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Investar Holding Corporation

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FY2014 Annual Report · Investar Holding Corporation
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2014 Annual Report

H O L D I N G   C O R P O R AT I O N

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS 

It is with great pleasure that we provide our shareholders with our first annual report as a public company. 
We  appreciate  the  trust  afforded  to  us  by  our  investors,  many  of  them  new  to  Investar  Holding 
Corporation, the holding company for Investar Bank. We are committed to working diligently to provide 
the results which you desired in making such an investment.  

Two thousand fourteen served as a milestone year for Investar Holding Corporation with the completion 
of  our  IPO.  Furthermore,  total  assets  grew  38%  to  $879  million.  Our  loan  portfolio  increased  24%  to 
$623 million. Net income available to common shareholders was $5.4 million, an increase of 70% over 
that of 2013. Diluted earnings per share was $0.93, an increase of 15% from 2013, despite the issuance of 
3,285,300  new  shares  in  the  company’s  initial  public  offering  in  July  2014.  We  remain  committed  to 
growing organically while seeking out advantageous opportunities to grow through acquisition. We plan 
to utilize the proceeds from our initial public offering to invest in growth opportunities both within and 
outside of the current markets that we serve. 

A special thank you is due to our loyal customers and dedicated employees for making our first year as a 
public  company  a  success.  We  believe  our  customers  choose  our  company  for  their  banking  needs 
because  of  our  focus  on  relationships  and  creating  value  and  opportunities  for  them.  We  remain 
committed to this mission as we approach the year ahead. 

Again,  thank  you  for  your  investment  and  support  in  the  continuing  success  of  Investar  Holding 
Corporation. 

Sincerely, 

John J. D’Angelo 
President & Chief Executive Officer 

   
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES  
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  
Washington, D.C. 20549  

FORM 10-K  

(Mark One)  
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014  

or  
  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  

H O L D I N G   C O R PO R AT I O N

Investar Holding Corporation  

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  

Louisiana 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

27-1560715 
(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)  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
The NASDAQ Global Market 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes      No   

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment 
to this Form 10-K.   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions 
of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):  

Large accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer 

    
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

   Accelerated filer 
   Smaller reporting company 

  
  

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock as of July 1, 
2014, was approximately $40,796,250.  The registrant has elected to use July 1, 2014, which was the initial trading date on the Nasdaq Global Market, as the calculation 
date because on June 30, 2014 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the registrant was a privately-held company. 
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, 
7,268,344 shares outstanding as of March 23, 2015.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the Proxy Statement relating to the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Investar Holding Corporation are incorporated by reference into Part III of the 
Form 10-K.  Such Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year 
ended December 31, 2014. 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  

PART I 

  Page

Item 1. 

  Business ........................................................................................................................................................................   

Item 1A. 

  Risk Factors ..................................................................................................................................................................   

Item 1B. 

  Unresolved Staff Comments .........................................................................................................................................   

Item 2. 

  Properties ......................................................................................................................................................................   

Item 3. 

  Legal Proceedings .........................................................................................................................................................   

Item 4. 

  Mine Safety Disclosures ...............................................................................................................................................   

PART II 

Item 5. 

  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ....   

Item 6. 

  Selected Financial Data ................................................................................................................................................   

Item 7. 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .......................................   

Item 7A. 

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk .......................................................................................   

Item 8. 

  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .............................................................................................................   

3

15

28

28

28

28

29

31

34

60

61

Item 9. 

  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ......................................    111

Item 9A. 

  Controls and Procedures ...............................................................................................................................................    111

Item 9B. 

  Other Information .........................................................................................................................................................    111

PART III 

Item 10. 

  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ............................................................................................    112

Item 11. 

  Executive Compensation ..............................................................................................................................................    112

Item 12. 

  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters .....................    112

Item 13. 

  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Directors Independence ............................................................    113

Item 14. 

  Principal Accounting Fees and Services .......................................................................................................................    113

Item 15. 

  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ........................................................................................................................  114

PART IV 

2 

 
  
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Business  

General  

PART I 

Investar  Holding  Corporation  (the  “Company”),  a  Louisiana  corporation  incorporated  in  2009,  is  a  financial  holding  company 
headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In November 2013, the Company and Investar Bank (the “Bank”), a Louisiana-chartered 
commercial  bank,  completed  a  share  exchange  with  the  Bank’s  shareholders,  resulting  in  the  Bank  becoming  a  wholly-owned 
subsidiary of the Company. In July 2014, the Company completed the issuance and sale of 3,285,300 shares of its common stock in its 
initial public offering, which amount includes 410,300 shares sold pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option to purchase 
additional  shares  from  the  Company,  at  a  public  offering  price  of  $14.00  per  share.    The  shares  were  offered  pursuant  to  the 
Company’s  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1.    After  deducting  underwriting  commissions  and  offering  expenses,  the  Company 
received net proceeds of $41.7 million from the sale of such shares. 

Through  the  Bank,  we  offer  a  wide  range  of  commercial  banking  products  tailored  to  meet  the  needs  of  individuals  and  small  to 
medium-sized  businesses.  We  serve  our  primary  markets  of  Baton  Rouge,  New  Orleans,  Lafayette  and  Hammond,  Louisiana,  and 
their  surrounding  metropolitan  areas  from  our  main  office  located  in  Baton  Rouge  and  from  ten  additional  full-service  branches 
located  throughout  our  market  area.  As  of  December  31,  2014,  on  a  consolidated  basis,  we  had  total  assets  of  $879.4  million,  net 
loans, excluding loans held for sale, of $618.2 million, total deposits of $628.1 million, and stockholders’ equity of $103.4 million. 

We  believe  that  our  markets  present  a  significant  opportunity  for  growth  and  the  expansion  of  our  franchise,  both  organically  and 
through  strategic  acquisitions.  Although  the  financial  services  industry  is  rapidly  changing  and  intensely  competitive,  and  likely  to 
remain so, we believe that Investar Bank competes effectively as a  local community bank. We believe that the Bank possesses the 
consistency  of  local  leadership,  the  availability  of  local  access  and  responsive customer  service,  coupled  with  competitively-priced 
products  and  services,  necessary  to  successfully  compete  with other  financial  institutions  for  individual  and  small  to  medium-sized 
business customers.  

The information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is as of March 31, 2015, unless otherwise indicated herein. 

Operations 

General. We offer  a  full  range of  commercial  and  retail lending products  throughout our  market  areas,  including  business  loans  to 
small to medium-sized businesses as well as loans to individuals.  Our business lending products include owner-occupied commercial 
real estate loans, construction loans and commercial and industrial loans, such as term loans, equipment financing and lines of credit, 
while our loans to individuals include first and second mortgage loans, installment loans, auto loans and lines of credit.  For business 
customers, we target businesses with $10 million in annual revenue or less but do not focus on any particular industry.  We also target 
professional organizations such as law firms, accounting firms and medical practices.  

Management  considers  all  of  our  operations  to  be  aggregated  in  one  reportable  operating  segment,  and  accordingly  no  separate 
segment disclosures are presented in this report.  Please refer to our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in 
Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for information with respect to our revenues from external customers, profit or 
loss and total assets for the last three years.  Neither we nor the Bank have any foreign operations. 

Lending Activities.  Income generated by our lending activities represents a substantial portion of our total revenue.  For the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, income from  our lending activities comprised 84%, 80% and 79%, respectively, of our 
total revenue. 

Lending to Businesses.  Our lending to small to medium-sized businesses falls into three general categories:  

  Commercial real estate loans. Approximately 39% of our total loans at December 31, 2014 were commercial real estate loans, 
which  include  multifamily,  farmland  and  nonfarm,  nonresidential  real  estate  loans,  with  owner-occupied  loans  comprising 
approximately 49% of the commercial real estate loan portfolio. Commercial real estate loan terms generally are ten years or 
less, although payments  may be structured on a longer amortization basis. Interest rates may be fixed or adjustable, although 
rates typically will not be fixed for a period exceeding 120 months, and we generally charge an origination fee. We do not offer 
non-recourse loans. Risks associated with commercial real estate loans include, among other things, fluctuations in the value of 
real estate, new job creation trends, tenant vacancy rates and the quality of the borrower’s management. We attempt to limit risk 
by analyzing a borrower’s cash flow and collateral value on an ongoing basis. Also, we typically require personal guarantees 
from the principal owners of the property, supported by a review of their personal financial statements, as an additional means 
of mitigating our risk. 

3 

 
  Construction  and  development  loans.  Construction  and  development  loans,  which  consist  of  loans  for  the  construction  of 
commercial projects, single family residential properties and  multifamily properties, accounted for approximately 11% of our 
total  loans  at  December  31,  2014.    Our  construction  and  development  loans  are  made  on  both  a  “pre-sold”  basis  and  on  a 
“speculative”  basis.  Construction  and  development  loans  are  generally  made  with  a  term  of  6  to  12  months,  with  interest 
accruing at either a fixed or floating rate and paid monthly. These loans are secured by the underlying project being built.  For 
construction loans, loan to value ratios range from 75% to 80% of the developed/completed value, while for development loans 
our  loan  to  value  ratios  typically  will  not  exceed  70%  to  75%  of  such  value.  Speculative  loans  are  based  on  the  borrower’s 
financial strength and cash flow position, and we disburse funds in installments based on the percentage of completion and only 
after the project has been inspected by an experienced construction lender or third-party inspector. 

Construction  lending  entails  significant  additional  risks  compared  to  commercial  real  estate  or  residential  real  estate  lending.  
One such risk is that loan funds are advanced upon the security of the property under construction, which is of uncertain value 
prior to the completion of construction. Thus, it is more difficult to evaluate accurately the total loan funds required to complete 
a project and to calculate related loan-to-value ratios. We attempt to minimize the risks associated with construction lending by 
limiting loan-to-value ratios as described above. In addition, as to speculative development loans, we generally make such loans 
only to borrowers that have a positive pre-existing relationship with us. 

  Commercial  and  industrial  loans.  Commercial  and  industrial  loans  primarily  consist  of  working  capital  lines  of  credit  and 
equipment loans. We often make commercial loans to borrowers with whom we have previously made a commercial real estate 
loan. The terms of these loans vary by purpose and by type of underlying collateral.  We make equipment loans for a term of 
five  years  or  less  at  fixed  or  variable  rates,  with  the  loan  fully  amortized  over  the  term  and  secured  by  the  relevant  piece  of 
equipment.    Loans  to  support  working  capital  typically  have  terms  not  exceeding  one  year,  and  such  loans  are  secured  by 
accounts  receivable  or  inventory.  Fixed  rate  loans  are  priced  based  on  collateral,  term  and  amortization.  The  interest  rate  for 
floating rate loans is typically tied to the prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal with a floor of 4.5%. Commercial loans 
accounted for approximately 9% of our total loans at December 31, 2014. 

Commercial lending generally involves different risks from those associated with commercial real estate lending or construction 
lending.  Although  commercial  loans  may  be  collateralized  by  equipment  or  other  business  assets  (including  real  estate,  if 
available as collateral), the repayment of these types of loans depends primarily on the creditworthiness and projected cash flow 
of the borrower (and any guarantors). Thus, the general business conditions of the local economy and the borrower’s ability to 
sell  its  products  and  services,  thereby  generating  sufficient  operating  revenue  to  repay  us  under  the  agreed  upon  terms  and 
conditions, are the chief considerations when assessing the risk of a commercial loan.  The liquidation of collateral is considered 
a  secondary  source  of  repayment  because  equipment  and  other  business  assets  may,  among  other  things,  be  obsolete  or  of 
limited  resale  value.  We  actively  monitor  certain  financial  measures  of  the  borrower,  including  advance  rate,  cash  flow, 
collateral value and other appropriate credit factors. We use commercial loan credit scoring models for smaller level commercial 
loans.   

Lending to Individuals.  We make the following types of loans to our individual customers:  

  Consumer loans.  Consumer loans represented 18% of our total loans at December 31, 2014.  We make these loans (which are 
normally fixed-rate loans) to individuals for a variety of personal, family and household purposes, including auto loans, secured 
and unsecured installment and term loans, second mortgages, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit.  Because many 
consumer loans are secured by depreciable assets such as cars, boats and trailers, the loans are amortized over the useful life of 
the  asset. The amortization of  second  mortgages generally  does not  exceed 15  years  and  the rates generally  are not  fixed for 
more than 60 months. As a general matter, in underwriting these loans, our loan officers review a borrower’s past credit history, 
past income level, debt history and, when applicable, cash flow, and determine the impact of all these factors on the ability of 
the  borrower  to  make  future  payments  as  agreed.  A  comparison  of  the  value  of  the  collateral,  if  any,  to  the  proposed  loan 
amount,  is  also  a  consideration  in  the  underwriting  process.    Repayment  of  consumer  loans  depends  upon  the  borrower’s 
financial stability and is more likely to be adversely affected by divorce, job loss, illness and personal hardships than repayment 
of other loans. A shortfall in the value of any collateral also may pose a risk of loss to us for these types of loans. 

Auto loans comprised the largest component of our consumer loans and third largest component of our overall loan portfolio, 
representing 92% of our total consumer loans and 17% of our total loans as of December 31, 2014. We are an indirect lender for 
our auto loans, meaning that the loan is originated by an automobile dealership and then assigned to us. These dealerships are 
selected  based  on  our  review  of  their  operating  history  and  the  dealership’s  reputation  in  the  marketplace,  which  we  believe 
helps to mitigate the risks of fraud or negligence by the dealership. At all times, the decision whether or not to provide financing 
resides with us. Our loan officers are expected to regularly contact and visit dealers, not only to maximize the volume of loans 
each dealership assigns to us, but also to update the dealers about our financing capabilities and underwriting criteria for auto 
loans.   

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
We focus on making prime  auto loans. In underwriting auto loans, the borrower’s FICO is the chief factor that we focus on.  
Absent other factors positively impacting our analysis of a borrower’s creditworthiness or the credit risk of the proposed loan, 
we  generally  do  not  make  auto  loans  to  borrowers with  a  FICO below  650.   We  believe  that  limiting  our  auto  loans  to  only 
borrowers with a high FICO limits our lending risk. Our approval process for indirect auto loans is automated. A dealer submits 
a  loan  application  to  us  over  the  internet  and,  after  reviewing  the  application,  we  send  our  approval  (or  rejection)  of  the 
application, together with the amount of funding and any conditions to funding, to the dealer electronically. All of our indirect 
auto loans are made through dealerships located in Louisiana and Mississippi, although some of these borrowers resided in, or 
have since moved to, other states.   

  Residential  real  estate.  One-to-four  family  residential  real  estate  loans,  including  second  mortgage  loans,  comprised 
approximately  22%  of our  total  loans  at December  31,  2014.    Second  mortgage  loans  in  this  category  include  only  loans  we 
make to cover the gap between the purchase price of a residence and the amount of the first mortgage; all other second mortgage 
loans  are  considered  consumer  loans.    Long-term  fixed  rate  mortgages  are  underwritten  for  resale  to  the  secondary  market; 
however, we generally hold jumbo mortgage loans (i.e., loan amounts above $417,000) in our portfolio and sell virtually all of 
our remaining mortgage loans on the secondary market. Unless the borrower has private mortgage insurance, loan to value ratios 
do not typically exceed 80%, although some of the mortgage loans that we retain in our portfolio may have higher loan to value 
ratios.    We  use  an  independent  appraiser  to  establish  collateral  values.    We  generate  residential  real  estate  mortgage  loans 
through Bank referrals and contacts with real estate agents in our markets. We do not originate subprime residential real estate 
loans.   

Deposits. We offer a broad base of deposit products and services to our individual and business clients, including savings, checking, 
money  market  and  NOW  accounts,  debit  cards  and  mobile  banking  with  smartphone  deposit  capability  as  well  as  a  variety  of 
certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts.  For our business clients, we offer a competitive suite of cash management 
products which include, but are not limited to, remote deposit capture, electronic statements, positive pay, ACH origination and wire 
transfer, investment sweep accounts and enhanced business internet banking.     

Other Banking Services. Investar Bank’s other banking services include cashiers’ checks, direct deposit of payroll and Social Security 
checks, night depository, bank-by-mail, automated teller machines with deposit automation and debit cards.  We have also associated 
with nationwide networks of automated teller machines, enabling the Bank’s customers to use ATMs throughout Louisiana and other 
regions. Currently, we reimburse our customers up to $12.50 per month for any foreign ATM fees they may incur. We offer credit 
card and merchant card services through a correspondent bank, however, before the end of 2015, we expect to launch our own credit 
card product rather than use a correspondent bank.  The Bank does not offer trust services or insurance products. 

Acquisition Activity 

General.  To complement our organic growth strategy, from time to time, we evaluate potential acquisition opportunities.  We believe 
there  are  many  banking  institutions  that  continue  to  face  credit  challenges,  capital  constraints  and liquidity  issues  and  that  lack the 
scale and management expertise to manage the increasing regulatory burden.  Our management team has a long history of identifying 
targets, assessing and pricing risk and executing acquisitions in a creative, yet disciplined, manner.  We seek acquisitions that provide 
meaningful financial benefits, long-term organic growth opportunities and expense reductions, without compromising our risk profile.  
Additionally,  we  seek  banking  markets  with  favorable  competitive  dynamics  and  potential  consolidation  opportunities.    All  of  our 
acquisition activity is evaluated and overseen by a standing Merger and Acquisition Committee of our board of directors. 

Acquisition  of  South  Louisiana  Business  Bank.    On  October  1,  2011,  the  Bank  completed  its  acquisition  of  South  Louisiana 
Business Bank (“SLBB”), a Louisiana-chartered commercial bank with one location in Prairieville, Louisiana.  The Bank acquired all 
of  the  outstanding  common  stock  of  the  former  SLBB  shareholders  for  a  total  consideration  of  approximately  $14.7  million  in  the 
form of 1,069,065 shares of Bank common stock. Including the effect of purchase accounting adjustments, the Bank acquired assets 
with a fair value of $50.9 million, including loans with a fair value of $31.5 million, and assumed $38.6 million in deposits. The fair 
value of net assets acquired including identifiable intangible assets was approximately $12.0 million. Goodwill of approximately $2.7 
million was recognized on the acquisition date. 

Acquisition of First Community Bank.  On May 1, 2013, the Bank completed its acquisition of First Community Bank (“FCB”), a 
Louisiana-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Hammond, Louisiana with one branch in Mandeville, Louisiana.  The Bank 
acquired all of the outstanding common stock of the former FCB shareholders for a total consideration of approximately $4.5 million 
in the form of 320,774 shares of Bank common stock.  Including the effect of purchase accounting adjustments, the Bank acquired 
assets with a fair value of $99.2 million, including loans with a fair value of $77.5 million, assumed $86.5 million in deposits and 
recognized a $0.9 million bargain purchase gain. 

5 

 
Competition  

We face competition in all major product and geographic areas in which we conduct our operations. Through the Bank, we compete 
for available loans and deposits with state, regional and national banks, as well as savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance 
companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms and investment companies. All of these institutions compete 
in  the  delivery  of  services  and  products  through  availability,  quality  and  pricing,  both  with  respect  to  interest  rates  on  loans  and 
deposits and fees charged for banking services. Many of our competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than we 
do, including higher total assets and capitalization, greater access to capital markets and a broader offering of financial services. As 
larger  institutions,  many  of  our  competitors  can  offer  more  attractive  pricing  than  we  can  offer  and  have  more  extensive  branch 
networks from which they can offer their financial services products.  

While we continually strive to offer competitive pricing for our banking products, we believe that our community bank approach to 
customers,  focusing  on  quality  customer  service  and  maintaining  strong  customer  relationships  affords  us  the  best  opportunity  to 
successfully  compete  with  other  institutions.  In  addition,  as  a  smaller  institution,  we  think  we  can  be  flexible  in  developing  and 
implementing new products and services, especially in the online banking area. Further, in recent years there has been consolidation 
activity  involving banks with  a presence  in our  markets. In our view,  mergers  and other business  combinations  within our  markets 
provide us with growth opportunities. Many acquisitions, especially when local institutions are acquired by institutions based outside 
our markets, result not only in customer disruption but also in a loss of market knowledge and relationships that we believe provide us 
the opportunity to acquire customers seeking a personalized approach to banking. Furthermore, acquisition activity typically creates 
opportunities to hire talented personnel from the combining institutions.  

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  about  total  deposits  and  our  market  share.    The  amount  of  total  deposits  in  our 
markets is as of June 30, 2014, which is the latest date for which such information is available. 

Market (MSA) 

Total Deposits 
(in millions) 

Investar Market Share 

Baton Rouge .............................................    
New Orleans .............................................    
Hammond .................................................    
Lafayette ..................................................    

$ 

Supervision and Regulation 

389 
79 
53 
57 

2.1%
0.2%
3.2%
0.5%

General.  Banking  is  highly  regulated  under  federal  and  state  law.  We  are  a  financial  holding  company  registered  under  the  Bank 
Holding  Company  Act  of  1956,  as  amended,  and  are  subject  to  supervision,  regulation  and  examination  by  the  Federal  Reserve. 
Investar  Bank  is  a  commercial  bank  chartered  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Louisiana.  The  Bank  is  not  a  member  of  the  Federal 
Reserve system and is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, or OFI, and 
the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation,  or  FDIC.  This  system  of  supervision  and  regulation  establishes  a  comprehensive 
framework for our operations and, consequently, can have a material impact on our growth and earnings performance. 

The primary  goals of  the bank  regulatory scheme  are  to maintain  a  safe  and  sound banking  system  and  to  facilitate  the  conduct  of 
sound monetary policy. This system is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s deposit insurance funds, bank depositors 
and the public, rather than our shareholders and creditors. The banking agencies have broad enforcement power over bank holding 
companies and banks, including the authority, among other things, to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, require affirmative action 
to correct any violation or practice, issue administrative orders that can be judicially enforced, direct increases in capital, direct the 
sale of subsidiaries or other assets, limit dividends and distributions, restrict growth, assess civil monetary penalties, remove officers 
and  directors,  and,  with  respect  to  banks,  terminate  deposit  insurance  or  place  the  bank  into  conservatorship  or  receivership.  In 
general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations or unsafe or unsound practices. 

The Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted on July 21, 2010, aims to restore responsibility and accountability to the financial 
system by significantly altering the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry. Full implementation of the 
Dodd-Frank  Act  will  require  many  new  rules  to  be  issued  by  federal  regulatory  agencies  over  the  next  several  years,  which  will 
profoundly  affect  how  financial  institutions  will  be  regulated  in  the  future.  The  ultimate  effect  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  and  its 
implementing regulations on the financial services industry in general, and on us in particular, is uncertain at this time. 

The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things: 

  established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an independent organization within the Federal Reserve with centralized 
responsibility  for  promulgating  and  enforcing  federal  consumer  protection  laws  applicable  to  all  entities  offering  consumer 
financial products or services; 

6 

 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  established the Financial Stability Oversight Council, tasked with the authority to identify and monitor institutions and systems 

that pose a systemic risk to the financial system; 

  changed the assessment base for federal deposit insurance from the amount of insured deposits held by the depository institution 

to the institution’s average total consolidated assets less tangible equity; 

  increased the minimum reserve ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% to 1.35%; 

  permanently increased the deposit insurance coverage amount from $100,000 to $250,000; 

  required  the  FDIC  to  make  its  capital  requirements  for  insured  depository  institutions  countercyclical,  so  that  capital 

requirements increase in times of economic expansion and decrease in times of economic contraction; 

  required  bank  holding  companies  and  banks  to  be  “well  capitalized”  and  “well  managed”  in  order  to  acquire  banks  located 
outside of their home state and requires any bank holding company electing to be treated as a financial holding company to be 
“well capitalized” and “well managed”; 

  directed the Federal Reserve to establish interchange fees for debit cards under a restrictive “reasonable and proportional cost” 

per transaction standard; 

  limited the ability of banking organizations to sponsor or invest in private equity and hedge funds and to engage in proprietary 

trading; 

  increased  regulation  of  consumer  protections  regarding  mortgage  originations,  including  originator  compensation,  minimum 

repayment standards and prepayment consideration; 

  restricted the preemption of select state laws by federal banking law applicable to national banks and disallow subsidiaries and 

affiliates of national banks from availing themselves of such preemption; 

  authorized national and state banks to establish de novo branches in any state that would permit a bank chartered in that state to 

open a branch at that location; and 

  repealed the federal prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay 

interest on business transaction and other accounts. 

Some of these provisions may have the consequence of increasing our expenses, decreasing our revenues, and changing the activities 
in  which  we  choose  to  engage.  The  environment  in  which  banking  organizations  will  operate  after  the  financial  crisis,  including 
legislative  and  regulatory  changes  affecting  capital,  liquidity,  supervision,  permissible  activities,  corporate  governance  and 
compensation,  changes  in  fiscal  policy  and  steps  to  eliminate  government  support  for  banking  organizations,  may  have  long-term 
effects  on  the  business  model  and  profitability  of  banking  organizations  that  cannot  now  be  foreseen.  The  specific  impact  on  our 
current activities or new financial activities we may consider in the future, our financial performance and the markets in which we 
operate will depend on the manner in which the relevant agencies develop and implement the required rules and the reaction of market 
participants to these regulatory developments. Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to further rulemaking and will take 
effect over several years. While we cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or future changes in the laws or regulations 
or  their  interpretations  would  have  on  us,  these  changes  could  be  materially  adverse  to  our  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations. 

The  Volcker  Rule.  On  December  10,  2013,  the  Federal  Reserve  and  the  other  federal  banking  regulators  as  well  as  the  SEC  each 
adopted  a  final  rule  implementing  Section  619  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  commonly  referred  to  as  the  “Volcker  Rule.”  Generally 
speaking, the final rule prohibits a bank and its affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and from sponsoring certain “covered 
funds” or from acquiring or retaining any ownership interest in such covered funds.  Most private equity, venture capital and hedge 
funds  are  considered  “covered  funds”  as  are  bank  trust  preferred  collateralized  debt  obligations.  The  final  rule  requires  banking 
entities to divest disallowed securities by July 21, 2015, subject to extension upon application.  The Volcker Rule does not impact any 
of our current activities nor do we hold any securities that we would be required to sell under the rule, but it does limit the scope of 
permissible activities in which we might engage in the future. 

7 

 
 
Regulatory Capital Requirements 

Capital Adequacy. The Federal Reserve Board monitors the capital adequacy of the Company, on a consolidated basis, and the FDIC 
and  the  OFI  monitor  the  capital  adequacy  of  the  Bank.  The  regulatory  agencies  use  a  combination  of  risk-based  guidelines  and  a 
leverage ratio to evaluate capital adequacy and consider these capital levels when taking action on various types of applications and 
when  conducting  supervisory  activities  related  to  safety  and  soundness.  The  risk-based  capital  standards  are  designed  to  make 
regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among financial institutions and their holding companies, 
to account for off-balance sheet exposure, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. A financial institution’s assets and 
off-balance  sheet  items,  such  as  letters  of  credit  and  unfunded  loan  commitments,  are  assigned  to  broad  risk  categories,  each  with 
appropriate risk weights. Regulatory capital, in turn, is classified in one of two tiers. “Tier 1” capital includes common equity, retained 
earnings, qualifying non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, 
less goodwill, most intangible assets and certain other assets. “Tier 2” capital includes, among other things, qualifying subordinated 
debt and allowances for loan and lease losses, subject to limitations. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of 
total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items. 

FDIC  and  Federal  Reserve  regulations  currently  require  banks  and  bank  holding  companies  generally  to  maintain  three  minimum 
capital standards: (1) a Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets ratio, or “leverage capital ratio,” of at least 4% (3% for a bank that has the 
highest regulatory exam rating and is not contemplating significant growth or expansion), (2) a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 
ratio, or “Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio,” of at least 4% and (3) a total risk-based capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets 
ratio, or “total risk-based capital ratio,” of at least 8%. In addition, the prompt corrective action standards discussed below, in effect, 
increase  the  minimum  regulatory  capital  ratios  for  banking  organizations.  These  capital  requirements  are  minimum  requirements. 
Higher  capital  levels  may  be  required  if  warranted  by  the  particular  circumstances  or  risk  profiles  of  individual  institutions,  or  if 
required by the banking regulators due to the economic conditions impacting our markets. For example, FDIC regulations provide that 
higher capital may be required to take adequate account of, among other things, interest rate risk and the risks posed by concentrations 
of  credit,  nontraditional  activities  or  securities  trading  activities.  Failure  to  meet  capital  guidelines  could  subject  us  to  a  variety  of 
enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, a prohibition on accepting brokered deposits, other restrictions on our 
business and the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC. 

Effective  January 1,  2015,  these  minimum  capital  standards,  as  well  as  the  prompt  corrective  action  standards  discussed  below, 
increased as a result of changes recently adopted by the federal banking agencies, which are described in greater detail below under 
“Basel III”. 

Prompt Corrective Action Regulations. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the FDIC is required and authorized to take 
supervisory  actions  against  undercapitalized  financial  institutions.  For  this  purpose,  a  bank  is  placed  in  one  of  the  following  five 
categories based on its capital: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically 
undercapitalized.  Under  the  prompt  corrective  action  regulations,  as  currently  in  effect,  to  be  well  capitalized,  a  bank  must  have  a 
leverage capital ratio of at least 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10% 
and must not be subject to any order or written agreement or directive by a federal banking agency to meet and maintain a specific 
capital level for any capital measure. As discussed below under “Basel III,” the federal banking agencies have adopted changes to the 
capital thresholds applicable to each of the five categories under the prompt corrective action regulations. 

Federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary 
actions  with  respect  to  institutions  in  the  three  undercapitalized  categories.  The  severity  of  the  action  depends  upon  the  capital 
category in which the institution is placed. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, banking regulators must appoint a receiver or 
conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized. The federal banking agencies have specified by regulation the relevant 
capital  level  for  each  category.  An  institution  that  is  categorized  as  undercapitalized,  significantly  undercapitalized,  or  critically 
undercapitalized  is  required  to  submit  an  acceptable  capital  restoration  plan  to  its  appropriate  federal  banking  agency.  An 
undercapitalized institution also is generally prohibited from increasing its average total assets, making acquisitions, establishing any 
branches  or  engaging  in  any  new  line  of  business,  except  under  an  accepted  capital  restoration  plan  or  with  FDIC  approval.  The 
regulations also establish procedures for downgrading an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than 
capital. 

Furthermore, a bank holding company must guarantee that a subsidiary depository institution meets its capital restoration plan, subject 
to various limitations. The controlling holding company’s obligation to fund a capital restoration plan is limited to the lesser of 5% of 
an  undercapitalized  subsidiary’s  assets  at  the  time  it  became  undercapitalized  or  the  amount  required  to  meet  regulatory  capital 
requirements. 

The capital classification of a bank affects the frequency of regulatory examinations, the bank’s ability to engage in certain activities 
and the deposit insurance premiums paid by the bank. As of December 31, 2014, Investar Bank met the requirements to be categorized 
as well capitalized under the prompt corrective action framework as currently in effect. 

8 

 
Basel III. On July 2, 2013, the federal banking agencies adopted a final rule revising the regulatory capital framework applicable to all 
top  tier  bank  holding  companies  with  consolidated  assets  of  $500  million  or  more  and  all  banks,  regardless  of  size.  The  Basel  III 
framework became effective on January 1, 2015, although the capital conservation buffer, which is discussed in greater detail below, 
will be phased in over a three year period, beginning January 1, 2016. 

Under the Basel III framework, we will be required to maintain the following minimum regulatory capital ratios: 

  A new ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets of not less than 4.5%; 

  A Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% (an increase from 4.0%); 

  A total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0%; and 

  A leverage ratio of 4.0%. 

The  Basel III framework  also  changes  the regulatory  capital  requirements  for purposes  of  the prompt  corrective  action regulations. 
Accordingly,  as  of  January 1,  2015,  to  be  categorized  as  well  capitalized,  the  Bank  must  have  a  minimum  common  equity  Tier  1 
capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%, and a 
leverage capital ratio of at least 5.0%. 

Under  the  Basel  III  framework,  Tier 1  capital  is  redefined  to  include  two  components:  (1)  common  equity  Tier 1  capital  and  (2) 
additional  Tier 1  capital.  Common  equity  Tier 1  capital  consists  solely  of  common  stock  (plus  related  surplus),  retained  earnings, 
accumulated other comprehensive income, and limited amounts of minority interests that are in the form of common stock. Additional 
Tier 1 capital includes other perpetual instruments historically included in Tier 1 capital, such as non-cumulative perpetual preferred 
stock.  With  limited  exceptions,  trust  preferred  securities  and  cumulative  perpetual  preferred  stock  will  no  longer  qualify  as  Tier  1 
capital. Tier 2 capital consists of instruments that currently qualify as Tier 2 capital plus instruments that the rule has disqualified from 
Tier 1  capital  treatment.  In  addition,  the Basel  III  framework  establishes  certain  deductions  from  and  adjustments  to  the  regulatory 
capital ratios. 

The Basel III framework also implements a requirement for all banking organizations to maintain a capital conservation buffer above 
the minimum capital requirements to avoid certain restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive 
officers.  The  capital  conservation  buffer  must  be  composed  of  common  equity  Tier  1  capital.  The  capital  conservation  buffer 
requirement will effectively require banking organizations to maintain regulatory capital ratios at least 50 basis points higher than well 
capitalized levels to avoid the restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. 

The Basel III framework alters the method under which banking organizations must calculate risk-weighted assets in an effort to make 
the calculation of risk-weighted assets more risk sensitive, to better account for risk mitigation techniques, and to create substitutes for 
credit  ratings  (in  accordance  with  the  Dodd-Frank  Act).  The  standardized  approach,  which  will  apply  to  us,  includes  additional 
exposure categories as compared with current standards including a new high volatility commercial real estate category that is risk-
weighted  at  150%.  Although  a  number  of  asset  classes  will  be  risk-weighted  differently,  the  Basel  III  framework  does  not  change 
standardized risk weightings for certain assets, including residential mortgages. 

Although management is continuing to evaluate the impact the Basel III framework will have on the Company and the Bank, we were 
in compliance with all applicable minimum regulatory capital requirements as of December 31, 2014, and management believes that at 
December  31,  2014,  the  Company  and  the  Bank  would  have  met  all  new  capital  adequacy  requirements  under  the  new  Basel  III 
framework on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were then effective. 

The Basel III framework also requires banks and bank holding companies to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests. 
However, the final rules adopted by the federal banking agencies in September 2014 implementing the Basel III liquidity framework 
apply only to banking organizations with $250 billion or more in consolidated assets or $10 billion or more in foreign exposures. As a 
result, unless modified, the Basel III liquidity framework does not apply to us. 

9 

 
Acquisitions by Bank Holding Companies 

Federal and state laws, including the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, impose additional prior notice 
or approval requirements and ongoing regulatory requirements on any investor that seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of an 
FDIC-insured  depository  institution  or  bank  holding  company.  We  must  obtain  the  prior  approval  of  the  Federal  Reserve  before 
(1) acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of any bank or other bank holding company, (2) acquiring all or substantially all of the 
assets  of  any  bank  or  bank  holding  company,  or  (3) merging  or  consolidating  with  any  other  bank  holding  company.  The  Federal 
Reserve  may  determine  not  to  approve  any  of  these  transactions  if  it  would  result  in  or  tend  to  create  a  monopoly  or  substantially 
lessen  competition  or  otherwise  function  as  a  restraint  of  trade,  unless  the  anti-competitive  effects  of  the  proposed  transaction  are 
clearly outweighed by the public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve is 
also  required  to  consider  the  financial  and  managerial  resources  and  future  prospects  of  the  bank  holding  companies  and  banks 
concerned, the convenience and needs of the community to be served, and the record of a bank holding company and its subsidiary 
bank(s)  in  combating  money  laundering  activities.  In  addition,  a  failure  to  implement  and  maintain  adequate  compliance  programs 
could cause the Federal Reserve or other banking regulators not to approve an acquisition when regulatory approval is required or to 
prohibit an acquisition even if approval is not required. 

Scope of Permissible Bank Holding Company Activities 

In general, the Bank Holding Company Act limits the activities permissible for bank holding companies to the business of banking, 
managing or controlling banks and such other activities as the Federal Reserve has determined to be so closely related to banking as to 
be properly incident thereto. 

A bank holding company  may elect to be treated as a financial holding company if it and its depository institution subsidiaries are 
“well capitalized” and “well managed.” We have elected for the Company to be treated as a financial holding company. As a financial 
holding  company,  we  may  engage  in  a  range  of  activities  that  are  (1) financial  in  nature  or  incidental  to  such  financial  activity  or 
(2) complementary  to  a  financial  activity  and  which  do  not  pose  a  substantial  risk  to  the  safety  and  soundness  of  a  depository 
institution or to the financial system generally. These activities include securities dealing, underwriting and market making, insurance 
underwriting and agency activities, merchant banking and insurance company portfolio investments. Expanded financial activities of 
financial holding companies generally will be regulated according to the type of such financial activity: banking activities by banking 
regulators; securities activities by securities regulators; and insurance activities by insurance regulators.  

The  Bank  Holding  Company  Act  does  not  place  territorial  limitations  on  permissible  non-banking  activities  of  bank  holding 
companies. The Federal Reserve has the power to order any bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or to 
terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when the Federal Reserve has reasonable grounds to believe that continuation of 
such  activity  or  such  ownership  or  control  constitutes  a  serious  risk  to  the  financial  soundness,  safety  or  stability  of  any  bank 
subsidiary of the bank holding company. 

Source of Strength Doctrine for Bank Holding Companies 

Under longstanding Federal Reserve policy which has been codified by the Dodd-Frank Act, we are expected to act as a source of 
financial strength to, and to commit resources to support, Investar Bank. This support may be required at times when we may not be 
inclined to provide it. In addition, any capital loans that we make to Investar Bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and 
to certain other indebtedness of the Bank. In the event of our bankruptcy, any commitment by us to a federal bank regulatory agency 
to maintain the capital of the Bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. 

Dividends 

As a bank holding company, we are subject to certain restrictions on dividends under applicable banking laws and regulations. The 
Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement that provides that a bank holding company should not pay dividends unless: (1) its net 
income 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,  asset  quality  and  overall  financial  condition  of  the  bank  holding 
company  and  its  subsidiaries;  and  (3) the  bank  holding  company  will  continue  to  meet  minimum  required  capital  adequacy  ratios. 
Accordingly, a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends that exceed its net income or that can only be funded in ways 
that weaken the bank holding company’s financial health, such as by borrowing. The Dodd-Frank Act imposes, and Basel III effected, 
additional  restrictions  on  the  ability  of  banking  institutions  to  pay  dividends.  In  addition,  in  the  current  financial  and  economic 
environment, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and 
has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. 

10 

 
The Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on dividends under federal and state laws, regulations and policies. In general, under 
Louisiana law, the Bank may pay dividends to us without the approval of the OFI only so long as the amount of the dividend does not 
exceed the Bank’s net profits earned during the current year combined with its retained net profits of the immediately preceding year. 
The Bank must obtain the approval of the OFI for any amount in excess of this threshold. In addition, under federal law, the Bank may 
not pay any dividend to us if it is undercapitalized or the payment of the dividend would cause it to become undercapitalized. The 
FDIC may further restrict the payment of dividends by requiring the Bank to maintain a higher level of capital than would otherwise 
be required to be adequately capitalized for regulatory purposes. Moreover, if, in the opinion of the FDIC, the Bank is engaged in an 
unsound practice (which could include the payment of dividends), the FDIC may require, generally after notice and hearing, the Bank 
to  cease  such  practice.  The  FDIC  has  indicated  that  paying  dividends  that  deplete  a  depository  institution’s  capital  base  to  an 
inadequate level would be an unsafe banking practice. The FDIC has also issued policy statements providing that insured depository 
institutions generally should pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. 

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates and Loans to Insiders 

Federal law strictly limits the ability of banks to engage in transactions with their affiliates, including their bank holding companies. 
Sections 23A  and  23B  of  the  Federal  Reserve  Act,  and  Federal  Reserve  Regulation  W,  impose  quantitative  limits,  qualitative 
standards, and collateral requirements on certain transactions by a bank with, or for the benefit of, its affiliates, and generally require 
those transactions to be on terms at least as favorable to the bank as transactions with non-affiliates. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly 
expands the coverage and scope of the limitations on affiliate transactions within a banking organization, including an expansion of 
what  types  of  transactions  are  covered  transactions  to  include  credit  exposures  related  to  derivatives,  repurchase  agreements  and 
securities  lending  arrangements  and  an  increase  in  the  amount  of  time  for  which  collateral  requirements  regarding  covered 
transactions must be satisfied. 

Federal  law  also  limits  a  bank’s  authority  to  extend  credit  to  its  directors,  executive  officers  and  10%  shareholders,  as  well  as  to 
entities  controlled  by  such  persons.  Among  other  things,  extensions  of  credit  to  insiders  are  required  to  be  made  on  terms  that  are 
substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable 
transactions  with  unaffiliated  persons.  Also,  the  terms  of  such  extensions  of  credit  may  not  involve  more  than  the  normal  risk  of 
repayment  or  present  other  unfavorable  features  and  may  not  exceed  certain  limitations  on  the  amount  of  credit  extended  to  such 
persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the bank’s capital. 

Incentive Compensation Guidance  

The federal banking agencies have issued comprehensive guidance on incentive compensation policies. This guidance is designed to 
ensure that a financial institution’s incentive compensation structure does not encourage imprudent risk taking, which may undermine 
the safety and soundness of the institution. The guidance, which applies to all employees that have the ability to materially affect an 
institution’s  risk  profile,  either  individually  or  as  part  of  a  group,  is  based  upon  three  primary  principles:  (1)  balanced  risk  taking 
incentives; (2) compatibility with effective controls and risk management; and (3) strong corporate governance.  

