granted options. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors, which determines, within the provisions of the Plan, those eligible employees to whom, and the times at which, grants and awards will be made. The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may delegate its authority and duties under the Plan to specified officers; however, only the Compensation Committee may approve the terms of grants and awards to the Company’s executive officers and directors.

Stock Options

The Company uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based awards. The Black-Scholes option pricing model incorporates various highly subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected volatility. Stock option expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $61,000 and $51,000, respectively.

The assumptions presented below were used for the options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018.




Expected dividends	0.52		%
Expected volatility	24.99		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.68		%
Expected term (in years)	6.5
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$	7.16

At March 31, 2018, there was $0.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.72 years.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The table below summarizes stock option activity for the periods presented.



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018				2017
	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period	322,917		$	15.09	319,364		$	14.37
Granted	31,788		24.30		36,177		20.25
Forfeited	—		—		(5,334	)	14.00
Exercised	(8,001	)	14.00		(15,041	)	13.45
Outstanding at end of period	346,704		$	15.96	335,166		$	15.05
Exercisable at end of period	123,464		$	14.77	82,310		$	14.30

At March 31, 2018, the shares underlying outstanding stock options and exercisable stock options had aggregate intrinsic values of $3.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Time Vested Restricted Stock Awards

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company issued shares of time vested restricted stock with vesting terms ranging from 2 to 5 years. The total share-based compensation expense to be recognized for these awards is determined based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date applied to the total number of shares awarded and is amortized over the vesting period. Stock compensation expense related to time vested restricted stock awards in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The table below summarizes the time vested restricted stock award activity for the periods presented.



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018				2017
	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at beginning of period	112,688		$	17.28	93,366		$	14.75
Granted	59,093		24.33		51,702		20.10
Forfeited	(1,147	)	19.06		(3,035	)	14.72
Earned and issued	(23,342	)	17.53		(13,168	)	14.93
Balance at end of period	147,292		$	20.06	128,865		$	16.88

At March 31, 2018, there was $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to time vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.74 years.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 8. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company currently holds interest rate swap contracts to manage exposure against the variability in the expected future cash flows (future interest payments) attributable to changes in the 1-month LIBOR associated with the forecasted issuances of 1-month fixed rate debt arising from a rollover strategy. An interest rate swap is an agreement whereby one party agrees to pay a fixed rate of interest on a notional principal amount in exchange for receiving a floating rate of interest on the same notional amount, for a predetermined period of time, from a second party. The amounts relating to the notional principal amount are not actually exchanged. The maximum length of time over which the Company is currently hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions is approximately 2.4 years. The total notional amount of the derivative contracts is $50.0 million. These derivative contracts are currently between the Company and a single counterparty. To mitigate credit risk, securities are pledged to the Company by the counterparty in an amount greater than or equal to the gain position of the derivative contracts.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, a gain of $0.3 million has been recognized in “Other comprehensive income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps compared to a gain of $0.1 million recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The swap contracts had a fair value of $0.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and have been recorded in “Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The accumulated gain of $0.7 million included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet would be reclassified to current earnings if the hedge transactions become probable of not occurring. The Company expects the hedges to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swap contracts.

NOTE 9. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure (“ASC 820”), disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, is required. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, and the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

Fair Value Hierarchy

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.

Level 2 – Valuation is based upon observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 – Valuation is based upon unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Cash and Due from Banks – For these short-term instruments, fair value is the carrying value. Cash and due from banks is classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Federal Funds Sold – The fair value is the carrying value. The Company classifies these assets in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investment Securities and Equity Securities – Where quoted prices are available in an active market, the Company classifies the securities within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Securities are defined as both long and short positions. Level 1 securities include exchange-traded equity securities.

If quoted market prices are not available, the Company estimates fair values using pricing models and discounted cash flows that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, and credit spreads. Examples of such instruments, which would generally be classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy if observable inputs are available, include obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations, obligations of state and political subdivisions, corporate bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other equity securities. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, the Company classifies those securities in level 3.

Loans – Effective January 1, 2018, with the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the fair value of portfolio loans, net is determined using an exit price methodology. The exit price methodology continues to be based on a discounted cash flow analysis, in which projected cash flows are based on contractual cash flows adjusted for prepayments for certain loan types (e.g. residential mortgage loans and multifamily loans) and the use of a discount rate based on expected relative risk of the cash flows. The discount rate selected considers loan type, maturity date, a liquidity premium, cost to service, and cost of capital, which is a level 3 fair value estimate.

As of December 31, 2017, loans were valued as follows: For variable-rate loans that re-price frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for certain mortgage loans (for example, 1-4 family residential), credit card loans, and other consumer loans are based on quoted market prices of similar instruments sold in conjunction with securitization transactions, adjusted for differences in loan characteristics. Fair values for other loans (for example, commercial real estate and investment property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market interest rates for comparable loans. Fair values for nonperforming loans, which are loans for which the accrual of interest has stopped or loans that are contractually 90 days past due on which interest continues to accrue, are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable. The Company classifies loans in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Deposit Liabilities – The fair values disclosed for noninterest-bearing demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). These noninterest-bearing deposits are classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. All interest-bearing deposits are classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts of variable-rate (for example interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market accounts), fixed-term money market accounts, and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates on comparable instruments to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Short-Term Borrowings—The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings approximate their fair values. The Company classifies these borrowings in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Long-Term Borrowings, including Junior Subordinated Debt Securities – The fair values of long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is therefore classified in level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Subordinated Debt Securities - The fair value of subordinated debt is estimated based on current market rates on similar debt in the market. The Company classifies this debt in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative Financial Instruments – The fair value for interest rate swap agreements is based upon the amounts required to settle the contracts. These derivative instruments are classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the table below as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).



	Estimated Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2018
Assets:
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	56,847	$	—	$	56,847	$	—
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	34,721		—		15,506		19,215
Corporate bonds	18,109		—		16,765		1,344
Residential mortgage-backed securities	118,271		—		118,271		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	3,500		—		3,500		—
Equity securities	1,425		1,425		—		—
Derivative financial instruments	851		—		851		—
Total assets	$	233,724	$	1,425	$	211,740	$	20,559

December 31, 2017
Assets:
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	52,216	$	—	$	52,216	$	—
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	35,237		—		15,694		19,543
Corporate bonds	16,210		—		14,885		1,325
Residential mortgage-backed securities	109,478		—		109,478		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	3,581		—		3,581		—
Equity securities	842		842		—		—
Derivative financial instruments	516		—		516		—
Total assets	$	218,080	$	842	$	196,370	$	20,868

The Company reviews fair value hierarchy classifications on a quarterly basis. Changes in the Company’s ability to observe inputs to the valuation may cause reclassification of certain assets or liabilities within the fair value hierarchy. The tables below provide a reconciliation for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, or level 3 inputs, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands).



	Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions			Corporate Bonds		Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	19,543		$	1,325	$	20,868
Realized gains (losses) included in net income	—			—		—
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(328		)	19		(309		)
Purchases	—			—		—
Sales	—			—		—
Transfers into level 3	—			—		—
Transfers out of level 3	—			—		—
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	19,215		$	1,344	$	20,559

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions		Corporate Bonds		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	17,656	$	624	$	18,280
Realized gains (losses) included in net income	—		—		—
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	647		1		648
Purchases	—		700		700
Sales	—		—		—
Transfers into level 3	—		—		—
Transfers out of level 3	—		—		—
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	18,303	$	1,325	$	19,628

There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using level 3 inputs at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no gains or losses included in earnings related to the change in fair value of the assets measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs held at the end of the period.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis based on significant unobservable inputs (level 3) is summarized below as of the dates indicated; there were no liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands).



