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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2014

Registration No. 333-

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Investar Holding Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Louisiana   6022   27-1560715

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

7244 Perkins Road

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

(225) 227-2222

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

John J. D’Angelo

Investar Holding Corporation

7244 Perkins Road

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

(225) 227-2222

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copy to:

 

Mark A. Fullmer, Esq.   Christina M. Gattuso, Esq.
Mark W. Jeanfreau, Esq.   Joseph J. Bradley, Esq.
Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P.   Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
365 Canal Street, Suite 2000   607 14 th Street, N.W., Suite 900
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130   Washington, D.C. 20005
(504) 566-1311   (202) 508-5800

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.   ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

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.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered (1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share (2)

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price (1)(2)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Common stock, par value $1.00 per share

    $   $45,000,000   $5,796

 

 

(1)   Includes shares of common stock that the underwriters have the option to purchase pursuant to their purchase option.
(2)   Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933 based upon an estimate of the maximum aggregate offering price of the securities registered hereunder.

  

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED , 2014

shares

 

LOGO

Common Stock

 

 

This prospectus relates to the initial public offering and sale of shares of Investar Holding Corporation common stock.

Prior to this offering, there has been no established public trading market for our common stock. We currently estimate that the public offering price of our common stock will be between $ and $ per share. We have applied to have our common stock listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ISTR.”

Investing in our common stock involves risks. See Risk Factors , beginning on page 14 of this prospectus, for a discussion of certain risks that you should consider before making an investment decision to purchase our common stock.

We are an “emerging growth company” under the federal securities laws and will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See About this Prospectus—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company .

 

     Per Share      Total  

Initial public offering price of our common stock

   $       $   

Underwriting discounts (1)

   $       $   

Proceeds to us, before expenses

   $       $   

 

(1) The offering of our common stock will be conducted on a firm commitment basis. See Underwriting for additional information regarding our agreement with the underwriters in connection with this offering.

We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional shares of our common stock at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount within 30 days from the date of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The shares of our common stock in this offering are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire amount you invest.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of our common stock against payment on or about , 2014, subject to customary closing conditions.

 

 

 

Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P.   Sterne Agee

 

 

The date of this prospectus is , 2014.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Prospectus Summary

     3   

The Offering

     8   

Selected Financial Information

     10   

Risk Factors

     14   

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     32   

Use of Proceeds

     33   

Dividend Policy

     34   

Capitalization

     35   

Dilution

     37   

Price Range of Our Common Stock

     38   

Business

     38   

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

     54   

Supervision and Regulation

     87   

Management

     98   

Executive Compensation

     106   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     110   

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

     112   

Description of Capital Stock

     114   

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

     119   

Underwriting

     120   

Legal Matters

     124   

Experts

     124   

Where You Can Find More Information

     125   

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-1   

 

Annex A    Historical Financial Information of First Community Bank and Related Pro Forma Financial Information
A-1    Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of First Community Holding Company and Subsidiary (First Community Bank) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, including the report of Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP on such audited financial statements
A-2    Selected unaudited financial information of First Community Bank as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
A-3    Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information for the year ended December 31, 2013


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About this Prospectus

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on our behalf or to which we have referred you. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any different or additional information that others may give you. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.

This prospectus is not an offer to sell, nor is it seeking an offer to buy, shares of our common stock in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of the delivery of this prospectus or any sale of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects may have changed since that date. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

In this prospectus, unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “our,” “us” and “the Company” refer to Investar Holding Corporation, a Louisiana corporation, and our consolidated subsidiary, Investar Bank, a Louisiana state-chartered bank, and references to “the Bank” refer to Investar Bank.

Market Data

We obtained the statistical and other market data used in this prospectus from independent industry sources and publications as well as from research reports prepared by third parties. Industry publications and surveys and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Although we believe that this information is reliable, we have not independently verified such information. Our internal data, estimates and forecasts are based on information obtained from trade and business organizations and other contacts in the markets in which we operate and our management’s understanding of industry conditions. All estimates, forecasts and assumptions are necessarily subject to a high degree of risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in this prospectus.

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

As a company with less than $1.0 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements and is relieved of certain other significant regulatory requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. As an emerging growth company,

 

    we may present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and we may provide less than five years of selected financial data in our initial public offering registration statement;

 

    we are exempt from the requirement to obtain an attestation report from our auditors on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

 

    we may choose to not adopt new or revised accounting standards until they would apply to private companies;

 

    we may elect to not comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and our audited financial statements;

 

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    we are permitted to provide reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements, which means we do not have to include, among other things, a compensation discussion and analysis; and

 

    we are not required to give our shareholders non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements.

We will continue to be an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of the following: (1) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of this offering; (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 have elected in this prospectus to present two years of audited balance sheets and related discussion in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, while we have included three years of audited statements of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity and related discussion as well as five years of selected financial information. We have taken advantage of the reduced disclosure relating only to executive compensation arrangements. We do not intend to take advantage of any other scaled disclosure or relief during the time that we qualify as an emerging growth company, although the JOBS Act would permit us to do so.

We have elected not to take advantage of the exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of an emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, we have decided not to opt in to the extended transition period for the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, which means that the consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, as well as any financial statements that we file in the future, will be subject to all new or revised accounting standards generally applicable to public companies. Our election not to take advantage of the extended transition period is irrevocable.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained in this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that you need to consider in making your investment decision. To understand this offering fully, you should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the section titled “Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements. Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “us,” and “the Company” refer to Investar Holding Corporation, a Louisiana corporation, and our consolidated subsidiary, Investar Bank, a Louisiana-chartered bank, and references to “the Bank” refer to Investar Bank.

Overview

We are a bank holding company headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offering a wide range of commercial banking products tailored to meet the needs of individuals and small to medium-sized businesses through Investar Bank, our Louisiana-chartered commercial bank subsidiary. 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 nine additional full-service branches located throughout our market area. We have experienced significant growth since the Bank was chartered as a de novo commercial bank by John J. D’Angelo, our President and Chief Executive Officer, in 2006 and believe we will have continuing opportunities to grow, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. With an experienced management team that has successfully executed two acquisitions since 2011, excellent credit quality, high levels of capital, and an infrastructure capable of accommodating our growing franchise, we believe that we are positioned to take advantage of market opportunities in the future.

As of March 31, 2014, we had consolidated total assets of approximately $673.9 million, total loans (excluding loans held for sale) of $528.2 million, total deposits of $564.2 million and total stockholders’ equity of $56.5 million. The largest component of our loan portfolio at March 31, 2014 was our commercial real estate loans, which totaled $185.4 million, or 35.1% of our total loans, followed by consumer loans and one-to-four family mortgage loans, which were 25.0% and 21.6% of total loans, respectively, at March 31, 2014. Construction and development loans and commercial and industrial loans, which totaled 11.9% and 6.4%, respectively, of our total loans at March 31, 2014, constituted the remaining significant components of our loan portfolio. We generate a substantial portion of our revenue from our lending activities, in the form of both interest income and loan-related fees. Loan interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, was $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $22.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, comprising substantially all of our interest income for both periods. Fee income charged in connection with our mortgage loans held for sale, the largest component of our non-interest income, was $0.5 million, or 49.3% of our total non-interest income, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and $2.8 million, or 53.1% of our total non-interest income, for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Our History and Growth

Led by Mr. D’Angelo and a team of experienced bankers, we first achieved profitability in 2008 and have accomplished significant milestones including:

 

    June, 2006—Chartered with an initial capitalization of $10.1 million from local investors.

 

    October, 2011—Expanded our presence in the Baton Rouge market with the acquisition of South Louisiana Business Bank, which contributed approximately $50.9 million in assets, $38.6 million in deposits, $12.0 million in capital and one branch located in Prairieville, a suburb of Baton Rouge.

 

    December, 2012—Entered the New Orleans market through de novo branching by purchasing two closed branch locations of another bank in suburban New Orleans.

 

 

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    May, 2013—Entered the Hammond market with our acquisition of First Community Bank, which contributed approximately $99.2 million in assets, $86.5 million in deposits, $4.5 million in capital and two branches, one located in Hammond and the other in Mandeville, a suburb of New Orleans.

 

    July, 2013—Entered the Lafayette, Louisiana market by opening a de novo branch.

Over the past five full years, our assets have grown at a compound annual growth rate, which we refer to as CAGR, of 34.8%, while our loans and deposits have grown over the same period at CAGRs of 33.2% and 35.2%, respectively. Over the same five-year period, our net income before taxes has grown at a CAGR of 112.3% to $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, while our net interest income and our noninterest income have grown at CAGRs of 42.3% and 78.4%, respectively.

Our Current Operations

Our current operations primarily consist of making loans and accepting deposits in our market areas, and our income is derived chiefly from interest and fees charged on loans and from fees for the deposit services that we offer. We generate a small amount of interest income from returns on our investment securities, although at this time we view investment securities chiefly as a source of liquidity to fund our loan growth, with investment return being a secondary consideration. We do not currently offer trust or insurance products or wealth management services.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that we are well-positioned to create value for our shareholders, particularly as a result of our attractive markets and the following competitive strengths:

 

    Management and Technology Infrastructure in Place for Growth . Our management team has a long and successful history of managing banks, with an average of 27 years of banking experience across 14 senior executives. Our senior managers have a demonstrated track record of managing growth profitably, establishing profitable de novo branches, successfully executing acquisitions, maintaining a strong credit culture and implementing a relationship-based and community service-focused approach to banking.

To more effectively manage our anticipated growth, our executive functions are organized in a manner typically found in much larger financial institutions. We have centralized our credit review, product development and other policymaking functions and appointed a regional president for each of our markets.

In addition, we have embraced the latest technological developments in the banking industry, which we believe allows us to better leverage our employees by enabling them to focus on developing customer relationships, expands the suite of products that we can offer to customers and allows us to compete more efficiently and effectively as we grow.

 

    Proven Ability in Acquisition Execution and Integration . Since 2011, we have successfully completed the SLBB and FCB mergers, both of which we consider to have been highly strategic and value-enhancing for our franchise. We believe these acquisitions demonstrate our disciplined approach to acquisitions and our successful evaluation of the financial metrics, as well as the cultural, operational and other factors associated with the acquisitions. Moreover, we efficiently integrated the acquired operations of both SLBB and FCB, allowing us to quickly expand our presence in the new markets. We believe this experience makes us an attractive buyer and should position us to take advantage of acquisition opportunities in the future.

 

   

Strong Credit Quality and Capital Base . Through disciplined underwriting procedures and management of our concentrations and credits, we have maintained our asset quality despite the

 

 

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economic downturn beginning in 2008, even as we have grown our franchise significantly. We proactively and decisively deal with problem credits as they are identified. At March 31, 2014, delinquent legacy loans (i.e., those not acquired in an acquisition) were 0.08% of total loans, while our annualized net charge-offs were 0.02% of total average loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 and our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans was 206%. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans averaged 0.05% and 0.21% for the three and five years ended December 31, 2013, respectively.

We have also maintained strong capital levels throughout our operating history. We have supplemented the capital generated by our operations through five exempt offerings subsequent to our initial capitalization, raising a total of $17.3 million from investors predominantly located within our markets. At March 31, 2014, we had a 7.94% tangible common equity ratio, an 8.80% tier 1 leverage capital ratio, a 10.20% tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a 10.84% total risk-based capital ratio.

Our Growth Strategy

Our goal is to become the bank of choice in each of the markets that we serve, while seeking to provide an attractive return to our shareholders. We have implemented the following operational strategies to achieve this goal:

Focus on relationship banking . We believe that customer satisfaction is a key to generating sustainable growth and profitability. While continually striving to ensure that our products and services meet our customers’ demands, we also encourage our officers and employees to focus on providing personal service and attentiveness to our customers in a proactive manner.

Relationship banking also underpins our referral-based strategy, since we believe that a customer who knows and trusts his or her representative at the Bank is more likely to refer his or her friends, family and business partners to us. Our loan officers have been actively involved in a direct lending capacity in their particular markets for many years, which tends to make such referrals more likely. Our directors and shareholders also have provided a good source of introductions and referrals, and we anticipate such introductions and referrals will continue to occur.

Growth through acquisition and de novo branching . We plan to grow our operations primarily in our existing markets both organically and by acquisition, with a focus on expansion opportunities in our southern Louisiana markets. Although we will consider expansion into other markets if presented with an attractive acquisition opportunity, as a general matter we intend to focus on expansion opportunities in our southern Louisiana markets. We have a relatively small market share (based on deposits) in our markets, which we believe provides an opportunity through a strategic acquisition or a successful de novo branch expansion.

Our strategic plan calls for us to open three new branches over the next two years. We currently expect to open a new branch in Baton Rouge in the third quarter of 2014. In addition to increasing our physical footprint, we intend to continue to recruit experienced and talented management and lending personnel to join our team. For example, we recently recruited two top producers of auto loans from other banks with a large presence in the New Orleans market. We also consider strategic acquisitions to be an important component of our growth strategy (although we have no present agreement or plan concerning any specific acquisition transaction). Our acquisition focus will be primarily on financial institutions with less than $500 million in assets, as we believe acquisitions of financial institutions of this size pose fewer regulatory obstacles and other execution risks than acquisitions of larger institutions.

Expansion of our product line and income streams . Where we perceive market opportunities to increase our income, we will introduce new products and services to complement the products and services we currently

 

 

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offer our customers. For example, we have been approved to sell mortgage loans to Freddie Mac while retaining servicing rights (and expect to apply to Fannie Mae to do the same). We expect to be able to quickly leverage our existing mortgage origination activities to generate additional servicing fee income and be more competitive in our pricing of mortgage loans.

In the consumer lending area, we have undertaken two initiatives to expand our consumer loan portfolio, which will continue to be one of our core products. First, we are in the process of establishing the infrastructure to make indirect auto loans to markets on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Also, we have recently organized a new division of the Bank that engages in “finance company” type lending, offering auto loans and small consumers loans directly to individual customers. Our plan is to form a new subsidiary of the Bank and conduct these activities through this subsidiary. Our finance company activities will focus on making auto loans to consumers with FICO scores slightly below the minimum FICO score that the Bank otherwise requires in its auto lending, although we will not make loans generally considered to be “sub-prime.”

Our Markets

Our primary market areas are in Southern Louisiana and in particular the Baton Rouge metropolitan statistical area, the New Orleans-Metairie MSA, and the MSAs of Lafayette and Hammond. At March 31, 2014, approximately 73.82% of our loans (by dollar value) were made to borrowers in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans MSAs, while approximately 98.4% of our secured loans are secured by collateral located in Louisiana.

Using deposit share (as of June 30, 2013) as a measure, our primary markets are dominated by a few large financial institutions. Four financial institutions collectively maintain a 76.71% and 69.86% market share in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans MSAs, respectively, while in Lafayette two large institutions have an approximately 36.1% market share. One institution has a 39.42% market share in Hammond. We maintain a 1.81% market share in the Baton Rouge MSA, placing us fifth overall, while our market share in the New Orleans MSA was 0.19%, although we had been operating in New Orleans for less than a year when this measurement was taken. We have a 3.19% deposit share in Hammond. We entered the Lafayette market after the date of the deposit share measurements, but our deposits in the Lafayette market totaled $43.6 million at March 31, 2014.

The following information provides a brief overview of each of our markets.

Baton Rouge . Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and its second largest market by deposits. As the farthest inland deep-water port on the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge serves as a major center of commercial and industrial activity, especially for the chemical and gas industries. However, Baton Rouge’s economy has diversified, and it is now a center for research and development, renewable energy sources, transportation, construction and distribution. IBM announced in March, 2013 plans to locate a service center in downtown Baton Rouge providing software development and software maintenance, with 800 new direct jobs (and an estimated 500+ new indirect jobs). In its July/August, 2013 issue, Business Facilities magazine ranked Baton Rouge the No. 1 metro area in the United States for Economic Growth Potential.

New Orleans and Hammond . New Orleans is Louisiana’s largest city, both by population and by deposits. It serves as a major economic hub of the Gulf Coast region. The hospitality and tourism industries, each a significant driver of the New Orleans economy, have returned to pre-Hurricane Katrina levels. In 2012, nine million visitors spent a record $6.0 billion in New Orleans.

New Orleans is also a major port city. The Port of New Orleans is the fifth largest port in the United States by cargo tonnage and is fueled by the economic activity of the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast region. The Port of New Orleans also is becoming a major port for the cruise industry. Cruise Lines International Association

 

 

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ranks it as the sixth largest U.S. cruise port, up from ninth in 2011. In 2013, a record number of cruise passengers set sail from the Port of New Orleans, with nearly one million embarkations and disembarkations. A study commissioned by the Port of New Orleans found that in 2012 cruise passengers and ship crews spent approximately $78.4 million in New Orleans.

Finally, the New Orleans economy has recently become more diversified, with growing motion picture, medical and technology sectors supported by a burgeoning entrepreneurship climate. In April, 2013, Bloomberg Rankings ranked the New Orleans metropolitan area No. 2 in its list of Top 12 American Boomtowns, and Forbes ranked New Orleans sixth in its October, 2013 listing of cities creating the most middle class jobs.

Hammond, which is roughly an hour’s drive from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is the commercial hub of Tangipahoa Parish and the home of Southeastern Louisiana University. Located at the intersection of Interstates 12 and 55, Hammond has evolved from a primarily agricultural area to a major distribution hub. Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Winn Dixie, among others, have distribution centers in Hammond.

Lafayette . Lafayette is Louisiana’s third largest city and deposit market. The area has historically been driven primarily by the oil and gas industry, but healthcare now provides the most private sector jobs. Regional and parish economic growth is in expansion mode. For example, in December, 2013, Bell Helicopter announced its intention to locate a helicopter assembly plant in Lafayette. Construction on the plant will begin in the first half of 2014. The area healthcare industry continues its growth with the recent completion of Our Lady of Lourdes Complex and the renovation of Lafayette General Medical Center. Office and retail space continues to enjoy low vacancies as does the residential rental market.

Although we believe our markets present attractive opportunities to continue our growth, the median household income in each of our markets is below the national average, which could impact the demand for our products and services. In addition, southern Louisiana, including each of our markets, is susceptible to major hurricanes and other adverse weather events, which can result in widespread property damage and a severe impact on local economies. More information about our markets can be found in the Business section under — Our Markets .

Corporate Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 7244 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, and our telephone number at that address is (225) 227-2222. Our website address is www.investarbank.com. The information contained on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.

 

 

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THE OFFERING

The following summary of the offering contains basic information about the offering and our common stock and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain all the information that may be important to you, and you are encouraged to carefully review in its entirety the remainder of this prospectus.

 

Common stock offered by us

  

•    shares of common stock

  

•    shares if the underwriters’ option is exercised in full

Common stock outstanding after this offering

  

•    shares of common stock (1)

  

•    shares if the underwriters’ option is exercised in full (1)

Use of proceeds

   We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise their purchase option in full), assuming an initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering (substantially all of which we intend to contribute to the capital of the Bank) primarily to support growth in loans and deposits, bolster our capital to permit future strategic acquisitions and for other general working capital and corporate purposes. We have no present agreement or plan concerning any specific acquisition or similar transaction. See Use of Proceeds.

Dividend Policy

   Subsequent to the share exchange in November, 2013 that resulted in Investar Bank becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (referred to in this prospectus as the “Share Exchange”), the Company paid a dividend in the amount of $0.0121 per share of common stock to its shareholders. This dividend, which was paid on January 31, 2014, was the first dividend the Company paid to its shareholders. Prior to the Share Exchange, Investar Bank paid dividends to its shareholders from time to time, with the first dividend being paid in early 2011. Subject to prior approval from our board of directors, we intend to continue the payment of a cash dividend on a quarterly basis to holders of our common stock. Our board of directors will make any determination whether or not to pay dividends based upon our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, regulatory and contractual restrictions (including with respect to our trust preferred securities, which are senior to our shares of common stock and have a preference on dividends), our business strategy and other factors that the board deems relevant. See Dividend Policy.

Rank

   Our common stock is subordinate to our trust preferred securities with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. In addition, our common stock will be subordinate to any preferred stock or debt that we may issue in the future.

 

 

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Proposed listing

   We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “ISTR.”

Directed Share Program

   We intend to reserve up to shares of the common stock being offered by this prospectus for sale at the initial offering price to our directors and senior executive officers and members of their families.

Risk factors

   Investing in our common stock involves a significant degree of risk. See Risk Factors beginning on page 14 of this prospectus for a discussion of certain factors that you should carefully consider before making an investment decision.

 

(1) The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 3,945,029 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2014, which amount includes 43,578 shares of restricted stock that remain subject to forfeiture until completion of the applicable service period. Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus regarding the number of outstanding shares of our common stock excludes the following:

 

    22,811 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $13.33 per share, all of which have vested;

 

    Options to acquire 216,000 shares of common stock and 9,564 shares of restricted stock, the grant and award of which (as applicable) are subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part;

 

    1,428 shares of restricted stock awarded to two employees as employment inducement and retention awards;

 

    306,619 shares of common stock reserved for issuance in connection with stock awards that remain available for issuance under our 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, which is referred to in this prospectus as our Equity Incentive Plan; and

 

    193,498 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of certain outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $13.39 per share.

 

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information and other data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009. As noted elsewhere, 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 three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 relates only to the operations of the Bank, while the selected financial information below as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the operations of the Company and the Bank on a consolidated basis. The selected financial information for the year ended December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for such year, other than the performance ratios, and the selected financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements of Investar Bank as of and for such years, other than the performance ratios. The selected financial information below as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was not audited, but in the opinion of management reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. All of these adjustments are normal and recurring. Our historical results for any prior period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected in any future period.

You should read the selected financial information below in conjunction with other information contained in this prospectus, including the information contained under the heading Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations , and the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company and of the Bank, respectively, beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus. As described elsewhere in this prospectus, we have consummated two acquisitions in recent fiscal periods. The results of operation and other financial data of the acquired companies are not included in the table below for the periods prior to their respective acquisition date and, therefore, the results of operations and other financial data for these prior periods are not comparable in all respects and may not be predictive of future results. For additional information about First Community Holding Company and its subsidiary (First Community Bank), you should read the consolidated financial statements and related notes of First Community Bank, selected unaudited financial information of First Community Bank, and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated information for the year ended December 31, 2013 included as Annex A to this prospectus.

(In thousands, except share data) (1)

 

     As of
March 31,
2014
     As of December 31,  
        2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  

Financial Condition Data:

                 

Total assets

   $ 673,964       $ 634,946       $ 375,446       $ 279,330       $ 209,465       $ 173,915   

Total loans, net of allowance for loan losses

     549,877         505,744         303,019         226,209         163,052         134,411   

Allowance for loan losses

     3,530         3,380         2,722         1,746         1,476         1,471   

Investment securities

     69,773         62,752         44,326         28,930         22,842         27,906   

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     3,247         3,257         2,828         2,839         0         0   

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     64,545         72,795         37,489         18,208         15,337         8,241   

Interest-bearing deposits

     499,649         459,811         262,181         209,960         168,452         136,257   

Total deposits

     564,194         532,606         299,670         228,168         183,789         144,498   

Long-term borrowings

     37,827         34,427         26,794         9,575         3,773         9,715   

Total stockholders’ equity

     56,498         55,483         43,553         35,166         16,814         15,219   

 

 

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    As of and for the
three months ended
March 31,
    As of and for the year ended December 31,  
    2014     2013     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

Income Statement Data:

             

Interest income

  $ 6,957      $ 4,083      $ 22,472      $ 14,587      $ 11,302      $ 9,710      $ 8,776   

Interest expense

    1,090        691        3,460        2,542        2,579        3,494        3,852   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

    5,867        3,392        19,012        12,045        8,723        6,216        4,924   

Provision for loan losses

    245        89        1,026        685        639        1,019        1,273   

Net interest income after provision

    5,622        3,303        17,986        11,360        8,084        5,197        3,651   

Noninterest income

    1,066        1,170        5,354        3,625        2,032        2,096        901   

Noninterest expense

    5,385        3,571        19,024        11,645        8,615        6,195        4,052   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    1,303        902        4,316        3,340        1,501        1,098        500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

    424        281        1,148        979        502        383        170   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 879      $ 621      $ 3,168      $ 2,361      $ 999      $ 715      $ 330   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per Share Data:

             

Basic earnings per share

  $ 0.23      $ 0.19      $ 0.86      $ 0.79      $ 0.54      $ 0.51      $ 0.25   

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.23      $ 0.18      $ 0.81      $ 0.71      $ 0.47      $ 0.43      $ 0.21   

Dividends per share

  $ 0.01      $ 0.01      $ 0.047      $ 0.046      $ 0.07      $ 0.00      $ 0.00   

Book value per share

  $ 14.32      $ 13.70      $ 14.06      $ 13.56      $ 12.82      $ 11.46      $ 10.88   

Tangible book value per share (2)

  $ 13.50      $ 12.83      $ 13.24      $ 12.68      $ 11.79      $ 11.46      $ 10.88   

Period end shares outstanding

    3,945,029        3,262,855        3,945,114        3,210,816        2,742,205        1,467,778        1,399,245   

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

    3,901,064        3,207,763        3,667,929        2,998,087        1,843,180        1,414,257        1,330,570   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    4,161,421        3,450,279        3,923,375        3,302,661        2,120,471        1,680,140        1,584,410   

Performance Ratios:

             

Return on average assets

    0.55     0.66     0.64     0.74     0.44     0.37     0.21

Return on average equity

    5.97     5.70     6.20     5.90     4.44     4.44     2.33

Net interest margin

    3.95     3.92     4.14     4.09     4.12     3.35     3.24

Efficiency ratio (3)

    77.67     78.28     78.94     74.33     80.91     74.53     69.56

Net interest income to average assets

    3.66     3.64     3.81     3.77     3.87     3.20     3.10

Dividend payout ratio

    4.44     5.17     5.44     5.84     12.91     0        0   

Asset Quality Ratios:

             

Nonperforming assets to total assets

    0.79     0.70     0.79     0.62     0.75     1.86     0.62

Nonperforming loans to total loans, net of unearned income

    0.31     0.07     0.30     0.02     0.01     2.32     0.57

Allowance for loan losses to total loans, net of unearned income

    0.67     0.82     0.67     0.94     0.79     0.93     1.11

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

    206     1204     227     5153     6332     40     194

Net charge-offs to average loans

    0.02     0.05     0.09     -0.12     0.20     0.68     0.69

Capital Ratios:

             

Total equity to total assets

    8.38     11.31     8.74     11.60     12.59     8.03     8.75

Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)

    7.94     10.67     8.27     10.93     11.69     8.03     8.75

Tier 1 capital to average assets

    8.80     11.02     9.53     11.55     11.67     8.06     8.87

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

    10.20     12.47     10.85     13.06     14.36     10.42     11.26

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

    10.84     13.27     11.51     13.95     15.14     11.35     12.36

 

(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

 

 

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  Bank, a Louisiana state bank headquartered in Prairieville, Louisiana (“SLBB”), by merger of SLBB with and into Investar Bank. References in this prospectus 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. For additional information about the FCB and SLBB mergers, please refer to the section entitled Business beginning on page 38 of this prospectus, Note B, Acquisition Activity, to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus and Annex A to this prospectus.
(2) Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. Tangible book value per 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 a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, refer to the information under the heading Selected Financial Information—Non-GAAP Financial Measures below .
(3) Efficiency ratio represents noninterest expenses divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.
(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 a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, refer to the information under the heading Selected Financial Information—Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

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. 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

 

 

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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 our tangible book value per share.

(Unaudited)

 

     As of and for the three
months ended March 31,
    As of and for the year ended December 31,  
          2014               2013          2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands, except share data)  

Total stockholders’ equity—GAAP

   $ 56,498      $ 44,697      $ 55,483      $ 43,553      $ 35,166      $ 16,814      $ 15,219   

Adjustments

              

Goodwill

     2,684        2,684        2,684        2,684        2,684        0        0   

Other intangibles

     563        142        573        145        155        0        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tangible equity

     53,251        41,871        52,226        40,724        32,327        16,814        15,219   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets—GAAP

   $ 673,964      $ 395,457      $ 634,946      $ 375,446      $ 279,330      $ 209,465      $ 173,915   

Adjustments

              

Goodwill

     2,684        2,684        2,684        2,684        2,684        0        0   

Other intangibles

     563        142        573        145        155        0        0   

Tangible assets

     670,717        392,631        631,689        372,617        276,491        209,465        173,915   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shares outstanding

              

Book value per share

   $ 14.32      $ 13.70      $ 14.06      $ 13.56      $ 12.82      $ 11.46      $ 10.88   

Effect of adjustment

     (0.82     (0.87     (0.82     (0.88     (1.03     0        0   

Tangible book value per share

   $ 13.50      $ 12.83      $ 13.24      $ 12.68      $ 11.79      $ 11.46      $ 10.88   

Total equity to total assets

     8.38     11.3     8.74     11.60     12.59     8.03     8.75

Effect of adjustment

     (0.44     (0.64     (0.47     (0.67     (0.90     0        0   

Tangible equity to tangible assets

     7.94     10.66     8.27     10.93     11.69     8.03     8.75

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves a significant degree of risk. Before deciding to invest in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all other information contained in this prospectus, including our historical financial statements and accompanying notes. Any of the following risks, as well as risks that we do not know of or currently deem immaterial, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and growth prospects. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Further, to the extent that any of the information in this prospectus constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page 32.

Risks Related to our Business

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 six 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.

 

    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.

 

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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, Travis M. Lavergne, our Chief Credit Officer, Ryan P. Finnan, our Chief Operations Officer, Rachel P. Cherco, our Chief Financial Officer, Randolf F. Kassmeier, our General Counsel, and Christopher L. Hufft, our Chief Accounting Officer (whom the Bank hired on February 24, 2014). 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 March 31, 2014, approximately 98.41% of the secured loans in our loan portfolio are secured by properties and other collateral located in Louisiana, while approximately 73.82% 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.

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 March 31, 2014, approximately 66.43% 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

 

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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 and growth prospects.

Commercial real estate loans may expose us to greater risks than 1-4 family real estate loans.

Our loan portfolio includes non-owner-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 March 31, 2014, our non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans totaled $80.0 million, or 14.46% of our total loan portfolio. All of our non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans were performing as of March 31, 2014.

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, non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, charge-offs on non-owner-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 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 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.

 

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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 March 31, 2014, our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income, was 0.67% and as a percentage of total nonperforming loans was 206%. 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

 

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position, this “gap” will negatively impact our earnings. At March 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.

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.

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 our financial reporting which would harm our business and the trading price of our securities.

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.

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, we identified significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting related to complex accounting transactions and financial closing matters. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of our financial reporting. At the direction of our senior management, we have taken what we believe are the appropriate actions to remediate these significant deficiencies, including, among other things, hiring additional accounting personnel, using outside accountants and consultants to supplement our internal staff and improving our internal control procedures. We will continue

 

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to periodically test and update our internal control systems, including our financial reporting controls, but we can give no assurances that our actions will be sufficient to result in an effective internal control environment.

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 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.

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 prospectus, we sell certain mortgage loans that we originate as well as pools of our auto 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.

Federal Reserve quantitative easing and other government programs designed to support the economy could result in inflation and other adverse effects on the economy in general and financial institutions in particular.

It is currently a matter of significant debate among economists, governmental banking agencies and others regarding the likelihood of significant inflation across some or all asset classes, both in the United States and in the global economy. Some policymakers have taken the position that an increase in inflation will be beneficial, rather than harmful, to the U.S. economy. If governmental policies or general market factors result in an increase

 

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in inflation, such increase could significantly affect our profitability and operations. We expect the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the Federal Reserve, to continue to support the growth of the money supply in the United States by keeping the Federal funds rate low and by continuing to purchase a substantial amount of U.S. Treasuries and other debt securities (referred to as “quantitative easing”), although the level of purchases has begun to be gradually reduced. If the U.S. economy continues to demonstrate weakness or only sluggish growth in upcoming periods, it seems likely that at least some level of monetary easing will continue for a protracted period. If this occurs, an increase in inflation will become more likely, and any such increase will place significant pressure on bank deposit levels, which may have a material adverse effect on all financial institutions, including the Bank.

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 may 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, we cannot assure you 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.

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

 

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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 acquisitions.

The success of our recent acquisitions of SLBB and FCB will depend on a number of factors, including, as to each acquisition, 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 and grow acquired customer relationships;

 

    how profitably (if at all) we deploy the capital 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 acquisitions may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected. For example, we 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 SLBB and FCB, which would reduce the benefits of the applicable acquisition. Additionally, we have made fair value estimates of certain assets and liabilities in recording each acquisition. Actual values of these assets and liabilities could differ from our estimates, which could result in our not achieving the anticipated benefits of the particular 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 March 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;

 

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

 

    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 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.

The obligations associated with being a public company will require significant resources and management attention, which will increase our costs of operations and may divert focus from our business operations.

We have not been required in the past to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or to have our consolidated financial statements completed, reviewed or audited and filed prior to a specified deadline. As a publicly traded company following completion of this offering, we will be required to file periodic reports containing our consolidated financial statements with the SEC within a specified time following the completion of quarterly and annual periods. There are also significant financial, legal, accounting,

 

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insurance and other expenses associated with being a public company in addition to the costs associated with complying with the SEC’s reporting requirements. Not only will meeting our obligations as a public company result in our incurrence of additional costs, but they will also occupy a material portion of management’s time that would have been used to implement our growth strategy and other strategic initiatives and otherwise manage our day-to-day operations. Although we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur in order to comply with our obligations as a public company, we anticipate that these costs will materially increase our general and administrative expenses.

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.

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).

 

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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. Finally, after the completion of this offering, we will be subject to additional laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC regulations.

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

 

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Regulation beginning on page 87 of this prospectus provides more information regarding the regulatory environment in which we and Investar 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.

 

    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

 

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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. Recent insured depository institution failures, as well as deterioration in banking and economic conditions generally, have significantly increased the losses of the FDIC, resulting 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, will replace 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 on January 1, 2014, although the Company and Investar Bank will not be required to be in compliance with the final Basel III rules until January 1, 2015, and the rules will not be fully phased-in until January 1, 2019.

Basel III creates a new regulatory capital standard based on tier 1 common equity and increases the minimum leverage and risk-based capital ratios applicable to all banking organizations. Basel III also changes how a number of the regulatory capital components are calculated. We cannot predict whether the proposed rules will be adopted in the form proposed or if they will be modified in any material way during the rulemaking process. Consequently, the ultimate timing and scope of any U.S. implementation of Basel III remains uncertain. However, any significant increase in our capital requirement could reduce our growth and profitability and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth 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

 

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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

An active, liquid market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained following the offering, and you may not be able to sell your common stock when or in the amounts you wish to.

Prior to this offering, there has been no established public trading market for our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, but our application may not be approved. Even if approved, an active trading market for shares of our common stock may not develop or be sustained following the offering. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends upon the presence in the marketplace and willing buyers and sellers of our common stock, over which we have no control. If an active market does not develop, shareholders may not be able to sell their shares at the volume, prices and times desired. The initial public offering price for our common stock will be determined by negotiations between us and the representative of the underwriters. The price may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market after this offering. The market price of our common stock may decline below the initial offering price, and you may not be able to sell your common stock at or above the price you paid in this offering, or at all. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling our common stock and may impair our ability to expand our business by using our common stock as consideration.

The market price of our common stock may be volatile following this offering, and our stock price may fall below the initial public offering price at the time you desire to sell your shares of our common stock, resulting in a loss on your investment.

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;

 

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    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;

 

    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 you to resell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired.

We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in 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. See Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company on page 1 of this prospectus. 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.

Investors in this offering will experience immediate dilution as a result of this offering.

If you purchase common stock in this offering, you will pay more for your shares than the tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately following this offering. As a result, you will experience immediate dilution in tangible book value per share in relation to the price that you paid for your shares. We expect the dilution as a result of the offering to be $ per share, based on an assumed initial offering price of $  per share (the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) and our pro forma net tangible book value of $ per share as of March 31, 2014. This represents % dilution from the initial public offering price. For a further discussion of the dilution you will experience immediately after this offering, see the Dilution section beginning on page 37 of this prospectus.

 

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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 other 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. All of the shares of common stock sold in this offering (including additional shares if the underwriters exercise their purchase option in full) will be freely tradable, except that any shares purchased by “affiliates” (as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act) may be sold publicly only in compliance with the limitations described under the heading Shares Eligible For Future Sale beginning on page 119 of this prospectus. The remaining million outstanding shares of our common stock, or % of our outstanding shares, will be deemed to be “restricted securities” as that term is defined in Rule 144, and may be sold in the market over time in private transactions or future public offerings. We also intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register an aggregate of approximately million shares of common stock issued or reserved for future issuance under our Equity Incentive Plan. We may issue all of these shares without any action or approval by our shareholders, and these shares, once issued (including upon exercise of outstanding options), will be available for sale into the public market, subject to the restrictions described above, if applicable, for affiliate holders.

Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering, and the use of such proceeds may not yield a favorable return on your investment.

We expect to use the net proceeds of this offering for general working capital and other corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, funding loans and purchasing investment securities through the Bank. We may also use the net proceeds to fund acquisition opportunities, although we have no present plans in that regard. You may not agree with how our management ultimately decides to use the proceeds of this offering. In addition, we may not use the proceeds of this offering effectively or in a manner that increases our market value or enhances our profitability. There is no set timetable for when we will deploy the proceeds, and we cannot predict this timetable. Investing the offering proceeds in securities until we are able to deploy the proceeds will provide lower margins than we generally earn on loans, potentially adversely affecting shareholder returns, including earnings per share, return on assets and return on equity. See the Use of Proceeds section on page 33 of this prospectus.

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. Although prior to the Share Exchange Investar Bank paid dividends to its shareholders over the past two years and after the Share Exchange the Company paid a dividend to its shareholders on January 31, 2014, we have no obligation to continue paying dividends, and we may change our dividend policy at any time without notice to our shareholders. As of the date of this prospectus, our intention is to pay a quarterly cash dividend after the offering.

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 shareholders.

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

 

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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.

For additional information, refer to the information under the heading Dividend Policy beginning on page 34 of this prospectus.

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 by-laws, 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.

 

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

We assumed junior subordinated debentures in connection with the FCB acquisition. At March 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.

Your investment in our common stock will not be a bank deposit and will not be insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Your investment will be subject to investment risk, and you must be capable of affording the loss of your entire investment.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus 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 of a future or forward-looking nature.

Our forward-looking statements in this prospectus 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 and future growth prospects can be found in the Risk Factors and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of this prospectus beginning on pages 14 and 54 of this prospectus, respectively, and elsewhere in this prospectus. 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 and changes in quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve;

 

    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;

 

    data processing system failures and errors;

 

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    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 in this prospectus. 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.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Assuming an initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, we estimate that the net proceeds to us from the sale of our common stock in this offering will be approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of common stock from us), after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us of this offering by $ million, or $ million if the underwriters elect to exercise their purchase option in full, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses.

We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering (substantially all of which we intend to contribute to the capital of the Bank) primarily to support growth in our loan and investment securities portfolios, to bolster our capital in light of the heightened capital standards under the Basel III accord, to permit future strategic acquisitions and for other general working capital and corporate purposes, all while maintaining our capital ratios at acceptable levels. In addition, a larger capital base will increase our legal lending limit, permitting us to make larger loans and to better penetrate our market areas. Although in the ordinary course of our business we evaluate potential acquisition opportunities from time to time, we do not have any immediate plans, arrangements or understandings relating to any specific acquisition or similar transaction.

Our management will retain broad discretion to allocate the net proceeds of this offering, and the precise amounts and timing of our use of the net proceeds of this offering will depend upon market conditions, as well as other factors. Until we deploy the proceeds of this offering for the uses described above, we expect to hold such proceeds in short-term investments.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

Prior to the Share Exchange, Investar Bank paid dividends to its shareholders from time to time, with the first dividend being paid in early 2011. The following table shows the amount and timing of dividends paid on shares of Investar Bank’s common stock in 2012 and 2013 (prior to the Share Exchange):

 

Declaration Date

   Payment Date    Amount Per Share  

December 31, 2011

   January 31, 2012    $ 0.0118   

March 31, 2012

   April 30, 2012      0.0117   

June 30, 2012

   July 31, 2012      0.0112   

September 30, 2012

   October 31, 2012      0.0115   

December 19, 2012

   February 28, 2013      0.0117   

March 20, 2013

   May 31, 2013      0.0118   

July 17, 2013

   August 31, 2013      0.0119   

September 18, 2013

   October 31, 2013      0.0120   

Subsequent to the Share Exchange, on January 15, 2014 the Company declared a dividend in the amount of $0.0121 per share of Company common stock, which was paid on January 31, 2014.