An institution’s supervisory ratings will incorporate any identified deficiencies in an institution’s compensation practices, and it may 
be  subject  to  an  enforcement  action  if  the  incentive  compensation  arrangements  pose  a  risk  to  the  safety  and  soundness  of  the 
institution.  Further,  a  provision  of  the  Basel  III  proposals  described  above  would  limit  discretionary  bonus  payments  to  bank 
executives if the institution’s regulatory capital ratios fail to exceed certain thresholds. 

Deposit Insurance Assessments 

FDIC insured banks are required to pay deposit insurance assessments to the FDIC. The amount of the assessment is based on the size 
of  the  bank’s  assessment  base,  which  is  equal  to  its  average  consolidated  total  assets  less  its  average  tangible  equity,  and  its  risk 
classification under an FDIC risk-based assessment system. Institutions assigned to higher risk classifications (that is, institutions that 
pose a higher risk of loss to the Deposit Insurance Fund) pay assessments at higher rates than institutions that pose a lower risk. An 
institution’s risk classification is assigned based on its capital levels and the level of supervisory concern that the institution poses to 
the  regulators.  In  addition,  the  FDIC  can  impose  special  assessments  in  certain  instances.  As  noted  above,  the  Dodd-Frank  Act 
changed the way that deposit insurance premiums are calculated. Continued action by the FDIC to replenish the Deposit Insurance 
Fund,  as  well  as  the  changes  contained  in  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  may  result  in  higher  assessment  rates,  which  could  reduce  our 
profitability or otherwise negatively impact our operations. 

11 

 
Branching and Interstate Banking 

Under Louisiana law, Investar Bank is permitted to establish additional branch offices within Louisiana, subject to the approval of the 
OFI. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Bank may also establish additional branch offices outside of Louisiana, subject to prior 
regulatory approval, so long as the laws of the state where the branch is to be located would permit a state bank chartered in that state 
to establish a branch. We currently do not have any branches outside the state of Louisiana. The Bank may also establish offices in 
other states by merging with banks or by purchasing branches of other banks in other states, subject to certain restrictions. 

Community Reinvestment Act 

Investar  Bank  is  required  under  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act,  or  CRA,  and  related  FDIC  regulations  to  help  meet  the  credit 
needs of its communities, including low and moderate-income borrowers. In connection with its examination of the Bank, the FDIC 
assesses our record of compliance with the CRA. The Bank’s failure to comply with the provisions of the CRA could, at a minimum, 
result in denial of certain corporate applications, such as branches or mergers, or in restrictions on its or the Company’s activities. The 
Bank received a “satisfactory” CRA rating on its most recent CRA examination. The CRA requires all FDIC insured institutions to 
publicly disclose their rating. 

Concentrated Commercial Real Estate Lending Regulations 

The  federal  banking  regulatory  agencies  have  promulgated  guidance  governing  financial  institutions  with  concentrations  in 
commercial  real  estate  lending.  The guidance provides  that  a bank has  a  concentration  in  commercial  real  estate  lending  if (i) total 
reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% or more of total capital or (ii) total reported loans 
secured  by  multifamily  and  nonfarm  residential  properties  and  loans  for  construction,  land  development,  and  other  land  represent 
300%  or  more  of  total  capital  and  the  bank’s  commercial  real  estate  loan  portfolio  has  increased  50%  or  more  during  the  prior 
36 months. Owner occupied  loans  are  excluded from  this  second  category.  If  a  concentration  is present,  management  must  employ 
heightened  risk  management  practices  that  address,  among  other  things,  board  and  management  oversight  and  strategic  planning, 
portfolio  management,  development  of  underwriting  standards,  risk  assessment  and  monitoring  through  market  analysis  and  stress 
testing, and maintenance of increased capital levels as needed to support the level of commercial real estate lending.  At December 31, 
2014, the Company did not have a concentration in commercial real estate as defined by the regulatory guidance. 

Financial Privacy Requirements 

Federal law and regulations limit a financial institution’s ability to share consumer financial information with unaffiliated third parties. 
Specifically,  these  provisions  require  all  financial  institutions  offering  financial  products  or  services  to  retail  customers  to  provide 
such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of 
personal  financial  information  with  unaffiliated  third  parties.  The  sharing  of  information  for  marketing  purposes  is  also  subject  to 
limitations. The Bank currently has a privacy protection policy in place. 

Consumer Laws and Regulations 

The Bank is subject to numerous laws and regulations intended to protect consumers in transactions with the Bank, including, among 
others,  laws  regarding  unfair,  deceptive  and  abusive  acts  and  practices,  usury  laws,  and  other  federal  consumer  protection  statutes. 
These  federal  laws  include  the  ECOA,  the  Electronic  Fund  Transfer  Act,  the  Fair  Credit  Reporting  Act,  the  Fair  Debt  Collection 
Practices Act, the Real Estate Procedures Act of 1974, the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Truth in Lending Act and the 
Truth in Savings Act, among others. Many states and local jurisdictions have consumer protection laws analogous, and in addition, to 
those  enacted  under  federal  law.  These  laws  and  regulations  mandate  certain  disclosure  requirements  and  regulate  the  manner  in 
which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans and conducting other types of transactions. 
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could give rise to regulatory sanctions, customer rescission rights, action by state 
and local attorneys general and civil or criminal liability. 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that has broad authority to regulate and supervise 
retail financial services activities of banks and various non-bank providers. The Bureau has authority to promulgate regulations, issue 
orders,  guidance  and  policy  statements,  conduct  examinations  and  bring  enforcement  actions  with  regard  to  consumer  financial 
products  and  services.  In  general,  however,  banks  with  assets  of  $10  billion  or  less,  such  as  Investar  Bank,  will  continue  to  be 
examined for consumer compliance by their primary federal bank regulator. 

12 

 
Mortgage Lending Rules 

The Dodd-Frank Act authorized the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to establish certain minimum standards for the origination 
of residential mortgages, including a determination of the borrower’s ability to repay. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, financial institutions 
may  not  make  a  residential  mortgage  loan  unless  they  make  a  “reasonable  and  good  faith  determination”  that  the  consumer  has  a 
“reasonable ability” to repay the loan. The Dodd-Frank Act allows borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure but provides a 
full or partial safe harbor from such defenses for loans that are “qualified mortgages.” On January 10, 2013, the Bureau published final 
rules to, among other things, specify the types of income and assets that may be considered in the ability-to-repay determination, the 
permissible sources for verification, and the required methods of calculating the loan’s monthly payments. Since then, the Bureau has 
made certain modifications to these rules. The rules extend the requirement that creditors verify and document a borrower’s income 
and assets to include all information that creditors rely on in determining repayment ability. The rules also provide further examples of 
third-party  documents  that  may  be  relied  on  for  such  verification,  such as  government  records  and  check  cashing or  funds  transfer 
service  receipts.  The  new  rules  became  effective  on  January 10,  2014.  The  rules  also  define  “qualified  mortgages,”  imposing  both 
underwriting standards, for example, a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio may not exceed 43%, and limits on the terms of their loans. 
Points and fees are subject to a relatively stringent cap, and the terms include a wide array of payments that may be made in the course 
of closing a loan. Certain loans, including interest-only loans and negative amortization loans, cannot be qualified mortgages. 

Anti-Money Laundering and OFAC 

Under  federal  law,  financial  institutions  must  maintain  anti-money  laundering  programs  that  include:  established  internal  policies, 
procedures and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an 
independent audit function. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account 
relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence and customer identification in their dealings with foreign financial 
institutions  and  foreign  customers.  Financial  institutions  must  take  reasonable  steps  to  conduct  enhanced  scrutiny  of  account 
relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious transactions, and law enforcement authorities have been 
granted increased access to financial information maintained by financial institutions. 

The Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, is responsible for helping to insure that U.S. entities do not engage in transactions 
with certain prohibited parties, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC publishes lists of persons and 
organizations  suspected  of  aiding,  harboring  or  engaging  in  terrorist  acts,  known  as  Specially  Designated  Nationals  and  Blocked 
Persons. Generally, if the Bank identifies a transaction, account or wire transfer relating to a person or entity on an OFAC list, it must 
freeze the account or block the transaction, file a suspicious activity report and notify the appropriate authorities. 

Bank  regulators  routinely  examine  institutions  for  compliance  with  these  obligations  and  they  must  consider  an  institution’s 
compliance  in  connection  with  the  regulatory  review  of  applications,  including  applications  for  banking  mergers  and  acquisitions. 
Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing 
and  comply  with  OFAC  sanctions,  or  to  comply  with  relevant  laws  and  regulations,  could  have  serious  legal,  reputational  and 
financial consequences for the institution. 

Safety and Soundness Standards 

Federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines that establish general standards relating to internal controls and information 
systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth and compensation, fees 
and benefits. Additionally, the agencies have adopted regulations that provide the authority to order an institution that has been given 
notice by an agency that it is not satisfying any of these safety and soundness standards to submit a compliance plan. If, after being so 
notified,  an  institution  fails  to  submit  an  acceptable  compliance  plan  or  fails  in  any  material  respect  to  implement  an  acceptable 
compliance  plan,  the  agency  must  issue  an  order  directing  action  to  correct  the  deficiency  and  may  issue  an  order  directing  other 
actions of the types to which an undercapitalized institution is subject under the “prompt corrective action” provisions of the Federal 
Deposit  Insurance  Act.  If  an  institution  fails  to  comply  with  such  an  order,  the  agency  may  seek  to  enforce  such  order  in  judicial 
proceedings and to impose civil money penalties. 

Bank  holding  companies  are  also  not  permitted  to  engage  in  unsound  banking  practices.  For  example,  the  Federal  Reserve’s 
Regulation Y requires a holding company to give the Federal Reserve prior notice of any redemption or repurchase of its own equity 
securities, if the consideration to be paid, together with the consideration paid for any repurchases in the preceding year, is equal to 
10%  or  more  of  the  company’s  consolidated  net  worth.  The  Federal  Reserve  may  oppose  the  transaction  if  it  believes  that  the 
transaction  would  constitute  an  unsafe  or  unsound  practice  or  would  violate  any  law  or  regulation.  As  another  example,  a  holding 
company could not impair its subsidiary bank’s soundness by causing it to make funds available to non-banking subsidiaries or their 
customers if the Federal Reserve believed it not prudent to do so. The Federal Reserve has broad authority to prohibit activities of 
bank  holding  companies  and  their  nonbanking  subsidiaries  that  represent  unsafe  and  unsound  banking  practices  or  that  constitute 
violations of laws or regulations. 

13 

 
Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies 

The commercial banking business is affected not only by general economic conditions but also by U.S. fiscal policy and the monetary 
policies of the Federal Reserve. Some of the instruments of monetary policy available to the Federal Reserve include changes in the 
discount  rate  on  member  bank  borrowings,  the  fluctuating  availability  of  borrowings  at  the  “discount  window,”  open  market 
operations, the imposition of and changes in reserve requirements against member banks’ deposits and assets of foreign branches, and 
the  imposition  of  and  changes  in  reserve  requirements  against  certain  borrowings  by  banks  and  their  affiliates.  These  policies 
influence to a significant extent the overall growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and the interest rates charged on loans or 
paid  on deposits. We  cannot predict  the  nature of  future  fiscal  and  monetary  policies  and  the  effect of  these policies  on our  future 
business and earnings. 

Future Legislation and Regulatory Reform 

As  a  result  of  the  recent  economic  downturn  and  its  effect  on  financial  institutions,  regulators  have  increased  their  focus  on  the 
regulation of financial institutions. New laws, regulations and policies are regularly proposed that contain wide-ranging proposals for 
altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationships of financial institutions operating in the United States. In addition, 
existing laws, regulations and policies are continually subject to modification or changes in interpretation. We cannot predict whether 
or in what form any law, regulation or policy will be adopted or modified or the extent to which our operations and activities, financial 
condition, results of operations, growth plans or future prospects may be affected by its adoption or modification. 

The cumulative effect of these laws and regulations add significantly to the cost of our operations and thus have a negative impact on 
profitability. There has also been a tremendous expansion in recent years of financial service providers that are not subject to the same 
level  of  regulation,  examination  and  oversight  as  we  are.  Those  providers,  because  they  are  not  so  highly  regulated,  may  have  a 
competitive advantage over us and may continue to draw large amounts of funds away from traditional banking institutions, with a 
continuing adverse effect on the banking industry in general. 

Employees  

As  of  December  31,  2014,  we  had  179  full-time  equivalent  employees.  None  of  our  employees  are  represented  by  any  collective 
bargaining unit or are parties to a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.  

Dependence upon a Single Customer 

No material portion of our loans has been made to, nor have our deposits been obtained from, a single or small group of customers; the 
loss of any single customer or small group of customers would not have a materially adverse effect on our business. A discussion of 
concentrations  of  credit  in  our  loan  portfolio  is  set  forth  under  the  heading  Loan  Concentrations  in  “Discussion  and  Analysis  of 
Financial Condition—Loans” in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

Available Information 

Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on 
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments thereto, are available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable 
after the reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Copies can be obtained free of charge in the “Investor Relations” section of our 
website  at  www.investarbank.com.  Our  SEC  filings  are  also  available  through  the  SEC’s  website  www.sec.gov.  Copies  of  these 
filings are also available by writing to us at the following address: 

Investar Holding Corporation 
P.O. Box 84207 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70884-4207 

14 

 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors  

Our  business  is  subject  to  risk.  In  addition  to  the  other  information  contained  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  including 
management’s  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  and  our  financial  statements  and  the  notes 
thereto, investors should consider the following risks when evaluating whether to invest in our common stock.  If any of the following 
risks occur, whether alone or in combination, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and growth prospects 
could be materially and adversely affected.  Additional risks that we do not presently know of or currently deem immaterial may also 
adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

Risks Related to our Business  

As  a  business  operating  in  the  financial  services  industry,  our  business  and  operations  may  be  adversely  affected  by  current 
economic conditions.  

General business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad can materially affect our business and operations. A weak 
U.S. economy is likely to cause uncertainty about the federal fiscal policymaking process, the medium and long-term fiscal outlook of 
the  federal  government  and  future  tax  rates.  In  addition,  economic  conditions  in  foreign  countries,  including  uncertainty  over  the 
stability of the euro currency, could affect the stability of global financial markets, which could hinder U.S. economic growth.  

Weak economic conditions are characterized by deflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, a lack of liquidity and/or 
depressed prices in the secondary market for mortgage loans, increased delinquencies on mortgage, consumer and commercial loans, 
residential  and  commercial  real  estate  price  declines  and  lower  home  sales  and  commercial  activity.  The  current  economic 
environment in the United States is also characterized by interest rates at historically low levels, which impacts our ability to attract 
deposits and to generate attractive earnings through our investment portfolio. All of these factors are detrimental to our business, and 
the  interplay  between  these  factors  can  be  complex  and  unpredictable.  Our  business  is  also  significantly  affected  by  monetary  and 
related policies of the U.S. federal government and its agencies. Changes in any of these policies are influenced by macroeconomic 
conditions  and  other  factors  that  are  beyond  our  control.  Adverse  economic  conditions  and  government  policy  responses  to  such 
conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our business strategy includes the continuation of growth plans, and our financial condition and results of operations could be 
negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively.  

We  have  grown  our  business  largely  through  the  acquisition  of  other  financial  institutions  and  through  de  novo  branching.  Since 
June 14, 2006, we have opened eight de novo branches and acquired South Louisiana Business Bank (“SLBB”) and First Community 
Bank  (“FCB”)  by  merger.  We  intend  to  continue  pursuing  a  growth  strategy  for  our  business  through  de  novo  branching  and  to 
evaluate attractive acquisition opportunities that are presented to us. Our growth prospects  must be considered in light of the risks, 
expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies when expanding their franchise, including the following:  

  Management of Growth. We may be unable to successfully maintain loan quality in the context of significant loan growth or 
maintain  adequate  management  personnel  and  systems  to  oversee  such  growth,  including  internal  audit,  loan  review  and 
compliance personnel. Our growth may require that we implement additional policies, procedures and operating systems, and 
we may encounter difficulties in doing so at all or in a timely manner.  

  Operating  Results.  There  is  no  assurance  that  existing  offices  or  future  offices  will  maintain  or  achieve  deposit  levels,  loan 
balances  or  other  operating  results  necessary  to  avoid  losses  or  produce  profits.  Our  growth  and  de  novo  branching  strategy 
necessarily  entails  growth  in  overhead  expenses  as  we  routinely  add  new  offices  and  staff.  Our  historical  results  may  not  be 
indicative  of  future  results  or  results  that  may  be  achieved  as  we  continue  to  increase  the  number  and  concentration  of  our 
branch offices. Should any new location be unprofitable or marginally profitable, or should any existing location experience a 
decline  in  profitability  or  incur  losses,  the  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition  could  be  more 
significant than would be the case for a larger company.  

  De Novo Branching. There are considerable costs involved in opening branches, and new branches generally do not generate 
sufficient revenues to offset their costs until they have been in operation for at least a year or more. Accordingly, our de novo 
branches can be expected to negatively impact our earnings for some period of time until the branches reach certain economies 
of scale. Our expenses could be further increased if we encounter delays in opening any of our de novo branches. We may be 
unable to accomplish future branch expansion plans due to a lack of available satisfactory sites, difficulties in acquiring such 
sites, increased expenses or loss of potential sites due to complexities associated with zoning and permitting processes, higher 
than anticipated merger and acquisition costs or other factors. Finally, we have no assurance our de novo branches or branches 
that we may acquire will be successful even after they have been established or acquired, as the case may be.  

15 

 
  Expansion  into  New  Markets.  As  we  grow  into  new  markets  in  Louisiana  and  in  other  states,  we  are  likely  to  encounter 
customer  demographics  and  financial  services  offerings  unlike  those  found  in  our  current  markets.  In  these  markets  we  are 
likely  to  face  competition  from  a  wide  array  of  financial  institutions,  including  much  larger,  better-established  financial 
institutions.  

Failure to successfully address these issues could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, 
and could adversely affect our ability to successfully implement our business strategy. Also, if our growth occurs more slowly than 
anticipated or declines, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.  

Our success depends significantly on our management team, and the loss of our senior executive officers or other key employees 
and our inability to recruit or retain suitable replacements could adversely affect our business, results of operations and growth 
prospects.  

Our success depends significantly on the continued service and skills of our existing executive management team, particularly John J. 
D’Angelo, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher L. Hufft, our Chief Accounting Officer, Travis M. Lavergne, our 
Chief  Credit Officer,  Ryan P.  Finnan,  our  Chief  Operations Officer,  Rachel  P.  Cherco,  our  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  Randolf F. 
Kassmeier, our General Counsel. The implementation of our business and growth strategies also depends significantly on our ability to 
retain employees with experience and business relationships within their respective market areas, as well as on our ability to attract, 
motivate  and  retain  highly  qualified  senior  and  middle  management.  We  do  not  have  employment  agreements  with  any  of  our 
executive officers, and our officers may terminate their employment with us at any time. Competition for employees is intense, and we 
could  have  difficulty  replacing  such  officers  with  personnel  with  the  combination  of  skills  and  attributes  required  to  execute  our 
business and growth strategies and who have ties to the communities within our market areas. The loss of any of our key personnel 
could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

Our business is concentrated in southern Louisiana, and a regional or local economic downturn affecting southern Louisiana may 
magnify the adverse effects and consequences to us.  

We  conduct  our  operations  almost  exclusively  in  southern  Louisiana,  and  more  specifically,  in  the  Baton  Rouge,  New  Orleans, 
Lafayette  and  Hammond  metropolitan  areas.  At  December 31,  2014,  approximately  98%  of  the  secured  loans  in  our  total  loan 
portfolio, including loans held for sale, are secured by properties and other collateral located in Louisiana, while approximately 73% 
of the loans in our loan portfolio (measured by dollar amount) were made to borrowers who live or work in either the Baton Rouge or 
New Orleans metropolitan area. This geographic concentration imposes a greater risk to us than to our competitors in the area who 
maintain significant operations outside of southern Louisiana. Accordingly, any regional or local economic downturn, or natural or 
man-made disaster, that affects southern Louisiana or existing or prospective property or borrowers in such area may affect us and our 
profitability more significantly and more adversely than our more geographically diversified competitors.  

More particularly, much of our business development and marketing strategy is directed toward fulfilling the banking and financial 
services needs of small to medium-sized businesses. Such businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or 
borrowing  capacity  than  larger  entities.  If  general  economic  conditions  negatively  impact  our  markets  or  the  Louisiana  market 
generally and these businesses are adversely affected, our financial condition and results of operations may be negatively affected.  

Adverse economic factors affecting particular industries could have a negative effect on our customers and their ability to make 
payments to us.  

In addition to the geographic concentration of our markets, certain industry-specific economic factors also affect us. For example, a 
downturn in segments of the commercial and residential real estate industries in our markets due to adverse economic factors affecting 
particular industries could have an adverse effect on our customers. In addition, the energy sector, which is historically cyclical, has 
recently experienced a significant drop in crude oil prices. A severe and prolonged decline in commodity prices would adversely affect 
that industry and, consequently, may adversely affect our business. At December 31, 2014, we identified less than one percent of our 
total loan portfolio with a relationship to the energy sector. 

16 

 
We have a significant number of loans secured by real estate, and a downturn in the real estate market could result in losses and 
negatively impact our profitability.  

At  December 31,  2014,  approximately  63%  of  our  total  loan  portfolio  had  real  estate  as  a  primary  or  secondary  component  of  the 
collateral securing the loan. The real estate provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of a default by the borrower and 
may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. Real estate values in southern Louisiana declined in the aftermath of 
Hurricane  Katrina  in  August  2005.  These  values  started  to  improve  in  2006  and  2007.  However,  in  connection  with  the  national 
recession, real estate values nationally declined severely in 2008 and 2009, including in our markets. Recently, real estate values both 
nationally and in our markets have shown improvement. Future declines in real estate values in our southern Louisiana markets could 
significantly impair the value of the particular collateral securing our loans and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure for an 
amount  necessary  to  satisfy  the  borrower’s  obligations  to  us.  Furthermore,  in  a  declining  real  estate  market,  we  often  will  need  to 
further increase our allowance for loan losses to address the deterioration in the value of the real estate securing our loans. Any of the 
foregoing  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of  operations,  cash  flows  and  growth 
prospects.  

Commercial real estate loans may expose us to greater risks than our other real estate loans.  

Our  loan  portfolio  includes  nonowner  occupied  commercial  real  estate  loans  for  individuals  and  businesses  for  various  purposes, 
which are secured by commercial properties, as well as real estate construction and development loans. As of December 31, 2014, our 
nonowner occupied commercial real estate loans totaled $105.4 million, or 17% of our total loan portfolio.  

Commercial real estate loans typically depend on cash flows from the property to service the debt. Cash flows, either in the form of 
rental  income  or  the  proceeds  from  sales  of  commercial  real  estate,  may  be  affected  significantly  by  general  economic  conditions. 
These  loans  expose  a  lender  to  greater  credit  risk  than  loans  secured by  residential real  estate  because  the  collateral  securing  these 
loans  typically  cannot  be  liquidated  as  easily  as  residential  real  estate.  If  we  foreclose  on  these  loans,  our  holding  period  for  the 
collateral typically is longer than for a 1-4 family residential property because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. 
Additionally,  nonowner  occupied  commercial  real  estate  loans  generally  involve  relatively  large  balances  to  single  borrowers  or 
related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, charge-offs on nonowner occupied commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan 
basis  than  those  incurred  with  our  residential  or  consumer  loan  portfolios.  Unexpected  deterioration  in  the  credit  quality  of  our 
commercial real estate loan portfolio would require us to increase our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability 
and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and growth prospects.  

We are exposed to consumer credit risk.  

We originate a significant number of consumer installment loans, particularly with respect to automobile finance. We are subject to 
credit risk resulting from defaults in payment or performance by customers for our loans, as well as loans that we sell to third parties 
but  retain  servicing  rights.  A  weak  economic  environment  and  high  unemployment  rates  could  exert  pressure  on  our  auto  loan 
customers resulting in higher delinquencies, repossessions and losses. There can be no assurances that our monitoring of our credit 
risk as it affects the value of these loans and the underlying collateral will be sufficient to prevent an effect on our profitability and 
financial condition.  

There are also risks with respect to our auto lending in particular. First, as an indirect auto lender, all of our auto loans are originated 
by  dealerships  with  which  we  have  relationships.  As  a  result,  we  do  not  have  relationships  directly  with  the  borrowers  and  are 
dependent on the relationships these dealerships have with their customers to make a determination on whether or not there are factors 
that would cause an otherwise qualified customer to not repay the loan. In addition, federal and state laws may prohibit, limit or delay 
our repossession and sale of vehicles on defaulted automobile loan contracts, which will impair our ability to recover losses on these 
loans. Additional factors that may affect our ability to recoup the full amount due on an indirect auto loan include, among other things, 
our failure to perfect our security interest in the relevant vehicle, depreciation, obsolescence, damage or loss to the vehicle and the 
impact of federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Furthermore, proceeds from the sale of repossessed vehicles can fluctuate 
significantly based upon market conditions. A deterioration in general economic conditions could result in a greater loss in the sale of 
repossessed vehicles than we have historically experienced.  

17 

 
Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio, and we may be required 
to further increase our provision for loan losses.  

Although  we  endeavor  to  diversify  our  loan  portfolio  in  order  to  minimize  the  effect  of  economic  conditions  within  a  particular 
industry, management also maintains an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses 
charged to expense, to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the entire loan portfolio. We maintain our allowance for loan losses at 
a level considered adequate by management to absorb probable loan losses, including collateral impairment, based on our analysis of 
our  portfolio  and  market  environment,  using  relevant  information  available  to  us.  Among  other  considerations  in  establishing  the 
allowance for loan losses, management considers economic conditions reflected within industry segments, the unemployment rate in 
our markets, loan segmentation and historical losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio.  

As  of  December 31,  2014,  our  allowance  for  loan  losses  as  percentages  of  total  loans  and  nonperforming  loans  was  0.74%  and 
138.61%, respectively. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance is inherently subjective and requires us to make 
significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which are subject to material changes. In addition, loans acquired 
in connection with business combination transactions are measured at fair value, based on management’s estimates related to expected 
prepayments  and  the  amount  and  timing  of  undiscounted  expected  principal,  interest  and  other  cash  flows.  Because  fair  value 
measurements incorporate assumptions regarding credit risk, no allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on 
the acquisition date.  

Inaccurate management assumptions, including with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, continuing deterioration of economic 
conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, 
both within and outside of our control, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies 
periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of 
further  loan  charge-offs,  based  on  judgments  different  than  those  of  management.  Finally,  if  actual  charge-offs  in  future  periods 
exceed the allowance for loan losses, we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any increases in the 
allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital and may have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

Lack of seasoning of our loan portfolio could increase the risk of future credit defaults.  

As a result of our growth over the past three years, a large portion of loans in our loan portfolio and of our lending relationships are of 
relatively recent origin. In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been outstanding 
for  some  period  of  time,  a  process  referred  to  as  “seasoning.”  As  a  result,  a  portfolio  of  older  loans  will  usually  behave  more 
predictably than a newer portfolio. Because a large portion of our portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and 
defaults may not represent the level that may prevail as the portfolio becomes more seasoned. If delinquencies and defaults increase, 
we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, 
results of operations and growth prospects.  

We are subject to interest rate risk.  

The majority of our banking assets are monetary in nature and subject to risk from changes in interest rates. Our earnings, like that of 
most financial institutions, are significantly dependent on our net interest income, which is the difference between our interest income 
on  interest-earning  assets,  such  as  loans  and  investment  securities,  and  our  interest  expense  on  interest-bearing  liabilities,  such  as 
deposits  and  borrowings.  We  expect  that  we  will  periodically  experience  “gaps”  in  the  interest  rate  sensitivities  of  our  assets  and 
liabilities,  meaning  that  either  our  interest-bearing  liabilities  will  be  more  sensitive  to  changes  in  market  interest  rates  than  our 
interest-earning  assets,  or  vice  versa.  In  either  event,  if  market  interest  rates  should  move  contrary  to  our  position,  this  “gap”  will 
negatively impact our earnings. At December 31, 2014, our interest sensitivity profile was somewhat liability sensitive, meaning that 
our net interest expense would increase more from rising interest rates than from falling interest rates.  

Interest  rates  are  highly  sensitive  to  many  factors  that  are  beyond our  control,  including  governmental  monetary policies,  inflation, 
recession,  changes  in  unemployment,  the  money  supply,  international  disorder  and  instability  in  domestic  and  foreign  financial 
markets. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and 
securities and the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect our ability to originate loans and 
obtain deposits, the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities and the average duration of our assets. Any substantial, unexpected, 
prolonged  change  in  market  interest  rates  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of 
operations and growth prospects.  

18 

 
In  addition,  as  interest  rates increase,  the  ability  of  borrowers  to  repay their  current  loan obligations  could be negatively  impacted, 
which  would  adversely  affect  our  results  of  operations.  These  circumstances  could  not  only  result  in  increased  loan  defaults, 
foreclosures and charge-offs but also necessitate further increases to the allowance for loan losses. At the same time, the marketability 
of the property securing a loan may be adversely affected by any reduced demand resulting from higher interest rates. Further, when 
we place a loan on nonaccrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income, but we 
continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated 
funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets would have an adverse impact on net interest income. On 
the other hand, in a declining interest rate environment, there may be an increase in prepayments on loans as borrowers refinance their 
loans at lower rates.  

If short-term interest rates remain at their historically low levels for a prolonged period, and assuming longer term interest rates fall 
further, we could experience net interest margin compression as our interest-earning assets would continue to reprice downward while 
our interest-bearing liability rates could fail to decline in tandem. Such an occurrence would have a material adverse effect on our net 
interest income and our results of operations.  

By engaging in derivative transactions, we are exposed to credit and market risk, which could adversely affect our profitability and 
financial condition. 

We  manage  interest  rate  risk  by  utilizing derivative  instruments  to  minimize  significant  unplanned fluctuations  in earnings  that  are 
caused  by  interest  rate  volatility.  Hedging  interest  rate  risk  is  a  complex  process,  requiring  sophisticated  models  and  constant 
monitoring.  The  effect  of  this  unrealized  appreciation  or  depreciation  will  generally  be  offset  by  income  or  loss  on  the  derivative 
instruments that are linked to the hedged assets and liabilities. By engaging in derivative transactions, we are exposed to credit and 
market  risk.  If  the  counterparty  fails  to  perform,  credit  risk  exists  to  the  extent  of  the  fair  value  gain  in  the  derivative  instrument. 
Market  risk  exists  to  the  extent  that  interest  rates  change  in ways  that  are  significantly  different  from  what  was  expected  when we 
entered  into  the  derivative  agreement.  The  existence  of  credit  and  market  risk  associated  with  our  derivative  instruments  could 
adversely affect our profitability and financial condition. 

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our 
financial results. As a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in the completeness and accuracy of our 
financial reporting which could harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.  

As  a  public  company,  our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  and  for  evaluating  and  reporting  on  that  system  of  internal  control.  Internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  We  are  currently  in  the  process  of  establishing  a 
system of internal control over financial reporting that will enable us to comply with our obligations under the federal securities laws 
and other applicable legal requirements. As an emerging growth company, we are exempt from the requirement under the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 to obtain an attestation report from our auditors on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial 
reporting, and we have not received such a report.  

If we are unable to implement and maintain our system of internal control over financial reporting free from material weaknesses or 
are otherwise unable to comply in a timely manner with the requirements under federal law and regulations with respect to our internal 
control  over  financial  reporting,  we  may  not  be  able  to  report  our  financial  results  accurately  and  timely.  As  a  result,  investors, 
counterparties and customers  may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports. In addition, we could 
become  subject  to  investigations  by  the  stock  exchange  on  which  our  securities  are  listed,  the  SEC  or  other  regulatory  authorities, 
which  could  require  additional  financial  and  management  resources.  As  a  result  of  these  investigations,  we  could  be  required  to 
implement  expensive  and  time-consuming  remedial  measures,  including  the  potential  delisting  of  our  securities  from  the  Nasdaq 
Global Market. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects.  

19 

 
Hurricanes  or  other  adverse  weather  conditions,  as  well  as  man-made  disasters,  could  negatively  affect  our  local  markets  or 
disrupt our operations, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.  

Our  business  is  concentrated  in  southern  Louisiana,  and  in  the  Baton  Rouge,  New  Orleans,  Lafayette  and  Hammond  metropolitan 
areas  in  particular.  Southern  Louisiana  is  susceptible  to  major  hurricanes,  floods,  tropical  storms  and  other  natural  disasters  and 
adverse weather. These natural disasters can disrupt our operations, cause widespread property damage and severely depress the local 
economies  in  which  we  operate.  For  example,  Hurricane  Gustav  in  2008  severely  impacted  our  headquarters  city  of  Baton  Rouge, 
with power in many areas of the city not being restored for nearly three weeks after the hurricane. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil 
spill in the Gulf of Mexico illustrates that man-made disasters can also adversely affect economic activity in the markets in which we 
operate. Any economic decline as a result of a natural disaster, adverse weather, oil spill or other man-made disaster can reduce the 
demand for loans and our other products and services.  

Such events could also affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans (resulting in 
increased delinquencies, foreclosures and loan losses), impair the value of collateral securing such loans, cause significant property 
damage,  result  in  loss  of  revenue  and/or  cause  us  to  incur  additional  expenses.  The  occurrence  of  any  such  event  could,  therefore, 
result  in  decreased  revenue  and  loan  losses  that  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of 
operations and growth prospects.  

We are subject to a variety of risks in connection with any sale of loans we may conduct.  

As discussed elsewhere in this document, we sell certain mortgage loans that we originate as well as pools of our consumer loans. In 
connection with these sales, we are typically required to make representations and warranties to the purchaser about the loans sold and 
the procedures under which those loans have been originated. If these representations and warranties are incorrect, we may be required 
to indemnify the purchaser for its losses or we may be required to repurchase part or all of the affected loans. Borrower fraud may also 
cause us to have to repurchase loans that we have sold. If we are required to make any indemnity payments or repurchases and do not 
have a remedy available to us against a solvent counterparty, we may not be able to recover our losses resulting from these indemnity 
payments and repurchases. Consequently, our results of operations may be adversely affected.  

Factors outside our control could result in impairment of or losses with respect to our investment securities.  

There are many factors beyond our control that can significantly influence, and adversely change, the fair value of the securities in our 
portfolio. Factors include, for example, rating agency downgrades of the securities, defaults by the issuer or continued instability in 
the capital markets. Any of these factors, among others, could cause other-than-temporary impairments and realized and/or unrealized 
losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results 
of operations, financial condition and growth prospects. The process for determining whether impairment of a security is other-than-
temporary usually requires difficult, subjective judgments about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer and any 
collateral underlying the security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the 
security.  

We may need to raise additional capital in the future to execute our business strategy.  

In addition to the liquidity that we require to conduct our day-to-day operations, the Company, on a consolidated basis, and Investar 
Bank, on a stand-alone basis, must meet certain regulatory capital requirements. With the implementation of certain new regulatory 
requirements,  such  as  the  Basel  III  accord  and  the  capital  requirements  enacted  under  the  Dodd-Frank  Wall  Street  Reform  and 
Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, financial institutions will be required to establish higher tangible capital 
requirements. Also, we may need capital to finance acquisitions.  

Our ability to raise additional capital depends on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, 
including  investor  perceptions  regarding  the  banking  industry,  market  conditions  and  governmental  activities,  and  on  our  financial 
condition and performance. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on 
terms  acceptable  to  us.  If  we  fail  to  maintain  capital  to  meet  regulatory  requirements,  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of 
operations and growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected.  

20 

 
Competition in our industry is intense, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.  

We face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and 
have substantially greater resources than we have, including higher total assets and capitalization, a more extensive and established 
branch  network,  greater  access  to  capital  markets  and  a  broader  offering  of  financial  services.  Such  competitors  primarily  include 
national,  regional  and  community  banks  within  the  various  markets  in  which  we  operate.  Because  of  their  scale,  many  of  these 
competitors  can  be  more  aggressive  than  we  can  on  loan  and  deposit  pricing.  We  also  face  competition  from  many  other  types  of 
financial institutions, including savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, factoring 
companies  and  other  financial  intermediaries.  Many  of  these  entities  have  fewer  regulatory  constraints  and  may  have  lower  cost 
structures than we do.  

Our industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative and regulatory changes as well as continued consolidation. 
The increased regulatory requirements imposed on financial institutions as well as the economic downturn in the United States have 
already resulted in the consolidation of a number of financial institutions, in addition to acquisitions of failed institutions. We expect 
additional  consolidation  to  occur.  Finally,  technology  has  lowered  barriers  to  entry  and  made  it  possible  for  non-banks  to  offer 
products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. If we are unable to 
successfully  compete,  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  growth  prospects  will  be  materially  adversely 
affected.  

We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of our recent acquisition.  
The success of our recent acquisition of FCB will depend on a number of factors, including the following:  

  our ability to realize anticipated long-term cost savings and the amount of such realized savings;  

  the extent to which we are able to retain acquired customer relationships;  

  how profitably (if at all) we deploy funds acquired in the transaction; and  

  our ability to successfully manage the combined operations.  

If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized fully or at all 
or may take longer to realize than expected. We also may experience increased credit costs or need to take additional markdowns and 
make additional provisions to the allowance for loan losses on the loans acquired from FCB, which would reduce the benefits of the 
acquisition. Any of these factors could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in the future.  

If the goodwill that we recorded in connection with a business acquisition becomes impaired, it could require charges to earnings, 
which would have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.  

Goodwill represents the amount by which the cost of an acquisition exceeded the fair value of net assets we acquired in connection 
with the purchase of another financial institution. We review goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset might be impaired.  

We  determine  impairment  by  comparing  the  implied  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  goodwill  with  the  carrying  amount  of  that 
goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is 
recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Any such adjustments are reflected in our results of operations in the periods in which 
they become known. As of December 31, 2014, our goodwill totaled $2.7 million. While we have not recorded any such impairment 
charges since we initially recorded the goodwill, there can be no assurance that our future evaluations of goodwill will not result in 
findings of impairment and related write-downs, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of 
operations.  

We may face risks with respect to future acquisitions.  

When  we  attempt  to  expand  our  business  in  Louisiana  and  other  states  through  mergers  and  acquisitions,  we  seek  targets  that  are 
culturally similar to us, have experienced management and possess either significant market presence or have potential for improved 
profitability  through  economies  of  scale  or  expanded  services.  In  addition  to  the  general  risks  associated  with  our  growth  plans 
highlighted  above,  acquiring  other  banks,  businesses  or  branches  involves  various  risks  commonly  associated  with  acquisitions, 
including, among other things:  

  the time and costs associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisition and merger targets;  

  inaccuracies in the estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to the 

target institution;  

21 

 
  the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring experienced local management and opening new bank locations, and the 
time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;  

  our ability to finance an acquisition and possible dilution to our existing shareholders;  

  the diversion of our management’s attention to the negotiation of a transaction;  

  the incurrence of an impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition and adverse effects on our results of operations;  

  entry into new markets where we lack experience; and  

  risks  associated  with  integrating  the  operations  and  personnel  of  the  acquired  business  in  a  manner  that  permits  growth 
opportunities and does not materially disrupt existing customer relationships or result in decreased revenues resulting from any 
loss of customers.  

With  respect  to  the  risks  particularly  associated  with  the  integration  of  an  acquired  business,  we  may  encounter  a  number  of 
difficulties, such as:  

  customer loss and revenue loss;  

  the loss of key employees;  

  the disruption of our operations and business;  

  our inability to maintain and increase competitive presence;  

  possible inconsistencies in standards, control procedures and policies; and/or  

  unexpected problems with costs, operations, personnel, technology and credit.  

In addition to the risks posed by the integration process itself, the focus of management’s attention and effort on integration may result 
in  a  lack  of  sufficient  management  attention  to  other  important  issues,  causing  harm  to  our  business.  Also,  general  market  and 
economic  conditions  or governmental  actions  affecting  the financial  industry  generally  may  inhibit our  successful  integration  of  an 
acquired business.  

We expect to continue to evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities that are presented to us and conduct due diligence activities 
related  to  possible  transactions  with  other  financial  institutions.  As  a  result,  merger  or  acquisition  discussions  and,  in  some  cases, 
negotiations  may  take  place  and  future  mergers  or  acquisitions  involving  cash,  debt  or  equity  securities  may  occur  at  any  time. 
Historically,  acquisitions  of  non-failed  financial  institutions  involve  the  payment  of  a  premium  over  book  and  market  values,  and, 
therefore, some dilution of our book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. 
Failure  to  realize  the  expected  revenue  increases,  cost  savings,  increases  in  geographic  or  product  presence  and/or  other  projected 
benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth 
prospects.  

A lack of liquidity could adversely affect our ability to fund operations and meet our obligations as they become due.  

Liquidity is essential to our business. Liquidity risk is the potential that we will be unable to meet our obligations as they come due 
because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. The primary source of the Bank’s funds are customer deposits 
and  loan  repayments,  while  borrowings  are  a  secondary  source  of  liquidity.  Our  access  to  deposits  and  other  funding  sources  in 
adequate amounts and on acceptable terms is affected by a number of factors, including rates paid by competitors, returns available to 
customers on alternative investments and general economic conditions. Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our 
ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses, pay dividends to our shareholders, or to fulfill obligations such as 
repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

We  rely  on  information  technology  and  telecommunications  systems  and  third-party  vendors,  and  our  failure  to  effectively 
implement new technology or a breach, computer virus or disruption of service could adversely affect our operations and financial 
condition.  