	Estimated Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range of Discounts	Weighted Average Discount
March 31, 2018
Impaired loans	$	412	Discounted cash flows, Underlying collateral value	Collateral discounts and estimated costs to sell	0% - 100%	18%
December 31, 2017
Impaired loans	$	380	Discounted cash flows, Underlying collateral value	Collateral discounts and estimated costs to sell	0% - 100%	32%
Other real estate owned	3,612		Underlying collateral value, Third party appraisals	Collateral discounts and discount rates	5%	5%

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are summarized in the table below as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	March 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	21,032	$	21,032	$	21,032	$	—	$	—
Federal funds sold	70		70		70		—		—
Investment securities	249,175		248,927		—		222,067		26,860
Equity securities	11,573		11,573		1,425		10,148		—
Loans, net of allowance	1,264,820		1,258,108		—		—		1,258,108
Derivative financial instruments	851		851		—		851		—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits, noninterest-bearing	$	221,855	$	221,855	$	—	$	221,855	$	—
Deposits, interest-bearing	1,004,817		959,998		—		—		959,998
FHLB short-term advances and repurchase agreements	133,053		133,053		—		133,053		—
FHLB long-term advances	75,066		74,551		—		—		74,551
Junior subordinated debt	5,806		6,830		—		—		6,830
Subordinated debt	18,600		18,713		—		18,713		—



	December 31, 2017
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	30,421	$	30,421	$	30,421	$	—	$	—
Investment securities	235,561		235,511		842		201,946		32,723
Equity securities	9,798		9,799		—		9,799		—
Loans, net of allowance	1,250,888		1,249,844		—		—		1,249,844
Derivative financial instruments	516		516		—		516		—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits, noninterest-bearing	$	216,599	$	216,599	$	—	$	216,599	$	—
Deposits, interest-bearing	1,008,638		977,127		—		—		977,127
FHLB short-term advances and repurchase agreements	148,535		148,535		—		148,535		—
FHLB long-term advances	40,058		39,927		—		—		39,927
Junior subordinated debt	5,792		5,576		—		—		5,576
Subordinated debt	18,600		18,857		—		18,857		—

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affected the Company’s income tax rate in 2017, including requiring the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 as a result of the lower corporate tax rates to be realized beginning January 1, 2018. The Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and establishes new tax laws that will affect 2018.

ASC 740 requires a company to record the effects of a tax law change in the period of enactment; however, shortly after the enactment of the Tax Act, the SEC staff issued SAB 118, which allows a company to record a provisional amount when it does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the change in the tax law. The measurement period ends when the company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year.

The expense for income taxes and the effective tax rate included in the consolidated statements of income are shown in the table below for the periods presented (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Income tax expense	$	1,341		$	847
Effective tax rate	35.8		%	31.2		%

The Company’s current income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 includes a $0.6 million charge directly related to the revaluation of its deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of the Tax Act, which is the primary reason the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21% for 2018.

NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk entered into in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit consisting of loan commitments and standby letters of credit, which are not included in the accompanying financial statements. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable. The credit risk associated with these commitments is evaluated in a manner similar to the allowance for loan losses. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and was $40,000 and $32,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend money with fixed expiration dates or termination clauses. The Company applies the same credit standards used in the lending process when extending these commitments, and periodically reassesses the customer’s creditworthiness through ongoing credit reviews. Since some commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Collateral is obtained based on the Company’s assessment of the transaction. Essentially all standby letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year.

The table below shows the approximate amounts of the Company’s commitments to extend credit as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Commitments to extend credit
Loan commitments	$	181,987	$	174,278
Standby letters of credit	7,919		3,832

Additionally, at March 31, 2018, the Company had unfunded commitments of $0.3 million for its investment in Small Business Investment Company qualified funds.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

When included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or in other documents that Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or in statements made by or on behalf of the Company, words like “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “think,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “would,” “outlook” and similar expressions or the negative version of those words are intended to identify forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described therein. The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and estimates that management believes to be reasonable in light of the information available at the time such statements are made. However, many of the matters addressed by these statements are inherently uncertain and could be affected by many factors beyond management’s control. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following, any one or more of which could materially affect the outcome of future events:


•	business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry in particular, whether nationally, regionally or in the markets in which we operate;


•	our ability to achieve organic loan and deposit growth, and the composition of that growth;


•	changes (or the lack of changes) in interest rates, yield curves and interest rate spread relationships that affect our loan and deposit pricing;


•	the extent of continuing client demand for the high level of personalized service that is a key element of our banking approach as well as our ability to execute our strategy generally;


•	our dependence on our management team, and our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;


•	changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios, including adverse developments in borrower industries or in the repayment ability of individual borrowers;


•	inaccuracy of the assumptions and estimates we make in establishing reserves for probable loan losses and other estimates;


•	the concentration of our business within our geographic areas of operation in Louisiana; and


•	concentration of credit exposure.

These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors can be found in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Item 7. “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC.

Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on any forward-looking statement as a prediction of future events. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update our forward-looking statements, and we do not intend to release publicly any updates or changes in our expectations concerning the forward-looking statements or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any forward-looking statement may be based, except as required by law.

Overview

This section presents management’s perspective on the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Investar Bank (the “Bank”). The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included herein, and the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, including the notes thereto, and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Annual Report on Form 10-K that the Company filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018.

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary Investar Bank, we provide full banking services, excluding trust services, tailored primarily to meet the needs of individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in our primary areas of operation in South Louisiana: Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Hammond and their surrounding metropolitan areas. Our Bank commenced operations in 2006 and we completed our initial public offering in July 2014. Our strategy includes organic growth through high quality loans and growth through acquisitions. We currently operate 20 full service branches. We completed acquisitions in 2011, 2013, and 2017 and regularly review acquisition opportunities.

Our principal business is lending to and accepting deposits from individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in our areas of operation. We generate our income principally from interest on loans and, to a lesser extent, our securities investments, as well as from fees charged in connection with our various loan and deposit services and gains on the sale securities. Our principal expenses are interest expense on interest-bearing customer deposits and borrowings, salaries, employee benefits, occupancy costs, data processing and operating expenses. We measure our performance through our net interest margin, return on average assets, and return on average equity, among other metrics, while seeking to maintain appropriate regulatory leverage and risk-based capital ratios.

Certain Events Affect Year-over-Year Comparability

Debt and Equity Raise. During the first quarter of 2017, we completed both a common stock offering and a subordinated debt issuance. The common stock offering generated net proceeds of $32.5 million through the issuance of 1.6 million common shares at a price of $21.25 per share. The proceeds from the common stock offering were raised for general corporate purposes and potential strategic acquisitions. We also issued and sold $18.6 million in fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due in 2027. We used the net proceeds from the debt issuance to fund a portion of the acquisition of Citizens Bancshares, Inc., discussed below in Acquisitions.

Change in Tax Laws. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affected the Company’s income tax rate in 2017, including requiring the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 as a result of the lower corporate tax rates to be realized beginning January 1, 2018. The Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and establishes new tax laws that affect 2018 and beyond.

ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires a company to record the effects of a tax law change in the period of enactment; however, shortly after the enactment of the Tax Act, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which allows a company to record a provisional amount when it does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the change in the tax law. The measurement period ends when the company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. The Company recorded a revaluation of its deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the information available to management at the time, resulting in a $0.3 million charge to income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2017 and a $0.6 million charge to income tax in the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The Company’s final analysis and remeasurement will be based on a number of factors, including completion of the Company’s 2017 consolidated tax return; however, management does not expect to record any additional remeasurement charges to income tax expense related to the Tax Act.

Acquisitions. On July 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Citizens Bancshares, Inc. (“Citizens”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens Bank, located in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana. The Company acquired 100% of Citizens’ outstanding common shares for an aggregate amount of cash consideration equal to $45.8 million, or approximately $419.20 per share. The acquisition of Citizens expands the Company’s branch footprint in Louisiana and increases the core deposit base to help position the Company to continue to grow. On the date of acquisition, Citizens had total assets with a fair value of $251 million, $129 million in loans, $212 million in deposits, and $36 million in stockholders’ equity, and served the residents of Evangeline Parish through its three branch locations. The Company recorded a core deposit intangible and goodwill of $1.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively, related to the acquisition of Citizens.