Subject to prior approval from our board of directors, we intend to continue the payment of a cash dividend on a quarterly basis to holders of our common stock. Our board of directors may change the amount of, or entirely eliminate the payment of, future dividends at its discretion, without notice to our shareholders. We are in no way obligated to pay dividends on our common stock. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will depend upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to: (1) our historic and projected financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, (2) our capital levels and needs, (3) any acquisitions or potential acquisitions that we are considering, (4) contractual, statutory and regulatory prohibitions and other limitations (as briefly discussed below), (5) general economic conditions and (6) other factors deemed relevant by the board. There can be no assurances that we will be able to pay dividends to holders of our common stock.

Our ability to pay dividends may be limited on account of the junior subordinated debentures that we assumed in the FCB acquisition, which are senior to our shares of common stock. 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.

As a Louisiana corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions on dividends under the Louisiana Business Corporation Law. Generally, a Louisiana corporation may pay dividends to its shareholders out of its surplus (the excess of its assets over its liabilities and stated capital) or out of its net profits for the then current and preceding fiscal year unless the corporation is insolvent or the dividend would render the corporation insolvent. Our status as a bank holding company also affects our ability to pay dividends, in two ways:

 

    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 is itself subject to various legal, regulatory and other restrictions.

 

    As a holding company of a bank, our payment of dividends must comply with the policies and enforcement powers of the Federal Reserve.

For additional information about the regulatory restrictions and limitations on both us and Investar Bank with respect to the payment of dividends, refer to the information in the Supervision and Regulation section under the headings —Supervision and Regulation of Investar Holding Corporation, Payment of Dividends; Source of Strength on page 90 of this prospectus and —Supervision and Regulation of Investar Bank, Dividends on page 92 of this prospectus.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization, including regulatory capital ratios on a consolidated basis, as of March 31, 2014, (1) on an actual basis and (2) on an as adjusted basis after giving effect to the net proceeds from our sale of shares of common stock in this offering (assuming the underwriters do not exercise their purchase option) at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. You should read the following table in conjunction with the sections titled Selected Financial Information and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of March 31, 2014  
     Actual     As
Adjusted
 
     (dollars in thousands,
except share amounts
and per share data)
 

Long-term borrowings:

    

FHLB advances

     34,218     

Note payable

     3,609     

Total long-term borrowings

     37,827     

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $1.00 par value per share, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 3,945,029 shares issued and outstanding; and shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted

     3,943     

Preferred stock, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized

     —          —     

Treasury stock

     (1  

Surplus

     45,322     

Retained earnings

     7,440     

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (206  

Total stockholders’ equity

     56,498     

Total capitalization (1)

     3,609     

Capital ratios:

    

Total risk-based capital

     10.84  

Tier 1 risk-based capital

     10.20  

Tier 1 leverage capital

     8.80  

Total stockholders’ equity to assets

     8.38  

Tangible equity to tangible assets (2)

     7.94  

Basel III capital ratios (3) :

    

Tier 1 common equity

     10.14  

Tier 1 risk-based capital

     10.14  

Tier 1 leverage capital

     10.77  

Total stockholders’ equity to assets

     8.75  

Per share data:

    

Book value

   $ 14.32     

Tangible book value per share (2)

   $ 13.50     

 

(1) Total capitalization includes the amount of debt that is included as capital for regulatory purposes.
(2)

Tangible equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share are both non-GAAP financial measures. 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, while tangible book value per share is calculated as tangible equity divided by the number of shares outstanding as of the balance sheet date. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to tangible equity to tangible assets is total equity to total assets and the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to tangible book value per share is book value per share. For a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measure to the

 

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  most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, refer to the information under the heading Selected Financial Information—Non-GAAP Financial Measures beginning on page 12 of this prospectus.
(3) For a description of the revised regulatory capital ratios to be implemented beginning in 2015, please refer to the information in the Supervision and Regulation section under the heading —Supervision and Regulation of the Bank, Capital Adequacy Guidelines .

 

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DILUTION

If you invest in our common stock, your ownership interest will be diluted by the amount that the initial public offering price per share of our common stock exceeds the tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately following this offering. As of March 31, 2014, the tangible book value of our common stock was $53.3 million, or $13.50 per share based on 3,945,029 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.

After giving effect to our sale of shares of common stock in this offering (assuming the underwriters do not exercise their purchase option) at an assumed initial public offering price of per share, the midpoint of the price range on the cover of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2014 would have been approximately $ million, or $ per share. Therefore, this offering will result in an immediate increase of $ in the tangible book value per share to our existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of $ in the tangible book value per share to investors in this offering, or approximately % of the assumed public offering price of $ per share. The following table illustrates the immediate per share dilution to investors in this offering as of March 31, 2014:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

   $    

Net tangible book value per share at March 31, 2014

        

Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to investors purchasing shares in this offering

        

As adjusted tangible book value per share after this offering

        

Dilution per share to new investors from offering

        

For each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed per share public offering price of $ , our as adjusted net tangible book value would increase or decrease, as the case may be, by approximately $ million, or approximately $ per share; the dilution per share to investors in this offering would increase or decrease, as the case may be, by approximately $ per share, assuming that the number of shares that we offer remains the same as the number set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses.

We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase of 250,000 in the number of shares that we offer, together with a $1.00 increase in the assumed offering price of $ per share, would result in as adjusted net tangible book value of approximately $ million, or $ per share, as of March 31, 2014, and the dilution per share to investors in this offering would be $ per share. Similarly, a decrease of 250,000 in the number of shares we offer, together with a $1.00 decrease in the assumed public offering price of $ per share, would result in as adjusted net tangible book value of approximately $ million, or $ per share, as of March 31, 2014, and the dilution per share to investors in this offering would be $ per share. The information in this paragraph is illustrative only, and changes to our actual tangible book value per and the dilution to investors in this offering will be a function of the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering, which will be determined at pricing.

The following table summarizes, on an as adjusted basis, the total number of shares purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price paid per share by our existing shareholders and by investors in this offering as of March 31, 2014. As to our existing shareholders, the shares purchased and the consideration and average price paid includes shares purchased and amounts paid for shares of Investar Bank common stock, which shares were subsequently exchanged on a one-for-one basis for Company common stock in the Share Exchange. To the extent that any of our officers or directors or any promoters, or any persons affiliated with any of the foregoing, participated in an offering of the Bank’s common stock, these individuals paid the same price as all other participants in the same offering. This information gives effect to our sale of shares of common stock in this

 

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offering (assuming the underwriters do not exercise their purchase option) at an assumed public offering price of $  per share and before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and estimated expenses payable by us.

 

     Shares
Purchased/Issued
    Total Consideration     Average Price
per Share
     Number    Percent     Amount    Percent    

Shareholders as of March 31, 2014

            

New investors in this offering

            

Total

        100        100  

The table above includes 43,578 shares of restricted stock that remain subject to forfeiture until completion of the applicable service period. The table excludes (1) options to acquire 216,000 shares of common stock and 9,564 shares of restricted stock, the grant and award of which are subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, (2) vested stock options to acquire 22,811 shares of common stock upon exercise, at a weighted average exercise price of $13.33 per share, (3) 1,428 shares of restricted stock awarded to two employees as employment inducement and retention awards, (4) warrants to acquire 193,498 shares of common stock upon exercise, at a weighted average exercise price of $13.39 per share, and (5) 306,019 shares of common stock remaining available for issuance under our Equity Incentive Plan. To the extent that any of the foregoing options or warrants are exercised, new options or other equity awards are issued under our incentive plan or we otherwise issue additional shares of common stock in the future, investors in this offering will experience further dilution.

PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

Prior to this offering, our common stock has not been traded on any established public trading market, and quotations for our common stock were not reported on any market. As a result, there has been no regular market for our common stock. Although our shares may have been sporadically traded in private transactions, the prices at which such transactions occurred may not necessarily reflect the price that would be paid for our common stock in an active market. As of March 31, 2014, there were approximately 1,250 holders of record of our common stock.

We anticipate that this offering and the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market will result in a more active trading market for our common stock. However, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained after this offering. You may not be able to sell your shares quickly or at the market price if trading in our common stock is not active. See Underwriting beginning on page 120 of this prospectus for more information regarding our arrangements with the underwriters. The factors considered in setting the initial public offering price are discussed in the Underwriting section under the heading Offering Price Determination on page 122.

BUSINESS

General

Our Company . Investar Holding Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Investar Bank, a Louisiana-chartered commercial 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 nine additional full-service branches located throughout our market area.

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

 

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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.

Our principal executive offices are located at 7244 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, and our telephone number at that address is (225) 227-2222.

Our History and Growth . Investar Bank was chartered as a de novo commercial bank and commenced operations on June 14, 2006. Since inception, the Bank has grown considerably, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. From an initial capitalization of $10.1 million in 2006, we have grown to approximately $673.9 million in assets, $528.2 million in loans (excluding loans held for sale), $564.2 million in deposits and $56.5 million in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2014. Over the past five full years, our assets have grown at a compound annual growth rate, which we refer to as CAGR, of 34.8%, while our loans and deposits have grown at CAGRs of 33.2% and 35.2%, respectively, over the same period. We have expanded from our initial branch on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to eight parishes across southern Louisiana. As a result of our expansion, we have increased the number of full-time equivalent employees from 7 at December 31, 2006 to 167 at March 31, 2014.

As our franchise has expanded, so too has our profitability. Our first profitable year was 2008, and, despite continued significant investment in the Bank’s infrastructure, we have achieved annual increases in net income of 34.2%, 136.3% and 39.7%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013. This equates to a 3-year CAGR of 25.5% in diluted earnings per share.

Below are a few of our notable milestones:

 

    June, 2006—Chartered with an initial capitalization of $10.1 million from local investors.

 

    May, 2009—Opened our second location in Baton Rouge.

 

    Second half of 2011—Expanded our footprint in the Baton Rouge market with the opening of two additional branches, one in the city of Baton Rouge and the other in the city of Denham Springs.

 

    October, 2011—Expanded our presence in the Baton Rouge market with the acquisition of South Louisiana Business Bank, which contributed approximately $50.9 million in assets, $38.6 million in deposits, $12.0 million in capital and one branch located in Prairieville, a suburb of Baton Rouge. Our acquisition of SLBB represented approximately 72.3% of our $69.9 million in asset growth in 2011.

 

    December, 2012—Entered the Greater New Orleans market through de novo branching by purchasing two closed branch locations of another bank in suburban New Orleans. No deposits or loans were purchased as part of this transaction. To staff these branches, we hired two executive managers and their teams from two other local institutions.

 

    May, 2013—Entered the Hammond market with our acquisition of First Community Bank. This acquisition contributed approximately $99.2 million in assets, $86.5 million in deposits, $4.5 million in capital and two branches, one located in Hammond, which is approximately an hour’s drive from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and the other in Mandeville, a suburb of New Orleans.

 

    July, 2013—Entered the Lafayette market by opening a de novo branch. In November, 2013, we completed construction of our permanent location in Lafayette, marking the opening of our tenth full-service location.

In November, 2013, we completed a share exchange with the Bank’s shareholders, resulting in the Bank becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (throughout this prospectus, we refer to this reorganization as the “Share Exchange”).

 

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Our Markets

Our primary market areas are the Baton Rouge metropolitan statistical area, or MSA, which includes the suburban areas of Denham Springs, Port Allen and Prairieville (which we refer to as our Baton Rouge market or the Baton Rouge MSA), the New Orleans-Metairie MSA, which includes the suburban areas of Metairie and Mandeville (referred to as our New Orleans market or the New Orleans MSA), and the MSAs of Lafayette and Hammond (we refer to these MSAs simply as Lafayette and Hammond, respectively). The following table identifies our branches by market, date opened and deposits at March 31, 2014.

 

    

Date opened (or acquired)

  Deposits at
March 31, 2014
 
         (in thousands)  

Baton Rouge MSA:

    

7244 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge (main office)

   June 14, 2006   $ 214,096   

3761 La Highway 1 South, Port Allen

   May 11, 2009     23,483   

10922 Coursey Boulevard, Baton Rouge

   April 20, 2010     55,654   

482 South Range Avenue, Denham Springs

   November 17, 2010     29,334   

38567 La Highway 42, Prairieville

   October, 2011     62,003   

18101 Highland Road, Baton Rouge

   Anticipated—3 rd  quarter, 2014     —     

New Orleans MSA:

    

500 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie

   December 17, 2012

(date permanent location opened)

  $ 40,171   

2929 Highway 190, Mandeville

   December 20, 2012     12,502   

4892 Louisiana Highway 22, Mandeville

   May 1, 2013     28,871   

Hammond:

    

600 Southwest Railroad Avenue, Hammond

   May 1, 2013   $ 54,469   

Lafayette:

    

4004 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette

   November 18, 2013

(date permanent location
opened)

  $ 43,611   

Baton Rouge . Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and the second largest city in Louisiana. It is also the State’s second largest market by deposits. As the farthest inland deep-water port on the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge serves as a major center of commercial and industrial activity, especially for the chemical and gas industries. For example, the ExxonMobil oil refinery in East Baton Rouge Parish is one of the largest oil refineries in the world, and both Dow Chemical Company and Albemarle Corporation also have large plants in the area. However, Baton Rouge’s economy has diversified from its historical core, and it is now a center for finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, research and development, renewable energy sources, transportation, construction and distribution. IBM announced in March, 2013 plans to locate a service center in downtown Baton Rouge providing software development and software maintenance, with 800 new direct jobs (and an estimated 500+ new indirect jobs). In its July/August, 2013 issue, Business Facilities magazine ranked Baton Rouge the No. 1 metro area in the United States for Economic Growth Potential, while Southern Business & Development magazine named Baton Rouge the “Major Market of the Year” for the South in July, 2013.

 

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The unemployment rate in the Baton Rouge MSA for March, 2014, was 4.2%, below both the United States and Louisiana unemployment rates of 6.8% and 4.5%, respectively, for the same period. The State of Louisiana is the largest overall employer in Baton Rouge, while Turner Industries Group, a general industrial contractor, is the area’s largest private employer as of July, 2011 (the most recent date available). Baton Rouge is the home of the main campus of Louisiana State University, with a total student enrollment of approximately 30,000, as well as Southern University, with approximately 7,000 students. In addition, five of the top 10 public school districts in Louisiana are located in or near the center of Baton Rouge.

Based on information from the National Association of Realtors, the median sale price of existing single-family homes in the Baton Rouge MSA for 2013 was approximately $170,000, below the national average for 2013 of approximately $197,400.

New Orleans and Hammond . New Orleans is Louisiana’s largest city, both by population and by deposits. It serves as a major economic hub of the Gulf Coast region, providing major medical, financial, professional, governmental, transportation and retail services to much of the Gulf South region. New Orleans has substantially recovered from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. The hospitality and tourism industries, each a significant driver of the New Orleans economy, have returned to pre-hurricane levels, and the unemployment rate has declined from 6.0% in March, 2013 to 4.5% in March, 2014. In 2012, nine million visitors spent a record $6.0 billion in New Orleans, a $512 million increase over 2011 spending. New Orleans hosted the Super Bowl and NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four Tournament in 2013, and the NBA All Star Game was held in New Orleans in February, 2014.

New Orleans is also a major port city. According to the latest information from the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Port of New Orleans is the fifth largest port in the United States by cargo tonnage. The port is fueled by the economic activity of the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast region, and the planned expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled for completion in 2015, is expected to provide an incremental boost to New Orleans and the surrounding region, as it will allow for shipping of more cargo between the eastern United States and Asia that was previously transported by rail from West Coast ports.

The Port of New Orleans also is becoming a major port for the cruise industry. Cruise Lines International Association ranks it as the sixth largest U.S. cruise port, up from ninth in 2011. In 2013, a record number of cruise passengers set sail from the Port of New Orleans, with nearly 1 million embarkations and disembarkations. This represents a 1% increase over 2012, itself a record year that represented a 32% increase in embarkations and disembarkations over 2011. A top cruise trade publication, Porthole Cruise Magazine , named New Orleans the “Friendliest Homeport” in its 2014 Editor-In-Chief Awards. A study commissioned by the Port of New Orleans found that in 2012 cruise passengers and ship crews spent approximately $78.4 million in New Orleans.

Finally, although tourism and the port still play a major role in New Orleans, the economy has recently become more diversified, with growing motion picture, medical and technology sectors supported by a burgeoning entrepreneurship climate. In April, 2013, Bloomberg Rankings ranked the New Orleans metropolitan area No. 2 in its list of Top 12 American Boomtowns, and a study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as reported by Business Insider , ranked the New Orleans MSA as one of the top 20 start-up hubs in the United States. At the end of the three-year period ending in 2012, the rate of business start-ups in the New Orleans metropolitan area was 56% higher than the national average. Forbes ranked New Orleans sixth in its October, 2013 listing of cities creating the most middle class jobs.

Based on information from the National Association of Realtors, the median sale price of existing single-family homes in the New Orleans MSA for 2013 was approximately $164,400.

Hammond is the commercial hub of Tangipahoa Parish and the home of Southeastern Louisiana University. Located at the intersection of Interstates 12 and 55, Hammond has evolved from a primarily agricultural area to a major distribution hub. Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Winn Dixie, among others, have distribution centers in

 

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Hammond. The unemployment rate at March, 2014 in Hammond of 5.3% is higher than the Louisiana average, but this rate is down from 7.1% for March, 2013.

Lafayette . Lafayette, Louisiana’s third largest city and deposit market, is located in the heart of the Acadiana region. The area has historically been driven primarily by the oil and gas industry, but healthcare now provides the most private sector jobs. Regional and parish economic growth is in expansion mode. For example, in December, 2013, Bell Helicopter announced its intention to locate a helicopter assembly plant in Lafayette. Construction on the plant will begin in the first half of 2014. In addition, the Lafayette economy has been relatively immune from the global recession, while the oil and gas industry in particular has recovered from the negative impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. In Area Development magazine’s 2013 “Leading Locations” study, Lafayette received the top overall ranking. The goal of this study, which is based on an analysis of economic and work force data for 380 metropolitan statistical areas, is to identify the U.S. cities that were emerging from the recent recession as economic front-runners. The area healthcare industry continues its growth with the recent completion of Our Lady of Lourdes Complex and the renovation of Lafayette General Medical Center. Office and retail space continues to enjoy low vacancies as does the residential rental market. The unemployment rate in the Lafayette MSA for March, 2014 was 3.5%.

Although all of our markets have a number of positive aspects, there are a number of negative features of, and challenges facing, our markets. For example, median home prices in our Baton Rouge and New Orleans markets are below the national average and are rising at a slower rate than the national average. If real estate prices increase only moderately, the extent to which we can grow our mortgage lending operations may be limited. Also, as shown in the table below, the median household income in each of our markets is below the national average. A lower-income population may have less demand for the products and services that we offer relative to financial institutions in markets with higher median household incomes. Finally, as described in more detail in the Risk Factors section, southern Louisiana, including each of our markets, 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.

The following table sets forth certain information about total deposits and our market share as well as the population and median household income in each of our markets and Louisiana and the United States as a whole. The amount of total deposits in our markets is as of June 30, 2013, while the population and household income information is as of June, 2013.

 

Market

(MSA)

   Total
Deposits
     Investar
Market Share
    Total
Population
     Projected
Population
Change—
2012 to
2017
    Median
Household
Income
(HHI)
     Projected
HHI
Change—
2012 to
2017
 
     (in millions)                                   

Baton Rouge

   $ 18,025         1.81     1,228,181         2.17   $ 46,771         14.44

New Orleans

   $ 32,050         0.19     819,880         7.45   $ 45,360         14.09

Hammond

   $ 1,216         3.19     125,182         5.94   $ 37,916         12.65

Lafayette

   $ 9,998         not available        476,434         4.02   $ 41,245         17.77

Louisiana

     —           —          —           4.01   $ 41,601         16.99

United States

     —           —          —           3.47   $ 50,157         13.43

Using deposit share (as of June 30, 2013) as a measure, Chase Bank is the dominant entity in the Baton Rouge MSA, with a 38.02% market share. The next three largest entities, Capital One, Whitney Bank and Regions Bank, together have an approximately 38.69% market share. Our total market share in the Baton Rouge MSA was 1.81%, placing us fifth overall. More particularly, our deposit market share in the city of Baton Rouge was 1.69%, while we maintained an 18.96% market share from our branch in the community of Prairieville, a 4.27% market share from our branch in the city of Denham Springs and a 11.71% market share from our branch in the city of Port Allen.

 

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Chase Bank, Capital One, Whitney Bank and Regions Bank are also the top four banks by deposit share in the New Orleans MSA. In New Orleans, Capital One holds 32.42% of all deposits in the market, with 69.86% of all deposits concentrated in these top four banks. Operating in New Orleans for less than a year before these market share measurements, our deposit share in the New Orleans MSA was only 0.19%. First Guaranty Bank holds 39.42% of the deposits in the smaller Hammond MSA, with no other bank having greater than a 12.06% share. We have a 3.19% deposit share in Hammond.

In Lafayette, deposits are not as concentrated as compared to our other markets. IBERIABANK has a 23.97% market share and Chase Bank a 12.06% share, but no other bank holds more than 6.40% of the deposits in the Lafayette MSA. At March 31, 2014, our deposits in the Lafayette market totaled $43.6 million.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that we are well-positioned to create value for our shareholders, particularly as a result of our attractive markets and the following competitive strengths:

 

    Management and Infrastructure in Place for Growth . With an average of 27 years of banking experience across 14 senior executives, our management team has a long history of managing the operations of banks. Most of our senior managers have been with the Bank since its inception, and many of them had previously worked together in executive capacities at other local financial institutions. These individuals have a demonstrated track record of managing growth profitably, establishing profitable de novo branches, successfully executing acquisitions, maintaining a strong credit culture and implementing a relationship-based and community service-focused approach to banking.

To be in a position to more effectively manage our anticipated growth, we have structured our executive functions in a manner typically found in much larger financial institutions. We have centralized our credit review, product development and other policymaking functions and appointed a regional president for each of our markets. This framework allows us to structure our loan and deposit rates and other product offerings with a broad focus, taking into account trends in the industry and region as well as input from our regional presidents.

In addition, we have embraced the latest technological developments in the banking industry, both internally and with respect to the banking solutions that we offer our customers. Our core operating systems are designed for banks with assets in excess of $1 billion. Although these investments have increased our operating expenses, we believe these systems allow us to better leverage our employees by allowing them to focus on developing customer relationships while expanding the suite of products that we can offer. We also expect our core operating systems will help us manage our growth more efficiently.

 

    Proven Ability in Acquisition Execution and Integration . We have successfully completed two acquisitions since 2011, both of which we believe were highly strategic and value-enhancing for our franchise. Through the SLBB and FCB mergers, we believe that we have demonstrated a disciplined approach to acquisitions. This approach begins at the identification of potential acquisition targets and the evaluation of whether such targets are likely to enhance our profitability, taking into account not only financial metrics but also cultural, operational and other factors, and continues through to the consummation of the acquisition and the integration of the target’s operations into our own. For both the SLBB and the FCB mergers, we efficiently integrated the acquired operations in a manner that allowed us to quickly expand our presence in the new markets. We believe this experience makes us an attractive buyer and should position us to take advantage of acquisition opportunities in the future.

 

   

Strong Credit Quality and Capital Base . Despite the economic downturn beginning in 2008, and even as we have grown our franchise significantly, we have maintained our asset quality through disciplined underwriting procedures and management of our concentrations and credits. We deal with problem credits as they are identified proactively and decisively. At March 31, 2014, delinquency of our legacy

 

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loans (i.e., those not acquired in an acquisition) as a percentage of total loans was 0.08%, our net loan charge-offs to total average loans was 0.02% and our coverage ratio (i.e., our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans) was 206%. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans have averaged 0.05% and 0.21% for the three and five years ended December 31, 2013, respectively.

We have also maintained strong capital levels throughout our operating history. We have supplemented the capital generated by our operations through several exempt securities offerings subsequent to our initial capitalization in 2006, raising a total of $17.3 million from investors primarily located in our markets through five offerings of Bank common stock or units consisting of Bank common stock and warrants. At March 31, 2014, we had a 7.94% tangible common equity ratio, a 8.80% tier 1 leverage capital ratio, a 10.20% tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a 10.84% total risk-based capital ratio.

Our Growth Strategy

Our mission is to be a full service bank focused on relationships that create value. Consistent with our mission, our goal is to become the bank of choice in each of the markets that we serve, while seeking to provide an attractive return to our shareholders. To achieve this, we have implemented the following operational strategies:

Focus on relationship banking . We believe that customer satisfaction is a key to sustainable growth and profitability. We strive to ensure that our products and services meet our customers’ demands. However, we believe that how we deliver our products and services is just as important as what we offer. We encourage our officers and employees to focus on providing personal service and attentiveness to our customers in a proactive manner. For example, we have an active calling program, where our personnel visit existing and prospective customers to provide them information about what we offer and how we do business. As we learn more about a customer through this personal interaction, we can respond to the customer’s requests more quickly and in a manner tailored to the customer’s particular circumstances.

Relationship banking also underpins our referral-based strategy. A customer who has come to know and trust his or her representative at the Bank is more likely to refer his friends, family and business partners to us. The Bank’s loan officers have been actively involved in a direct lending capacity in their particular markets for many years and that tends to make such referrals more likely. In addition, because a majority of our directors and shareholders either work or live in our primary markets, these individuals have provided a good source of introductions and referrals. We believe that these sources are a very effective way to generate banking business and complement our public advertising.

Growth through acquisition and de novo branching . We plan to grow our operations in our existing markets both organically and by acquisition. Although we will consider expansion into other markets if presented with an attractive acquisition opportunity, as a general matter we intend to focus our efforts on expansion opportunities in our southern Louisiana markets. Each of these markets is dominated by a few very large financial institutions, all but one of which are headquartered outside Louisiana. At the same time, we have a relatively small market share (based on deposits) in these markets, which we believe can be increased through a strategic acquisition or a successful de novo branch expansion.

Our strategic plan calls for us to open three new branches over the next two years, subject to market conditions and complying with our regulatory obligations. A new branch site is under construction in Baton Rouge. We have received regulatory approval to open this branch, which we expect to occur in the third quarter of 2014. We have also purchased land in Gonzales, Louisiana (which is between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, in Ascension Parish in the Baton Rouge MSA) and in Lafayette for future branch sites, and we acquired another tract of land in Ascension Parish in the FCB acquisition. We are currently evaluating the acquisition of other potential locations in and around our markets. Our experience is that a new branch achieves profitability in about 18 months, although the two branches we opened in the New Orleans market in 2012 both were profitable within

 

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a year after opening. In addition to increasing our physical footprint, we intend to continue to recruit experienced and talented management and lending personnel to join our team. Recent bank mergers in our markets have dislocated employees, and we believe this dislocation presents an opportunity for us to continue to attract high-performing individuals. For example, we were recently able to recruit two top producers of auto loans from other banks with a large presence in the New Orleans market.

In addition to organic growth, we consider strategic acquisitions to be an important component of our growth strategy, although we have no present agreement or plan concerning any specific acquisition or similar transaction. As of June, 2013, 64% of financial institutions headquartered in Louisiana had less than $250 million in assets, and 83% of Louisiana-based financial institutions had less than $500 million in assets. Our acquisition focus will be primarily on financial institutions in this demographic, because we believe acquisitions of financial institutions of this size pose fewer regulatory obstacles and other execution risks than acquisitions of larger institutions. We also believe that the larger, out-of-state institutions that dominate our markets are generally not interested in acquiring smaller banks, which reduces the number of possible competitors for those financial institutions. Ultimately, our willingness to move forward on any potential acquisition will be dictated by whether the target presents an attractive opportunity to us, not just from the perspective of the loans and deposits that would be acquired but also with respect to whether the employees and branches that we acquire position us for additional growth and profitability in the future.

Expansion of our product line and income streams . We believe that our current range of services and pricing strategies make us an attractive option to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in our markets. At the same time, we will introduce new products and services where we perceive market opportunities to increase our income. For example, with respect to our mortgage operations, we have been approved to sell loans to Freddie Mac while retaining servicing rights (and expect to apply to Fannie Mae to do the same). We have the infrastructure in place to perform mortgage servicing and expect to be able to quickly leverage our existing mortgage origination activities to generate additional servicing fee income and be more competitive in our pricing of mortgage loans. Our decision to retain or release servicing rights will be based on the pricing of the loan in the secondary market and other market-related conditions.

In the consumer lending area, in addition to hiring two experienced auto loan buyers, we have undertaken two initiatives to expand the consumer loan portfolio, which will continue to be one of our core products. First, we are in the process of establishing the infrastructure to make indirect auto loans to markets on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We intend to employ the same conservative lending practices in these new markets as apply in our existing markets. Next, we have established a new division of the Bank that engages in “finance company” type lending, offering small consumer loans directly to individual customers, and we are in the process of organizing a new subsidiary where we will ultimately locate these finance company activities. We expect this finance company to complement our indirect auto loan activities by making auto loans to consumers with FICO scores slightly below the minimum FICO score that the Bank requires in its indirect auto lending, but we will not make auto loans that are generally considered “sub-prime.” We anticipate charging slightly higher rates on these loans to meet our risk-adjusted return metrics. We may hold these loans in our portfolio or sell them in the secondary market, depending on loan yields and pricing. The activities of the finance company are discussed in more detail in the Lending Activities section.

We view wealth management services as another attractive line of business, given our customer base, and intend to pursue sales of annuities and mutual funds. Our plan would be to enter wealth management by means of a strategic acquisition rather than organically, although we do not currently have any agreements to do so. We do, however, expect to commence sales of annuities and mutual funds in the next two years.

Lending Activities

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 and professional concerns as well as loans to individuals. Our business lending products include owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, construction

 

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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 and accounting firms. Our lending officers actively solicit both established companies as well as new entrants in our market. Fewer than 15.0% of our total loans were made to borrowers located outside our current market areas, and the substantial majority of these loans are auto loans made to borrowers who relocated from our markets subsequent to the loan’s origination.

 

LOGO

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

 

    Commercial real estate loans . Approximately 35.1% of our total loans at March 31, 2014 were commercial real estate loans, which include multifamily, farmland and non-farm, non-residential real estate loans, with owner-occupied loans comprising approximately 46.6% 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.

 

    Construction and development loans . Construction and development loans, which consist of loans for the construction of commercial projects, single family residential properties and multi-family properties, accounted for approximately 11.9% of our total loans at March 31, 2014. Of these loans, 36.8% were loans for the construction of single family residential properties. Our construction and development loans are made on both a “pre-sold” basis and on a “speculative” basis. At March 31, 2014, pre-sold construction loans represented approximately 61.1% of our total construction loans, with speculative construction loans representing the remainder.

Construction and development loans are generally made with a term of six 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

 

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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. By developing good relationships with land developers, we believe that we are better able to gauge whether the borrower can successfully execute the development plans that our loan will fund.

At March 31, 2014, the aggregate balance of the construction loans that we acquired in our acquisitions of SLBB and FCB was approximately $15.7 million, or 25.1% of our total construction loans. In conducting our due diligence for those acquisitions, we carefully evaluated the SLBB and FCB construction loan portfolios in order to identify potential problems within the respective portfolios, and we continue to closely monitor these loans. At March 31, 2014, none of the construction loans that we acquired in the SLBB acquisition were classified as nonperforming loans, while 1.5% of the construction loans acquired in the FCB acquisition were nonperforming.

 

    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 5.75%. Commercial loans accounted for approximately 6.4% of our total loans at March 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 25.0% of our total loans at March 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

 

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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 second largest component of our overall loan portfolio, representing 96.8% of our total consumer loans and 24.3% of our total loans as of March 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, however, 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. At March 31, 2014, we had non-exclusive relationships with 56 automotive dealerships in our Baton Rouge markets, 44 in our New Orleans and Hammond markets and 37 in Lafayette, including some of the largest dealerships by sales volume in both of these markets. We recently hired two experienced auto loan buyers in the New Orleans market (who also have relationships in our other markets), and we expect our penetration of this segment of the New Orleans market to continue to grow.

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. As of March 31, 2014, the auto loan portfolio had an average FICO of approximately 740. At March 31, 2014, our auto loan portfolio had an average original term of 69 months, and average interest rate of 4.67%. Net charge-offs of our auto loans as a percentage of average auto loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were 0.07%, while net charge-offs of our auto loans as a percentage of average auto loans for the three and five years ended December 31, 2013 were 0.48% and 0.85%, respectively. All of our indirect auto loans were made through dealerships located in Louisiana, although some of these borrowers resided in, or have since moved to, other states.

We typically sell pools of our auto loans on a quarterly basis in order to minimize our concentration in these types of loans as well as to generate additional liquidity. These loans are sold on a non-recourse basis, and we usually retain the servicing rights. We earned $59,000 and $104,000 in income from auto loan servicing activities for the three months ending March 31, 2014 and the year ending December 31, 2013, respectively. We are also investigating the benefits and risks associated with securitizing a portion of our indirect auto loan portfolio, while holding an equity interest in the securitization.

As discussed earlier, we have formed a new division within the Bank that engages in “finance company” type lending, making small consumer loans to individuals, including indirect auto loans and loans to finance the purchase of leisure products such as boats and RVs, and we are in the process of organizing a new subsidiary through which we will conduct these operations (references below to the “finance company” mean the activities currently conducted through the separate Bank division and

 

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ultimately to be conducted through this new subsidiary). Our plan is for the finance company to focus on making loans to individuals whose credit scores are somewhat lower than the minimum FICO otherwise necessary to qualify for an auto or other consumer loan from the Bank. Because of the elevated credit risk associated with these loans, we anticipate charging higher interest rates. We are still in the nascent stages of developing our finance company operations. At March 31, 2014, we had approximately $4.8 million of loans originated through the finance company division, none of which were past due or otherwise nonperforming. We expect to leverage the Bank’s existing relationships with automotive dealerships to generate indirect auto loans for the finance company.

We have elected to keep our finance company activities separate from the Bank’s other consumer lending activities for a few reasons. First, we believe the Bank currently has a reputation as a “super prime” lender among the auto dealerships that it has relationships with on account of its high FICO requirements. While we wish to expand the scope of our auto lending activities, at the same time we do not want these activities to negatively impact the Bank’s positive reputation, and so we will use the finance company to make loans to borrowers with higher credit risk than the Bank’s auto loan borrowers (although, in our view, such credit risk still remains low relative to all potential auto loan customers). Second, the Bank sells pools of auto loans, and we believe that the loans’ high credit quality facilitates our ability to sell auto loan pools. By conducting our expanded auto lending activities through a separate division/subsidiary, we believe we will avoid any adverse effects on the Bank’s ability to sell pools of auto loans. Finally, we are keeping the finance company’s operations separate from the Bank’s lending activities so that the Bank’s auto loan originators will remain focused only on originating “super prime” loans. The finance company has its own loan originators.

Because we expect that that the finance company’s borrowers will pose more credit risk than the Bank’s individual borrowers, we intend to take a conservative, disciplined approach to loans made through our finance company. It is not our intent to make loans to borrowers with a FICO below 600 or who have not been employed for the past two years absent other factors positively impacting our analysis of a borrower’s creditworthiness or the credit risk of the proposed loan. Also, we intend to cap the amount of any finance company loan at $35,000 and limit the maximum term of any such loan to 72 months. We believe that these restrictions will limit the lending risk associated with loans originated by the finance company. We have incorporated the credit approval process for the finance company into the Bank’s approval processes. Credit applications for consumer loans, whether submitted electronically from a dealership for an indirect auto loan or submitted through a lending officer, will be delivered to our credit department. After review, the loan application (assuming it is approved) will be routed to either the finance company or, if the application meets the Bank’s higher underwriting standards, to the Bank for funding (subject to the satisfaction of any applicable funding conditions).

As with the Bank’s sales of auto loan pools, we anticipate that we will sell periodically pools of auto loans made by the finance company. However, we do not expect to begin selling pools of finance company auto loans until we have greater experience in finance company lending and a more thorough understanding of this industry segment.

 

   

Residential real estate . One-to-four family residential real estate loans, including second mortgage loans, comprised approximately 21.6% of our total loans at March 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., loans in amounts above $417,000) in our portfolio and sell virtually all of our remaining mortgage loans on the secondary market. Historically, we have sold mortgage loans with servicing rights released, but we expect to be able to retain servicing rights for some of the mortgage loans we sell, as we recently received approval from Freddie Mac to sell and service mortgage loans (and we intend to apply to Fannie Mae to do the same). For the three months ended March 31, 2014, originations of loans to be sold in the secondary market accounted for 46.3% of our total mortgage originations, while for 2013 originations of loans to be sold in the secondary market

 

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accounted for 64.7% of our total mortgage originations. Mortgage loans in our portfolio as of March 31, 2014 had an average loan to value ratio of 63.09% and an average term of 137 months. 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.

As a general practice we do not buy participations in loans originated by other financial institutions.

In all loan categories, we require our borrowers to adequately insure the collateral securing our loan in order to mitigate the risk of property damage caused by adverse weather conditions. For example, as a condition to our making a loan secured by improved real estate, the borrower must provide us with evidence of (1) hazard insurance, with the Bank named as mortgagee, in the amount of the loan balance or the replacement value of the property, whichever is less, and (2) if the real estate is located in a flood zone, flood insurance, with the Bank named as mortgagee, in the same amount (capped at the maximum amount permitted under federal regulations). With respect to our auto lending, at closing the borrower must present evidence of adequate auto insurance (which covers the type of damage that would result from adverse weather), with the Bank named as loss payee. On a weekly basis beginning 60 days prior to the scheduled expiration date of an insurance policy, our core operating system generates expiration notices to borrowers.

Credit Risk Management

The principal economic risk associated with our lending activities is the creditworthiness of the borrower. Borrower creditworthiness is affected by general economic conditions and the strength of the relevant business market segment, including inflation and employment rates, as well as other factors affecting a borrower’s customers, suppliers and employees. Since our target customers are small to medium-sized businesses and individuals who may be less able to withstand competitive, economic and financial pressures than larger borrowers, it is imperative that our loan underwriting and approval processes are as thorough as is necessary to prevent us from taking excessive credit risks, both on a per-loan basis and throughout the entire portfolio. The remainder of this section discusses our loan underwriting and approval processes, while our procedures for addressing loans with deteriorated credit quality are addressed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading Risk Management—Credit Risk and the Allowance for Loan Losses .

We centralize our loan underwriting and credit approval process. We believe this centralized approach to our lending activities ensures consistency in underwriting and facilitates our analysis of trends within the loan portfolio, and it is designed to be scalable as we grow our operations in the future.

Underwriting . We believe we have conservative underwriting principles, which include the following:

 

    diversifying our loan portfolio by industry, market and loan type,

 

    focusing on originating loans from customers with whom we have a pre-existing deposit or other relationship (although this does not apply with respect to our indirect auto lending, where we require a customer to have a high FICO to mitigate the risk associated with not having a pre-existing relationship with the customer),

 

    thoroughly analyzing the borrower’s and, if applicable, the project’s financial status to verify the adequacy of repayment sources in light of the amount of the contemplated loan,

 

    strictly adhering to our policies relating to loan to value ratios and collateral requirements, and

 

    ensuring that each loan is thoroughly documented and all liens on collateral are fully perfected.

 

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Our board and management set concentration limits as a percentage of total risk-based capital for our loan portfolio on the basis of established limits based on, among other criteria, loan type, industry and status as owner-occupied. We believe that maintaining a diversified portfolio is an essential facet of a sound credit risk management process. Additionally, we closely monitor our exposure to any single borrower or group of affiliated borrowers, to ensure an appropriate level of diversification is maintained within loan types. As a result, we do not have any individual concentrations, as defined by regulatory authorities, within our loan portfolio.

Approval . We use a concurrent approval process for all extensions of credit, with the parties involved in the review dictated by the aggregate size of the borrower relationship with the Bank. Once a loan has been underwritten, our credit department submits its recommendation to one of the following approval authorities, depending on the size and type of the proposed loan:

 

    Small Business Loan Authority . All loans secured by real estate in amounts up to $250,000 must be approved by any two of the applicable regional chief lending officer, regional president and our small business and direct consumer credit manager (if any of these individuals is absent, our Chief Credit Officer serves in his or her place).

 

    Senior Loan Authority . For secured loans between $250,000 and $500,000 and for unsecured loans (or working capital lines of credit not secured by real estate) up to $250,000, approval is required from any two of the applicable regional chief lending officer, regional president and regional commercial credit manager (with our Chief Credit Officer serving in place of any one of these individuals if necessary).