Our industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. We 
believe that improved technology allows us to serve our customers in a more efficient and less costly manner. Our ability to compete 
successfully to some extent depends on whether we can implement new technologies to provide products and services to our customers 
while avoiding significant operational challenges that increase our costs or delay full implementation of technology enhancements or new 
products, especially relative to our peers (many of which have greater resources to devote to technological improvements).  

22 

 
Although  new  technologies  enable  us  to  enhance  the  products  and  services  we  offer  our  customers,  this  technology  exposes  us  to 
certain  risks.  First,  the  successful  and  uninterrupted  functioning  of  our  information  technology  and  telecommunications  systems  is 
critical to our business. We outsource many of our major systems, such as data processing, loan servicing and deposit processing. If 
one  of  these  third-party  service  providers  terminates  their  relationship  with  us  or  fails  to  provide  services  to  us  for  any  reason  or 
provides such services poorly, our business will be negatively affected. In addition, we may be forced to replace such vendor, which 
could interrupt our operations and result in a higher cost to us.  

Another risk associated with our reliance on technology is our potential vulnerability to security breaches, denial of service attacks, 
viruses,  worms  and  other  disruptive  problems  caused  by  hackers  as  well  as  to  damage  from  physical  theft,  fire,  power  loss, 
telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event. We have attempted to address these concerns by backing up our systems as 
well as retaining qualified third-party vendors to test and audit our network. However, there can be no guarantees that our efforts will 
continue to be successful in avoiding problems with our information technology and telecommunications systems. If our efforts are 
unsuccessful, security breaches, viruses and other technology disruptions could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation and 
other possible liabilities, in addition to a loss of the confidence of our existing customers in the reliability of our systems.  

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities.  

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. Also, in the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on 
and  take  title  to  properties  securing  certain  loans  or  purchase  real  estate  to  expand  our  facilities.  In  doing  so,  there  is  a  risk  that 
hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for 
remediation  costs,  as  well  as  for  personal  injury  and  property  damage.  Environmental  laws  may  require  us  to  incur  substantial 
expenses  and  may  materially  reduce  the  affected  property’s  value  or  limit  our  ability  to  use  or  sell  the  affected  property.  The 
remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on 
our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations 
or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Although management has 
policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before the loan is recorded and before initiating any foreclosure action on 
real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards.  

Risks Related to Our Industry  
We operate in a highly regulated environment, which could restrain our growth and profitability.  

We  are  subject  to  extensive  regulation  and  supervision  that  governs  almost  all  aspects  of  our  operations,  including,  among  other 
things,  our  lending  practices,  capital  structure,  investment  practices,  dividend  policy,  operations  and  growth.  These  laws  and 
regulations, and the supervisory framework that oversees the administration of these laws and regulations, are primarily intended to 
protect  consumers,  depositors,  the  Deposit  Insurance  Fund  and  the  banking  system  as  a  whole,  and  not  shareholders  and 
counterparties.  Furthermore,  new  proposals  for  legislation  continue  to  be  introduced  in  the  U.S.  Congress  that  could  further 
substantially  increase  regulation  of  the  financial  services  industry,  impose  restrictions  on  our  operations  and  our  ability  to  conduct 
business  consistent  with  historical  practices,  including  in  the  areas  of  compensation,  interest  rates,  financial  product  offerings  and 
disclosures,  and  have  an  effect  on bankruptcy  proceedings  with  respect  to  consumer  residential  real  estate  mortgages,  among other 
things.  

Our efforts to comply with these additional laws, regulations and standards are likely to result in increased expenses and a diversion of 
management time and attention. The information under the heading “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1, Business, provides more 
information regarding the regulatory environment in which we and the Bank operate.  

Financial reform legislation enacted by Congress will, among other things, tighten capital standards and result in new laws and 
regulations that likely will increase our costs of operations.  

The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law on July 21, 2010. This law significantly changed the then-existing bank regulatory structure 
and  affected  the  lending,  deposit,  investment,  trading  and  operating  activities  of  financial  institutions  and  their  holding  companies. 
The Dodd-Frank Act changes the regulatory structure to which we are subject in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, the 
following:  

  The base for FDIC insurance assessments has been changed to a bank’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible 

equity, rather than upon its deposit base, while the FDIC’s authority to raise insurance premiums has been expanded.  

  The current standard deposit insurance limit has been permanently raised to $250,000.  

  The FDIC must raise the ratio of reserves to deposits from 1.15% to 1.35% for deposit insurance purposes by September 30, 
2020 and to “offset the effect” of increased assessments on insured depository institutions with assets of less than $10.0 billion.  

23 

 
  The interchange fees payable on debit card transactions have been limited.  

  There are multiple new provisions affecting corporate governance and executive compensation at all publicly traded companies.  

  All federal prohibitions on the ability of financial institutions to pay interest on commercial demand deposit accounts have been 

repealed.  

Our management continues to assess the impact on our operations of the Dodd-Frank Act and its regulations, many of which have yet 
to  be  proposed  or  adopted  or  are  to  be  phased-in  over  the  next  several  months  and  years.  Because  the  impact  of  many  of  the 
regulations  adopted  pursuant  to  the  Dodd-Frank  Act’s  may  not  be  known  for  some  time,  it  is  difficult  to  predict  at  this  time  what 
specific impact the Dodd-Frank Act will have on us. However, it is expected that at a minimum our operating and compliance costs 
will increase, and our interest expense could increase.  

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  established  the  Bureau  of  Consumer  Financial  Protection  (the  “CFPB”)  as  an 
independent  entity  within  the  Federal  Reserve.  The  CFPB  has  broad  rulemaking,  supervisory  and  enforcement  authority  over 
consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards, as 
well as with respect to certain mortgage-related matters, such as steering incentives, determinations as to a borrower’s ability to repay 
and prepayment penalties. In March, 2013, the CFPB issued a bulletin indicating its intention to review the policies and practices of 
indirect auto lenders with regard to pricing activities and advising auto lenders to take appropriate steps to ensure compliance with the 
fair  lending provision of  the Equal  Credit Opportunity  Act,  or  the  ECOA. Additionally,  the  CFPB  has  begun  investigating  indirect 
auto  lenders  over  the  sale  and  financing  of  extended  warranties  and  other  add-on  products.  Although  we  believe  our  auto  lending 
practices comply with existing law and regulation, new rulemaking by the CFPB as well enforcement actions it brings to enforce the 
ECOA or other  laws  within  its  jurisdiction, if  applicable  to  the  Bank,  could  require  us to  cease  or  alter  our  auto  lending  practices, 
which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.  

Federal  and  state  regulators  periodically  examine  our  business,  and  we  may  be  required  to  remediate  adverse  examination 
findings.  

The  Federal  Reserve,  the  FDIC  and  the  Louisiana  Office  of  Financial  Institutions,  or  the  OFI,  periodically  examine  our  business, 
including our compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a federal banking agency were to determine that 
our  financial  condition,  capital  resources,  asset  quality,  earnings  prospects,  management,  liquidity  or  other  aspects  of  any  of  our 
operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial 
actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action 
to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to 
direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against our officers or directors, to remove 
officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, 
to terminate our deposit insurance and place us into receivership or conservatorship. If we become subject to any regulatory actions, it 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.  

We may be required to pay significantly higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums in the future.  

The deposits of Investar Bank are insured by the FDIC up to legal limits and, accordingly, subject it to the payment of FDIC deposit 
insurance assessments. A bank’s regular assessments are determined by its risk classification, which is based on its regulatory capital 
levels  and  the  level  of  supervisory  concern  that  it  poses.  In  connection  with  the  recent  economic  recession,  insured  depository 
institution  failures,  as  well  as  deterioration  in  banking  and  economic  conditions  generally  and  significantly  increased  losses  of  the 
FDIC, resulted in a decline in the designated reserve ratio of the FDIC to historical lows. To restore this reserve ratio and bolster its 
funding position, the FDIC imposed a special assessment on depository institutions and also increased deposit insurance assessment 
rates. Further increases in assessment rates are possible in the future, especially if there are additional bank failures. Any increase in 
deposit  insurance  assessment  rates,  or  any  future  special  assessment,  could  materially  and  adversely  affect  our  business,  results  of 
operations, financial condition and growth prospects.  

The short-term and long-term impact of the new regulatory capital rules is uncertain.  

In July 2013, each of the U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules implementing the recommendations of the International 
Basel  Committee  on  Bank  Supervision  to  strengthen  the  regulatory  capital  requirements  of  all  banking  organizations  in  the  United 
States.  The  new  capital  framework,  referred  to  as  Basel  III,  replaces  the  existing  regulatory  capital  rules  for  all  banks,  savings 
associations  and  U.S.  bank  holding  companies  with  greater  than  $500  million  in  total  assets,  and  all  savings  and  loan  holding 
companies. The final Basel III rules became effective with respect to the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015, although the 
rules will not be fully phased in until January 1, 2019.  

24 

 
The new rules establish a new regulatory capital standard based on Tier 1 common equity, increase the minimum Tier 1 capital risk-
based capital ratio, and impose a capital conservation buffer of at least 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital above the new minimum 
regulatory  capital  ratios,  when  fully  phased  in  during  2019.  Failure  to  meet  the  capital  conservation  buffer  will  result  in  certain 
limitations  on  dividends,  capital  repurchases,  and  discretionary  bonus  payments  to  executive  officers.  The  rules  also  change  the 
manner  in  which  a  number  of  our  regulatory  capital  components  are  calculated  and  the  risk  weights  applicable  to  certain  asset 
categories.  Although  there remains  some  uncertainty  associated  with  the  implementation  and  regulatory  interpretation  of  the newly 
adopted standards, we expect that the new rules will generally require us to maintain greater amounts of regulatory capital. The new 
rules  may  also  limit  or  restrict  how  we  utilize  our  capital.  A  significant  increase  in  our  capital  requirements  could  have  a  material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. 

We  are  subject  to  numerous  laws  designed  to  protect  consumers,  including  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  and  fair  lending 
laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.  

The  Community  Reinvestment  Act,  or  CRA,  the  ECOA,  the  Fair  Housing  Act  and  other  fair  lending  laws  and  regulations  impose 
nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice and other federal agencies enforce these 
laws and regulations, but private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in 
private  class  action  litigation.  If  an  institution’s  performance  under  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  or  fair  lending  laws  and 
regulations is found to be deficient, the institution could be subject to damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions 
on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion and restrictions on entering new business lines, among other sanctions. 
In addition, the FDIC’s assessment of our compliance with CRA provisions is taken into account when evaluating any application we 
submit for, among other things, approval of the acquisition or establishment of a branch or other deposit facility, an office relocation, a 
merger or the acquisition of another financial institution. Our failure to satisfy our CRA obligations could, at a minimum, result in the 
denial of such applications and limit our growth.  

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and 
regulations.  

The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other 
duties,  to  institute  and  maintain  an  effective  anti-money  laundering  program  and  file  suspicious  activity  and  currency  transaction 
reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties 
for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking 
regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. We are also 
subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. If our policies, procedures 
and  systems  are  deemed  deficient,  we  would  be  subject  to  liability,  including  fines  and  regulatory  actions,  which  may  include 
restrictions  on  our  ability  to  pay  dividends  and  the  necessity  to  obtain  regulatory  approvals  to  proceed  with  certain  aspects  of  our 
business plan, including our acquisition plans. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and 
terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect 
our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

Risks Related to an Investment in our Common Stock  

The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which may make it difficult for investors to sell their shares at the volume, 
prices and times desired.  

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, 
including, without limitation:  

  actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly and annual operating results, financial condition or asset quality;  

  changes in general economic or business conditions, both domestically and internationally;  

  the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve, or 

in laws and regulations affecting us;  

  the number of securities analysts covering us;  

  publication of research reports about us, our competitors, or the financial services industry generally, or changes in, or failure to 
meet, securities analysts’ estimates of our financial and operating performance, or lack of research reports by industry analysts 
or ceasing of coverage;  

  changes in market valuations or earnings of companies that investors deemed comparable to us;  

  the average daily trading volume of our common stock;  

25 

 
  future issuances of our common stock or other securities;  

  additions or departures of key personnel;  

  perceptions in the marketplace regarding our competitors and/or us;  

  significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving 

our competitors or us; and  

  other  news,  announcements  or  disclosures  (whether  by  us  or  others)  related  to  us,  our  competitors,  our  core  market  or  the 

financial services industry.  

The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks have experienced significant fluctuations in recent years. 
In many cases, these changes have been unrelated to the operating performance and prospects of particular companies. In addition, 
significant fluctuations in the trading volume in our common stock may cause significant price variations to occur. Increased market 
volatility may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock, which may make it difficult for investors to sell 
their shares at the volume, prices and times desired.  

We are an “emerging growth company,” and the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may 
make our common stock less attractive to investors.  

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. While we 
retain this status, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other 
public  companies  that  are  not  emerging  growth  companies,  including  reduced  disclosure  obligations  regarding  executive 
compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory 
vote  on  executive  compensation  and  shareholder  approval  of  any  golden  parachute  payments  not  previously  approved.  We  will 
continue to be an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of the following: (1) December 31, 2019; (2) the last day of the 
fiscal  year  in which we have  more  than $1.0 billion  in  annual revenues;  (3)  the date on  which we have  more  than $700  million  in 
market  value  of  our  common  stock  held  by  non-affiliates;  or  (4)  the  date  on  which  we  have  issued  more  than  $1.0  billion  in  non-
convertible debt over a three-year period. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may 
rely on these exemptions, or if we choose to rely on additional exemptions in the future. If some investors find our common stock less 
attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.  

Shares eligible for future sale could have a dilutive effect.  

Shares  of  our  common  stock  eligible  for  future  sale,  including  those  that  may  be  issued  in  any  private  or  public  offering  of  our 
common stock for cash or as incentives under incentive plans, could have a dilutive effect on the market for our common stock and 
could adversely affect market prices. As of March 23, 2015, there were 40,000,000 shares of our common stock authorized, of which 
7,268,344 shares were outstanding. 

Our dividend policy may change without notice, and our future ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions.  

Holders  of  our  common  stock  are  entitled  to  receive  only  such  cash  dividends  as  our  board  of  directors  may  declare  out  of  funds 
legally available for the payment of dividends. We have no obligation to continue paying dividends, and we may change our dividend 
policy at any time without notice to our shareholders.  

Since the Company’s primary asset is its stock of Investar Bank, we are dependent upon dividends from the Bank to pay our operating 
expenses, satisfy our obligations and to pay dividends on the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, any declaration and payment of 
dividends  on  common  stock  will  substantially  depend  upon  the  Bank’s  earnings  and  financial  condition,  liquidity  and  capital 
requirements, the general economic and regulatory climate and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Furthermore, 
consistent with our strategic plans, growth initiatives, capital availability, projected liquidity needs, and other factors, we have made, 
and will continue to make, capital management decisions and policies that could adversely impact the amount of dividends, if any, 
paid to our common shareholders.  

26 

 
In addition, there are numerous laws and banking regulations that limit our and Investar Bank’s ability to pay dividends. For Investar 
Bank, federal and state statutes and regulations require, among other things, that the Bank maintain certain levels of capital in order to 
pay  a  dividend.  Further,  state  and  federal  banking  authorities  have  the  ability  to  restrict  the  payment  of  dividends  by  supervisory 
action. At the holding company level, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review 
their  dividend  policy  in  relation  to  the  organization’s  overall  asset  quality,  level  of  current  and  prospective  earnings  and  level, 
composition and quality of capital. The guidance requires that a company inform and consult with the Federal Reserve Board prior to 
declaring and paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in an 
adverse change to its capital structure.  

Our Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, and certain banking laws applicable to us, could have an anti-takeover effect 
that decreases our chances of being acquired, even if our acquisition is in our shareholders’ best interests.  

Certain  provisions  of  our  restated  articles  of  incorporation  and  our  by-laws,  as  amended,  and  federal  banking  laws,  including 
regulatory approval requirements, could make it  more difficult for a third party to acquire control of our organization or conduct a 
proxy contest, even if those events were perceived by many of our shareholders as beneficial to their interests. These provisions, and 
the corporate and banking laws and regulations applicable to us:  

  enable our board of directors to issue additional shares of authorized, but unissued capital stock. In particular, our board may issue 
“blank check” preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the board;  

  enable our board of directors to increase the size of the board and fill the vacancies created by the increase;  

  enable our board of directors to amend our by-laws without shareholder approval;  

  require advance notice for director nominations and other shareholder proposals; and  

  require prior regulatory application and approval of any transaction involving control of our organization.  

These  provisions  may  discourage  potential  acquisition  proposals  and  could  delay  or  prevent  a  change  in  control,  including 
circumstances in which our shareholders might otherwise receive a premium over the market price of our shares.  

Our issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of our common stock and discourage a takeover.  

Our shareholders authorized our board of directors to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock without any further action on the 
part of our shareholders. The board also has the power, without shareholder approval, to set the terms of any series of preferred stock 
that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights, preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends or in the 
event  of  a  dissolution,  liquidation  or  winding  up  and  other  terms.  In  the  event  that  we  issue  preferred  stock  in  the  future  that  has 
preference over our common stock with respect to payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we 
issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our common stock, the rights of the holders of our common 
stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. In addition, the ability of our board of directors to issue 
shares of preferred stock without any action on the part of our shareholders may impede a takeover of us and prevent a transaction 
perceived to be favorable to our shareholders.  

Holders of the junior subordinated debentures have rights that are senior to those of our common shareholders.  

In connection with the FCB merger, we assumed junior subordinated debentures issued by FCB. At December 31, 2014, we had trust 
preferred securities and accompanying junior subordinated debentures with a carrying value of $3.6 million. Payments of the principal 
and  interest  on  the  trust  preferred  securities  of  these  trusts  are  conditionally  guaranteed  by  us.  Further,  the  junior  subordinated 
debentures  we  issued  to  the  trusts  are  senior  to  our  shares  of  common  stock.  As  a  result,  we  must  make  payments  on  the  junior 
subordinated debentures before any dividends can be paid on our common stock and, in the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or 
liquidation, the holders of the junior subordinated debentures must be satisfied before any distributions can be made on our common 
stock. We have the right to defer distributions on our junior subordinated debentures (and the related trust preferred securities) for up 
to five years, during which time no dividends may be paid on our common stock.  

An investment in our common stock is not an insured deposit and is subject to risk of loss.  

Our common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any deposit insurance fund or by any 
other  public  or  private  entity.  Investment  in  our  common  stock  is  inherently  risky  for  the  reasons  described  in  this  “Risk  Factors” 
section and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common 
stock in any company. As a result, an investor may lose some or all of his or her investment in our common stock. 

27 

 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments  
Not applicable.  

Item 2. Properties  

Our main office is located at 7244 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in an approximately 4,900 square foot building built in 
May 2008. In addition to our main office, we operate ten branch offices located in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, 
Livingston, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and West Baton Rouge Parishes, Louisiana, as well as a mortgage and loan operations center 
and  a  separate  executive  and  operations  center,  each  in  Baton  Rouge.  We  also  have  four  stand-alone  automated  teller  machines  in 
Baton Rouge.  

We own our main office and all of our branch sites. Each branch facility is a stand-alone building, equipped with an automatic teller 
machine  and  on-site  parking  as  well  as  providing  for  drive-up  access.  We  believe  that  our  facilities  are  in  good  condition  and  are 
adequate to meet our operating needs for the foreseeable future.  

We have begun construction on a new branch site in our Baton Rouge market, which we expect to open in the second quarter of 2015, 
subject to regulatory approval. We also own two tracts of land in Ascension parish, one in St. Mary parish and one in Lafayette parish, 
each of which has been designated as a future branch location, although the timing of the development of these tracts is uncertain. 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings  

From time to time we are party to ordinary routine litigation matters incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not presently 
party  to  any  legal  proceedings  the  resolution  of  which  we  believe  would  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial 
condition, results  of  operation, cash  flows, growth prospects  or  capital  levels nor were  any  such proceedings  terminated during  the 
fourth quarter of 2014.  

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures  

Not applicable.  

28 

 
 
 
PART II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  

Our  common  stock  is  listed on  the NASDAQ Global  Select  Market  (the  “NASDAQ”)  under  the  symbol  “ISTR”.  As of  March  23, 
2015, there were approximately 1,119 holders of record of our common stock, and the closing sales price of our common stock on that 
date was $16.60.  

The  following  table  sets  forth  the reported high  and  low sales  price of our  common  stock  as quoted  on  the  NASDAQ during  each 
quarter since we completed our initial public offering and began trading on July 3, 2014. Prior to that date, there was no public trading 
market for our common stock.  

2014 
4th quarter ..............................................................................................................................   $
3rd quarter ..............................................................................................................................   $

High 

Low 

15.00     $
19.00     $

13.00 
13.06 

The following table sets forth the amounts of dividends declared during each quarterly period in 2013 and 2014. The amounts in the 
table  below  for  2013  reflect  the  dividends  declared  on  Investar  Bank’s  common  stock.  As  noted  above  in  Item  1,  Business,  in 
November 2013, the Company completed a share exchange with the Bank’s shareholders, resulting in the Bank becoming a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company. 

2014 
4th quarter ..............................................................................................................................................................  $ 
3rd quarter ..............................................................................................................................................................    
2nd quarter .............................................................................................................................................................    
1st quarter ...............................................................................................................................................................    
2013 
4th quarter ..............................................................................................................................................................    
3rd quarter ..............................................................................................................................................................    
2nd quarter .............................................................................................................................................................    
1st quarter ...............................................................................................................................................................    

0.0070 
0.0068 
0.0123 
0.0122 

0.0121 
0.0120 
0.0119 
0.0118 

   Amount Per Share 

29 

 
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
Stock Performance Graph 

The following graph compares the cumulative total return on our common stock over a measurement period beginning July 3, 2014 
with (i) the cumulative total return on the stocks included in the Russell 3000 Index and (ii) the cumulative total return on the stocks 
included in the SNL Index of Banks with assets between $500 million and $1 billion. The performance graph assumes that the value 
of the investment in our common stock, the Russell 3000 Index and the SNL Index of Banks was $100 at July 3, 2014, the date our 
common stock began publicly trading on the NASDAQ, and that all dividends were reinvested. 

Index 
Investar Holding Corporation ...  $ 
Russell 3000 ...........................    
SNL U.S. Bank $500M-$1B ....   

7/3/2014 

      7/31/2014 

8/31/2014 

Period Ending 
9/30/2014 

  10/31/2014 

      11/30/2014 

12/31/2014 

100.00     $ 
100.00       
100.00       

99.79    $
96.83     
99.51     

99.29    $
100.89     
100.66     

94.66    $
98.79     
100.30     

99.69     $ 
101.51       
102.70       

98.06    $
103.97     
103.56     

98.68 
103.97 
104.44 

There can be no assurance that our common stock performance will continue in the future with the same or similar trends depicted in 
the performance graph above. We will not make or endorse any predictions as to future stock performance.  

The information provided under the heading “Stock Performance Graph” shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be 
“filed” with the SEC or subject to its proxy regulations or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, other than as provided in Item 201 of Regulation S-K. The information provided in this section shall not be deemed to be 
incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended. 

Dividend Policy 

The Company intends to declare dividends on a quarterly basis.  Since we are a holding company with no material business activities, 
our  ability  to  pay  dividends  is  substantially  dependent  upon  the  ability  of  Investar  Bank  to  transfer  funds  to  us  in  the  form  of 
dividends, loans and advances. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends and make other distributions and payments to us depends upon the 
Bank’s  earnings,  financial  condition,  general  economic  conditions,  compliance  with  regulatory  requirements  and  other  factors.    In 
addition, the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to us is itself subject to various legal, regulatory and other restrictions.  See “Supervision 
and Regulation—Dividends” in Item 1, Business, above for a discussion of the restrictions on dividends under federal banking laws 
and  regulations.    In  addition,  as  a  Louisiana  corporation,  we  are  subject  to  certain  restrictions  on  dividends  under  the  Louisiana 
Business Corporation Act. Generally, a Louisiana corporation may pay dividends to its shareholders unless, after giving effect to the 
dividend,  either  (1)  the  corporation  would  not  be  able  to  pay  its  debts  as  they  come  due  in  the  usual  course  of  business  or  (2)  the 
corporations’ total assets are less than the sum of its total liabilities and the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be 
dissolved  at  the  time  of  the  payment  of  the  dividend,  to  satisfy  the  preferential  rights  of  shareholders  whose  preferential  rights  are 
superior to those receiving the dividend. Finally, our ability to pay dividends may be limited on account of the junior subordinated 
debentures  that  we  assumed  in  the  FCB  acquisition.    We  must  make  payments  on  the  junior  subordinated  debentures  before  any 
dividends can be paid on our common stock. 

These  restrictions  do  not,  and  are  not  expected  in  the  future  to,  materially  limit  the  Company’s  ability  to  pay  dividends  to  its 
shareholders in an amount consistent with the Company’s history of paying dividends.  

30 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

Period 
October 1, 2014 to October 31, 2014 ...............      
November 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014 .......      
December 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 ........      

(a) Total Number of
Shares (or Units) 
Purchased(1)

(b) Average Price 
Paid per Share (or 
Unit)

-  $
- 
71 
71  $

- 
- 
14.08 
14.08 

(c ) Total Number 
of Shares (or Units) 
Purchased as Part 
of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs 

(d) Maximum Number 
(or 
Approximate Dollar 
Value) of Shares (or 
Units) That May Be 
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

-    $
-     
-     
-    $

-
-
-
-

(1)  Represents shares surrendered to cover the payroll taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock. 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities 

On February 17, 2014, prior to its initial public offering on July 1, 2014, the Company granted an aggregate of 216,000 stock options 
and awarded 10,992 shares of restricted stock to key personnel, which shares are subject to service-based vesting conditions under the 
Investar  Holding  Corporation  2014  Long-Term  Incentive  Compensation  Plan,  the  issuance  of  which  was  contingent  upon  the 
effectiveness of the IPO. Upon the completion of the IPO, 216,000 options and 8,489 shares of restricted stock were issued to those 
recipients  who  remained  employed  by  the  Bank.  Since  the  grants  and  awards  of  these  securities  were  transactions  under  a 
compensatory benefit plan, the grants and awards were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended,  in  reliance  upon  the  exemption  from  registration  provided  by  Rule  701  under  the  Securities  Act.  The  Company  did  not 
receive any cash proceeds in connection with these grants and awards. 

Use of Proceeds 

On June 30, 2014, the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-196014) for its initial public offering of common 
stock was declared effective by the SEC, pursuant to which the Company sold an aggregate of 3,285,300 shares of its common stock 
at a public offering price of $14.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $41.7 million from the sale of such shares after 
deducting approximately $3.0 million in underwriting commissions and approximately $1.3 million in offering expenses payable by 
the Company. There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds from our initial public offering as described in the 
Company’s final prospectus filed with the SEC on July 1, 2014 pursuant to Rule 424(b). 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans  

Please refer to the information under the heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” in Item 12, 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, for a discussion of the securities 
authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans.  

Item 6. Selected Financial Data  

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information and other data as of and for years ended December 31, 2014, 
2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010. As discussed in Item 1, Business, Investar Bank did not become a subsidiary of the Company until the 
completion of the share exchange in November 2013. Accordingly, the selected financial information below as of and for the years 
ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 relates only to the operations of the Bank, while the selected financial information below 
as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 reflects the operations of the Company and the Bank on a consolidated 
basis.  The  selected  financial  information  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013  has  been  derived  from  the  audited 
consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company  as  of  and  for  such  years,  other  than  the  performance  ratios,  and  the  selected 
financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 has been derived from the audited financial statements 
of Investar Bank as of and for such years, other than the performance ratios.  

31 

 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
 
 
The selected financial information below should be read in conjunction with other information contained in this report, including the 
information contained in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the 
consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Our historical results for 
any prior period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period.  

(In thousands, except share data)(1)  

Financial Condition Data: 

2014

2013

As of December 31, 
2012 

2011

2010

209,465
163,052
1,476
22,842
-
15,337
168,452
183,789
3,773
16,814

2010 

9,710
3,494
6,216
1,019
5,197
2,096
6,195
1,098
383
715

Total assets ............................................................................  $
Total gross loans, net of allowance for loan losses ...............   
Allowance for loan losses ......................................................   
Investment securities .............................................................   
Goodwill and other intangible assets .....................................   
Noninterest-bearing deposits .................................................   
Interest-bearing deposits ........................................................   
Total deposits ........................................................................   
Long-term borrowings ...........................................................   
Total stockholders’ equity .....................................................   

879,354  $
721,556 
4,630 
92,818 
3,216 
70,217 
557,901 
628,118 
25,055 
103,384 

634,946  $
505,744 
3,380 
62,752 
3,257 
72,795 
459,811 
532,606 
34,427 
55,483 

375,446  
303,019       
2,722       
44,326       
2,828       
37,489       
262,181       
299,670       
26,794       
43,553       

 $  279,330  $
226,209 
1,746 
28,930 
2,839 
18,208 
209,960 
228,168 
9,575 
35,166 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 
2012 

2013 

2011 

22,472  $
3,460 
19,012 
1,026 
17,986 
5,354 
19,024 
4,316 
1,148 
3,168  $

14,587     $ 
2,542       
12,045       
685       
11,360       
3,625       
11,645       
3,340       
979       
2,361     $ 

11,302  $
2,579 
8,723 
639 
8,084 
2,032 
8,615 
1,501 
502 
999  $

Income Statement Data: 
Interest income ...................................................................... $
Interest expense .....................................................................
Net interest income ................................................................
Provision for loan losses ........................................................
Net interest income after provision .......................................
Noninterest income ...............................................................
Noninterest expense ..............................................................
Income before income taxes ..................................................
Income tax expense ...............................................................
Net income ............................................................................ $

2014 

31,369  $
4,675 
26,694 
1,628 
25,066 
5,860 
24,384 
6,542 
1,145 
5,397  $

32 

 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
   
     
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
       
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 
2012 
2013 

2011 

2010 

Per Common Share Data: 
Basic earnings per share ...................................................  $
Diluted earnings per share ................................................  $
Dividends per share ..........................................................  $
Book value per share ........................................................  $
Tangible book value per share(2) .......................................  $
Period end common shares outstanding ...........................    7,262,085  
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding .......    5,533,514  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding ....    5,777,302  

0.98   $
0.93   $
0.04   $
14.24   $
13.79   $

0.86   $
0.81   $
0.05   $
14.06   $
13.24   $

0.79   
0.71   
0.05   
13.56   
12.68   
  3,210,816   
  2,998,087   
  3,302,661   

0.54   $
0.47   $
0.07   $
12.82   $
11.79   $

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
    2,742,205  
    1,843,180  
    2,120,471  

0.51  
0.43  
-  
11.46  
11.46  
  1,467,778  
  1,414,257  
  1,680,140  

  3,945,114  
  3,667,929  
  3,923,375  

Performance Ratios: 
Return on average assets ..................................................   
Return on average equity ..................................................   
Net interest margin ...........................................................   
Efficiency ratio(3) ...............................................................   
Net interest income to average assets ...............................   
Dividend payout ratio .......................................................   

Asset Quality Ratios: 
Nonperforming assets to total assets ................................   
Nonperforming loans to total loans ..................................   
Allowance for loan losses to total loans ...........................   
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ..........   
Net charge-offs to average loans ......................................   

Capital Ratios: 
Total equity to total assets ................................................   
Tangible common equity to tangible assets(4) ...................   
Tier 1 capital to average assets .........................................   
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ...............................   
Total capital to risk-weighted assets .................................   

0.73%  
6.80%  
3.85%  
74.90%  
3.63%  
3.93%  

0.64%  
6.10%  
4.10%  
78.07%  
3.83%  
5.44%  

0.74 %    
5.90 %    
4.04 %    
74.32 %     
3.77 %    
5.84 %    

0.44%  
4.44%  
4.09%  
80.10%  
3.86%  
12.91%

0.69%  
0.54%  
0.74%  
138.61%  
0.07%  

0.79%  
0.30%  
0.67%  
227.00%  
0.09%  

0.62 %    
0.02 %    
0.94 %    

0.75%  
0.01%  
0.79%  
5136.00 %     6236.00%  
0.20%  

-0.12 %     

11.76%  
11.43%  
12.61%  
13.79%  
14.41%  

8.74%  
8.27%  
9.53%  
10.85%  
11.51%  

11.60 %     
10.93 %     
11.55 %     
13.06 %     
13.95 %     

12.59%  
11.69%  
11.67%  
14.36%  
15.14%  

0.37%
4.50%
3.43%
74.53%
3.20%
-  

1.86%
2.32%
0.93%
40.00%
0.68%

8.03%
8.03%
8.06%
10.42%
11.35%

(1)  Selected consolidated financial data includes the effect of mergers from the date of each merger. On May 1, 2013, Investar Bank 
acquired  First  Community  Bank,  a  Louisiana  state  bank  headquartered  in  Hammond,  Louisiana  (“FCB”),  by  merger  of  FCB 
with  and  into  Investar  Bank.  On  October 1,  2011,  Investar  Bank  acquired  South  Louisiana  Business  Bank,  a  Louisiana  state 
bank headquartered  in  Prairieville,  Louisiana  (“SLBB”), by  merger  of SLBB  with  and  into Investar  Bank.  References  in  this 
document to assets purchased and liabilities assumed in the FCB and SLBB  mergers reflect the fair value of such assets and 
liabilities  on  the  date  of  acquisition,  unless  the  context  otherwise  requires.  See  Note  2,  Acquisition  Activity,  in  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial  Statements  in  Item  8,  Financial  Statements  and Supplementary  Data,  for  additional  information  about 
the FCB and SLBB transactions. 

(2)  Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP financial measure. Tangible book value per common share is calculated 
as total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by the number of common shares outstanding as 
of the balance sheet date. We believe that the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is book value per share. For 
more  information  regarding  our  use  of  non-GAAP  financial  measures,  including  a  reconciliation  of  tangible  book  value  per 
common share to book value per share, please refer to the information under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in 
Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

(3)  Efficiency  ratio  represents  noninterest  expenses  divided  by  the  sum  of  net  interest  income  and  noninterest  income.  For  more 
information regarding our use of non-GAAP financial measures, including our calculation of the efficiency ratio, please refer to 
the  information  under  the  heading  “Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures”  in  Item  7,  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

(4)  Tangible equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP financial measure. Tangible equity is calculated as total stockholders’ equity 
less  goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets,  and  tangible  assets  is  calculated  as  total  assets  less  goodwill  and  other  intangible 
assets.  We  believe  that  the  most  directly  comparable  GAAP  financial  measure  is  total  equity  to  total  assets.  For  more 
information  regarding  our  use  of  non-GAAP  financial  measures,  including  a  reconciliation  of  the  ratio  of  tangible  equity  to 
tangible assets to the ratio of total equity to total assets, please refer to the information under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures” in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  

This section presents management’s perspective on the financial condition and results of operations of Investar Holding Corporation 
(the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Investar Bank (the “Bank”). The following discussion and 
analysis  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  notes  and  other 
supplemental information included herein. As discussed in previous filings, the Company did not become the holding company of the 
Bank until the completion of the share exchange, whereby all of the Bank’s shareholders received shares of the Company’s common 
stock in exchange for the Bank’s common stock, in November 2013. Accordingly, references below to financial condition or results of 
operations or to events or circumstances relating to dates or time periods prior to this share exchange (even if “we,” “our,” or “us” 
is used) relate to the Bank alone, while references below to financial condition or results of operations or to events or circumstances 
relating to dates or time periods after the share exchange pertain to the Company and the Bank on a consolidated basis, unless the 
context explicitly dictates otherwise.  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS  

This annual report on Form 10-K, both in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, 
and elsewhere, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements include statements relating to 
our projected growth, anticipated future financial performance, financial condition, credit quality and performance goals, as well as 
statements  relating  to  the  anticipated  effects  on  our  business,  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  from  expected 
developments, our growth and potential acquisitions. These statements can typically be identified through the use of words or phrases 
such  as  “may,”  “should,”  “could,”  “predict,”  “potential,”  “believe,”  “think,”  “will  likely  result,”  “expect,”  “continue,”  “will,” 
“anticipate,”  “seek,”  “estimate,”  “intend,”  “plan,”  “projection,”  “would”  and  “outlook,”  or  the  negative  version  of  those  words  or 
other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature.  

Our forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions and estimates that management believes to be reasonable 
in light of the information available at this time. However, many of these statements are inherently uncertain and beyond our control 
and  could  be  affected  by  many  factors.  Factors  that  could  have  a  material  effect  on  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of 
operations, cash flows and future growth prospects can be found in Item 1A, Risk Factors. 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;  

  concentration of credit exposure;  

  deteriorating asset quality and higher loan charge-offs, and the time and effort necessary to resolve problem assets;  

  a lack of liquidity, including as a result of a reduction in the amount of deposits we hold or other sources of liquidity;  

  our potential growth, including our entrance or expansion into new markets, and the need for sufficient capital to support that 

growth;  

  difficulties  in  identifying  attractive  acquisition  opportunities  and  strategic  partners  that  will  complement  our  private  banking 

approach;  

  our  ability  to  efficiently  integrate  acquisitions  into  our  operations,  retain  the  customers  of  acquired  businesses  and  grow  the 

acquired operations;  

  the impact of litigation and other legal proceedings to which we become subject;  

34 

 
  data processing system failures and errors;  

  the expenses we will incur to operate as a public company;  

  competitive  pressures  in  the  consumer  finance,  commercial  finance,  retail  banking,  mortgage  lending  and  auto  lending 

industries, as well as the financial resources of, and products offered by, competitors;  

  the impact of changes in laws and regulations applicable to us, including banking, securities and tax laws and regulations and 

accounting standards, as well as changes in the interpretation of such laws and regulations by our regulators;  

  changes in the scope and costs of FDIC insurance and other coverages;  

  governmental monetary and fiscal policies;  

  hurricanes, other natural disasters and adverse weather; oil spills and other man-made disasters; acts of terrorism, an outbreak of 

hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, acts of God and other matters beyond our control; and  

  other circumstances, many of which are beyond our control.  

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included 
herein. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be 
incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such 
forward-looking statements.  

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly 
update  or  review  any  forward-looking  statement,  whether  as  a  result  of  new  information,  future  developments  or  otherwise.  New 
factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of 
each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially 
from  those  contained  in  any  forward-looking  statements.  We  qualify  all  of  our  forward-looking  statements  by  these  cautionary 
statements.  

Overview  

Our principal business is lending to and accepting deposits from individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. 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 of loans and 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 maintaining appropriate regulatory leverage and risk-based capital ratios.  

Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Our total assets grew to $879.4 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of 38% from $634.9 million at December 31, 2013, while our 
total deposits grew 18% from $532.6 million at December 31, 2013, to $628.1 million at December 31, 2014. Net income for the year 
ended December 31, 2014 was $5.4 million, or an increase of 70%, compared to $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. 
These substantial increases in our total assets, total deposits and net income were driven by a number of factors, including the following:  

  Consummation of our acquisition of First Community Bank, or FCB, on May 1, 2013, which contributed assets with a fair value on 
the acquisition date of $99.2 million, deposits with a fair value of $86.5 million, $4.5 million in capital and two branches located in 
our New Orleans and Hammond markets. We recorded a bargain purchase gain of $0.9 million in connection with the FCB merger.  

  Expansion into the Lafayette, Louisiana region, which included the opening of a branch in the fourth quarter of 2013. This new 
branch  contributed  $22.9  million  and  $11.5  million  to  our  total  gross  loans  and  $78.7  million  and  $28.0  million  to  our  total 
deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  

  The opening of the Highland Road branch in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on August 1, 2014. This new branch contributed $21.1 

million to our total gross loans and $45.1 million to our total deposits at December 31, 2014. 

  Hiring a number of key bankers in the past two years, including experienced commercial lenders and their teams in the New 

Orleans market and private bankers and their teams in the Lafayette market.  

35 

 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures   

Our accounting and reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and the 
prevailing  practices  in  the  banking  industry.  However,  we  also  evaluate  our  performance  based  on  certain  additional  metrics.  The 
efficiency ratio, tangible book value per share and the ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets are not financial measures recognized 
under GAAP and, therefore, are considered non-GAAP financial measures.  

Our management, banking regulators, many financial analysts and other investors use these non-GAAP financial measures to compare 
the capital adequacy of banking organizations with significant amounts of preferred equity and/or goodwill or other intangible assets, 
which typically stem from the use of the purchase accounting method of accounting for mergers and acquisitions. Tangible equity, 
tangible  assets,  tangible  book  value  per  share  or  related  measures  should  not  be  considered  in  isolation  or  as  a  substitute  for  total 
stockholders’  equity,  total  assets,  book  value  per  share  or  any  other  measure  calculated  in  accordance  with  GAAP.  Moreover,  the 
manner in which we calculate tangible equity, tangible assets, tangible book value per share and any other related measures may differ 
from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names. The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, 
stockholders’ equity (on a GAAP basis) to tangible equity and total assets (on a GAAP basis) to tangible assets and calculates both our 
tangible book value per share and efficiency ratio. 