On December 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of BOJ Bancshares, Inc. (“BOJ”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Highlands Bank, located in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. The Company acquired 100% of BOJ’s outstanding common shares for an aggregate merger consideration consisting of $3.95 million in cash, and an aggregate of 799,559 shares of the Company’s common stock. Like Citizens, the acquisition of BOJ expands the Company’s branch footprint in Louisiana, allowing us to serve more customers in our surrounding market areas. On the date of acquisition, BOJ had total assets with a fair value of $152 million, $102 million in loans, $126 million in deposits, and $16 million in stockholders’ equity, and served the residents of East Baton Rouge and East and West Feliciana Parishes through its five branch locations. The Company recorded a core deposit intangible and goodwill of $1.0 million and $5.7 million, respectively, related to the acquisition of BOJ.

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net income was $2.4 million, or $0.25 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.9 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our net interest margin was 3.70%, return on average assets was 0.60%, and return on average equity was 5.62%. From December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018, total loans increased $14.2 million, or 1.1%, and total deposits increased $1.4 million, or 0.1%. At March 31, 2018, the Company and Bank each were in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements, and the Bank was considered “well-capitalized” under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations.

Loans

General. Loans constitute our most significant asset, comprising 77.4% and 77.6% of our total assets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Total loans increased $14.2 million, or 1.1%, to $1.27 billion at March 31, 2018 compared to $1.26 billion at December 31, 2017 as a result of organic growth in our business.

The table below sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Amount		Percentage of Total Loans		Amount		Percentage of Total Loans
Construction and development	$	162,337	12.8	%	$	157,667	12.5	%
1-4 Family	277,978		21.8		276,922		22.0
Multifamily	54,504		4.3		51,283		4.1
Farmland	20,725		1.6		23,838		1.9
Commercial real estate
Owner-occupied	274,216		21.5		272,433		21.6
Nonowner-occupied	279,939		22.0		264,931		21.0
Total mortgage loans on real estate	1,069,699		84.0		1,047,074		83.1
Commercial and industrial	135,965		10.7		135,392		10.8
Consumer	67,286		5.3		76,313		6.1
Total loans	$	1,272,950	100.0	%	$	1,258,779	100.0	%

At March 31, 2018, the Company’s business lending portfolio, which consists of loans secured by owner-occupied commercial real estate properties and commercial and industrial loans, was $410.2 million, an increase of $2.4 million, or 0.6%, compared to $407.8 million at December 31, 2017.

Consumer loans totaled $67.3 million at March 31, 2018, a decrease of $9.0 million, or 11.8%, compared to $76.3 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease in consumer loans is attributable to the scheduled paydowns of the consumer loans, most of which relate to our former indirect auto loan business.

The following table sets forth loans outstanding at March 31, 2018, which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, are due in the periods indicated. Loans with balloon payments and longer amortizations are often repriced and extended beyond the initial maturity when credit conditions remain satisfactory. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity and overdrafts are reported below as due in one year or less (dollars in thousands).



	One Year or Less		After One Year Through Five Years		After Five Years Through Ten Years		After Ten Years Through Fifteen Years		After Fifteen Years		Total
Construction and development	$	137,884	$	11,906	$	11,784	$	763	$	—	$	162,337
1-4 Family	49,099		105,910		39,579		26,468		56,922		277,978
Multifamily	7,389		27,658		17,833		102		1,522		54,504
Farmland	8,721		8,761		1,450		1,793		—		20,725
Commercial real estate
Owner-occupied	35,151		117,151		77,916		34,550		9,448		274,216
Nonowner-occupied	41,404		121,154		100,643		16,738		—		279,939
Total mortgage loans on real estate	279,648		392,540		249,205		80,414		67,892		1,069,699
Commercial and industrial	66,141		44,400		16,541		—		8,883		135,965
Consumer	4,667		57,086		4,695		405		433		67,286
Total loans	$	350,456	$	494,026	$	270,441	$	80,819	$	77,208	$	1,272,950

Loan Concentrations. Loan concentrations are considered to exist when there are amounts loaned to multiple borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had no concentrations of loans exceeding 10% of total loans other than loans in the categories listed in the table above.

Investment Securities

We purchase investment securities primarily to provide a source for meeting liquidity needs, with return on investment a secondary consideration. We also use investment securities as collateral for certain deposits and other types of borrowing. Investment securities represented 15.2% of our total assets and totaled $249.2 million at March 31, 2018, an increase of $13.6 million, or 5.8%, from $235.6 million at December 31, 2017. The increase in investment securities at March 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017 primarily resulted from purchases of obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations and residential mortgage-backed securities.

The table below shows the carrying value of our investment securities portfolio by investment type and the percentage that such investment type comprises of our entire portfolio as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Balance		Percentage of Portfolio		Balance		Percentage of Portfolio
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	56,847	22.8	%	$	52,216	22.2	%
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	46,473		18.6		47,098		20.0
Corporate bonds	18,109		7.3		16,210		6.9
Residential mortgage-backed securities	124,246		49.9		115,614		49.0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	3,500		1.4		3,581		1.5
Equity securities	—		—		842		0.4
Total	$	249,175	100.0	%	$	235,561	100.0	%

The investment portfolio consists of available for sale and held to maturity securities. We classify debt securities as held to maturity if management has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held to maturity debt securities are stated at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale. The carrying values of the Company’s available for sale securities are adjusted for unrealized gains or losses as valuation allowances, and any gains or losses are reported on an after-tax basis as a component of other comprehensive income. Any expected credit loss due to the inability to collect all amounts due according to the security’s contractual terms is recognized as a charge against earnings. Any remaining unrealized loss related to other factors would be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

Effective January 1, 2018, per the requirements of ASU 2016-01, the carrying values of the Company’s equity securities historically included in the available for sale securities portfolio are included in equity securities on the consolidated balance sheet and are adjusted for unrealized gains or losses with any changes being recognized in net income in the consolidated statement of income.

The table below sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of our investment debt securities based on the amortized cost of our investment portfolio at March 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands).



	One Year or Less				After One Year Through Five Years				After Five Years Through Ten Years				After Ten Years
	Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield
Held to maturity:
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	$	720	6.02	%	$	3,245	6.02	%	$	1,875	6.02	%	$	5,912	3.73	%
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—		—		—		—		—		5,975		2.83
Available for sale:
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations	—		—		2,616		1.97		6,250		2.58		48,998		2.53
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	2,801		1.54		6,867		2.03		6,490		2.66		19,327		3.70
Corporate bonds	712		2.04		3,775		2.89		13,917		3.60		—		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—		—		—		2,214		2.28		118,627		2.28
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—		1,447		1.97		2,184		2.51		—		—
	$	4,233			$	17,950			$	32,930			$	198,839

The maturity of mortgage-backed securities reflects scheduled repayments based upon the contractual maturities of the securities. Weighted average yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21%.

Deposits

The following table sets forth the composition of our deposits and the percentage of each deposit type to total deposits at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Amount		Percentage of Total Deposits		Amount		Percentage of Total Deposits
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$	221,855	18.1	%	$	216,599	17.7	%
NOW accounts	228,269		18.6		208,683		17.0
Money market deposit accounts	145,627		11.9		146,140		11.9
Savings accounts	124,589		10.1		117,372		9.6
Time deposits	506,332		41.3		536,443		43.8
Total deposits	$	1,226,672	100.0	%	$	1,225,237	100.0	%

Total deposits were $1.2 billion at March 31, 2018, an increase of $1.4 million, or 0.1%, compared to December 31, 2017. Growth in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, NOW accounts, and savings accounts was offset by a $30.1 million decrease in time deposits. In an effort to begin reducing its cost of funds and its dependency on non-retail certificates of deposit, the Company began lowering its rates on time deposits in 2016, particularly Qwikrate^® deposits, which are primarily deposits of other financial institutions. As a result of this strategy, as the Qwikrate^® deposits have matured, many have not renewed with the Bank, which is the primary driver for the decrease in time deposits.