 

    Executive Loan Authority . Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer and the applicable regional president and regional chief lending officer must all approve secured loans between $500,000 and $1 million.

 

    Director’s Credit Committee . Secured loans between $1 million and $2 million and unsecured loans between $250,000 and $500,000 must be approved by the Director’s Credit Committee, which is composed of four members of the Bank’s board of directors. We believe that involving our directors in the loan approval process facilitates the board’s oversight of our risk management processes. For these loans, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer and the applicable regional president and regional chief lending officer must review and recommend approval of these loans before they are sent to the Director’s Credit Committee.

 

    Board Credit Committee . For secured loans in excess of $2 million and unsecured loans in excess of $500,000, after review and recommendation by our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer and the applicable regional president and regional chief lending officer, the proposed loan must be approved by a majority of the Board Credit Committee, which is composed of eight directors of the Bank.

Our credit department has created a matrix that tracks the number of loans that are submitted for approval to each of the above authorities. We track the flow of loans to the various approval authorities so that we can analyze whether our loan approval procedures are appropriately structured in light of the size and nature of our lending activities at any given time. Accordingly, as our loan volumes increase, both in the number of loans we make and the average size of our loans, we expect to adjust the approval limits for each approval authority so that each level of our loan approval authorities reviews proposed loans that present credit risks commensurate with the relative risk that each approval authority has been designed to oversee.

Our lending activities are also subject to Louisiana statutes and internal guidelines limiting the amount we can lend to any one borrower. Subject to certain exceptions, under Louisiana law the Bank may not lend on an unsecured basis to any single borrower (i.e., any one individual or business entity and his or its affiliates) an amount in excess of 20% of the sum of the Bank’s capital stock and surplus, or on a secured basis an amount in excess of 50% of the sum of the Bank’s capital stock and surplus. At March 31, 2014, our legal lending limit was approximately $24.6 million. After this offering, our legal lending will be approximately $ . None of our borrowers are currently approaching this limit.

 

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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. Deposits at Investar Bank are insured by the FDIC up to statutory limits. At March 31, 2014, we held $564.2 million in deposits.

Deposits are our principal source of funds for use in lending and for other general banking purposes. At March 31, 2014, our loan-to-deposit ratio was 93.9%. Our deposit pricing is driven by market rates as well as by our liquidity needs. Our primary sources of deposits are individuals and small to medium-sized businesses located in our market areas. Typically, we try to cross-sell our transaction deposit accounts with higher-rate certificates of deposit, which allows us to manage the overall interest rate that we pay. With respect to our individual customers, we tailor our deposits, by price and transaction features, based on the age of the customer and the amount to be deposited. The Bank obtains these deposits through personal solicitation by its officers and directors, direct mail solicitations and advertisements published in the local media.

Investments

Due to the significant growth in our loan portfolio since the commencement of our operations, our investment policy is to provide the Bank with a source of liquidity to fund our loan growth, with investment return being a secondary consideration, all within the context of maintaining our asset quality and an appropriate asset/liability mix. Our investment securities consist of obligations of agencies of the United States, bank-qualified obligations of state and local political subdivisions, and collateralized mortgage obligations (including hybrid adjustable rate mortgages collateralized mortgage obligations). Collateralized mortgage obligations, primarily consisting of securities issued by government-sponsored entities, comprise the largest share of our investment securities, representing 63.2% of total investment securities, and 65.7% of our available-for-sale securities, at March 31, 2014. From time to time, we may also acquire investment-grade corporate debt or other securities.

The yield on our investment securities portfolio is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. A sudden and substantial change in interest rates may adversely impact earnings 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. As of March 31, 2014, none of the securities in our investment portfolio were other than temporarily impaired.

Investar Bank’s board of directors reviews the investment policy at least annually, and the board also receives monthly information regarding purchases and sales with the resulting gains or losses, average maturity, federal taxable equivalent yields and appreciation or depreciation by investment categories. In addition, our Asset/Liability Committee, made up of directors and executive officers, monitors our investment securities portfolio and directs our overall acquisition and allocation of funds. Consistent with our investment policy, the committee’s charge is to structure our portfolio such that our securities provide us with a stable source of interest income but without exposing the Bank to an excessive degree of market risk. At its monthly meetings, the Asset/Liability Committee reviews data on economic conditions in our market and beyond, the current interest rate outlook, current forecast on loans and deposits, our mix of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities, our liquidity position and transactions within the investment portfolio. Our accounting department oversees day-to-day activities pertaining to our investment portfolio.

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

 

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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. The Bank does not offer trust services or insurance products.

Competition

We face competition in all major product and geographic areas in which we conduct our operations. Through Investar 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, since the beginning of 2011, there have been 12 mergers or other business combinations involving banks with a presence in our markets. In our view, consolidation activity within our markets provides 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.

Employees

As of March 31, 2014, we had 167 full-time equivalent employees and 4 part-time 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.

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 nine 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 third quarter of 2014. We also own two tracts of land in Ascension Parish and one tract of land in Lafayette, each of which has been designated as a future branch location, although the timing of the development of these tracts is uncertain.

 

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Legal Proceedings

From time to time we are a 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.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This section presents management’s perspective on our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information in this prospectus. As discussed elsewhere in this prospectus, the Company did not become the holding company of the Bank until the completion of the Share Exchange 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 the 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.

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, return on average equity and efficiency ratio, among other metrics.

Our total assets grew to $673.9 million at March 31, 2014, an increase of 6.1% and 79.5% from $634.9 million at December 31, 2013 and $375.4 million at December 31, 2012, respectively, while our total deposits grew 5.9% and 88.3% from $532.6 million at December 31, 2013 and $299.7 million at December 31, 2012, respectively, to $564.2 million at March 31, 2014. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $879,000, compared to $618,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, while net income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $3.2 million, $2.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. 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 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 of our franchise through the opening of two new branch locations in our New Orleans market during the fourth quarter of 2012 and one new branch in Lafayette in the third quarter of 2013 (our permanent location in Lafayette opened in the fourth quarter of 2013). These three new branches contributed $101.1 million to our total loans and $96.3 million to our total deposits at March 31, 2014, while the new branches in our New Orleans market contributed $36.5 million to our total loans and $4.5 million to our total deposits at December 31, 2012.

 

    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.

 

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    Integrating fully in 2012 our acquisition by merger of South Louisiana Business Bank. The SLBB acquisition, which was effective on October 1, 2011, contributed assets with a fair value of $50.9 million, deposits with a fair value of $38.6 million, $12.0 million in capital and one branch located in our Baton Rouge market.

 

    Increasing our mortgage originations in 2012 by $44.3 million and generating $3.1 million in income from sales of mortgage loans, which is more than double the amount of such income for 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or 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 A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus. 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.

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 Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 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.

 

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Acquisition Accounting . We account for our acquisitions under ASC 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 fair value of assets purchased exceeds the fair value of liabilities assumed, it results in a bargain purchase gain; if the consideration given exceeds the fair value of the acquired assets, goodwill 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 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 its consolidated statement of income 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.

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 asset 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

 

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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 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 primarily of goodwill, core deposit intangibles, and customer relationship 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 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 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 share-based payments to employees in accordance with ASC 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 share-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.

 

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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 expense 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.

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

Total assets were $673.9 million at March 31, 2014, an increase of 6.1% from total assets of $634.9 million at December 31, 2013. Our total assets of $634.9 million at December 31, 2013 represents a 69.1% increase from total assets of $375.4 million at December 31, 2012. With respect to our growth in 2013, $99.2 million is attributable to the FCB acquisition, with the remainder resulting from organic growth in our loan and securities portfolio.

Loans

General . Loans, excluding loans held for sale, constitute our most significant asset, comprising 78.4%, 79.4% and 76.9% of our total assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased $24.2 million, or 4.8%, to $528.2 million at March 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, the majority of the increase in 2013 is on account of organic loan growth. Loans in our Baton Rouge market were $195.7 million at March 31, 2014, representing an increase of $19.4 million and $62.1 million from December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Loans in our New Orleans market increased to $110.8 million at March 31, 2014, from $101.5 million and $36.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Loans in our Hammond market, which we entered in May 2013 through the FCB acquisition, were $56.1 million at March 31, 2014, a decrease of $10.2 million from $66.3 million at December 31, 2013, while loans in our Lafayette market, where we opened a permanent branch location in the fourth quarter of 2013, totaled $15.6 million at March 31, 2014. The decrease in loans in our

 

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Hammond market from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014 reflects our decision not to renew certain relationships acquired in the FCB acquisition as loans matured because the customers did not meet our underwriting standards.

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.

 

    As of March 31,
2014
    As of December 31,  
(dollars in thousands)     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
    Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %  

Mortgage loans on real estate:

                       

Construction and land development

  $ 62,719        11.87   $ 63,170        12.53   $ 20,271        7.02   $ 21,171        9.61   $ 17,798        11.22   $ 18,540        14.00

1-4 family

    113,911        21.56        104,685        20.77        54,813        18.98        46,664        21.19        30,957        19.51        24,631        18.60   

Multifamily

    17,666        3.34        14,286        2.83        1,750        0.61        1,454        0.66        1,278        0.81        0        0   

Farmland

    2,314        0.44        830        0.16        64        0.02        8        0        852        0.54        0        0   

Non-farm, non-residential

    165,381        31.31        157,363        31.22        99,927        34.61        56,467        25.64        39,400        24.83        38,926        29.39   

Commercial and industrial

    33,900        6.42        32,665        6.48        15,319        5.31        11,499        5.22        8,338        5.25        14,947        11.29   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consumer installment loans:

                       

Auto loans

    128,189        24.27        126,704        25.13        93,062        32.23        79,945        36.30        60,065        37.85        35,397        26.73   

Other consumer installment loans

    4,169        0.79        4,392        0.87        3,547        1.23        3,041        1.38        3        0        2        0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans, net of unearned income

  $ 528,249        100   $ 504,095        100   $ 288,753        100   $ 220,249        100   $ 158,691        100   $ 132,443        100
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As the table above indicates, we have experienced significant growth in all loan categories since the end of 2009. Our acquisition of FCB, 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 in 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014. Of the $77.5 million in total loans that we acquired in connection with the FCB acquisition, $23.1 million were construction and land development loans (with 12.4% being “speculative” loans), $21.9 million were 1-4 family mortgage loans, and $22.7 million were non-farm, non-residential mortgage loans. One-to-four family mortgage loans held in our portfolio and auto loans grew primarily due to our expansion into the New Orleans market. Beyond the impact of the FCB acquisition and our expansion into New Orleans, we believe our loan growth from 2012 through the first quarter of 2014 is due to the successful implementation of our relationship-driven banking strategy. In early 2014, we hired two auto loan buyers with extensive contacts in Louisiana, and we expect these hires to continue to grow this segment of our loan portfolio.

 

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The following table sets forth loans, net of unearned income, outstanding at March 31, 2014, which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, are due in the periods indicated. Loans with balloon payments and longer amortizations are often repriced and extended beyond the initial maturity when credit conditions remain satisfactory. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported below as due in one year or less.

 

(in thousands)    One
Year or
Less
     After One
Year
Through
Five Years
     After
Five
Through
10 Years
     After
10
Through
15 Years
     After
15 Years
     Total  

Mortgage loans on real estate:

                 

Construction and land development

   $ 38,855       $ 19,954       $ 2,303       $ 1,607       $ 0       $ 62,719   

1-4 family

     9,103         24,842         27,406         19,254         33,306         113,911   

Multifamily

     4,726         9,658         2,138         1,144         0         17,666   

Farmland

     55         0         759         1,500         0         2,314   

Non-farm, non-residential

     13,809         61,911         57,087         32,502         72         165,381   

Commercial and industrial

     9,776         13,691         7,790         2,643         0         33,900   

Consumer installment loans:

                 

Auto loans

     883         62,071         64,906         329         0         128,189   

Other consumer installment loans

     272         3,313         584         0         0         4,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans, net of unearned income

   $ 77,479       $ 195,440       $ 162,973       $ 58,979       $ 33,378       $ 528,249   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loans held for sale . Loans held for sale increased $20.2 million, or 404%, to $25.2 million at March 31, 2014 from $5.0 million at December 31, 2013. The increase is primarily due to approximately $19.5 million of consumer loans (consisting of indirect auto loans) being classified as held for sale at March 31, 2014. No consumer loans were classified as held for sale at December 31, 2013 or 2012. In the first three months of 2014, we originated $16.9 million in mortgage loans for sale, as compared to $25.5 million in mortgage loans for sale originated in the first three months of 2013. 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. Our originations of mortgage loans for sale were $70.6 million in 2011.

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 into the first quarter of 2014, mortgage rates began to increase, resulting in a decline in originations. As these rates are expected to remain elevated in 2014 relative to their historic lows in the past two years, we do not expect significant growth in mortgage originations and anticipate that our originations of mortgage loans held for sale may continue to decline in the future.

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 is gains from the sale of these loans in the secondary market.

We also sell pools of our auto loans in order to manage our concentration in auto loans as well as to generate liquidity. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recognized gains from the sales of pools of our auto loans of $174,000. We did not sell any auto loan pools in the three months ended March 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the gain from sales of pools of our auto loans was $247,000, an increase over

 

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gains of $34,000 from such sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 due primarily to the overall growth in our auto loan originations. In the future, we anticipate that we will sell pools of our auto loans on a quarterly basis, and we expect gains from the sale of pools of our auto loans to continue to fluctuate with the size of our auto loan portfolio.

Finally, as a general matter we hold construction and development loans in our portfolio. When construction is complete and the construction loan is converted into a permanent loan, however, we typically sell the permanent loan on the secondary market.

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 each of March 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 $69.8 million at March 31, 2014, an increase of $7.0 million, or 11.0%, from $62.8 million at December 31, 2013. Investment securities represented 10.4% of our total assets at March 31, 2014. The investment securities balance at December 31, 2013 represents an $18.4 million, or 42%, increase from $44.3 million at December 31, 2012. Our increase in investment securities at March 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 was primarily due to our investment of cash not used in our lending activities into investment securities. The increase in investment securities from 2012 to 2013 was due to the acquisition of $5.3 million in investment securities in connection with the FCB acquisition as well as our purchase of investment securities with cash not used in our lending activities.

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)    March 31, 2014     December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
     Balance      % of
Portfolio
    Balance      % of
Portfolio
    Balance      % of
Portfolio
 

Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and corporations

   $ 6,155         8.82   $ 6,182         9.85   $ 4,853         10.95

Mortgage-backed securities

     44,108         63.22        37,069         59.07        23,812         53.72   

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     13,971         20.02        14,100         22.47        13,403         30.24   

Other debt securities

     479         0.69        476         0.76        505         1.14   

Corporate bonds

     5,060         7.25        4,925         7.85        1,753         3.95   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 69,773         100   $ 62,752         100   $ 44,326         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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. Available for sale securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity.

In the first three months of 2014, we purchased $19.4 million of investment securities, compared to purchases of $9.4 million of investment securities during the corresponding period in 2013. During 2013, we purchased $40.4 million in investment securities, while we purchased $26.8 million in securities in 2012. We increased our purchases of securities in 2013, which continued into the first quarter of 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 91.6%, 65.6% and 62.5%, of

 

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the available for sale securities we purchased in the first quarter of 2014, and in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of the remaining securities purchased in the first quarter of 2014, and in 2013 and 2012, 0%, 3.5% and 16.9%, respectively, were U.S. government agency securities, while 1.2%, 16.8% and 10.4%, 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 the first quarter of 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. We did not purchase any held to maturity securities in the first quarter of 2014 or in 2012. 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.

The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of our investment securities based on the amortized cost of our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2014.

 

(dollars in thousands)    One Year or
Less
    After One Year
Through Five
Years
    After Five Years
Through Ten
Years
    After Ten Years  
     Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield  

Held to Maturity:

                    

Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and corporations

   $ 0         0   $ 0         0   $ 0         0   $ 3,974         2.21

Mortgage-backed securities

     0         0        0         0        0         0        2,588         2.34

Available for Sale:

                    

Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and corporations

     0         0        0         0        181         3.17     2,007         1.85

Mortgage-backed securities

     0         0        0         0        2,332         2.12     39,304         2.25

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     102         1.21     843         2.31     5,891         3.24     7,324         3.50

Corporate bonds

     498         2.14     900         1.19     3,668         1.85     0         0   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    
   $ 600         $ 1,743         $ 12,072         $ 55,196      
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

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 $1.6 million, or 6.5%, to $26.3 million at March 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 and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for potential future branch locations.

Deferred tax asset

At each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our deferred tax asset was $1.2 million, compared to $0.3 million at December 31, 2012. The reason for this significant increase is due to the FCB acquisition, as the

 

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tax basis on the real estate owned that we acquired in the FCB acquisition exceeded its carrying value by approximately $1.8 million, and we also acquired a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $1.3 million on an after-tax basis. At March 31, 2014, we held approximately $2.3 million in net operating loss carryforwards, with expiration dates ranging from 2029 to 2033. U.S. tax law imposes annual limitations 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 amortize. In addition to this limitation, our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards depends upon our maintaining profitable results. 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.

Deposits

The following table sets forth the composition of our deposits at March 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

(dollars in thousands)    March 31, 2014     December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent  

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

   $ 64,545         11.44   $ 72,795         13.67   $ 37,489         12.51

NOW accounts

     96,810         17.16        77,190         14.49        43,022         14.36   

Money market deposit accounts

     71,039         12.59        67,006         12.58        46,296         15.45   

Savings accounts

     52,509         9.31        52,177         9.80        30,521         10.18   

Certificates of Deposit

     279,291         49.40        263,438         49.46        142,342         47.50   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 564,194         100   $ 532,606         100   $ 299,670         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total deposits were $564.2 million at March 31, 2014, an increase of $31.6 million, or 5.9%, from total deposits of $532.6 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in deposits at March 31, 2014 resulted from organic growth in all of our markets, particularly in our Lafayette market, where deposits grew by approximately $12.0 million from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Deposits in our Hammond and New Orleans markets increased by approximately $7.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively, over the same period. The remaining $4.4 million in deposit growth in the first quarter of 2014 came from the Baton Rouge market.

Total deposits were $532.6 million at December 31, 2013, an increase of $232.9 million, or 77.7%, 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. Deposits in our Baton Rouge and New Orleans markets increased $78.7 million and $69.6 million, respectively, from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013. Deposits in our Hammond market were $76.4 million at December 31, 2013, compared to $61.7 million on May 1, 2013, the date that we completed the FCB acquisition. Deposits from our de novo location in Lafayette totaled $31.6 million at December 31, 2013. Total deposits, and noninterest-bearing deposits in particular, at December 31, 2013 were slightly inflated by a $15.0 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 $41.3 million in certificates of deposit from FCB in 2013, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, certificates of deposit

 

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represented 49.5% of our total deposits as compared to 47.5% 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 maturity of certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more at March 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Time Remaining Until Maturity:

 

(in thousands)    March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  
   Certificates
of Deposit
     Other Time
Deposits
     Certificates
of Deposit
     Other Time
Deposits
     Certificates
of Deposit
     Other Time
Deposits
 

Three months or less

   $ 5,686       $ 102       $ 4,296       $ 134       $ 3,149       $ 224   

Over three through six months

     3,805         233         5,123         102         6,053         234   

Over six through twelve months

     10,760         112         6,456         396         2,687         506   

Over one year through three years

     8,857         234         9,435         302         6,457         241   

Over three years

     830         121         2,861         141         283         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 29,938       $ 802       $ 28,171       $ 1,075       $ 18,629       $ 1,205   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Borrowings

Total borrowings include securities sold under agreements to repurchase, advances from the FHLB and junior subordinated debentures. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase increased $2.6 million to $12.8 million at March 31, 2014 from $10.2 million at December 31, 2013. Our advances from the FHLB were $34.2 million at March 31, 2014, an increase of $3.4 million, or 11.0%, from FHLB advances of $30.8 million at December 31, 2013, resulting generally from the increase in the size of our operations. Our $3.6 million in notes payable at each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 represent the junior subordinated debentures that we assumed in connection with our acquisition of FCB.

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 overnight repurchase agreement in our Lafayette market. Our advances from the FHLB were $30.8 million at December 31, 2013, an increase of $4.0 million, or 15.0%, 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 March 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2103, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

 

(dollars in thousands)   Average Balances     Cost of Funds  
    March 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
    March 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Federal funds purchased

  $ 3,804      $ 4,448      $ 641      $ 4,449        .11     .19     .33     .25

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    11,289        7,608        5,471        5,045        .12        .15        .10        .28   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total short-term borrowings

  $ 15,093      $ 12,056      $ 6,112      $ 9,494        .12     .17     .21     .26
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Results of Operations

Performance Summary

Three months ended March 31, 2014 vs. three months ended March 31, 2013 . For the three months ended March 31, 2014, net income was $0.9 million, or $0.23 per basic share and $0.21 per diluted share, compared to net income of $0.6 million, or $0.19 per basic share and $0.18 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 do not include any impact of the FCB acquisition. 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 declined to 0.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from 0.66% for three months ended March 31, 2013 primarily on account of increases in our operational costs attributable to our de novo branch facilities and an increase in expenses related to real estate owned acquired in the FCB acquisition. Return on average equity was 5.97% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 5.70% for the three months ended March 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 6.20% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 5.90% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

2012 vs. 2011 . Our net income for 2012 was $2.4 million compared to $1.0 million for 2011. This increase in net income was primarily the result of increases in net interest income resulting from organic loan growth, including fee income on mortgage loans held for sale, as well as a full year’s impact of the SLBB acquisition on our operations, offset by increases in noninterest expenses related to our growth. Basic earnings per share for 2012 were $0.79 as compared to $0.54 for 2011, while diluted earnings per share for 2012 were $0.71 as compared to $0.47 for 2011. Return on average assets for 2012 was 0.74%, as compared to 0.44% for 2011. Return on average equity for 2012 was 5.90% as compared to 4.44% for 2011.

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.

The primary factors affecting net interest income and 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 have 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.

Three months ended March 31, 2014 vs. three months ended March 31, 2013 . Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased 72.0% to $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from $3.4 million

 

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for the same period in 2013. Net interest margin was 3.95% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, up three basis points from 3.92% for the three months ended March 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 three months ended March 31, 2014, average loans increased approximately $223.4 million as compared to the same period in 2013, while average investment securities increased approximately $23.8 million. The acquired FCB assets increased the average balance of interest-earning assets by $69.6 million and increased the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities by $73.6 million for the first quarter of 2014.

Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, was $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $4.1 million for the same period in 2013. As the average balances table below illustrates, loan interest income made up substantially all of our interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Interest on our non-farm, non-residential 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 at 75.5% and 84.4%, respectively, for such periods. Interest income generated from the two branches acquired from FCB was approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The prolonged low interest rate environment contributed to a lower yield on earning assets, offset by the above-described increases in interest-earning assets. The overall yield on interest-earning assets decreased three basis points to 4.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 4.71% for the same period in 2013. The loan portfolio yielded 5.08% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 5.15% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, while the tax-equivalent yield on the investment portfolio was 1.89% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 1.80% for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Interest expense was $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $0.4 million compared to interest expense of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as a result in an increase in the volume of interest-bearing liabilities, offset by a decrease in cost of such liabilities. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased approximately $233.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 as a result of the FCB acquisition and our organic deposit growth. Interest expense attributable to the two branches acquired from FCB was approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. At the same time, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 11 basis points to 0.83% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. In particular, the weighted average rate paid on certificates of deposit decreased 14 basis points during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to same period in 2013. The decrease in deposit rates was driven by competitive factors and the general interest rate environment, as well as our strategy to cross-sell using lower cost deposits.

 

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Average Balances and Yields . The following table sets forth average balance sheet data, including all major categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, together with the interest earned or paid and the average yield or rate paid on each such category for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Averages presented below are daily averages.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013  
     Average
Balance
    Interest
Income/
Expense (1)
     Yield/
Rate (1)
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Income/
Expense (1)
     Yield/
Rate (1)
 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Assets

              

Interest-earning assets:

              

Loans

   $ 532,549      $ 6,675         5.08   $ 309,194      $ 3,926         5.15

Securities:

              

Taxable

     53,607        193         1.46     31,390        78         1.01

Tax-exempt

     14,194        123         3.51     12,649        117         3.75

Interest-bearing balances with banks

     5,812        7         0.49     1,744        2         0.47
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total interest-earning assets

     606,162        6,998         4.68     354,977        4,123         4.71

Cash and due from banks

     10,865             1,969        

Intangible assets

     3,251             2,827        

Other assets

     35,288             22,457        

Allowance for loan losses

     (3,696          (2,699     
  

 

 

        

 

 

      

Total assets

   $ 652,170           $ 379,531        
  

 

 

        

 

 

      

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

              

Interest-bearing liabilities:

              

Deposits:

              

Interest-bearing demand

   $ 158,712        242         0.62   $ 89,383        150         0.68

Savings deposits

     51,927        89         0.70     30,472           0.73

Time deposits

     272,835        671         1.00     155,078        436         1.14
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total interest-bearing deposits

     483,474        1,002         0.84     274,933        641         0.95

Short-term borrowings

     3,804        1         0.11     5,919        3         0.21

Long-term debt

     45,427        86         0.77     18,308        46         0.94
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     532,705        1,089         0.83     299,160        690         0.94

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     59,166             33,722        

Other liabilities

     2,070             804        

Stockholders’ equity

     56,442             42,115        
  

 

 

        

 

 

      

Total liability and shareholders’ equity

   $ 650,383           $ 375,801        
  

 

 

        

 

 

      

Net interest income/net interest margin

     $ 5,909         3.95     $ 3,433         3.92
    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

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

The average balances of nonaccruing assets are included in the table above. Interest income and weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a fully tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 34% and a state tax rate of 0%, which is net of federal tax benefit.

 

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Volume/Rate Analysis . The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in interest earned, on a tax equivalent basis, and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and rates for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014

vs.
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2013
 
     Volume     Rate     Net (1)  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Interest income:

      

Loans

   $ 2,836      $ (87   $ 2,749   

Securities:

      

Taxable

     55        60        115   

Tax-exempt

     14        (8     6   

Interest-bearing balances with banks

     5        0        5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest-earning assets

     2,910        (36     2,875   

Interest expense:

      

Interest-bearing demand deposits

     116        (24     92   

Savings deposits

     39        (5     34   

Time deposits

     331        (96     235   

Short-term borrowings

     (1     (1     (2

Long-term debt

     68        (28     40   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     553        (154     399   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net interest income

   $ 2,357      $ 119      $ 2,476   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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.

2013 vs. 2012 . Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased 57% to $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $12.2 million for the same period in 2012. Net interest margin was 4.14% for 2013, up five basis points from 4.09% 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 million as compared to 2012, while average investment securities increased approximately $15 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 .61%, for 2013.

Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, was $22.7 million for 2013 compared to $14.7 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 non-farm, non-residential 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 above-described increases in interest-earning assets. The overall yield on interest-earning assets decreased five basis points to 4.89% for 2013 as compared to 4.94% for 2012. The loan portfolio yielded 5.34% for 2013 as compared to 5.56% for 2012, while the tax-equivalent yield on the investment portfolio was 1.74% for 2013 as compared to 1.86% for 2012.

 

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Interest expense was $3.5 million for 2013, an increase of $0.9 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.

2012 vs. 2011 . Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased 39% to $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $8.8 million for the same period in 2011. Net interest margin was 4.09% for 2012, down three basis points from 4.12% for 2011. 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. Average loans increased approximately $63.4 million and average investments increased approximately $20.1 million in 2012 as compared to 2011. The SLBB acquisition increased the average balance of loans by $9.6 million, with an average yield of 5.30%, and increased the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities by $8.7 million, with an average cost of 0.61%, for 2011.

Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, was $14.7 million for 2012 as compared to $11.4 million for 2011. Interest on non-farm, non-residential 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 2012 and 2011, at 85% and 82%, respectively, for such years. The overall yield on interest-earnings assets decreased 39 basis points to 4.94% for 2012 as compared to 5.33% for 2011. The loan portfolio yielded 5.56% for 2012 as compared to 5.79% for 2011, while the tax-equivalent yield on the investment portfolio was 1.85% for 2012 as compared to 2.26% for 2011. In 2012, management purchased adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities in an effort to mitigate the effects on our interest income if interest rates began to rise. However, since these adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities yielded lower rates than other investment securities, the yield on the investment portfolio declined.

Interest expense was $2.5 million for 2012, approximately the same as interest expense for 2011. The $66 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities, primarily resulting from deposit growth, in 2012 as compared to 2011 was offset by a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities over the same period. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 1.01% for 2012, a 37 basis point decrease compared to 2011. Also, the weighted average rate paid on our certificates of deposits decreased from 1.98% in 2011 to 1.28% in 2012. Competitive factors in the our markets in 2012 resulted in lower rates on certificates of deposit as compared to 2011, which allowed us to lower the cost of our certificates of deposits by repricing maturing certificates at lower rates.

 

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Average Balances and Yields . The following table sets forth average balance sheet data, including all major categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, together with the interest earned or paid and the average yield or rate paid on each such category for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Averages presented below are daily averages.

 

    2013     2012     2011  
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Income/
Expense (1)
    Yield/
Rate (1)
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Income/
Expense (1)
    Yield/
Rate (1)
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Income/
Expense (1)
    Yield/
Rate (1)
 
    (dollars in thousands)  

Assets

                 

Interest-earning assets:

                 

Loans

  $ 405,997      $ 21,686        5.34   $ 251,270      $ 13,968        5.56   $ 187,829      $ 10,878        5.79

Securities:

                 

Taxable

    41,361        421        1.02     28,791        291        1.01     17,626        290        1.65

Tax-exempt

    14,685        536        3.65     12,107        465        3.84     3,205        180        5.62

Interest-bearing balances with banks

    1,573        11        0.70     6,114        21        0.34     4,424        15        0.36
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total interest-earning assets

    463,616        22,472        4.89     298,282        14,587        4.94     213,084        11,302        5.33

Cash and due from banks

    7,285            3,086            2,211       

Intangible assets

    3,124            2,834            716       

Other assets

    25,397            17,219            11,018       

Allowance for loan losses

    (2,737         (2,083         (1,559    
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

     

Total assets

  $ 496,685          $ 319,338          $ 227,029       
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

     

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

                 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                 

Deposits:

                 

Interest-bearing demand

  $ 113,097        726        0.64   $ 82,437        558        0.68   $ 67,370        508        0.75

Savings deposits

    42,774        299        0.70     26,654        206        0.77     12,945        93        0.72

Time deposits

    208,036        2,179        1.05     24,630        1,597        1.28     93,255        1,844        1.98
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total interest-bearing deposits

    363,907        3,204        0.88     233,721        2,361        1.01     173,570        2,445        1.41

Short-term borrowings

    12,056        20        .17     6,112        13        .21     9,494        25        .26

Long-term debt

    20,561        236        1.15     12,650        168        1.33     3,489        109        3.13
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    396,524        3,460        0.87     252,483        2,542        1.01     186,553        2,579        1.38

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    47,564            25,736            15,641       

Other liabilities

    1,527            1,108            738       

Stockholders’ equity

    51,070            40,011            22,538       
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

     

Total liability and shareholders’ equity

  $ 496,685          $ 319,338          $ 225,470       
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

     

Net interest income/net interest margin

    $ 19,194        4.14     $ 12,203        4.09     $ 8,784        4.12
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

The average balances of nonaccruing assets are included in the table above. Interest income and weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a fully tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 34% and a state tax rate of 0%, which is net of federal tax benefit.

 

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Volume/Rate Analysis . The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in interest earned, on a tax equivalent basis, and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and rates for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 and for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

     2013 vs. 2012     2012 vs. 2011  
     Volume     Rate     Net (1)     Volume     Rate     Net (1)  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Interest income:

            

Loans

   $ 8,601      $ (883   $ 7,718      $ 3,674      $ (583   $ 3,091   

Securities:

            

Taxable

     127        3        130        184        (183     1   

Tax-exempt

     99        (28     71        500        (215     285   

Interest-bearing balances with banks

     (16     6        (10     6        (1     5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest-earning assets

     8,811        (902     7,909        4,364        (982     3,382   

Interest expense:

            

Interest-bearing demand deposits

     208        (40     168        114        (64     50   

Savings deposits

     125        (32     93        98        15        113   

Time deposits

     1,069        (487     582        620        (867     (247

Short-term borrowings

     13        (6     7        (9     (3     (12

Long-term debt

     105        (37     68        287        (228     59   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     1,520        (602     918        1,110        (1,147     (168
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net interest income

   $ 7,291      $ (300   $ 6,991      $ 3,254      $ 165      $ 3,453   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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.

Non-interest income

Non-interest income includes, among other things, fees generated from our deposit services and in connection with our mortgage loan activities, non-recurring bargain purchase gain resulting from acquisitions and securities gains. 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.

Three months ended March 31, 2014 vs. three months ended March 31, 2013 . Total non-interest income decreased $0.1 million, or 9.0%, to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 3013. Non-interest income generated from the two branches acquired from FCB was approximately $51,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in fee income on mortgage loans held for sale.

Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale is the largest component of our non-interest income. These fees decreased $0.3 million to $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from $0.8 million for the same period in 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 that has continued into the first quarter of 2014. 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 2014.

Gains on the sale of loans, other than mortgage loans, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were $0.2 million. These gains were generated by sales of pools of our auto loans. We did not sell any auto loans during the three months ended March 31, 2013. We expect to sell pools of our auto loans on a quarterly basis in the future.

 

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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 125% to $63,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to $28,000 for the same period in 2013. Approximately 28% 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $147,000, or 56%, to $116,000 from $263,000 for the same period in 2013. We sold approximately $10.7 million in securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to sales of $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Other operating income was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $0.1 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 non-interest 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 as well as gains on the sale of loans, other than mortgage loans, and gains on the sale of securities. 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 9.0%, 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 three months ended March 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 auto loans and increased from the prior year as a result of the growth in our auto loan portfolio.

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 $17.2 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 $95,000 to $97,000 for 2013 as compared to 2012. Our 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. Our increase in gains on sale of real estate owned reflects our efforts to aggressively market the real estate owned held in our portfolio.

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.

2012 vs. 2011 . Total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $3.6 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 78%, from $2.0 million in 2011. The growth in non-interest income from 2011 to 2012 reflects organic growth within our existing franchise. Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale increased 99% to $3.1 million in 2012 from $1.6 million in 2011 as mortgage loan originations of mortgage loans held for

 

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sale increased from $70.6 million in 2011 to $115.0 million in 2012 as borrowers took advantage of historically low interest rates in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Service charges on deposit accounts increased 15% to $118,000 in 2012 from $102,000 in 2011, reflecting the increase in our deposits, while gains on the sale of investment securities decreased $21,000 to $139,000 in 2012 from $160,000 in 2011, as we sold roughly the same amount of investment securities in 2012 as we sold in 2011.

Non-interest expense

Non-interest 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 growing 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.

Three months ended March 31, 2014 vs. three months ended March 31, 2013 . Total non-interest expense was $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $1.8 million, or 50%, from $3.6 million for the same period in 2013. This increase was a result of increased costs associated with our expanded operations as a result of the FCB acquisition, the opening of our Lafayette branch and our organic growth.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.2 million, or 52%, to $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $2.3 million for the same period in 2013. Staff levels increased to 167 full-time equivalent employees at March 31, 2014 compared to 107 full-time equivalent employees at March 31, 2013, accounting for most of the increase in salary and benefits expense. Of this increase, it was partially due to the 24 employees who joined the Bank upon the completion of the FCB acquisition as well as due to new employees hired in connection with the opening of the Lafayette branch in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Net occupancy and equipment expense increased 63% to $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from $0.4 million for the three months ended March 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 branch in Lafayette.

Data processing expenses increased to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This increase is primarily a result of the additional processing expense associated with the increased size of our loan portfolio resulting from the FCB merger as well as our organic growth, particularly with respect to servicing our auto loan portfolio, the amount of which fluctuates. Software amortization and expenses increased to $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from $68,000 for the same period in 2013, which increase is also attributable to the increased servicing volume of indirect auto loans.

Other expenses include an increase in FDIC and OFI assessments of $49,000 to $114,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $65,000 for the three months ended March 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 $0.1 million to $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from $0.4 million for the same period in 2013. The increase is primarily the result of the FCB acquisition and the opening of our Lafayette branch as well as our organic growth.

2013 vs. 2012 . Total non-interest 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,

 

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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 $250,000 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 $250,000 related to the FCB acquisition, other operating expenses include security, business development, charitable contributions, training, filing fees and duplicating costs. Other operating expenses increased $1.0 million to $2.2 million in 2013 from $1.1 million in 2012. Included in other operating expenses is $31,000 in amortization expense related to the amortization of our core deposit intangible associated with the FCB and SLBB acquisitions.

2012 vs. 2011 . Total non-interest expense was $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $3.0 million, or 35% from $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase is a result of the costs associated with our organic growth as well as due to the impact of a full year of the operations we acquired in connection with the SLBB acquisition in 2011. In 2011, we recorded approximately $229,000 in one-time merger-related expenses associated with the SLBB acquisition, which is included in other operating expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits increased to $7.5 million in 2012 from $4.9 million in 2011. Staff levels increased to 100 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2012 from 69 at December 31, 2011 to support our growth. This increase includes the full-year impact of the nine employees who joined the Bank in connection the SLBB acquisition.

Net occupancy costs and equipment expense increased 43% to $1.1 million for 2012 from $0.8 million for 2011. This increase is attributable to the costs associated with the opening of two de novo locations in the New Orleans area.

Data processing expenses decreased 9.0% to $530,000 in 2012 from $584,000 in 2011. In 2011, we converted our core data system to a new service provider, and we also incurred data processing expenses in connection with the conversion and merger of SLBB’s core data system with our own.

 

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Other operating expenses increased $0.1 million to $1.1 million in 2012 from $1.0 million in 2011 due primarily to an increase in ATM and debit card expenses and business expenses, among other things, offset by a decrease in collection expenses related to real estate owned.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $0.4 million up from $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The effective tax rate for the three months ending March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 32.5% and 31.3%, respectively.

Income tax expense was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $1.0 million for 2012 and $0.5 million for 2011. The effective tax rates for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 26.1%, 29.3% and 33.4%, 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. We were able to fully utilize our available net operating loss carryforwards in 2013. The decrease in our effective tax rate for 2012 as compared to 2011 is due to an increase in our tax-exempt interest income as well as the effects of the difference between the bases of the assets acquired in the SLBB acquisition and their fair value. We expect our effective tax rate to increase in future periods as we exhaust our net operating loss carryforwards.

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. We monitor and manage such credit risk on an ongoing basis by our credit administration department, the board of director’s loan committee and the full board of directors. The information in the Business section under the heading Credit Risk Management describes our procedures for the underwriting and approval of loans.

When we make a loan, the originating loan officer recommends a loan grade, which must then be approved by the credit underwriter. The loan 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) —Substandard-rated loans 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

 

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addressed, it is likely that this category of loan will result in the Bank incurring a loss. Where a borrower has been unable to adjust to industry or general economic conditions, the borrower’s loan is often categorized as Substandard.

 

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

 

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

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no loans classified as Doubtful or Loss, while there were $4.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of loans classified as Substandard and $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of loans classified as Special Mention as of such dates. Of the $5.1 million in total Substandard and Special Mention loans at March 31, 2014, $4.5 million of such loans were acquired in the FCB acquisition and marked to fair value at the time of their acquisition, while $4.9 million of the $5.4 million of total Substandard and Special Mention loans at December 31, 2013 were acquired in the FCB acquisition and marked to fair value. 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 sent to the board of directors’ loan committee for charge-off approval.

Allowance for Loan Losses . The allowance for loan losses is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the entire loan portfolio. The appropriate level of the allowance is based on an ongoing analysis of the loan portfolio and represents an amount that management deems adequate to provide for inherent losses, including collective impairment as recognized under ASC 450, Contingencies . Collective impairment is calculated based on loans grouped by grade. Another component of the allowance is losses on loans assessed as impaired under ASC 310. 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, 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/credit analysis 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 $3.5 million at March 31, 2014, up from $3.4 million at December 31, 2013 and $2.7 million at December 31, 2012, with such increase primarily due to our organic loan growth.

 

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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-$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 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.