Total stockholders' equity - 
   GAAP ......................................  $ 
Adjustments: 

Goodwill ...............................    
Other intangibles...................    
Tangible equity .........................    
Total assets - GAAP ...................  $ 
Adjustments: 

Goodwill ...............................    
Other intangibles...................    
Tangible assets ..........................    
Total shares outstanding 
Book value per share ..................  $ 
Effect of adjustment ...................    
Tangible book value per share .... $ 
Total equity to total assets ..........    
Effect of adjustment ...................    
Tangible equity to tangible 
   assets .......................................    
Efficiency ratio .........................      
Noninterest expense ...................  $ 
Income before noninterest 
   expense ....................................    
Provision ....................................    
Efficiency ratio .........................    

Critical Accounting Policies  

2014 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 
2012 

2011 

2013 

2010 

103,384     $

55,483    $

43,553    $

35,166     $

16,814  

2,684      
532      
100,168      
879,354     $

2,684      
532      
876,138      

14.24     $
(0.45 )    
13.79     $
11.76 %   
(0.33 )    

2,684     
573     
52,226     
634,946    $

2,684     
573     
631,689     

14.06    $
(0.82)    
13.24    $
8.74%  
(0.47)    

2,684     
145     
40,724     
375,446    $

2,684     
145     
372,617     

13.56    $
(0.88)    
12.68    $
11.60%  
(0.67)    

2,684      
155      
32,327      
279,330     $

2,684      
155      
276,491      

12.82     $
(1.03 )    
11.79     $
12.59 %   
(0.90 )    

11.43 %   

8.27%  

10.93%  

11.69 %   

-  
-  
16,814  
209,465  

-  
-  
209,465  

11.46  
-  
11.46  
8.03%
-  

8.03%

24,384     $

19,024    $

11,645    $

8,615     $

6,195  

30,926      
1,628      
74.90 %   

23,340     
1,026     
78.07%  

14,985     
685     
74.32%  

10,116      
639      
80.10 %   

7,293  
1,019  
74.53%

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that 
affect  our  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  income  and  expenses  and  related  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities. 
Wherever feasible, we utilize third-party information to provide management with these estimates. Although independent third parties 
are engaged to assist us in the estimation process, management evaluates the results, challenges assumptions used and considers other 
factors which could impact these estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  

For more detailed information about our accounting policies, please refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in 
the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  contained  in  Item  8,  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data.  The  following 
discussion  presents  an  overview  of  some  of  our  accounting  policies  and  estimates  that  require  us  to  make  difficult,  subjective  or 
complex  judgments  about  inherently  uncertain  matters  when  preparing  our  financial  statements.  We  believe  that  the  judgments, 
estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are appropriate.  

36 

 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
    
        
        
        
        
  
    
        
        
        
        
  
    
        
        
        
        
  
        
        
        
        
  
Allowance for Loan Losses. One of the accounting policies most important to the presentation of our financial statements relates to 
the  allowance  for  loan  losses  and  the  related  provision  for  loan  losses.  The  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  established  as  losses  are 
estimated  through  a  provision  for  loan  losses  charged  to  earnings.  The  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  based  on  the  amount  that 
management  believes  will  be  adequate  to  absorb  probable  losses  inherent  in  the  loan  portfolio  based  on,  among  other  things, 
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  borrowers’  ability  to  pay.  Another  component  of  the  allowance  is  losses  on  loans  assessed  as 
impaired under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 310, Receivables 
(“ASC  310”).  The  balance  of  the  loans  determined  to  be  impaired  under  ASC  310  and  the  related  allowance  is  included  in 
management’s estimation and analysis of the allowance for loan losses. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based 
on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows.  

The  determination  of  the  appropriate  level  of  the  allowance  is  inherently  subjective  as  it  requires  estimates  that  are  susceptible  to 
significant revision as more information becomes available. We have an established methodology to determine the adequacy of the 
allowance for loan  losses  that  assesses  the  risks  and  losses  inherent  in our portfolio  and  portfolio  segments. We  have  an  internally 
developed model that requires significant judgment to determine the estimation method that fits the credit risk characteristics of the 
loans in our 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, 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  our  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.  

Acquisition Accounting. We account for our acquisitions under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which requires 
the use of the purchase method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value (which is 
discussed below). 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.  In  accordance  with  ASC  805, 
estimated fair values are subject to adjustment up to one year after the acquisition date to the extent that additional information relative 
to closing date fair values becomes available. Material adjustments to acquisition date estimated fair values are recorded in the period 
in which the acquisition occurred, and as a result, previously reported results are subject to change.  

Because  the  fair  value  measurements  incorporate  assumptions  regarding  credit  risk,  no  allowance  for  loan  losses  related  to  the 
acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date. The fair value measurements of acquired loans are based on estimates related to 
expected prepayments and the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows. The fair value 
adjustment is amortized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method.  

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.  

Fair Value Measurement. Fair value is defined as 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,  using  assumptions  market  participants  would  use  when 
pricing an asset or liability. 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 necessarily 
represent our underlying value.  

37 

 
The definition of fair value focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between 
market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. 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.  

In accordance with fair value guidance, we group our 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 on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the 
ability  to  access  at  the  measurement  date.  Level  1  assets  and  liabilities  generally  include  debt  and  equity  securities  that  are 
traded  in  an  active  exchange  market.  Valuations  are  obtained  from  readily  available  pricing  sources  for  market  transactions 
involving identical assets or liabilities.  

  Level  2—Valuation  is  based  on  inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  included  within  Level  1  that  are  observable  for  the  asset  or 
liability, either directly or indirectly. The valuation may be based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices 
in  markets  that  are  not  active;  or  other  inputs  that  are  observable  or  can  be  corroborated  by  observable  market  data  for 
substantially the full term of the asset or liability.  

  Level 3—Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to 
the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined 
using  pricing  models,  discounted  cash  flow  methodologies,  or  similar  techniques,  as  well  as  instruments  for  which 
determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.  

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.  

Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment on Investment Securities. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our investment portfolio for other-
than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”) in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. An investment 
security is considered impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost or amortized cost basis. When impairment of an 
equity  security  is  considered  to  be  other-than-temporary,  the  security  is  written  down  to  its  fair  value  and  an  impairment  loss  is 
recorded in earnings. When impairment of a debt security is considered to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to its 
fair value. The amount of OTTI recorded as a loss in earnings depends on whether we intend to sell the debt security and whether it is 
more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If we intend to sell the 
debt  security  or  more  likely  than  not  will  be  required  to  sell  the  security  before  recovery  of  its  amortized  cost  basis,  the  entire 
difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value is recorded as an impairment loss in earnings. If we do not 
intend to sell the debt security and it is not  more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its 
amortized cost basis, OTTI is separated into the amount representing credit loss and the amount related to all other market factors. The 
amount  related  to  credit  loss  is  recognized  in  earnings.  The  amount  related  to  other  market  factors  is  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.  

Intangible  Assets.  Our  intangible  assets  consist  of  goodwill  and  core  deposit  intangibles.  Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the 
purchase  price  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  identifiable  assets  acquired  in  a  business  combination.  Goodwill  and  other  intangible 
assets deemed to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but instead are subject to review for impairment annually, or more 
frequently  if  deemed  necessary,  in  accordance  with  ASC  Topic  350,  Intangibles  –  Goodwill  and  Other.  Intangible  assets  with 
estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 
Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. If impaired, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Core deposit intangibles 
representing the value of the acquired core deposit base are generally recorded in connection with business combinations involving 
banks and branch locations. Our policy is to amortize core deposit intangibles over the estimated useful life of the deposit base, either 
on  a  straight  line  basis  not  exceeding  15  years  or  an  accelerated  basis  over  10  years.  The  remaining  useful  lives  of  core  deposit 
intangibles  are  evaluated  periodically  to  determine  whether  events  and  circumstances  warrant  revision  of  the  remaining  period  of 
amortization. All of our core deposit intangibles are currently amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years.  

Stock-Based Compensation. We recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payments to employees in accordance with ASC 
Topic  718,  Compensation  –  Stock  Compensation.  Under  this  accounting  guidance,  such  payments  are  measured  at  fair  value. 
Determining  the  fair  value  of,  and  ultimately  the  expense  we  recognize  related  to,  our  stock-based  payments  requires  us  to  make 
assumptions regarding dividend yields, expected stock price volatility, estimated forfeitures and, as to stock options, the expected life 
of the option. Changes in these assumptions and estimates can materially affect the calculated fair value of stock-based compensation 
and the related expense to be recognized.  

38 

 
Income Taxes. Accrued taxes represent the estimated amount payable to or receivable from taxing jurisdictions, either currently or in 
the future, and are reported in our consolidated statement of operations after exclusion of non-taxable income such as interest on state 
and municipal securities. Also, certain items of income and expenses are recognized in different time periods for financial statement 
purposes than for income tax purposes. Thus, provisions for deferred taxes are recorded in recognition of such temporary differences. 
The calculation of our income tax expense is complex and requires the use of many estimates and judgments in its determination.  

Deferred  taxes  are  determined  utilizing  a  liability  method  whereby  we  recognize  deferred  tax  assets  for  deductible  temporary 
differences  and  deferred  tax  liabilities  for  taxable  temporary  differences.  Temporary  differences  are  the  differences  between  the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the 
opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We adjust 
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.  

The  Company  has  adopted  accounting  guidance  related  to  accounting  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes,  which  sets  out  a  consistent 
framework to determine the appropriate level of tax reserves to maintain for uncertain tax positions. We recognize deferred tax assets 
if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The 
term  “more  likely  than  not”  means  a  likelihood  of  more  than  50%.  A  tax  position  that  meets  the  more-likely-than-not  recognition 
threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being 
realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or 
not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available 
at  the  reporting  date  and  is  subject  to  management’s  judgment.  Deferred  tax  assets  are  reduced  by  a  valuation  allowance  when,  if 
based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of deferred tax asset will not be realized.  

We recognize interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.  

Implications of and Elections under the JOBS Act.  Pursuant to the JOBS Act, an emerging growth company such as the Company 
can  choose  to  not  adopt  new  or  revised  accounting  standards  that  may  be  issued  by  the  FASB  until  they  would  apply  to  private 
companies. We have elected not to opt in to such extended transition period, which election is irrevocable.  As a result of this election, 
our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of emerging growth companies that have opted in to this 
extended  transition  period,  but  they  will  be  comparable  to  those  of  other  public  companies  that  are  neither  emerging  growth 
companies nor emerging growth companies that have opted in to using the extended transition period.  In addition, we have elected to 
take advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements relating to executive compensation arrangements that is available to us so long 
as we remain an emerging growth company. 

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition  

Total assets were $879.4 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of 38% from total assets of $634.9 million at December 31, 2013. 
Our total assets of $634.9 million at December 31, 2013 represents a 69% increase from total assets of $375.4 million at December 31, 
2012.  With  respect  to  this  growth,  $99.2  million  is  attributable  to  the  FCB  acquisition,  with  the  remainder  resulting  from  organic 
growth in our gross loans and securities portfolio.  

Loans  

General. Loans, excluding loans held for sale, constitute our most significant asset, comprising 71%, 79%, and 77% of our total assets 
at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased $118.7 million, or 24%, to $622.8 
million  at  December 31,  2014  from  $504.1  million  at  December 31,  2013.  Loans,  excluding  loans  held  for  sale,  increased  $215.3 
million, or 75%, to $504.1 million at December 31, 2013 from $288.8 million at December 31, 2012. Although we acquired $77.5 
million of loans in connection with the acquisition of FCB in May 2013, the majority of these increases is a result of organic loan 
growth.  

39 

 
The table below sets forth the balance of loans, excluding loans held for sale, outstanding by loan type as of the dates presented, and 
the percentage of each loan type to total loans (dollars in thousands):  

2014 

2013 

December 31, 
2012 

2011 

2010 

Amount      

Percentage of 
Total Loans     

   Amount     

Percentage of
Total Loans     

  Amount     

Percentage of
Total Loans     

  Amount      

Percentage of 
Total Loans     

   Amount     

Percentage of
Total Loans   

Mortgage loans on 
   real estate: 

Construction and 
   land 
   development .....  $  71,350       
1-4 Family ...........     137,519       
Multifamily .........     17,458       
2,919       
Farmland .............    
Nonfarm, 
   nonresidential 

Owner 
   occupied ........     119,668       
Nonowner 
   occupied ........     105,390       

Commercial and 
industrial ....................     54,187       
Consumer ...................     114,299       
Total loans ...........  $ 622,790       

11.4   %   $  63,170      
     104,685      
22.1     
     14,286      
2.8     
830      
0.5     

12.5 %  $ 20,271   
   54,813   
20.8   
1,750   
2.8    
64   
0.2   

7.0  %  $ 21,171     
   46,664     
1,454     
8     

19.0   
0.6    
0.0    

9.6   %   $  17,798   
     30,957   
1,278   
852   

21.2     
0.7     
0.0     

11.2 %
19.5   
0.8   
0.5   

19.2     

     78,415      

15.6   

   52,534   

18.2   

   38,397     

17.4     

     24,613   

15.5   

16.9     

     78,948      

15.6   

   47,393   

16.4   

   18,070     

8.2     

     14,787   

9.3   

8.7     
18.4     

     32,665      
     131,096      
100.0    %   $ 504,095      

   15,319   
6.5   
26.0   
   96,609   
100.0   %  $ 288,753   

   11,499     
5.3    
33.5   
   82,986     
100.0  %  $ 220,249     

8,338   
5.2     
37.7     
     60,068    
100.0    %   $ 158,691   

5.3   
37.9   
100.0  %

As  the  table  above  indicates,  we  have  experienced  significant  growth  in  all  loan  categories,  with  the  exception  of  consumer,  from 
2012 to 2014. Our acquisition of FCB in May 2013, our strong presence in our Baton Rouge market, and our expansion into the New 
Orleans  and  Lafayette  markets  are  the  primary  reasons  for  our  loan  growth  from  2012  and  2014.  Beyond  the  impact  of  the  FCB 
expansion and our expansion into new markets, we believe our loan growth from 2012 to 2014 is due to the successful implementation 
of  our  relationship-driven  banking  strategy.  The  decrease  in  the  consumer  loan  portfolio  from  2013  to  2014  is  a  result  of  the 
Company’s increase in consumer loan pool sales. 

At December 31, 2014, the Company’s total business lending portfolio, which consists of loans secured by owner occupied nonfarm, 
nonresidential properties and commercial and industrial loans, was $173.9 million, an increase of $62.8 million, or 57%, compared to 
the business lending portfolio of $111.1 million at December 31, 2013. The business lending portfolio at December 31, 2013 increased 
$43.2 million, or 64%, compared to $67.9 million at December 31, 2012. 

The following table sets forth loans outstanding at December 31, 2014, which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, 
are  due  in  the  periods  indicated,  as  well  as  the  amount  of  loans  with  fixed  and  variable  rates  in  each  maturity  range.  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) 
Mortgage loans on real estate: 

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 land development .............    $ 
1-4 Family ....................................................      
Multifamily ...................................................      
Farmland .......................................................      
Nonfarm, nonresidential ...............................      
Owner occupied ......................................      
Nonowner occupied ................................      
Commercial and industrial .................................      
Consumer ...........................................................      
Total loans ....................................................    $ 
Amounts with fixed rates ...................................    $ 
Amounts with variable rates ...............................      
Total loans ....................................................    $ 

42,772  $
9,765 
4,567 
45 

12,102     
6,608     
14,352     
861     
91,072    $
53,212    $
37,860     
91,072    $

21,509    $
22,182     
9,420     
-     

38,153     
44,561     
16,485     
52,787     
205,097    $
179,618    $
25,479     
205,097    $

2,838    $
28,475     
2,080     
711     

31,795     
31,989     
12,879     
58,924     
169,691    $
157,364    $
12,327     
169,691    $

3,385     $ 
18,325       
1,257       
-       

846    $ 71,350
58,772      137,519
17,458
2,919

134     
2,163     

21,917       
13,537       
10,471       
1,564       
70,456     $ 
59,023     $ 
11,433       
70,456     $ 

-     

15,701      119,668
8,695      105,390
54,187
163      114,299
86,474    $ 622,790
84,373    $ 533,590
2,101     
89,200
86,474    $ 622,790

40 

 
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
 
    
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
    
   
  
     
  
   
 
  
   
  
   
 
  
    
  
    
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
    
  
       
     
    
      
   
  
   
   
  
     
     
    
   
  
    
  
  
  
 
   
   
 
 
    
 
    
        
        
        
        
 
 
 
     
     
     
       
     
Loans  Held  for  Sale.  Loans  held  for  sale  increased  $98.4  million,  or  1,956%,  to  $103.4  million  at  December 31,  2014  from  $5.0 
million at December 31, 2013. The increase is primarily due to approximately $99.7 million of consumer loans being classified as held 
for sale at December 31, 2014. No consumer loans were classified as held for sale at December 31, 2013 or 2012.  

In 2014, we originated $170.8 million in consumer loans for sale, consisting of auto loans. There were no consumer loans originated 
for  sale  in  2013.  Due  to  the  increase  in  production  of  consumer  loans  and  the  buyer’s  postponement  of  two  loan  pool  sales  of 
approximately $52.0 million from the fourth quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2015, the Company’s consumer loans held for sale 
portfolio increased to $99.7 million at December 31, 2014. We sell pools of our consumer loans, typically several times per quarter, in 
order  to  manage  our  concentration  in  consumer  loans  as  well  as  to  generate  liquidity.  For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014,  we 
recognized gains from the sales of pools of our consumer loans of $1.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the gain from 
sales of pools of our consumer loans was $0.2 million, an increase over gains of $34,000 from such sales for the year ended December 
31, 2012, due primarily to the overall growth in our consumer loan originations and our strategy to sell the majority of consumer loans 
that we originate. We expect gains from the sale of pools of our consumer loans to continue to increase as we continue to grow our 
originations and continue our strategy of selling the majority of these originations. 

In 2014, we originated $67.7 million in mortgage loans for sale, as compared to $88.2 million in mortgage loans for sale originated in 
2013.  Mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  decreased  $12.0  million,  or  70%,  to  $5.0  million  at  December  31,  2013  from  $17.0  million  at 
December 31, 2012. The decline is due to a decrease in originations of mortgage loans for sale, which declined from $115.0 million in 
2012 to $88.2 million in 2013.  

Mortgage rates in the latter half of 2011 declined to historic lows and remained at these levels through 2012 and into 2013. These low 
rates spurred not only new homebuyers, but also resulted in a significant increase in refinancings. Both of these factors contributed to 
the high level of mortgage originations in 2012. During the latter half of 2013 and continuing throughout 2014, mortgage rates began 
to increase, resulting in a decline in originations. As these rates are expected to remain elevated in 2015 relative to their historic lows 
in the past two years, we do not expect significant growth in mortgage originations.  

One-to-four family mortgage loans not held in our portfolio are typically sold on a “best efforts” basis within 30 days after the loan is 
funded. This means that residential real estate originations are locked in at a contractual rate with a third-party investor or directly with 
government  sponsored  agencies,  and we  are  obligated  to  sell  the  mortgage  only  if  it  is  closed  and  funded. As  a  result,  the  risk  we 
assume is conditioned upon loan underwriting and market conditions in the national mortgage market. Although loan fees and some 
interest income are derived from mortgage loans held for sale, our main source of income on these loans is gains from the loan sales in 
the  secondary  market  which  is  recorded  in  fee  income  on  mortgage  loans  held  for  sale,  net  on  the  consolidated  statements  of 
operations.  

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  December 31,  2014  and 
December 31, 2013, 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 
totaled  $92.8  million  at  December 31,  2014,  an  increase  of  $30.0  million,  or  48%,  from  $62.8  million  at  December 31,  2013.  The 
investment securities balance at December 31, 2013 represents an $18.4 million, or 42%, increase from $44.3 million at December 31, 
2012.  Investment  securities  represented  11%  of  our  total  assets  at  December 31,  2014.  We  acquired  $5.3  million  in  investment 
securities in connection with the FCB acquisition in 2013. The increase in investment securities at December 31, 2014 compared to 
December 31, 2013, as well as the remainder of the increase from 2012 to 2013, resulted from our purchases of all investment types in 
our current portfolio. 

41 

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

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2013 

  December 31, 2012 

Balance 

Percentage of
Portfolio

Balance 

Percentage of 
Portfolio 

  Balance    

Percentage of
Portfolio

Obligations of other U.S. government agencies and 
   corporations ............................................................... $
Mortgage-backed securities .........................................  
Obligations of state and political subdivisions .............  
Equity mutual funds .....................................................  
Corporate bonds ...........................................................  
   Total .......................................................................... $

8,339   
51,715   
26,811   
534   
5,419   
92,818   

8.98 % $
55.72   
28.89   
0.57   
5.84   
100.00 % $

6,182   
37,069   
14,100   
476   
4,925   
62,752   

9.85  %  $  4,853    
59.07        23,812    
22.47        13,403    
0.76        
505    
7.85         1,753    
100.00  %  $ 44,326    

10.95 %
53.72   
30.24   
1.14   
3.95   
100.00 %

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 securities are stated at amortized 
cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity or trading 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. 

In the year ended December 31, 2014, we purchased $72.2 million of investment securities, compared to purchases of $40.4 million 
and  $26.8  million  of  investment  securities  during  the  years  ended  December 31,  2013  and  2012,  respectively.  We  increased  our 
purchases of securities in 2013, which continued throughout 2014, primarily to increase the amount of liquidity on our balance sheet 
and also to reposition the portfolio to take advantage of an anticipated rising interest rate environment. Mortgage-backed securities 
represented  87%,  69%,  and  64%  of  the  available  for  sale  securities  we  purchased  in  2014,  2013,  and  2012,  respectively.  Of  the 
remaining  securities  purchased  in  2014,  2013  and  2012,  6%,  4%  and  17%,  respectively,  were  U.S.  government  agency  securities, 
while 3%, 18%, and 11%, respectively, were municipal securities. The mortgage-backed securities that we have purchased since the 
beginning  of  2012  have  primarily  been  adjustable  rate  securities  backed  by  U.S.  government  agencies.  We  purchase  municipal 
securities  to  take  advantage  of  the  tax  benefits  associated  with  such  securities.  However,  the  volatility  in  the  municipal  securities 
market increased over the course of 2013 and into 2014, and we expect that our level of municipal securities purchases will decrease 
so  long  as  this  market  remains  volatile.  We  only  purchase  corporate  bonds  that  are  investment  grade  securities  issued by  seasoned 
corporations.  

Typically,  our investment  securities  are  available  for  sale. Our purchases  of held  to  maturity  securities  comprised  only  23% of our 
total purchases in 2014. Our purchases of held to maturity securities in 2014 mainly consisted of U.S. government agency securities. 
Our purchases of held to maturity securities in 2013 consisted of U.S. government agency securities that we acquired in connection 
with  our  acquisition  of  FCB  and  mortgage-backed  securities  that  were  qualified  investments  for  Community  Redevelopment  Act 
purposes. We did not purchase any held to maturity securities in 2012. 

42 

 
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of our investment debt and equity securities based on 
the amortized cost of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):  

One Year or Less 
Amount      Yield 

After One Year
Through Five Years
  Amount      Yield 

After Five Years 
Through Ten Years    

  Amount       Yield 

  After Ten Years 
  Amount      Yield   

Held to maturity: 
Obligations of other U.S. government 
   agencies and corporations ..........................  $ 
Mortgage-backed securities ..........................    
Obligations of states and political 
   subdivisions ................................................    
Available for sale: 
Obligations of other U.S. government 
   agencies and corporations ..........................    
Mortgage-backed securities ..........................    
Obligations of states and political 
   subdivisions ................................................    
Corporate bonds ............................................    
Other equity securities ...................................    
$ 

- 
- 

-   $
-  

- 
- 

-   $
-  

-       
-       

-    $ 3,979 
3,469 
-   

  2.21%
  2.46%

620 

7.07%  

2,815 

7.07%  

4,365       

7.07 %  

7,271 

  4.33%

- 
- 

100 
- 
- 
720 

-  
-  

- 
502 

-  
2.07%  

1,942       
5,209       

2.68 %  
2,409 
1.83 %   42,192 

  2.22%
  2.20%

469 
1.21%  
900 
-  
-  
- 
   $ 4,686 

5,657       
2.11%  
4,516       
1.19%  
-  
-       
   $ 21,689       

5,390 
3.18 %  
- 
2.25 %  
-   
552 
    $ 65,262 

  3.40%
-  
  2.07%

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 
34%. 

Premises and Equipment  

Bank  premises  and  equipment  increased  $3.8  million,  or  16%,  to  $28.5  million  at  December 31,  2014  from  $24.7  million  at 
December 31, 2013. Our acquisition of a parcel of land in Lafayette, Louisiana for a potential future branch location and the purchase 
of furniture and fixtures related to our consolidation of our back office support staff to a central location are the primary reasons for 
this increase. Bank premises and equipment increased $9.8 million, or 66%, to $24.7 million at December 31, 2013 from $14.9 million 
at December 31, 2012. In addition to the two branches we acquired in the FCB acquisition and the opening of our de novo branch in 
Lafayette, Louisiana, in 2013, we also acquired land in Gonzales, Louisiana in August 2013 and in Morgan City, Louisiana in October 
2013 for future branch locations.  

Deferred Tax Asset  

At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our deferred tax asset was $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, compared to 
$0.3 million at December 31, 2012. The reason for this significant increase is due to the FCB acquisition in May 2013, as the tax basis 
on the real estate owned that we acquired in the FCB acquisition exceeded its carrying value by approximately $1.9 million.  

We also acquired a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $1.4 million on an after-tax basis as a result of the acquisitions of 
both SLBB and FCB. At December 31, 2014, we held approximately $1.8 million in net operating loss carryforwards, with expiration 
dates ranging from 2030 to 2033. U.S. tax law imposes annual limitations under the Internal Revenue Code Section 382 on the amount 
of  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  that  may  be  used  to  offset  federal  taxable  income.  Under  these  laws,  we  may  apply  up  to 
approximately  $0.6  million  to  offset  our  taxable  income  each  year  through  2015,  with  declining  amounts  thereafter  as  the  net 
operating loss carryforwards are utilized. In addition to this limitation, our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards depends 
upon the Company generating taxable income. Given the substantial amount of time before our net operating loss carryforwards begin 
to expire, we currently expect to utilize these net operating loss carryforwards in full before their expiration.  

43 

 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
     
  
    
     
  
  
    
      
  
  
    
     
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
       
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Deposits  

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  composition  of  our  deposits  and  the  percentage  of  each  deposit  type  to  total  deposits  at 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):  

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2013 

December 31, 2012 

Percentage of
Total 
Deposits

Percentage of
Total 
Deposits

Percentage of
Total 
Deposits

Amount 

Amount 

Amount 

Noninterest-bearing demand 
   deposits ...................................   $ 
NOW accounts ...........................     
Money market deposit accounts ...     
Savings accounts ........................     
Time deposits .............................     
Total deposits ..........................   $ 

70,217       
116,644       
77,589       
53,332       
310,336       
628,118       

11.18  %  $
18.57        
12.35        
8.49        
49.41        
100.00  %  $

72,795 
77,190 
67,006 
52,177 
263,438 
532,606 

13.67  %   $ 
14.49         
12.58         
9.80         
49.46         
100.00  %   $ 

37,489 
43,022 
46,296 
30,521 
142,342 
299,670 

12.51  %
14.36    
15.45    
10.18    
47.50    
100.00  %

Total deposits were $628.1 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $95.5 million, or 18%, from total deposits of $532.6 million 
at December 31, 2013. The increase in deposits at December 31, 2014 resulted from organic growth in all of our markets.  

Total deposits were $532.6 million at December 31, 2013, an increase of $232.9 million, or 78%, from total deposits of $299.7 million 
at December 31, 2012. Our acquisition of FCB contributed $86.5 million in deposits, with the remainder of the increase in deposits 
resulting  from  organic  growth.  Total  deposits,  and  noninterest-bearing  deposits  in  particular,  at  December 31,  2013  were  slightly 
inflated by a $14.0 million short-term deposit that a commercial customer made in late December 2013 that was fully withdrawn in 
January 2014.  

Our  management  is  focused  on  growing  and  maintaining  a  stable  source  of  funding,  specifically  core  deposits,  and  allowing  more 
costly  deposits  to  mature,  within  the  context  of  mitigating  interest  rate  risk  and  maintaining  our  net  interest  margin  and  sufficient 
levels of liquidity. As we have grown, our deposit mix has evolved from a primary reliance on certificates of deposit, which are less 
relationship  driven  and  less  dependent  on  the  convenience  of  branch  locations  than  other  types  of  deposit  accounts.  As  our branch 
network has expanded and the reach of our relationship-driven approach to banking has grown, our mix of deposits has shifted and is 
relatively balanced between transactional accounts, such as checking, savings, money market and NOW accounts, and certificates of 
deposits. However, as a result of our acquisition of $47.3 million in certificates of deposit from FCB in 2013, at both December 31, 
2014 and December 31, 2013, certificates of deposit represented 49% of our total deposits as compared to 48% at December 31, 2012. 
In a low interest rate, relatively flat yield curve environment, we have encouraged our customers to extend their maturities by offering 
higher  interest  rates  in  our  certificates  of  deposits  with  maturities  greater  than  twelve  months.  In  the  event  that  certain  of  these 
certificates of deposits are not renewed and the funds are withdrawn, we intend to replace those deposits with other forms of borrowed 
money or capital, or liquidate assets to reduce our funding needs.  

The  following  table  shows  the  contractual  maturities  of  certificates  of  deposit  and  other  time  deposits  greater  than  $100,000  at 
December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):  

Time remaining until maturity: 

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

Certificates of 
Deposit 

Other Time 
Deposits 

Certificates of 
Deposit 

Other Time 
Deposits 

Three months or less ............................................................  $
Over three months through six months ................................   
Over six months through twelve months .............................   
Over one year through three years .......................................   
Over three years ...................................................................   
$

24,193  $
4,554 
7,617 
8,421 
1,386 
46,171  $

- 
234 
208 
128 
123 
693 

 $ 

 $ 

4,296  $
5,123 
6,456 
9,435 
2,861 
28,171  $

134 
102 
396 
302 
141 
1,075 

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Borrowings  

Total borrowings include securities sold under agreements to repurchase, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), a 
line  of  credit  with  First  National  Bankers  Bankshares,  Inc.  (“FNBB”)  and  junior  subordinated  debentures.  Securities  sold  under 
agreements  to repurchase  increased $2.1  million  to $12.3 million  at  December 31,  2014  from  $10.2 million  at  December 31,  2013. 
Our  advances  from  the  FHLB  were  $125.8  million  at  December 31,  2014,  an  increase  of  $95.0  million,  or  308%,  from  FHLB 
advances  of  $30.8  million  at  December 31,  2013,  mainly  resulting  from  the  timing  of  our  consumer  loan  pool  sales,  as  short  term 
FHLB advances were used to fund the origination of the loans included in the two loan sales that the buyers postponed from the fourth 
quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2015. Our $3.6 million in notes payable at each of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 
represent  the  junior  subordinated  debentures  that  we  assumed  in  connection  with  our  acquisition  of  FCB.  The  overall  increase  in 
borrowings was used primarily to fund loan growth. 

Securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  increased  $6.2  million  to  $10.2  million  at  December  31,  2013 from  $4.0  million  at 
December 31, 2012 primarily a result of one new short-term repurchase agreement. Our advances from the FHLB were $30.8 million 
at December 31, 2013, an increase of $4.0 million, or 15%, from FHLB advances of $26.8 million at December 31, 2012, resulting 
generally from the increase in the size of our operations. 

The average balances and cost of funds of short-term borrowings at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows 
(dollars in thousands):  

Average Balances 

Cost of Funds 


Federal funds purchased and other 
   short-term borrowings ...................................  $  16,521  $
Securities sold under agreements 
   to repurchase .................................................     11,828 

2014 

Total short-term borrowings ....................  $  28,349  $

2013 

2012 

December 31, 
2014 

2013 

2012 

19  $

2 

0.16   %     

0.76   %  

0.76  %

7,608 
7,627  $

5,472 
5,474 

0.23     
0.19   %     

0.15     
0.15   %  

0.20    
0.20  %

Results of Operations  
Performance Summary  

2014 vs. 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, net income was $5.4 million, or $0.98 per basic share and $0.93 per diluted 
share, compared to net income of $3.2 million, or $0.86 per basic share and $0.81 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 
2013. The increase in our net income was primarily driven by higher levels of net interest income resulting from strong organic loan 
growth as well as the increase in loans  as a result of the FCB acquisition, offset, in part, by a slight decrease in yields on interest-
earning assets. Return on average assets increased to 0.73% for the year ended December 31, 2014 from 0.64% for the year ended 
December 31, 2013 primarily on account of increases in interest income and noninterest income. Return on average equity was 6.8% 
for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 6.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013.  

2013 vs. 2012. Net income was $3.2 million, or $0.86 per basic share and $0.81 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 
2013 compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.79 per basic share and $0.71 per diluted share, for the same period in 2012. The 
increase in our net income was primarily driven by the bargain purchase gain and higher levels of net interest income resulting from 
our strong organic loan growth as well as the increase in loans as a result of the FCB acquisition, offset, in part, by declining yields on 
interest-earning  assets.  Return  on  average  assets  declined  to  0.64%  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013  from  0.74%  for  2012 
primarily as a result of merger-related expenses, an increase in occupancy expenses related to real estate owned acquired in the FCB 
acquisition and our de novo branch facilities. Return on average equity was 6.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared 
to 5.9% for the year ended December 31, 2012. 

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin  

Net interest income, which is the largest component of our earnings, is the difference between interest earned on assets and the cost of 
interest-bearing liabilities. 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.  

45 

 
  
  
 
    
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
  
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
The  primary  factors  affecting  net  interest  margin  are  changes  in  interest  rates,  competition  and  the  shape  of  the  interest  rate  yield 
curve. The decline in interest rates since 2008 has put significant downward pressure on net interest margin over the past few years. 
Each rate reduction in interest rate indices (and, in particular, the prime rate, rates paid on U.S. Treasury securities and the London 
Interbank Offering Rate) resulted in a reduction in the yield on our variable rate loans indexed to one of these indices. However, rates 
on our deposit and other interest-bearing liabilities did not decline proportionally. To offset the effects on our net interest income and 
net interest margin from the prevailing interest rate environment, we have attempted to focus our interest-earning assets in loans and 
shift  our  interest-bearing  liabilities  from  higher-costing  deposits,  like  certificates  of  deposit,  to  noninterest-bearing  and  other  lower 
cost deposits.  

2014 vs. 2013. Net interest income increased 40% to $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $19.0 million for the 
same period in 2013. Net interest margin was 3.85% for the year ended December 31, 2014, down 25 basis points from 4.10% for the 
year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in net interest income resulted from increases in the volume of interest-earning assets 
and decreases in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, offset by declines in the rate paid on interest-earnings assets and an increase in 
the volume of interest-bearing liabilities. These changes were driven both by the impact of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed 
in connection with the FCB acquisition as well as organic loan and deposit growth. For the year ended December 31, 2014, average 
loans increased approximately $195.2 million as compared to the same period in 2013, while average investment securities increased 
approximately $24.4 million.  

Interest income was $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $22.5 million for the same period in 2013. Loan 
interest  income  made  up  substantially  all  of  our  interest  income  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013.  Interest  on  our 
nonfarm, nonresidential commercial real estate loans, our 1-4 family residential real estate loans and our consumer loans constituted 
the  three  largest  components  of  our  loan  interest  income  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013  at  79%  each  for  such 
periods. The prolonged low interest rate environment contributed to a lower yield on earning assets, offset by the increases in interest-
earning assets, described above. The overall yield on interest-earning assets decreased thirty-three basis points to 4.52% for the year 
ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 4.85% for the same period in 2013. The loan portfolio yielded 4.99% for the year ended 
December 31,  2014  as  compared  to  5.34%  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013,  while  the  yield  on  the  investment  portfolio  was 
1.69% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 1.41% for the year ended December 31, 2013.  

Interest expense was $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $1.2 million compared to interest expense of 
$3.5  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013,  as  a  result  in  an  increase  in  volume  of  interest-bearing  liabilities,  offset  by  a 
decrease in cost. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased approximately $186.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as 
compared to the same period in 2013 as a result of the FCB acquisition and our organic deposit growth. The cost of interest-bearing 
liabilities  decreased  seven  basis  points  to  0.80%  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2013, 
primarily as a result of lower rates overall. In particular, the weighted average rate paid on certificates of deposit decreased seven basis 
points during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to same period in 2013. Competitive factors and the general interest rate 
environment, as well as the impact of our strategy to cross-sell using lower cost deposits, drove the decrease in deposit rates.  

2013 vs. 2012.  Net interest income increased 58% to $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $12.0 million for the 
same period in 2012. Net interest margin was 4.10% for 2013, up six basis points from 4.04% for 2012. The increase in net interest 
income resulted from increases in the volume of interest-earning assets and decreases in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, offset 
by declines in the rate paid on interest-earnings assets and an increase in the volume of interest-bearing liabilities. These changes were 
driven both by the impact of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the FCB acquisition as well as organic loan 
and deposit growth. For 2013, average loans increased approximately $155.0 million as compared to 2012, while average investment 
securities  increased  approximately  $15.0  million  as  compared  to  2012.  The  acquisition  of  FCB  increased  the  average  balance  of 
interest-earning  assets  by  $48.3  million,  with  an  average  yield  of  6.72%,  and  increased  the  average  balance  of  interest-bearing 
liabilities by $48.8 million, with an average cost of 0.61%, for 2013.  

 Interest income was $22.5 million for 2013 compared to $14.6 million for 2012. As the average balances table below illustrates, loan 
interest income made up virtually all of our interest income in 2013 and 2012. Interest on our nonfarm, nonresidential commercial real 
estate loans, our 1-4 family residential real estate loans and our consumer loans constituted the three largest components of our loan 
interest income for 2013 and 2012, at 79% and 85%, respectively, for such years. Interest income generated from the two branches 
acquired  from  FCB  was  approximately  $3.2  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013.    The  prolonged  low  interest  rate 
environment  contributed  to  a  lower  yield  on  earning  assets,  offset  by  the  increases  in  interest-earning  assets,  described  above.  The 
overall  yield  on  interest-earning  assets  decreased  four  basis  points  to  4.85%  for  2013  as  compared  to  4.89%  for  2012.  The  loan 
portfolio yielded 5.34% for 2013 as compared to 5.56% for 2012, while the yield on the investment portfolio was 1.41% for 2013 as 
compared to 1.48% for 2012.  

46 

 
Interest expense was $3.5 million for 2013, an increase of $1.0 million compared to interest expense of $2.5 million for 2012, as a 
result in an increase in volume of interest-bearing liabilities, offset by a decrease in cost. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased 
approximately $144 million in 2013 as compared to 2012 as a result of the FCB acquisition and our organic growth. Interest expense 
attributable to the two branches acquired from FCB was approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  At the 
same time, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 14 basis points to 0.87% for 2013 compared to 1.01% for 2012, primarily 
as a result of lower rates overall and with respect to certificate of deposit rates in particular during 2013 as compared to 2012. We 
were able to reduce the weighted average rate paid on our certificates of deposits from 1.28% in 2012 to 1.05% in 2013. Competitive 
factors and the general interest rate environment, as well as the impact of our strategy to cross-sell using lower cost deposits, drove the 
decrease in deposit rates. 

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 as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Averages presented below are daily averages (dollars in 
thousands):  

2014 
Interest 
Income/ 
Expense(1)   Yield/ Rate(1)

Average 
Balance     

As of and for the year ended December 31, 
2013 
Interest
Income/
Expense(1) Yield/ Rate(1)

Average 
Balance  

2012 
Interest
Income/
Expense(1) Yield/ Rate(1)

Average 
Balance     

Assets 
Interest-earning assets: 
Loans .......................................   $ 601,238    $ 29,979     
Securities: 

4.99 % $405,997  $ 21,686   

5.34 %  $ 251,269    $ 13,968   

5.56 %

Taxable ..............................      66,384      
Tax-exempt ........................      12,652      

945     
394     

1.42   
3.11   

  39,957   
  14,685   

414   
354   

1.04        28,067      
2.41        12,107      

289   
307   

1.03
2.54

0.34
4.89

0.39   
4.52   

2,977   

18   
  463,616    22,472   

7,285   
3,124   
  25,397   
(2,737)  
   $496,685   

0.60       
23   
6,838      
4.85       298,281       14,587   
3,086      
2,834      
       17,220      
(2,083 )    
    $ 319,338      

Interest-earning balances with 
banks .......................................      13,060      
51     
Total interest-earning assets ....     693,334       31,369     
5,668      
Cash and due from banks ........     
Intangible assets ......................     
3,235      
Other assets .............................      36,617      
Allowance for loan losses .......     
(3,877 )    
Total assets ..............................   $ 734,977      

Liabilities and stockholders' 
   equity 
Interest-bearing liabilities: 
Deposits: 

Interest-bearing demand ....   $ 173,715    $  1,078     
Savings deposits ................      52,881      
361     
Time deposits .....................     288,837       2,834     
Total interest-bearing deposits ...     515,433       4,273     
54     
Short-term borrowings ............      28,349      
Long-term debt ........................      39,376      
348     
Total interest-bearing liabilities ...     583,158       4,675     
Noninterest-bearing deposits ...      67,639      
Other liabilities ........................     
4,809      
Stockholders' equity ................      79,371      
Total liabilities and 
   stockholders’ equity .............   $ 734,977      
Net interest income/net interest 
   margin ..................................     