The following table shows the contractual maturities of certificates of deposit and other time deposits greater than $100,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Certificates of Deposit		Other Time Deposits		Certificates of Deposit		Other Time Deposits
Time remaining until maturity:
Three months or less	$	63,353	$	1,702	$	79,662	$	2,182
Over three months through six months	48,374		534		53,702		1,709
Over six months through twelve months	68,343		2,804		61,371		1,812
Over one year through three years	56,377		2,215		78,270		1,890
Over three years	7,593		724		2,722		487
	$	244,040	$	7,979	$	275,727	$	8,080

Borrowings

Total borrowings include securities sold under agreements to repurchase, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), unsecured lines of credit with First National Bankers Bank (“FNBB”) and The Independent Bankers Bank (“TIB”), junior subordinated debentures, and a secured revolving line of credit with TIB. In addition, in connection with its definitive agreement to acquire Citizens, on March 24, 2017, the Company issued and sold $18.6 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes (“Notes”) due March 30, 2027. Beginning on March 30, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at their principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. The Notes bear an interest rate of 6.00% per annum until March 30, 2022, on which date the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current LIBOR plus 394.5 basis points. The Company used the net proceeds of the Notes sale to fund a portion of its acquisition of Citizens, which closed on July 1, 2017.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $0.8 million to $21.1 million at March 31, 2018 from $21.9 million at December 31, 2017. Our advances from the FHLB were $187.1 million at March 31, 2018, an increase of $20.4 million, or 12.2%, from FHLB advances of $166.7 million at December 31, 2017. The increase in FHLB advances was used primarily to fund loan growth and investment activity.

We had no outstanding balances drawn on unsecured lines of credit at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. There were no outstanding balances on the secured revolving line of credit with TIB at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. The $5.8 million in junior subordinated debt at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 represents the junior subordinated debentures that we assumed through acquisition. The carrying value of the Notes was $18.2 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

The average balances and cost of funds of short-term borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands).



	Average Balances				Cost of Funds
	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017		March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings	$	121,545	$	84,371	1.57	%	1.27	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	22,101		36,552		0.69		0.20
Total short-term borrowings	$	143,646	$	120,923	1.43	%	0.95	%

The main source of our short-term borrowings are overnight advances from the FHLB. The rate charged for these advances is directly tied to the Federal Reserve Bank’s federal funds rate. The Federal Reserve, in an attempt to help the overall economy, has among other things, kept interest rates low through its targeted federal funds rate. The Federal Reserve increased the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points in December 2016 and by a total of 75 basis points during 2017 and has indicated the potential for further gradual increases in the target rate depending on the economic outlook. As the federal funds rate increases, market interest rates will likely rise, which will affect the cost of our borrowings.

Results of Operations

Performance Summary

Three months ended March 31, 2018 vs. three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net income was $2.4 million, or $0.25 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.9 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Return on average assets decreased to 0.60% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 0.65% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Return on average equity was 5.62% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 6.44% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in basic and diluted earnings per share, return on average assets, and return on average equity is primarily attributable to the $1.1 million of acquisition expense and the $0.6 million charge to income tax expense as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act recognized in the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, which is the largest component of our earnings, is the difference between interest earned on assets, such as loans and investments, and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. The primary factors affecting net interest income are the volume, yield and mix of our rate-sensitive assets and liabilities, as well as the amount of our nonperforming loans and the interest rate environment.

Three months ended March 31, 2018 vs. three months ended March 31, 2017. Net interest income increased 56.4% to $13.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $8.9 million for the same period in 2017. This increase is due primarily to the $368.5 million and $60.7 million increases in average loans and average investment securities, respectively, when compared to the same period in 2017, resulting in a $6.1 million increase in interest income, discussed in more detail below. Average interest-bearing deposits increased approximately $224.4 million and average short- and long-term borrowings increased $84.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 when compared to the same period in 2017, resulting in a $1.1 million increase in interest expense, also discussed in more detail below. The increases in both average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are results of both organic growth of the Company and the acquisitions of Citizens and BOJ in 2017.

Interest income was $17.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $11.1 million for the same period in 2017. Loan interest income made up substantially all of our interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. An increase in interest income of $4.4 million can be attributed to an increase in the volume of interest-earning assets and an increase of $1.7 million can be attributed to an increase in the yield earned on those assets. The overall yield on interest-earning assets was 4.59% and 4.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The loan portfolio yielded 5.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 4.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, while the yield on the investment portfolio was 2.45% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 2.31% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Interest expense was $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $1.1 million compared to interest expense of $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as a result of an increase of $0.8 million attributed to volume and $0.3 million attributed to the increase in the rate of interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased approximately $308.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 mainly as a result of a $224.4 million increase in interest-bearing deposits. Average short- and long-term borrowings also increased $84.2 million, attributable to our liquidity needs. The cost of deposits decreased six basis points to 0.91% for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 compared to 0.97% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 as a result of the decrease in the cost of interest-bearing demand accounts and savings deposits. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 12 basis points to 1.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 0.98% for the same period in 2017, due to the increase in the cost of short- and long-term borrowings.

Net interest margin was 3.70% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of 43 basis points from 3.27% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in net interest margin was driven by an increase in interest-earning assets and the yields earned on those assets, and an increase in the volume of lower cost deposits, partially resulting from the acquisitions of both Citizens and BOJ.

Average Balances and Yields. The following table sets forth average balance sheet data, including all major categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, together with the interest earned or paid and the average yield or rate paid on each such category for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Averages presented in the table below are daily averages (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018							2017
	Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense ⁽¹⁾		Yield/ Rate⁽¹⁾		Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense⁽¹⁾		Yield/ Rate⁽¹⁾
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans	$	1,261,047		$	15,626	5.03	%	$	892,546		$	10,004	4.55	%
Securities:
Taxable	206,722			1,253		2.46		150,139			839		2.27
Tax-exempt	34,688			206		2.41		30,540			190		2.52
Interest-earning balances with banks	15,968			93		2.37		24,591			60		0.99
Total interest-earning assets	1,518,425			17,178		4.59		1,097,816			11,093		4.10
Cash and due from banks	25,526							8,546
Intangible assets	19,881							3,227
Other assets	73,438							55,190
Allowance for loan losses	(7,993		)					(7,125		)
Total assets	$	1,629,277						$	1,157,654
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand	$	360,903		$	580	0.65	%	$	291,855		$	488	0.68	%
Savings deposits	120,861			137		0.46		53,237			86		0.66
Time deposits	520,891			1,536		1.20		433,170			1,279		1.20
Total interest-bearing deposits	1,002,655			2,253		0.91		778,262			1,853		0.97
Short-term borrowings	143,646			507		1.43		120,923			282		0.95
Long-term debt	82,641			560		2.75		21,175			98		1.88
Total interest-bearing liabilities	1,228,942			3,320		1.10		920,360			2,233		0.98
Noninterest-bearing deposits	216,827							110,410
Other liabilities	10,041							9,387
Stockholders’ equity	173,467							117,497
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,629,277						$	1,157,654
Net interest income/net interest margin				$	13,858	3.70	%				$	8,860	3.27	%


⁽¹⁾	Interest income and net interest margin are expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets outstanding for the indicated periods. Interest expense is expressed as a percentage of average interest-bearing liabilities for the indicated periods.

Volume/Rate Analysis. The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and rates for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31, 2018 vs. three months ended March 31, 2017
	Volume			Rate			Net⁽¹⁾
Interest income:
Loans	$	4,130		$	1,492		$	5,622
Securities:
Taxable	268			146			414
Tax-exempt	26			(10		)	16
Interest-earning balances with banks	(21		)	54			33
Total interest-earning assets	4,403			1,682			6,085
Interest expense:
Interest-bearing demand deposits	115			(23		)	92
Savings deposits	109			(58		)	51
Time deposits	259			(2		)	257
Short-term borrowings	53			172			225
Long-term debt	283			179			462
Total interest-bearing liabilities	819			268			1,087
Change in net interest income	$	3,584		$	1,414		$	4,998


⁽¹⁾	Changes in interest due to both volume and rate have been allocated on a pro-rata basis using the absolute ratio value of amounts calculated.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income includes, among other things, fees generated from our deposit services, gain on sale of investment securities, fixed assets and other real estate owned, and servicing fees and fee income on serviced loans. We expect to continue to develop new products that generate noninterest income, and enhance our existing products, in order to diversify our revenue sources.