Impaired loans at March 31, 2014 were $4.5 million, including impaired loans acquired in the FCB acquisition in the amount of $4.1 million, compared to $4.2 million, including impaired loans acquired in the FCB acquisition in the amount of $3.9 million, at December 31, 2013. Impaired loans were $1.0 million at December 31, 2012, none of which were acquired loans. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $64,000 and $37,000, respectively, of the allowance for loan losses were specifically allocated to impaired loans, while $120,000 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the provision for loan losses was $245,000 and $89,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the provision for loan losses was $1.0 million, up from $0.7 million in 2012 and $0.6 million in 2011. The increases over all periods are 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 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 2013 or 2012 or during the first three months of 2014 or 2013. There was no provision for loan losses charged to operating expense attributable to loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

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The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated:

 

     At March 31,      At December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Mortgage loans on real estate:

                 

Construction and land development

   $ 435       $ 420       $ 276       $ 385       $ 356       $ 657   

1-4 family

     619         567         415         194         158         168   

Multifamily

     124         101         18         5         6         4   

Farmland

     11         4         0         0         4         0   

Non-farm, non-residential

     1,070         992         977         506         332         292   

Commercial and industrial

     374         397         332         306         307         230   

Consumer installment loans:

                 

Auto loans

     857         831         683         337         254         108   

Other consumer installment loans

     40         68         21         13         59         16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans, net of unearned income

   $ 3,530       $ 3,380       $ 2,722       $ 1,746       $ 1,476       $ 1,471   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

     March 31,     At December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

Mortgage loans on real estate:

            

Construction and land development

     .08     .08     .10     .18     .23     .42

1-4 family

     .12        .11        .14        .09        .10        .10   

Multifamily

     .02        .02        .01        0        0        0   

Farmland

     0        0        0        0        0        0   

Non-farm, non-residential

     .21        .20        .33        .22        .21        .18   

Commercial and industrial

     .07        .08        .12        .14        .19        .14   

Consumer installment loans:

            

Auto loans

     .16        .17        .24        .15        .16        .26   

Other consumer installment loans

     .01        .01        0        .01        .04        .01   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans, net of unearned income

     .67     .67     .94     .79     .93     1.11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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:

 

     Three Months
Ended

March 31,
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Allowance at beginning of year

   $ 3,380      $ 2,722      $ 2,722      $ 1,746      $ 1,476      $ 1,471      $ 1,093   

Provision for loan losses

     245        89        1,026        685        639        1,019        1,273   

Charge-offs:

              

Mortgage loans on real estate:

              

Construction and land development

     0        0        0        0        0        (334     0   

1-4 family

     (31     0        0        0        (63     (54     (326

Multifamily

     0        0        0        (15     0        0        0   

Farmland

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Non-farm, non-residential

     (3     0        0        0        (20     (448     0   

Commercial and industrial

     0        (118     (118     0        (218     (84     (500

Consumer installment loans:

              

Auto loans

     (70     (41     (255     (160     (71     (100     (70

Other consumer installment loans

     (4     (2     (16     (6     (6     (3     1   

Total charge-offs

     (108     (161     (389     (181     (378     (1,023     (897

Recoveries:

              

Mortgage loans on real estate:

              

Construction and land development

     1        0        0        0        0        8        0   

1-4 family

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Multifamily

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Farmland

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Non-farm, non-residential

     0        0        0        448        0        0        0   

Commercial and industrial

     0        0        0        2        0        0        0   

Consumer installment loans:

              

Auto loans

     10        2        16        20        9        2        1   

Other consumer installment loans

     2        0        5        2        0        0        0   

Total recoveries

     13        2        21        472        9        10        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net charge-offs

     (95     (159     (368     291        (369     (1,013     (896
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 3,530      $ 2,652      $ 3,380      $ 2,722      $ 1,746      $ 1,476      $ 1,471   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net charge-offs to:

              

Loans—average

     0.02     0.05     0.09     -0.12     0.20     0.68     0.69

Auto loans-average

     0.07     0.17     0.29     -0.31     0.47     2.29     2.93

Allowance for loan losses

     2.69     6.00     10.89     -10.69     21.13     68.63     60.95

Allowance for loan losses to:

              

Loans- year end

     0.67     0.82     0.67     0.94     0.79     0.93     1.11

Nonperforming loans

     206     1,205     227     5,153     6,332     40     194

The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio was unchanged at 0.67% at March 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013. The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ratio decreased to 206% at March 31, 2014 from 227% at December 31, 2013 as the result of a $0.2 million increase in nonperforming loans. The

 

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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 and an overall improvement of credit quality. Loans acquired from FCB caused a seven basis point decline in the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans at March 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses to total loans, other than those acquired in the SLBB and FCB acquisitions, was 0.72% and 0.77%, respectively.

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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, equal to 0.02% and 0.05%, respectively, of our average loan balance as of such dates. Net charge-offs for 2013 were $0.4 million, or 0.09% as a percentage of average loans. 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 non-farm, non-residential commercial real estate loan. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the majority of our charge-offs were auto loans, with the exception of a $0.1 million commercial and industrial loan charged off during the first quarter of 2013. Net charge-offs of our auto loans as a percentage of average auto loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were 0.07% and 0.17%, respectively, while net charge-offs of our auto loans as a percentage of average auto loans for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were 0.29% and -0.31%, respectively. Through March 31, 2014, we have charged off an aggregate of $0.1 million of loans that we acquired in connection with our FCB acquisition.

Management believes the allowance for loan losses at March 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 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 is performing in accordance with the new terms. Such concessions may include reduction in interest rates, deferral of interest or principal payments, principal forgiveness and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. We strive to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify 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.

 

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All of our restructured loans, consisting of four credits, were acquired from FCB. All four contracts were considered restructured loans due to a modification of term through adjustments to maturity. As of March 31, 2014, there have been no subsequent defaults on our restructured loans.

The following table shows the principal amounts of nonperforming and restructured loans as of March 31, 2014 and as of December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009. 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.

 

     At
March 31,

2014
     At December 31,  
        2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Nonaccrual loans

   $ 1,712       $ 1,489       $ 53       $ 28       $ 3,686       $ 717   

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

     0         0         0         0         0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nonperforming loans

     1,712         1,489         53         28         3,686         717   

Restructured loans

     818         815         0         0         0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nonperforming and restructured loans

   $ 2,530       $ 2,304       $ 53       $ 28       $ 3,686       $ 717   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income recognized on nonaccruing and restructured loans

     15         6         0         0         7         28   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income foregone on nonaccruing and restructured loans

     678         444         4         2         1         25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of our total nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $1.3 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. Delinquent loans are comprised of loans 90 days or more past due and nonaccrual loans. Delinquent loans outstanding represented 0.31% of total loans at March 31, 2014, delinquent loans other than those acquired through an acquisition were 0.06%, and delinquent acquired loans were 0.25% at such date. Delinquent loans outstanding, including acquired 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 delinquent at December 31, 2012.

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 $0.1 million and $0.2 million was sold during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, resulting in a net loss of $3,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and neither a gain nor a loss for the three months ended March 31, 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, real estate owned with a cost basis of $1.6 million and $327,000, respectively, was sold, resulting in net gains of $97,000 and $2,000, respectively.

At March 31, 2014, $1.7 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 a carrying value and a fair market value of $637,000 as of each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 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 $714,000 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.

 

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The following table provides details of our real estate owned as of the dates indicated:

 

     March 31,
2014
     December 31,  
        2013      2012  
     (in thousands)  

Construction and land development

   $ 2,604       $ 2,216       $ 1,560   

1-4 family

     770         949         166   

Multifamily

     40         350         550   

Total real estate owned

   $ 3,594       $ 3,515       $ 2,276   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in our real estate owned were as follows (in thousands)

 

     Three
Months
Ended

March 31,
2014
   

Year Ended

December 31,

 
       2013     2012  
     (in thousands)  

Balance as of January 1

   $ 3,515      $ 2,276      $ 2,079   

Transfers from loans

     0        465        550   

Transfers from acquired loans

     180        822        0   

Acquired real estate owned

     0        1,718        0   

Sales of real estate owned

     (91     (1,645     (327

Write-downs

     (10     (121     (26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of Period End

   $ 3,594      $ 3,515      $ 2,276   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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-taking 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.

We have an Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) which 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. In 2013 and continuing through the first quarter of 2014, we managed our balance sheet in a positively-gapped position, based on management’s assessment that interest rates are more likely to increase in upcoming periods.

 

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Within the gap position that management directs, we attempt to structure our assets and liabilities to minimize the risk of either a rising or falling interest rate environment. We manage our gap position for time horizons of one month, two months, three months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, 13-24 months, 25-36 months, 37-60 months and more than 60 months. The goal of our asset/liability management is for the Bank to maintain a net interest income at risk in an up or down 100 basis point environment at less than (5)%. Our position was (2.58%) at March 31, 2014 and (.78%) at December 31, 2013, both of which are within our policy guidelines. The analysis reflects that if interest rates were to increase 100 basis points overnight the Bank’s net interest income would have decreased by approximately $151,000 at March 31, 2014.

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:

 

Change in Interest Rates

(In Basis Points)

   Estimated Increase/Decrease In
Net Interest Income (1)
 
   Three Months
Ended

March 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2013     2012  

+400

     (12.35 %)      (5.65 %)      (10.05 %) 

+300

     (8.87 %)      (3.70 %)      (7.62 %) 

+200

     (4.91 %)      (1.48 %)      (4.76 %) 

+100

     (2.58 %)      (0.78 %)      (2.21 %) 

-100

     0.89     0.33     2.12

-200

     (2.77 %)      (4.11 %)      (2.82 %) 

-300

     (8.09 %)      (10.09 %)      (7.74 %) 

 

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

The computation of the prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes requires numerous assumptions regarding characteristics of new business and the behavior of existing positions. These business assumptions are based upon our experience, business plans and published industry experience. Key assumptions include asset prepayment speeds, competitive factors, the relative price sensitivity of certain assets and liabilities and the expected life of non-maturity deposits. However, there 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.

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.

 

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Our core deposits, which are deposits excluding time deposits and deposits of municipalities and other political entities, are our most stable source of liquidity to meet our cash flow needs due to the nature of the long-term relationships generally established with our customers. Maintaining the ability to acquire these funds as needed in a variety of markets, and within ALCO compliance targets, is essential to ensuring our liquidity. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 83.7% and 82.7% of our total assets, respectively, were funded by core deposits.

Our investment portfolio is another alternative for meeting our cash flow requirements. Investment securities generate cash flow through principal payments and maturities, and they generally have readily available markets that allow for their conversion to cash. Some securities are pledged to secure certain deposit types or short-term borrowings (such as FHLB advances), which impacts their liquidity. At March 31, 2014, securities with a carrying value of $21.1 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 March 31, 2014, the balance of our outstanding advances with the FHLB was $34.2 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 March 31, 2014 was $179.7 million. Repurchase agreements are contracts for the sale of securities which we own with a corresponding agreement to repurchase those securities at an agreed upon price and date. Our policies limit the use of repurchase agreements to those collateralized by U.S. Treasury and agency securities. We had $12.8 million of repurchase agreements outstanding as of March 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 $23.2 million. These are unsecured, uncommitted lines of credit maturing at various times within the next twelve months. There were no amounts outstanding under these lines of credit at March 31, 2014 or December 31, 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 non-interest 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 our markets. At March 31, 2014, we held $53.5 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, and the total cost of each funding source for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the years presented:

 

(dollars in thousands)    Percentage of Total     Cost of Funds  
     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013     2014      2013  

Noninterest-bearing demand

     10     11   $ 0       $ 0   

Interest-bearing demand

     27        27        242         150   

Savings

     9        9        89         55   

Time deposits

     45        47        671         425   

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     6        5        65         46   

Other borrowed funds

     3        1        22         2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits and borrowed funds

     100.00     100.00   $ 1,089       $ 678   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Year Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011     2013      2012      2011  

Noninterest-bearing demand

     13     12     8   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Interest-bearing demand

     25        27        29        726         558         508   

Savings

     9        9        10        299         206         93   

Time deposits

     46        43        47        2,179         1,597         1,844   

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     5        8        4        194         170         120   

Other borrowed funds

     2        1        2        62         11         14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits and borrowed funds

     100.00     100.00     100.00   $ 3,460       $ 2,542       $ 2,579   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 in the Supervision and Regulation section of this prospectus under the headings —Supervision and Regulation of Investar Holding Corporation, Capital Adequacy Guidelines and —Supervision and Regulation of Investar Bank, Capital Adequacy Guidelines . Those guidelines specify capital tiers, which include the following classifications:

 

Capital Tiers

   Tier 1 Capital to
Average Assets
(Leverage)
   Tier 1 Capital to
Risk—Weighted
Assets
   Total Capital to
Risk—Weighted
Assets

Well capitalized

   5% or above    6% or above    10% or above

Adequately capitalized

   4% or above    4% or above    8% or above

Undercapitalized

   Less than 4%    Less than 4%    Less than 8%

Significantly undercapitalized

   Less than 3%    Less than 3%    Less than 6%

Critically undercapitalized

      2% or less   

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

 

     Actual     Minimum Capital
Requirement to be
Well Capitalized
 
     Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio  
     (dollars in thousands)  

March 31, 2014

          

Investar Holding Corporation:

          

Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage)

   $ 56,743         8.80     —           —     

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

     56,056         10.20     —           —     

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

     59,436         10.84     —           —     

Investar Bank:

          

Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage)

   $ 56,613         8.75   $ 32,356         5.00

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

     56,613         10.15     34,183         6.00

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

     60,143         10.78     56,972         10.00

December 31, 2013

          

Investar Holding Corporation:

          

Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage)

   $ 56,056         9.53     —           —     

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

     56,056         10.85     —           —     

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

     59,436         11.51     —           —     

 

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     Actual     Minimum Capital
Requirement to be
Well Capitalized
 
     Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Investar Bank:

     

Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage)

   $ 55,894         9.50   $ 29,423         5.00

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

     55,894         10.83     31,174         6.00

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

     59,274         11.48     51,957         10.00

December 31, 2012

          

Investar Bank:

          

Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage)

   $ 40,059         11.55   $ 17,343         5.00

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

     40,059         13.06     18,401         6.00

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

     42,781         13.95     30,669         10.00

Investar Holding Corporation is not presented as of December 31, 2012 because it was not a parent of the Bank as of such date and thus was not subject to capital adequacy requirements.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

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 at the dates indicated:

 

     March 31,      December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012  
     (in thousands)  

Commitments to extend credit:

        

Loan commitments

   $ 58,844       $ 66,698       $ 32,411   

Standby letters of credit

     591         421         222   

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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The following table presents, as of December 31, 2013, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date. The Note Reference below refers to the applicable footnote in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this prospectus. There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of our business in the contractual obligations specified in the table below during the first three months of 2014.

 

          Payments Due In:  
(in thousands)    Note
Reference
   Less Than
One Year
     One to
Three
Years
     Three to
Five Years
     Over Five
Years
     Total  

Deposits without a stated maturity (1)

   I    $ 269,168       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 269,168   

Time deposits

   I      127,792         125,698         9,948         0         263,438   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   J      10,203         —           —           0         10,203   

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

   K      2,450         24,909         3,109         350         30,818   

Junior subordinated debentures

   K      0         0         0         3,609         3,609   

Total contractual obligations

      $ 409,613       $ 150,607       $ 13,057       $ 3,959       $ 577,236   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Excludes interest.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

General

The U.S. banking industry is highly regulated under federal and state law. We are a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or the BHC Act. As a result, we 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; it is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. As a Louisiana bank, Investar Bank is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the OFI, as the chartering entity of the Bank, and by the FDIC, as the insurer of the Bank’s deposits. As a result of this extensive system of supervision and regulation, the growth and earnings performance of the Company and the Bank is affected not only by management decisions and general and local economic conditions, but also by the statutes, rules, regulations and policies administered by the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the OFI, as well as by other federal and state regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over our operations.

Federal and state banking laws and regulations control, among other things, the types of activities in which we and Investar Bank may engage, permissible investments, the level of reserves that the Bank must maintain against deposits, minimum equity capital levels, the nature and amount of collateral required for loans, maximum interest rates that can be charged, the manner and amount of the dividends that may be paid, and corporate activities regarding mergers, acquisitions and the establishment of branch offices. The description below summarizes certain elements of the bank regulatory framework applicable to us and the Bank.

Dodd-Frank Act

On July 21, 2010, the President signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law. The Dodd-Frank Act imposes new restrictions and an expanded regulatory oversight for financial institutions, including depository institutions like Investar Bank. In addition to the Volcker Rule, which is discussed in more detail below, the following aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are related to our operations:

 

   

The CFPB was established as an independent bureau within the Federal Reserve. The CFPB has broad regulatory, supervisory and enforcement authority with respect to the offering and provision of consumer financial products and services under federal consumer protection laws. However, smaller

 

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financial institutions like Investar Bank remain subject only to the supervision and enforcement of their primary federal banking regulator with respect to the federal consumer financial protection laws.

 

    Tier 1 capital treatment for “hybrid” capital items like trust preferred securities is eliminated, subject to various grandfathering and transition rules.

 

    The prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposit accounts has been repealed. Depository institutions may now pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.

 

    Deposit insurance is permanently increased to $250,000.

 

    The deposit insurance assessment base calculation now equals the depository institution’s average consolidated total assets minus its average tangible equity during the assessment period. Previously, the deposit insurance assessment was calculated based on insured deposits.

 

    The minimum designated reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund increased 20 basis points to 1.35% of estimated annual insured deposits or assessment base. The FDIC also was directed to “offset the effect” of the increased reserve ratio for insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion.

 

    Bank holding companies and banks must be “well-capitalized” and “well-managed” in order to acquire banks located outside of their home state, which codified long-standing Federal Reserve policy. Any bank holding company electing to be treated as a financial holding company must be and remain “well capitalized” and “well managed.”

 

    Smaller reporting companies and non-accelerated filers are exempt from complying with the internal control auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

    Capital requirements for insured depository institutions will become countercyclical, such that capital requirements increase in times of economic expansion and decrease in times of economic contraction.

 

    The Federal Reserve was directed to establish interchange transaction fees for electronic debit transactions under a restrictive “reasonable and proportional cost” per transaction standard.

 

    The regulation of consumer protections regarding mortgage originations, including originator compensation, minimum repayment standards and prepayment consideration, has been expanded.

 

    The “opt in” provisions of the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1997 have been eliminated, which allows state banks to establish de novo branches in states other than the bank’s home state if the law of such other state would permit a bank chartered in that state to open a branch at that location.

The foregoing provisions may have the consequence of increasing our expenses, decreasing our revenues and changing the activities in which we choose to engage. 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.

CFPB Bulletin on Indirect Auto Lending . On March 21, 2013, the CFPB issued Bulletin 2013-02 providing guidance regarding compliance with the fair lending requirements of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, or the ECOA, for indirect auto lenders that permit auto dealers to charge a “dealer markup,” which means that the dealer charges the borrower an interest rate higher than the rate the lender provides the dealer for a consumer, and then the lender compensates the dealer with a share of the increased interest revenues. The bulletin states that an indirect auto lender’s dealer markup and compensation policies may expose the lender to liability resulting from impermissible pricing disparities on the basis of race, national origin or other prohibited bases within the lender’s portfolio, and lenders are advised to take steps to ensure their operations comply with the ECOA. Those steps may include eliminating dealer pricing discretion or, if dealer pricing discretion is retained, imposing

 

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controls on dealer pricing discretion, testing the lender’s portfolio, monitoring dealer compliance, and when unexplained disparities on prohibited bases are found, addressing the effects of such discretion through corrective action against dealers and remuneration of affected consumers. Our indirect auto lending business is subject to the CFPB bulletin, and we are currently evaluating this regulatory guidance to ensure it is appropriately incorporated into our indirect auto lending 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.

Supervision and Regulation of Investar Holding Corporation

General . As a bank holding company registered under the BHC Act, we are subject to the regulation and supervision applicable to bank holding companies by the Federal Reserve. The BHC Act and other federal laws subject bank holding companies to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations. The Federal Reserve’s jurisdiction also extends to any company that we directly or indirectly control, such as any non-bank subsidiaries and other companies in which we own a controlling investment.

Scope of Permissible Activities . Under the BHC Act, we are prohibited from acquiring a direct or indirect interest in or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank or financial holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiary banks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may engage, directly or indirectly (including through the ownership of shares of another company), in certain activities that the Federal Reserve has found to be so closely related to banking or managing and controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. These activities include, among others, operating a mortgage, finance, credit card or factoring company; providing certain data processing, storage and transmission services; acting as an investment or financial advisor; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing personal or real property on a nonoperating basis; and providing certain stock brokerage services.

The BHC Act was substantially amended through the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, commonly referred to as the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, or the GLB Act. The GLB Act eliminated the barriers to affiliations among banks, securities firms, insurance companies and other financial services providers. Bank holding companies whose subsidiary deposit institutions are “well-capitalized” and “well-managed” may elect to become “financial holding companies” and thereby engage without prior Federal Reserve approval in certain banking and non-banking activities that are deemed to be financial in nature or incidental to financial activity. These “financial in nature” activities include securities underwriting, dealing and market making; organizing, sponsoring and managing mutual funds; insurance underwriting and agency; merchant banking activities; and other activities that the Federal Reserve has determined to be closely related to banking. No regulatory approval will be required for a financial holding company to acquire a company, other than a bank or savings association, engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to activities that are financial in nature, as determined by the Federal Reserve. We have elected to become a financial holding company, although at this time we do not engage in any activities that we could not engage in even if we had not made such election.

 

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As a financial holding company, we must file annual reports and other information regarding our business operations and the operations of Investar Bank with the Federal Reserve. In addition to the activities listed above that are “financial in nature” and those that any bank holding company may engage in, a financial holding company may also undertake any of the following activities, among other things:

 

    provide administrative and other services to mutual funds;

 

    own shares of a securities exchange;

 

    act as a certification authority for digital signatures and authenticating the identity of persons conducting financial and nonfinancial transactions;

 

    provide employment histories to third parties for use in making credit decisions and to depository institutions and their affiliates for use in the ordinary course of business;

 

    provide check cashing and wire transmission services;

 

    in connection with offering banking services, provide notary public services, sell postage stamps and postage-paid envelopes, provide vehicle registration services and sell public transportation tickets and tokens; and

 

    provide real estate abstracting services.

In addition, a financial holding company may provide management consulting services to any person, including with respect to nonfinancial matters, so long as the management consulting services are advisory and do not allow the financial holding company to control the person to which the services are provided. A financial holding company also may operate a travel agency in connection with financial services offered by the financial holding company or others.

Capital Adequacy Guidelines . The Federal Reserve has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies. The risk-based capital guidelines are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profile among banks and bank holding companies to factor off-balance sheet exposure into the assessment of capital adequacy, to minimize disincentives for holding liquid, low-risk assets and to achieve greater consistency in the evaluation of the capital adequacy of major banking organizations worldwide. Under these guidelines, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items. These requirements apply on a consolidated basis to bank holding companies with consolidated assets of $500 million or more, such as the Company.

In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the Federal Reserve has adopted a minimum Tier 1 capital (leverage) ratio, under which a bank holding company must maintain a minimum level of Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets of at least 3% in the case of a bank holding company that has the highest regulatory examination rating and is not contemplating significant growth or expansion. All other bank holding companies are expected to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4%. This minimum leverage requirement only applies to bank holding companies on a consolidated basis if the risk based capital requirements discussed above apply.

These capital requirements are substantially similar to those imposed on Investar Bank under FDIC regulations and described in more detail below under the heading –Supervision and Regulation of the Bank, Capital Adequacy Guidelines . Furthermore, these capital requirements will change in connection with the Federal Reserve’s adoption of the Basel III guidelines described below.

Payment of Dividends; Source of Strength . The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. This policy provides that in general a bank holding company should pay dividends only when (1) its net income available to shareholders over the last four quarters (net of dividends paid) has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends, (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition of

 

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the bank holding company and its subsidiaries and (3) the bank holding company will continue to meet minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

After the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act (which codified long-standing Federal Reserve policy), a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks. This means that we are expected to use available resources to provide adequate resources to Investar Bank, including during periods of financial stress or adversity, and to maintain the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting the Bank where necessary. In addition, any capital loans that we make to the 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.

Acquisitions of Banks by Bank Holding Companies . The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before it acquires all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, merges or consolidates with another bank holding company or acquires ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if after such acquisition it would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank. The Federal Reserve will not approve any acquisition, merger, or consolidation that would have a substantially anti-competitive effect, unless the anti-competitive impact of the proposed transaction is clearly outweighed by a greater public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve also considers capital adequacy and other financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the companies and the banks concerned, together with 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, when reviewing acquisitions or mergers.

Control Acquisitions . Federal and state laws, including the BHC 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. “Control” of a depository institution is a facts and circumstances analysis, but generally an investor is deemed to control a depository institution or other company if the investor owns or controls 25% or more of any class of voting securities. Ownership or control of 10% or more of any class of voting securities, where either the depository institution or company is a public company or no other person will own or control a greater percentage of that class of voting securities after the acquisition, is also presumed to result in the investor controlling the depository institution or other company, although this is subject to rebuttal. If an investor’s ownership of our voting securities were to exceed certain thresholds, the investor could be deemed to “control” us for regulatory purposes, which could subject such investor to regulatory filings or other regulatory consequences.

Anti-Tying Restrictions . Bank holding companies and their affiliates are prohibited from tying the provision of certain services, such as extensions of credit, to other nonbanking services offered by a bank holding company or its affiliates.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 . The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally established a comprehensive framework to modernize and reform the oversight of public company auditing, improve the quality and transparency of financial reporting by those companies and strengthen the independence of auditors. Among other things, the legislation:

 

    Created the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is empowered to set auditing, quality control and ethics standards, to inspect registered public accounting firms, to conduct investigations and to take disciplinary actions, subject to SEC oversight and review;

 

    Strengthened auditor independence from corporate management by, among other things, limiting the scope of consulting services that auditors can offer their public company audit clients;

 

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    Heightened the responsibility of public company directors and senior managers for the quality of the financial reporting and disclosure made by their companies. A number of provisions to deter wrongdoing by corporate management were also adopted;

 

    Imposed a number of new corporate disclosure requirements; and

 

    Imposed a range of new criminal penalties for fraud and other wrongful acts, as well as extended the period during which certain types of lawsuits can be brought against a company or its insiders.

Supervision and Regulation of Investar Bank

General . As a Louisiana-chartered bank, Investar Bank is subject to the regulation and supervision of the OFI. As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is subject to the regulation and supervision of the FDIC. The regulations of the FDIC and the OFI affect virtually all of Investar Bank’s activities, including the minimum level of capital, the ability to pay dividends, mergers and acquisitions, borrowing and the ability to expand through new branches or acquisitions and various other matters.

Insurance of Deposits . The deposits of Investar Bank are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund, which the FDIC administers. As noted above, the Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased deposit insurance from $100,000 to $250,000.

To fund the Deposit Insurance Fund (which is currently under-funded), FDIC-insured banks are required to pay deposit insurance assessments to the FDIC. For institutions like Investar Bank with less than $10 billion in assets, the amount of the assessment is based on its risk classification. The higher an institution’s risk classification, the higher its rate of assessments (on the assumption that such institutions pose a greater risk of loss to the Deposit Insurance Fund). 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.

The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, including Investar Bank, if it determines after a hearing that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, order or any condition imposed by an agreement with the FDIC. For an institution with no tangible capital, deposit insurance may be temporarily suspended during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance. If the FDIC terminates an institution’s deposit insurance, accounts insured at the time of the termination, less withdrawals, will continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. Management is aware of no existing circumstances which would result in termination of Investar Bank’s deposit insurance.

Interstate Banking and Branching . Under Louisiana law, Investar Bank may establish additional branch offices within Louisiana, subject to the approval of the OFI. After the Dodd-Frank Act, we can 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. Finally, we 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.

Dividends . The restrictions and guidelines with respect to the Company’s payment of dividends are described above. As a practical matter, for so long as our operations chiefly consist of ownership of Investar Bank, the Bank will remain our source of dividend payments, and our ability to pay dividends will be subject to any restrictions applicable to the Bank.

The ability of Investar Bank to pay dividends is restricted by federal and state laws, regulations and policies. Under Louisiana law, a Louisiana bank may not pay cash dividends unless the bank has unimpaired surplus equal

 

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to 50% of its outstanding capital stock, both before and after giving effect to the dividend payment. Subject to satisfying such requirement, Investar Bank may pay dividends to us without the approval of the OFI so long as the amount of the dividend does not exceed its net profits earned during the current year combined with its retained earnings for the immediately preceding year; the OFI must approve any proposed dividend in excess of this threshold.

Under federal law, Investar Bank may not pay any dividend to us if the Bank is undercapitalized or the payment of the dividend would cause it to become undercapitalized or if the Bank has failed to pay its deposit insurance assessment. 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. 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, and the FDIC can order a bank to cease any such practice. Finally, it is FDIC policy that insured depository institutions generally should pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

Capital Adequacy Guidelines . The FDIC has promulgated risk-based capital guidelines similar to, and with the same underlying purposes as, those established by the Federal Reserve with respect to bank holding companies. Under those guidelines, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items.

Current Guidelines . Bank assets are given risk-weights of 0%, 20%, 50%, 100% and 200%. In addition, certain off-balance sheet items are given similar credit conversion factors to convert them to asset-equivalent amounts to which an appropriate risk-weight will apply. Those computations result in the total risk-weighted assets. Most loans are assigned to the 100% risk category, except for performing loans fully secured by first liens on one-to-four family residential property, which carry a 50% risk weighting. Most investment securities (including, primarily, general obligation claims of states or other political subdivisions of the United States) are assigned to the 20% category, except for municipal or state revenue bonds, which have a 50% risk-weight, and direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury or obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, which have a 0% risk-weight. In converting off-balance sheet items, direct credit substitutes, including general guarantees and standby letters of credit backing financial obligations, are given a 100% risk weighting. Transaction-related contingencies such as bid bonds, standby letters of credit backing nonfinancial obligations and undrawn commitments (including commercial credit lines with a maturity of more than one year), have a 50% risk weighting. Short-term commercial letters of credit have a 20% risk weighting, and certain short-term unconditionally cancelable commitments have a 0% risk weighting.

The minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets required by FDIC regulations (including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%. At least 4% of total capital must be “Tier 1 capital,” consisting of common stockholders’ equity and qualifying preferred stock or hybrid instruments, less certain goodwill items and other intangible assets. The remainder, or “Tier 2 capital,” may consist of, among other things, (a) the allowance for loan losses of up to 1.25% of risk weighted assets, (b) unrealized gains on certain equity securities, (c) non-qualifying preferred stock, (d) hybrid capital instruments and (e) qualifying subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock up to 50% of Tier 1 capital. Total capital is the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital less reciprocal holdings of other banking organizations’ capital instruments, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and any other deductions as determined by the FDIC.

In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the FDIC has adopted a minimum Tier 1 capital (leverage) ratio, under which a bank must maintain a minimum level of Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets. For a bank that has the highest regulatory examination rating and is not contemplating significant growth or expansion, the leverage ratio must be at least 3%; all other banks are expected to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4%.

 

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Prompt Corrective Action . Under Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or the FDIA, each federal banking agency is required to implement a system of prompt corrective action for institutions that it regulates. The federal banking agencies (including the FDIC) have adopted substantially similar regulations to implement this mandate. Under the regulations, a bank is (i) “well capitalized” if it has total risk-based capital of 10% or more, has a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 6% or more, has a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 5% or more and is not subject to any order or final capital directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure, (ii) “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or more, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4% or more and a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 4% or more (3% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the definition of “well capitalized”, (iii) “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4% or a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio that is less than 4% (3% under certain circumstances), (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based ratio that is less than 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3% or a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio that is less than 3%, and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.

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. In addition, federal banking regulators must take various mandatory supervisory actions, and may 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. 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. Generally, banking regulators must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized.

Section 38 of the FDIA and the regulations promulgated thereunder also specify circumstances under which the FDIC may reclassify a well-capitalized bank as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized bank or an undercapitalized bank to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized bank as critically undercapitalized).

At December 31, 2013 (which is the latest date that our capital ratios have been reviewed), Investar Bank was categorized as “well capitalized.”

Basel III . In December 2010, the Basel Committee released a final framework for a strengthened set of capital requirements, known as Basel III. In early July 2013, each of the U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules relevant to us: (1) the Basel III regulatory capital reforms and (2) the “standardized” approach of Basel II for non-core banks and bank holding companies, such as Investar Bank and the Company. The capital framework under Basel III will replace 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 on January 1, 2014. However, the Company and Investar Bank will not be required to be in compliance with the final Basel III rules until January 1, 2015, and the rules will not be fully phased-in until January 1, 2019. Among other things, the final Basel III rules will impact regulatory capital ratios of banking organizations in the following manner, when fully phased in:

 

    Create a new requirement to maintain a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets of not less than 4.5%;

 

    Increase the minimum leverage capital ratio to 4% for all banking organizations (currently 3% for certain banking organizations);

 

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    Increase the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio from 4% to 6%; and

 

    Maintain the minimum total risk-based capital ratio at 8%.

In addition, the final Basel III rules, when fully phased in, will subject a banking organization to certain limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the organization did not maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in an amount greater than 2.5% of its total risk-weighted assets. The effect of the capital conservation buffer, when fully phased in, will be to increase the minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio to 7%, the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio to 8.5% and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio to 10.5%, for banking organizations seeking to avoid the limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

The final Basel III rules will also change the capital categories for insured depository institutions for purposes of prompt corrective action. Under the final rules, to be well capitalized, an insured depository institution will be required to maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%, and a leverage capital ratio of at least 5%. In addition, the final Basel III rules establish more conservative standards for including an instrument in regulatory capital and impose certain deductions from and adjustments to the measure of common equity Tier 1 capital.

The Basel II standardized approach will revise the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity, particularly with respect to equity exposures to investment funds (including mutual funds), foreign exposures and residential real estate assets. It will also establish alternatives to credit ratings for calculating risk-weighted assets consistent with Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act.

We are currently reviewing the ultimate impact of the final Basel III capital standards on the Company and Investar Bank. However, we expect that we and Investar Bank will meet all minimum capital requirements when effective. In the Capitalization section of this prospectus, we have set forth our capital ratios as of March 31, 2014 as calculated under the Basel III rules, both on an actual basis and after giving effect to our receipt of the net proceeds of this offering.

The Basel III framework also requires banks and bank holding companies to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests that, although similar in some respects to liquidity measures historically applied by banks and regulators for management and supervisory purposes, going forward would be required by regulation. The federal banking agencies have not yet proposed rules implementing the Basel III liquidity framework, nor have they announced if the framework will apply to non-core banks and bank holding companies.

These provisions, as well as any other aspects of current or proposed regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable to the financial industry, may impact the profitability of our business activities and may change certain of our business practices, including the ability to offer new products, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans, and achieve satisfactory interest spreads, and could expose us to additional costs, including increased compliance costs. These changes also may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes to operations in order to comply, and could therefore also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Activities and Investments of Insured State-Chartered Banks . Section 24 of the FDIA generally limits the activities and equity investments of FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks to those that are permissible for national banks. Under regulations dealing with equity investments, an insured state bank generally may not directly or indirectly acquire or retain any equity investment of a type, or in an amount, that is not permissible for a national bank. An insured state bank is not prohibited from, among other things, taking the following actions:

 

    acquiring or retaining a majority interest in a subsidiary;

 

    investing as a limited partner in a partnership the sole purpose of which is direct or indirect investment in the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of a qualified housing project, provided that such limited partnership investments may not exceed 2% of the bank’s total assets;

 

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    acquiring up to 10% of the voting stock of a company that solely provides or reinsures directors’, trustees’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage or bankers’ blanket bond group insurance coverage for insured depository institutions; and

 

    acquiring or retaining the voting shares of a depository institution if certain requirements are met.

Under FDIC regulations, insured banks engaging in impermissible activities, or banks that wish to engage in otherwise impermissible activities, may seek approval from the FDIC to continue or commence such activities, as the case may be. The FDIC will not approve such an application if the bank does not meet its minimum capital requirements or the proposed activities present a significant risk to the FDIC insurance fund.

Safety and Soundness . The federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, have implemented rules and guidelines concerning standards for safety and soundness required pursuant to Section 39 of the FDIA. In general, the standards relate to operational and managerial matters, asset quality and earnings and compensation. The operational and managerial standards cover (1) internal controls and information systems, (2) internal audit systems, (3) loan documentation, (4) credit underwriting, (5) interest rate exposure, (6) asset growth and (7) compensation, fees and benefits. Under the asset quality and earnings standards, Investar Bank must establish and maintain systems to identify problem assets and prevent deterioration in those assets and to evaluate and monitor earnings and ensure that earnings are sufficient to maintain adequate capital reserves. Finally, the compensation standard states that compensation will be considered excessive if it is unreasonable or disproportionate to the services actually performed by the individual being compensated.

If an insured state-chartered bank fails to meet any of the standards promulgated by regulation, then such institution will be required to submit a plan within 30 days to the FDIC specifying the steps it will take to correct the deficiency. In the event that an insured state-chartered bank fails to submit or fails in any material respect to implement a compliance plan within the time allowed by the federal banking agency, Section 39 of the FDIA provides that the FDIC must order the institution to correct the deficiency. The FDIC may also (1) restrict asset growth; (2) require the bank to increase its ratio of tangible equity to assets; (3) restrict the rates of interest that the bank may pay; or (4) take any other action that would better carry out the purpose of prompt corrective action. We believe that Investar Bank has been and will continue to be in compliance with each of these standards.

Federal Reserve System . The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and Super NOW checking accounts) and non-personal time deposits. The required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or an account at a Federal Reserve bank. At March 31, 2014, Investar Bank was in compliance with its reserve requirements.

Community Reinvestment Act . Under the Community Reinvestment Act, or the CRA, the FDIC assesses Investar Bank’s record in meeting the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The FDIC’s assessment 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 shares of capital stock of another financial institution, and our failure to satisfy our CRA obligations could, at a minimum, result in the denial of such applications. The Bank has undertaken significant actions to comply with the CRA, and it received a “satisfactory” rating in its most recent review by the FDIC with respect to its CRA compliance. Both the U.S. Congress and banking regulatory agencies have proposed substantial changes to the CRA and fair lending laws, rules and regulations, and there can be no certainty as to the effect, if any, that any such changes would have on us or the Bank.

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

 

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personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties. The sharing of information for marketing purposes is also subject to limitations. Investar Bank currently has a privacy protection policy in place.

Anti-Money Laundering . Federal anti-money laundering rules impose various requirements on financial institutions intended to prevent the use of the U.S. financial system to fund terrorist activities. These provisions include a requirement that financial institutions operating in the United States have anti-money laundering compliance programs, due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such compliance programs supplement existing compliance requirements, also applicable to financial institutions, under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations. Investar Bank has established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the federal anti-laundering provisions.

Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates

Transactions between a bank and any affiliate are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W promulgated thereunder. An affiliate of a bank includes any company or entity which controls the bank or that is controlled by a company that controls the bank. In a holding company context, the parent holding company of a bank (such as the Company) and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the bank. Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which the bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an aggregate amount equal to 10% of such bank’s capital stock and surplus, with all such transactions with all affiliates in the aggregate limited to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. Section 23B applies to “covered transactions” as well as certain other transactions and requires that all transactions be on terms, including credit standards, substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans to, the purchase of assets from, or the issuance of a guarantee to, an affiliate as well as similar transactions. Section 23B transactions also include the provision of services and the sale of assets by a bank to an affiliate.

In addition, Sections 22(g) and (h) of the Federal Reserve Act place restrictions on loans to executive officers, directors and principal stockholders, and the FDIC has adopted regulations applying similar restrictions to banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve. Under Section 22(h), loans to a director, an executive officer and a greater than 10% stockholder of a bank, and certain affiliated interests of either, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests, the bank’s loans to one borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus). Section 22(h) also requires that loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders be made on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions to persons not covered by Section 22(h) and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Section 22(h) also requires prior board approval for certain loans. In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a bank to all insiders cannot exceed the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Section 22(g) also places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.

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

 

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proposals described above would limit discretionary bonus payments to bank executives if the institution’s regulatory capital ratios fail to exceed certain thresholds.

Regulatory Enforcement Authority

Federal and state banking agencies have broad enforcement powers over the financial institutions that they regulate to address violations of laws and regulations or unsafe or unsound practices by bank holding companies and banks. These powers include, among other things, the ability to (1) assess civil money penalties, (2) issue cease-and-desist orders to enjoin unsafe or unsound practices and to initiate injunctive actions against banking institutions and institution-affiliated parties, (3) order increases in capital or the sale of subsidiaries or other assets, (4) remove officers and directors, and (5) with respect to banks, terminate deposit insurance or place the bank into conservatorship or receivership. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities. Except under certain circumstances, federal law requires public disclosure of final enforcement actions by the federal banking agencies.