    $ 26,694     

726   
0.62 % $113,097  $
  42,774   
0.68   
299   
  208,036    2,179   
0.98   
  363,907    3,204   
0.83   
12   
0.19   
7,627   
  24,990   
0.88   
244   
  396,524    3,460   
0.80   
  47,564   
1,527   
  51,070   

558   
0.64 %  $  82,437    $ 
0.70        26,654      
206   
1.05       124,630       1,597   
0.88       233,721       2,361   
11   
0.16       
5,474      
0.98        13,288      
170   
0.87       252,483       2,542   

0.68 %
0.77
1.28
1.01
0.20
1.28
1.01

       25,736      
1,108      
       40,011      

   $496,685   

    $ 319,338      

3.85 %  

  $ 19,012   

4.10 %    

    $ 12,045   

4.04 %

(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.  

47 

 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
    
 
    
       
       
  
    
      
     
        
       
     
  
    
       
       
  
    
      
     
        
       
     
  
  
      
     
  
 
   
  
      
      
  
 
     
  
 
  
      
  
     
  
 
  
      
  
     
  
  
  
     
  
 
  
      
  
     
  
  
  
  
      
     
  
 
   
  
      
      
  
    
     
     
  
  
    
   
  
  
        
     
  
  
 
  
      
     
  
  
 
   
  
  
      
      
  
  
 
  
      
     
  
  
 
   
  
  
      
      
  
  
 
 
     
  
  
  
     
  
 
  
      
  
     
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
Nonaccrual loans were included in the computation of average loan balances but carry a zero yield. The yields include the effect of 
loan  fees,  $2.3  million,  $1.5  million  and  $0.9  million  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013  and  2012,  respectively,  and 
discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.  

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  year  ended  December 31,  2014  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013  (dollars  in 
thousands):  

Interest income: 
Loans ........................................................................................................  $
Securities: 

Taxable ...............................................................................................   
Tax-exempt .........................................................................................   
Interest-earning balances with banks .......................................................   
Total interest-earning assets ...............................................................   

Interest expense: 
Interest-bearing demand deposits .............................................................   
Savings deposits .......................................................................................   
Time deposits ...........................................................................................   
Short-term borrowings .............................................................................   
Long-term debt .........................................................................................   
Total interest-bearing liabilities ..........................................................   
Change in net interest income ..................................................................  $

Year ended December 31, 2014 vs. 
Year ended December 31, 2013

Volume 

Rate 

Net(1)

10,429  $

(2,136 )   $

274 
(49)
61 
10,715 

389 
71 
846 
33 
140 
1,479 
9,236  $

257      
89      
(28 )    
(1,818 )    

(37 )    
(9 )    
(191 )    
9      
(36 )    
(264 )    
(1,554 )   $

8,293 

531 
40 
33 
8,897 

352 
62 
655 
42 
104 
1,215 
7,682 

(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 and in connection with our mortgage loan 
activities,  securities  gains,  gains  on  sale  of  consumer  loans  and  a  non-recurring  bargain  purchase  gain  resulting  from  the  FCB 
acquisition in May 2013. We expect to continue to develop new products that generate non-interest income, and enhance our existing 
products, in order to diversify our revenue sources.  

2014  vs.  2013.  Total  noninterest  income  increased  $0.5  million,  or  9%,  to  $5.9  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014 
compared  to  $5.4  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  3013.  The  increase  is  primarily  due  to  the  increase  in  gain  on  sale  of 
consumer loans.  

Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale is the largest component of our noninterest income. These fees decreased $0.7 million to 
$2.1  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014  from  $2.8  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013,  as  originations  of 
mortgage loans held for sale decreased. The decrease in such fee income, as well as our originations of mortgage loans held for sale, is 
due to an industry-wide increase in mortgage loan rates in the latter half of 2013. As interest rates remain high relative to prior years, 
we expect our  mortgage loan originations, as well as fee income on mortgage loans held for sale, to remain flat and possibly even 
decline during 2015.  

Gains on the sale of loans, other than mortgage loans, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $1.7 million, an increase of $1.5 
million from $0.2 million at December 31, 2013. These gains were generated by sales of pools of our consumer loans and increased 
from the prior year as a result of the growth in our consumer loan originations.  

Service  charges  on  deposit  accounts  include  maintenance  fees  on  accounts,  account  enhancement  charges  for  additional  deposit 
account features, per item charges and overdraft fees. Service charges on deposits increased 43% to $0.3 million for the year ended 
December 31,  2014  as  compared  to  $0.2  million  for  the  same  period  in  2013  as  a  result  of  opening  two  new  branches,  one  in 
Lafayette,  Louisiana  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2013  and  one  in  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana  in  the  third  quarter  of  2014,  as  well  as  our 
organic deposit growth. 

48 

 
  
  
 
  
   
     
  
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Gains on the sale of investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $0.1 million, or 24%, to $0.3 million from 
$0.4 million for the same period in 2013. We sold approximately $31.6 million in securities for the year ended December 31, 2014, 
compared to sales of $16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.  

Gains on the sale of real estate owned for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $0.1 million, or $137%, to $0.2 million from 
$0.1 million for the same period in 2013. We sold approximately $1.3 million of real estate owned for the year ended December 31, 
2014, compared to sales of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. 

Other operating income was $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $0.6 million for the same period in 2013. 
Other operating income consists of interchange fees, ATM surcharge income, loan servicing fees and rental income.  

2013  vs.  2012.  Total  noninterest  income  increased $1.7 million,  or  48%,  to  $5.4  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013  as 
compared  to  $3.6  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012  primarily  due  to  the  FCB  acquisition.  We  recorded  a  bargain 
purchase gain in the amount of $0.9 million as a result of such acquisition. This gain represents the amount that the net estimated fair 
value  of  the  assets  acquired  and  the  liabilities  assumed  in  the  FCB  acquisition  exceeded  the  consideration  we  paid  to  FCB 
shareholders in the merger.  

Fee  income  on  mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  decreased  9%,  to  $2.8  million  in  2013  from  $3.1  million  in  2012,  as  originations  of 
mortgage loans held for sale decreased from $115.0 million in 2012 to $88.2 million in 2013. Such fee income as well as our mortgage 
originations  declined  for  the  same  reasons  described  above  with  respect  to  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  as  compared  to  the 
corresponding period in 2013.  

Gains on the sale of loans, other than mortgage loans, in 2013 increased to $0.2 million as compared to $34,000 in 2012. These gains 
were generated by sales of pools of our consumer loans and increased from the prior year as a result of the growth in our consumer 
loan originations.  

Service  charges  on  deposit  accounts  include  maintenance  fees  on  accounts,  account  enhancement  charges  for  additional  deposit 
account features, per item charges and overdraft fees. Service charges on deposits increased 82% to $0.2 million in 2013 as compared 
to $0.1 million in 2012. Approximately 78% of this increase is due to increased deposits resulting from the FCB acquisition, with the 
remainder of the increase attributable to our organic deposit growth.  

Gains on the sale of investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $0.3 million, or 222%, to $0.4 million from 
$0.1 million for the same period in 2012. We sold approximately $16.6  million in securities in 2013, as compared to sales of $6.7 
million in securities in 2012.  

Gain on sales of real estate owned increased to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $2,000 for the same period in 
2012. Our real estate owned and sales of real estate owned increased due to the acquisition of FCB, with approximately $1.6 million 
of the real estate owned acquired in the FCB acquisition remaining in the portfolio at December 31, 2013.  

Other operating income was $0.6 million in 2013 as compared to $0.2 million in 2012. Other operating income consists of interchange 
fees, ATM surcharge income, loan servicing fees and rental income.  

Noninterest Expense  

Noninterest expense includes salaries and benefits and other costs associated with the conduct of our operations. We are committed to 
managing our costs within the framework of our operating strategy. However, since we are focused on growth both organically and 
through acquisition, we expect our expenses to continue to increase as we add employees and physical locations to accommodate our 
growing franchise.  

2014  vs. 2013.  Total  noninterest  expense  was  $24.4  million for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014,  an  increase of  $5.4  million,  or 
28%,  from  $19.0  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013.  This  increase  was  a  result  of  increased  costs  associated  with  our 
expanded operations as a result of the FCB acquisition, the expansion into the Lafayette market including the opening of our Lafayette 
branch, the opening of our Highland branch in Baton Rouge, and our organic growth.  

Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.8 million, or 24%, to $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 
$11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Staff levels increased to 179 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 
2014  compared  to  163  full-time  equivalent  employees  at  December 31,  2013,  accounting  for  most  of  the  increase  in  salary  and 
benefits  expense.  Twenty-four  employees  joined  the  Bank  upon  the  completion  of  the  FCB  acquisition.  Another  component  of  the 
increase was the opening of the Lafayette branch in the fourth quarter of 2013.  

49 

 
Net occupancy and equipment expense increased 28% to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $1.9 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily attributable to the costs associated with the two branches we acquired in the 
FCB acquisition and the costs associated with our new branches in Lafayette and Baton Rouge.  

Data  processing  expenses  increased  to  $1.3  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014  from  $0.8  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily a result of the growth resulting from the FCB merger, the opening of two new branches 
in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, as well as our organic growth. Data processing expenses are also related to the number of consumer 
loans that we service, and fluctuations in this portfolio will affect the amount of data processing expense. Software amortization and 
expenses increased to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $0.4 million for the same period in 2013. This increase 
can be attributed to the increased servicing volume of consumer loans.  

Other expenses include an increase in FDIC and OFI assessments of $0.2 million to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 
2014 compared to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 due to our increase in average total assets.  

Other operating expenses include security, business development, charitable contributions, training, filing fees and duplicating costs. 
Other operating expenses increased $0.4 million to $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $2.2 million for the same 
period in 2013. The increase is primarily the result of the FCB acquisition, the opening of two new branches and our organic growth. 
Included  in  other  operating  expenses  for  2014  is  $41,000  of  amortization  expense  related  to  the  amortization  of  our  core  deposit 
intangible associated with the FCB and SLBB acquisitions.  

2013 vs. 2012. Total noninterest expense was $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $7.4 million, or 
63%,  from  $11.6  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012.  This  increase  was  a  result  of  cost  increases  associated  with  our 
expansion as a result of the FCB acquisition and our organic growth, including the costs associated with opening two new branches as 
well  as  our  operations  center  and  costs  incurred  to  update  our  software  to  accommodate  our  indirect  auto  lending.  In  2013,  we 
recorded approximately $0.3 million in one-time merger-related expenses associated with the FCB acquisition, which is included in 
other operating expenses.  

Salaries and employee benefits increased $4.3 million, or 58%, to $11.8 million in 2013, as compared to $7.5 million in 2012. Staff 
levels increased to 163 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2013 as compared to 100 full-time equivalent employees at 
December 31, 2012, accounting for most of the increase in salary and benefits expense. In addition to the 24 employees who joined us 
upon the completion of the FCB acquisition, we also experienced a full year’s impact of the personnel we added in connection with 
the opening of our two de novo branches in the New Orleans markets in December 2012.  

Net occupancy and equipment expense increased 68% to $1.9 million in 2013 from $1.1 million for 2012. This increase is primarily 
attributable  to  the  costs  associated  with  the  two  branches  we  acquired  in  the  FCB  acquisition  and  the  costs  of  constructing  our 
permanent branch in Lafayette.  

Data  processing  expenses  increased  to  $0.8  million  in  2013  from  $0.5  million  in  2012.  This  increase  is  primarily  a  result  of  the 
conversion and merger of FCB’s core data system following the completion of the merger. Data processing expenses are also related 
to  the  number  of  auto  loans  that  we  service,  and  fluctuations  in  this  portfolio  will  affect  the  amount  of  data  processing  expense. 
Software amortization and expenses increased 42% to $0.4 million in 2013 from $0.3 million in 2012 due to a software upgrade to 
support the expansion of our indirect auto lending, including our ability to service such loans.  

Other expenses included FDIC and OFI assessments of $0.3 million in 2013, which increased from $0.2 million in 2012 due to our 
increase in average total assets. Advertising expenses increased $0.1 million to $0.3 million in 2013 from $0.2 million in 2012 due to 
an advertising campaign conducted in connection with our expansion into new markets and the FCB acquisition. 

In addition to non-recurring merger-related expenses of $0.3 million related to the FCB acquisition, other operating expenses include 
security, business development, charitable contributions, training, filing fees and duplicating. Other operating expenses increased $1.1 
million to $2.2 million in 2013 from $1.1 million in 2012. Included in other operating expenses for 2013 is $31,000 of amortization 
expense related to the amortization of our core deposit intangible associated with the FCB and SLBB acquisitions.  

Income Tax Expense  

Income tax expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $1.1 million. The effective tax rate 
for the year ending December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 18% and 26%, respectively.  The decrease in the effective tax rate is mainly due 
to the Company’s utilization of its Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. 

50 

 
Income tax expense was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $1.0 million for 2012. The effective tax 
rates for 2013 and 2012 were 26% and 29%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2012 to 2013 is due to the non-
taxable bargain purchase gain resulting from the FCB acquisition as well as an increase in tax-exempt interest income.  

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 (Loan grades 1-6)—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 (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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no loans classified as doubtful or loss, while there were $5.6 million and 
$4.2  million,  respectively,  of  loans  classified  as  substandard  and  $0.5  million  and  $1.2  million,  respectively,  of  loans  classified  as 
special mention as of such dates. Of our substandard and special mention loans at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $3.7 
million and $4.9 million, respectively, were acquired in the FCB acquisition and marked to fair value at the time of their acquisition. 
At December 31, 2012, we had no doubtful or loss loans, and we had substandard and special mention loans of $0.9 million and $0.3 
million, respectively. 

An  external  loan  review  consultant  is  engaged  annually  by  the  risk  management  department  to  review  approximately  40%  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 (based upon recent appraisals), 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.  

51 

 
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  Topic  450,  Contingencies.  Collective  impairment  is  calculated  based  on  loans  grouped  by  grade.  Another 
component of the allowance is losses on loans assessed as impaired under ASC Topic 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 the borrower’s 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 $4.6 million at December 31, 2014, up from $3.4 million at December 31, 2013 
and $2.7 million at December 31, 2012, as we increased our loan loss provisioning to reflect our 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, nonaccrual loans and a sample of loans between $250,000 and $500,000. 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 December 31, 2014 were $3.6 million, including impaired loans acquired in the FCB acquisition in the amount of 
$1.3 million, compared to $4.2 million, including impaired loans acquired in the FCB acquisition in the amount of $3.8 million, at 
December 31, 2013. Impaired loans were $1.0 million at December 31, 2012, none of which were acquired loans.  At December 31, 
2014 and December 31, 2013, $0.1 million and $37,000, respectively, of the allowance for loan losses were specifically allocated to 
impaired loans, while $0.1 million of the allowance was specifically allocated to such loans at December 31, 2012.  

The  provision  for  loan  losses  is  a  charge  to  income  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  year  ended  December 31,  2014  and 
2013, the provision for loan losses was $1.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, up from $0.7 million in 2012. The increase is due 
primarily to the overall growth in our loan portfolio, including our commercial real estate loans.  

Acquired SLBB loans had a carrying value of $31.3 million and a fair value of $31.5 million on the acquisition date, while acquired 
FCB  loans had  a  carrying value  of  $78.4 million  and  a fair  value  of  $77.5  million  on  the  acquisition date. 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. We did not 
increase the allowance for loan losses for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 during 2014, 2013 or 2012. There was no provision 
for loan losses charged to operating expense attributable to loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 for the years ended December 31, 
2014, 2013 and 2012.  

52 

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

Mortgage loans on real estate: 

Construction and development .......$ 
1-4 Family ......................................  
Multifamily .....................................  
Farmland .........................................  
Nonfarm, nonresidential .................  
Commercial and industrial ...................  
Consumer .............................................  
Total ................................................$ 

2014 

2013 

December 31, 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$

526 
909 
137 
18 
1,571    
390    
1,079    
4,630     $

420  
567  
101  
4  
992     
397     
899     
3,380     

$

$

276 
415 
18 
- 
977    
332    
704    
2,722    

$

$

385  
194  
5  
-  
506    
306    
350    
1,746    

$

$

356 
158 
6 
4 
332 
307 
313 
1,476 

The following table presents the amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated to each loan category as a percentage of total loans 
as of the dates indicated:  

2014 

2013 

December 31, 
2012 

2011 

2010 

Mortgage loans on real estate: 

Construction and development ......   
1-4 Family .....................................   
Multifamily ....................................   
Farmland ........................................   
Nonfarm, nonresidential ................   
Commercial and industrial ..................   
Consumer ............................................   
Total ...............................................   

0.09   %  
0.15     
0.02     
-     
0.25     
0.06     
0.17     
0.74   %   

0.08  %  
0.11    
0.02    
-    
0.20    
0.08    
0.18    
0.67  %   

0.10  %   
0.14    
0.01    
-    
0.33    
0.12    
0.24    
0.94  %   

0.18   %  
0.09     
-     
-     
0.22     
0.14     
0.16     
0.79   %   

0.23  %
0.10    
-    
-    
0.21    
0.19    
0.20    
0.93  %

53 

 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
    
  
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
    
  
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
 
    
  
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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):  

Allowance at beginning of period ........   $ 
Provision for loan losses ......................     
Charge-offs: 

Mortgage loans on real estate: 

Construction and development ...     
1-4 Family .................................     
Multifamily ...............................     
Farmland ...................................     
Nonfarm, nonresidential ............     
Commercial and industrial ..............     
Consumer ........................................     
Total charge-offs ..................................     
Recoveries 

Mortgage loans on real estate: 

Construction and development ...     
1-4 Family .................................     
Multifamily ...............................     
Farmland ...................................     
Nonfarm, nonresidential ............     
Commercial and industrial ..............     
Consumer ........................................     
Total recoveries ....................................     
Net (charge-offs) recoveries .................     
Balance at end of period .......................   $ 

Net charge-offs to: 

Loans - average ...............................     
Allowance for loan losses ...............     

Allowance for loan losses to: 

Total loans ......................................     
Nonperforming loans ......................     

Year ended December 31, 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010 

3,380      $
1,628     

2,722      $
1,026     

1,746      $
685     

1,476       $
639      

1,471  
1,019  

-     
(123)    
-     
-     
(3)    
(16)    
(317)    
(459)    

-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
(118)    
(271)    
(389)    

-     
-     
(15)    
-     
-     
-     
(166)    
(181)    

-      
(63 )    
-      
-      
(20 )    
(218 )    
(77 )    
(378 )    

1     
4     
-     
-     
1     
17     
58     
81     
(378)    
4,630      $

-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
21     
21     
(368)    
3,380      $

-     
-     
-     
-     
448     
2     
22     
472     
291     
2,722      $

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
9      
9      
(369 )    
1,746       $

0.07%  
8.16%  

0.74%  
139%  

0.09%  
10.89%  

0.67%  
227%  

-0.12%  
-10.69%  

0.94%  
5136%  

0.20 %   
21.13 %   

0.79 %   
6236 %   

(334) 
(55) 
-  
-  
(448) 
(84) 
(103) 
(1,024) 

8  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
2  
10  
(1,014) 
1,476  

0.68%
68.70%

0.93%
40%

The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio increased to 0.74% at December 31, 2014 compared to 0.67% at December 31, 2013. 
The  allowance  for  loan  losses  to  nonperforming  loans  ratio  decreased  to  139%  at  December 31,  2014 from  227%  at  December 31, 
2013 as the result of a $1.9 million increase in nonperforming loans. The decrease in both the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to 
total loans and the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans at December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 
2012 was due to the $77.5 million of loans acquired in the FCB acquisition offset by an overall improvement of credit quality.  

Charge-offs reflect the realization of losses in the portfolio that were recognized previously through the provision for loan losses. Net 
charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were each $0.4 million, equal to 0.07% and 0.09%, respectively, of our 
average loan balance as of such dates. For 2012, we had a net recovery of $0.3 million, or -0.12% as a percentage of average loans, 
due to a single recovery on a nonfarm, nonresidential commercial real estate loan.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012, the majority of our charge-offs were indirect consumer loans. Net charge-offs of our indirect consumer loans as a percentage of 
average  indirect  consumer  loans  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013  were  0.16%  and  0.22%,  respectively,  while  net 
charge-offs of our indirect consumer loans as a percentage of average indirect consumer loans for the year ended December 31, 2012 
was 0.16%.  

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Management believes the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 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  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  an  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 contribute to our credit risk is troubled debt restructurings, or restructured loans. A restructured loan 
is a loan for which a not-insignificant concession has been granted to the borrower due to a deterioration of the borrower’s financial 
condition  and  which  are  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.  

All  of  our  restructured  loans,  consisting  of  seven  credits,  were  loans  acquired  from  FCB.  All  seven  credits  were  considered 
restructured loans due to a modification of term through adjustments to maturity. As of December 31, 2014, restructured loans totaled 
$0.6 million, with one of the restructured loans in default of its modified terms and placed on nonaccrual, while restructured loans at 
December  31, 2013  were  $0.8  million,  with all  such  loans  performing  in  accordance  with  their  modified  terms.  The  Company  had 
$0.4 million and $0 respectively in nonaccrual restructured loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.  

The following table shows the principal amounts of nonperforming and restructured loans as of December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 
and  2010.  All  loans  where  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):  

2014 

2013 

December 31, 
2012 

2011 

2010 

Nonaccrual loans ..................................................  $ 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more ............    
Total nonperforming loans ...................................    
Restructured loans ................................................    
Total nonperforming and restructured loans ........  $ 
Interest income recognized on nonperforming 
   and restructured loans .......................................    
Interest income foregone on nonperforming 
   and restructured loans .......................................    

3,340    $
-     
3,340     
226     
3,566    $

1,489    $
-     
1,489     
815     
2,304    $

105     

100     

169     

281     

53     $ 
-       
53       
-       
53     $ 

2       

4       

28    $
-     
28     
-     
28    $

1     

4     

3,686
-
3,686
-
3,686

117

91

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Of  our  total  nonaccrual  loans  at  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  $1.1  million  and  $1.2  million,  respectively,  were  acquired  in  the 
acquisition  of  FCB.  We  had  no  nonaccrual  loans  acquired  through  acquisition  at  December  31,  2012.  Nonperforming  loans  are 
comprised of accruing loans past due 90 days or more and nonaccrual loans. Nonperforming loans outstanding represented 0.54% of 
total  loans  at  December 31,  2014,  nonperforming  loans  other  than  those  acquired  through  an  acquisition  were  0.36%,  and 
nonperforming acquired loans were 0.18% at such date. Nonperforming loans outstanding, including acquired nonperforming loans, 
represented 0.30%  and  0.02%  of  total  loans  at  December 31,  2013  and  2012,  respectively.  None of the  loans  acquired  from  SLBB 
were nonperforming at December 31, 2012. 

Real  Estate  Owned.  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 against the allowance for loan losses. Real estate owned with a cost 
basis of $1.3 million and $1.6 million was sold during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, resulting in a net 
gain of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the respective period, compared to a cost basis of $0.3 million and a net gain of $2,000 at 
December 31, 2012.  

At  December 31,  2014,  $1.3  million  of  our  real  estate  owned  was  related  to  our  acquisition  of  FCB  compared  to  $1.6  million  at 
December 31,  2013.  In  connection  with  our  acquisition  of  FCB,  the  Bank  agreed  to  share  with  the  former  FCB  shareholders  the 
proceeds  that we  received  in  connection  with  the  sale  of one piece  of  property, which  had both  a  carrying  value  and  a fair  market 
value of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Under this arrangement, if this property is sold 
within four years of the closing date of our acquisition of FCB, then we are entitled to retain the first $0.7 million of the sale proceeds 
plus an amount necessary to cover our selling expenses, with the remaining proceeds, if any, to be paid to former FCB shareholders. 
After the fourth anniversary of the closing date, which is May 1, 2017, we are entitled to retain all sales proceeds arising upon the sale 
of this property.  

The following table provides details of our real estate owned as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):  

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2013 

Construction and development ..............................................................................  $
1-4 Family .............................................................................................................   
Multifamily ...........................................................................................................   
Nonfarm, nonresidential ........................................................................................   
   Total real estate owned.......................................................................................  $

2,130      $ 
605     
-     
-     
2,735      $ 

2,353 
812 
350 
- 
3,515 

Changes in our real estate owned were as follows for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period ................................................................................  $
Transfers from loans .............................................................................................   
Transfers from acquired loans ...............................................................................   
Acquired real estate owned ...................................................................................   
Sales of real estate owned .....................................................................................   
Write-downs ..........................................................................................................   
Balance, end of period ..........................................................................................  $

Year ended 
December 31, 2014 

Year ended 
December 31, 2013 

3,515      $ 
-     
706     
-     
(1,276 )   
(210 )   
2,735      $ 

2,276 
465 
822 
1,718 
(1,645)
(121)
3,515 

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.  

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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, 
four to six months, seven to twelve 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)%.  

The following table depicts the estimated impact on net interest income of immediate changes in interest rates at the specified levels 
for the periods presented:  

Changes in Interest Rates 
(in basis points) 

As of December 31, 2014 

Estimated 
Increase/Decrease in 
Net Interest Income (1) 

+400 
+300 
+200 
+100 
-100 
-200 
-300 

(20.83)%
(15.69)%
(9.90)%
(5.38)%
1.67%
(1.74)%
(5.47)%

(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.  

At December 31, 2014, the Bank was not within the policy guidelines for asset/liability management due to the increase in loans held 
for sale resulting from two consumer loan pool sales that were delayed to the first quarter of 2015 (and subsequently consummated), 
along with the corresponding short term FHLB advances used to fund the origination of these loans. Assuming the two consumer loan 
pool sales had taken place on or prior to December 31, 2014, the estimated impact on net interest income of immediate changes in 
interest rates of +100 basis points was (3.77)% which is within the Bank’s policy guidelines. At December 31, 2013, the Bank was 
within the policy guidelines. 

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 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.  This  could  mitigate  some  of  the  benefits  of  falling  rates  as  are  expected  when  we  are  in  a  negatively-gapped  position. 
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.  

57 

 
 
  
  
  
  
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  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  67%  and  82%  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  December 31,  2014,  securities  with  a  carrying  value  of  $63.1  million  were  pledged  to  secure  deposits  or  borrowings, 
compared to $41.7 million in pledged securities as of December 31, 2013.  

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  December 31,  2014,  the  balance  of  our  outstanding  advances  with  the  FHLB  was 
$125.8 million, an increase from $30.8 million at December 31, 2013. The total amount of the remaining credit available to us from 
the FHLB at December 31, 2014 was $142.3 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  collateralized  by  U.S.  Treasury  and  agency  securities.  We  had  $12.3  million  of  repurchase  agreements 
outstanding  as  of  December 31,  2014,  compared  to  $10.2  million  of  outstanding  repurchase  agreements  as  December 31,  2013. 
Finally,  we  maintain  lines  of  credit  with  other  commercial  banks  totaling  $33.6  million.  One  line  of  credit,  in  the  amount  of  $5.0 
million, is secured by all of the stock of the Bank, while the other lines of credit are unsecured, uncommitted lines of credit.  The lines 
of  credit  mature  at  various  times  within  the  next  twelve  months.  There  were  no  amounts  outstanding  under  these  lines  of  credit at 
December 31, 2014 or 2013.  

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 which we 
obtain via the internet to address liquidity needs when rates on such deposits compare favorably with deposit rates in in our markets. 
At December 31, 2014, we held $52.7 million of QwikRate® deposits, down from $54.3 million at December 31, 2013.  

The  following  tables  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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:  

Percentage of Total 
Year ended 
December 31,

Cost of Funds 
Year ended 
December 31,

2014 

2013 

2014 

2013 

Noninterest-bearing demand ....................................................   
Interest-bearing demand ...........................................................   
Savings .....................................................................................   
Time deposits ...........................................................................   
Short-term borrowings .............................................................   
Borrowed funds ........................................................................   
Total deposits and borrowed funds ..........................................   

11   %   
27    
8    
44    
4    
6    
100   %   

13   %    
25    
9    
46    
5    
2    
100   %    

-    %   

0.6     
0.7     
1.0     
0.2     
0.9     
3.4    %   

-   %

0.6    
0.7    
1.0    
0.2    
1.0    
3.5   %

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We are subject to certain restrictions on dividends under applicable banking laws and regulations.  Please refer to the discussion under 
the  heading  “Supervision  and  Regulation  –  Dividends”  in  Item  1,  Business,  for  more  information  regarding  the  restrictions  on 
dividends applicable to the Company and the Bank. 

Capital  Management.  Our  primary  sources  of  capital  include  retained  earnings,  capital  obtained  through  acquisitions  and  proceeds 
from the sale of our capital stock. We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve and 
the  FDIC.  These  requirements  are  described  in  greater  detail  under  the  heading  “Supervision  and  Regulation  –  Regulatory  Capital 
Requirements” of Item 1, Business. Those guidelines specify capital tiers, which include the following classifications:  

Capital Tiers 
Well capitalized.....................................................................................   
Adequately capitalized ..........................................................................   
Undercapitalized ...................................................................................   
Significantly undercapitalized ...............................................................   
Critically undercapitalized ....................................................................   

Tier 1 Capital to 
Average Assets 
(Leverage)
5% or above 
4% or above 
Less than 4% 
Less than 3% 

Tier 1 Capital to 
Risk-Weighted 
Assets 
6% or above 
4% or above 
Less than 4% 
Less than 3% 
2% or less 

Total Capital to 
Risk-Weighted 
Assets
10% or above 
8% or above 
Less than 8% 
Less than 6% 

The Company and the Bank each were in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and 
the Bank was in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements as of December 31, 2012. 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 

December 31, 2014 
Investar Holding Corporation: 
Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage).......................................  $
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ..............................................   
Total capital to risk-weighted assets ...............................................   
Investar Bank: 
Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage).......................................  $
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ..............................................   
Total capital to risk-weighted assets ...............................................   

December 31, 2013 
Investar Holding Corporation: 
Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage).......................................  $
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ..............................................   
Total capital to risk-weighted assets ...............................................   
Investar Bank: 
Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage).......................................  $
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ..............................................   
Total capital to risk-weighted assets ...............................................   

103,535     
103,535     
108,165     

73,870     
73,870     
78,500     

56,056     
56,056     
59,436     

55,894     
55,894     
59,274     

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions  

12.61%     
13.79%     
14.41%     

9.00%   $ 
9.86%     
10.48%     

9.53%     
10.85%     
11.51%     

9.50%   $ 
10.83%     
11.48%     

-     
-     
-     

-  
-  
-  

41,026     
44,959     
74,931     

5.00%
6.00%
10.00%

-     
-     
-     

-  
-  
-  

29,423     
30,979     
51,632     

5.00%
6.00%
10.00%

The Bank entered into forward starting 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 five years. The total notional amount of the derivative 
contracts is $20.0 million. 

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For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014,  a  loss  of  $0.2  million  has  been  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  (loss)  income  in  the 
accompanying consolidated statement of other comprehensive income for the change in fair value of the interest rate swap. The swap 
contract  had  a  negative  fair  value  of  $0.3  million  as  of  December  31,  2014.  The  Bank  expects  the  hedge  to  remain  fully  effective 
during the remaining term of the swap contract. 

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  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 were as follows at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands): 

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2013 

Commitments to extend credit: 
Loan commitments ................................................................................................  $
Standby letters of credit ........................................................................................   

90,946      $ 
534     

66,698 
421 

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 will continue this process as new commitments are entered into or existing 
commitments are renewed.  

For each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we engaged in no off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a 
material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows currently or in the future.  

Contractual Obligations  

The following table presents, as of December 31, 2014, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by 
payment date (dollars in thousands): 

Less Than 
One Year

One to 
Three Years  

Payments Due In: 
Three to 
Five Years       

Over Five 
Years 

Deposits without a stated maturity(1) ...................................  $
Time deposits ........................................................................   
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ....................   
Federal Home Loan Bank advances ......................................   
Junior subordinated debentures .............................................   
Interest rate swaps .................................................................   
Total contractual obligations .................................................  $

317,782  $
190,945 
12,293 
104,339 
- 
- 

-  $

110,626 
- 
20,246 
- 
- 

625,359  $

130,872  $

-     $ 
8,765       
-       
850       
-       
-       
9,615     $ 

-  $
- 
- 
350 
3,609 
20,000 
23,959  $

Total 
317,782 
310,336 
12,293 
125,785 
3,609 
20,000 
789,805 

(1)  Excludes interest.  

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  

The  information  contained  in  the  section  captioned  “Management’s Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition  and  Results of 
Operations – Risk Management” in Item 7 hereof is incorporated herein by reference.  

60 

 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
    
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors 
Investar Holding Corporation 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Investar Holding Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
and the related statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years 
during  the  three  year  period  ended  December  31,  2014.  These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the 
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those 
standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audits  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  consolidated  financial 
statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  Our  audit  included  consideration  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  a  basis  for 
designing  audit  procedures  that  are  appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  but  not  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the 
effectiveness  of  the  Company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  Accordingly,  we  express  no  such  opinion.  An  audit  also 
includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements, 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates  made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 
Investar Holding Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the years 
during  the  three  year  period  ended  December  31,  2014,  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United 
States of America. 

/s/ Postlethwaite & Netterville 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 
March 31, 2015 

61 

 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Amounts in thousands, except share data) 

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

ASSETS 

Cash and due from banks ..................................................................................................  $
Interest-bearing balances due from other banks ...............................................................   
Federal funds sold .............................................................................................................   
Cash and cash equivalents .............................................................................................  

5,519     $
13,493      
500      
19,512      

5,964 
21,739 
500 
28,203 

Available for sale securities at fair value (amortized cost of $69,838 and $56,733, 
   respectively) ..................................................................................................................   
Held to maturity securities at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $22,301 and 
   $5,986, respectively) ......................................................................................................   
Loans held for sale ............................................................................................................   
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $4,630 and $3,380, respectively ....................   
Other equity securities ......................................................................................................   
Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,964 and $2,679, 
   respectively ....................................................................................................................   
Real estate owned, net ......................................................................................................   
Accrued interest receivable ...............................................................................................   
Deferred tax asset .............................................................................................................   
Goodwill ...........................................................................................................................   
Other assets .......................................................................................................................   
Total assets ................................................................................................................. $

LIABILITIES 
Deposits: 
Noninterest-bearing ..........................................................................................................  $
Interest-bearing .................................................................................................................   
Total deposits ..................................................................................................................  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank........................................................................   
Repurchase agreements ....................................................................................................   
Note payable .....................................................................................................................   
Accrued interest payable ...................................................................................................   
Accrued taxes and other liabilities ....................................................................................   
Total liabilities ...........................................................................................................  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Common stock, $1.00 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 7,262,085 
   and 3,945,114 shares issued and outstanding, respectively ...........................................   
Treasury stock ..................................................................................................................   
Surplus ..............................................................................................................................   
Retained earnings .............................................................................................................   
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ............................................................   
Total stockholders' equity ........................................................................................  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ................................................................. $

70,299      

56,173 

22,519      
103,396      
618,160      
5,566      

28,538      
2,735      
2,435      
1,097      
2,684      
2,413      
879,354     $

70,217     $
557,901      
628,118      
125,785      
12,293      
3,609      
284      
5,881      
775,970      

7,264      
(23 )    
84,213      
11,809      
121      
103,384      
879,354     $

6,579 
5,029 
500,715 
2,020 

24,680 
3,515 
1,835 
1,205 
2,684 
2,308 
634,946 

72,795 
459,811 
532,606 
30,818 
10,203 
3,609 
285 
1,942 
579,463 

3,943 
- 
45,281 
6,609 
(350)
55,483 
634,946 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

62 

 
  
  
 
  
     
 
  
 
  
      
  
 
 
  
     
  
 
  
 
      
 
 
      
 
 
      
 
 
      
 
 
      
 
 
      
 
  
    
        
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(Amounts in thousands, except share data) 

INTEREST INCOME 

Interest and fees on loans ............................................................................................................. $
Interest on investment securities: 

Taxable interest income ...........................................................................................................  
Exempt from federal income taxes ..........................................................................................  
Other interest income ...................................................................................................................  
Total interest income ............................................................................................................  

INTEREST EXPENSE 

Interest on deposits ......................................................................................................................  
Interest on borrowings .................................................................................................................  
Total interest expense ...........................................................................................................  
Net interest income ...............................................................................................................  
Provision for loan losses ..............................................................................................................  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses ..............................................................  

NONINTEREST INCOME 

Service charges on deposit accounts ...........................................................................................  
Gain on sale of investment securities, net ...................................................................................  
Gain on sale of real estate owned, net .........................................................................................  
Gain on sale of loans, net .............................................................................................................  
Gain on sale of fixed assets, net ..................................................................................................  
Bargain purchase gain .................................................................................................................  
Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale, net ........................................................................  
Other operating income ...............................................................................................................  
Total noninterest income ......................................................................................................  
Income before noninterest expense ......................................................................................  

NONINTEREST EXPENSE 

Salaries and employee benefits....................................................................................................  
Occupancy expense and equipment expense, net ........................................................................  
Bank shares tax ............................................................................................................................  
FDIC and OFI assessments ..........................................................................................................  
Legal fees .....................................................................................................................................  
Data processing ............................................................................................................................  
Advertising ...................................................................................................................................  
Stationery and supplies ................................................................................................................  
Software amortization and expense .............................................................................................  
Professional fees ..........................................................................................................................  
Telephone expense .......................................................................................................................  
Business entertainment ................................................................................................................  
Impairment on investment in tax credit entity ............................................................................  
Other operating expenses .............................................................................................................  
Total noninterest expense .....................................................................................................  
Income before income tax expense ......................................................................................  
Income tax expense ......................................................................................................................  
Net income ............................................................................................................................ $

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic earnings per share .............................................................................................................. $
Diluted earnings per share ........................................................................................................... $
Cash dividends declared per common share ............................................................................... $

For the years ended 
December 31, 

2014 

2013 

2012 

29,979  

$

21,686    $

945  
394 
51  
31,369  

4,273  
402  
4,675  
26,694  
1,628  
25,066  

305  
340  
230  
1,659  
3  
-  
2,119  
1,204  
5,860  
30,926  

14,565  
2,428  
299  
531  
125  
1,289  
330  
167  
537  
475  
179  
135  
690  
2,634  
24,384  
6,542  
1,145  
5,397  

0.98  
0.93  
0.04  

$

$
$
$

402   
354   
30   
22,472   

3,204   
256   
3,460   
19,012   
1,026   
17,986   

214   
449   
97   
247   
2   
906   
2,843   
596   
5,354   
23,340   

11,772   
1,899   
280   
344   
126   
847   
320   
226   
406   
355   
150   
86   
-   
2,213   
19,024   
4,316   
1,148   
3,168    $

0.86    $
0.81    $
0.05    $

13,968

278
307
34
14,587

2,361
181
2,542
12,045
685
11,360

118
139
2
34
-
-
3,131
201
3,625
14,985

7,461
1,127
170
207
128
530
212
119
286
128
74
57
-
1,146
11,645
3,340
979
2,361

0.79
0.71
0.05

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

63 

 
  
  
  
  
 
 
    
  
 
  
 
   
  
      
  
 
  
 
   
  
      
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
    
        
         
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
(Amounts in thousands) 

Net income .......................................................................................................  $
Other comprehensive income (loss): 

Unrealized (loss) gains on investment securities: 

Reclassification of realized gains, net of tax expense of $116, $153 and 
   $47, respectively ......................................................................................   
Unrealized gains (loss), available for sale, net of tax expense (benefit) of 
   $463, ($381) and $232, respectively ........................................................   
Unrealized (loss) gains, transfer from available for sale to 
   held to maturity, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($1), $10, and $0, 
   respectively ..............................................................................................   