Three months ended March 31, 2018 vs. three months ended March 31, 2017. Total noninterest income increased $0.2 million, or 21.1%, to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in noninterest income is mainly attributable to the $0.3 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts offset by a decrease in servicing fees and fee income on serviced loans. The increase in the service charges on deposit accounts is attributable to the increase in deposit accounts as a result of the Citizens and BOJ acquisitions.

Servicing fees and fee income on serviced loans, which are fees collected for servicing loans which have been sold and are held in our servicing portfolio, decreased $0.1 million, or 31.9%, to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2017. The Bank’s servicing portfolio primarily consists of indirect auto loans. As this portfolio of loans ages, and consequently decreases in principal value, the servicing fees and fee income on serviced loans earned will continue to decrease.

Noninterest Expense

Three months ended March 31, 2018 vs. three months ended March 31, 2017. Total noninterest expense was $10.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $3.9 million, or 58.0%, compared to the same period in 2017. The increase is mainly attributable to a $2.1 million increase in salaries and employee benefits and a $1.0 million increase in acquisition expenses. The increase in salaries and employee benefits is mainly attributable to the additional employees acquired through the Citizens and BOJ acquisitions, as well as additional lenders and treasury management employees hired during 2017. In addition, the Company opened two de novo branch locations in June 2017 which required the hiring of additional employees. The increase in acquisition expenses when compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2017 is directly related to the BOJ acquisition that was completed on December 1, 2017.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $1.3 million, an increase of $0.5 million, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 35.8% and 31.2%, respectively. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 includes a charge of $0.6 million as a result of the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities required following the enactment of the Tax Act. The Company’s final analysis and write-down will be based on a number of factors, included completion of the Company’s 2017 consolidated tax return. Management expects the Company’s effective tax rate to approximate 20% for the remainder of 2018, mainly as a result of the Tax Act.

Risk Management

The primary risks associated with our operations are credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Credit and interest rate risk are discussed below, while liquidity risk is discussed in this section under the heading Liquidity and Capital Resources below.

Credit Risk and the Allowance for Loan Losses

General. The risk of loss should a borrower default on a loan is inherent in any lending activity. Our portfolio and related credit risk are monitored and managed on an ongoing basis by our risk management department, the board of directors’ loan committee and the full board of directors. We utilize a ten point risk-rating system, which assigns a risk grade to each borrower based on a number of quantitative and qualitative factors associated with a loan transaction. The risk grade categorizes the loan into one of five risk categories, based on information about the ability of borrowers to service the debt. The information includes, among other factors, current financial information about the borrower, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends. These categories assist management in monitoring our credit quality. The following describes each of the risk categories, which are consistent with the definitions used in guidance promulgated by federal banking regulators.

•

Pass (grades 1-6) – Loans not falling into one of the categories below are considered pass. These loans have high credit characteristics and financial strength. The borrowers at least generate profits and cash flow that are in line with peer and industry standards and have debt service coverage ratios above loan covenants and our policy guidelines. For some of these loans, a guaranty from a financially capable party mitigates characteristics of the borrower that might otherwise result in a lower grade.

•

Special Mention (grade 7) – Loans classified as special mention possess some credit deficiencies that need to be corrected to avoid a greater risk of default in the future. For example, financial ratios relating to the borrower may have deteriorated. Often, a special mention categorization is temporary while certain factors are analyzed or matters addressed before the loan is re-categorized as either pass or substandard.

•

Substandard (grade 8) – Loans rated as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or the liquidation value of any collateral. If deficiencies are not addressed, it is likely that this category of loan will result in the Bank incurring a loss. Where a borrower has been unable to adjust to industry or general economic conditions, the borrower’s loan is often categorized as substandard.


•	Doubtful (grade 9) – Doubtful loans are substandard loans with one or more additional negative factors that makes full collection of amounts outstanding, either through repayment or liquidation of collateral, highly questionable and improbable.

•

Loss (grade 10) – Loans classified as loss have deteriorated to such a point that it is not practicable to defer writing off the loan. For these loans, all efforts to remediate the loan’s negative characteristics have failed and the value of the collateral, if any, has severely deteriorated relative to the amount outstanding. Although some value may be recovered on such a loan, it is not significant in relation to the amount borrowed.

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no loans classified as loss. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were $1.1 million and $0, respectively, of loans classified as doubtful, $5.1 million and $5.7 million, respectively, of loans classified as substandard, and $0.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of loans classified as special mention. The increase in doubtful loans is attributable to one commercial and industrial relationship with the Company’s legacy portfolio.

An external loan review consultant is engaged annually to review approximately 60% of commercial loans, utilizing a risk-based approach designed to maximize the effectiveness of the review. In addition, credit analysts periodically review smaller dollar commercial loans to identify negative financial trends related to any one borrower, any related groups of borrowers or an industry. All loans not categorized as pass are put on an internal watch list, with quarterly reports to the board of directors. In addition, a written status report is maintained by our special assets division for all commercial loans categorized as substandard or worse. We use this information in connection with our collection efforts.

If our collection efforts are unsuccessful, collateral securing loans may be repossessed and sold or, for loans secured by real estate, foreclosure proceedings initiated. The collateral is sold at public auction for fair market value, with fees associated with the foreclosure being deducted from the sales price. The purchase price is applied to the outstanding loan balance. If the loan balance is greater than the sales proceeds, the deficient balance is charged-off.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the entire loan portfolio. The appropriate level of the allowance is based on an ongoing analysis of the loan portfolio and represents an amount that management deems adequate to provide for inherent losses, including collective impairment as recognized under ASC 450, Contingencies. Collective impairment is calculated based on loans grouped by type. Another component of the allowance is losses on loans assessed as impaired under ASC 310, Receivables. The balance of these loans and their related allowance is included in management’s estimation and analysis of the allowance for loan losses. Other considerations in establishing the allowance for loan losses include the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, historical loan loss, review of specific problem loans and current economic conditions that may affect our borrowers’ ability to pay, as well as trends within each of these factors. The allowance for loan losses is established after input from management as well as our risk management department and our special assets committee. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance for loan losses was $8.1 million at March 31, 2018, an increase from $7.9 million at December 31, 2017, as we increased our loan loss provisioning to reflect our nonperforming loans and organic loan growth.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Determination of impairment is treated the same across all classes of loans. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for, among others, all loans of $500,000 or greater and nonaccrual loans. When we identify a loan as impaired, we measure the extent of the impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when the sole (remaining) source of repayment for the loans is the operation or liquidation of the collateral. In these cases when foreclosure is probable, we use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows. For real estate collateral, the fair value of the collateral is based upon a recent appraisal by a qualified and licensed appraiser. If we determine that the value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), we recognize impairment through an allowance estimate or a charge-off recorded against the allowance. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual, all payments are applied to principal, under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual, contractual interest is credited to interest income when received, under the cash basis method.

Impaired loans at March 31, 2018, which include all TDRs and nonaccrual loans individually evaluated for impairment for purposes of determining the allowance for loan losses, were $4.1 million compared to $3.0 million at December 31, 2017. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of the allowance for loan losses was specifically allocated to impaired loans.