MANAGEMENT

General

Our restated articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors consisting of between five and 30 persons, the exact number to be determined from time to time by the board or our shareholders. Currently, the board has 15 members. Our shareholders elect our directors at the annual shareholders’ meeting. Directors are elected for a one-year term and hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Our executive officers are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until their successors are duly appointed and qualified.

All of the members of the Company board also serve as the directors of Investar Bank. As the sole shareholder of Investar Bank, the Company elects the Bank’s directors annually for a term of one year, and these directors hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. The Bank’s board of directors appoints the Bank’s executive officers.

The following table sets forth the name, age and position with the Company of each person who will serve as our directors and executive officers upon completion of the offering. The business address for all of these individuals is 7244 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808. Each director has served on the Company’s

 

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board of directors since 2013 (Messrs. Besselman, Boyce and D’Angelo were also Company directors prior to the Share Exchange).

 

Name

   Age   

Position with the Company

   Bank
Director since
 

James M. Baker

   59    Director      2012   

Thomas C. Besselman, Sr.

   64    Director      2006   

James H. Boyce, III

   47    Director      2011   

Robert M. Boyce, Sr.

   61    Director      2006   

J.E. Brignac, Jr.

   72    Director      2011   

Rachel P. Cherco

   54    Chief Financial Officer      n/a   

John J. D’Angelo

   53    Director, President and Chief Executive Officer      2006   

Ryan P. Finnan

   39    Chief Operating Officer of the Bank      n/a   

Robert L. Freeman

   79    Director      2011   

William H. Hidalgo, Sr.

   74    Chairman of the Board      2006   

Christopher L. Hufft

   41    Chief Accounting Officer of the Bank      n/a   

Gordon H. Joffrion, III

   59    Director      2006   

Randolf F. Kassmeier

   61    Executive Vice President and General Counsel      n/a   

Travis M. Lavergne

   30    Chief Credit Officer      n/a   

David J. Lukinovich

   54    Director      2006   

Suzanne O. Middleton

   53    Director      2006   

Andrew C. Nelson, M.D.

   48    Director      2009   

James L. Nelson, M.D.

   74    Director      2013   

Carl R. Schneider, Jr.

   50    Director      2013   

Frank L. Walker

   53    Director      2006   

Board of Directors

A brief description of the background, experience and qualifications of each of our directors is set forth below.

James M. Baker . Since 1999, Mr. Baker has been the President and CEO of TOPCOR Companies, LLC, a consolidated group of 12 specialty contracting firms servicing the infrastructure and industrial markets, with offices in Houston, Texas, Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Augusta, Georgia and Tampa, Florida. Through his business activities, Mr. Baker brings a strong sense of the business conditions in our market that is valuable to the board. He also understands the capital needs and other challenges that many of our business customers face, and his insights on this topic help us tailor our products and services for business owners.

Thomas C. Besselman, Sr . Since 1971, Mr. Besselman has been a licensed Health, Life and Accident Insurance Professional. He is the former owner of The Besselman & Little Agency, L.L.C. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which he sold in April, 2012. Mr. Besselman has also been the owner of H. R. Solutions, L.L.C., which provides Investar Bank’s payroll processing services, since June, 2006. As a business owner, Mr. Besselman is able to add a borrower’s perspective to board discussions. Mr. Besselman’s extensive relationships in the Baton Rouge community also qualify him to serve on our board.

James H. Boyce, III . For over 19 years, Mr. Boyce has owned several convenience stores and three consumer loan and sub-prime auto lending companies in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. Consumer loans comprise a significant portion of our lending activities, and Mr. Boyce’s ownership of consumer loan companies allows him to provide sound advice regarding this aspect of our operations. In addition, being located in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, Mr. Boyce’s knowledge of this area helps us shape our policies for this and the other suburban areas of our markets.

 

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Robert M. Boyce, Sr . Since 1975, Mr. Boyce has been an owner and officer of Louisiana Machinery Co., L.L.C., a Caterpillar distributor located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Boyce’s extensive experience in the Baton Rouge business community, and his significant contacts within the community, qualify him to serve on our board.

John Emmerit “J.E.” Brignac, Jr . For the past five years, Mr. Brignac has served as a founding director of each of Imperial Management Corporation, Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, ABC Agency Network, Inc., Paragon Insurance Group, Imperial Marketing Corporation, Integrity Underwriters, Inc. and Louisiana General Agency, Inc. Since 1990, Mr. Brignac has been employed in an administrative capacity at Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company. In addition to his extensive business experience, Mr. Brignac’s service as a director of a corporation with broad operations enables him to assist the board in corporate governance matters. In addition, Mr. Brignac resides in Prairieville, Louisiana, and he is thus able to advise the board regarding business conditions in that community.

John J. D’Angelo . Mr. D’Angelo has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since the Share Exchange. He has also served as the Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer since its organization in 2006. Prior to Investar Bank’s organization, Mr. D’Angelo was manager of the private banking, small business banking, construction lending, brokerage and trust areas of Hibernia National Bank (the predecessor to Capital One Bank, N.A.) for more than six years in the East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, market. From 1996 to 2005, Mr. D’Angelo was president and director of Aegis Lending Corporation, a company with lending operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. As one of the founders of the Bank and its current Chief Executive Officer, Mr. D’Angelo has a detailed understanding of our history, current operations and future plans and strategies. His extensive banking experience is an additional qualification to serve on our board.

Robert L. Freeman . Judge Freeman is retired. From 1968-80, Judge Freeman was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and from 1980 to 1988 he served as the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana. From 1990 to 1996, he was a judge in Iberville Parish, Louisiana. Judge Freeman is qualified to serve on our board on account of his broad experience in leadership positions, as well as his active involvement in civic endeavors in the Baton Rouge area. In addition, his judicial background allows him to bring a legal point of view to the risks and challenges we face.

William H. Hidalgo, Sr . Mr. Hidalgo, the Chairman of our board, is the owner and managing member of Halimar Shipyard, LLC, a shipyard management company in Morgan City, Louisiana, and is an active marine consulting engineer. From May of 1994 to October of 2001, Mr. Hidalgo served as President and CEO of Conrad Industries, Inc. in Morgan City. As with a number of other directors, as a business owner, Mr. Hidalgo is able to add a borrower’s perspective to board discussions. His significant experience owning and operating companies also enables him to help the board efficiently manage the Company’s growth.

Gordon H. Joffrion, III . Mr. Joffrion has been a licensed general contractor since 1979. Since 2006, he has been the General Manager of Joffrion Construction, Inc. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Joffrion’s long-standing business and personal relationships in Baton Rouge area, as well as his strong sense of the business conditions in Baton Rouge, qualify him to serve on the board.

David J. Lukinovich . Mr. Lukinovich is a board certified tax attorney and a board certified estate planning and administration attorney. He has been president of his law firm, David J. Lukinovich, APLC, since 1995. Mr. Lukinovich’s extensive knowledge of tax matters provides the board with valuable insight regarding the tax implications of our strategies. Also, Mr. Lukinovich’s legal practice gives him insight regarding the issues that are important to our individual customers.

Suzanne O. Middleton . Ms. Middleton is the Chief Financial Officer of Credit One, LLC, a debt buying and collection company based in Metairie, Louisiana. She has held such position since April, 1999. As a chief

 

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financial officer, Ms. Middleton is able to use her understanding of financial and accounting matters to help us shape our business plans. Also, her knowledge of New Orleans area allows her to provide insight regarding our growth plans in this market.

Andrew C. Nelson, M.D . Dr. Nelson is a board certified gastroenterologist. He has been a practicing partner with Gastroenterology Associates in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, since 1997. In addition to the different perspective on our banking operations that Dr. Nelson’s background as a physician gives him, Dr. Nelson is also a small business owner and adds this viewpoint to board discussions.

James L. Nelson, M.D., FACS . Dr. Nelson has served as a member of the Emeritus Medical Staff at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana, since 2007. From 2003 to 2007, he was the Chief Medical Officer of North Oaks Heath System in Hammond. He is also an adjunct instructor at the Graduate School of Nursing at Southeastern Louisiana University. Similar to Andrew Nelson, James Nelson’s background as a physician gives us a different perspective on our banking operations. In addition, his knowledge of and significant contacts in Hammond allow him to assist in shaping our plans to this market.

Carl R. Schneider, Jr . Since 2002, Mr. Schneider has served as the Chief Information Officer of Gray and Company Inc., the parent entity of multiple companies that engage in oil and gas exploration, property and casualty insurance and property management, among other activities, headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. Since February, 2014, he has also served as the presiding manager of Denkmann Interests, a collection of privately-held businesses headquartered in Flowood, Mississippi, that engage in land management, forestry, commercial real estate and oil and gas production. Mr. Schneider is also an adjunct instructor at the College of Business at Southeastern Louisiana University and serves on a number of non-profit boards. Mr. Schneider’s significant business experience, as well as his longstanding business and personal relationships in New Orleans, qualify him to serve on our board.

Frank L. Walker . Mr. Walker has been the Chief Financial Officer of JP Oil Holdings, LLC since 1996. JP Oil Holdings, headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, is an oil and gas exploration and production company operating nearly 200 active wells across several states. In addition to his understanding of financial matters resulting from his business experience, Mr. Walker knowledge and contacts in Lafayette help us to develop our strategies to further expand our presence in this area.

Executive Officers

The following is a brief description of the background and experience of each of our executive officers, other than Mr. D’Angelo, who is discussed above.

Rachel P. Cherco . Ms. Cherco has served as Cashier and Chief Financial Officer of Investar Bank since 2006. Prior to that time, Ms. Cherco was the Chief Financial Officer of United Community Bank from its chartering in 1998 until 2005.

Ryan P. Finnan . Since 2009, Mr. Finnan has served as Chief Operations Officer of Investar Bank. From 2008 to 2009, he served as our Consumer Lending Manager. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Finnan was employed by Hibernia National Bank/Capital One as its Indirect Servicing Manager from 2005 through 2007.

Christopher L. Hufft . Mr. Hufft joined the Bank in February, 2014 as its Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Hufft served as the Vice President of Accounting at Amedisys, Inc., a publicly-traded home health and hospice company. Mr. Hufft, a licensed certified public accountant, also spent seven years in public accounting, serving both public and privately-held clients in the banking, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Randolf F. Kassmeier . Mr. Kassmeier serves as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Investar Bank. From 1990 to 2006, he was Associate General Counsel and Senior Vice President for Hibernia

 

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National Bank, New Orleans, Louisiana. Following his employment at Hibernia National Bank, Mr. Kassmeier practiced law in New Orleans, advising several community banks.

Travis M. Lavergne . Mr. Lavergne has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer since March, 2013. He joined the Bank in July 2012 as our Chief Risk Management Officer, which position he still holds. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Lavergne was a Senior Examiner at the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions from September, 2005 to July, 2012. As an examiner, he primarily conducted safety and soundness examinations of Louisiana-chartered banks and bank holding companies located in the Baton Rouge region.

Board Matters

Director Independence . Under Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, a majority of our Board of Directors must meet the definition of “independent director” as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules within a specified period of time after this offering. These rules, as well as those of the SEC, also impose several other requirements with respect to director independence.

Our board of directors has evaluated the independence of its members based upon the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules and applicable SEC regulations, including the transactions referenced under the heading Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions below. Applying these standards, our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each of Mr. Baker, Mr. James Boyce, Mr. Robert Boyce, Mr. Brignac, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Lukinovich, Ms. Middleton, Dr. Andrew Nelson, Dr. James Nelson, Mr. Schneider and Mr. Walker is an independent director under applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules. The board further determined that Messrs. Besselman, D’Angelo, Hidalgo and Joffrion do not qualify as independent directors. Mr. D’Angelo is an employee of the Company and Investar Bank. Messrs. Besselman, Hidalgo and Joffrion have certain relationships with the Company or Investar Bank which preclude a determination that they are independent directors.

Leadership Structure . The board has not adopted a formal policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer because the board believes that it is in our best interests to make that determination from time to time based on the position and direction of our organization and the composition of our board.

Currently, Mr. Hidalgo serves as Chairman of the Board of the Company and Investar Bank, while Mr. D’Angelo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. We believe at this time this structure (as opposed to combining the positions of chairman and chief executive officer) is appropriate for us for two primary reasons. First, having a separate board chairman allows Mr. D’Angelo to completely focus on his primary responsibilities, that is, implementing our strategic plans and managing the day-to-day operations of the Company and the Bank. Mr. D’Angelo’s time is not occupied with fulfilling the duties of the chairman of the board, such as scheduling board meetings and otherwise managing the board of directors. Second, we believe that having the board chairman position separate from the Chief Executive Officer allows the board of directors to more effectively fulfill its obligation to oversee our management.

Risk Oversight . Although the full board of directors is ultimately responsible for the oversight of our risk management processes, the board is assisted in this task by a number of its committees and committees of Investar Bank’s board of directors. These committees are primarily responsible for considering and overseeing the risks within their particular area of concern. For example, our audit committee focuses on financial reporting and operational risk. As provided in its charter, the audit committee is required to meet regularly with management, our independent registered public accountants and our internal auditors, to discuss the integrity of our financial reporting processes and internal controls as well as the steps that have been taken to monitor and control risks related to such matters. The Bank’s credit committee is primarily responsible for credit and other risks arising in connection with our lending activities, which includes overseeing management committees that also address these risks. The Bank’s asset-liability committee monitors our interest rate risk, with the goal of

 

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structuring our asset-liability composition to maximize net interest income while minimizing the adverse impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and capital. Finally, our compensation committee, whose duties are described in more detail below, evaluates the risks that our executive compensation programs may generate.

Each committee meets regularly with management to assist it in identifying all of the risks within such committee’s areas of responsibility and in monitoring and, where necessary, taking appropriate action to mitigate the applicable risks. At each board meeting, the committee chairman provides a report to the full board of directors on issues related to such committee’s risk oversight duties. To the extent that any risks reported to the full board need to be discussed outside the presence of management, the board will call an executive session to discuss these issues.

We believe the board’s approach to fulfilling its risk oversight responsibilities complements its leadership structure. In his capacity as Chairman of the board, Mr. Hidalgo reviews whether board committees are addressing their risk oversight duties in a comprehensive and timely manner. Based on the outcome of these reviews, Mr. D’Angelo can assist these committees in fulfilling their duties by (1) requiring that our management team provide these committees with all requested reports and other information as well as with access to our employees and (2) implementing recommendations of the various board committees to mitigate risk.

Board Committees

To assist it in the performance of its responsibilities, our board of directors has established standing committees. These committees include our executive committee as well as our audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. The functions of these committees are currently performed at the Investar Bank level, but in connection with the completion of this offering these committees will begin operating at the Company level. The board also may establish additional committees as it deems necessary or appropriate, in accordance with applicable law and regulations and our corporate governance documents.

The executive committee has been empowered to make decisions with respect to matters under the direction and control of our board when the board is not in session. The following is a brief discussion of the powers, duties and responsibilities of each of the audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.

Audit Committee . The audit committee assists the board of directors in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of our financial reporting process. Among other things, the committee’s responsibilities include:

 

    monitoring the integrity of our financial reporting process and system of internal controls and overseeing the internal audit department;

 

    reviewing and approving the scope of the annual audit, the audit fee and the financial statements and pre-approving all auditing and permitted non-audit services;

 

    appointing, compensating and monitoring the independence and performance of our independent registered public accountants; and

 

    complying with legal and regulatory requirements relating to financial reporting and auditing matters.

The audit committee is composed solely of members who satisfy the independence and other requirements of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market for audit committees. In addition, at least one of the committee’s members will be an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC rules. The audit committee has adopted a written charter that sets forth its rights and responsibilities. Prior to the completion of the offering, the charter will be posted on our website at www.investarbank.com.

 

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Compensation Committee . The compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the Company’s compensation arrangements for its executives and directors. Among other things, the compensation committee reviews and approves our overall compensation structure, policies and programs (including benefit plans) to ensure that our compensation structure appropriately incentivizes our executive officers and other employees and otherwise meets our corporate objectives. The compensation committee is also responsible for setting the compensation payable to our Chief Executive Officer and our other named executive officers and for administering our equity incentive plans and other incentive compensation plans.

The compensation committee is composed solely of members who satisfy the applicable independence requirements of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market for compensation committees. In addition, the board expects that each person appointed to the compensation committee also will qualify as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The compensation committee has adopted a written charter that sets forth its rights and responsibilities. Prior to the completion of the offering, the charter will be posted on our website at www.investarbank.com.

Nominating and Governance Committee . The nominating and governance committee oversees the process for selecting and nominating persons for election as directors and administers our corporate governance policies. The committee is composed solely of members who satisfy the applicable independence requirements of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market for nominating and governance committees.

When evaluating director candidates, the committee’s objective is to craft a board composed of individuals with a broad mix of backgrounds and experiences and possessing, as a whole, all of the skills and expertise necessary to guide a company like us in the prevailing business environment. The committee uses the same criteria to assess all candidates for director, regardless of who proposed the candidate. This criteria includes, among other things:

 

    independence for purposes of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules and SEC rules and regulations, and a record of honest and ethical conduct and personal integrity;

 

    experience in banking, or in marketing, finance, legal, accounting or other professional disciplines;

 

    familiarity with and participation in our markets;

 

    ability to represent the interests of all of our shareholders; and

 

    ability to devote time to the board of directors and to enhance their knowledge of our industry.

Although the board has not adopted a formal policy regarding the consideration of diversity when evaluating director candidates, the board believes that its membership should reflect diversity in its broadest sense. Accordingly, whenever the nominating and governance committee evaluates a potential candidate, we expect it to consider a candidate’s gender, ethnicity experience, education, geographic location and difference of viewpoint, in the context of the composition of the board as a whole.

The nominating and governance committee has adopted a written charter that sets forth its rights and responsibilities. Prior to the completion of the offering, the charter will be posted on our website at www.investarbank.com.

Director Compensation

We pay our non-employee directors fees for their participation in board and committee meetings held throughout the year. Directors who are also our employees do not receive additional compensation for their service as directors. In 2013, our non-employee directors were paid $150 for each board meeting attended (including Bank board meetings). In addition, in September, 2013, the board of directors of the Bank approved the award to the directors of the Bank of an aggregate of 3,986 restricted shares of Investar Bank common stock,

 

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which shares were exchanged on a one-for-one basis for shares of Company common stock pursuant to the Share Exchange. These shares vest on August 20, 2014.

Non-employee directors may elect to receive all or any part of their dollar denominated compensation in the form of our common stock. In addition, the Equity Incentive Plan permits the award of incentives to non-employee directors, the fair market value of which cannot exceed 200% of such directors’ annualized compensation.

The following table sets forth compensation paid, earned or awarded during 2013 to each of our non-employee directors. The table also includes compensation earned by each director that is attributable to his or service as a director of Investar Bank in 2013.

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
     Stock
Awards (1)
     Total  

James M. Baker, James H. Boyce, III, J.E. Brignac, Jr., William H. Hidalgo, Sr., Gordon H. Joffrion, III, Suzanne O. Middleton and Andrew C. Nelson, M.D.

   $ 1,650       $ 2,450       $ 4,100   

Thomas C. Besselman, Sr. and Frank L. Walker

   $ 1,500       $ 2,450       $ 3,950   

Robert M. Boyce, Sr., Robert L. Freeman and David J. Lukinovich

   $ 1,350       $ 2,450       $ 3,800   

James L. Nelson, M.D.

   $ 1,050       $ 2,450       $ 3,500   

Carl R. Schneider, Jr.

   $ 750       $ 2,450       $ 3,200   

 

(1) The dollar amount in this column reflects the aggregate fair value of the restricted stock determined as of the date of award, calculated in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Dividends payable on restricted stock awards are not included in our fair value determination of such award. Please refer to Note L, Stockholders’ Equity, to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus for details regarding the assumptions used to derive the fair value of our restricted stock awards. These restricted awards are subject to time-vesting only.

We also reimburse our directors for expenses they incur in connection with their service on our board, such as travel and lodging expenses.

Code of Conduct; Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Executive Officers

We expect the board of directors to adopt a Code of Conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees as well as a separate Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, prior to the completion of this offering. Upon adoption, our Code of Conduct and our Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers will be available on our website at www.investarbank.com. We expect that any amendments to the Code of Ethics, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website, as well as any other means required by the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

In this prospectus, the individuals who served as our principal executive officer and the two most highly compensated executive officers other than our principal executive officer for 2013 are collectively referred to as our “named executive officers.” Our named executive officers for 2013 are John J. D’Angelo, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Rachel P. Cherco, our Chief Financial Officer, and Ryan P. Finnan, our Chief Operations Officer.

The remainder of this section provides a general summary of our compensation policies and practices and discusses the aggregate compensation we paid to our named executive officers for 2013 and 2012. Unless otherwise specifically noted, Investar Bank actually paid all of the compensation to our named executive officers. Each named executive officer is also an officer of Investar Bank and devotes the substantial majority of his or her business time to the operations of the Bank. Accordingly, each executive’s compensation is paid largely to compensate him or her for rendering services to the Bank. Each named executive officer serves at the pleasure of our and the Bank’s respective board of directors; there are no employment agreements with any named executive officers.

Overview of Our Executive Compensation Program

The following information provides an overview of our compensation program for our named executive officers, as administered by Investar Bank with respect to periods prior to the Share Exchange and by the Company from and after the Share Exchange. Our compensation committee is responsible for establishing, reviewing and administering our executive compensation program, including, after consultation with management, making recommendations to our board of directors about the compensation of our named executive officers. Responsibility for the ministerial or day-to-day administration of our executive compensation program has been delegated to officers of the Bank.

General . The fundamental purpose of our executive compensation program is to assist us in achieving our financial and operating performance objectives. Specifically, we attempt to tailor an executive’s compensation to (1) retain and motivate the executive, (2) reward him or her upon the achievement of company-wide, department and individual performance goals, and (3) align the executive’s interest with the creation of long-term shareholder value, without encouraging excessive risk taking. To that end, and within the context of our status as a private corporation, we have compensated our named executive officers through a mix of base salary, cash bonuses, equity-based incentives and other broad-based benefits, primarily retirement plans and insurance. We believe the mix of these compensation elements and the amounts of each element provide our named executive officers with compensation that is consistent with our status as a private corporation, is reasonably competitive with our peers, and appropriately rewards each named executive officer for his or her contribution to our performance.

As noted above, we do not have any employment agreements with our named executive officers. In addition, there are no change in control, severance or noncompetition agreements with any named executive officer, nor are we otherwise obligated to pay any named executive officers any amounts if there is a change in control of the Company or if such executive’s employment with us terminates.

Base Salary . Our board of directors sets each named executive officer’s base salary annually, based on the recommendation of the compensation committee. Adjustments to base salary are based upon a review of a variety of factors, including the following:

 

    individual and Bank performance, measured against quantitative and qualitative goals, such as our growth, asset quality, profitability and other matters, such as the status of our relationship with the banking regulatory agencies;

 

    duties and responsibilities as well as the executive’s experience; and

 

    the types and amount of each element of compensation to be paid to the named executive officer.

 

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Cash bonuses . We pay discretionary cash bonuses to our named executive officers. The cash bonuses, which the board determines after the end of each fiscal year and may be paid annually, are intended to recognize and reward those named executive officers who have contributed meaningfully to our performance for the prior year. Both personal and Bank performance are factors that the board typically considers in deciding whether to award a cash bonus to a named executive officer and the amount of such bonus.

Equity compensation . Historically, Investar Bank has made individual awards of equity compensation in the form of time-based restricted stock to its executive officers. These awards have been intended to align the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders in a manner that does not encourage excessive risk-taking. We believe this alignment occurs immediately because our executives become shareholders from the date of award and thus benefit from increases in the value of our stock. The criteria used to award shares of restricted stock has been the same used when determining whether to pay, and the amount of, annual cash bonuses.

Perquisites and welfare benefits . We maintain a number of broad-based benefit plans that are available to all of our employees, including group medical, dental and life insurance plans, some of which are contributory. Our named executive officers may participate in these plans. Other perquisites we provide are a car allowance to certain of our named executive officers and country club dues. Although these perquisites involve incidental personal value, we believe both are necessary to advance our business purposes.

Retirement benefits . We offer our employees who have completed one year of service participation in a tax-qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan sponsored by Investar Bank, which is intended to incent retirement savings on a tax-advantaged basis. We match voluntary deferrals, not in excess of 4% of each employee’s compensation. Our matching contributions, as well as voluntary employee deferrals, are fully vested at all times. Benefits under the plan are equal to each employee’s account balance and may be distributed upon separation from employment, generally in the form of a single sum.

We do not maintain any defined benefit plan, actuarial benefit plan, supplemental executive retirement plan or deferred compensation plan for any employees, including the named executive officers.

Equity Incentive Plan

On January 15, 2014, our board of directors unanimously adopted the Investar Holding Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, referred to as our Equity Incentive Plan. The plan was amended on March 13, 2014. The following is a summary of the principal terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We urge investors to review the Equity Incentive Plan in its entirety.

General . As reflected by Investar Bank’s prior awards of restricted stock, we believe it appropriate that a component of an executive officer’s compensation be based upon our financial performance, as reflected by the value of our stock. Equity compensation, whether in the form of stock options, restricted stock and other securities whose value is tied to the value of our common stock, achieves this purpose. All of our employees as well as our non-employee directors are eligible to receive grants and awards under the Equity Incentive Plan.

We have reserved 600,000 shares of our common stock for grant, award or issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan; of these, 66,990 shares are attributable to grants and awards previously made or assumed by Investar Bank and 226,992 shares are attributable to grants and awards made during 2014 (the substantial majority of which are contingent upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part), which are described below under the heading 2014 Compensation Decisions .

Our compensation committee is the administrator of the Equity Incentive Plan. The committee possesses the discretion to, among other things, designate who will receive grants and awards, who are referred to as “participants,” and make individual grants and awards and determine the specific terms and conditions thereof,

 

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subject to the limitations contained in the plan. Our full board of directors may act in lieu of the committee as to any matter with respect to which the committee is authorized to take action.

Form of incentives . The Equity Incentive Plan permits four forms of grants and awards, called “incentives,” as follows:

 

    Stock options . An option is the right to purchase a fixed number of shares of our common stock at a designated exercise price; options may be granted in the form of non-qualified (or non-statutory) options and incentive stock options. The compensation committee determines the type of option and fixes its terms at the time of grant, although the exercise price of any option granted cannot be less than the closing sale price of a share of our common stock as quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market on the grant date.

 

    Restricted stock . Restricted stock is common stock issued in the name of a participant, subject to forfeiture restrictions and limitations on transfer for a specified period, called a “forfeiture period.” The restrictions may require the performance of services or the attainment of specified performance goals, or both. A participant who receives a restricted stock award will be entitled to vote such shares and may receive dividends thereon during the forfeiture period.

 

    Restricted stock units . Restricted stock units are bookkeeping entries, each representing a share of common stock. An award of restricted stock units will be settled at the end of a forfeiture period in cash, our common stock or a combination of both, subject to the performance of services or the attainment of performance goals or both. Participants who receive restricted stock units have no shareholder rights with respect to the units, although the committee may credit dividend equivalents to the account during the forfeiture period.

 

    Stock appreciation rights . Stock appreciation rights, often referred to as “SARs,” are rights that entitle the holder to the excess of the value of our common stock at the time of settlement over the value of our common stock when the rights are granted. Upon exercise, a SAR may be settled in our common stock, cash or a combination of both, as determined by the committee.

Vesting and performance goals . Incentives may be granted or awarded to our officers and employees subject to service (time) vesting, the attainment of performance goals, or both. Service vesting means that a participant must remain continuously employed between the date an incentive is granted or awarded and the end of a designated period. The plan generally contemplates a five-year service vesting period, although the committee may adjust the period with respect to any individual grant or award.

Any grant or award may also be made subject to the attainment of specified performance goals to be achieved over a fixed time period, called a “performance cycle,” which cannot be more than three years. Performance goals must relate to certain criteria listed in the plan, which include, among other things, our earnings per share, whether or not calculated on a fully diluted basis, our return on equity, return on investment, return on invested capital or return on assets, or the completion of strategic objectives. Performance goals will typically include threshold, target and maximum levels of performance.

At the end of the performance cycle, the committee determines whether and to what extent the goals have been achieved and the final number of incentives to be granted, awarded or settled, provided that the final number cannot be more than 200% of target if maximum levels of performance are achieved.

Change in control . Unless otherwise provided at the time of grant or award, if a change in control (as defined in the plan) is consummated, then:

 

    All performance goals, whether applicable to options, SARs, restricted stock or restricted stock units, will be deemed satisfied at the target level;

 

    Outstanding options and SARs will vest and be exercisable for the remainder of their respective terms; and

 

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    Restricted stock and restricted stock units will remain subject to any time vesting or forfeiture period and will be settled at the end of any such period; provided that if the holder of restricted stock or restricted stock units separates from service during the 24-month period following the consummation of a change in control, other than involuntarily on account of cause, any service vesting shall be deemed satisfied and such shares or units shall be settled.

Summary Compensation Table for 2013

The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid to our named executive officers for our fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year      Salary (1)      Bonus      Stock
Awards (2)
     All
Other
Compensation
    Total  

John J. D’Angelo

     2013       $ 287,231       $ 68,321       $ 60,004       $ 28,048 (3)     $ 443,601   

President and Chief Executive Officer

     2012         233,544         65,867         35,000         19,969        354,380   

Ryan P. Finnan

     2013       $ 132,032       $ 20,303       $ 30,002       $ 11,653 (4)     $ 193,988   

Chief Operations Officer

     2012         114,464         19,826         17,000         12,378        163,668   

Rachel P. Cherco

     2013       $ 119,554       $ 22,481       $ 30,002       $ 11,114 (5)     $ 183,149   

Chief Financial Officer

     2012         107,205         21,575         17,000         12,056        157,835   

 

(1) Includes amounts deferred under Investar Bank’s 401(k) plan.
(2) The dollar amount of these time-based restricted stock awards reflects the aggregate fair value determined as of the date of award in accordance with ASC Topic 718. Dividends payable on shares of restricted stock are not factored into our fair value determination of such award. Please refer to Note L, Stockholders’ Equity, to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus for details regarding the assumptions used to derive the fair value of our restricted stock awards.
(3) Consists of term life and health insurance premiums of $6,036, an allowance for the use of an automobile of $9,000, country club dues of $2,812, and Company contributions to our 401(k) plan in the amount of $10,200.
(4) Consists of term life and health insurance premiums of $5,949 and Company contributions to our 401(k) plan in the amount of $5,706.
(5) Consists of term life and health insurance premiums of $5,702 and Company contributions to our 401(k) plan in the amount of $5,412.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table provides information regarding outstanding unvested stock awards that our named executive officers held as of December 31, 2013. The restricted stock awards shown on the table below represent discretionary restricted stock awards made by the board of directors of Investar Bank with respect to Investar Bank stock. These shares of restricted stock were subsequently exchanged on a one-for-one basis for restricted shares of Company common stock pursuant to the Share Exchange.

 

     Outstanding Stock Awards
at December 31, 2013
 

Name

   Number of
shares of
stock
that have
not vested
    Market value
of shares of
stock that
have not
vested (1)
 

John J. D’Angelo

    

 

2,000

4,286

(2)  

(3)  

  $

 

28,000

60,004

  

  

Ryan P. Finnan

    

 

972

2,143

(2)  

(3)  

   

 

13,608

30,002

  

  

Rachel P. Cherco

    

 

972

2,143

(2)  

(3)  

   

 

13,608

30,002

  

  

 

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(1) The dollar amount in this column reflects the aggregate fair value of the restricted stock determined as of the date of award, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. Dividends payable on restricted stock awards are not factored into our fair value determination of such award. Please refer to Note L, Stockholders’ Equity, to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus for details regarding the assumptions used to derive the fair value of our restricted stock awards.
(2) On July 1, 2012, the Bank awarded restricted shares of Bank common stock, which shares were exchanged for restricted shares of Company common stock in the Share Exchange. Under the terms of the award, one-fifth of the aggregate number of shares awarded vests on each June 30 following the date of the award, provided that the recipient of the award remains an employee of the Bank on such date.
(3) On July 1, 2013, the Bank awarded restricted shares of Bank common stock, which shares were exchanged for restricted shares of Company common stock in the Share Exchange. Under the terms of the award, one-fifth of the aggregate number of shares awarded vests on each June 30 following the date of the award, provided that the recipient of the award remains an employee of the Bank on such date.

2014 Compensation Decisions

On February 17, 2014, our compensation committee approved grants and awards of equity compensation under the Equity Incentive Plan, covering an aggregate of 226,992 shares of our common stock. An aggregate of 216,000 options were granted to our senior executive officers and an aggregate of 9,564 shares of our common stock were awarded in the form of restricted stock to 18 of the Bank’s key employees. All of the stock option grants and restricted stock awards will be deemed granted and awarded, as applicable, as of the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospective forms a part, provided the holder thereof is an employee in good standing on such date. However, if the registration statement is not effective on or before December 31, 2014, the stock option grants and restricted stock awards will be deemed void and of no effect. The compensation committee also awarded an aggregate of 1,428 shares in the form of restricted stock to Mr. Hufft and one other person as employment inducement and retention awards.

An aggregate of 70,000 options were granted to Mr. D’Angelo, an aggregate of 11,000 options were granted to each of Mr. Finnan and Ms. Cherco, and an aggregate of 124,000 options were granted to 14 other senior executive officers. The exercise price of each option is the initial offering price of our common stock. The options will vest on a pro rata basis over a six-year service period, measured from the effective date. The options will expire, to the extent not exercised, ten years after the effective date of the registration statement. If a change in control (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan) occurs, the options will be deemed fully vested and remain exercisable until their expiration. The options, whether or not then vested, are subject to forfeiture in the event of an involuntary termination of employment for cause (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan) or voluntary separation from service. The options are exercisable only during the period of employment, except that an extended exercise period is available in the event of the holder’s death, disability, retirement, or involuntary termination of employment without cause.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2014 regarding the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by all directors, our named executive officers and by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with SEC rules. These rules generally provide that a person is the beneficial owner of securities if he or she has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting thereof, or to dispose or direct the disposition thereof or has the right to acquire any such power within 60 days. We believe, based on the information furnished to us, that, except as provided in the footnotes below, the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws. Unless otherwise noted, the address for each individual listed on the table below is: c/o Investar Holding Corporation, 7244 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808.

 

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To our knowledge, there are no shareholders who beneficially own 5% or more of our common stock.

The table below calculates the applicable percentage ownership based on 3,945,029 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and  shares of common stock outstanding upon completion of the offering, except as follows. In computing each listed person’s particular percentage ownership, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options or warrants held by that person that are exercisable currently or within 60 days of March 31, 2014. However, in accordance with SEC rules, we did not deem these shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

     Shares Beneficially
Owned as of March 31, 2014
    Shares Beneficially Owned
After the Offering
     Number of
Shares (1)
    Percentage (2)     Number of
Shares (1)
   Percentage, assuming
no exercise of
underwriters’
purchase option (2)
   Percentage, assuming
full exercise of
underwriters’
purchase option (2)

Directors:

            

James M. Baker

     19,458 (3)       *           

Thomas C. Besselman, Sr.

     74,376 (4)       1.89        

James H. Boyce, III

     16,103 (5)       *           

Robert M. Boyce, Sr.

     30,608 (3)       *           

J.E. Brignac, Jr.

     4,319 (3)       *           

Robert L. Freeman

     9,661 (6)       *           

William H. Hidalgo, Sr.

     44,925 (7)       1.14           

Gordon H. Joffrion, III

     20,074 (8)       *           

David J. Lukinovich

     37,732 (9)       *           

Suzanne O. Middleton

     21,299 (3)       *           

Andrew C. Nelson, M.D.

     62,384 (10)       1.58           

James L. Nelson, M.D.

     8,629 (3)       *           

Carl R. Schneider, Jr.

     5,451 (3)       *           

Frank L. Walker

     31,222 (11)       *           

Named Executive Officers:

            

John J. D’Angelo

     142,510 (12)       3.61           

Ryan P. Finnan

     8,881 (13)       *           

Rachel P. Cherco

     8,345 (14)       *           

All directors and executive officers as a group
(20 persons total)

     562,100        14.25        

 

* Represents less than 1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership does not include any shares of common stock that may be purchased in this offering by the person listed (see Underwriting—Directed Share Program ).
(2) Ownership percentages reflect the ownership percentage assuming that such person, but no other person, exercises all stock options and warrants to acquire shares of our common stock held by such person that are exercisable currently or within 60 days of March 31, 2014. The ownership percentage of all executive officers and directors, as a group, assumes that all 20 persons, but no other persons, exercise all stock options and warrants to acquire shares of our common stock held by such person that are exercisable currently or within 60 days of March 31, 2014.
(3) As to each individual, includes 175 shares of restricted stock awarded on August 21, 2013 that will fully vest on August 20, 2014 (referred to as the “2013 director stock award”).
(4) Includes warrants to purchase 2,000 shares of Company common stock and the 2013 director stock award.
(5) Includes warrants to purchase 7,500 shares of Company common stock and the 2013 director stock award.
(6) Includes warrants to purchase 1,181 shares and the 2013 director stock award.
(7) Includes of 19,571 shares registered in the name of William H. Hidalgo Trust, 4,566 shares registered in the name of Mr. Hidalgo’s wife and the 2013 director stock award.

 

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(8) Includes of 5,782 shares registered in the name of Mr. Joffrion’s spouse and the 2013 director stock award.
(9) Includes 11,600 of shares registered in the name of Solomon’s Portico, LLC, an affiliate of Mr. Lukinovich, warrants held by Mr. Lukinovich’s spouse to purchase 935 shares, warrants registered in the name of Solomon’s Portico, LLC to purchase 765 shares, 15,296 shares registered in the name of Mr. Lukinovich’s spouse, 718 shares held in Roth IRAs in the name of four minor children of Mr. Lukinovich, and the 2013 director stock award.
(10) Includes 7,489 shares registered in the name of AJ’s Investment Co., LLC, an affiliate of Dr. Andrew Nelson, warrants held in the name of AJ’s Investment Co., LLC to purchase 200 shares, warrants (in the name of Dr. Nelson) to purchase 4,400 shares, and the 2013 director stock award.
(11) Includes 30,312 shares registered in the name of J.P. Oil Company, Inc., an affiliate of Mr. Walker, and the 2013 director stock award.
(12) Mr. D’Angelo is also a director. His ownership consists of warrants held for one of Mr. D’Angelo’s minor children to purchase 10 shares, 2,064 shares held in brokerage accounts by John D’Angelo for the benefit of his four minor children, 2,008 shares of restricted stock awarded on July 1, 2012 to vest one-fifth per year over a five year period ending June 30, 2017, and 4,286 shares of restricted stock awarded on July 1, 2013 to vest one-fifth per year over a five year period ending June 30, 2018.
(13) Includes warrants to purchase 745 shares, 976 shares of restricted stock awarded on July 1, 2012 to vest one-fifth per year over a five year period ending June 30, 2017, and 2,143 shares of restricted stock awarded on July 1, 2013 to vest one-fifth per year over a five year period ending June 30, 2018.
(14) Includes 976 shares of restricted stock awarded on July 1, 2012 to vest one-fifth per year over a five year period ending June 30, 2017, and 2,143 shares of restricted stock awarded on July 1, 2013 to vest one-fifth per year over a five year period ending June 30, 2018.

There are no arrangements currently known to us the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Policies and Procedures Regarding Related Party Transactions

We have adopted written policies to comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions applicable to us, including Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (which govern certain transactions by Investar Bank with its affiliates) and the Federal Reserve’s Regulation O (which governs certain loans by the Bank to its executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders).

In addition, our board of directors has adopted a written policy governing the approval of related party transactions that complies with all applicable requirements of the SEC and the Nasdaq Global Market concerning related party transactions. A related party transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship or a series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships where the amount involved exceeds $120,000, in which we or one of our consolidated subsidiaries participates, and in which a “related party” has a direct or indirect material interest. “Related parties” include our directors (including nominees for election as director), executive officers, 5% shareholders (if any) and the immediate family members of these persons as well as any entity that any of them controls or in which any of them has a substantial beneficial ownership interest.