Fair value of derivative financial instruments: 

Change in fair value of interest rate swap designated as a 
   cash flow hedge, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($103), $0, and $0, 
   respectively ..............................................................................................   
Total other comprehensive income (loss) ........................................................   
Total comprehensive income ......................................................................  $

For the years ended 
December 31, 

2014 

2013 

2012 

5,397  $

3,168    $

2,361 

(224)  

898 

(296 )   

(739 )   

(3)  

20     

(200)  
471 
5,868  $

-     
(1,015 )   
2,153    $

(92)

449 

- 

- 
357 
2,718 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
(Amounts in thousands, except share data) 

Common 
Stock 

Treasury 
Stock 

Surplus 

Retained 
Earnings 

     Comprehensive  
      Income (Loss)  

      Accumulated   

Other 

Total 
  Stockholders'   
Equity 

Balance, January 1, 2012 ......................  $ 
Proceeds from sale of stock ...................    
Stock issuance cost ................................    
Dividends declared, $0.05 per share .....    
Stock-based compensation ....................    
Net Income ............................................    
Other comprehensive income, net .........    
Balance, December 31, 2012 ................  $ 
Proceeds from sale of stock ...................    
Common stock issued for acquisition ...    
Stock issuance cost ................................    
Dividends declared, $0.05 per share .....    
Stock-based compensation ....................    
Net income ............................................    
Other comprehensive loss, net ..............    
Balance, December 31, 2013 ................  $ 
Common stock issued in offering, net 
   of direct cost of $4,266.......................    
Warrants exercised ................................    
Surrendered shares ................................    
Shares repurchased ................................    
Dividends declared, $0.04 per share .....    
Stock-based compensation ....................    
Net income ............................................    
Other comprehensive income, net .........    
Balance, December 31, 2014 ................  $ 

2,736  $
455 
- 
- 
17 
- 
- 
3,208  $
382 
320 
- 
- 
33 
- 
- 
3,943  $

3,285 
22 
- 

- 
14 
- 
- 
7,264  $

-  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-  $

- 
- 
(17)
(6)
- 
- 
- 
- 
(23) $

30,722  $
5,303 
(16)
- 
51 
- 
- 

36,060  $
4,957 
4,170 
(23)
- 
117 
- 
- 

45,281  $

38,443 
275 
- 

- 
214 
- 
- 

84,213  $

1,400     $ 
-       
-       
(141 )     
-       
2,361       
-       
3,620     $ 
-       
-       
-       
(179 )     
-       
3,168       
-       
6,609     $ 

-       
-       
-       

(197 )     
-       
5,397       
-       
11,809     $ 

308  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
357 
665  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,015)

(350) $

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
471 
121  $

35,166 
5,758 
(16)
(141)
68 
2,361 
357 
43,553 
5,339 
4,490 
(23)
(179)
150 
3,168 
(1,015)
55,483 

41,728 
297 
(17)
(6)
(197)
228 
5,397 
471 
103,384 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

65 

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

For the years ended 
December 31, 
2013 

2012 

2014 

5,397 

$ 

3,168 

$

2,361 

Cash flows from operating activities: 
Net income ......................................................................................................................................................  $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
Provision for loan losses .................................................................................................................................   
Amortization of purchase accounting adjustments ........................................................................................   
Writedowns of other real estate owned ..........................................................................................................   
Depreciation and amortization .......................................................................................................................   
Net amortization of securities .........................................................................................................................   
Bargain purchase gain ....................................................................................................................................   
Gain on sale of securities ................................................................................................................................   
Impairment of investment in tax credit entity ................................................................................................   
Loans held for sale: 
Originations ....................................................................................................................................................   
Proceeds from sales ........................................................................................................................................   
Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale, net ...........................................................................................   
Gain on sale of loans ......................................................................................................................................   
Gain on sale of other real estate owned ..........................................................................................................   
Gain on sale of fixed assets ............................................................................................................................   
FHLB stock dividend .....................................................................................................................................   
Stock-based compensation .............................................................................................................................   
Net change in: 
Accrued interest receivable ............................................................................................................................   
Prepaid OFI/FDIC assessment .......................................................................................................................   
Deferred taxes .................................................................................................................................................   
Other assets .....................................................................................................................................................   
Accrued interest payable ................................................................................................................................   
Accrued taxes and other liabilities .................................................................................................................   
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities .......................................................................................   

Cash flows from investing activities: 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale ....................................................................   
Funds invested in securities available for sale ...............................................................................................   
Funds invested in securities held to maturity .................................................................................................   
Proceeds from maturities, prepayments and calls of investment securities available for sale ......................   
Proceeds from maturities, prepayments and calls of investment securities held to maturity ........................   
Proceeds from sale of loans ............................................................................................................................   
Proceeds from redemption of other equity securities .....................................................................................   
Purchase of other equity securities .................................................................................................................   
Net increase in loans .......................................................................................................................................   
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned .......................................................................................................   
Proceeds from sales premises, equipment and software ................................................................................   
Purchases of premises, equipment and software ............................................................................................   
Cash received in acquisition ...........................................................................................................................   
Purchase of investment in tax credit entity ....................................................................................................   
Net cash used in investing activities ..............................................................................................................   

Cash flows from financing activities: 
Net increase in customer deposits ..................................................................................................................   
Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements .........................................................................................   
Net increase (decrease) in short-term FHLB advances ..................................................................................   
Proceeds from long-term FHLB advances .....................................................................................................   
Repayment of long-term FHLB advances ......................................................................................................   
Cash dividends paid on common stock ..........................................................................................................   
Payments to repurchase common stock .........................................................................................................   
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in initial public offering ..............................................................   
Proceeds from sales of common stock ...........................................................................................................   
Proceeds from stock warrants exercised ........................................................................................................   
Stock issuance cost .........................................................................................................................................   
Net cash provided by financing activities ......................................................................................................   

1,628 
(325)
210 
1,285 
1,087 
- 
(340)
690 

(238,471)
142,222 
(2,119)
(1,659)
(230)
(3)
(8)
228 

(600)
- 
(134)
(71)
(1)
3,616 
(87,598)

31,603 
(55,901)
(16,348)
10,465 
385 
105,241 
1,972 
(5,509)
(223,132)
1,506 
3 
(5,142)
- 
(766)
(155,623)

95,648 
2,089 
90,639 
7,500 
(3,171)
(194)
(6)
41,728 
- 
297 
- 
234,530 

1,026  
(626 )
121 
862  
833 
(906 )
(449)
-  

(88,210)
103,013 
(2,843)
(247)
(97)
(2)
(4)
150  

(365)
212 
773 
(772)
(38)
323  
15,922 

16,626 
(40,384)
-  
8,530 
170 
59,333 
828 
(1,312 )
(197,974)
1,642  
1,306 
(9,389)
9,293 
-  
(151,331)

146,632 
6,169 
(12,120 )
20,700 
(7,557)
(169)
-  
-  
5,339 
-  
(23)
158,971 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents ....................................................................................   
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ............................................................................................   
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ......................................................................................................  $

(8,691)
28,203 
19,512 

$ 

23,562 
4,641 
28,203 

$

66 

685 
(345 )
26 
587 
575 
-  
(139)
-  

(114,963)
113,813 
(3,131 )
(34)
(2)
-  
(2)
68 

(366)
140 
21 
(406)
4 
14 
(1,094)

6,736 
(26,816)
-  
4,789 
-  
5,214 
238 
(935)
(78,883)
329 
505 
(4,916)
-  
-  
(93,739)

71,784 
(1,016)
12,120 
5,850 
(750)
(135)
-  
-  
5,758 
-  
(16)
93,595 

(1,238)
5,879 
4,641 

 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
         
        
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: 
Cash payments for: 

Income taxes ...............................................................................................................................................  $

Interest on deposits and borrowings ...........................................................................................................  $

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
Transfer from loans to real estate owned .......................................................................................................  $

Loans originated to sell real estate owned .....................................................................................................  $

For the years ended 
December 31, 
2013 

2012 

2014 

1,336    $ 

4,675    $ 

706    $ 

-    $ 

1,727    $

3,301     $

1,287    $

100    $

650 

2,538  

550 

-  

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

67 

 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
         
        
 
    
         
        
 
    
         
        
 
  
    
         
        
 
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Nature of Operations  

Investar  Holding  Corporation  (the  “Company”)  was  incorporated  in  2009  to  serve  as  a  holding  company  for  Investar  Bank  (the 
“Bank”)  in  the  event  the  Bank  determined  to  reorganize  into  a  holding  company  structure.  On  November 15,  2013,  the  Company 
completed a share exchange with the shareholders of the Bank, which resulted in the Bank becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of 
the  Company.  Pursuant  to  this  share  exchange,  all  issued  and  outstanding  common  stock  of  the  Bank,  and  all  outstanding  and 
unexercised warrants and options to purchase additional shares of common stock of the Bank, were exchanged for a like number of 
shares of common stock of the Company, and respectively, a like number of warrants and options to purchase additional shares of 
common stock of the Company.  

In  July  2014,  the  Company  completed  the  issuance  and  sale  of  3,285,300  shares  of  its  common  stock  in  its  initial  public  offering, 
which amount includes 410,300 shares sold pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option to purchase additional shares from 
the  Company,  at  a  public  offering  price  of  $14.00  per  share.  The  shares  were  offered  pursuant  to  the  Company’s  Registration 
Statement  on  Form  S-1.  After  deducting  underwriting  commissions  and  offering  expenses,  the  Company  received  net  proceeds  of 
$41.7 million from the sale of such shares. 

The consolidated financial statements of Investar Holding Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank, have been prepared 
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).  

Segments  

All  of  the  Company’s  banking  operations  are  considered  by  management  to  be  aggregated  in  one  reportable  operating 
segment. Because  the  overall  banking  operations  comprise  substantially  all  of  the  consolidated  operations,  no  separate  segment 
disclosures are presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  

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 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.  

68 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

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: 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: 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.  

Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available for sale 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 investment 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. 

Other  investment  securities  include  investments  in  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank  (“FHLB”)  and  First  National  Bankers  Bankshares 
(“FNBB”)  stock,  which  investments  are  restricted.  These  investments  are  carried  at  cost  which  approximated  fair  value  at 
December 31, 2014 and 2013.  

Loans  

The Company’s loan portfolio categories include real estate, commercial and consumer loans. Real estate loans are further categorized 
into  construction  and  development,  one  to  four  family  residential,  multifamily,  farmland  and  nonfarm  nonresidential  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 that 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.  

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 major 
loans  for  which  full  payment  of  principal  or  interest  is  not  expected. Large  groups  of  smaller  balance  homogenous  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.  

69 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Loans Held for Sale  

Loans  originated  and  intended  for  sale  in  the  secondary  market  are  carried  at  the  lower  of  cost  or fair  value  on  an  aggregate  basis 
under the fair value option accounting guidance for financial instruments. For loans carried at the lower of cost or fair value, gains and 
losses on loan sales (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in noninterest income, and direct loan origination costs and 
fees are deferred at origination of the loan and are recognized in noninterest income upon sale of the loan.  

Loans Sold with Recourse  

The  Company  has  an  obligation  to  repurchase  certain  mortgage  loans  and  indirect  loans  sold  and  to  refund  certain  fees  to  the 
purchaser if the loans fail to perform or prepay within prescribed time periods after the date of sale. Prepayment penalty features also 
exist for certain conforming loans as defined in each agreement with investors. Accounting guidance requires a guarantor to recognize, 
at  the  inception  of  a  guarantee,  a  liability  in  an  amount  equal  to  the  fair  value  of  the  obligation  undertaken  in  issuing  the 
guarantee. The Company considers loans sold with recourse to be guarantees. 

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.  

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 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 significant 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 the directional consistency of 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.  

70 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Troubled Debt Restructurings  

The  Company  periodically  grants  concessions  to  its  customers  in  an  attempt  to  protect  as  much  of  its  investment  as  possible  and 
minimize the risk of loss. These concessions may include restructuring the terms of a customer loan, thereby adjusting the customer’s 
payment requirements. In accordance with the FASB’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310): A 
Creditor’s  Determination  of  Whether  a  Restructuring  is  a  Troubled  Debt  Restructuring,  in  order  to  be  considered  a  troubled  debt 
restructuring (a “TDR”), the Company must conclude that the restructuring constitutes a concession and the customer is experiencing 
financial difficulties. The Company defines a concession to a customer as a modification of existing loan terms for economic or legal 
reasons  that  it  would  otherwise  not  consider.  Concessions  are  typically  granted  through  an  agreement  with  the  customer  or  are 
imposed by a court of law. Concessions include modifying original loan terms to reduce or defer cash payments required as part of the 
loan  agreement,  including  but  not  limited  to  a  reduction  of  the  stated  interest  rate  for  the  remaining  original  life  of  the  debt,  an 
extension  of  the  maturity  date  or  dates  at  a  stated  interest  rate  lower  than  the  current  market  rate  for  new  debt  with  similar  risk 
characteristics, a reduction of the face amount or maturity amount of the debt, or a reduction of accrued interest receivable on a debt. 
In  its  determination  of  whether  the  customer  is  experiencing  financial  difficulties,  the  Company  considers  numerous  indicators, 
including  but  not  limited  to,  whether  the  customer  has  declared  or  is  in  the  process  of  declaring  bankruptcy,  whether  there  is 
substantial doubt about the customer’s ability to continue as a going concern, whether the Company believes the customer’s future 
cash  flows  will  be  insufficient  to  service  the  debt  in  accordance  with  the  contractual  terms  of  the  existing  agreement  for  the 
foreseeable future, and whether without modification the customer cannot obtain sufficient funds from other sources at an effective 
interest rate equal to the current market rate for similar debt for a non-troubled debtor.  

If  the  Company  concludes  that  both  a  concession  has  been  granted  and  the  concession  was  granted  to  a  customer  experiencing 
financial difficulties, the Company identifies the loan as a TDR. For purposes of the determination of an allowance for loan losses on 
these TDRs, the loan is reviewed for specific impairment in accordance with the Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology. If it 
is determined that losses are probable on such TDRs, either because of delinquency or other credit quality indicators, the Company 
establishes specific reserves for these loans.  

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.  

As  of  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012,  expected  future  cash  flows  from  ASRs  approximated  adequate 
compensation for such activities. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded an asset or liability. Total income earned from servicing 
activities  was  approximately  $0.6  million,  $0.1  million  and  $5,000  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012, 
respectively. The Company did not service loans that it sold until 2012.  

Real Estate Owned  

Real estate acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure is initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value at the time of foreclosure, 
less  estimated  selling  cost,  and  any  related  write  down  is  charged  to  the  allowance  for  loan  losses.  Valuations  are  periodically 
performed  by  management  and  provisions  for  estimated  losses  on  real  estate  owned  are  charged  to  income  when  fair  value  is 
determined to be less than the carrying value.  

71 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Costs  relative  to  the  development  and  improvement  of  properties  are  capitalized  to  the  extent  realizable,  whereas  ordinary  upkeep 
disbursements are charged to expense. The ability of the Company to recover the carrying value of real estate is based upon future 
sales of the real estate owned. The ability to affect such sales is subject to market conditions and other factors, many of which are 
beyond the Company’s control. Operating income and expense of such properties is included in other operating income or expense, 
respectively, on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Gain or loss on the disposition of such properties is included 
in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of operations.  

Bank Premises and Equipment  

Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed by the straight-line 
method  and  is  charged  to  expense  over  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets,  which  range  from  1  to  39  years.  Costs  of  major 
additions and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.  

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets  

Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  purchase  price  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  identifiable  assets  acquired  in  a  business 
combination. Goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but instead are subject to 
review for impairment annually, or more frequently if deemed necessary, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350, 
Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful 
lives and reviewed for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. If impaired, the asset is 
written  down  to  its  estimated  fair  value.  No  impairment  charges  have  been  recognized  through  December 31,  2014.  Core  deposit 
intangibles representing the value of the acquired core deposit base are generally recorded in connection with business combinations 
involving banks and branch locations. The Company’s policy is to amortize core deposit intangibles over the estimated useful life of 
the deposit base, either on a straight line basis not exceeding 15 years or an accelerated basis over 10 years. The remaining useful lives 
of core deposit intangibles are evaluated periodically to determine whether events and circumstances warrant revision of the remaining 
period of amortization. All of the Company’s core deposit intangibles are currently amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years. 
See Note 8, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information.  

Repurchase Agreements  

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured borrowings treated as financing activities and are carried at the amounts at 
which the securities will be subsequently reacquired as specified in the respective agreements.  

Compensated Absences  

Employees of the Bank are entitled to paid vacation and sick days. Vacation and sick days are granted on an annual basis to eligible 
employees. Unused vacation days expire on December 31 of each year. The maximum amount of sick leave an employee is allowed to 
accrue is 120 hours.  

Stock-Based Compensation  

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. 
Under this accounting guidance, fair value is established as the measurement objective in accounting for stock awards and requires the 
application of a fair value based measurement method in accounting for compensation costs, which is recognized over the requisite 
service period. See Note 14, Stockholders’ Equity, for further disclosures regarding stock-based compensation.  

Off-Balance Sheet Credit-Related Financial Instruments  

The Company accounts for its guarantees in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 460, Guarantees. In the ordinary course of 
business,  the  Company  has  entered  into  commitments  to  extend  credit,  including  commitments  under  credit  card  agreements, 
commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.  

Derivative Financial Instruments  

ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires that all derivatives be recognized as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at fair 
value.  

72 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

In the course of its business operations, the Company is exposed to certain risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk. The 
Company manages its risks through the use of derivative financial instruments, primarily through management of exposure due to the 
receipt  or  payment  of  future  cash  amounts  based  on  interest  rates.  The  Company’s  derivative  financial  instruments  manage  the 
differences in the timing, amount and duration of expected cash receipts and payments.  

Derivatives which are designated and qualify as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of 
forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a 
component  of  other  comprehensive  income  and  subsequently  reclassified  into  earnings  when  the  forecasted  transaction  affects 
earnings or when the hedge is terminated. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately.  

In  applying  hedge  accounting  for  derivatives,  the  Company  establishes  a  method  for  assessing  the  effectiveness  of  the  hedging 
derivative and a  measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge upon the inception of the hedge. These 
methods  are  consistent  with  the  Company’s  approach  to  managing  risk.  Note  13,  Derivative  Financial  Instruments,  describes  the 
derivative instruments currently used by the Company and discloses how these derivatives impact the Company’s financial position 
and results of operations.  

Income Taxes  

The  provision  for  income  taxes  is  based  on  amounts  reported  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  after  exclusion  of 
nontaxable income such as interest on state and municipal securities. Also, certain items of income and expenses are recognized in 
different time periods for financial statement purposes than for income tax purposes. Thus, provisions for deferred taxes are recorded 
in recognition of such temporary differences.  

Deferred  taxes  are  determined  utilizing  a  liability  method  whereby  deferred  tax  assets  are  recognized  for  deductible  temporary 
differences  and  deferred  tax  liabilities  are  recognized  for  taxable  temporary  differences.  Temporary  differences  are  the  differences 
between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance 
when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.  

The  Company  has  adopted  accounting  guidance  related  to  accounting  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes,  which  sets  out  a  consistent 
framework to determine the appropriate level of tax reserves to maintain for uncertain tax positions.  

Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or 
sustained upon examination. The term “more likely than not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. A tax position that meets 
the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a 
greater  than  50  percent  likelihood  of  being  realized  upon  settlement  with  a  taxing  authority  that  has  full  knowledge  of  all  relevant 
information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the 
facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment. Deferred tax assets are 
reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of 
deferred tax asset will not be realized.  

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.  

Earnings Per Share  

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of 
common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional potential common shares that would 
have  been  outstanding  if  dilutive  potential  common  shares  had  been  issued,  as  well  as  any  adjustment  to  income  that  would  result 
from the assumed issuance.  

Statements of Cash Flows  

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks and federal funds 
sold.  

73 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Advertising Costs  

Advertising  and  marketing  costs  are  recorded  as  expenses  in  the  year  in  which  they  are  incurred.  Advertising  and  marketing  costs 
charged to operations were approximately $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 
and 2012, respectively.  

Comprehensive Income  

Comprehensive  income  includes  net  income  and  other  comprehensive  income  or  loss,  which  in  the  case  of  the  Company  includes 
unrealized gains and losses on securities and changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps, net of related income taxes.  

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.  

Acquired Impaired Loans  

The  Company  accounts  for  acquired  impaired  loans  under  FASB  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  the  Company  will  be  unable  to  collect  all  contractually  required 
payments.  

For  acquired  impaired  loans,  the  Company  (a) calculates  the  contractual  amount  and  timing  of  undiscounted  principal  and  interest 
payments (the “undiscounted contractual cash flows”) and (b) estimates the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal and 
interest payments (the “undiscounted expected cash flows”). Under ASC 310-30, the difference between the undiscounted contractual 
cash  flows  and  the  undiscounted  expected  cash  flows  is  the  nonaccretable  difference.  The  nonaccretable  difference  represents  an 
estimate of the loss exposure of principal and interest related to the acquired impaired loan portfolio, and such amount is subject to 
change over time based on the performance of such loans.  

The excess of expected cash flows at acquisition over the initial fair value of acquired impaired loans is referred to as the “accretable 
yield” and is recorded as interest income over the estimated life of the loans using the effective yield method if the timing and amount 
of  the  future  cash  flows  is  reasonably  estimable.  As  required  by  ASC  310-30,  the  Company  periodically  re-estimates  the  expected 
cash flows  to be  collected  over  the  life of the  acquired  impaired  loans.  Improvements in  expected  cash flows over  those  originally 
estimated increase the accretable yield and are recognized as interest income prospectively. Decreases in the amount and changes in 
the  timing  of  expected  cash  flows  compared  to  those  originally  estimated  decrease  the  accretable  yield  and  usually  result  in  a 
provision  for  loan  losses  and  the  establishment  of  an  allowance  for  loan  losses  with  respect  to  the  acquired  impaired  loan.  The 
carrying value of acquired impaired loans is reduced by payments received, both principal and interest, and increased by the portion of 
the accretable yield recognized as interest income.  

Reclassifications  
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 and 2012 financial statements to be consistent with the 2014 presentation.  

74 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements  

ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive 
Income.”  Issued  in  February  2013,  Accounting  Standards  Update  (“ASU”)  2013-02  requires  the  Company  to  report  the  effect  of 
significant  reclassifications  out  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  on  the  respective  line  items  in  the  Company’s 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its 
entirety to net income. The ASU does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in 
the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company,  but  does  require  the  Company  to  provide  information  about  the  amounts 
reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. The provisions of the ASU are effective prospectively for 
fiscal  periods  beginning  after  December 15,  2013,  with  early  adoption  permitted.  The  adoption  of  this  ASU  is  reflected  in  the 
accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  

ASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a 
Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued 
ASU 2013-11 to provide guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax 
losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist at the reporting date. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. 
Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  

FASB  ASC  Subtopic  310-40  “Receivables –  Troubled  Debt  Restructurings  by  Creditors”  Update  No. 2014-04.  The  FASB  issued 
Update No. 2014-04 in January 2014. The amendments in this update clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, 
and  a  creditor  is  considered  to  have  received  physical  possession  of  residential  real  estate  property  collateralizing  a  consumer 
mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure 
or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through completion of 
a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure 
of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer 
mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements 
of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendments in the update should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and 
interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is 
not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position.  

FASB ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” Update No. 2014-09. The FASB issued Update No. 2014-09 in May 
2014  to  address  the  previous  revenue  recognition  requirements  in  U.S.  GAAP  that  differ  from  those  in  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Accordingly, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) initiated a joint 
project to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and IFRS. The core 
principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in 
an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For public 
entities,  the  standard  is  effective  for  annual  and  interim  periods  beginning  after  December 15,  2016,  and  calendar  year-end  public 
entities will apply it in the quarter that ends March 31, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the 
potential impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.  

75 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

FASB ASC Topic 860 “Transfers and Servicing” Update No. 2014-11. The FASB issued Update No. 2014-11 in June 2014 to respond 
to  stakeholders’  concerns  about  current  accounting  and  disclosures  for  repurchase  agreements  and  similar  transactions.  The 
amendments  in  this  Update  require  two  accounting  changes.  Firstly,  the  amendments  in  this  Update  change  the  accounting  for 
repurchase-to-maturity  transactions  to  secured  borrowing  accounting.  Secondly,  for  repurchase  financing  arrangements,  the 
amendments require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement 
with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The amendments in this 
Update  require  disclosures  for  certain  transactions  comprising  (1) a  transfer  of  a  financial  asset  accounted  for  as  a  sale  and  (2) an 
agreement  with  the  same  transferee  entered  into  in  contemplation  of  the  initial  transfer  that  results  in  the  transferor  retaining 
substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial asset throughout the term of the transaction. For 
those transactions outstanding at the reporting date, the transferor is required to disclose certain information by type of transaction. 
The  amendments  in  this  Update  also  require  certain  disclosures  for  repurchase  agreements,  securities  lending  transactions,  and 
repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. The accounting changes in this Update are effective 
for public business entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. An entity is required to present 
changes in accounting for transactions outstanding on the effective date as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of 
the beginning of the period of adoption. Earlier application for a public business entity is prohibited. For public business entities, the 
disclosure for certain transactions accounted for as a sale is required to be presented for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15,  2014,  and  the  disclosure  for  repurchase  agreements,  securities  lending  transactions,  and  repurchase-to-maturity 
transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, 
and  for  interim  periods  beginning  after  March 15,  2015.  The  disclosures  are  not  required  to  be  presented  for  comparative  periods 
before  the  effective  date.  The  adoption  of  this  standard  is  not  expected  to  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Company’s  consolidated 
financial position.  

FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” Update No. 2014-12. The FASB issued Update No. 2014-12 in June 
2014 to resolve the diverse accounting treatment of stock-based payment awards that require, as a condition to vesting, achievement of 
a  specific  performance  target  after  the  requisite  service  period.  Many  reporting  entities  account  for  these  performance  targets  as 
performance conditions that affect the vesting of the award and, therefore, do not reflect the performance target in the estimate of the 
grant-date fair value of the award, while other reporting entities treat those performance targets as nonvesting conditions that affect the 
grant-date  fair  value  of  the  award.  This  amendment  requires  that  these  performance  targets  that  affect  vesting  and  that  could  be 
achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in 
Topic 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation” as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account 
for  such  awards.  The  amendments  in  this  update  are  effective  for  annual  periods  and  interim  periods  within  those  annual  periods 
beginning  after  December 15,  2015.  Early  adoption  is  permitted.  The  adoption  of  this  standard  is  not  expected  to  have  a  material 
impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position.  

FASB  ASC  Topic  810  “Consolidation”  Update  No. 2014-13.  The  FASB  issued  Update  No. 2014-13  in  August  2014  to  reduce 
diversity  in  the  accounting for  the  measurement  difference  in  both  the  initial  consolidation  and  the  subsequent  measurement  of  the 
financial assets and the financial liabilities of a collateralized financing entity. The amendments clarify that (1) the fair value of the 
financial  assets  and  the  fair  value  of  the  financial  liabilities  of  the  consolidated  collateralized  financing  entity  should  be  measured 
using the requirements of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, and (2) any differences in the fair value of the 
financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities of that consolidated collateralized financing entity should be reflected in 
earnings  and  attributed  to  the  reporting  entity  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income  (loss).  The  amendments  in  this  update  are 
effective  for  the  annual  period  ending  after  December 15,  2015,  and  for  the  annual  periods  and  interim  periods  thereafter.  Early 
adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial 
position.  

FASB ASC Topic 310-40 “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors” Update No. 2014-14. The FASB issued Update 
No. 2014-14 in August 2014 to reduce diversity in practice related to how creditors classify government-guaranteed mortgage loans, 
including FHA or VA guaranteed loans, upon foreclosure. The amendments require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a 
separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (1) the loan has a government guarantee 
that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; (2) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate 
property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim; and (3) at the 
time  of  foreclosure,  any  amount  of  the  claim  that  is  determined  on  the  basis  of  the  fair  value  of  the  real  estate  is  fixed.  The 
amendments in this update are effective for the annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The 
adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position. 

76 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

FASB ASC Topic 205-40 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern” Update No. 2014-15. The FASB issued Update 
No. 2014-15  in  August  2014  to  reduce  diversity  in  the  timing  and  content  of  footnote  disclosures  related  to  an  entity’s  ability  to 
continue  as  a  going  concern.  The  amendments  require  management  to  assess  an  entity’s  ability  to  continue  as  a  going  concern  by 
incorporating  and  expanding  upon  certain  principles  that  are  currently  in  U.S.  auditing  standards.  Specifically,  the  amendments 
(1) provide  a  definition  of  the  term  substantial  doubt,  (2) require  an  evaluation  every  reporting  period  including  interim  periods, 
(3) provide  principles  for  considering  the  mitigating  effect  of  management’s  plans,  (4) require  certain  disclosures  when  substantial 
doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when 
substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are 
issued (or available to be issued). The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, 
and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to 
have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position.  

FASB ASC Topic 815-10 “Derivatives and Hedging” Update No. 2014-16.  The FASB issued Update No. 2014-16 in November 2014 
to eliminate the use of different methods in practice and thereby reduce existing diversity under GAAP in the accounting for hybrid 
financial instruments issued in the form of a share.  The amendments in this update do not change the current criteria in GAAP for 
determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required.  The amendments 
clarify how current GAAP should be interpreted, specifically by stating that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features in 
evaluating the nature of the host contract and that no single term or feature would necessarily determine the economic characteristics 
and risks of the host contract.  The assessment of the substance of the relevant terms and features should incorporate a consideration of 
(1)  the  characteristics  of  the terms  and  features  themselves,  (2)  the  circumstances  under  which  the hybrid  financial  instrument  was 
issued  or  acquired,  and  (3)  the  potential  outcomes  of  the  hybrid  financial  instrument  as  well  as  the  likelihood  of  those  potential 
outcomes.    The  amendments  in  the  update  are  effective  for  the  annual  period  ending  after  December  15,  2015.    Early  adoption  is 
permitted.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position. 

FASB  ASC  Topic  805-50  “Push-Down  Accounting” Update  No. 2014-17.    The  FASB  proposed  Update No.  2014-17  in  November 
2014 to provide an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence 
of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity.  The option to apply pushdown accounting would be evaluated 
and  may  be  elected  by  the  acquired  entity  for  each  individual  change-in-control  event  in  which  an  acquirer  obtains  control  of  the 
acquired  entity.    If  the  acquired  entity  elects  the  option  to  apply  pushdown  accounting,  it  would  reflect  in  its  separate  financial 
statements the new basis of accounting established by the acquirer for the individual assets and liabilities of the acquired entity  by 
applying  Topic  805,  Business  Combinations.    If  the  acquired  entity  does  not  elect  the  option  to  apply  pushdown  accounting  in  its 
separate financial statements, it would disclose in the current reporting period that the entity has (1) undergone a change-in-control 
event  whereby  an  acquirer  has  obtained  control  of  the  entity  during  the  reporting  period  and  (2)  elected  to  continue  to  prepare  its 
financial statements using its historical basis that existed before the acquirer obtained control of the entity.  The amendments in the 
proposed  update  would  apply  prospectively  to  an  event  in  which  an  acquirer  obtains  control  of  the  acquired  entity  for  which  the 
acquisition date is on or after this proposed update’s effective date.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material 
impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position. 

FASB ASC Topic 225-20 “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items” Update No. 2015-01.  The FASB proposed Update 
No.  2015-01  in  January  2015  as  part  of  its  initiative  to  reduce  complexity  in  accounting  standards.    This  update  eliminates  from 
GAAP the concept of extraordinary items.  The amendments in the update are effective for the annual period ending after December 
15, 2015.  Early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
consolidated financial position. 

NOTE 2. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY  

The  Company  takes  advantage  of  opportunities  to  acquire  other  banking  franchises  in  order  to  pursue  its  strategy  of  increasing  its 
market presence both within and outside of the Company’s current geographical footprint. Since 2006, the Company has completed 
two acquisitions that the Company believes have enhanced shareholder value and the Company’s market presence.  

On May 1, 2013, the Bank acquired First Community Bank (“FCB”), which had two locations, one in Hammond, Louisiana, and one 
in  Mandeville,  Louisiana.  In  connection  with  the  acquisition,  the  Company  recorded  approximately  $77.5  million  in  loans,  $86.5 
million in deposits, a $0.5 million core deposit intangible, and other assets and liabilities of $13.9 million, net. The Bank acquired all 
of  the  outstanding  common  stock  of  FCB  in  a  tax-free  exchange  which  resulted  in  a  bargain  purchase  gain  of  approximately  $0.9 
million, recorded in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2013. Included in the noninterest expense during 2013 are 
non-routine FCB acquisition expenses totaling approximately $0.3 million. 

77 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

On October 1, 2011, the Bank acquired South Louisiana Business Bank (“SLBB”), a full service commercial bank headquartered in 
Prairieville, Louisiana. Both the purchased assets and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value as of October 1, 2011. The Bank 
acquired  all  of  the  outstanding  common  stock  of  the  former  SLBB  shareholders  for  a  total  consideration  of  approximately  $14.7 
million  in  the  form  of  1,069,065  shares  of  Bank  common  stock.  Fair  value  of  net  assets  assumed  including  identifiable  intangible 
assets was approximately $12.0 million, and goodwill of approximately $2.7 million was recognized as a result of the acquisition. 

NOTE 3. 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):  

December 31, 2014 

Gross 

Gross 

Amortized 
Cost 

  Unrealized 

      Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair 
Value 

Obligations of other U.S. government agencies and corporations ......   $
Mortgage-backed securities ................................................................    
Obligations of state and political subdivisions ....................................    
Corporate bonds ..................................................................................    
Equity securities ..................................................................................    
Total ....................................................................................................   $

4,351  $
47,903     
11,616     
5,416     
552     
69,838    $

 $ 

31   
365   
181   
23   
-   
600     $ 

(22) $
(22)
(57)
(20)
(18)
(139)   $

4,360 
48,246 
11,740 
5,419 
534 
70,299 

December 31, 2013 

Gross 

Gross 

Amortized 
Cost 

  Unrealized 

      Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair 
Value 

Obligations of other U.S. government agencies and corporations ......   $
Mortgage-backed securities ................................................................    
Obligations of state and political subdivisions ....................................    
Corporate bonds ..................................................................................    
Equity securities ..................................................................................    
Total ....................................................................................................   $

2,227  $
34,478     
14,581     
4,941     
506     
56,733    $

 $ 

26   
204   
14   
13   
-   
257     $ 

(43) $
(220)
(495)
(29)
(30)
(817)   $

2,210 
34,462 
14,100 
4,925 
476 
56,173 

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):  

December 31, 2014 

Gross 

Gross 

Amortized 
Cost 

  Unrealized 

      Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair 
Value 

Obligations of other U.S. government agencies and corporations ......   $
Mortgage-backed securities ................................................................    
Obligations of state and political subdivisions ....................................    
Total ....................................................................................................   $

3,979    $
3,469     
15,071     
22,519    $

 $ 
-   
5       
-   
5     $ 

(165) $
(58)
- 
(223)   $

3,814 
3,416 
15,071 
22,301 

December 31, 2013 

Gross 

Gross 

Amortized 
Cost 

  Unrealized 

      Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair 
Value 

Obligations of other U.S. government agencies and corporations ......   $
Mortgage-backed securities ................................................................    
Total ....................................................................................................   $

3,972    $
2,607     
6,579    $

 $ 

-   
-   
-     $ 

(380) $
(213)
(593)   $

3,592 
2,394 
5,986 

78 

 
  
  
   
  
 
 
     
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
  
      
        
        
        
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
     
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
  
      
        
        
        
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
     
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
  
   
     
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
     
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
  
   
     
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The Company had no securities classified as trading as of December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.  

The  aggregate  fair  values  and  aggregate  unrealized  losses  on  securities  whose  fair  values  are  below  book  values  are  summarized 
below. Due to the nature of the investment and current market prices, these unrealized losses are considered a temporary impairment 
of the securities.  

The  following  table  presents,  by  type  and  number  of  securities,  the  age  of  gross  unrealized  losses  and  fair  value  by  investment 
category for securities available for sale as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands):  

December 31, 2014 

    Less than 12 Months 

12 Months or More 

Total 

   Count 

    Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

     Unrealized        

  Fair Value       Losses 

     Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

Obligations of other U.S. government 
   agencies and corporations ....................................     
Mortgage-backed securities ....................................     
Obligations of state and political 
   subdivisions ..........................................................     
Corporate bonds ......................................................     
Equity securities ......................................................     
Total ........................................................................     

5  $ 1,770  $
10 

1,339 

(10) $
(1)

469    $ 
2,150      

(12 )   $  2,239  $
(21 )      3,489 

813 
1,782 
488 

15 
6 
1 
37  $ 6,192  $

3,021      
(6)
547      
(18)
-      
(18)
(53) $ 6,187    $ 

(51 )      3,834 
(2 )      2,329 
488 

-       

(86 )   $  12,379  $

(22)
(22)

(57)
(20)
(18)
(139)

December 31, 2013 

    Less than 12 Months 

12 Months or More 

Total 

   Count 

  Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

     Unrealized        

  Fair Value       Losses 

     Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

Obligations of other U.S. government 
   agencies and corporations ....................................     
Mortgage-backed securities ....................................     
Obligations of state and political 
   subdivisions ..........................................................     
Corporate bonds ......................................................     
Equity securities ......................................................     
Total ........................................................................     

4  $ 1,337  $
  18,764 

47 

(43) $

(220)

-    $ 
-      

-     $  1,337  $
-        18,764 

49 
7 
1 

  11,818 
2,820 
476 

108  $ 35,215  $

(495)
(28)
(30)
(816) $

-      
298      
-      
298    $ 

-        11,818 
(1 )      3,118 
476 

-       

(1 )   $  35,513  $

(43)
(220)

(495)
(29)
(30)
(817)

The  following  table  presents,  by  type  and  number  of  securities,  the  age  of  gross  unrealized  losses  and  fair  value  by  investment 
category for securities held to maturity as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands):  

December 31, 2014 

    Less than 12 Months 

12 Months or More 

Total 

   Count 

    Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

     Unrealized        

  Fair Value       Losses 

     Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

Obligations of other U.S. government 
   agencies and corporations ....................................     
Mortgage-backed securities ....................................     
Total ........................................................................     

2  $
3 
5  $

-  $
- 
-  $

-  $ 3,814    $ 
- 
2,343      
-  $ 6,157    $ 

(165 )   $  3,814  $
(58 )      2,343 
(223 )   $  6,157  $

(165)
(58)
(223)

December 31, 2013 

    Less than 12 Months 

12 Months or More 

Total 

   Count 

    Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

     Unrealized        

  Fair Value       Losses 

     Fair Value  

  Unrealized  
  Losses 

Obligations of other U.S. government 
   agencies and corporations ....................................     
Mortgage-backed securities ....................................     
Total ........................................................................     

2  $ 3,592  $
3 
5  $ 5,986  $

2,394 

(380) $
(213)
(593) $

-    $ 
-      
-    $ 

-     $  3,592  $
-        2,394 
-     $  5,986  $

(380)
(213)
(593)

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The unrealized losses in the Bank’s investment portfolio, caused by interest rate increases, are not credit issues.  The Bank does not 
intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that the Bank will be required to sell the investments before recovery of 
their amortized cost bases. The Bank does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014 or 
December 31, 2013.  

The Company invested $0.5 million in an equity mutual fund known as the Community Reinvestment Act Qualified Investment Fund 
(ticker  CRAIX)  on  May 11,  2012.  The  mutual  fund  is  composed  of  taxable  municipal  bonds,  money  market  funds,  small  business 
administration  pools,  corporate  bonds,  single  family  agency  mortgage  backed  securities,  and  multifamily  agency  mortgage-backed 
securities. This investment was made in accordance with the Company’s Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, action plan in order 
to receive CRA credit. The fair market value of the investment in the fund was approximately $0.5 million at December 31, 2014 with 
a  loss  of  approximately  $18,000,  and  the  fair  market  value  was  approximately  $0.5  million  at  December  31,  2013  with  a  loss  of 
approximately $30,000.  

Other equity securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 include FHLB and FNBB stock. This stock is considered restricted stock as 
only banks, which are members of the organization, may acquire or redeem shares of such stock. The stock is redeemable at its face 
value; therefore, there are no gross unrealized gains or losses associated with this investment.  

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

December 31, 2014 

Securities Available For Sale 

Securities Held To Maturity 

   Weighted 
   Average T.E.   
Yield 

  Amortized 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

    Weighted 
    Average T.E.   
Yield 

   Amortized 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

Due within one year ..............................      
Due after one year through five years ...      
Due after five years through ten years ...      
Due after ten years .................................      
Total debt securities...............................      
Total equity securities ...........................      

1.21% $
1.66%  
2.48%  
2.33%  

   $

100  $

1,871 
17,324 
49,991 
69,286 
552 
69,838  $

100 
1,868 
17,433 
50,364 
69,765 
534 
70,299 

7.07 %   $ 
7.07 %     
7.07 %     
3.31 %     

620  $

2,815 
4,365 
14,719 
22,519 
- 

 $ 

22,519  $

620 
2,815 
4,365 
14,501 
22,301 
- 
22,301 

December 31, 2013 

Securities Available For Sale 

Securities Held To Maturity 

   Weighted 
   Average T.E.   
Yield 

  Amortized 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

    Weighted 
    Average T.E.   
Yield 

   Amortized 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

Due within one year ..............................      
Due after one year through five years ...      
Due after five years through ten years ...      
Due after ten years .................................      
Total debt securities...............................      
Total equity securities ...........................      