The provision for loan losses is a charge to expense in an amount that management believes is necessary to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. The provision is based on management’s regular evaluation of current economic conditions in our specific markets as well as regionally and nationally, changes in the character and size of the loan portfolio, underlying collateral values securing loans, and other factors which deserve recognition in estimating loan losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the provision for loan losses was $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Acquired loans that are accounted for under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”), were marked to market on the date we acquired the loans to values which, in management’s opinion, reflected the estimated future cash flows, based on the facts and circumstances surrounding each respective loan at the date of acquisition. We continually monitor these loans as part of our normal credit review and monitoring procedures for changes in the estimated future cash flows. Because ASC 310-30 does not permit carry over or recognition of an allowance for loan losses, we may be required to reserve for these loans in the allowance for loan losses through future provision for loan losses if future cash flows deteriorate below initial projections.

The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Construction and development	$	974	$	945
1-4 Family	1,283		1,287
Multifamily	359		332
Farmland	63		60
Commercial real estate	3,608		3,599
Total mortgage loans on real estate	6,287		6,223
Commercial and industrial	935		693
Consumer	908		975
Total	$	8,130	$	7,891

As discussed above, the balance in the allowance for loan losses is principally influenced by the provision for loan losses and by net loan loss experience. Additions to the allowance are charged to the provision for loan losses. Losses are charged to the allowance as incurred and recoveries on losses previously charged to the allowance are credited to the allowance at the time recovery is collected. The table below reflects the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Allowance at beginning of period	$	7,891		$	7,051
Provision for loan losses	625			350
Charge-offs:
Mortgage loans on real estate:
1-4 Family	(7		)	—
Commercial and industrial	(310		)	—
Consumer	(129		)	(166		)
Total charge-offs	(446		)	(166		)
Recoveries
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Construction and development	6			3
1-4 Family	3			1
Commercial and industrial	33			—
Consumer	18			4
Total recoveries	60			8
Net charge-offs	(386		)	(158		)
Balance at end of period	$	8,130		$	7,243
Net charge-offs to:
Loans - average	0.03		%	0.02		%
Allowance for loan losses	4.75		%	2.18		%
Allowance for loan losses to:
Total loans	0.64		%	0.80		%
Nonperforming loans	146.78		%	337.95		%

The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio decreased to 0.64% at March 31, 2018 compared to 0.80% at March 31, 2017. The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ratio decreased to 146.78% at March 31, 2018 compared to 337.95% at March 31, 2017. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses to total loans and nonperforming loans ratios is primarily attributable to the loans acquired in 2017. As a result of the acquisitions of Citizens and BOJ, the Company is holding acquired loans that are carried net of a fair value adjustment for credit and interest marks and are only included in the allowance calculation to the extent that the reserve requirement exceeds the remaining fair value adjustment. Acquired loan balances are included in total loans and nonperforming loans, but had no additional reserve requirements at March 31, 2018.

The decrease in the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ratio at March 31, 2018 is due to a $3.4 million increase in nonperforming loans compared to March 31, 2017. The increase in nonperforming loans compared to March 31, 2017 is mainly attributable to the $3.0 million of acquired nonperforming loans at March 31, 2018.

Charge-offs reflect the realization of losses in the portfolio that were recognized previously through the provision for loan losses. Net charge-offs, which include recoveries of amounts previously charged off, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $0.4 million, equal to 0.03% of the average loan balance for the period. Net charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $0.2 million, equal to 0.02%, of the average loan balance for the period.

Management believes the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2018 is sufficient to provide adequate protection against losses in our portfolio. Although the allowance for loan losses is considered adequate by management, there can be no assurance that this allowance will prove to be adequate over time to cover ultimate losses in connection with our loans. This allowance may prove to be inadequate due to unanticipated adverse changes in the economy or discrete events adversely affecting specific customers or industries. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected to the extent that the allowance is insufficient to cover such changes or events.

Nonperforming Assets and Restructured Loans. Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned. Nonperforming loans are those on which the accrual of interest has stopped or loans which are contractually 90 days past due on which interest continues to accrue. Loans are ordinarily placed on nonaccrual when a loan is specifically determined to be impaired or when principal and interest is delinquent for 90 days or more. However, management may elect to continue the accrual when the estimated net available value of collateral is sufficient to cover the principal balance and accrued interest. It is our policy to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan for which we have reasonable doubt as to the payment of interest or principal. Nonaccrual loans are returned to accrual status when the financial position of the borrower indicates there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the payment of principal or interest.

Another category of assets which contributes to our credit risk is troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”), or restructured loans. A restructured loan is a loan for which a concession that is not insignificant has been granted to the borrower due to a deterioration of the borrower’s financial condition and which is performing in accordance with the new terms. Such concessions may include reduction in interest rates, deferral of interest or principal payments, principal forgiveness and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. We strive to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify their loans to more affordable terms before such loan reaches nonaccrual status. In evaluating whether to restructure a loan, management analyzes the long-term financial condition of the borrower, including guarantor and collateral support, to determine whether the proposed concessions will increase the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest. Restructured loans that are not performing in accordance with their restructured terms that are either contractually 90 days past due or placed on nonaccrual status are reported as nonperforming loans.

There were sixteen loans classified as TDRs at March 31, 2018 that totaled approximately $1.6 million, compared to eighteen loans totaling $1.6 million at December 31, 2017. Seven restructured loans were considered TDRs due to a modification of terms through adjustments to maturity, eight restructured loans were considered TDRs due to a reduction in the interest rate to a rate lower than the current market rate, and one restructured loan was considered a TDR due to modification of terms through principal payment forbearance for a specified period of time. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, all restructured loans were performing under their modified terms. The Company individually evaluates each TDR for allowance purposes, primarily based on collateral value, and excludes these loans from the loan population that is collectively evaluated for impairment.

The following table shows the principal amounts of nonperforming and restructured loans as of the dates indicated. All loans for which information exists about possible credit problems that would cause us to have serious doubts about the borrower’s ability to comply with the current repayment terms of the loan have been reflected in the table below (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Nonaccrual loans	$	5,482	$	3,547
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more	57		134
Total nonperforming loans	5,539		3,681
Restructured loans	1,564		1,621
Total nonperforming and restructured loans	$	7,103	$	5,302
Interest income recognized on nonperforming and restructured loans	$	30	$	185
Interest income foregone on nonperforming and restructured loans	$	146	$	104

Nonperforming loans are comprised of accruing loans past due 90 days or more and nonaccrual loans. Nonperforming loans outstanding represented 0.44% and 0.29% of total loans at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned consists of properties acquired through foreclosure or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. These properties are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value based on appraised value less estimated selling costs. Losses arising at the time of foreclosure of properties are charged to the allowance for loan losses. There were no sales of other real estate owned in the three months ended March 31, 2018. Other real estate owned with a cost basis of $20,000 was sold during the three months ended March 31, 2017 resulting in a net gain of $5,000.

The table below provides details of our other real estate owned as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Construction and development	$	183	$	183
1-4 Family	42		42
Farmland	204		—
Commercial real estate	3,837		3,612
Total other real estate owned	$	4,266	$	3,837

Changes in our other real estate owned are summarized in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands).



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	3,837	$	4,065
Additions	225		—
Transfers from acquired loans	204		—
Sales of other real estate owned	—		(20		)
Balance, end of period	$	4,266	$	4,045

Interest Rate Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Since the majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature, our market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in our lending and deposit activities. A sudden and substantial change in interest rates may adversely impact our earnings and profitability because the interest rates borne by assets and liabilities do not change at the same speed, to the same extent or on the same basis. Accordingly, our ability to proactively structure the volume and mix of our assets and liabilities to address anticipated changes in interest rates, as well as to react quickly to such fluctuations, can significantly impact our financial results. To that end, management actively monitors and manages our interest rate risk exposure.

The Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”) has been authorized by the board of directors to implement our asset/liability management policy, which establishes guidelines with respect to our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, liquidity, loan limits as a percentage of funding sources, exposure to correspondent banks and brokers and reliance on non-core deposits. The goal of the policy is to enable us to maximize our interest income and maintain our net interest margin without exposing the Bank to excessive interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Within that framework, the ALCO monitors our interest rate sensitivity and makes decisions relating to our asset/liability composition.