Our related party transaction policy is administered by our audit committee. Under the policy, the audit committee must compile (and update as necessary) a master list of all persons related to directors, executive officers and owners of greater than 5% of our common stock. Once a master list of related parties is prepared, the committee will distribute it to our loan committee and to our chief compliance officer, who will distribute the list to such other individuals as he deems appropriate. Among other things, the loan committee and other individuals will use this list to determine if any existing or proposed transaction is a related party transaction. If a proposed related party transaction is identified, then the audit committee will be responsible for gathering relevant

 

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information about the transaction, including, among other things, the material facts of the proposed transaction, including the amount involved and an assessment of whether the terms of the proposed transaction are comparable to those available to unrelated third parties. Based on this information, the committee then determines whether the proposed related party transaction should be approved, with any interested committee member barred from participating in the review.

Ordinary Banking Relationships

We have had banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with our officers and directors as well as their immediate families and affiliated companies, and we expect to engage in additional transactions with these persons in the future. These banking transactions include loans, deposits and other financial services-related transactions. All related party transactions were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral (where applicable), 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 the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

As of March 31, 2014, our officers and directors as well as their immediate families and affiliated companies, taken as a group, were indebted directly and indirectly to us in the amount of $11.6 million, while deposits from this group totaled $32.2 million as of such date. As of the date of this prospectus, no related party loans were categorized as nonaccrual, past due, restructured or potential problem loans.

Other Relationships

The following describes transactions since January 1, 2012 in addition to the ordinary banking relationships described above in which we have participated an in which one or more of our directors, executive officers or other related persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest:

 

    Thomas C. Besselman, Sr., one of our 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, currently writes our employee benefits insurance. We paid $20,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2014, $995,000 in 2013 and $561,000 in 2012 to the Besselman & Little Agency for such insurance. Both Besselman & Little Agency and Gallagher Benefit Services paid a referral fee to us for referrals of clients to The Besselman & Little Agency or Gallagher Benefit Services for their insurance needs during 2013 and 2012. We received referral fees of approximately $20,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2014, $60,000 in 2013 and $53,000 in 2012 from Gallagher Benefit Services. Mr. Besselman is also the owner of H.R. Solutions, L.L.C., located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which provides our payroll processing services. We paid approximately $25,000 in fees during the three months ended March 31, 2014, $98,000 in fees in 2013 and $59,000 in fees in 2012.

 

    We have engaged in a number of transactions with Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC, a commercial construction company owned and managed by Gordon H. Joffrion, III, one of our directors:

 

    Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC was awarded the bid to renovate a building we purchased in Metairie, Louisiana, to serve as our first branch in the Greater New Orleans area. We paid approximately $920,000 to Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC in connection with the renovation of this branch, which was completed in 2012.

 

    Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC renovated our branch located at 2929 Hwy 190, Mandeville, Louisiana. We paid the company approximately $91,000 for this renovation work, which was completed in 2012.

 

    We selected the company’s bid to construct a building in Lafayette, Louisiana, to serve as our first branch in the Lafayette area. We paid approximately $1.7 million to Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC for construction of this facility, which was completed in 2013.

 

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    We awarded the company the contract to renovate the third floor of the Clerk of Court building that the Company purchased in Baton Rouge to serve as our Operations Center. This work was completed in 2014. Of the $1.0 million bid amount, we have thus far paid Joffrion Commercial Division approximately $914,000.

 

    On December 17, 2013, the Bank selected Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC to construct a new Baton Rouge branch. Construction on this branch commenced in the first quarter of 2014, and we expect construction to be completed in the third quarter of 2014.

We believe that the terms and conditions of all of our transactions with each of The Besselman & Little Agency, Inc., H.R. Solutions, L.L.C. and Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party unaffiliated with us or the Bank.

Private Offerings

Since 2006, Investar Bank has conducted several exempt offerings in order to raise capital to fund its organizational expenses and to provide capital to support the Bank’s growth and expansion efforts. In 2006, 2007 and 2009, the Bank sold units consisting of shares of its common stock and, for each five shares of common stock, a warrant to purchase an additional share of common stock at the offering price. Exempt offerings conducted by the Bank since 2010 have consisted solely of shares of Bank common stock.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following discussion summarizes the material terms of our capital stock. This discussion does not purport to be a complete description of these rights and may not contain all of the information regarding our capital stock that is important to you. We are a Louisiana corporation, and thus the Louisiana Business Corporation Law, or LBCL, other applicable Louisiana law and our restated articles of incorporation and by-laws delineate the rights of our shareholders generally. Reference is made to the more detailed provisions of our restated articles of incorporation and by-laws, copies of which are filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and applicable law.

General

Our restated articles of incorporation authorize us to issue a total of 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share. No shares of preferred stock are currently outstanding. We may issue authorized but unissued shares of our capital stock in the future without shareholder approval, unless otherwise required by applicable law or the rules of any applicable securities exchange.

Common Stock

As of March 31, 2014, 3,945,029 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and held by approximately 1,250 shareholders of record. We have reserved an additional 600,000 shares for issuance in connection with stock awards granted under our Equity Incentive Plan, 293,982 have been issued in the form of stock option grants and restricted stock awards as of the date of this prospectus. Each share of our common stock is non-assessable and has the same rights, preferences and privileges as every other share of common stock.

Voting . Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote in the election of directors and on all other matters submitted to the vote of our shareholders. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

 

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With respect to any matter other than the election of directors or a matter for which a different approval threshold is established by Louisiana law or our restated articles of incorporation (as described below), a matter submitted to the shareholders will be approved if a majority of the votes cast are in favor of such matter, at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Directors are elected by a plurality vote. Also, our restated articles of incorporation require a vote of two-thirds of the voting power present to approve (1) an amendment to the articles of incorporation, (2) a merger, consolidation or share exchange to which we are a party or the sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets (this threshold is also the default provision in the LBCL) or (3) our dissolution.

Dividends . Subject to the legal and regulatory restrictions discussed elsewhere in this prospectus and to the rights of holders of any preferred securities that we may issue, holders of our common stock are entitled to share equally in dividends when, as, and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. See Dividend Policy above.

Liquidation . In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive, on a pro-rata per share basis, any assets available for distribution to our shareholders after the payment of debts and liabilities and after the distribution to holders of any outstanding shares of our capital stock hereafter issued with prior rights upon liquidation.

Preemptive and other rights . Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive, conversion or redemption rights.

Preferred Stock

Our restated articles of incorporation permit us to issue one or more series of preferred stock and authorize our board of directors to fix the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights (including voting rights), qualifications and limitations of any such series of preferred stock, without further shareholder approval. Each share of a series of preferred stock will have the same relative rights as, and be identical in all respects with, all the other shares of the same series. While the terms of preferred stock may vary from series to series, investors should assume that all shares of preferred stock that we may issue will be senior to our common stock in respect of distributions and on liquidation.

Although the creation and authorization of preferred stock does not, in and of itself, have any effect on the rights of the holders of our common stock, the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock may affect the holders of common stock in a number of respects, including the following: by subordinating our common stock to the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights, liquidation preferences and other rights, preferences, and privileges; by diluting the voting power or the earnings per share of our common stock; and by issuing common stock, upon the conversion of the preferred stock, at a price below the fair market value or original issue price of the common stock that is outstanding prior to such issuance.

Stock Warrants

2007 Warrants . In 2007, in order to raise additional equity capital to support its growth, Investar Bank conducted a private offering of (1) units consisting of Bank common stock and warrants to purchase such common stock and (2) to its existing shareholders, shares of Bank common stock. As part of the Share Exchange, we exchanged 49,903 warrants to acquire Company common stock for these Investar Bank warrants on a one-for-one basis. All of the Company warrants are exercisable at a price of $13.50 per share and expire on September 30, 2014.

2009 Warrants . In 2009, in order to raise additional equity capital to support its growth, Investar Bank conducted a private offering of (1) units consisting of Bank common stock and warrants to purchase such common stock and (2) to its existing shareholders, shares of Bank common stock. As part of the Share Exchange,

 

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we exchanged 12,720 warrants to acquire Company common stock for these Investar Bank warrants on a one-for-one basis. All of the Company warrants are exercisable at a price of $13.50 per share and expire December 31, 2014.

SLBB Warrants . In connection with its acquisition of South Louisiana Bankers Bank, Investar Bank assumed outstanding warrants to purchase SLBB common stock (which were issued in connection with SLBB’s organization). The terms of these warrants were adjusted to reflect the terms of the merger agreement between Investar Bank and SLBB. After giving effect to such adjustments and the exchange of 130,875 Company warrants for these Investar Bank warrants on a one-for-one basis as part of the Share Exchange, these warrants are exercisable at a price of $13.33 per share and expire on June 30, 2018.

Selected Provisions of the Louisiana Business Corporation Law and our Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-laws

Provisions with anti-takeover effects . Our restated articles of incorporation and by-laws as well as the LBCL contain certain provisions that may make it more difficult to acquire control of us by means of a tender offer, open market purchase, proxy contest or otherwise, even if shareholders may consider the proposed transaction to be in their best interests or will receive a substantial premium for their shares. These provisions, which are summarized below, are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate with our directors. We believe that, as a general rule, the interests of our shareholders are best served if any change in control results from negotiations with our board rather than from an unsolicited proposal. As mentioned above, both the LBCL and our restated articles of incorporation require any merger, consolidation or share exchange to which we are a party or any sale of all or substantially all of our assets to be approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the voting power present at any meeting called to approve such matter.

 

    Authority to issue “blank check” preferred stock . As discussed above, our board of directors is authorized to issue, without further approval from our shareholders, a series of “blank check” preferred stock. This authorization may operate to provide anti-takeover protection for us because, if a merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of us is proposed and our board does not believe the proposed transaction is in our or our shareholders’ best interests, the board can quickly issue shares of preferred stock with rights, preferences and limitations that could make the proposed takeover attempt more difficult to complete. Such preferred stock may also be used in connection with the issuance of a shareholder rights plan, sometimes called a “poison pill.” The authorization to issue preferred stock may also benefit present management. Since a potential acquiror may be discouraged from attempting a takeover on account of the board’s ability to issue preferred stock, management may be able to retain its position more easily. Our board, however, does not intend to issue any preferred stock except on terms that it deems to be in the best interest of the Company and our shareholders.

 

    Shareholder’s right to call a special meeting . Our by-laws provide that a shareholder (or group of shareholders) may not call a special meeting of shareholders unless such shareholder(s) owns at least 25% of our outstanding stock.

 

    Increase in board size . Our board of directors has the power to increase, between annual meetings, the number of persons serving as directors and to fill the vacancies so created by a majority vote of the directors present at the meeting. This may dissuade a third party from attempting to take control of us by means of a proxy contest.

 

   

Advance notice requirements . Our by-laws require a shareholder who desires to nominate a candidate for election to the board of directors or to raise new business at an annual shareholders’ meeting to provide us advance notice not earlier than 120 days and not later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting. If the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 90 days from the anniversary date of the previous year’s meeting, to be timely a shareholder must deliver advance notice not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the annual meeting and not later than the close of business

 

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on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or, if the public announcement of the date of our annual meeting is less than 100 days prior to the annual meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Any shareholder wishing to nominate a candidate for election as a director or to raise new business at an annual shareholders’ meeting must also provide detailed information about the nominee or business and satisfy certain other conditions. Because of the timing requirements and the detailed information that must be provided under our advance notice by-law, a third party may be discouraged from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its proposal without regard to whether consideration of the nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to our shareholders and us.

 

    No cumulative voting . Shareholders are not permitted to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. As a result, holders of a majority of outstanding common stock have the power to elect all of the directors standing for election, which may discourage a third party from nominating its own candidate(s) for election to our board.

 

    By-law amendment . Our board of directors can amend our by-laws without shareholder approval.

In addition, as noted above, we may issue authorized but unissued shares of our capital stock in the future without shareholder approval, unless otherwise required by applicable law or the rules of any applicable securities exchange. This power may enable our board of directors to sell shares of our common or preferred stock to individuals or groups who the board perceives as friendly with management, which may make more difficult unsolicited attempts to obtain control of our organization.

Finally, the LBCL includes certain provisions applicable to Louisiana corporations, such as the Company, which may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect or otherwise discriminate against a holder of our securities on account of such holder owning a substantial amount of our common stock. Such provisions include rights of shareholders to receive from the corporation the fair cash value of their shares of stock following a control transaction from a controlling person or group and requirements relating to certain business combinations.

Under the LBCL’s control share acquisition statutes, any person who acquires “control shares” will be able to vote such shares only if the right to vote is approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of both (1) all the votes entitled to be cast by shareholders and (2) all the votes entitled to be cast by shareholders excluding “interested shares.” “Control shares” are shares that would entitle the holder thereof, assuming the shares had full voting rights, to exercise voting power within any of the following ranges: (a) 20% or more but less than one-third of all voting power; (b) one-third or more but less than a majority of all voting power; or (c) a majority or more of all voting power. Any acquisition that would result in the ownership of control shares in a higher range would require an additional vote of shareholders. “Interested shares” include control shares and any shares held by an officer or employee who is also a director of the corporation. If the control shares are provided full voting rights and the acquiring person has acquired control shares representing a majority or more of all voting power, all shareholders have dissenters’ rights entitling them to receive from the corporation the “fair cash value” of their shares, which cannot be less than the highest price paid per share by the acquiring person to acquire the control shares.

The LBCL’s fair price protection statutes govern “business combinations” involving an “interested shareholder.” The LBCL defines a “business combination” generally to include the following:

 

    any merger, consolidation or share exchange of the corporation with an “interested shareholder” or affiliate thereof;

 

    any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition, other than in the ordinary course of business, of assets equal to 10% or more of the market value of the corporation’s outstanding stock or of the corporation’s net worth to any interested shareholder or affiliate thereof in any 12-month period;

 

    the issuance or transfer by the corporation of equity securities of the corporation with an aggregate market value of 5% or more of the total market value of the corporation’s outstanding stock to any interested shareholder or affiliate thereof, except in certain circumstances;

 

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    the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the corporation in which anything other than cash will be received by an interested shareholder or affiliate thereof; or

 

    any reclassification of the corporation’s stock or merger which increases by 5% or more the ownership interest of the interested shareholder or any affiliate of the corporation.

“Interested shareholder” includes any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock, or any affiliate thereof who had such beneficial ownership during the preceding two years, excluding in each case the corporation, its subsidiaries and their benefit plans.

Under the LBCL, a business combination must be approved by any vote otherwise required by law or the articles of incorporation, and by the affirmative vote of at least each of the following: (1) 80% of the total outstanding voting stock of the corporation, voting together as a single group; and (2) two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock held by persons other than the interested shareholder, voting together as a single group. However, the supermajority vote requirement are not applicable if the business combination meets certain minimum price requirements and other procedural safeguards, or if the transaction is approved by our board prior to the time that the interested shareholder first became an interested shareholder.

Action by Written Consent . Under the LBCL, unless otherwise provided in a corporation’s articles of incorporation, no action required or permitted to be taken at an annual or special meeting of shareholders may be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting unless such written consent is signed by all shareholders. Our restated articles of incorporation do not contain a provision allowing for less than unanimous written consent. As a result, the requirement that actions taken by written consent be unanimous ensures that shareholders cannot effect a business combination or other corporate action without the knowledge and involvement of all of our shareholders.

Indemnification . Our restated articles of incorporation and by-laws provide generally that we will indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by Louisiana law, our directors and officers, as well as other persons who have served as directors, officers, fiduciaries or in other representative capacities, serving at our request in connection with any actual or threatened action, proceeding or investigation, subject to limited exceptions. To the extent that indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. Finally, our ability to provide indemnification to our directors and officers is limited by federal banking laws and regulations.

Limitation of liability . Our restated articles of incorporation limit the personal liability of our directors in actions brought on our behalf or on behalf of our shareholders for monetary damages as a result of a director’s acts or omissions while acting in a capacity as a director, with certain exceptions. Our restated articles of incorporation do not eliminate or limit our right or the right of our shareholders to seek injunctive or other equitable relief not involving monetary damages.

Listing

Our common stock is not currently listed on any securities exchange, and there is not otherwise an established public trading market for our common stock. We intend to apply to have our common stock approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “ISTR.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Registrar & Transfer Company.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Prior to this offering, there has been no established public trading market for our common stock. Future sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market after this offering, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock. Furthermore, since some of our shares will not be available for sale shortly after this offering because of the contractual and legal restrictions on resale described below, the sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market after these restrictions lapse could negatively affect the prevailing market price of our common stock as well as our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

Sales of Restricted Securities

Upon completion of this offering, we will have shares of common stock issued and outstanding ( shares if the underwriters exercise their purchase option in full). In addition, 216,309 shares of our common stock are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants. Of all of these shares, the shares sold in this offering (or shares, if the underwriters exercise their purchase option in full) will be freely tradable without further restriction under the Securities Act, except that any shares purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 1444 under the Securities Act, may be sold in the public market only in compliance with Rule 144 (Rule 144 is discussed below). In addition, unless held by our affiliates, the remaining outstanding shares will be freely tradable without further restriction under the Securities Act. Restricted shares may be sold in the public market only if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or any other applicable exemption.

Rule 144

In general, all shares of our common stock held by our “affiliates” may only be sold in the public market in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act. An “affiliate” under Rule 144 is any person who directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the issuer of the securities such person holds. Our directors, executive officers, 10% shareholders (if any) and certain other related persons are generally considered to be our “affiliates.” Upon completion of the offering, we expect that our affiliates will hold approximately % of our outstanding common stock ( % if the underwriters exercise their purchase option).

Under Rule 144, a person (or group of persons whose shares are aggregated) who is deemed to be our affiliate may sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of the following:

 

    1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately  shares immediately after this offering (assuming the underwriters do not exercise their purchase option); or

 

    the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.

Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to a six-month holding period and requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and the availability of current public information about us.

Under Rule 144, generally a person who is not our affiliate at the time of, or at any time during the 90 days preceding, a sale, and who has for at least six months beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock, may freely sell such shares of our common stock, subject only to the availability of current public information regarding us. A person who is our affiliate at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned for at least one year restricted shares of our common stock, will be entitled to freely sell such shares of our common stock under Rule 144 without regard to the current public information requirements of Rule 144. Further, under Rule 144 a person can include the length of time that he or she owned shares of Bank

 

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common stock prior to their exchange for our common stock in the Share Exchange when calculating how long he or she has beneficially owned our common stock.

Rule 701

We have granted stock options and awarded restricted shares of our common stock under our Equity Incentive Plan without registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided by Rule 701 promulgated thereunder. Subject to any lock-up restrictions described below and any forfeiture restrictions applicable to these grants and awards, these shares (including shares issued upon the exercise of stock options) will be eligible for sale 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement in reliance on Rule 144 without having to comply with the holding period requirements of Rule 144 and, in the case of non-affiliates, also without having to comply with the public information, volume limitation or notice filing provisions of Rule 144.

Equity Incentive Plan

As soon as practicable after the completion of this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register up to shares of our common stock, or approximately % of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering, issuable with respect to option grants, restricted stock awards or other types of awards to be granted or awarded under our Equity Incentive Plan. The registration statement on Form S-8 will be effective upon filing. Accordingly, shares registered under such registration statement will be available for sale in the open market following the effective date, unless such shares are subject to forfeiture restrictions with us, Rule 144 restrictions applicable to our affiliates or the lock-up restrictions described below and elsewhere in this prospectus.

Lock-Up Agreements

Our executive officers and directors, who will own in the aggregate approximately shares of our common stock after the offering, have entered into lock-up agreements under which they have generally agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer their shares for a period of 180 days after the completion of the offering. These lock-up restrictions may be extended in specified circumstances and are subject to certain exceptions. For additional information, see the Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements section on page 122 of this prospectus. As a result of these contractual restrictions, shares of our common stock subject to lock-up agreements will not be eligible for sale until these agreements expire or the restrictions are waived by the underwriters.

Following the lock-up period, all of the shares of our common stock that are restricted securities or are held by our affiliates as of the date of this prospectus will be eligible for sale in the public market in compliance with Rule 144.

UNDERWRITING

We are offering the shares of our common stock described in this prospectus in an underwritten offering through the underwriters, for whom Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. is acting as representative. We have entered into an underwriting agreement dated , 2014, with Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. as representative of the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters named below have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase the respective number of shares of our common stock listed next to their respective names in the table below:

 

Name of Underwriter

   Number of
Shares
 

Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

       

Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc.

       

Total:

       

 

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The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters’ obligation to purchase shares of our common stock depends on the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, including:

 

    the representations and warranties made by us are true and agreements have been performed;

 

    there is no material adverse change in the financial markets or in our business; and

 

    we deliver customary closing documents.

Subject to these conditions, the underwriters are committed to purchase and pay for all of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus, if any such shares are purchased. However, the underwriters are not obligated to take or pay for the shares of our common stock covered by the underwriters’ purchase option described below, unless and until that option is exercised. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering may be terminated. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Purchase Option

We have granted the underwriters an option, exercisable no later than 30 days after the date of the underwriting agreement, to buy up to additional shares of our common stock at the initial public offering price less underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. We will be obligated to sell these shares of our common stock to the underwriters to the extent the purchase option is exercised. If the underwriters exercise this option, each underwriter will be obligated, subject to the conditions in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares of our common stock proportionate to such underwriter’s initial amount relative to the total amount reflected in the table above.

Commission and Expenses

The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares of common stock sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of $  per share. After the public offering of our common stock, the underwriters may change the offering price, concessions and other selling terms.

The following table shows the per share public offering price, the aggregate underwriting discounts that we will pay and the proceeds that we will receive before expenses. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their purchase option to purchase additional shares:

 

     Per Share     No Exercise     Full Exercise  

Public offering price

   $        $        $     

Underwriting discounts payable by us

   $        $        $     

Proceeds before expenses

   $        $        $     

In addition to the underwriting discount, we will reimburse the underwriters for certain reasonable out-of-pocket expenses up to $500,000 incurred in connection with their engagement as underwriters, regardless of whether this offering is consummated, including, among other things, the underwriters’ legal fees and expenses as well as marketing, syndication and travel expenses. We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, exclusive of underwriting discounts, will be approximately $1.4 million. We will pay these expenses.

 

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Lock-Up Agreements

We, our executive officers and directors and certain executive officers of Investar Bank have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters. Under these agreements, we and each of these persons may not, without the prior written approval of the underwriter representatives, subject to limited exceptions:

 

    offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or with respect to which such person has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition, or file any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing; or

 

    enter into any swap, hedge or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the shares of our common stock, whether any such swap, hedge or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of our common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

The above-described restrictions will be in effect for a period of 180 days after the date of the underwriting agreement. At any time and without public notice, the representatives may, in their sole discretion, release all or some of the securities from these lock-up agreements.

Offering Price Determination

Prior to this offering, there has been no established public trading market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be negotiated between us and the representative of the underwriters. In determining the initial public offering price of the common stock, we expect the representative will consider, in addition to prevailing market conditions, the following factors:

 

    our results of operations in recent periods;

 

    estimates of our business potential and our earnings prospects in our principal market areas;

 

    an assessment of our management;

 

    our current financial position, including, but not limited to, our stockholders’ equity and the composition of our assets and liabilities as reflected on our balance sheet;

 

    the recent market prices of and the demand for publicly-traded stock of companies similar to us; and

 

    the history of, and prospects for, the industry in which we conduct business.

In determining the final initial public offering price, we expect the facts described will be considered as a totality rather than each being assigned a particular weight.

We intend to apply to have our common stock approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ISTR.”

Directed Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved out of the common stock being offered by this prospectus  shares for sale at the initial public offering price to our directors and senior executive officers, and members of their immediate families, who have expressed an interest in purchasing our common stock in this offering. We do not know if these persons will choose to purchase all or any portion of these reserved shares, but any purchases they do make will reduce the number of shares of our common stock available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares of our common stock that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general

 

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public on the same terms as the other shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus. Any shares sold in the directed share program to our directors and executive officers will be subject to the lock-up provisions described above. Because these indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, the underwriters may determine to sell more, fewer or no shares in this offering to these persons, or these persons may determine to purchase more, fewer or no shares in this offering.

Indemnification

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and their affiliates, selling agents and controlling persons against certain liabilities, including under the Securities Act. If we are unable to provide this indemnification, we will contribute to the payments these indemnified parties may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

Stabilization

To facilitate the offering of our common stock, the underwriters may, but are not obligated to, engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids, as explained below:

 

    Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase for the purpose of preventing or mitigating a decline in the market price of our common stock while this offering is in progress, so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

 

    Over-allotment transactions involve sales by the underwriters of common stock in excess of the number of shares of common stock that they are required to purchase in this offering. This creates a syndicate short position that may be either a “covered short position,” which is a short position in an amount not greater than the number of shares that the underwriters may purchase pursuant to the purchase option, or a “naked short position,” which is a short position in an amount greater than the number of shares covered by the purchase option. The underwriters may close out any short position by exercising their purchase option and/or by purchasing shares in the open market.

 

    Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared with the price at which they may purchase shares through exercise of the purchase option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by exercise of the purchase option and, therefore, have a naked short position, the position can be closed out only by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that after pricing there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

 

    Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the common stock originally sold by that syndicate member is purchased in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions.

These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or mitigating a decline in our stock’s market price, although neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect of such transactions on the price of our common stock. As a result of these activities, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, the underwriters may discontinue these activities at any time without notice. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the Nasdaq Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

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Electronic Distribution

This prospectus may be made available in electronic format on websites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters, or by their affiliates. Other than this prospectus in electronic format, information on such websites and any information contained in any other website maintained by the underwriters or any of their affiliates is not part of this prospectus or registration statement of which the prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or the underwriters in their capacities as underwriters and should not be relied on by investors.

Our Relationship with the Underwriters

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing, valuation and brokerage activities. From time to time, the underwriters and/or their respective affiliates have directly and indirectly engaged, or may engage, in various financial advisory, investment banking and commercial banking services for us and our affiliates, for which they received, or may receive, customary compensation, fees and expense reimbursement.

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and those investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of those securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in those securities and instruments.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, Louisiana. Certain legal matters related to the offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Washington, D.C.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2013 and for the year then ended and the financial statements of Investar Bank as of December 31, 2012 and for the two years then ended appearing in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing matters.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to our common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the related exhibits. Accordingly, for further information about us and the shares of common stock to be sold in this offering, we refer you to the complete registration statement, including its exhibits. Statements or summaries in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to in this prospectus are not necessarily complete, and we encourage you to review the exhibits to the registration statement for more detailed information regarding the content of such contracts and other documents. You may read and copy the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet website that contains our filings with the SEC, including the registration statement. The address of the SEC’s internet website is www.sec.gov.

Following the offering, we will become subject to the informational and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with those requirements, we will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You will be able to read and copy these reports and proxy and information statements and other information at the addresses set forth above. We also maintain an Internet website at www.investarbank.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-1   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013 and 2012

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March  31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited) and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March  31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited) and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     F-4   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March  31, 2014 (unaudited) and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March  31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited) and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     F-6   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-7   


Table of Contents
LOGO

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

To the Stockholders 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, 2013 and 2012, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years during the three year period ended December 31, 2013. 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, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the years during the three year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

LOGO

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

March 6, 2014

8550 United Plaza Blvd, Suite 1001     •    Baton Rouge, LA 70809     •     Tel: 225.922.4600 • Fax: 225.922.4611

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     As of
March 31, 2014
    As of December 31,  
       2013     2012  
(dollars in thousands, except share data)    (Unaudited)              

ASSETS

      

Cash and due from banks

   $ 13,534      $ 10,549      $ 3,888   

Interest bearing balances due from other banks

     820        17,154        258   

Federal funds sold

     500        500        495   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     14,854        28,203        4,641   

Investment securities:

      

Available-for-sale at fair value (amortized cost of $63,555, $56,733 and $43,318, respectively)

     63,212        56,173        44,326   

Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $6,117, $5,986 and $0, respectively)

     6,561        6,579        —     

Loans held for sale

     25,158        5,029        16,988   

Loans - less allowance for loan losses of $3,530, $3,380 and $2,722, respectively

     524,719        500,715        286,031   

Other equity securities

     2,104        2,020        1,211   

Bank premises and equipment, net

     26,277        24,680        14,870   

Real estate owned, net

     3,594        3,515        2,276   

Accrued interest receivable

     1,768        1,835        1,186   

Prepaid FDIC/OFI assessment

     20        —          211   

Deferred tax asset

     1,156        1,205        296   

Goodwill

     2,684        2,684        2,684   

Other assets

     1,857        2,308        726   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 673,964      $ 634,946      $ 375,446   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

      

Deposits:

      

Non-interest bearing

   $ 64,545      $ 72,795      $ 37,489   

Interest bearing

     499,649        459,811        262,181   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Deposits

     564,194        532,606        299,670   

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     34,218        30,818        26,794   

Repurchase agreements

     12,780        10,203        4,034   

Note payable

     3,609        3,609        —     

Accrued interest payable

     294        285        126   

Accrued taxes and other liabilities

     2,371        1,942        1,269   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     617,466        579,463        331,893   

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Common stock, $1.00 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 3,945,029, 3,945,114 and 3,210,816 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     3,943        3,943        3,208   

Treasury Stock

     (1     —          —     

Surplus

     45,322        45,281        36,060   

Retained earnings

     7,440        6,609        3,620   

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (206     (350     665   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     56,498        55,483        43,553   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 673,964      $ 634,946      $ 375,446   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     For the Three Month Periods
Ended March 31,
     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
         2014             2013              2013              2012              2011      
(dollars in thousands, except share data)    (Unaudited)                       

INTEREST INCOME

             

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 6,675      $ 3,926       $ 21,686       $ 13,968       $ 10,877   

Interest on investment securities:

             

Taxable interest income

     191        75         402         278         304   

Exempt from federal income taxes

     81        77         354         307         102   

Other interest income

     10        5         30         34         19   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL INTEREST INCOME

     6,957        4,083         22,472         14,587         11,302   

INTEREST EXPENSE

             

Interest on deposits

     1,003        642         3,204         2,361         2,445   

Interest on borrowings

     87        49         256         181         134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE

     1,090        691         3,460         2,542         2,579   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

     5,867        3,392         19,012         12,045         8,723   

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     245        89         1,026         685         639   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     5,622        3,303         17,986         11,360         8,084   

NON-INTEREST INCOME

             

Service charges on deposit accounts

     63        28         214         118         102   

Gain on sale of investment securities, net

     116        263         449         139         160   

Net (loss) gain on sales of ORE

     (3     —           97         2         (11

Gain on sale of loans

     174        —           247         34         66   

Gain on sale of fixed assets

     —          —           2         —           —     

Bargain purchase gain

     —          —           906         —           —     

Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale, net

     526        811         2,843         3,131         1,569   

Other operating income

     190        68         596         201         146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME

     1,066        1,170         5,354         3,625         2,032   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

     6,688        4,473         23,340         14,985         10,116   

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

             

Salaries and employee benefits

     3,471        2,252         11,772         7,461         4,909   

Net occupancy expense and equipment expense

     585        359         1,899         1,127         789   

Bank shares tax

     78        46         280         170         142   

FDIC and OFI assessments

     114        65         344         207         333   

Legal fees

     8        14         126         128         67   

Data processing

     278        187         847         530         584   

Advertising

     76        77         320         212         107   

Stationery and supplies

     48        39         226         119         87   

Software amortization and expense

     106        68         406         286         222   

Professional fees

     51        67         355         128         239   

Telephone expense

     46        25         150         74         73   

Business entertainment

     26        16         86         57         49   

Other operating expenses

     498        359         2,213         1,146         1,014   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

     5,385        3,574         19,024         11,645         8,615   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE

     1,303        899         4,316         3,340         1,501   

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

     424        281         1,148         979         502   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME

     879        618       $ 3,168       $ 2,361       $ 999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

             

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.23      $ 0.19       $ 0.86       $ 0.79       $ 0.54   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.21      $ 0.18       $ 0.81       $ 0.71       $ 0.47   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.01      $ 0.01       $ 0.05       $ 0.05       $ 0.07   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     For the Three Month
Periods Ended March 31,
    For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
             2014                     2013                     2013                     2012                     2011          
(dollars in thousands)    (Unaudited)                    

Net Income

   $ 879      $ 621      $ 3,168      $ 2,361      $ 999   

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:

          

Reclassification of realized gains, net of tax of $(39), $(89), $(153), $(47) and $(54), respectively

     (77     (173     (296     (92     (106

Unrealized gains (losses), available for sale, net of tax of $104, $(21), $(381), $232 and $157, respectively

     202        (41     (739     449        305   

Unrealized gains, transfer from available for sale to held to maturity, net of tax of $10, $0, $10 $0 and $0, respectively

     19        —          20        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

     144        (214     (1,015     357        199   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income

   $  1,023      $ 407      $ 2,153      $  2,718      $  1,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(dollars in thousands)    Common
Stock
     Treasury
Stock
    Surplus     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

BALANCE, December 31, 2010

   $ 1,468       $ —        $ 14,712      $ 525      $ 109      $ 16,814   

Proceeds from sale of stock

     199         —          2,422        —          —          2,621   

Common stock issued for acquisition, 1,069,065 shares

     1,069         —          13,631        —          —          14,700   

Stock issuance cost

     —           —          (43     —          —          (43

Dividends declared - $0.07 per share

     —           —          —          (124     —          (124

Net Income

     —           —          —          999        —          999   

Other comprehensive income, net

     —           —          —          —          199        199   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2011

   $ 2,736       $ —        $ 30,722      $ 1,400      $ 308      $ 35,166   

Proceeds from sale of stock

     455         —          5,303        —          —          5,758   

Stock issuance cost

     —           —          (16     —          —          (16

Dividends declared - $0.05 per share

     —           —          —          (141     —          (141

Stock based compensation

     17         —          51        —          —          68   

Net Income

     —           —          —          2,361        —          2,361   

Other comprehensive income, net

     —           —          —          —          357        357   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2012

   $ 3,208       $ —        $ 36,060      $ 3,620      $ 665      $ 43,553   

Proceeds from sale of stock

     382         —          4,957        —          —          5,339   

Common stock issued for acquisition, 320,774 shares

     320         —          4,170        —          —          4,490   

Stock issuance cost

     —           —          (23     —          —          (23

Dividends declared - $0.05 per share

     —           —          —          (179     —          (179

Stock based compensation

     33         —          117        —          —          150   

Net Income

     —           —          —          3,168        —          3,168   

Other comprehensive loss, net

     —           —          —          —          (1,015     (1,015
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2013

   $ 3,943       $ —        $ 45,281      $ 6,609      $ (350   $ 55,483   

Surrendered Shares

     —           (1     —          —          —          (1

Dividends declared - $0.01 per share

     —           —          —          (48     —          (48

Stock based compensation

     —           —          41        —          —          41   

Net Income

     —           —          —          879        —          879   

Other comprehensive loss, net

     —           —          —          —          144        144   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

   $ 3,943       $ (1   $ 45,322      $ 7,440      $ (206   $ 56,498   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the Three
Month Periods
Ended March 31,
    For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2014     2013     2013     2012     2011  
(dollars in thousands)    (Unaudited)                    

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

          

Net income

   $ 879      $ 621      $ 3,168      $ 2,361      $ 999   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

          

Provision for loan losses

     245        89        1,026        685        639   

Amortization of purchase accounting adjustments

     (90     (55     (626     (345     (91

Provision for other real estate owned

     10        —          121        26        21   

Depreciation

     278        171        806        527        386   

Amortization of software

     14        15        56        60        54   

Net amortization of securities

     235        167        833        575        196   

Bargain purchase gain

     —          —          (906     —          —     

Gain on sale of securities

     (116     (263     (449     (139     (160

Loans held for sale:

          

Originations

     (36,401     (25,461     (88,210     (114,963     (70,580

Proceeds from sales

     16,798        29,050        103,013        113,813        70,274   

Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale, net

     (526     (811     (2,843     (3,131     (1,564

Gain on sale of loans

     (174     —          (247     (34     (66

ORE writedowns and loss (gain) on disposition

     3        —          (97     (2     11   

Gain on sale of fixed assets

     —          —          (2     —          —     

FHLB stock dividend

     (2     (1     (4     (2     (2

Stock-based compensation

     41        20        151        68        —     

Net change in:

          

Accrued interest receivable

     67        66        (365     (366     3   

Prepaid OFI/FDIC assessment

     (20     39        212        140        277   

Deferred taxes

     (22     —          773        21        391   

Other assets

     441        224        (772     (406     195   

Accrued interest payable

     9        11        (38     4        (11

Accrued taxes and other liabilities

     427        (354     322        14        587   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     (17,904     3,528        15,922        (1,094     1,559   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Proceeds from maturities, calls and sales of investment securities available-for-sale

     10,697        6,376        16,626        6,736        13,126   

Redemptions of investment securities available-for-sale

     —          —          590        —          —     

Funds invested in securities available-for-sale

     (19,437     (9,433     (40,384     (26,816     (13,279

Proceeds from principal paydowns and maturities of investment securities available-for-sale

     1,802        1,395        7,940        4,789        2,675   

Proceeds from principal paydowns and maturities of investment securities held-to-maturity

     14        —          170        —          —     

Proceeds from sale of loans

     23,482        5,262        59,333        5,214        4,801   

Proceeds from redemption of other equity securities

     348        294        828        238        288   

Purchase of other equity securities

     (430     (290     (1,312     (935     (507

Net increase in loans

     (47,684     (27,455     (197,974     (78,883     (38,990

Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets

     88        187        1,642        329        1,934   

Proceeds from sales premises, equipment and software

     —          —          1,306        505        —     

Purchases of premises, equipment and software

     (1,889     (695     (9,389     (4,916     (3,737

Cash received in acquisition

     —          —          9,293        —          8,584   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     (33,009     (24,359     (151,331     (93,739     (25,105
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          

Net increase in customer deposits

     31,635        25,230        146,632        71,784        5,826   

Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements

     2,577        587        6,169        (1,016     495   

Net increase (decrease) in short-term FHLB advances

     3,830        (5,438     (12,120     12,120        —     

Proceeds from long-term FHLB advances

     —          2,400        20,700        5,850        14,175   

Repayment of long-term FHLB advances

     (430     (3,737     (7,557     (750     (8,374

Cash dividends paid on common stock

     (48     (38     (169     (135     (92

Proceeds from sales of common stock

     —          719        5,339        5,758        2,621   

Stock issuance cost

     —          (1     (23     (16     (43
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     37,564        19,722        158,971        93,595        14,608   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (13,349     (1,109     23,562        (1,238     (8,938

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     28,203        4,641        4,641        5,879        14,817   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR

   $ 14,854      $ 3,532      $ 28,203      $ 4,641      $ 5,879   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

          

Cash payments for:

          

Income taxes

   $ —        $ 601      $ 1,727      $ 650      $ 65   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest on deposits and borrowings

   $ 1,081      $ 680      $ 3,301      $ 2,538      $ 2,591   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Transfer from loans to real estate owned

   $ 180      $ 466      $ 1,287      $ 550      $ 4,021   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans originated to sell real estate owned

   $ —        $ —        $ 100      $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

          

Change in unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale

   $ 202      $ (41   $ (739   $ 449      $ 305   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in the deferred tax effect in unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale

   $ 69      $ (14   $ (251   $ 153      $ 104   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. 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 stockholders 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 un-exercised 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.

The Bank, which commenced operations on June 14, 2006, operates under a state bank charter and provides full banking services, excluding trust services. The primary area served by the Bank is South Louisiana. The Bank currently has ten locations: Perkins Road and Coursey Boulevard in Baton Rouge, Range Avenue in Denham Springs, Highway 1 in Port Allen, Highway 42 in Prairieville, Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, Highway 190 and Highway 22 in Mandeville, South West Railroad Avenue in Hammond, and Ambassador Caffery in Lafayette. The Bank acquired South Louisiana Business Bank (“SLBB”) on October 1, 2011, and the Bank acquired First Community Bank (“FCB”) on May 1, 2013. Refer to Note B, Acquisition Activity, for further information regarding the accounting for acquisitions.

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

 

F-7


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Use of Estimates (Continued)

 

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.

Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Information

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2014, the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are unaudited. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2014 and its results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The financial data and the other information disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements related to these three month periods are unaudited. The results of the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 or for any other interim period or other future year.

Investment Securities

The Company’s investments in securities are being 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.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Investment Securities (Continued)

 

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, Inc. (“FNBB”) stock, which investments are restricted. These investments are carried at cost which approximated fair value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Loans

The Company’s loan portfolio segments include real estate, commercial and consumer loans. Real estate loans are further segmented into construction and development, one to four family residential, multifamily, farmland and non-farm non-residential loans. The consumer loan segment 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,

 

F-9


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Loans (Continued)

 

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.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value 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 generally accepted accounting principles. The allowance for loan losses is established as losses and are 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

 

F-10


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

 

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.