2.05% $
1.38%  
2.69%  
2.39%  

   $

697  $

2,543 
10,809 
42,178 
56,227 
506 
56,733  $

702 
2,550 
10,707 
41,738 
55,697 
476 
56,173 

0.00 %   $ 
0.00 %     
0.00 %     
2.26 %     

 $ 

-  $
- 
- 
6,579 
6,579 
- 
6,579  $

- 
- 
- 
5,986 
5,986 
- 
5,986 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 4. LOANS  

The Company’s loan portfolio is summarized below as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands):  

Mortgage loans on real estate: 

Construction and development .........................................................................................  $
1-4 Family ........................................................................................................................   
Multifamily .......................................................................................................................   
Farmland ...........................................................................................................................   
Nonfarm, nonresidential ...................................................................................................   
Commercial and industrial .....................................................................................................   
Consumer ...............................................................................................................................   
Total loans ..............................................................................................................................  $

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

71,350    $
137,519   
17,458   
2,919   
225,058   
54,187   
114,299   
622,790    $

63,170
104,685
14,286
830
157,363
32,665
131,096
504,095

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

Past Due and Accruing 

December 31, 2014 

30-59 days  

  60-89 days  

  90 or more  
days 

Construction and development .............................   $ 
1-4 Family ............................................................     
Multifamily ..........................................................     
Farmland ..............................................................     
Nonfarm, nonresidential .......................................     
Total mortgage loans on real estate ......................     
Commercial and industrial ...................................     
Consumer .............................................................     
Total loans ............................................................   $ 

106  $
179 
- 
- 
- 
285 
2 
239 
526  $

14  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
14 
- 
47 
61  $

Past Due and Accruing 

December 31, 2013 

30-59 days  

  60-89 days  

  90 or more  
days 

Construction and development ............................  $ 
1-4 Family ...........................................................    
Multifamily .........................................................    
Farmland .............................................................    
Nonfarm, nonresidential ......................................    
Total mortgage loans on real estate .....................    
Commercial and industrial ..................................    
Consumer ............................................................    
Total loans ...........................................................  $ 

62  $
81 
- 
- 
122 
265 
- 
120 
385  $

34  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
34 
- 
27 
61  $

 Nonaccrual  
1,363 
837 
- 
- 
749 
2,949 
178 
213 
3,340 

-  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-  $

   Total Past         
   Due & 
 Total Loans 
  Nonaccrual       Current   
 $  1,483     $  69,867  $ 71,350
  137,519
17,458
2,919
  225,058
  454,304
54,187
  114,299
 $  3,927     $ 618,863  $ 622,790

1,016       136,503 
-        17,458 
2,919 
-       
749       224,309 
3,248       451,056 
180        54,007 
499       113,800 

 Nonaccrual  
891 
141 
- 
- 
187 
1,219 
119 
151 
1,489 

-  $
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-  $

   Total Past         
   Due & 
  Nonaccrual       Current   
 $ 

 Total Loans 
987     $  62,183  $ 63,170 
  104,685 
222       104,463 
14,286 
-        14,286 
830 
830 
-       
  157,363 
309       157,054 
  340,334 
1,518       338,816 
119        32,546 
32,665 
  131,096 
298       130,798 
 $  1,935     $ 502,160  $ 504,095 

The total December 31, 2014 balance in the table above includes approximately $45.0 million of loans acquired from the FCB and 
SLBB  acquisitions  that  were  recorded  at  fair  value  as  of  the  acquisition  dates.  Included  in  the  acquired  loan  balances  as  of 
December 31, 2014 were approximately $0.3 million in loans 30-59 days past due, $14,000 in loans 60-89 days past due, and $1.1 
million in nonaccrual loans.  

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The total December 31, 2013 balance in the table above includes approximately $64.8 million of loans acquired from the FCB and 
SLBB  acquisitions  that  were  recorded  at  fair  value  as  of  the  acquisition  dates.  Included  in  the  acquired  loan  balances  as  of 
December 31, 2013 were approximately $0.2 million in loans 30-59 days past due, $34,000 in loans 60-89 days past due, and $1.2 
million in nonaccrual loans.  

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  the  highest  credit  characteristics  and  financial 
strength. Borrowers possess characteristics that are highly profitable, with low to negligible leverage and demonstrate significant net 
worth and liquidity.  

Special Mention – Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left 
uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the Company’s credit 
position at some future date.  

Substandard – Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor 
or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of 
the  debt.  They  are  characterized  by  the  distinct  possibility  that  the  Company  will  sustain  some  loss  if  the  deficiencies  are  not 
corrected.  

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.  

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio by credit quality indicator as of the dates presented (dollars 
in thousands): 

December 31, 2014 

Pass 

Special 
  Mention 

      Substandard   

Total 

Construction and development ...............................................................  $
1-4 Family ..............................................................................................   
Multifamily ............................................................................................   
Farmland ................................................................................................   
Nonfarm, nonresidential .........................................................................   
Total mortgage loans on real estate ........................................................   
Commercial and industrial .....................................................................   
Consumer ...............................................................................................   
Total loans ..............................................................................................  $

69,361  $
135,898 
16,403 
2,919 
224,192 
448,773 
54,007 
113,832 
616,612  $

340     $ 
-       
-       
-       
-       
340       
-       
208       
548     $ 

1,649  $
1,621 
1,055 
- 
866 
5,191 
180 
259 
5,630  $

71,350 
137,519 
17,458 
2,919 
225,058 
454,304 
54,187 
114,299 
622,790 

82 

 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
       
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2013 

Pass 

Special 
  Mention 

      Substandard   

Total 

Construction and development ..............................................................  $
1-4 Family .............................................................................................   
Multifamily ...........................................................................................   
Farmland ...............................................................................................   
Nonfarm, nonresidential ........................................................................   
Total mortgage loans on real estate .......................................................   
Commercial and industrial ....................................................................   
Consumer ..............................................................................................   
Total loans .............................................................................................  $

61,399  $
103,408 
13,319 
830 
156,448 
335,404 
32,538 
130,717 
498,659  $

362     $ 
259       
-       
-       
370       
991       
5       
228       
1,224     $ 

1,409  $
1,018 
967 
- 
545 
3,939 
122 
151 
4,212  $

63,170 
104,685 
14,286 
830 
157,363 
340,334 
32,665 
131,096 
504,095 

The Company had no loans that were classified as doubtful or loss as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.  

Loan participations and whole loans sold to and serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 
The  unpaid  principal  balances  of  these  loans  were  approximately  $189.6  million  and  $59.8  million  as  of  December 31,  2014  and 
December 31, 2013, respectively.  

In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  the  Company  makes  loans  to  its  executive  officers,  principal  shareholders,  directors  and  to 
companies in which these borrowers are principal owners. Loans outstanding to such borrowers (including companies in which they 
are principal owners) amounted to approximately $22.8 million and $11.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 
respectively. These loans are all current and performing according to the original terms. These loans were made on substantially the 
same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not related 
to the Company or the Bank and did not involve more than normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.  

Changes in the aggregate amount of loans to such related parties is as follows (dollars in thousands):  

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

Balance, beginning of period .................................................................................................  $
Acquired loans .......................................................................................................................   
New loans ...............................................................................................................................   
Repayments ............................................................................................................................   
Balance, end of period ...........................................................................................................  $

11,781     $
-      
15,277      
(4,308 )    
22,750     $

10,969 
159 
3,179 
(2,526)
11,781 

The Company elected to account for certain loans acquired in the FCB acquisition 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  following  table  presents  the  fair  value  of  loans  acquired  with  deteriorated  credit  quality  as  of  the  date  of  the  FCB  acquisition 
(dollars in thousands):  

Contractually required principal and interest .....................................................................................................   $ 
Nonaccretable difference ...................................................................................................................................     
Cash flows expected to be collected ..................................................................................................................     
Accretable yield .................................................................................................................................................     
Fair value of loans at acquisition .......................................................................................................................   $ 

May 1, 2013 

7,470 
(2,102)
5,368 
(468)
4,900 

Total loans acquired in the FCB acquisition included $72.6 million of performing loans not accounted for under ASC 310-30.  

83 

 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
       
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
     
 
  
  
  
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The following table presents changes in the carrying value, net of the acquired impaired loans for the periods presented (dollars in 
thousands):  

Carrying value, net at December 31, 2012 .........................................................................................................   $ 
Loans acquired ...................................................................................................................................................     
Accretion to interest income ..............................................................................................................................     
Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield ......................................................     
Payments received, net .......................................................................................................................................     
Transfers to real estate owned ............................................................................................................................     
Carrying value, net at December 31, 2013 .........................................................................................................   $ 
Loans acquired ...................................................................................................................................................     
Accretion to interest income ..............................................................................................................................     
Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield ......................................................     
Payments received, net .......................................................................................................................................     
Charge-offs ........................................................................................................................................................     
Transfers to real estate owned ............................................................................................................................     
Carrying value, net at December 31, 2014 .........................................................................................................   $ 

Acquired 
Impaired 

- 
4,900 
150 
420 
(619)
(819)
4,032 
- 
161 
316 
(1,044)
(59)
(628)
2,778 

Accretable  yield  on  acquired  impaired  loans  at  December 31,  2012,  2013  and  2014,  respectively,  is  presented  below  (dollars  in 
thousands):  

Balance, year ended December 31, 2012 ...........................................................................................................   $ 
Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield ......................................................     
Accretion ............................................................................................................................................................     
Balance, year ended December 31, 2013 ...........................................................................................................   $ 
Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield ......................................................     
Accretion ............................................................................................................................................................     
Balance, year ended December 31, 2014 ...........................................................................................................   $ 

NOTE 5. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses is as follows as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands):  

Acquired 
Impaired 

- 
420 
(150)
270 
316 
(161)
425 

Balance, beginning of period ............................................................................  $
Provision for loan losses ...................................................................................   
Loans charged-off .............................................................................................   
Recoveries .........................................................................................................   
Balance, end of period ......................................................................................  $

3,380  $ 
1,628 
(459)
81 
4,630  $ 

2,722   $
1,026  
(389 )
21  
3,380   $

1,746 
685 
(181)
472 
2,722 

2014 

December 31, 
2013 

2012 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The following tables outline the changes in the allowance for loan losses by collateral type, the allowances for loans individually and 
collectively evaluated for impairment, and the amount of loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment for the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):  

Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable  

Construction &  

December 31, 2014 
Nonfarm, 

Development  Farmland 1-4 Family Multifamily Nonresidential    

   Consumer  

Total 

   Commercial &      
Industrial 

Allowance for loan losses: 
Beginning balance ...............................  $ 
Charge-offs .........................................    
Recoveries ...........................................    
Provision .............................................    
Ending balance ....................................  $ 
Ending allowance balance for loans 
   individually evaluated for 
   impairment .......................................    
Ending allowance balance for loans 
   collectively evaluated for 
   impairment .......................................  $ 
Ending allowance balance for loans 
   acquired with deteriorated credit 
   quality ..............................................  $ 

Loans receivable: 
Balance of loans individually 
   evaluated for impairment .................  $ 
Balance of loans collectively 
   evaluated for impairment .................    
Total period-end balance .....................  $ 

Balance of loans acquired with 
   deteriorated credit quality ................  $ 

420 $
-  
1  
105  
526 $

4 $
-  
-  
14  
18 $

567  $
(123)  
4   
461   
909  $

101 $
-   
-   
36   
137 $

992   $ 
(3)    
1     
581     
1,571   $ 

397    $
(16 )   
17     
(8 )   
390    $

899  $
(317)  
58   
439   
1,079  $

3,380 
(459)
81 
1,628 
4,630 

-  

-  

-   

-   

-     

-     

70   

70 

526 $

18 $

909  $

137 $

1,571   $ 

390    $

1,009  $

4,560 

- $

- $

-  $

- $

-   $ 

-    $

-  $

- 

1,989 $

- $

1,621  $

1,055 $

866   $ 

180    $

467  $

6,178 

69,361   2,919   135,898   
16,403   
71,350 $ 2,919 $137,519  $ 17,458 $

224,192     
225,058   $ 

54,007      113,832    616,612 
54,187    $114,299  $622,790 

820 $

- $

858  $

1,054 $

-   $ 

-    $

46  $

2,778 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Construction &  

December 31, 2013 
Nonfarm, 

  Commercial &      

Development  Farmland 1-4 Family Multifamily Nonresidential   

Industrial 

   Consumer  

Total 

Allowance for loan losses: 
Beginning balance ..................................   $ 
Charge-offs ............................................     
Recoveries ..............................................     
Provision ................................................     
Ending balance .......................................   $ 

Ending allowance balance for loans 
   individually evaluated for 
   impairment ..........................................   $ 
Ending allowance balance for loans 
   collectively evaluated for 
   impairment ..........................................   $ 
Ending allowance balance for loans 
   acquired with deteriorated credit 
   quality .................................................   $ 

Loans receivable: 
Balance of loans individually 
   evaluated for impairment ....................   $ 
Balance of loans collectively 
   evaluated for impairment ....................     
Total period-end balance ........................   $ 

Balance of loans acquired with 
   deteriorated credit quality ...................   $ 

276 $
-  
-  
144  
420 $

- $
-  
-  
4  
4 $

415 $
-  
-  
152  
567 $

18 $
-   
-   
83   
101 $

977   $ 
-     
-     
15     
992   $ 

332    $
(118 )   
-     
183     
397    $

704  $
(271)  
21   
445   
899  $

2,722 
(389)
21 
1,026 
3,380 

- $

- $

- $

- $

-   $ 

-    $

37  $

37 

420 $

4 $

567 $

101 $

992   $ 

397    $

862  $

3,343 

- $

- $

- $

- $

-   $ 

-    $

-  $

- 

1,409 $

- $

1,018 $

967 $

545   $ 

122    $

151  $

4,212 

61,761  
63,170 $

830   103,667  
13,319   
830 $104,685 $ 14,286 $

156,818     
157,363   $ 

32,543      130,945    499,883 
32,665    $131,096  $504,095 

1,477 $

- $

996 $

967 $

545   $ 

-    $

47  $

4,032 

Construction &     

  Nonfarm, 

  Commercial &     

Development    Farmland   1-4 Family Multifamily   Nonresidential   

Industrial 

  Consumer 

Total 

December 31, 2012 

Allowance for loan losses: 
Beginning balance .................................   $ 
Charge-offs ...........................................     
Recoveries .............................................     
Provision ...............................................     
Ending balance ......................................   $ 

Ending allowance balance for loans 
   individually evaluated for 
   impairment .........................................   $ 
Ending allowance balance for loans 
   collectively evaluated for 
   impairment .........................................   $ 
Ending allowance balance for loans 
   acquired with deteriorated credit 
   quality ................................................   $ 

Loans receivable: 
Balance of loans individually 
   evaluated for impairment ...................   $ 
Balance of loans collectively 
   evaluated for impairment ...................     
Total period-end balance .......................   $ 

385  $
-   
-   
(109)  
276  $

- $
-  
-  
-  
- $

194 $
-  
-  
221  
415 $

5  $
(15)   
-    
28    
18  $

506   $ 
-     
448     
23     
977   $ 

306   $
-    
2    
24    
332   $

350  $
(166)  
22   
498   
704  $

1,746 
(181)
472 
685 
2,722 

-  $

- $

- $

-  $

-   $ 

114   $

5  $

119 

276  $

- $

415 $

18  $

977   $ 

218   $

699  $

2,603 

-  $

- $

- $

-  $

-   $ 

-   $

-  $

- 

-  $

- $

- $

-  $

699   $ 

238   $

53  $

990 

20,271   
20,271  $

64   54,813  
64 $ 54,813 $

1,750    
1,750  $

99,228     
99,927   $ 

15,081     96,556    287,763 
15,319   $ 96,609  $288,753 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

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 include the recorded investment and unpaid principal balances for impaired loans with the associated allowance 
amount,  if  applicable.  The  Company  determined  the  specific  allowance  based  on  the  present  values  of  expected  future  cash  flows, 
discounted  at  the  loan’s  effective  interest  rate,  except  when  the  remaining  source  of  repayment  for  the  loan  is  the  operation  or 
liquidation of the collateral. In those cases, the current fair value of the collateral, less selling cost, was used to determine the specific 
allowance recorded.  

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

Impaired Loans  

Recorded 
Investment 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Related 
Allowance 

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

With no related allowance recorded: 
Construction and development .................   $ 
1-4 Family residential ..............................     
Multifamily ..............................................     
Nonfarm, nonresidential ...........................     
Total mortgage loans on real estate ..........     
Commercial and industrial .......................     
Consumer .................................................     
Total .........................................................     

1,543  $
837 
- 
749 
3,129 
179 
79 
3,387 

1,543  $
837 
- 
749 
3,129 
179 
79 
3,387 

With related allowance recorded: 
Consumer .................................................     
Total .........................................................     

180 
180 

180 
180 

Total loans: 
Construction and development .................     
1-4 Family residential ..............................     
Multifamily ..............................................     
Nonfarm, nonresidential ...........................     
Total mortgage loans on real estate ..........     
Commercial and industrial .......................     
Consumer .................................................     
Total .........................................................   $ 

1,543 
837 
- 
749 
3,129 
179 
260 
3,568  $

1,543 
837 
- 
749 
3,129 
179 
259 
3,567  $

87 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

70 
70 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
70 
70 

 $ 

 $ 

1,530  $
900 
- 
764 
3,194 
312 
97 
3,603 

179 
179 

1,530 
900 
- 
764 
3,194 
312 
276 
3,782  $

41
30
-
24
95
1
10
106

4
4

41
30
-
24
95
1
14
110

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
   
    
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Recorded 
Investment 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Related 
Allowance 

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

With no related allowance recorded: 
Construction and development ...................  $ 
1-4 Family residential ................................    
Multifamily ................................................    
Nonfarm, nonresidential .............................    
Total mortgage loans on real estate ............    
Commercial and industrial .........................    
Consumer ...................................................    
Total ...........................................................    

1,649  $
1,040 
969 
555 
4,213 
140 
21 
4,374 

1,409  $
1,018 
967 
545 
3,939 
122 
18 
4,079 

With related allowance recorded: 
Consumer ...................................................    
Total ...........................................................    

136 
136 

133 
133 

Total loans: 
Construction and development ...................    
1-4 Family residential ................................    
Multifamily ................................................    
Nonfarm, nonresidential .............................    
Total mortgage loans on real estate ............    
Commercial and industrial .........................    
Consumer ...................................................    
Total ...........................................................  $ 

1,649 
1,040 
969 
555 
4,213 
140 
157 
4,510  $

1,409 
1,018 
967 
545 
3,939 
122 
151 
4,212  $

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

37 
37 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
37 
37 

 $ 

 $ 

1,425  $
1,025 
910 
563 
3,923 
133 
76 
4,132 

138 
138 

1,425 
1,025 
910 
563 
3,923 
133 
214 
4,270  $

25
45
671
19
760
-
2
762

5
5

25
45
671
19
760
-
7
767

Recorded 
Investment 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Related 
Allowance 

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

With no related allowance recorded: 
Nonfarm, nonresidential ............................   $ 
Consumer ..................................................     
Total ..........................................................     

With related allowance recorded: 
Commercial and industrial ........................     
Consumer ..................................................     
Total ..........................................................     

Total loans: 
Nonfarm, nonresidential ............................     
Commercial and industrial ........................     
Consumer ..................................................     
Total ..........................................................   $ 

703  $
37 
740     

240 
16 
256     

703     
240 
53 
996    $

699  $
37 
736     

238 
16 
254     

699     
238 
53 
990    $

 $ 

- 
- 
-      

114 
5 
119      

-      

114 
5 
119    $ 

714  $
58 
772     

239 
16 
255     

714     
239 
74 
1,027    $

42
-
42

17
-
17

42
17
-
59

88 

 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
   
    
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
   
    
   
    
        
        
        
        
 
 
   
 
  
  
     
     
      
     
  
     
     
      
     
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
     
     
      
     
    
        
        
        
        
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

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 where the Company grants the borrower new terms that provide for a reduction 
of either interest or principal, the Company measures any impairment on the restructuring as previously noted for impaired loans. 

Loans  classified  as  TDRs,  consisting  of  seven  credits,  totaled  approximately  $0.6  million  at  December 31,  2014  compared  to  $0.8 
million at December 31, 2013. All of the Company’s TDRs were loans acquired from FCB. All seven credits were considered troubled 
debt restructurings due to a modification of term through adjustments to maturity. Six of the seven credits are currently performing in 
accordance  with  their  modified  terms.  The  remaining  TDR  was  in  default  of  its  modified  terms  as  of  the  date  these  financial 
statements were issued. The Company individually evaluates each TDR for allowance purposes, primarily based on collateral value, 
and excludes these loans from the loan population that is evaluated by applying qualitative factors. 

The following table presents the TDR pre- and post-modification outstanding recorded investments by loan categories as of the dates 
presented (dollars in thousands): 

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2013 

Pre- 

Post- 

Modification  Modification     
Outstanding   Outstanding     

Pre- 

Post- 

 Modification  Modification 
 Outstanding   Outstanding  

Troubled debt restructurings 
Construction and development ....................................................  
Nonfarm, nonresidential ..............................................................  
Commercial and industrial ..........................................................  
Consumer ....................................................................................  

 $

  Recorded 

    Number of   Recorded 

  Number of Recorded 
  Contracts   Investment     Investment     Contracts    Investment     Investment  
454 
358 
3 
- 
815

180     
355     
1     
45     
581       

454  $
358   
3   
-   
815  $

180  $
355   
1   
45   
581  $

  Recorded 

2 
1 
1 
0 

4 
1 
1 
1 

  $ 

  $ 

 $

The following is a summary of accruing and nonaccrual TDRs and the related loan losses by portfolio type as of the dates presented 
(dollars in thousands): 

December 31, 2014 
Construction and development ......................................................... $
Nonfarm, nonresidential ...................................................................  
Commercial and industrial ...............................................................  
Consumer .........................................................................................  
Total ................................................................................................. $

December 31, 2013 
Construction and development ......................................................... $
Nonfarm, nonresidential ...................................................................  
Commercial and industrial ...............................................................  
Total ................................................................................................. $

TDRs 

Accruing 

Nonaccrual 

Total 

Related 
Allowance 

180  $
- 
1 
45 
226  $

454  $
358 
3 
815  $

-     $ 
355       
-       
-       
355     $ 

-     $ 
-       
-       
-     $ 

180  $
355 
1 
45 
581  $

454  $
358 
3 
815  $

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The following table includes the average recorded investment and interest income recognized for TDRs for the years ended December 31, 
2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands). The Company did not have TDRs in 2012. 

December 31, 2014 
Construction and development ...............................................................................................  $
Nonfarm, nonresidential .........................................................................................................   
Total real estate loans .............................................................................................................   
Commercial and industrial .....................................................................................................   
Consumer ...............................................................................................................................   
Total .......................................................................................................................................  $

December 31, 2013 
Construction and development ...............................................................................................  $
Nonfarm, nonresidential .........................................................................................................   
Total real estate loans .............................................................................................................   
Commercial and industrial .....................................................................................................   
Total .......................................................................................................................................  $

NOTE 6. REAL ESTATE OWNED  

Real estate owned consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):  

TDRs 

Average Recorded 
Investment 

Interest Income 
Recognized 

187    $
359   
546   
2   
48   
596    $

459    $
360   
819   
4   
823    $

11
19
30
-
4
34

19
14
33
-
33

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

Balance, beginning of period .................................................................................................  $
Transfers from non-acquired loans ......................................................................................   
Transfers from acquired loans .............................................................................................   
Acquired other real estate ....................................................................................................   
Other real estate sold ...........................................................................................................   
Write-downs ........................................................................................................................   
Balance, end of period ......................................................................................................... $

3,515     $
-      
706      
-      
(1,276 )    
(210 )    
2,735     $

2,276 
465 
822 
1,718 
(1,645)
(121)
3,515 

As  of  December 31,  2014  and  December 31,  2013,  real  estate  owned  related  to  the  acquisition  of  FCB  totaled  approximately  $1.3 
million and $1.6 million, respectively. There was no real estate owned related to the acquisition of SLBB at December 31, 2014 or 
December 31, 2013. 

NOTE 7. BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT  

Bank premises and equipment consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):  

Land .......................................................................................................................................  $
Buildings and improvements ..................................................................................................   
Furniture and equipment ........................................................................................................   
Software .................................................................................................................................   
Construction-in-progress ........................................................................................................   

Less:  Accumulated depreciation ...........................................................................................   
Bank premises and equipment, net..................................................................................... $

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

9,035     $
15,808      
5,932      
548      
1,179      
32,502      
(3,964 )    
28,538     $

7,762 
12,591 
4,392 
449 
2,165 
27,359 
(2,679)
24,680 

90 

 
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
     
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
    
 
  
 
  
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Depreciation and amortization charged to noninterest expense was approximately $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.6 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  

NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS  

Goodwill  was  acquired  during  the  year  ended  December 31,  2011  as  a  result  of  the  SLBB  acquisition  on  October 1,  2011.  The 
carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2.7 million.  

For  the  purposes  of  evaluating  goodwill,  the  Company  has  determined  that  it  operates  only  one  reporting  unit.  The  Company 
performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting 
unit was less than the carrying amount at December 31, 2014 or 2013.  

A summary of core deposit intangible assets are as follows (dollars in thousand):  

Balance, beginning of period .................................................................................................  $
Acquisition .............................................................................................................................   
Total core intangible deposit ..................................................................................................   
Less:  Accumulated amortization ...........................................................................................   
Balance, end of period ...........................................................................................................  $

617     $
-      
617      
(85 )    
532     $

158 
459 
617 
(44)
573 

Amortization  expense  on  the  core  deposit  intangible  asset  recorded  in  other  operating  expenses  totaled  approximately  $41,000, 
$31,000  and  $11,000  at  December 31,  2014,  2013  and  2012,  respectively.  Amortization  of  the  core  deposit  intangible  assets  is 
estimated to be approximately $41,000 each year for the next five years.  

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

NOTE 9. INVESTMENT IN TAX CREDIT ENTITY 

During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014,  the  Company  acquired  a  limited  partner  interest  in  a  tax-advantaged  limited  partnership  whose 
purpose was to invest in an approved Federal Historic Rehabilitation tax credit project. This investment is accounted for using the cost 
method of accounting and is included in “Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The limited partnership is 
considered  to be  a variable  interest  entity  (“VIE”).  The  VIE has not been  consolidated  because  the  Company  is  not  considered  the 
primary beneficiary. The Company’s investment in the limited partnership was evaluated for impairment at the end of the reporting 
period,  and,  as  a  result,  the  Company  recorded  impairment  expense  of  $0.7  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014.  At 
December 31, 2014, the Company had $0.9 million invested in this partnership. The investment generated historic tax credits of $1.0 
million, all of which was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company did not make any loans related to this real 
estate project. Based on the structure of this transaction, the Company expects to recover its investment solely through use of the tax 
credits that were generated by the investment.  

NOTE 10. DEPOSITS  

Deposits consisted of the following as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands):  

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits ....................................................................................  $
NOW accounts .......................................................................................................................   
Money market deposit accounts .............................................................................................   
Savings accounts ....................................................................................................................   
Time deposits .........................................................................................................................   
$

70,217     $
116,644      
77,589      
53,332      
310,336      
628,118     $

72,795
77,190
67,006
52,177
263,438
532,606

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

91 

 
 
 
  
  
 
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
     
  
 
The table below summarizes outstanding time deposits as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands): 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

$0 to $99,999 .........................................................................................................................  $
$100,000 to $249,999 .............................................................................................................   
$250,000 and above ...............................................................................................................   
$

263,472     $
13,714      
33,150      
310,336     $

234,192
19,647
9,599
263,438

The  contractual  maturities  of  time  deposits  of  $100,000  or  more  outstanding  are  summarized  as  follows  as  of  the  dates  presented 
(dollars in thousands):  

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

Time remaining until maturity: 

Three months or less............................................................................................................  $
Over three through six months ............................................................................................   
Over six through twelve months ..........................................................................................   
Over one year through three years .......................................................................................   
Over three years ..................................................................................................................   
$

24,193     $
4,788      
7,825      
8,549      
1,509      
46,864     $

The approximate scheduled maturities of time deposits for each of the next five years are (dollars in thousands):  

2015 .....................................................................................................................................................................   $ 
2016 .....................................................................................................................................................................     
2017 .....................................................................................................................................................................     
2018 .....................................................................................................................................................................     
2019 .....................................................................................................................................................................     
$ 

4,430
5,225
6,852
9,737
3,002
29,246

190,945 
92,895 
17,731 
5,255 
3,510 
310,336 

Public  fund  deposits  as  of  December 31,  2014  and  December 31,  2013  totaled  approximately  $6.9  million,  and  $3.7  million, 
respectively.  The  funds  were  secured  by  U.S.  government  securities  with  a  fair  value  of  approximately  $7.1  million  as  of 
December 31, 2014 and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2013.  

As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total deposits outstanding to executive officers, principal shareholders, directors 
and to companies in which they are principal owners amounted to approximately $48.9 million and $39.6 million, respectively.  

NOTE 11. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE  

Securities  sold  under  agreements  for  repurchase  amounted  to  $12.3  million  and  $10.2  million  as  of  December 31,  2014  and 
December 31, 2013, respectively, and mature on a daily basis. These funds were secured by investment securities with fair values of 
approximately $12.7 million and $13.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The interest rate on 
these agreements was 0.20% at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  

92 

 
 
  
  
     
  
 
  
     
  
  
 
  
  
  
     
    
        
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 12. OTHER BORROWED FUNDS  

Maturity  amounts  and  the  weighted  average  rate  of  FHLB  advances  by  year  of  maturity  were  as  follows  as  of  the  dates  presented 
(dollars in thousands):  

Amount 

Weighted Average Rate 

  December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013     December 31, 2014      December 31, 2013

Fixed rate advances maturing: 
2014 ...............................................................................   $
2015 ...............................................................................    
2016(a) ...........................................................................   
2017(b) ...........................................................................   
2018 ...............................................................................    
2020 ...............................................................................    
  $

-    $
104,339     
15,534     
4,712     
850     
350     
125,785    $

2,450     
13,700     
11,209     
2,259     
850     
350     
30,818     

-       
0.16 %   
0.75 %   
0.96 %   
0.93 %   
1.50 %   
0.27 %   

1.40%
0.69%
0.84%
0.97%
0.93%
1.50%
0.84%

(a) Amortizing advances due 2016, requiring monthly principal and interest of $15,284  
(b) Amortizing advances due 2017, requiring monthly principal and interest of $46,937  

As  of  December 31,  2014,  these  advances  are  collateralized  by  approximately  $224.7  million  of  the  Company’s  loan  portfolio  and 
$43.3  million  of  the  Company’s investment  securities  in  accordance with  the  Advance  Security  and  Collateral  Agreement  with  the 
FHLB.  

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had an additional $142.3 million available under its line of credit with the FHLB. In addition, 
the Company has outstanding lines of credit with its correspondent banks available to assist in the management of short-term liquidity. 
At December 31, 2014, the total available lines of credit were approximately $33.6 million, with no outstanding balances as reflected 
on the balance sheet.  

On May 1, 2013, in connection with the acquisition of FCB, the Company assumed 100% of the capital securities of First Community 
Louisiana Statutory Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust, in the amount of approximately $3.6 million that was initially established in 
March  2006  by  First  Community  Holding  Company,  the  parent  bank  holding  company  for  FCB,  for  the  purpose  of  issuing 
subordinated debentures. The capital security pays a cumulative quarterly distribution using a floating rate at three month LIBOR + 
1.77% of the liquidation amounts. Each capital security represents an undivided preferred beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust 
I. Under the terms of the Indenture dated March 27, 2006, the subordinated debentures will mature on June 15, 2036. Under applicable 
regulatory guidelines, these subordinated debentures qualify as Tier 1 capital.  

NOTE 13. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Bank entered into forward starting 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  Bank  is  currently  hedging  its 
exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions is five years. The total notional amount of the derivative 
contracts is $20.0 million.  

For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014,  a  loss  of  $0.2  million  has  been  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  (loss)  income  in  the 
accompanying consolidated statement of other comprehensive income for the change in fair value of the interest rate swap. The swap 
contract  had  a  negative  fair  value  of  $0.3  million  as  of  December 31,  2014  and  has  been  recorded  in  “Accrued  taxes  and  other 
liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
would be reclassified to current earnings if the hedge transaction becomes probable of not occurring. The Bank expects the hedge to 
remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swap contract.  

93 

 
  
  
 
   
  
  
   
  
     
  
     
  
      
  
  
  
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 14. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

Preferred Stock 

The  Company’s  Articles  of  Incorporation  give  the  Company’s  board  of  directors  the  authority  to  issue  up  to  5,000,000  shares  of 
preferred  stock.  As  of  December 31,  2014,  there  are  no  preferred  shares  outstanding.  The  preferred  shares  are  considered  “blank 
check”  preferred  stock.  This  type  of  preferred  stock  allows  the  board  of  directors  to  fix  the  designations,  preferences  and  relative, 
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications and limitations or restrictions of any series of preferred stock without 
further shareholder approval.  

Common Stock 

In July 2014, the Company issued 3,285,300 shares of its common stock as a result of its initial public offering (the “IPO”).  

The following table represents the Company’s common stock activity for the periods indicated: 

Common Stock Issued and Outstanding 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011 .................................................................................................................    
Issuances ............................................................................................................................................................    
Stock warrant activity ........................................................................................................................................    
Restricted stock activity .....................................................................................................................................    
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 .................................................................................................................    
Issuances ............................................................................................................................................................    
Stock warrant activity ........................................................................................................................................    
Restricted stock activity .....................................................................................................................................    
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 .................................................................................................................    
Issuances ............................................................................................................................................................    
Stock warrant activity ........................................................................................................................................    
Restricted stock activity .....................................................................................................................................    
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 .................................................................................................................    

Shares 

2,742,205 
299,641 
156,900 
12,070 
3,210,816 
708,397 
200 
25,701 
3,945,114 
3,296,176 
21,996 
(1,201)
7,262,085 

Warrants 

On  October 1,  2011,  in  connection  with  the  SLBB  acquisition,  the  Bank  issued  130,875  stock  warrants  with  an  exercise  price  of 
$13.33 per share. In connection with the share exchange discussed above in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the 
warrants were exchanged for a like amount of warrants to acquire shares of Company common stock at the same exercise price. These 
warrants,  which  are  currently  exercisable,  expire  on  July  1,  2018.  All  other  warrants  to  acquire  shares  of  Company  common  stock 
expired on or before December 31, 2014.  

94 

 
  
     
 
  
 
  
The following table represents the Company’s activity related to outstanding warrants for the periods indicated: 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Stock Warrants 

$10.00 Per Share 
Issued May 31, 2007, expired May 31, 2012 
Balance, beginning of period ..........................................................................    
Issued ............................................................................................................    
Forfeited .......................................................................................................    
Exercised ......................................................................................................    
Balance, end of period ..................................................................................    

$13.50 Per Share 
Issued September 1, 2007, expired September 30, 2014(1)
Balance, beginning of period ..........................................................................    
Issued ............................................................................................................    
Forfeited .......................................................................................................    
Exercised ......................................................................................................    
Balance, end of period ..................................................................................    

$13.50 Per Share 
Issued March 21, 2009, expired December 31, 2014 
Balance, beginning of period ..........................................................................    
Issued ............................................................................................................    
Forfeited .......................................................................................................    
Exercised ......................................................................................................    
Balance, end of period ..................................................................................    

2014 

December 31, 

2013 

2012 

-     
-     
-     
-     
-     

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

156,900 
- 
(7,008)
(149,892)
- 

49,903     
-     
(34,990)    
(14,913)    
-     

12,720     
-     
(5,637)    
(7,083)    
-     

50,103      
-      
(200 )    
-      
49,903      

12,720      
-      
-      
-      
12,720      

50,103 
- 
- 
- 
50,103 

12,720 
- 
- 
- 
12,720 

$13.33 Per Share 
Issued October 1, 2011, expire July 1, 2018 
Balance, beginning of period ..........................................................................    
Issued ............................................................................................................    
Forfeited .......................................................................................................    
Exercised ......................................................................................................    
Balance, end of period ..................................................................................    

130,875     
-     
-     
-     
130,875     

130,875      
-      
-      
-      
130,875      

130,875 
- 
- 
- 
130,875 

(1) The original expiration date of April 30, 2014 was extended on account of the IPO. 

Stock Options 

The Bank issued 47,186 stock options that had previously vested or vested upon the acquisition of SLBB with an exercise price of 
$13.33 per share, which were exchanged for a like amount of stock options to acquire shares of Company common stock at the same 
exercise price on November 15, 2013. 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

At  the  completion  of  the  IPO  in  July  2014,  the  Company  issued  216,000  stock  options  to  key  personnel  that  vest  at  one-sixth 
increments on the anniversary date of each of the next six years. 

Stock Options 

Shares 

Weighted 
Average 

Price 

Weighted 

Average 

Remaining 
Contractual 

Term (Years) 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011 ..................................................................  
Issued ..................................................................................................................  
Forfeited ..............................................................................................................  
Exercised .............................................................................................................  
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 ..................................................................  
Issued ..................................................................................................................  
Forfeited ..............................................................................................................  
Exercised .............................................................................................................  
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 ..................................................................  
Issued ..................................................................................................................  
Forfeited ..............................................................................................................  
Exercised .............................................................................................................  
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 ..................................................................  
Exercisable at December 31, 2014 ......................................................................  

47,186    $ 
-      
(16,875)     
-      
30,311    $ 
-      
(7,500)     
-      
22,811    $ 
216,000      
-      
-      
238,811    $ 
22,811      

13.33   

-        
13.33        
-        

13.33     

-        
13.33        
-        

13.33     
14.00        
-        
-        

13.94     
13.33     

6.88 

5.88 

4.88 

8.96 
3.88 

At December 31, 2014, the shares underlying total outstanding stock options had no aggregate intrinsic value. The shares underlying 
exercisable stock options had an intrinsic value of approximately $12,000. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

Equity  Incentive  Plan.  The  Company’s  2014  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 and Bank’s employees and non-employee directors. The Plan has reserved 600,000 shares of common 
stock for grant, award or issuance to directors and employees, including shares underlying granted options. The Plan is administered 
by  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Company’s  board  of  directors,  which  determines,  within  the  provision  of  the  Plan,  those 
eligible employees to whom, and the times at which, awards shall be granted. 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.  

Stock Options. The Company uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards. The Black-
Scholes option pricing model incorporates various and highly subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected volatility. 
Stock option expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $62,000. 
There was no stock option expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. At December 31, 2014, there was 
$0.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average 
period of 5.5 years. 

The following assumptions were used for the 216,000 options granted during the year ended December 31, 2014:  

Expected dividends ...........................................................................................................................................     
Expected volatility ............................................................................................................................................     
Risk-free interest rate ........................................................................................................................................     
Expected term (in years) ...................................................................................................................................     
Weighted-average grant date fair value ............................................................................................................   $ 

0.36  %
19.01  %
2.17  %
7.0    
3.44    

Time Vested Restricted Stock Awards. The Company has issued shares of time vested restricted stock with vesting terms ranging from 
one  to  six  years.  The  total  stock-based  compensation  expense  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 granted and is amortized over the vesting period.  

96 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The Company issued a total of 11,824 shares of restricted stock to employees and directors for year ended December 31, 2014. Of the 
restricted stock granted in 2014, 3,335 shares will vest over five years and 8,489 shares will vest over 6 years.  

The Company issued a total of 31,572 shares of restricted stock to employees and directors for year ended December 31, 2013. The 
restricted stock granted in 2013 will vest over five years. These restricted shares were exchanged for a like number of restricted shares 
of the Company common stock in connection with the share exchange on November 15, 2013.  

No  shares  of  restricted  stock  may  be  sold, assigned,  transferred or pledged until  vested.  The  holders  of  the restricted  stock  receive 
dividends  and  have  the  right  to  vote  the  shares.  The  unearned  compensation  related  to  these  awards  is  amortized  to  compensation 
expense over the vesting period.  

As of December 31,  2014, 2013,  and 2012  unearned  stock-based  compensation  associated  with  these awards  totaled  approximately 
$0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The $0.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to time vested 
restricted stock at December 31, 2014 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.8 years. 

The following table represents the unvested restricted stock award activity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 
2013 (dollars in thousands):  

Restricted Stock  

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

Weighted Avg 
Grant Date Fair 
Value 

Shares 

Shares 

Weighted Avg 
Grant Date Fair 
Value 

Balance, beginning of period ......................................................................   
Granted ....................................................................................................   
Forfeited ..................................................................................................   
Earned and issued ....................................................................................   
Balance, end of period ................................................................................   

44,090    $
11,824     
(536)    
(12,489)    
42,889    $

13.99       
13.85       
14.00       
13.97       
13.96       

18,389    $
31,572     
-     
(5,871)    
44,090    $

13.96
14.00
-
13.93
13.99

NOTE 15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  

Employees with 90 days of service and age twenty-one are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan established by the Company. Under 
this  plan,  employees  may  contribute  a  percentage  of  their  salaries  subject  to  certain  limits  based  on  federal  tax  laws.  These 
contributions are immediately vested. Employer matching contributions up to 4% of the employee’s annual salary are 100% vested 
immediately.  

Employer  contributions  to  the  plan  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013  and  2012  were  approximately  $0.4  million,  $0.2 
million and $0.2 million respectively.  

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan for a former FCB employee. A single premium immediate annuity policy was 
purchased  in  which  the  former  employee  is  the  beneficiary.  Under  this  policy,  the  beneficiary  will  receive  monthly  payments  of 
$2,000 through 2020.  

NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES  

The expense for income taxes included in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows (dollars in thousands):  

2014 

December 31, 
2013 

2012 

Current ............................................................................................................   $
Deferred ..........................................................................................................    
$

1,279  $ 
(134)
1,145    $ 

375  $
773 
1,148    $

958 
21 
979 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The provision for federal income taxes differs from that computed by applying the federal statutory rate of 34% in 2014 and 2013 as 
indicated in the following analysis (dollars in thousands):  

Twelve months ended December 31, 

2014 

2013 

Tax based on statutory rate ...................................................................................................  $
Decrease resulting from: 

Effect of tax-exempt income ..............................................................................................   
Purchase accounting ...........................................................................................................   
Acquisition cost ..................................................................................................................   
Historical tax credits ...........................................................................................................   
Other ...................................................................................................................................   
Total income tax expense ......................................................................................................  $
Effective rate .........................................................................................................................   

2,224     $

(118 )    
-      
-      
(1,002 )    
41      
1,145     $
17.5 %   

1,468  

(112) 
(300) 
48  
-  
44  
1,148  
26.1%

The Company records deferred income tax on the tax effect of changes in timing differences.  

For the periods indicated, the net deferred tax asset was comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):  

2014 

December 31, 
2013 

2012 

Deferred tax liabilities: 

Depreciation ..................................................................................................   $
FHLB stock dividend ....................................................................................    
Basis difference in acquired assets and liabilities ..........................................    
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities ............................................    

Gross deferred tax liability ...........................................................................