We monitor the impact of changes in interest rates on our net interest income using gap analysis. The gap represents the net position of our assets and liabilities subject to repricing in specified time periods. During any given time period, if the amount of rate-sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of rate-sensitive assets, a financial institution would generally be considered to have a negative gap position and would benefit from falling rates over that period of time. Conversely, a financial institution with a positive gap position would generally benefit from rising rates.

Within the gap position that management directs, we attempt to structure our assets and liabilities to minimize the risk of either a rising or falling interest rate environment. We manage our gap position for time horizons of one month, two months, three months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, 13-24 months, 25-36 months, 37-60 months and more than 60 months. The goal of our asset/liability management is for the Bank to maintain a net interest income at risk in an up or down 100 basis point environment at less than (5)%. At March 31, 2018, the Bank was within the policy guidelines for asset/liability management.

The table below depicts the estimated impact on net interest income of immediate changes in interest rates at the specified levels.



As of March 31, 2018
Changes in Interest Rates (in basis points)	Estimated Increase/Decrease in Net Interest Income ⁽¹⁾
+300	(2.0)%
+200	(1.2)%
+100	(0.6)%
-100	1.8%
-200	(0.6)%
-300	(2.1)%


⁽¹⁾	The percentage change in this column represents the projected net interest income for 12 months on a flat balance sheet in a stable interest rate environment versus the projected net interest income in the various rate scenarios.

The computation of the prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes requires numerous assumptions regarding characteristics of new business and the behavior of existing positions. These business assumptions are based upon our experience, business plans and published industry experience. Key assumptions include asset prepayment speeds, competitive factors, the relative price sensitivity of certain assets and liabilities and the expected life of non-maturity deposits. However, there are a number of factors that influence the effect of interest rate fluctuations on us which are difficult to measure and predict. For example, a rapid drop in interest rates might cause our loans to repay at a more rapid pace and certain mortgage-related investments to prepay more quickly than projected. Conversely, a rapid rise in rates could give us an opportunity to increase our margins and stifle the rate of repayment on our mortgage-related loans which would increase our returns. As a result, because these assumptions are inherently uncertain, actual results will differ from simulated results.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity. Liquidity is a measure of the ability to fund loan commitments and meet deposit maturities and withdrawals in a timely and cost-effective way. Cash flow requirements can be met by generating net income, attracting new deposits, converting assets to cash or borrowing funds. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit outflows, loan prepayments, loan sales and borrowings are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and the competitive environment in which we operate. To minimize funding risks, we closely monitor our liquidity position through periodic reviews of maturity profiles, yield and rate behaviors, and loan and deposit forecasts. Excess short-term liquidity is usually invested in overnight federal funds sold.

Our core deposits, which are deposits excluding time deposits greater than $250,000 and deposits of municipalities and other political entities, are our most stable source of liquidity to meet our cash flow needs due to the nature of the long-term relationships generally established with our customers. Maintaining the ability to acquire these funds as needed in a variety of markets, and within ALCO compliance targets, is essential to ensuring our liquidity. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 64% and 66% of our total assets, respectively, were funded by core deposits.

Our investment portfolio is another alternative for meeting our cash flow requirements. Investment securities generate cash flow through principal payments and maturities, and they generally have readily available markets that allow for their conversion to cash. Some securities are pledged to secure certain deposit types or short-term borrowings, such as FHLB advances, which impacts their liquidity. At March 31, 2018, securities with a carrying value of $94.3 million were pledged to secure certain deposits, borrowings, and other liabilities, compared to $90.8 million in pledged securities at December 31, 2017.

Other sources available for meeting liquidity needs include advances from the FHLB, repurchase agreements and other borrowings. FHLB advances are primarily used to match-fund fixed rate loans in order to minimize interest rate risk and also may be used to meet day to day liquidity needs, particularly if the prevailing interest rate on an FHLB advance compares favorably to the rates that we would be required to pay to attract deposits. At March 31, 2018, the balance of our outstanding advances with the FHLB was $187.1 million, an increase from $166.7 million at December 31, 2017. The total amount of the remaining credit available to us from the FHLB at March 31, 2018 was $458.2 million. Repurchase agreements are contracts for the sale of securities which we own with a corresponding agreement to repurchase those securities at an agreed upon price and date. Our policies limit the use of repurchase agreements to those collateralized by U.S. Treasury and agency securities. We had $21.1 million of repurchase agreements outstanding at March 31, 2018, compared to $21.9 million of repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2017. We maintain unsecured lines of credit with other commercial banks totaling $55.0 million. The lines of credit mature at various times within the next year. We had no outstanding balances on our unsecured lines of credit at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. We also have a secured $20.0 million revolving line of credit with TIB maturing in June 2018. There was no outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Our liquidity strategy is focused on using the least costly funds available to us in the context of our balance sheet composition and interest rate risk position. Accordingly, we target growth of noninterest-bearing deposits. Although we cannot directly control the types of deposit instruments our customers choose, we can influence those choices with the interest rates and deposit specials we offer. We do not hold any brokered deposits, as defined for federal regulatory purposes, although we do hold QwikRate® deposits, included in our time deposit balances, which we obtain through a qualified network to address liquidity needs when rates on such deposits compare favorably with deposit rates in our markets. At March 31, 2018, we held $55.9 million of QwikRate® deposits, down from $70.5 million at December 31, 2017.

The following table presents, by type, our funding sources, which consist of total average deposits and borrowed funds, as a percentage of total funds and the total cost of each funding source for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.



	Percentage of Total				Cost of Funds
	Three months ended March 31,				Three months ended March 31,
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	15	%	11	%	—	%	—	%
Interest-bearing demand deposits	25		28		0.65		0.68
Savings accounts	8		5		0.46		0.66
Time deposits	36		42		1.20		1.20
Short-term borrowings	10		12		1.43		0.95
Long-term borrowed funds	6		2		2.75		1.88
Total deposits and borrowed funds	100	%	100	%	0.93	%	0.88	%

Capital Management. Our primary sources of capital include retained earnings, capital obtained through acquisitions, and proceeds from the sale of our capital stock and subordinated debt. We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC which specify capital tiers, including the following classifications.



Capital Tiers	Tier 1 Leverage Ratio	Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio	Tier 1 Capital Ratio	Total Capital Ratio
Well capitalized	5% or above	6.5% or above	8% or above	10% or above
Adequately capitalized	4% or above	4.5% or above	6% or above	8% or above
Undercapitalized	Less than 4%	Less than 4.5%	Less than 6%	Less than 8%
Significantly undercapitalized	Less than 3%	Less than 3%	Less than 4%	Less than 6%
Critically undercapitalized			2% or less

The Company and the Bank each were in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Bank also was considered “well-capitalized” under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations as of these dates. The following table presents the actual capital amounts and regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands).



	Actual				Minimum Capital Requirement to be Well Capitalized
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
March 31, 2018
Investar Holding Corporation:
Tier 1 leverage capital	$	162,884	10.11	%	$	—	—	%
Common equity tier 1 capital	156,384		11.67		—		—
Tier 1 capital	162,884		12.16		—		—
Total capital	189,235		14.12		—		—
Investar Bank:
Tier 1 leverage capital	178,078		11.06		80,500		5.00
Common equity tier 1 capital	178,078		13.31		86,965		6.50
Tier 1 capital	178,078		13.31		107,034		8.00
Total capital	186,249		13.92		133,793		10.00

December 31, 2017
Investar Holding Corporation:
Tier 1 leverage capital	$	161,438	10.66	%	$	—	—	%
Common equity tier 1 capital	154,938		11.75		—		—
Tier 1 capital	161,438		12.24		—		—
Total capital	187,530		14.22		—		—
Investar Bank:
Tier 1 leverage capital	175,943		11.63		75,668		5.00
Common equity tier 1 capital	175,943		13.35		85,647		6.50
Tier 1 capital	175,943		13.35		105,411		8.00
Total capital	183,867		13.95		131,764		10.00

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

The Company currently holds interest rate swap contracts to manage exposure against the variability in the expected future cash flows (future interest payments) attributable to changes in the 1-month LIBOR associated with the forecasted issuances of 1-month fixed rate debt arising from a rollover strategy. An interest rate swap is an agreement whereby one party agrees to pay a fixed rate of interest on a notional principal amount in exchange for receiving a floating rate of interest on the same notional amount for a predetermined period of time, from a second party. The maximum length of time over which the Bank is currently hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions is approximately 2.4 years. The total notional amount of the derivative contracts is $50.0 million.