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 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 (“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

 

F-11


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Troubled Debt Restructurings (Continued)

 

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 our 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 our servicing rights based on both the availability of market inputs and the manner in which the Company manages the risks of our servicing assets and liabilities. The Company leverages all available relevant market data to determine the fair value of our 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 March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 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 $59,000 and $9,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $104,000 and $5,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company did not service loans 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.

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 non-interest income on the consolidated statement of operations.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

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 March 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 H, 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, emergency and sick days off, depending on length of service in the banking industry and tenure with the Bank. Vacation, emergency and sick days are granted on an annual basis to eligible employees. Unused vacation and emergency 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 FASB 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 L, Stockholders’ Equity, for further disclosures regarding stock-based compensation.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Off-Balance Sheet Credit-Related Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for its guarantees in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 460 Topic, “ 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.

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 stockholders 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.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Statement of Cash Flows

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

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$76,000 and $77,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $320,000, $212,000 and $107,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss, which in the case of the Company includes only unrealized gains and losses on securities, 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 fair value of assets purchased exceeds the fair value of liabilities assumed, it results in a “bargain purchase gain.” If the consideration given exceeds the fair value of the net assets received, goodwill 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” . 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

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Acquired Impaired Loans (Continued)

 

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 as required by ASC 310-30, using the effective yield method if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. 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 2012 and 2011 financial statements to be consistent with the 2013 and 2014 presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2013-02, “ Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income .” Issued in February 2013, 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.

Pending Accounting Pronouncements

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 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.

ASU 2014-04, “ Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure .”

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Pending Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

 

Issued in January 2014, ASU 2014-04 clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred and amends required disclosures related to foreclosures. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE B. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY

On January 25, 2013, Investar Bank and First Community Bank entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Investar Bank would acquire FCB. FCB had two locations, one in Hammond, Louisiana, and one in Mandeville, Louisiana, with approximately $77.5 million in loans and $86.5 million in deposits.

On March 19, 2013 Investar Bank announced that all required regulatory approvals had been received in connection with the proposed acquisition of FCB. Shareholders of FCB approved the acquisition on April 29, 2013, and the transaction was effective as of May 1, 2013.

In accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement, the holders of FCB common shares received 0.5828 of a share of the Bank common stock for each share of FCB. The Bank issued 320,774 shares of its common stock for all issued and outstanding shares of FCB common stock. The fair value of the common shares issued as consideration was determined based on the recent transaction price of the Bank’s common shares at the acquisition date of $14.00 per share. The Bank acquired all the outstanding common stock of FCB in a tax-free exchange which resulted in a bargain purchase gain of approximately $906,000 as shown in the following table (dollars in thousands, except share data):

 

     Number of
Shares
     Amount  

Equity consideration:

     

Common stock issued

     320,774       $ 4,491   

Non-equity consideration:

     

Cash

        2   
     

 

 

 

Total consideration paid

        4,493   

Less: Fair value of net assets acquired including identifiable intangible assets

        (5,399
     

 

 

 

Bargain Purchase Gain

      $ 906   
     

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE B. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY (Continued)

 

The statement of assets purchased and liabilities assumed in the FCB acquisition is presented below at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date of May 1, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

 

     As Recorded
By FCB
     Fair Value
Adjustments
    Fair
Value
 

Assets

       

Cash and due from banks

   $ 9,293       $ —        $ 9,293   

Investment securities

     5,330         (38     5,292   

Loans

     78,380         (840     77,540   

Bank premises and equipment, net

     1,742         846        2,588   

Core deposit intangible

     —           459        459   

Real estate owned, net

     1,501         217        1,718   

Other assets

     2,265         —          2,265   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   $ 98,511       $ 644      $ 99,155   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Interest-bearing deposits

   $ 73,509       $ 453      $ 73,962   

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     12,501         —          12,501   

FHLB advances

     3,000         —          3,000   

Note payable

     3,609         —          3,609   

Other liabilities

     684         —          684   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

   $ 93,303       $ 453      $ 93,756   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired at fair value including identifiable intangible assets

        $ 5,399   
       

 

 

 

The bargain purchase gain represents the excess of the net of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed over the consideration paid to FCB. The gain of approximately $906,000 recognized by the Company is considered a gain from a bargain purchase under FASB ASC Topic 805 and is included in other noninterest income. Included in the noninterest expense during 2013 are non-routine FCB acquisition expenses totaling approximately $250,000.

The identifiable intangible assets represent the core deposit intangible at fair value at the acquisition date. The core deposit intangible is being amortized over 15 years.

Loans acquired from FCB are recorded at fair value. The fair value of loans that do not have deteriorated credit quality are accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs . The fair value of loans with deteriorated credit quality at acquisition for which it was probable at acquisition that the Bank would not be able to collect all contractually required payments are accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30.

The operations of FCB are included in the Bank’s operating results from May 1, 2013 and added revenue of approximately $4.4 million and net income of approximately $0.5 million through March 31, 2014. Such operating results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE B. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY (Continued)

 

The following unaudited pro forma information presents the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as if the acquisition had occurred at January 1, 2012 (dollars in thousands, except per share data). In addition, a total of approximately $1.2 million in one-time expenses were incurred related to the acquisition, which includes approximately $0.6 million related to data processing expenses, approximately $0.4 million related to severance payments under employment contracts and approximately $0.2 million related to legal and consulting fees.

 

     December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Total revenues, net of interest expense

   $ 25,410       $ 21,040   

Net income

   $ 2,542       $ 1,791   

Earnings per share - basic

   $ 0.67       $ 0.54   

Earnings per share - diluted

   $ 0.63       $ 0.49   

The Bank did not have acquisition activity in 2012.

On October 1, 2011, the Bank acquired South Louisiana Business Bank (“SLBB”), a full service commercial bank headquartered in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. 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 on the acquisition.

NOTE C. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities classified as available-for-sale are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies and corporations

   $ 2,188       $ 27       $ (33   $ 2,182   

Mortgage-backed securities

     41,635         135         (250     41,520   

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

     14,161         68         (258     13,971   

Corporate bonds

     5,065         10         (15     5,060   

Equity mutual funds

     506         —           (27     479   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 63,555       $ 240       $ (583   $ 63,212   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE C. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

 

December 31, 2013

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies and corporations

   $ 2,227       $ 26       $ (43   $ 2,210   

Mortgage-backed securities

     34,478         204         (220     34,462   

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

     14,581         14         (495     14,100   

Corporate bonds

     4,941         13         (29     4,925   

Equity mutual funds

     506         —           (30     476   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 56,733       $ 257       $ (817   $ 56,173   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies and corporations

   $ 4,712       $ 141       $ —        $ 4,853   

Mortgage-backed securities

     23,449         376         (13 )       23,812   

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

     12,927         484         (8     13,403   

Corporate bonds

     1,725         33         (5     1,753   

Equity mutual funds

     505         —           —          505   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 43,318       $ 1,034       $ (26)      $ 44,326   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities classified as held-to-maturity are summarized are as follows:

 

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies and corporations

   $ 3,973       $ —         $ (273   $ 3,700   

Mortgage-backed securities

     2,588         —           (171     2,417   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,561       $ —         $ (444   $ 6,117   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies and corporations

   $ 3,972       $ —         $ (380   $ 3,592   

Mortgage-backed securities

     2,607         —           (213     2,394   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,579       $ —         $ (593   $ 5,986   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company had no investment securities classified as held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2012. The Company had no securities classified as trading as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE C. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

 

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 (dollars in thousands).

 

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

  Count     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
      Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
 

Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and corporations

    2      $ 587      $ (33   $ —        $ —        $ 587      $ (33

Mortgage-backed securities

    56        25,602        (239     970        (11     26,572        (250

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    30        6,356        (167     1,693        (92     8,049        (259

Corporate Bonds

    8        3,004        (14     299        -        3,303        (14

Equity Mutual Funds

    1        479        (27     —          —          479        (27
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    97      $ 36,028      $ (480   $ 2,962      $ (103   $ 38,990      $ (583
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

  Count     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
      Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
 

Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and corporations

    4      $ 1,337      $ (43   $ —        $ —        $ 1,337      $ (43

Mortgage-backed securities

    47        18,764        (220     —          —          18,764        (220

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    49        11,818        (495     —          —          11,818        (495

Corporate Bonds

    7        2,820        (28     298        (1     3,118        (29

Equity Mutual Funds

    1        476        (30     —          —          476        (30
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    108      $ 35,215      $ (816   $ 298        $ (1)      $ 35,513      $ (817
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

  Count     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
      Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
 

Mortgage-backed securities

    8      $ 3,325      $ (13   $ —        $ —        $ 3,325      $ (13

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    1        358        (8     —          —          358        (8

Corporate Bonds

    2        544        (5     —          —          544        (5

Equity Mutual Funds

    1        505        —          —          —          505        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    12      $ 4,732      $ (26   $ —        $ —        $ 4,732      $ (26
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE C. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

 

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 (dollars in thousands).

 

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

  Count     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
      Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
 

Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and corporations

    2      $ 3,700      $ (273   $ —        $ —        $ 3,700      $ (273

Mortgage-backed securities

    3        2,417        (171     —          —          2,417        (171
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    5      $ 6,117      $ (444   $ —        $ —        $ 6,117      $ (444
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

  Count     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
      Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses
 

Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and corporations

    2      $ 3,592      $ (380   $ —        $ —        $ 3,592      $ (380

Mortgage-backed securities

    3        2,394        (213     —          —          2,394        (213
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    5      $ 5,986      $ (593   $ —        $ —        $ 5,986      $ (593
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unrealized losses in the Bank’s investment portfolio, caused by interest rate increases, are not credit issues, and 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 March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

Equity securities at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 include Federal Home Loan Bank and First National Bankers Bankshares, Inc. 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 Company invested $500,000 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 action plan in order to receive CRA credit. The approximate fair value of the investment in the fund was $479,000 at March 31, 2014 with a gain of approximately $3,000; an approximate fair value of $476,000 with a loss of approximately $30,000 at December 31, 2013 and an approximate fair value of $505,000 which equaled the book value at December 31, 2012.

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment debt securities, by contractual maturity (including mortgage-backed securities), are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE C. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

 

maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (dollars in thousands).

 

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

  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

    1.99   $ 600      $ 603        0.00   $ —        $ —     

Due after one year through five years

    1.73     1,743        1,749        0.00     —          —     

Due after five years through ten years

    2.60     12,072        12,068        0.00     —          —     

Due after ten years

    2.42     48,634        48,313        2.26     6,561        6,117   
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt securities

      63,049        62,733          6,561        6,117   

Total equity securities

      506        —            —          —     
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 63,555      $ 62,733        $ 6,561      $ 6,117   
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

    2.05   $ 697      $ 702        0.00   $ —        $ —     

Due after one year through five years

    1.38     2,543        2,550        0.00     —          —     

Due after five years through ten years

    2.69     10,809        10,707        0.00     —          —     

Due after ten years

    2.39     42,178        41,738        2.26     6,579        5,986   
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt securities

      56,227        55,697          6,579        5,986   

Total equity securities

      506        —            —          —     
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 56,733      $ 55,697        $ 6,579      $ 5,986   
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

  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

    5.99   $ 240      $ 248        0.00   $ —        $ —     

Due after one year through five years

    1.96     2,299        2,333        0.00     —          —     

Due after five years through ten years

    3.38     5,141        5,327        0.00     —          —     

Due after ten years

    2.28     35,133        35,913        0.00     —          —     
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt securities

      42,813        43,821          —          —     

Total equity securities

      505        —            —          —     
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 43,318      $ 43,821        $ —        $ —     
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-23


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

 

NOTE D. LOANS

The Company’s loan portfolio consists of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,      December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012  
     (Unaudited)                

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

        

Construction & Land Development

   $ 62,719       $ 63,170       $ 20,271   

1-4 Family

     113,911         104,685         54,813   

Multifamily

     17,666         14,286         1,750   

Farmland

     2,314         830         64   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     165,381         157,363         99,927   

Commercial & Industrial

     33,900         32,665         15,319   

Consumer

     132,358         131,096         96,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans

   $ 528,249       $ 504,095       $ 288,753   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides an analysis of the aging of loans (dollars in thousands).

 

     March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)  
     Past Due and Accruing                              
     30-59 days      60-89 days      90 or more
days
     Non-
accrual
     Total Past
Due & Non-
accrual
     Current      Total Loans  

Construction & Development

   $ 188       $ 3       $ —         $ 950       $ 1,141       $ 61,578       $ 62,719   

1-4 Family Residential

     316         —           —           398         714         113,197         113,911   

Multifamily

     —           —           —           —           —           17,666         17,666   

Farmland

     —           —           —           —           —           2,314         2,314   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     120         —           —           —           120         165,261         165,381   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Loans

     624         3         —           1,348         1,975         360,016         361,991   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     19         —           —           162         181         33,719         33,900   

Consumer

     178         45         —           202         425         131,933         132,358   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 821       $ 48       $ —         $ 1,712       $ 2,581       $ 525,668       $ 528,249   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     December 31, 2013  
     Past Due and Accruing                              
     30-59 days      60-89 days      90 or more
days
     Non-
accrual
     Total Past
Due & Non-
accrual
     Current      Total Loans  

Construction & Development

   $ 62       $ 34       $ —         $ 891       $ 987       $ 62,183       $ 63,170   

1-4 Family Residential

     81         —           —           141         222         104,463         104,685   

Multifamily

     —           —           —           —           —           14,286         14,286   

Farmland

     —           —           —           —           —           830         830   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     122         —           —           187         309         157,054         157,363   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Loans

     265         34         —           1,219         1,518         338,816         340,334   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     —           —           —           119         119         32,546         32,665   

Consumer

     120         27         —           151         298         130,798         131,096   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 385       $ 61       $ —         $ 1,489       $ 1,935       $ 502,160       $ 504,095   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE D. LOANS (Continued)

 

     December 31, 2012  
     Past Due and Accruing                              
     30-59 days      60-89 days      90 or more
days
     Non-
accrual
     Total Past
Due & Non-
accrual
     Current      Total Loans  

Construction & Development

   $       $       $       $       $       $ 20,271       $ 20,271   

1-4 Family Residential

                                             54,813         54,813   

Multifamily

                                             1,750         1,750   

Farmland

                                             64         64   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

                                             99,927         99,927   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Loans

                                             176,825         176,825   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     238                                 238         15,081         15,319   

Consumer

     37         44                 53         134         96,475         96,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 275       $ 44       $       $ 53       $ 372       $ 288,381       $ 288,753   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The total March 31, 2014 balance in the table above includes approximately $60.3 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 March 31, 2014 were approximately $653,132 in loans 30-59 days outstanding, $3,133 in loans 60-89 days outstanding, and $1.3 million in nonaccrual loans.

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 December 31, 2013 were approximately $220,000 in loans 30-59 days outstanding, $34,000 in loans 60-89 days outstanding, and $1.2 million in nonaccrual loans.

The total December 31, 2012 balance in the table above includes approximately $15.9 million of loans acquired from the SLBB acquisition that were recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. There were no past due or nonaccrual loans included in loans acquired as of December 31, 2012.

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.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE D. LOANS (Continued)

Credit Quality Indicators (Continued)

 

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.

Loan Analysis by Credit Quality Indicators (dollars in thousands)

 

     March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)  
     Pass      Special
Mention
     Substandard      Total  

Construction & Development

   $ 60,904       $ 354       $ 1,461       $ 62,719   

1-4 Family Residential

     112,456         —           1,455         113,911   

Multifamily

     16,663         —           1,003         17,666   

Farmland

     2,314         —           —           2,314   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     165,134         —           247         165,381   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Loans

     357,471         354         4,166         361,991   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     33,727         —           173         33,900   

Consumer

     131,908         248         202         132,358   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 523,106       $ 602       $ 4,541       $ 528,249   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

    December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
    Pass     Special
Mention
    Substandard     Total     Pass     Special
Mention
    Substandard     Total  

Construction & Development

  $ 61,399      $ 362      $ 1,409      $ 63,170      $ 20,251      $ 20      $ —        $ 20,271   

1-4 Family Residential

    103,408        259        1,018        104,685        54,813        —          —          54,813   

Multifamily

    13,319        —          967        14,286        1,750        —          —          1,750   

Farmland

    830        —          —          830        64        —          —          64   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

    156,448        370        545        157,363        99,228        —          699        99,927   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Loans

    335,404        991        3,939        340,334        176,106        20        699        176,825   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

    32,538        5        122        32,665        15,082        —          237        15,319   

Consumer

    130,717        228        151        131,096        96,302        254        53        96,609   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 498,659      $ 1,224      $ 4,212      $ 504,095      $ 287,490      $ 274      $ 989      $ 288,753   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company had no loans that were classified as doubtful or loss as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE D. LOANS (Continued)

Credit Quality Indicators (Continued)

 

Participation 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 $78.2 million, $59.8 million and $13.5 million as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company makes loans to its executive officers, principal stockholders, 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 $11.6 million, $11.8 million and $11.0 million as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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.

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

 

     March 31,
2014
    December 31,  
       2013     2012  
     (Unaudited)              

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 11,781      $ 10,969      $ 8,127   

Acquired loans

     —          159        —     

New loans

     235        3,179        5,582   

Repayments

     (370     (2, 526     (2,740
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   $ 11,646      $ 11,781      $ 10,969   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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):

 

     May 1, 2013  

Contractually required principal and interest

   $ 7,470   

Nonaccretable difference

     (2,102
  

 

 

 

Cash flows expected to be collected

     5,368   

Accretable yield

     (468
  

 

 

 

Fair value of loans at acquisition

   $ 4,900   
  

 

 

 

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

 

F-27


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE D. LOANS (Continued)

Credit Quality Indicators (Continued)

 

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

 

     Acquired
Impaired
 

Carrying value, net at December 31, 2012

   $ —     

Loans acquired

     4,900   

Accretion to interest income

     150   

Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield

     420   

Payments received, net

     (619

Transfers to other real estate

     (819
  

 

 

 

Carrying value, net at December 31, 2013

   $ 4,032   

Loans acquired

     —     

Accretion to interest income

     46   

Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield

     101   

Payments received, net

     (447

Charge-offs

     (30

Transfers to other real estate

     (187
  

 

 

 

Carrying value, net at March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

   $ 3,515   

Accretable yield on acquired impaired loans at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Acquired
Impaired
 

Balance, period ended December 31, 2012

   $ —     

Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield

     420   

Accretion

     (150
  

 

 

 

Balance, period ended December 31, 2013

   $ 270   

Net transfers from (to) nonaccretable difference to (from) accretable yield

     101   

Accretion

     (46
  

 

 

 

Balance, period ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

   $ 325   

 

F-28


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,     December 31,  
     2014     2013     2013     2012     2011  
     (Unaudited)                    

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 3,380      $ 2,722      $ 2,722      $ 1,746      $ 1,476   

Provision for loan losses

     245        89        1,026        685        639   

Loans charged-off

     (108     (161     (389     (181     (378

Recoveries

     13        2        21        472        9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 3,530      $ 2,652      $ 3,380      $ 2,722      $ 1,746   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands).

Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable

As of and for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

    Construction &
Land
Development
    Farm-
land
    1-4
Family
    Multi-
family
    Nonfarm,
Non
Residential
    Commercial &
Industrial
    Consumer     Total  

Allowance for loan losses:

               

Beginning balance

  $ 420      $ 4      $ 567      $ 101      $ 992      $ 397      $ 899        3,380   

Charge-offs

    —          —          (30     —          (3     —          (75     (108 )  

Recoveries

    1        —          —          —          —          —          12        13   

Provision

    14        7        82        23        81        (23     61        245   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $ 435      $ 11      $ 619      $ 124      $ 1,070      $ 374      $ 897      $ 3,530   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

    —          —          —          —          —          —          64        64   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 435      $ 11      $ 619      $ 124      $ 1,070      $ 374      $ 833      $ 3,466   

Ending allowance balance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Loans Receivable:

               

Balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,461      $ —        $ 1,455      $ 1,003      $ 247      $ 173      $ 202      $ 4,541   

Balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    61,258        2,314        112,456        16,663        165,134        33,727        132,156        523,708   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total period-end balance

  $ 62,719      $ 2,314      $ 113,911      $ 17,666      $ 165,381      $ 33,900      $ 132,358      $ 528,249   

Balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ 1,473      $ —        $ 992      $ 1,003      $ —        $ —        $ 47      $ 3,515   

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013

 

    Construction &
Land
Development
    Farm-
land
    1-4
Family
    Multi-
family
    Nonfarm,
Non
Residential
    Commercial &
Industrial
    Consumer     Total  

Allowance for loan losses:

               

Beginning balance

  $ 276      $ —        $ 415      $ 17      $ 977      $ 333      $ 704        2,722   

Charge-offs

    —          —          —          —          —          (118     (271     (389 )  

Recoveries

    —          —          —          —          —          —          21        21   

Provision

    144        4        152        84        15        182        445        1,026   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $ 420      $ 4      $ 567      $ 101      $ 992      $ 397      $ 899      $ 3,380   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 37      $ 37   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 420      $ 4      $ 567      $ 101      $ 992      $ 397      $ 862      $ 3,343   

Ending allowance balance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Loans Receivable:

               

Balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,409      $ —        $ 1,018      $ 967      $ 545      $ 122      $ 151      $ 4,212   

Balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 61,761      $ 830      $ 103,667      $ 13,319      $ 156,818      $ 32,543      $ 130,945      $ 499,883   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total period-end balance

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

Balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ 1,477      $ —        $ 996      $ 967      $ 545      $ —        $ 47      $ 4,032   

 

F-30


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012

 

    Construction &
Land
Development
    Farm-
land
    1-4
Family
    Multi-
family
    Nonfarm,
Non
residential
    Commercial &
Industrial
    Consumer     Total  

Allowance for loan losses:

               

Beginning balance

  $ 385      $ —        $ 194      $ 5      $ 506      $ 306      $ 350        1,746   

Charge-offs

    —          —          —          (15     —          —          (166     (181 )  

Recoveries

    —          —          —          —          448        2        22        472   

Provision

    (109     —          221        28        23        24        498        685   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $ 276      $ —        $ 415      $ 18      $ 977      $ 332      $ 704      $ 2,722   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 114      $ 5      $ 119   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 276      $ —        $ 415      $ 18      $ 977      $ 218      $ 699      $ 2,603   

Ending allowance balance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Loans Receivable:

               

Balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 699      $ 238      $ 53      $ 990   

Balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 20,271      $ 64      $ 54,813      $ 1,750      $ 99,228      $ 15,081      $ 96,556      $ 287,763   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total period-end balance

  $ 20,271      $ 64      $ 54,813      $ 1,750      $ 99,927      $ 15,319      $ 96,609      $ 288,753   

Balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

 

F-31


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011

 

    Construction &
Land
Development
    Farm-
land
    1-4
Family
    Multi-
family
    Nonfarm,
Non
residential
    Commercial &
Industrial
    Consumer     Total  

Allowance for loan losses:

               

Beginning balance

  $ 371      $ 4      $ 162      $ 7      $ 339      $ 316      $ 277        1,476   

Charge-offs

    —          —          (63     —          (20     (218     (77     (378 )  

Recoveries

    —          —          —          —          —          —          9        9   

Provision

    14        (4     95        (2     187        208        141        639   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $ 385      $ —        $ 194      $ 5      $ 506      $ 306      $ 350      $ 1,746   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 7      $ —        $ —        $ 7   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 385      $ —        $ 194      $ 5      $ 499      $ 306      $ 350      $ 1,739   

Ending allowance balance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Loans Receivable

               

Balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 574      $ 732      $ —        $ 28      $ 1,334   

Balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 21,171      $ 8      $ 46,664      $ 880      $ 55,735      $ 11,499      $ 82,958      $ 218,915   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total period-end balance

  $ 21,171      $ 8      $ 46,664      $ 1,454      $ 56,467      $ 11,499      $ 82,986      $ 220,249   

Balance of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

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.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

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

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

With No Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Construction & Development

   $ 1,463       $ 1,461       $ —         $ 1,471       $ 8   

1-4 Family Residential

     1,460         1,455         —           1,463         18   

Multifamily

     1,006         1,003         —           994         18   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     250         247         —           251         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     4,179         4,166         —           4,179         48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     173         173         —           172         —     

Consumer

     37         37         —           37         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     4,389         4,376         —           4,388         48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Consumer

     165         165         64         180         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     165         165         64         180         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans:

              

Construction & Development

     1,463         1,461         —           1,471         8   

1-4 Family Residential

     1,460         1,455         —           1,463         18   

Multifamily

     1,006         1,003         —           994         18   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     250         247         —           251         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     4,179         4,166         —           4,179         48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     173         173         —           172         —     

Consumer

     202         202         64         217         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,554       $ 4,541       $ 64       $ 4,568       $ 48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-33


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Impaired Loans

December 31, 2013

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

With No Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Construction & Development

   $ 1,649       $ 1,409       $ —         $ 1,425       $ 25   

1-4 Family Residential

     1,040         1,018         —           1,025         45   

Multifamily

     969         967         —           910         671   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     555         545         —           563         19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     4,213         3,939         —           3,923         760   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     140         122         —           133         —     

Consumer

     21         18         —           76         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     4,374         4,079         —           4,132         762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Consumer

     136         133         37         138         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     136         133         37         138         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans:

              

Construction & Development

     1,649         1,409         —           1,425         25   

1-4 Family Residential

     1,040         1,018         —           1,025         45   

Multifamily

     969         967         —           910         671   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     555         545         —           563         19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     4,213         3,939         —           3,923         760   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial & Industrial

     140         122         —           133         —     

Consumer

     157         151         37         214         7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,510       $ 4,212       $ 37       $ 4,270       $ 767   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-34


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Impaired Loans

December 31, 2012

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

With No Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Consumer

   $ 37       $ 37       $ —         $ 58       $ —     

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     703         699         —           714         42   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     740         736         —           772         42   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Consumer

     16         16         5         16         —     

Commercial & Industrial

     240         238         114         239         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     256         254         119         255         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans:

              

Consumer

     53         53         5         74         —     

Commercial & Industrial

     240         238         114         239         17   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     703         699         —           714         42   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 996       $ 990       $ 119       $ 1,027       $ 59   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Impaired Loans

December 31, 2011

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

With No Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Multifamily

   $ 577       $ 574       $ —         $ 605       $ 6   

Consumer

     28         28         —           40         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     605         602         —           645         6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Related Allowance Recorded:

              

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     735         732         7         717         10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     735         732         7         717         10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans:

              

Consumer

     28         28         —           40         —     

Multifamily

     577         574         —           605         6   

Nonfarm, Non Residential

     735         732         7         717         10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,340       $ 1,334       $ 7       $ 1,362       $ 16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-35


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired Loans (Continued)

 

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 TDR. The Company strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify to more affordable terms before such loan reaches 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 four credits, totaled approximately $818,000 at March 31, 2014 compared to $815,000 at December 31, 2013 and $0 at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. All of the Company’s TDRs were acquired from FCB. All four credits were considered troubled debt restructuring due to a modification of term through adjustments to maturity. None of the TDRs have defaulted subsequent to the restructuring through the date the financial statements were available to be issued (dollars in thousands).

 

     March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)      December 31, 2013  

Troubled debt restructurings

   Number
of
Contracts
     Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
     Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
     Number
of
Contracts
     Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
     Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 

Other Construction Loans

     2       $ 457       $ 457         2       $ 454       $ 454   

Commercial Real Estate: Non-owner occupied

     1         358         358         1         358         358   

Commercial & Industrial

     1         3         3         1         3         3   
     

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 818       $ 818          $ 815       $ 815   
     

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE F. REAL ESTATE OWNED

Real Estate Owned consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2014
    December 31,  
       2013     2012  
     (Unaudited)              

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 3,515      $ 2,276      $ 2,079   

Transfers from loans

     —          465        550   

Transfers from acquired loans

     180        822        —     

Acquired other real estate

     —          1,718        —     

Other real estate sold

     (91     (1,645     (327

Write-downs

     (10     (121     (26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 3,594      $ 3,515      $ 2,276   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-36


Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE F. REAL ESTATE OWNED (Continued)

 

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other real estate owned related to the acquisition of FCB totaled approximately $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

NOTE G. BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

A summary of Bank premises and equipment is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2014
    December 31,  
       2013     2012  
     (Unaudited)              

Land

   $ 8,512      $ 7,762      $ 4,323   

Buildings and Improvements

     14,581        12,591        8,684   

Furniture and Equipment

     5,356        4,392        3,139   

Software

     468        449        423   

Construction-in-progress

     332        2,165        95   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     29,249        27,359        16,664   

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

     (2,972     (2,679     (1,794
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Bank Premises and Equipment, Net

   $ 26,277      $ 24,680      $ 14,870   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The provision for depreciation and amortization charged to operating expenses was approximately $292,000 and $186,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $862,000, $587,000 and $440,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

NOTE H. 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. Note B, Acquisition Activity, provides additional information on this acquisition. The carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $2.7 million. 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, 2013. Since the date of our last qualitative assessment, there have been no material developments, events, changes in operating performance or other circumstances that would cause management to believe that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit would be less than its carrying amount. For the purposes of evaluating goodwill, the Company has determined that it operates only one reporting unit. A summary of core deposit intangible assets are as follows (dollars in thousand):

 

     March 31,
2014
    December 31,  
       2013     2012  
     (Unaudited)              

Balance, beginning of period

   $  617      $ 158      $  158   

Acquisition

     —          459        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total core intangible deposit

     617        617        158   

Less: Accumulated amortization

     (54     (44     (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 563      $ 573      $ 145   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE H. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

 

Amortization expense on the core deposit intangible asset totaled approximately $10,000 and $3,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $31,000, $11,000 and $3,000 at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Amortization of the core deposit intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $41,000 each year for the next five years.

NOTE I. DEPOSITS

Deposits consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2014
     December 31,  
        2013      2012  
     (Unaudited)                

NonInterest Bearing Demand Deposits

   $ 64,545       $ 72,795       $ 37,489   

NOW Accounts

     96,810         77,190         43,022   

Money Market Deposit Accounts

     71,039         67,006         46,296   

Savings Accounts

     52,509         52,177         30,521   

Time Deposits

     279,291         263,438         142,342   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 564,194       $ 532,606       $ 299,670   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Maturities of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more outstanding are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2014
     December 31,  
        2013      2012  
     (Unaudited)                

Time Remaining Until Maturity:

        

Three Months or Less

   $ 5,788       $  4,430       $  3,373   

Over Three Through Six Months

     4,038         5,225         6,596   

Over Six Through Twelve Months

     10,871         6,852         2,885   

Over One Year Through Three Years

     9,091         9,737         6,697   

Over Three Years

     951         3,002         283   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 30,739       $ 29,246       $ 19,834   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The approximate scheduled maturities of time deposits for each of the next five years are (dollars in thousands):

 

2014

   $  107,981   

2015

     105,907   

2016

     49,143   

2017

     10,270   

2018

     4,890   

2019

     1,100   
  

 

 

 
   $ 279,291   
  

 

 

 

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE I. DEPOSITS (Continued)

 

Interest expense on certificates of deposit greater than $100,000 was approximately $82,000 and $76,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $363,000, $277,000 and $465,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Public Fund deposits as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 totaled approximately $10.6 million, $3.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The funds were secured by U.S. Government securities with a fair value of approximately $7.9 million as of March 31, 2014, $1.9 million as of December 31, 2013 and $0 as of December 31, 2012.

As of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, total deposits outstanding to executive officers, principal stockholders, directors and to companies in which they are principal owners amounted to approximately $32.2 million, $39.6 million and $31.1 million, respectively.

NOTE J. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

Securities sold under agreements for repurchase amounted to $12.8 million, $10.2 million and $4.0 million as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and mature on a daily basis. These funds were secured by U.S. Government securities with fair values of approximately $12.3 million, $13.1 million and $7.2 million, respectively. The interest rate on these agreements was 0.20% at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

NOTE K. OTHER BORROWED FUNDS

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and 2012, maturities and weighted-average rate of FHLB advances by year of maturity were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Amount      Weighted Average Rate  
     March 31,
2014
     December 31,      March 31,
2014
    December 31,  
        2013      2012            2013             2012      
     (Unaudited)                    (Unaudited)              

Fixed rate advances maturing:

               

2013

   $ —         $ —         $ 15,963         —          —          0.43

2014

     6,030         2,450         2,450         0.57     1.40     1.40

2015

     13,700         13,700         3,850         0.69     0.69     1.30

2016 (a)

     11,166         11,209         1,731         0.83     0.84     1.42

2017 (b)

     2,122         2,259         2,800         0.97     0.97     0.97

2018

     850         850         —           0.93     0.93     —     

2020

     350         350         —           1.50     1.50     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 34,218       $ 30,818       $ 26,794         0.74     0.84     0.76
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

These advances are collateralized by approximately $11.6 million and $13.7 million of the Company’s loan portfolio and $31.2 million and $26.7 million of the Company’s investment securities in accordance with

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE K. OTHER BORROWED FUNDS (Continued)

 

the Advance Security and Collateral Agreement with the FHLB as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The Company had an additional $179.7 million and $152.9 million available under its line of credit with the FHLB as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In addition, the Company has outstanding lines of credit with its correspondent banks available to assist in the management of short-term liquidity. As March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total available lines of credit were approximately $23.2 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 L. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In 2006, the Bank was capitalized through an original exempt stock offering with a $10.00 per share price which resulted in a capital raise of approximately $10.1 million. Since 2006, the Bank has raised approximately $17.8 million through six additional exempt offerings with share prices ranging from $13.50 to $14.00 per share, including a Bank instituted dividend reinvestment and voluntary investment plans.

In 2011, in conjunction with the acquisition of SLBB, the Bank exchanged stock with a market value of $13.75 per share with SLBB resulting in additional capital of $14.7 million. In the acquisition of FCB in 2013, the Bank exchanged stock with a market value of $14.00 per share with FCB, resulting in additional capital of $4.5 million.

Between 2011 and 2013, the Bank issued restricted stock to employees and board members of approximately $219,000. Warrants were exercised with the Bank ranging in price from $10.00 to $13.50 per share in the amount of $2.1 million.

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation give the Board of Directors the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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,

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE L. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

optional or other special rights, and qualifications and limitations or restrictions of any series of preferred stock without further shareholder approval.

 

Common Stock Issued and Outstanding

   Shares  

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     1,467,778   

Issuances

     1,222,444   

Stock warrant activity

     45,664   

Restricted stock activity

     6,319   
  

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     2,742,205   

Issuances

     299,641   

Stock warrant activity

     156,900   

Restricted stock activity

     12,070   
  

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     3,210,816   

Issuances

     708,397   

Stock warrant activity

     200   

Restricted stock activity

     25,701   
  

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

     3,945,114   

Issuances

     —     

Stock warrant activity

     —     

Restricted stock activity

     (85
  

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

     3,945,029   

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE L. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

On October 1, 2011, in connection with the SLBB acquisition described in Note B, Acquisition Activity, the Bank issued 130,875 stock warrants that are currently exercisable at $13.33 per share, which were exchanged for a like amount of warrants to acquire shares of Company common stock at the same exercise price on November 15, 2013. See Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

 

          March 31,
2014
     December 31,  
             2013     2012     2011  
          (Unaudited)                     

Stock Warrants

     

$10.00 Per Share

   Issued 05/31/2007          
   Expires 05/31/2012          

Balance, beginning of period

        —           —          156,900        190,550   

Issued

        —           —          —          —     

Forfeited

        —           —          (7,008     —     

Exercised

        —           —          (149,892     (33,650
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

        —           —          —          156,900   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

$13.50 Per Share

   Issued 09/01/2007          
   Expires 09/30/2014 (1)          

Balance, beginning of period

     49,903         50,103        50,103        59,449   

Issued

        —           —          —          —     

Forfeited

        —           (200     —          —     

Exercised

        —           —          —          (9,346
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

        49,903         49,903        50,103        50,103   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

$13.50 Per Share

   Issued 03/31/2009          
   Expires 12/31/2014          

Balance, beginning of period

        12,720         12,720        12,720        15,388   

Issued

        —           —          —          —     

Forfeited

        —           —          —          —     

Exercised

        —           —          —          (2,668
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

        12,720         12,720        12,720        12,720   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

$13.33 Per Share

   Issued 10/01/2011          
   Expires 07/01/2018          

Balance, beginning of period

        130,875         130,875        130,875        —     

Issued

        —           —          —          130,875   

Forfeited

        —           —          —          —     

Exercised

        —           —          —          —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

        130,875         130,875        130,875        130,875   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Orignal expiration date 04/30/2014

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE L. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

The Bank also 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. See Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The following table represents the activity related to the Company’s outstanding stock options:

 

           Weighted
Average
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
    

 

      

Stock Options

   Shares       

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     47,186      $  13.33         6.88   

Issued

     —          —           —     

Forfeited

     (16,875)        13.33         —     

Exercised

     —          —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     30,311      $ 13.33         5.88   

Issued

     —          —           —     

Forfeited

     (7,500     13.33         —     

Exercised

     —          —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

     22,811      $ 13.33         4.88   

Issued

     —          —           —     

Forfeited

     —          —           —     

Exercised

     —          —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

     22,811      $ 13.33         4.64   

The Bank 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.

The Company issued a total of 15,324 shares of restricted stock to employees and directors for year ended December 31, 2012. The restricted stock granted in 2012 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 March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unearned share-based compensation associated with these awards totaled approximately $465,000, $507,000 and $216,000 respectively.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE L. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

The following table represents the unvested restricted stock award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

Restricted Stock

   March 31,
2014
    December 31,  
       2013     2012  
     (Unaudited)              

Balance, beginning of period

     44,090        18,389        6,319   

Granted

     —          31,572        15,324   

Forfeited

     —          —          (1,279

Earned and issued

     (512     (5,871     (1,975
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

     43,578        44,090        18,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE M. 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 three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $82,000 and $48,000, respectively, and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $248,000, $168,000 and $120,000, respectively.

In connection with the FCB acquisition, the Company assumed FCB’s Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) through December 31, 2013. The Company may elect to contribute up to 5% of the participant’s compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company’s matching contribution totaled approximately $15,000 respectively. The plan was terminated as of December 31, 2013.

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 N. INCOME TAXES

The expense for income taxes included in the statement of operations is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,      December 31,  
     2014     2013      2013      2012      2011  
     (Unaudited)                       

Current

   $ 446      $ 281       $ 375       $ 958       $ 376   

Deferred

     (22     —           773         21         126   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 424      $ 281       $ 1,148       $ 979       $ 502   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE N. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

The provision for federal income taxes differs from that computed by applying the federal statutory rate of 34% in 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 as indicated in the following analysis (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,     Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
         2014             2013             2013             2012             2011      
     (Unaudited)                    

Tax Based on Statutory Rate

   $ 443      $ 347      $  1,468      $  1,135      $  510   

Decrease resulting from:

          

Effect of tax-exempt income

     (27     (24     (112     (91     (34

Purchase accounting

     —          —          (300     (118     (31

Acquisition cost

     —          12        48        16        37   

Other

     8        (54     44        37        20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income Tax Expense

   $ 424      $ 281      $ 1,148      $ 979      $ 502   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective Rate

     32.5     31.3     26.1     29.3     33.4

The Company records deferred income tax on the tax effect of changes in timing differences.

The net deferred tax asset was comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,     December 31,  
     2014     2013     2013     2012     2011  
     (Unaudited)                    

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

          

Depreciation

   $ (1,263   $ (1,005   $ (1,303   $ (961   $ (919

FHLB stock dividend

     (25     7        (30     (7     (6

Basis difference in acquired assets and liabilities

     (307     16        (310     (14     (16

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

     —          (292     —          (343     (158
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Deferred Tax Liability

     (1,595     (1,274     (1,643     (1,325     (1,099
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          

Deferred Tax Assets:

          

Provision for loan losses

     446        635        377        636        403   

Provision for other real estate losses

     534        13        544        13        7   

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities

     109        —          180        —          —     

Unamortized start up cost

     182        213        187        213        236   

Unamortized organization costs

     22        12        22        12        13   

Net operating loss carryforward

     780        595        833        595        770   

Deferred gain on sale of other real estate

     89        93        90        93        96   

Stock options

     31        41        31        41        63   

Restricted stock

     43        6        33        6        —     

Basis difference in acquired assets and liabilities

     456        —          490        —          —     

Deferred compensation

     47        —          49        —          —     

General business credits

     12        12        12        12        12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Deferred Tax assets

     2,751        1,620        2,848        1,621        1,600   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Deferred Tax Asset

   $ 1,156      $ 346      $ 1,205      $ 296      $ 501   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE N. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

The Company acquired net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards through the tax free acquisitions of FCB and SLBB. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards were approximately $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, with expiration dates of the following: $444,000 in 2029; $466,000 in 2030; $324,000 in 2031; and $1.2 million in 2033.