(1,435)   $ 
(16)    
(296)    
(62)    

(1,809)

Deferred tax assets: 

Provision for loan losses ................................................................................    
Provision for other real estate losses .............................................................    
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities .............................................    
Unamortized start up cost ..............................................................................    
Unamortized organization costs ....................................................................    
Net operating loss carryforward ....................................................................    
Deferred gain on sale of other real estate ......................................................    
Stock options .................................................................................................    
Restricted stock .............................................................................................    
Basis difference in acquired assets and liabilities ..........................................    
Deferred compensation ..................................................................................    
Historical tax credit .......................................................................................  
General business credits ................................................................................    

879     
517     
-     
165     
20     
617     
-     
52     
35     
342     
41     
226     
12     

Gross deferred tax assets ...............................................................................
Net deferred tax asset .................................................................................... $

2,906 
1,097  $ 

(1,303 )   $
(30 )    
(310 )    
-      
(1,643 )    

377      
544      
180      
187      
22      
833      
90      
31      
33      
490      
49      
-      
12      
2,848      
1,205     $

(961)
(7)
(14)
(343)
(1,325)

636 
13 
- 
213 
12 
595 
93 
41 
6 
- 
- 
- 
12 
1,621 
296 

The  Company  acquired  net  operating  loss  (“NOL”)  carryforwards  through  the  tax  free  acquisitions  of  FCB  and  SLBB.  As  of 
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s NOL carryforwards were approximately $1.8 million and $2.5 million, 
respectively, with expiration dates as follows: $0.4 million in 2030; $0.3 million in 2031; and $1.1 million in 2033.  

As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s general business credit was $12,000 which expires in 2028.  

The Company files income tax returns under U.S. federal jurisdiction and the state of Louisiana, although the state of Louisiana does 
not assess an income tax on income resulting from banking operations. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. 
federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011.  

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 17. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  

In  accordance  with  FASB  ASC  Topic  820,  Fair  Value  Measurement  and  Disclosure,  disclosure  of  fair  value  information  about 
financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, is required. 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.  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.  

The fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction (that is, not 
a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. 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  this  guidance,  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 on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability 
to access at the measurement date. Level 1 assets and liabilities generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active 
exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or 
liabilities.  

Level 2—Valuation is based on inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, 
either directly or indirectly. The valuation may be based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that 
are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of 
the asset or liability.  

Level 3—Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair 
value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing 
models,  discounted  cash  flow  methodologies,  or  similar  techniques,  as  well  as  instruments  for  which  determination  of  fair  value 
requires significant management judgment or estimation.  

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:  

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/Purchased  and  Securities  Sold  under  Repurchase  Agreements  –  The  fair  value  is  the  carrying  value.  The 
Company classifies these assets in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Investments  –  Where  quoted  prices  are  available  in  an  active  market,  the  Company  classifies  these  securities  within  level  1  of  the 
valuation hierarchy. Securities are defined as both long and short positions. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds 
and exchange-traded equities.  

99 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

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, include 
Government Sponsored Enterprise obligations, corporate bonds and other securities. Mortgage-backed securities are included in level 
2 if observable inputs are available. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, 
the Company classifies these securities in level 3.  

Loans – 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,  one-to-four  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 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.  

Loans held for sale are measured using quoted market prices when available. If quoted market prices are not available, comparable 
market  values  or  discounted  cash  flow  analyses  may  be  utilized.  The  Company  classifies  these  assets  in  level  3  of  the  fair  value 
hierarchy.  

Real Estate Owned – The fair values are estimated based on recent appraisal values of the property less costs to sell the property, as 
real  estate  owned  is  valued  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value  of  the  property,  less  estimated  costs  to  sell.  Certain  inputs  used  in 
appraisals  are  not  always  observable,  and  therefore  real  estate  owned  may  be  classified  in  level  3  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy. 
When inputs are observable, these assets are classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Accrued  Interest  –  The  carrying  amounts  of  accrued  interest  approximate  fair  value  and  are  classified  in  level  1  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. The carrying amounts of variable-rate deposit accounts (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.  All  interest-bearing 
deposits are classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  

Short-Term Borrowings—The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-
term borrowings maturing within 90 days approximate their fair values. The Company classifies these borrowings in level 2 of the fair 
value hierarchy.  

Long-Term Borrowings – The fair values of long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flows 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 of the fair value hierarchy.  

Commitments – The fair value of commitments to extend credit was not significant.  

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

100 

 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis  

Assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis  are  summarized  below;  there  were  no  liabilities  measured  on  a 
recurring basis at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):  

    Quoted Prices in        
Significant 
    Active Markets for      Significant Other     Unobservable

Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

    Observable Inputs   
(Level 2) 

Inputs 
(Level 3) 

Fair Value 

December 31, 2014 
Assets: 

Mortgage-backed securities ...........................................................   $
Obligations of other U.S. government agencies and corporations ...    
Obligations of state and political subdivisions ..............................    
Corporate bonds ............................................................................    
Equity securities ............................................................................    
Total assets .................................................................................   $

48,246  $
4,360 
11,740 
5,419 
534 
70,299  $

-     $ 
-       
-       
-       
534       
534     $ 

48,246  $
4,360 
11,740 
5,419 
- 

69,765  $

Liabilities: 

Derivative financial instruments ....................................................   $

303  $

-     $ 

303  $

December 31, 2013 
Mortgage-backed securities .............................................................   $
Obligations of other U.S. government agencies and corporations ...    
Obligations of state and political subdivisions .................................    
Corporate bonds ...............................................................................    
Equity securities ...............................................................................    
Total .................................................................................................   $

34,462  $
2,210 
14,100 
4,925 
476 
56,173  $

-     $ 
-       
-       
-       
476       
476     $ 

34,462  $
2,210 
14,100 
4,925 
- 

55,697  $

-
-
-

-
-

-

-
-
-
-
-
-

Fair Value Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis  

Assets  measured  at  fair  value  on  a nonrecurring  basis  are  summarized  below;  there were no  liabilities  measured on  a nonrecurring 
basis at December 31, 2014 or 2013 (dollars in thousands):  

    Quoted Prices in         
    Significant 
   Active Markets for      Significant Other     Unobservable
    Identical Assets 

     Observable Inputs   
(Level 2) 

Inputs 
(Level 3) 

-     $ 
-       
-       
-     $ 

-     $ 
-       
-       
-     $ 

-    $
-     
-     
-    $

-    $
-     
-     
-    $

103,396
3,497
2,735
109,628

5,029
4,175
3,515
12,719

Fair Value 

(Level 1) 

December 31, 2014 
Loans held for sale ...........................................................................   $
Impaired loans ..................................................................................    
Real estate owned.............................................................................    
Total .................................................................................................   $

December 31, 2013 
Loans held for sale ...........................................................................   $
Impaired loans ..................................................................................    
Real estate owned.............................................................................    
Total .................................................................................................   $

103,396    $
3,497     
2,735     
109,628    $

5,029    $
4,175     
3,515     
12,719    $

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

The  estimated  fair  values  of  the  Company’s  financial  instruments  at  December 31,  2014  and  December 31,  2013  were  as  follows 
(dollars in thousands):  

Financial assets: 
Cash and due from banks ......................................................  $
Federal funds sold .................................................................   
Investment securities .............................................................   
Other equity securities ..........................................................   
Loans, net of allowance ........................................................   
Accrued interest receivable ...................................................   

Financial liabilities: 
Deposits, noninterest-bearing ...............................................  $
Deposits, interest-bearing .....................................................   
FHLB short-term advances and repurchase agreements ......   
FHLB long-term advances ...................................................   
Note payable ........................................................................   
Accrued interest payable ......................................................   
Derivative financial instruments ..........................................   

Carrying 
Amount 

  Estimated 
  Fair Value 

Level 1 

Level 2 

    Level 3 

December 31, 2014 

19,012    $
500     
92,818     
5,566     
721,556     
2,435     

19,012    $
500     
92,600     
5,566     
722,675     
2,435     

19,012     $ 
500       
534       
-       
-       
2,435       

-    $
-     
92,066     
5,566     

-
-
-
-
-      722,675
-
-     

70,217    $
557,901     
116,632     
21,446     
3,609     
284     
303     

70,217    $
560,667     
116,632     
21,493     
3,608     
284     
303     

-     $ 
-       
-       
-       
-       
284       
-       

116,632     

70,217  $

-
-      560,667
-
-      21,493
3,608
-     
-
-     
-
303     

Carrying 
Amount 

  Estimated 
  Fair Value 

Level 1 

Level 2 

    Level 3 

December 31, 2013 

Financial assets: 
Cash and due from banks ......................................................  $
Federal funds sold .................................................................   
Investment securities .............................................................   
Other equity securities ..........................................................   
Loans, net of allowance ........................................................   
Accrued interest receivable ...................................................   

27,703    $
500     
62,752     
2,020     
505,744     
1,835     

27,703    $
500     
62,159     
2,020     
510,998     
1,835     

27,703     $ 
500       
476       
-       
-       
1,835       

-    $
-     
61,833     
2,020     

-
-
-
-
-      510,998
-
-     

Financial liabilities: 
Deposits, noninterest-bearing ................................................  $
Deposits, interest-bearing ......................................................   
FHLB short-term advances and repurchase agreements .......   
FHLB long-term advances ....................................................   
Note payable .........................................................................   
Accrued interest payable .......................................................   

72,795    $
459,811     
10,203     
30,818     
3,609     
285     

72,795    $
456,046     
10,203     
30,896     
3,605     
285     

-     $ 
-       
-       
-       
-       
285       

72,795  $

10,203     

-
-      456,046
-
-      30,896
3,605
-     
-
-     

NOTE 18. REGULATORY MATTERS  

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum 
capital  requirements  can  initiate  certain  mandatory  and  possibly  additional  discretionary  actions  by  regulators  that,  if  undertaken, 
could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, the Bank must meet specific capital 
guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory 
accounting  practices.  The  capital  amounts  and  classification  are  also  subject  to  qualitative  judgments  by  the  regulators  about 
components, risk weightings, and other factors.  

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios 
(set  forth  in  the  table  below)  of  total  and  Tier  1  capital  (as  defined  in  the  regulations)  to  risk-weighted  assets  (as  defined)  and  to 
average assets (as defined).  

102 

 
 
  
  
 
 
      
           
        
  
 
 
 
     
    
        
        
        
        
  
    
        
        
        
        
    
        
        
        
        
 
  
  
 
 
      
           
        
  
 
 
 
     
    
        
        
        
        
  
    
        
        
        
        
    
        
        
        
        
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the most recent notifications from the FDIC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the 
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-
based,  Tier 1  leverage  capital  ratios  as  set forth  in  the  table  below.  There  are no  conditions or  events  since  those notifications  that 
management believes have changed the Bank’s category.  

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are presented in 
the tables below (dollars in thousands):  

Actual

Capital Adequacy 

Well Capitalized

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio 

   Amount

Ratio

December 31, 2014 
Tier 1 leverage capital 
Investar Holding Corporation ..................................... $ 103,535
Investar Bank .............................................................. $ 73,870

12.61% $ 32,843
9.00% $ 32,821

4.00 %   
N/A
4.00 %   $  41,026

Tier 1 risk-based capital 
Investar Holding Corporation ..................................... $ 103,535
Investar Bank .............................................................. $ 73,870

13.79% $ 30,029
9.86% $ 29,973

4.00 %   
N/A
4.00 %   $  44,959

N/A
5.00%

N/A
6.00%

Total risk-based capital 
Investar Holding Corporation ..................................... $ 108,165
Investar Bank .............................................................. $ 78,500

December 31, 2013 
Tier 1 leverage capital 
Investar Holding Corporation ..................................... $ 56,056
Investar Bank .............................................................. $ 55,894

14.41% $ 60,058
10.48% $ 59,945

8.00 %   
N/A
8.00 %   $  74,931

N/A
10.00%

9.53% $ 23,524
9.50% $ 23,539

4.00 %   
N/A
4.00 %   $  29,423

Tier 1 risk-based capital 
Investar Holding Corporation ..................................... $ 56,056
Investar Bank .............................................................. $ 55,894

10.85% $ 20,660
10.83% $ 20,653

4.00 %   
N/A
4.00 %   $  30,979

Total risk-based capital 
Investar Holding Corporation ..................................... $ 59,436
Investar Bank .............................................................. $ 59,274

11.51% $ 41,320
11.48% $ 41,306

8.00 %   
N/A
8.00 %   $  51,632

N/A
10.00%

Applicable  Federal  and  State  statutes  and  regulations  impose  restrictions  on  the  amounts  of  dividends  that  may  be  declared  by  the 
Company. In addition to the formal statutes and regulations, regulatory authorities also consider the adequacy of the Company’s total 
capital in relation to its assets, deposits and other such items and, as a result, capital adequacy considerations could further limit the 
availability of dividends from the Company. The ability of the Company to pay dividends on its common stock is restricted by the 
Louisiana Banking Law, the FDIC, and FDIC regulations. Dividends payable by the Bank in 2014 without permission were limited to 
approximately $8.2 million. In the event the Company is in default or has deferred interest payments on subordinated debentures, the 
Company would be restricted from paying dividends.  

In July 2013, the federal banking regulatory agencies issued a final rule which revises the regulatory capital framework for financial 
institutions. The final rule (also known as the Basel III capital rules) covers a number of aspects pertaining to capital requirements. 

These include:  

  Prompt Corrective Action Capital Category Thresholds - The following thresholds have been established for an institution to be 

deemed adequately capitalized:  

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio .............................................................................................................................      
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio ...........................................................................................................................      
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio ...................................................................................................................      
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio ...........................................................................................................................................      

8.0%
6.0%
4.5%
4.0%

103 

N/A
5.00%

N/A
6.00%

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
         
         
  
       
       
  
       
       
  
       
       
       
  
       
       
  
       
       
 
  
  
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

  Establishment of a Capital Conservation Buffer - The Capital Conservation Buffer is phased in through 2019.  
  Changes in risk-weighting of assets.  
  Opt-out Election of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income from Common Equity Tier 1 Capital.  

Financial institutions become subject to the final rule on January 1, 2015, although the rules will not be fully phased in until January 1, 
2019.  

Management  is  currently  evaluating  the  provisions  of  the  final  rule  and  its  expected  impact  on  the  Company  and  the  Bank. 
Management believes that at December 31, 2014, the Company and the Bank would have met all new capital adequacy requirements 
on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were then effective. There can be no assurances that the Basel III capital rules will not 
be revised before the effective date and expiration of the phase-in periods.  

NOTE 19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  

Commitments to Extend Credit 

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.  

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. At December 31, 
2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s commitments to extend credit totaled approximately $91.5 million and $67.1 million, 
respectively.  

Required Reserves 

The Company is required to maintain average reserves at the Federal Reserve Bank. There were approximately $12.9 million and $4.6 
million in reserves required at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  

Bank Premises 

In August 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to construct a 2,240 square foot building located at 525 East New River Road 
in  Gonzales,  Louisiana.  The  Company  was  approved  by  the  FDIC  to  open  a  new  branch  facility.  The  Company  has  submitted 
application and is awaiting approval from the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions. The estimated cost to construct the branch 
facility is approximately $1.3 million. Opening date of this location is estimated to be in June 2015.   

The  Prairieville  location  was  relocated  in  February  2015  from  38567  Highway  42  to  17122  Commerce  Centre  Drive,  Prairieville, 
Louisiana. The new facility is a 2,237 square foot building. The approximated cost for completion was $0.2 million at December 31, 
2014.  

Insurance  

Effective  May  1,  2014,  the Company  is  obligated  for  certain  costs  associated  with  its  insurance program  for  employee  health.  The 
Company is self-insured for a substantial portion of its potential claims. The Company recognizes its obligation associated with these 
costs, up to specified deductible limits in the period in which a claim is incurred, including with respect to both reported claims and 
claims  incurred  but  not  reported.  The  claims  costs  are  estimated  based  on  historical  claims  experience.  The  reserves  for  insurance 
claims are reviewed and updated by management on a quarterly basis. 

104 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 20. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT  

Substantially  all  of  the  Company’s  loans  and  commitments  have  been  granted  to  customers  in  the  Company’s  market  area.  The 
concentrations of credit by type of loan are set forth in Note 4, Loans. The distribution of commitments to extend credit approximates 
the distribution of loans outstanding.  

The  Company  maintains  deposit  accounts  and  federal  funds  sold  with  correspondent  banks  which  may,  periodically,  exceed  the 
federally insured amount.  

NOTE 21. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES  

The Bank has made, and expects in the future to continue to make in the ordinary course of business, loans to directors and executive 
officers of  the  Company,  the  Bank,  and  their  affiliates.  In  management’s  opinion,  these  loans were made  in  the ordinary  course of 
business at normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateral requirements, and do not represent more than normal credit risk. 
See Note 4, Loans, for more information regarding lending transactions between the Company and these related parties. 

During 2014 and 2013, certain executive officers and directors of the Company and the Bank, including companies with which they 
are affiliated, were deposit customers of the Bank. See Note 10, Deposits, regarding total deposits outstanding to these related parties. 

The Company has transactions with related parties for which the Company believes the terms and conditions are comparable to terms 
that would have been available from a third party that was unaffiliated with the Company. The following describes transactions since 
January 1, 2012 in addition to the ordinary banking relationships, described above, in which the Company has participated in which 
one or more of its directors, executive officers or other related persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. 

Thomas C. Besselman, Sr., one of the Company’s directors, is the former owner and previously served as president of The Besselman 
& Little Agency, Inc. Mr. Besselman sold his interest in The Besselman & Little Agency, Inc. in 2012. Gallagher Benefit Services, 
successor  in  interest  to  The  Besselman  &  Little  Agency,  wrote  the  Company’s  employee  benefits  insurance  until  it  became  self-
insured, effective May 1, 2014. The Company paid commissions of approximately $70,000 per year for the years ended December 31, 
2013 and December 31, 2012 for such insurance. Effective May 1, 2014, the Company pays Gallagher Benefit Services an annual fee 
of $60,000 for the administration of its benefit programs. 

Both The Besselman & Little Agency and Gallagher Benefit Services paid a referral fee to the Company for referrals of clients to The 
Besselman  &  Little  Agency  or  Gallagher  Benefit  Services  for  their  insurance  needs.  The  Company  received  referral  fees  of 
approximately $74,000, $60,000 and $53,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, from Gallagher 
Benefit Services.  

Mr. Besselman is also the owner of H.R. Solutions, LLC, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which provides the Company’s payroll 
processing services. The Company paid fees of approximately $44,000, $98,000 and $59,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 
2013 and 2012, respectively, to H.R. Solutions, LLC. 

The Company has engaged in a number of transactions with Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC and Joffrion Construction, Inc., each 
a commercial construction company owned and managed by Gordon H. Joffrion, one of the Company’s directors. In 2011 Joffrion 
Commercial Division, LLC was awarded the bid to renovate a building the Company purchased in Metairie, Louisiana, to serve as the 
Company’s  first  branch  in  the  Greater  New  Orleans  area. The  Company  paid  approximately  $0.9  million  to  Joffrion  Commercial 
Division, LLC in connection with the renovation of this branch which was completed in 2012. Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC 
renovated the Company’s branch located at 2929 Hwy 190, Mandeville, Louisiana. The Company paid approximately $0.1 million for 
this renovation work which was completed in 2012.  

The  Company  selected  Joffrion  Commercial  Division,  LLC’s  bid  to  construct  a  building  in  Lafayette,  Louisiana,  to  serve  as  the 
Company’s first branch in the Lafayette area. The Company paid approximately $1.7 million to Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC 
for construction of this facility, which was completed in 2013.  

Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC was awarded the bid in the amount of $1.0 million for demolition and renovation of the third floor 
of the Clerk of Court building the Company purchased in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to serve as the Company’s Operations Center. The 
Company paid approximately $0.9 million to Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC for the demolition and renovation of this facility, 
which was completed in 2014.  

105 

 
 
 
 
  
  
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

In December 2013, the Company selected Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC’s bid to construct a new Baton Rouge branch located at 
18101 Highland Market Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Company paid approximately $0.9 million for the construction of this 
branch which was completed in 2014. 

Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC was awarded the bid in the amount of $0.9 million for the construction of the new location for the 
Prairieville  branch.  As  of  December  31,  2014,  the  Company  paid  Joffrion  Commercial  Division,  LLC  $0.7  million  related  to  the 
construction of the new branch location, which was completed in February 2015. 

In  August  2014,  the  Company  selected  Joffrion  Commercial  Division,  LLC’s  bid  to  construct  a  building  in  Gonzales,  Louisiana, 
which is expected to be completed in 2015. The Company believes that the terms and conditions of all of its transactions with Joffrion 
Commercial Division, LLC are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party unaffiliated with the Company 
or the Bank. 

NOTE 22. PARENT ONLY BALANCE SHEETS, STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND STATEMENTS OF CASH 
FLOWS  

BALANCE SHEETS 

(dollars in thousands) 
ASSETS 
Cash and due from bank .........................................................................................................  $
Accounts receivable ...............................................................................................................   
Dividend receivable - bank subsidiary ...................................................................................   
Federal income tax receivable ................................................................................................   
Investment in bank subsidiary ................................................................................................   
Investment in trust ..................................................................................................................   
Investment in tax credit entity ................................................................................................   
Deferred stock issuance cost ..................................................................................................   
Deferred tax asset ...................................................................................................................   
Total assets ...................................................................................................................... $

LIABILITIES 
Note payable ..........................................................................................................................  $
Accounts payable ...................................................................................................................   
Accrued interest payable ........................................................................................................   
Due to bank subsidiary ...........................................................................................................   
Dividend payable ...................................................................................................................   
Total liabilities ................................................................................................................  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
Common stock .......................................................................................................................   
Treasury stock ........................................................................................................................   
Surplus ...................................................................................................................................   
Retained earnings ...................................................................................................................   
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ..................................................................   
Total stockholders' equity ..............................................................................................  

December 31, 

2014 

2013 

27,995     $
29      
-      
1,167      
77,442      
109      
162      
-      
238      
107,142     $

3,609     $
94      
4      
-      
51      
3,758      

7,264      
(23 )    
84,213      
11,809      
121      
103,384      

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ...................................................................... $

107,142     $

82 
- 
48 
7 
58,821 
109 
- 
67 
12 
59,146 

3,609 
- 
3 
3 
48 
3,663 

3,943 
- 
45,281 
6,609 
(350)
55,483 

59,146 

106 

 
 
 
  
    
        
 
  
 
    
 
    
        
 
  
    
        
 
    
        
 
  
    
        
 
    
        
 
  
    
        
 
  
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

(dollars in thousands) 
Revenue 
Dividends received from bank subsidiary ..............................................................................  $
Undistributed net income of bank subsidiary .........................................................................   
Partnership income .................................................................................................................   
Interest income from investment in trust ................................................................................   
Total revenue .....................................................................................................................  

Expense 
Interest on note payable .........................................................................................................   
Management fees to bank subsidiary .....................................................................................   
Organizational cost ................................................................................................................   
Impairment of investment in tax credit entity ........................................................................   
Other expense .........................................................................................................................   
Total expense .....................................................................................................................  
Income before income tax benefit ....................................................................................   

Income tax benefit ..................................................................................................................   
Net income ....................................................................................................................... $

For the year ended December 31, 
2013 
2014 

498     $
4,640      
24      
2      
5,164      

76      
245      
6      
690      
135      
1,152      
4,012      

1,385      
5,397     $

248
2,958
-
-
3,206

9
8
40
-
-
57
3,149

19
3,168

107 

 
    
        
  
     
    
        
  
    
        
    
        
  
    
        
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

(dollars in thousands) 
CASH FLOWS FROM  OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Net income .............................................................................................................................  $
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: 
Undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary .............................................................................   
Stock-based compensation .....................................................................................................   
Impairment of investment in tax credit entity ........................................................................   
Net change in: 
Income tax receivable ............................................................................................................   
Other assets ............................................................................................................................   
Deferred tax asset ...................................................................................................................   
Accrued interest payable ........................................................................................................   
Accrued other liabilities .........................................................................................................   
Net cash provided by operating activities ............................................................................   

CASH FLOWS FROM  INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Capital contributed to bank subsidiary ...................................................................................   
Purchase of investment in tax credit entity ............................................................................   
Net cash used in investing activities ....................................................................................   

CASH  FLOWS FROM  FINANCING  ACTIVITIES 
Proceeds from short-term borrowing .....................................................................................   
Repayment of short-term borrowing ......................................................................................   
Increase in deferred stock issuance cost .................................................................................   
Cash dividends paid on common stock ..................................................................................   
Proceeds from sales of common stock ...................................................................................   
Payment to repurchase common stock ...................................................................................   
Stock issuance cost .................................................................................................................   
Proceeds from warrants exercised ..........................................................................................   
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in IPO ..................................................................   
Net cash provided by financing activities ............................................................................   

Net increase in cash ................................................................................................................   
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ....................................................................   
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ..............................................................................  $

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: 
Cash payments for: 
Interest on borrowings ...........................................................................................................  $

For the year ended December 31, 
2014 

2013 

5,397     $

(4,640 )    
-      
690      

(1,160 )    
86      
(226 )    
1      
6      
154      

(13,300 )    
(766 )    
(14,066 )    

5,000      
(5,000 )    
-      
(194 )    
-      
(6 )    
-      
297      
41,728      
41,825      

27,913      
82      
27,995     $

76     $

3,168 

(3,006)
31 
- 

(7)
- 
(12)
3 
3 
180 

(5,177)
- 
(5,177)

61 
(61)
(67)
(169)
5,339 
- 
(24)
- 
- 
5,079 

82 
- 
82 

37 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 23. EARNINGS PER SHARE  

The following is a summary of the information used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except share data):  

2014 

December 31, 
2013 

2012 

Net income available to common stockholders .................................................  $
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 
   used in computation of basic earnings per common share .............................   
Effect of dilutive securities: 

5,397  $ 

3,168  $

2,361 

5,533,514     

3,667,929     

2,998,087 

Restricted stock............................................................................................   
Stock options ...............................................................................................   
Stock warrants .............................................................................................   

41,467     
22,811     
179,510     

32,141     
29,773     
193,532     

11,704 
39,255 
253,615 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 
   plus effect of dilutive securities used in computation 
   of diluted earnings per common share ...........................................................   
Basic earnings per share ....................................................................................  $
Diluted earnings per share .................................................................................  $

5,777,302     
0.98    $ 
0.93    $ 

3,923,375     
0.86    $
0.81    $

3,302,661 
0.79 
0.71 

NOTE 24. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) 

First Quarter 

Second Quarter

Third Quarter  Fourth Quarter  

(dollars in thousands, except per share data) 
Year Ended December 31, 2014 
Total interest income .......................................................$
Total interest expense ......................................................  
Net interest income .........................................................  
Provision for loan losses .................................................  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses .........  
Noninterest income ....................................................  
Noninterest expense ...................................................  
Income before income taxes ............................................  
Income tax expense (benefit) ..........................................  
Net income .....................................................................$
Earnings per common share - basic.................................$
Earnings per common share - diluted ..............................$

(dollars in thousands, except per share data) 
Year Ended December 31, 2013 
Total interest income .......................................................$
Total interest expense ......................................................  
Net interest income .........................................................  
Provision for loan losses .................................................  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses .........  
Noninterest income ....................................................  
Noninterest expense ...................................................  
Income before income taxes ............................................  
Income tax expense .........................................................  
Net income .....................................................................$
Earnings per common share - basic.................................$
Earnings per common share - diluted ..............................$

6,957    $
1,090     
5,867     
245     
5,622     
1,066     
5,385     
1,303     
424     
879    $
0.23    $
0.21    $

7,407    $ 
1,158     
6,249     
448     
5,801     
1,509     
5,729     
1,581     
514     
1,067    $ 
0.27    $ 
0.26    $ 

8,182     $
1,182      
7,000      
505      
6,495      
1,959      
6,313      
2,141      
699      
1,442     $
0.20     $
0.20     $

8,822 
1,245 
7,577 
430 
7,147 
1,325 
6,955 
1,517 
(491)
2,008 
0.28 
0.27 

First Quarter 

Second Quarter

Third Quarter  Fourth Quarter  

5,553    $ 
836     
4,717     
143     
4,574     
2,193     
4,615     
2,152     
455     
1,697    $ 
0.47    $ 
0.44    $ 

6,231     $
932      
5,299      
108      
5,191      
1,023      
5,218      
996      
322      
674     $
0.17     $
0.16     $

6,605 
1,002 
5,603 
686 
4,917 
969 
5,618 
268 
90 
178 
0.05 
0.04 

4,083    $
691     
3,392     
89     
3,303     
1,170     
3,574     
899     
281     
618    $
0.19    $
0.18    $

109 

 
  
  
 
  
   
   
 
  
  
        
 
    
        
        
 
  
 
 
     
        
        
        
 
 
     
        
        
        
 
 
 
INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

NOTE 25. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS  

Management has evaluated all subsequent events and transactions that occurred after December 31, 2014 up through the date that the 
financial statements were available to be issued and determined that there were no events that require disclosure. No events or changes 
in circumstances were identified that would have an adverse impact on the financial statements.  

110 

 
 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures  
None.  

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures  

As  of  the  end  of  the  period  covered  by  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  the  Company  carried  out  an  evaluation  under  the 
supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  its  management,  including  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  (the 
Company’s principal executive and financial officers), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure 
controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for ensuring that 
information  the  Company  is  required  to  disclose  in  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  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission’s rules and forms. 

There were no changes to internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2014 that have materially affected, or 
are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

This Annual  Report  on Form  10-K does  not  include  a  report of  management’s  assessment  regarding  internal  control over financial 
reporting or an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established 
by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for newly public companies.  

Item 9B. Other Information  
None.  

111 

 
 
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance  

PART III  

Directors  of  the  Company,  Stockholder  Recommendations  of  Director  Candidates,  Audit  Committee  Members  and 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 

The  information  appearing  under  the  headings  “Board  of  Directors”  and  “Stock  Ownership”  in  the  Company’s  Definitive  Proxy 
Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2015 Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference. 

Executive Officers 
The information appearing under the heading “Executive Officers” in the 2015 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 

Code of Ethics 

The  Company  has  adopted  a  Code  of  Ethics  for  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Senior  Financial  Officers  that  applies  to  its  chief 
executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer and any other senior financial officers, and the Company has also 
adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of the Company’s directors, officers and employees.  The full text of the Code of Ethics for 
the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Senior  Financial  Officers  and  the  Code  of  Ethics  can  be  found  by  clicking  on  “Corporate 
Governance” under the “Investor Relations” tab on the Company’s website, www.investarbank.com, and then by clicking on “Code of 
Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers” or “Code of Ethics,” as applicable.  The Company intends to 
satisfy  the  disclosure  requirement  under  Item  5.05(c)  of  Form  8-K  regarding  an  amendment  to,  or  waiver  from,  a  provision  of  the 
Company’s Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on its website, 
at the address specified above. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation  

The  information  appearing  under  the  headings  “Board  of  Directors,”  “Executive  Compensation,”  “Compensation  Committee 
Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Tables” in the Company’s 2015 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by 
reference. 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  

Stock Ownership 

The information appearing under the heading “Stock Ownership” in the 2015 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans  

The following table presents certain information regarding our equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2014. 

Plan category 
Equity compensation plans approved by security 
   holders .......................................................................     
Equity compensation plans not approved by security 
   holders(1) ....................................................................     
Total .............................................................................     

Number of securities to be 
issued upon exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Weighted-average exercise 
price of outstanding 
options, warrants and 
rights 

Number of securities 
remaining available for 
future issuance under 
equity compensation plans

-     

238,811    $
238,811    $

-       

13.94       
13.94       

-

306,961
306,961

(1)  The Investar Holding Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”) was adopted 
by  the  Company’s  board  of  directors  on  January  15,  2014,  and  the  plan  was  amended  on  March  13,  2014.  Because  the 
Company was a private corporation at the time of the adoption of the Equity Incentive Plan, shareholder approval of the plan 
was not required, nor was such approval obtained.  A total of 600,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for grant, 
award  or  issuance  in  the  form  of  stock  options  and  restricted  stock  under  the  Equity  Incentive  Plan.  As  of  December  31, 
2014, 306,961 shares remain available for grant, award or issuance. 

112 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Directors Independence 

The information appearing under the heading “Board of Directors” in the 2015 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

The  information  appearing  under  the  heading  “Independent  Registered  Public  Accountants”  in  the  2015  Proxy  Statement  is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

113 

 
 
 
 
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  

(a)  Documents Filed as Part of this Report. 

PART IV  

(1)  The following financial statements are incorporated by reference from Item 8 hereof: 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(2)  All  schedules for which provision  is  made  in  the  applicable  accounting  regulations of  the  SEC  are omitted  because  of  the 
absence  of  conditions  under  which  they  are  required  or  because  the  required  information  is  included  in  the  consolidated 
financial statements and related notes thereto. 

(3)  The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K, and this list includes the Exhibit Index. 

114 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX 

Exhibit 
Number 
2.1 

Description 
  Agreement  and  Plan  of  Exchange  dated  August  1,  2013,  by  and
between  Investar  Holding  Corporation  and  Investar  Bank,  as
amended (the “Agreement and Plan of Exchange”)

Location 
Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

3.1 

  Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation

3.2 

  By-laws of Investar Holding Corporation 

4.1 

  Specimen Common Stock Certificate 

10.1* 

  Investar  Holding  Corporation  2014  Long-Term 
Incentive 
Compensation Plan, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Investar
Holding Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan 

10.2* 

  Form  of  Stock  Option  Grant  Agreement  under  2014  Long-Term 
Incentive Compensation Plan 

10.3* 

  Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Award  Agreement  under  2014  Long-
Term Incentive Compensation Plan 

10.4 

  Form  of  Notice  of  Exchange  and  Assumption  relating  to  options
exchanged in connection with Agreement and Plan of Exchange 

Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1 of the Company filed May 16, 2014 and, as to 
Amendment No.1, Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration 
Statement  on  Form  S-8  of  the  Company  filed 
October  31,  2014,  each  of  which  is  incorporated 
herein by reference 

Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

10.5 

  Form of Notice of Exchange and Assumption relating to restricted
stock  exchanged  in  connection  with  Agreement  and  Plan  of
Exchange 

Exhibit 10.5 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

10.6 

  Form of Notice of Exchange and Assumption relating to warrants
exchanged in connection with Agreement and Plan of Exchange 

21 

  Subsidiaries of the Registrant 

Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement on Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

Exhibit  21 to  the  Registration  Statement  on  Form 
S-1  of  the  Company  filed  May  16,  2014  and 
incorporated herein by reference

31.1 

31.2 

31.3 

32.1 

23 

  Consent of Postlethwaite and Netterville, APAC 

  Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of the
Company  in  accordance  with  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002 

  Rule  13a-14(a)  Certification  of  Co-Principal  Financial  Officer  of
the  Company  in  accordance  with  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 

  Rule  13a-14(a)  Certification  of  Co-Principal  Financial  Officer  of
the  Company  in  accordance  with  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

  Section  1350  Certification  of  Principal  Executive  Officer  of  the
Company  in  accordance  with  Section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002 

Filed herewith

115 

 
  
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
32.2 

32.3 

  Section 1350 Certification of Co-Principal Financial Officer of the
Company  in  accordance  with  Section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002 

Filed herewith

  Section 1350 Certification of Co-Principal Financial Officer of the
Company  in  accordance  with  Section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002 

Filed herewith 

101.INS   XBRL Instance Document 

101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

*  Management  contract  or  compensatory  plan  or  arrangement  required  to  be  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  this  Form  10-K  pursuant  to 

Item 15(b) of Form 10-K. 

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

116 

 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. 

SIGNATURES 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/John J. D’Angelo 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION 

John J. D’Angelo 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on 
behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/John J. D’Angelo 

John J. D’Angelo 
President, Chief Executive  
Officer and Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Rachel P. Cherco 

Rachel P. Cherco 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 
(Co-Principal Financial Officer) 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Christopher L. Hufft 

Christopher L. Hufft 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Accounting Officer 
(Co-Principal Financial Officer  

          and Principal Accounting Officer) 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/James M. Baker 

James M. Baker 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Thomas C. Besselman, Sr. 

Thomas C. Besselman, Sr. 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/James H. Boyce, III 

James H. Boyce, III 
Director 

117 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Robert M. Boyce, Sr. 

Robert M. Boyce, Sr. 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/J.E. Brignac, Jr. 

J.E. Brignac, Jr. 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Robert L. Freeman 

Robert L. Freeman 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/William H. Hidalgo, Sr. 

William H. Hidalgo, Sr. 
Chairman of the Board 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Gordon H. Joffrion, III 

Gordon H. Joffrion, III 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/David J. Lukinovich 

David J. Lukinovich 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Suzanne O. Middleton 

Suzanne O. Middleton 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Andrew C. Nelson, M.D. 

Andrew C. Nelson, M.D. 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Carl R. Schneider, Jr. 

Carl R. Schneider, Jr. 
Director 

Date:  March 31, 2015 

by: 

/s/Frank L. Walker 

Frank L. Walker 
Director 

118 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-199692 and 333-201880) 
of  Investar  Holding  Corporation  and  any  related  prospectus  of  our  report  dated  March  31,  2015  relating  to  our  audit  of  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  of  Investar  Holding  Corporation  included  in  this  Annual  Report  (Form  10-K)  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014. 

Exhibit 23 

/s/ Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

March 31, 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1  

CERTIFICATIONS  
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER  

I, John J. D’Angelo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Investar Holding Corporation, certify that:  

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 of Investar Holding Corporation;  

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with 
respect to the period covered by this report;  

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all 
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in 
this report;  

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer(s)  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and 

procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:  

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under 
our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  is 
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;  

b) 

Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report based on such evaluation; and  

c)  Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred  during  the 
registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has 
materially  affected, or  is  reasonably  likely to  materially  affect,  the  registrant’s  internal control over financial reporting; 
and  

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the 
equivalent functions):  

a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and  

b)  Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other  employees  who  have  a  significant  role  in  the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

Date: March 31, 2015 

/s/ John J. D’Angelo
John J. D’Angelo
President and Chief Executive Officer 

      (Principal Executive Officer) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2  

CERTIFICATIONS  
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER  

I, Rachel P. Cherco, Chief Financial Officer of Investar Holding Corporation, certify that:  

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 of Investar Holding Corporation;  

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with 
respect to the period covered by this report;  

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all 
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in 
this report;  

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer(s)  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and 

procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:  

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under 
our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  is 
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;  

b) 

Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report based on such evaluation; and  

c)  Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred  during  the 
registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has 
materially  affected, or  is  reasonably  likely to  materially  affect,  the  registrant’s  internal control over financial reporting; 
and  

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the 
equivalent functions):  

a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and  

b)  Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other  employees  who  have  a  significant  role  in  the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

Date: March 31, 2015 

/s/ Rachel P. Cherco

  Rachel P. Cherco
  Chief Financial Officer
      (Co-Principal Financial Officer) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.3  

CERTIFICATIONS  
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER  

I, Christopher L. Hufft, Chief Accounting Officer of Investar Holding Corporation, certify that:  

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 of Investar Holding Corporation;  

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with 
respect to the period covered by this report;  

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all 
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in 
this report;  

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer(s)  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and 

procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:  

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under 
our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  is 
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;  

b) 

Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report based on such evaluation; and  

c)  Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred  during  the 
registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has 
materially  affected, or  is  reasonably  likely to  materially  affect,  the  registrant’s  internal control over financial reporting; 
and  

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the 
equivalent functions):  

a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and  

b)  Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other  employees  who  have  a  significant  role  in  the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

Date: March 31, 2015 

/s/ Christopher L. Hufft

  Christopher L. Hufft
  Chief Accounting Officer

(Co-Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting 
Officer) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1  

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350  
(AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)  

In  connection  with  the  Annual  Report  of  Investar  Holding  Corporation  (the  “Company”)  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December  31, 2014  as filed with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission on  the  date hereof (the  “Report”),  I,  John  J. D’Angleo, 
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify to my knowledge and in my capacity as an officer of the Company, 
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:  

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and  

(2)  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and  results  of 

operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.  

/s/ John J. D’Angelo 
John J. D’Angelo 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

Date: March 31, 2015  

A  signed original  of  this written  statement  required by  Section 906  has been  provided  to  the  Company  and  will  be  retained by  the 
Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. The information furnished herein shall 
not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by 
reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933. 

 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.2  

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350  
(AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)  

In  connection  with  the  Annual  Report  of  Investar  Holding  Corporation  (the  “Company”)  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December 31, 2014 (the “Report”), I, Rachel P. Cherco, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify to my knowledge and in my 
capacity as an officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002, that:  

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and  

(2)  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and  results  of 

operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.  

/s/ Rachel P. Cherco 
Rachel P. Cherco 
Chief Financial Officer 
(Co-Principal Financial Officer) 

Date: March 31, 2015  

A  signed original  of  this written  statement  required by  Section 906  has been  provided  to  the  Company  and  will  be  retained by  the 
Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. The information furnished herein shall 
not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by 
reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933. 

 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.3  

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350  
(AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)  

In  connection  with  the  Annual  Report  of  Investar  Holding  Corporation  (the  “Company”)  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December 31, 2014 (the “Report”), I, Christopher L. Hufft, Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, certify to my knowledge and in 
my capacity as an officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
of 2002, that:  

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and  

(2)  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and  results  of 

operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.  

/s/ Christopher L. Hufft 
Christopher L. Hufft 
Chief Accounting Officer 
(Co-Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) 

Date: March 31, 2015  

A  signed original  of  this written  statement  required by  Section 906  has been  provided  to  the  Company  and  will  be  retained by  the 
Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. The information furnished herein shall 
not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by 
reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933. 

 
 
 
Investar Holding Corporation
7244 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
(225) 227-2222
www.investarbank.com