The Bank enters into loan commitments and standby letters of credit in the normal course of its business. Loan commitments are made to meet the financing needs of our customers, while standby letters of credit commit the Bank to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. The credit risks associated with loan commitments and standby letters of credit are essentially the same as those involved in making loans to our customers. Accordingly, our normal credit policies apply to these arrangements. Collateral (e.g., securities, receivables, inventory, equipment, etc.) is obtained based on management’s credit assessment of the customer. Loan commitments are also evaluated in a manner similar to the allowance for loan losses. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and was $40,000 and $32,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Loan commitments and standby letters of credit do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, in that while the customer typically has the ability to draw upon these commitments at any time, these commitments often expire without being drawn upon in full or at all. Virtually all of our standby letters of credit expire within one year. Our unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit outstanding are summarized below as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Commitments to extend credit:
Loan commitments	$	181,987	$	174,278
Standby letters of credit	7,919		3,832

The Company closely monitors the amount of remaining future commitments to borrowers in light of prevailing economic conditions and adjusts these commitments as necessary. The Company intends to continue this process as new commitments are entered into or existing commitments are renewed.

Additionally, at March 31, 2018, the Company had unfunded commitments of $0.3 million for its investment in Small Business Investment Company qualified funds.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017, except as disclosed herein and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, we engaged in no off-balance sheet transactions that we believe are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Contractual Obligations

The following table presents, at March 31, 2018, contractual obligations to third parties by payment date (dollars in thousands).



	Payments Due In:
	Less than One Year		One to Three Years		Three to Five Years		Over Five Years		Total
Deposits without a stated maturity⁽¹⁾	$	720,340	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	720,340
Time Deposits^{(1) (2)}	356,284		136,794		13,088		—		506,166
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase⁽¹⁾	21,053		—		—		—		21,053
Federal Home Loan Bank advances⁽²⁾	112,000		15,100		—		60,000		187,100
Subordinated debt⁽²⁾	—		—		—		18,600		18,600
Junior subordinated debt⁽²⁾	—		—		—		6,702		6,702
Total contractual obligations	$	1,209,677	$	151,894	$	13,088	$	85,302	$	1,459,961


⁽¹⁾	Excludes interest.


⁽²⁾	Excludes unamortized premiums and discounts.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of December 31, 2017 are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018 in the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Risk Management.” There have been no material changes in the Company’s market risk since December 31, 2017. Please refer to the information in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the heading “Risk Management” in this report for additional information about the Company’s market risk for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective for ensuring that information the Company is required to disclose in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

For information regarding risk factors that could affect Investar Holding Corporation’s (the “Company”) results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, see the risk factors disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 16, 2018.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The table below provides the information with respect to purchases made by the Company of shares of its common stock during each of the months during the three month period ended March 31, 2018.



Period	(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased⁽¹⁾	(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)		(c ) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs⁽²⁾	(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) That May Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs⁽²⁾
January 1, 2018 to January 31, 2018	7,095	$	24.63	7,000	211,724
February 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018	20,933	23.94		20,933	190,791
March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018	5,626	24.33		—	190,791
	33,654	$	24.15	27,933	190,791


⁽¹⁾	Includes 5,721 shares surrendered to cover the payroll taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock.

⁽²⁾

On February 19, 2015, the Company announced that its board of directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in open market transactions from time to time or through privately negotiated transactions in accordance with federal securities laws. In addition, on October 19, 2016, the Company announced that its board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under its stock repurchase plan.

The Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders may be limited by the junior subordinated debentures that the Company assumed in connection with its acquisition of First Community Bank, which are senior to shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company must make payments on the junior subordinated debentures before any dividends can be paid on its common stock.

In addition, the Company’s status as a bank holding company affects its ability to pay dividends, in two ways:


•	As a holding company with no material business activities, the Company’s ability to pay dividends is substantially dependent upon the ability of Investar Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of dividends, loans and advances. Investar Bank’s ability to pay dividends and make other distributions and payments is itself subject to various legal, regulatory and other restrictions.

•

As a holding company of a bank, the Company’s payment of dividends must comply with the policies and enforcement powers of the Federal Reserve. Under Federal Reserve policies, in general a bank holding company should pay dividends only when (1) its net income available to shareholders over the last four quarters (net of dividends paid) has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends, (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition of the bank holding company and its subsidiaries, and (3) the bank holding company will continue to meet minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

Item 6. Exhibits



Exhibit No.		Description of Exhibit

2.1		Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated August 4, 2017, by and among Investar Holding Corporation, BOJ Bancshares, Inc. and Investar Interim Corporation⁽¹⁾

2.2		Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated March 8, 2017, by and among Investar Holding Corporation, Citizens Bancshares, Inc. and Investar Acquisition Company⁽²⁾

3.1		Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation⁽³⁾

3.2		Amended and Restated By-laws of Investar Holding Corporation⁽⁴⁾

4.1		Specimen Common Stock Certificate⁽⁵⁾

4.2		Indenture, dated March 24, 2017, by and between Investar Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee⁽⁶⁾

4.3		Supplemental Indenture, dated March 24, 2017, by and between Investar Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee⁽⁷⁾

10.1		Investar Holding Corporation 2017 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan⁽⁸⁾

10.2		Form of Voting Agreement, dated August 4, 2017, among Investar Holding Corporation, BOJ Bancshares, Inc. and the shareholders party thereto⁽⁹⁾

10.3		Form of Non-Competition and Confidentiality Agreements, dated August 4, 2017, between Investar Holding Corporation and all of the directors of BOJ Bancshares, Inc.⁽¹⁰⁾

10.4		Salary Continuation Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2018, by and between Investar Bank and John D’Angelo.⁽¹¹⁾

10.5		Salary Continuation Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2018, by and between Investar Bank and Chris Hufft.⁽¹²⁾

10.6		Salary Continuation Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2018, by and between Investar Bank and Dane Babin.⁽¹³⁾

10.7		Form of Split Dollar Agreement by and between Investar Bank and each executive entering into a Salary Continuation Agreement.⁽¹⁴⁾

31.1		Certification of the Principal Executive Officer, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2		Certification of the Principal Financial Officer, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1		Certification of the Principal Executive Officer, as required pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2		Certification of the Principal Financial Officer, as required pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


⁽¹⁾	Filed as Annex A to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of the Company filed with the SEC on October 10, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽²⁾	Filed as exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽³⁾	Filed as exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of the Company filed with the SEC on May 16, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽⁴⁾	Filed as exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of the Company filed with the SEC on October 10, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽⁵⁾	Filed as exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of the Company filed with the SEC on May 16, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽⁶⁾	Filed as exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽⁷⁾	Filed as exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽⁸⁾	Filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 25, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽⁹⁾	Filed as Exhibit B to Annex A to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of the Company filed with the SEC on October 10, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽¹⁰⁾	Filed as Exhibit C to Annex A to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of the Company filed with the SEC on October 10, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽¹¹⁾	Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽¹²⁾	Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽¹³⁾	Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.


⁽¹⁴⁾	Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.

The Company does not have any long-term debt instruments under which securities are authorized exceeding 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Company will furnish to the SEC, upon its request, a copy of all long-term debt instruments.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



		INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

Date: May 10, 2018		/s/ John J. D’Angelo
		John J. D’Angelo
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 10, 2018		/s/ Christopher L. Hufft
		Christopher L. Hufft
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)