As of March 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 2010.

NOTE O. 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 asset 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.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE O. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

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:

Investments and Mortgage-Backed Securities — Where quoted prices are available in an active market, the Company classifies the securities within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Securities are defined as both long and short positions. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds and exchange-traded equities.

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 those securities in level 3.

Cash and Due from Banks — For those short-term instruments, fair value is the carrying value.

Federal Funds Sold/Purchased and Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements — The fair value is the carrying value.

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.

Deposit Liabilities — The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (for example, interest and noninterest checking, savings, and certain types of money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of variable-

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE O. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

rate, fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates on comparable instruments to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Short-Term Borrowings — The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within 90 days approximate their fair values. Fair values of other short-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Accrued Interest The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

Commitments — The fair value of commitments to extend credit was not significant.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE O. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below; there were no liabilities measured on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fair
Value
     Quoted
Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

           

Mortgage backed securities

   $  41,520       $  —         $  41,520       $  —     

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies

     2,182         —           2,182         —     

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

     13,971         —           13,971         —     

Corporates

     5,060         —           5,060         —     

Equity mutual funds

     479         479         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 63,212       $ 479       $ 62,733       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

           

Mortgage backed securities

   $ 34,462       $ —         $ 34,462       $ —     

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies

     2,210         —           2,210         —     

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

     14,100         —           14,100         —     

Corporates

     4,925         —           4,925         —     

Equity mutual funds

     476         476         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 56,173       $ 476       $ 55,697       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

           

Mortgage backed securities

   $ 23,812       $ —         $ 23,812       $ —     

Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies

     4,853         —           4,853         —     

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

     13,403         —           13,403         —     

Corporates

     1,753         —           1,753         —     

Equity mutual funds

     505         505         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 44,326       $ 505       $ 43,821       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE O. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

Fair Value Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below; there were no liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fair
Value
     Quoted
Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

           

Assets:

           

Loans held for sale

   $ 25,158       $ —         $ 25,158       $ —     

Impaired loans

     4,477         —           4,477         —     

Real estate owned

     3,594         —           3,594         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 33,229       $ —         $ 33,229       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

           

Assets:

           

Loans held for sale

   $ 5,029       $ —         $ 5,029       $ —     

Impaired loans

     4,175         —           4,175         —     

Real estate owned

     3,515         —           3,515         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,719       $ —         $ 12,719       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

           

Assets:

           

Loans held for sale

   $ 16,988       $ —         $ 16,988       $ —     

Impaired loans

     870         —           870         —     

Real estate owned

     2,276         —           2,276         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 20,134       $ —         $ 20,134       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE O. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)  
     Carrying
Amount
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Financial Assets:

              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 14,354       $ 14,354       $ 14,354       $ —         $ —     

Federal funds sold

     500         500         500         —           —     

Investment securities

     69,773         69,329         —           69,329         —     

Other equity securities

     2,104         2,104         —           2,104         —     

Loans, net of allowance

     549,877         554,506         —           —           554,506   

Accrued interest receivable

     1,768         1,768         1,768         —           —     

Financial Liabilities:

              

Deposits, noninterest-bearing

   $ 64,545       $ 59,442       $ —         $  59,442       $ —     

Deposits, interest-bearing

     499,649         555,725         —           —           555,725   

FHLB short-term advances and repurchase agreements

     16,610         16,610         —           16,610         —     

FHLB long-term advances

     30,388         30,440         —           —           30,440   

Other borrowed funds-long term

     3,609         3,605         —           —           3,605   

Accrued interest payable

     294         294         294         —           —     

 

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013  
     Carrying
Amount
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Financial Assets:

              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 27,703       $ 27,703       $ 27,703       $ —         $ —     

Federal funds sold

     500         500         500         —           —     

Investment securities

     62,752         62,159         —           62,159         —     

Other equity securities

     2,020         2,020         —           2,020         —     

Loans, net of allowance

     505,744         510,998         —           —           510,998   

Accrued interest receivable

     1,835         1,835         1,835         —           —     

Financial Liabilities:

              

Deposits, noninterest-bearing

   $ 72,795       $ 72,795       $ —         $ 72,795       $ —     

Deposits, interest-bearing

     459,811         456,046         —           —           456,046   

FHLB short-term advances and repurchase agreements

     10,203         10,203         —           10,203         —     

FHLB long-term advances

     30,818         30,896         —           —           30,896   

Other borrowed funds-long term

     3,609         3,605         —           —           3,605   

Accrued interest payable

     285         285         285         —           —     

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE O. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012  
     Carrying
Amount
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Financial Assets:

              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 4,146       $ 4,146       $ 4,146       $ —         $ —     

Federal funds sold

     495         495         495         —           —     

Investment securities

     44,326         44,326         —           44,326         —     

Other equity securities

     1,211         1,211         —           1,211         —     

Loans, net of allowance

     303,019         302,265         —           —           302,265   

Accrued interest receivable

     1,186         1,186         1,186         —           —     

Financial Liabilities:

              

Deposits, noninterest-bearing

   $ 37,489       $ 37,489       $ —         $ 37,489       $ —     

Deposits, interest-bearing

     262,181         264,981         —           —           264,981   

FHLB short-term advances and repurchase agreements

     16,154         16,154         —           16,154         —     

FHLB long-term advances

     14,674         14,887         —           —           14,887   

Other borrowed funds-long term

     —           —           —           —           —     

Accrued interest payable

     126         126         126         —           —     

NOTE P. 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).

As of June 30, 2013, the most recent notifications from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 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.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE P. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

 

The Bank’s and the Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2012 are presented in the tables below (dollars in thousands):

 

     Actual     Capital Adequacy     Well Capitalized  
(dollars in thousands, except for %)    Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio  

March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

               

Tier 1 leverage capital

               

Investar Holding Corporation

   $ 56,958         8.80   $ 25,885         4.00     N/A         N/A   

Investar Bank

   $ 56,613         8.75   $ 25,885         4.00   $ 32,356         5.00

Tier 1 risk-based capital

               

Investar Holding Corporation

   $ 56,958         10.20   $ 22,326         4.00     N/A         N/A   

Investar Bank

   $ 56,613         10.15   $ 22,310         4.00   $ 33,465         6.00
Total risk-based capital                

Investar Holding Corporation

   $ 60,488         10.84   $ 44,652         8.00     N/A         N/A   

Investar Bank

   $ 60,143         10.78   $ 44,620         8.00   $ 55,775         10.00

December 31, 2013

               
Tier 1 leverage capital                

Investar Holding Corporation

   $ 56,056         9.53   $ 23,524         4.00     N/A         N/A   

Investar Bank

   $ 55,894         9.50   $ 23,539         4.00   $ 29,423         5.00
Tier 1 risk-based capital                

Investar Holding Corporation

   $ 56,056         10.85   $ 20,660         4.00     N/A         N/A   

Investar Bank

   $ 55,894         10.83   $ 20,653         4.00   $ 33,465         6.00
Total risk-based capital                

Investar Holding Corporation

   $ 59,436         11.51   $ 41,320         8.00     N/A         N/A   

Investar Bank

   $ 59,274         11.48   $ 41,306         8.00   $ 55,775         10.00

December 31, 2012

               
Tier 1 leverage capital                

Investar Bank

   $ 40,059         11.55   $ 13,875         4.00   $ 17,343         5.00
Tier 1 risk-based capital                

Investar Bank

   $ 40,059         13.06   $ 12,267         4.00   $ 18,401         6.00
Total risk-based capital                

Investar Bank

   $ 42,781         13.95   $ 24,535         8.00   $ 30,669         10.00

The Company is not presented as of December 31, 2012 because the Company did not become the parent of the Bank (and therefore was not subject to capital adequacy requirements) until November 2013. See Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE P. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

 

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 2013 without permission is limited to approximately $5.0 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 (PCA) Capital Category Thresholds — The following thresholds have been established for an institution to be deemed adequately capitalized:

 

Total Risk Based Capital Ratio      8.0
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio      6.0

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio

     4.5
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio      4.0

 

    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.

Management is currently evaluating the provisions of the final rule and their expected impact on the Company and Bank. Management believes that at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company and 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 Q. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk entered into in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, 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 letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE Q. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

At March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s commitments to extend credit totaled approximately $59.4 million, $67.1 million and $32.6 million, respectively.

The Company is required to maintain average reserves at the Federal Reserve Bank. There were approximately $5.2 million, $4.6 million, and $526,000 in required reserves at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

During 2013, the Company purchased and renovated the third floor of the building located at 10500 Coursey Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana to set up its new corporate headquarters. The Company spent approximately $2.9 million on renovations, furniture and equipment in total as of March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, renovations are complete.

The Company entered into an agreement to construct a 2,400 square foot building located at 18101 Highland Market Drive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Company has made application in the first quarter of 2014, with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and the FDIC to open a branch facility. The estimated cost to construct the branch facility is approximately $1.2 million. Opening date of this location is estimated to be in June, 2014.

NOTE R. 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 D, 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 S. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The Company has transactions with related parties that the Company believes the terms and conditions of these transactions are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party that was unaffiliated with Investar Bank. See Note D, Loans, for more information regarding lending transactions between the Company and these related parties.

The following describes transactions since January 1, 2011 in addition to the ordinary banking relationships described above in which the Company has participated in which one or more of our directors, executive officers or other related persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Thomas C. Besselman, Sr., one of our 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, currently writes our employee benefits insurance. The Company paid approximately $20,000 and $13,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and approximately $995,000, $561,000 and $544,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to the Besselman & Little Agency for such insurance. Both Besselman & Little Agency and Gallagher Benefit Services paid a referral fee to us for referrals of clients to The Besselman & Little Agency or Gallagher Benefit Services for their insurance needs. The Company received referral fees of approximately $20,000 and $13,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and approximately $60,000, $53,000 and $38,000 for the

 

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Table of Contents

Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE S. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (Continued)

 

years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from Gallagher Benefit Services. Mr. Besselman is also the owner of H.R. Solutions, L.L.C., located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which provides our payroll processing services. The Company paid fees of approximately $ 25,000 and $18,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $98,000, $59,000 and $40,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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, III, one of our directors. Joffrion Construction, Inc. was retained in 2009 to construct the permanent banking facility at 10922 Coursey Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Company paid approximately $570,000 to Joffrion Construction, Inc. in connection with the construction of this branch. In 2011 Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC was awarded the bid to renovate a building the Company purchased in Metairie, Louisiana, to serve as our first branch in the Greater New Orleans area. The Company paid approximately $920,000 to Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC in connection with the renovation of this branch, which was completed in 2012. Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC renovated our branch located at 2929 Hwy 190, Mandeville, Louisiana. The Company paid approximately $91,000 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 our 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 our Operations Center. The Company has paid approximately $914,000 to Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC for the demolition and renovation of this facility, which was completed in 2014.

On December 17, 2013, the Company selected Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC to construct a new Baton Rouge branch. The Company believes that the terms and conditions of all of our transactions with Joffrion Commercial Division, LLC are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party unaffiliated with us or the Bank.

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

 

NOTE T. PARENT ONLY BALANCE SHEET, INCOME AND CASHFLOW STATEMENTS

BALANCE SHEET

 

     As of
March 31, 2014
    As of
December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)    (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Cash and due from bank

   $ 112      $ 82   

Dividend receivable — bank subsidiary

     —          48   

Due from bank subsidiary

     54     

Federal income tax receivable

     28        7   

Investment in bank subsidiary

     59,653        58,821   

Investment in trust

     109        109   

Deferred stock issuance cost

     190        67   

Deferred tax asset

     12        12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 60,158      $ 59,146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Note payable

   $ 3,609      $ 3,609   

Accrued interest payable

     3        3   

Due to bank subsidiary

     —          3   

Dividend payable

     48        48   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     3,660        3,663   

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Common stock

     3,943        3,943   

Treasury stock

     (1  

Surplus

     45,322        45,281   

Retained earnings

     7,440        6,609   

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (206     (350
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     56,498        55,483   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 60,158      $ 59,146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE T. PARENT ONLY BALANCE SHEET, INCOME AND CASHFLOW STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2014
     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)    (Unaudited)         

Revenue

     
Dividends received from bank subsidiary    $ 217       $ 248   

Undistributed net income of bank subsidiary

     703         2,958   

Interest income investment in trust

     1         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL REVENUE

     921         3,206   

Expense

     

Interest on note payable

     18         9   

Management fees bank subsidiary

     30         8   

Organizational cost

     6         40   

Other expense

     8         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSE

     62         57   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT

     859         3,149   

INCOME TAX BENEFIT

     20         19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME

   $ 879       $ 3,168   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

NOTE T. PARENT ONLY BALANCE SHEET, INCOME AND CASHFLOW STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the Three
Months Ended

March 31, 2014
    For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)    (Unaudited)        

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 879      $ 3,168   

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary

     (699     (3,006

Stock-based compensation

     41        31   

Net change in:

    

Increase in income tax receivable

     (21     (7

Increase in deferred tax asset

     —          (12

Increase in accrued interest payable

     —          3   

Increase in accrued other liabilities

     —          3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     200        180   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Capital contributed to bank subsidiary

     —          (5,177
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     —          (5,177
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from short-term borrowing

     —          61   

Repayment of short-term borrowing

     —          (61

Increase in deferred stock issuance cost

     (122     (67

Cash dividends paid on common stock

     (48     (169

Proceeds from sales of common stock

     —          5,339   

Stock issuance cost

     —          (24
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     (170     5,079   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH

     30        82   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     82        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR

   $ 112      $ 82   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

    

Cash payments for:

    

Interest on borrowings

   $ 18      $ 37   

 

F-59


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Investar Holding Corporation

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited), Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

 

 

NOTE U. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Following is a summary of the information used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except share data):

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2014     2013     2013     2012     2011  
    (Unaudited)                    

Net income available to common shareholders

  $ 879      $ 621      $ 3,168      $ 2,361      $ 999   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — used in computation of basic earnings per common share

    3,901,064        3,207,763        3,667,929        2,998,087        1,843,180   

Effect of dilutive securities:

         

Restricted stock

    44,049        18,560        32,141        11,704        —     

Stock options

    22,810        30,311        29,773        39,255        11,635   

Stock warrants

    193,498        193,645        193,532        253,615        265,656   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus effect of dilutive securities used in computation of diluted earnings per common share

    4,161,421        3,450,279        3,923,375        3,302,661        2,120,471   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

  $ 0.23      $ 0.19      $ 0.86      $ 0.79      $ 0.54   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.21      $ 0.18      $ 0.81      $ 0.71      $ 0.47   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE V. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated all subsequent events and transactions that occurred after March 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.

 

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Table of Contents

Annex A-1

FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY

AND SUBSIDIARY

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

HAMMOND, LOUISIANA


Table of Contents

CONTENTS

 

Audited Financial Statements:

  

Independent Auditor’s Report

     Page A-1-3 - A-1-4   

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     A-1-5   

Consolidated Statements of Income

     A-1-6   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     A-1-7   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

     A-1-8   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     A-1-9 - A-1-10   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     A-1-11 - A-1-39   


Table of Contents

LOGO

2322 Tremont Drive  •  Baton Rouge, LA 70809

178 Del Orleans Avenue, Suite C  •  Denham Springs, LA 70726

Phone: 225.928.4770  •  Fax: 225.926.0945

www.htbcpa.com

March 26, 2013

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

First Community Holding Company and Subsidiary

Hammond, Louisiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of First Community Holding Company and Subsidiary, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

A-1-3


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An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Community Holding Company and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Respectfully submitted,
LOGO
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 

A-1-4


Table of Contents

FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

 

ASSETS   
     2012     2011  

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 1,120,577      $ 4,702,897   

Federal Funds Sold

     3,900,000        5,750,000   

Securities Available for Sale at Fair Value

     16,436,549        12,753,612   

Loans Receivable, (Net of Allowance of $1,101,936 and $1,308,520, Respectively)

     79,144,337        84,241,774   

Bank Premises and Equipment, Net

     1,779,114        1,835,232   

Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets

     2,252,412        3,695,699   

Accrued Interest Receivable

     374,637        346,877   

Cash Value of Life Insurance

     160,287        139,806   

Equity Securities

     493,500        769,200   

Other Assets

     752,151        543,590   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 106,413,564      $ 114,778,687   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES   

Deposits:

    

Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)

   $ 12,699,303      $ 12,006,525   

Now and Money Market Deposits

     7,142,821        5,977,445   

Savings

     17,055,242        16,841,120   

Certificates of Deposit

     48,949,780        57,199,115   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     85,847,146        92,024,205   

Accrued Interest Payable

     443,536        401,404   

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

     7,200,000        8,998,315   

Notes Payable

     2,667,000        3,000,000   

Subordinated Debentures

     3,609,000        3,609,000   

Other Liabilities

     243,073        41,001   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     100,009,755        108,073,925   
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Preferred Stock, $8 Par Value; 100,000 Shares Authorized, -0- Shares Issued and Outstanding

     —          —     

Common Stock, $1.25 Par Value; 2,000,000 Shares Authorized, 550,325 Shares Issued and Outstanding

     687,906        687,906   

Additional Paid in Capital

     4,096,309        4,096,309   

Retained Earnings

     1,635,912        1,909,609   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (16,318     10,938   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     6,403,809        6,704,762   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 106,413,564      $ 114,778,687   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

A-1-5


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FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

 

     2012     2011  

Interest Income:

    

Interest and Fees on Loans

   $ 5,225,802      $ 5,499,028   

Interest on Investment Securities

     343,548        213,258   

Interest Income - Other Institutions

     19,802        71,223   

Interest Income - Federal Funds Sold

     684        3,087   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest Income

     5,589,836        5,786,596   

Interest Expense:

    

Interest Expense on Deposits

     989,245        1,313,190   

Interest Expense on Borrowings

     169,750        174,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest Expense

     1,158,995        1,487,324   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

     4,430,841        4,299,272   

Provision for Loan Losses

     585,000        244,118   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses

     3,845,841        4,055,154   

Non-Interest Income:

    

Customer Service Fees

     235,858        274,736   

Gain on Sale of Securities

     42,444        41,182   

Other Miscellaneous Income

     94,296        106,819   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Interest Income

     372,598        422,737   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Non-Interest Expense

     4,218,439        4,477,891   

Non-Interest Expense:

    

Salaries and Employee Benefits

     2,052,333        1,896,085   

Occupancy Expense

     277,917        312,562   

Equipment Expense

     57,336        56,334   

Net Other Real Estate Expense

     819,690        421,042   

Other Operating Expenses

     1,431,307        1,454,582   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Interest Expense

     4,638,583        4,140,605   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (420,144     337,286   

Applicable Income Tax (Benefit)

     (146,447     131,458   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (273,697   $ 205,828   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per Share:

    

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (0.50   $ 0.37   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

 

     2012     2011  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (273,697   $ 205,828   

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

    

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities, Net of Taxes

     15,188        57,467   

Reclassification Adjustment for Losses (Gains) included in Net Income (Loss)

     (42,444     (41,182
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes

     (27,256     16,285   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ (300,953   $ 222,113   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

A-1-7


Table of Contents

FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

 

     Preferred
Stock
     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balances, January 1, 2011

   $ —         $ 687,906       $ 4,096,309       $ 1,703,781      $ (5,347   $ 6,482,649   

Comprehensive Income:

               

Net Income (Loss)

     —           —           —           205,828        —          205,828   

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:

     —           —           —           —          16,285        16,285   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances, December 31, 2011

     —           687,906         4,096,309         1,909,609        10,938        6,704,762   

Comprehensive Income:

               

Net Income (Loss)

     —           —           —           (273,697     —          (273,697

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

     —           —           —           —          (27,256     (27,256
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances, December 31, 2012

   $ —         $ 687,906       $ 4,096,309       $ 1,635,912      $ (16,318   $ 6,403,809   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

A-1-8


Table of Contents

FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

 

     2012     2011  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

    

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (273,697   $ 205,828   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation Expense

     112,774        105,949   

Provision for Loan Losses

     585,000        244,118   

Provision for Write Down of Other Real Estate

     514,333        384,678   

Net Amortization (Accretion) of Securities

     38,665        62,134   

(Gain) Loss on Sale of Securities

     (42,444     (41,182

(Gain) Loss on Sale of Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets

     147,971        (64,030

Stock Dividends Received on Other Equity Securities

     (2,000     (2,000

(Increase) Decrease in Cash Value of Life Insurance

     (20,481     (19,657

(Increase) Decrease in Accrued Interest Receivable

     (27,760     (5,095

(Increase) Decrease in Other Assets

     (208,561     545,939   

Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Payable

     42,132        2,848   

Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities

     202,072        (37,995
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     1,068,004        1,381,535   

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

    

Net (Increase) Decrease in Federal Funds Sold

     1,850,000        4,150,000   

Purchase of Securities Available for Sale

     (23,122,147     (18,344,817

Purchase of Equity Securities

     (1,900     —     

Equity Securities Redeemed

     279,600        —     

Principal Payments on Mortgage-Backed Securities

     498,524        814,610   

Net (Increase) Decrease in Loans

     4,182,579        (2,413,555

Purchases of Premises and Equipment

     (56,656     (41,688

Proceeds from Maturities of Securities Available for Sale

     18,917,209        10,818,123   

Proceeds from Sales of Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets

     1,110,841        1,149,079   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Investing Activities

     3,658,050        (3,868,248

 

(CONTINUED)

 

A-1-9


Table of Contents
     2012     2011  

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds from (Payments on) Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     (1,798,315     —     

Repayment of Borrowings

     (333,000     —     

Net Increase (Decrease) in Deposits

     (6,177,059     (1,014,790
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

     (8,308,374     (1,014,790
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (3,582,320     (3,501,503

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

     4,702,897        8,204,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year

   $ 1,120,577      $ 4,702,897   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information :

    

Cash Payments for:

    

Interest Paid on Deposits

   $ 947,113      $ 1,310,342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Paid on Borrowings

   $ 169,750      $ 174,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Cash Investing Activities:

    

Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets Acquired in Settlement of Loans

   $ 329,858      $ 1,526,399   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Available for Sale

   $ (27,256   $ 16,285   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies -

The accounting principles followed by First Community Holding Company and Subsidiary are those which are generally practiced within the banking industry. The methods of applying those principles conform with generally accepted accounting principles and have been applied on a consistent basis. The principles which significantly affect the determination of financial position, results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows are summarized below.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Community Holding Company (the Company), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Community Bank (the Bank). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications to previously published financial statements have been made to comply with current reporting requirements. These reclassifications did not have an effect on previously reported net income.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the economic environment and market conditions. In connection with the determination of the estimated losses on loans, management obtains independent appraisals for significant collateral.

The Bank’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral including real property, consumer assets, and business assets. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on economic conditions in the area.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans 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 estimated losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additional losses 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 estimated losses on loans may change materially in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

 

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Securities

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities (held to maturity, available for sale, or trading) at the time of purchase and reevaluates this classification periodically. Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the Bank has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by various methods approximating the interest method over their contractual lives.

Securities that may be sold prior to maturity are classified as securities available for sale. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Bank’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations, and other similar factors. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses are reported as components of comprehensive income, net of the related deferred tax effect. Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the amortized cost of specific securities sold, are included in earnings. Securities purchased for trading purposes are classified as trading securities and are carried at market value with market adjustments included in non-interest income. The Bank had no securities classified as held to maturity or trading at December 31, 2012 or 2011.

Loans

Loans are stated at principal amounts outstanding, less unearned income and allowance for loan losses. Interest on commercial and individual loans is accrued daily based on the principal outstanding.

Generally, the Bank discontinues the accrual of interest income when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, previously recognized but uncollected interest is reversed to income or charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent cash receipts on non-accrual loans are accounted for on the cost recovery method, until the loans qualify for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. The Bank classifies loans as impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the loan’s observable market price, or based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized in a valuation allowance by charges to income. Gains on sales of loans are recognized when the proceeds from the loan sales are received by the Bank.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which in management’s judgment is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s review and evaluation of the loan portfolio. Factors considered in the establishment of the allowance for loan losses include management’s evaluation of specific loans; the level and composition of classified loans; historical loss experience; results of examinations by regulatory agencies; an internal asset review process; expectations of future economic conditions and their impact on particular borrowers;

 

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and other judgmental factors. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Although management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, because of uncertainties associated with local economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, it is reasonably possible that a material change could occur in the allowance for loan losses in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates of potential future losses, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and as adjustments become necessary, the effect of the change in estimate is charged to operating expenses in the period incurred. All losses are charged to the allowance for loan losses when the loss actually occurs or when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Recoveries are credited to the allowance at the time of recovery.

Bank Premises and Equipment

Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates based upon estimated useful service lives using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for tax reporting purposes.

The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts in the year of disposal and the resulting gains or losses are included in current operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized.

Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets

Other real estate and repossessed assets is comprised of assets acquired through foreclosure or negotiated settlement. The carrying value of these assets is lower of cost or fair value. Losses arising from the acquisition of these assets are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent market reductions required are charged to other operating expense. Revenues and expenses associated with maintaining or disposing of foreclosed assets are recorded during the period in which they are incurred.

Stock Option Plan

The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity based instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognizes the cost over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Note H below sets forth information with respect to stock based awards.

Compensated Absences

Employees of the Bank are entitled to paid vacation and sick days off. Vacation and sick days are granted on an annual basis to eligible employees. Unused vacation days carryover from year to year. Unused sick days expire on each employee’s employment anniversary date each year. The estimated amount of compensation for future absences is deemed immaterial to the consolidated financial statements; accordingly, no liability has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements. The Bank’s policy is to recognize the cost of compensated absences when actually paid to employees.

 

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Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on income as reported in the financial statements after interest income from state and municipal securities is excluded. 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 timing differences.

Deferred taxes are provided utilizing a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 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 evaluates all significant tax positions as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company does not believe that it has taken any positions that would require the recording of any additional tax liability nor does it believe that there are any unrealized tax benefits that would either increase or decrease within the next year.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009. Any interest and penalties assessed by income taxing authorities are not significant and are included in general and administrative expenses in these financial statements.

Advertising

The Bank expenses all costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising included in Other Operating Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $38,754 and $46,774, respectively.

Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and amounts due from correspondent banks.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings per share are computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding was 550,325 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Comprehensive Income

Components of comprehensive income are revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that under GAAP are included in comprehensive income but excluded from net income. The components of comprehensive income are disclosed in the statements of comprehensive income for all years presented.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring . ASU 2011-02 provided additional clarification for creditors in determining whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constituted a troubled debt restructuring. ASU 2011-02 was effective for annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2012. The disclosure requirements contained in ASU 2011-02 are presented in the financial statements in the Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses footnote as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income . ASU 2011-05 required entities to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate consecutive statements. The effective date for ASU 2011-05 was for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. It did effectuate a change in presentation of stockholders’ equity as the Company previously presented comprehensive income in its consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . The objective of ASU 2013-02 is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments included in ASU 2013-02 do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. For public entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. As the adoption of ASU 2013-02 amends only disclosure requirements, the adoption will have no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through March 26, 2013, the date which the financial statements were available to be issued.

 

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Note B - Securities -

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

 

     December 31, 2012  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

U.S. Government Agency Securities

   $ 15,000,000       $ 18,248       $ (31,652   $ 14,986,596   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     1,452,867         3,720         (6,634     1,449,953   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16,452,867       $ 21,968       $ (38,286   $ 16,436,549   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     December 31, 2011  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

U.S. Government Agency Securities

   $ 9,505,000       $ 2,130       $ (23,359   $ 9,483,771   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     3,237,674         32,167         —          3,269,841   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,742,674       $ 34,297       $ (23,359   $ 12,753,612   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The contractual scheduled maturities of debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 

Within One Year

   $ —         $ —     

After One but within Five Years

     935,913         939,633   

After Five but within Ten Years

     516,954         510,320   

After Ten Years

     15,000,000         14,986,596   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 16,452,867       $ 16,436,549   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities on mortgage-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The following tables reflect gross unrealized losses, fair values and length of time in a continued unrealized loss position for all securities with fair values below amortized cost at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Management evaluates securities for other than temporary impairment when economic and market conditions warrant such evaluations. Consideration is given to the extent and length of time the fair value has been below cost, the reasons for the decline in value, and the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost. The Company developed a process to identify securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other than temporary. This process involves evaluating each security for impairment by

 

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monitoring credit performance, collateral type, collateral geography, loan-to-value ratios, credit scores, loss severity levels, pricing levels, downgrades by rating agencies, cash flow projections and other factors as indicators of potential credit issues. When the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other than temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized. The Bank has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity, and therefore, does not consider these impairments to be other than temporary.

 

     2012  
     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or Longer      Total  
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
 

U.S. Government Agency Securities

   $ 4,968,348       $ 31,652       $ —         $ —         $ 4,968,348       $ 31,652   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     510,320         6,634         —           —           510,320         6,634   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,478,668       $ 38,286       $ —         $ —         $ 5,478,668       $ 38,286   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2011  
     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or Longer      Total  
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
 

U.S. Government Agency Securities

   $ 6,981,641       $ 23,359       $ —         $ —         $ 6,981,641       $ 23,359   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 6,981,641       $ 23,359       $ —         $ —         $ 6,981,641       $ 23,359   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The bank had a realized gain on the sale of securities for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 in the amount of $42,444 and $41,182, respectively.

Securities with carrying values of $ 1,253,792 and $ 1,113,680 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

The Bank has invested in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and First National Bankers Bancshares (FNBB) stock. The stock is reflected at cost and is included in Equity Securities in these financial statements. The cost of the investment approximates fair value at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The FHLB stock is pledged to secure advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The FNBB stock is pledged to secure the Company’s line of credit.

 

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Note C - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses-

An analysis of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     2012     2011  

Residential Construction

   $ 5,299,482      $ 1,947,878   

Other Construction and Land Development

     16,140,646        20,879,314   

Residential Mortgages

     27,211,788        30,057,978   

Commercial Real Estate

     24,670,618        23,676,877   

Other Commercial Loans

     5,631,692        7,256,125   

Consumer Loans

     1,249,351        1,707,002   

Overdrafts

     47,704        27,704   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     80,251,281        85,552,878   

Allowance for Loan Losses

     (1,101,936     (1,308,520

Loan Origination Fees (Deferred)

     (5,008     (2,584
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Loans

   $ 79,144,337      $ 84,241,774   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Specific performing single family, multi-family, and small business loans are pledged as collateral securing advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

The Bank is permitted under the laws of the State of Louisiana to make extensions of credit to its executive officers, directors and their affiliates in the ordinary course of business. An analysis of the aggregate of these loans for 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     2012     2011  

Balance - Beginning of Year

   $ 134,075      $ 154,280   

Repayments

     (21,503     (20,205
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance - End of Year

   $ 112,572      $ 134,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Management segregates the loan portfolio into portfolio segments which is defined as the level at which the Bank develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for loan losses. The portfolio segments are segregated based on loan types and the underlying risk factors present in each loan type. Such risk factors are periodically reviewed by management and revised as deemed appropriate. The following tables set forth, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the balance of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment, disaggregated by impairment methodology, which is then further segregated by amounts evaluated for impairment collectively and individually. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each portfolio segment is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular portfolio segment and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other portfolio segments.

 

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Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

     Real Estate     Commercial     Consumer     Total  

Allowance for Credit losses:

        

Beginning Balance

   $ 1,147,375      $ 142,177      $ 18,968      $ 1,308,520   

Charge-Offs

     (773,291     (29,816     (4,075     (807,182

Recoveries

     2,824        —          12,774        15,598   

Provision

     610,011        (400     (24,611     585,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 986,919      $ 111,961      $ 3,056      $ 1,101,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Individually Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 508,593      $ 101,812      $ —        $ 610,405   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Collectively Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 478,326      $ 10,149      $ 3,056      $ 491,531   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans Receivable:

        

Ending Balance

   $ 73,322,534      $ 5,631,692      $ 1,297,055      $ 80,251,281   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Individually Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 5,192,286      $ 371,188      $ —        $ 5,563,474   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Collectively Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 68,130,248      $ 5,260,504      $ 1,297,055      $ 74,687,807   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

     Real Estate     Commercial     Consumer     Total  

Allowance for Credit losses:

        

Beginning Balance

   $ 1,631,439      $ 138,209      $ 42,231      $ 1,811,879   

Charge-Offs

     (711,486     (37,833     (25,264     (774,583

Recoveries

     7,466        —          19,640        27,106   

Provision

     219,956        41,801        (17,639     244,118   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 1,147,375      $ 142,177      $ 18,968      $ 1,308,520   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Individually Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 527,980      $ 130,063      $ —        $ 658,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Collectively Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 619,395      $ 12,114      $ 18,968      $ 650,477   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans Receivable:

        

Ending Balance

   $ 76,562,047      $ 7,256,125      $ 1,734,706      $ 85,552,878   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Individually Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 4,021,782      $ 412,254      $ —        $ 4,434,036   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance:

        

Collectively Evaluated for Impairment

   $ 72,540,265      $ 6,843,871      $ 1,734,706      $ 81,118,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Management further disaggregates the loan portfolio segments into classes of loans, which are based on the initial measurement of the loan, risk characteristics of the loan and the method for monitoring and assessing the credit risk of the loan.

 

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At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the credit quality indicators (performing and nonperforming loans), disaggregated by class of loan, are as follows:

Credit Quality Indicators - Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity as of December 31, 2012:

 

     Performing      Nonperforming      Total  

Mortgage Loans:

        

Construction-Residential

   $ 5,299,482       $ —         $ 5,299,482   

Permanent:

        

1 to 4 Family

     26,973,321         238,467         27,211,788   

Commercial RE

     24,635,210         35,408         24,670,618   

Construction and Land Development

     14,819,004         1,321,642         16,140,646   

Nonmortgage Loans:

        

Commercial

     5,631,692         —           5,631,692   

Consumer

     1,274,358         22,697         1,297,055   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 78,633,067       $ 1,618,214       $ 80,251,281   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Quality Indicators - Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity As of December 31, 2011:

 

     Performing      Nonperforming      Total  

Mortgage Loans:

        

Construction-Residential

   $ 1,947,878       $ —         $ 1,947,878   

Permanent:

        

1 to 4 Family

     29,527,214         530,764         30,057,978   

Commercial RE

     23,640,927         35,950         23,676,877   

Construction and Land Development

     19,070,404         1,808,910         20,879,314   

Nonmortgage Loans:

        

Commercial

     7,188,719         67,406         7,256,125   

Consumer

     1,657,687         77,019         1,734,706   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 83,032,829       $ 2,520,049       $ 85,552,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following tables reflect certain information with respect to the loan portfolio delinquencies by loan class and amount as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

Aged Analysis of Past Due Loans Receivable as of December 31, 2012:

 

     30-59
Days
Past Due
     60-89
Days
Past Due
     Greater
Than
90 Days
Past Due
     Total
Past Due
     Current      Total
Loans
Receivable
     Recorded
Investment
Over 90 Days
Past Due and
Still
Accruing
 

Mortgage Loans:

                    

Construction-Residential

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 5,299,482       $ 5,299,482       $ —     

Permanent:

                    

1 to 4 Family

     661,846         10,953         227,515         900,314         26,311,474         27,211,788         14,241   

Commercial RE

     359,310         —           35,408         394,718         24,275,900         24,670,618         —     

Construction and Land Development

     116,807         81,994         1,254,012         1,452,813         14,687,833         16,140,646         —     

Nonmortgage Loans:

                    

Commercial

     —           —           —           —           5,631,692         5,631,692         —     

Consumer

     1,657         —           22,697         24,354         1,272,702         1,297,056         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,139,620       $ 92,947       $ 1,539,632       $ 2,772,199       $ 77,479,083       $ 80,251,282       $ 14,241   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loan Receivables on Nonaccrual Status

 

     December 31,
2012
 

Mortgage Loans:

  

Permanent:

  

1 to 4 Family

   $ 224,226   

Commercial RE

     35,408   

Construction and Land Development

     1,321,642   

Nonmortgage Loans:

  

Commercial

     —     

Consumer

     22,697   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,603,973   
  

 

 

 

 

(CONTINUED)

 

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Table of Contents

Aged Analysis of Past Due Loans Receivable as of December 31, 2011:

 

     30-59
Days
Past Due
     60-89
Days
Past Due
     Greater
Than
90 Days
Past Due
     Total
Past Due
     Current      Total
Loans
Receivable
     Recorded
Investment
Over 90 Days
Past Due and
Still
Accruing
 

Mortgage Loans:

                    

Construction-Residential

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 1,947,878       $ 1,947,878       $ —     

Permanent:

                    

1 to 4 Family

     680,348         136,654         394,110         1,211,112         28,846,866         30,057,978         —     

Commercial RE

     616,930         —           —           616,930         23,059,947         23,676,877         —     

Construction and Land Development

     327,892         —           1,754,672         2,082,564         18,796,750         20,879,314         —     

Nonmortgage Loans:

                    

Commercial

     7,517         28,579         —           36,096         7,220,029         7,256,125         —     

Consumer

     46,451         64,992         12,027         123,470         1,611,236         1,734,706      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,679,138       $ 230,225       $ 2,160,809       $ 4,070,172       $ 81,482,706       $ 85,552,878       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loan Receivables on Nonaccrual Status

 

     December 31,
2011
 

Mortgage Loans:

  

Permanent:

  

1 to 4 Family

   $ 417,577   

Commercial RE

     35,950   

Construction and Land Development

     1,808,910   

Nonmortgage Loans:

  

Commercial

     67,406   

Consumer

     4,639   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,334,482   
  

 

 

 

 

(CONTINUED)

 

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Table of Contents

Impaired Loans

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

With an allowance recorded:

              

Mortgage Loans:

              

Construction - Residential

   $ 1,301,316       $ 1,842,381       $ 23,026       $ 1,545,970       $ 5,492   

Permanent, Secured by

              

1 - 4 Family

     879,838         879,838         188,007         1,164,572         68,154   

Multifamily

     1,003,890         1,003,890         297,560         541,918         71,777   

Commercial Real Estate

     361,554         361,554         101,812         382,087         18,110   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,546,598         4,087,663         610,405         3,634,547         163,533   

With no allowance recorded:

              

Mortgage Loans:

              

Construction - Residential

     813,939         848,954         —           406,970         50,335   

Permanent, Secured by

              

1 - 4 Family

     588,610         602,311         —           473,162         21,579   

Multifamily

     604,693         604,693         —           474,445         39,646   

Commercial Real Estate

     9,634         9,634         —           9,635         514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,016,876         2,065,592         —           1,364,212         112,074   

Total Impaired Loans:

              

Mortgage Loans:

              

Construction - Residential

     2,115,255         2,691,335         23,026         1,952,940         55,827   

Permanent, Secured by

              

1 - 4 Family

     1,468,448         1,482,149         188,007         1,637,734         89,733   

Multifamily

     1,608,583         1,608,583         297,560         1,016,363         111,423   

Commercial Real Estate

     371,188         371,188         101,812         391,722         18,624   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,563,474       $ 6,153,255       $ 610,405       $ 4,998,759       $ 275,607   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(CONTINUED)

 

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Table of Contents

Impaired Loans

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

With an allowance recorded:

              

Mortgage Loans:

              

Construction - Residential

   $ 1,790,622       $ 1,791,686       $ 179,974       $ 1,869,000       $ 16,940   

Permanent, Secured by

              

1 - 4 Family

     1,449,305         1,474,351         324,864         1,514,000         87,603   

Multifamily

     79,946         79,945         23,142         39,000         5,723   

Commercial Real Estate

     402,619         402,619         130,063         460,000         8,446   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,722,492         3,748,601         658,043         3,882,000         118,712   

With no allowance recorded:

              

Mortgage Loans:

              

Construction - Residential

     —           —           —           1,072,000         —     

Permanent, Secured by

              

1 - 4 Family

     357,713         375,712         —           474,000         9,312   

Multifamily

     344,196         344,196         —           172,000         23,701   

Commercial Real Estate

     9,635         9,634         —           77,000         170   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     711,544         729,542         —           1,795,000         33,183   

Total Impaired Loans:

              

Mortgage Loans:

              

Construction - Residential

     1,790,622         1,791,686         179,974         2,941,000         16,940   

Permanent, Secured by

              

1 - 4 Family

     1,807,018         1,850,063         324,864         1,988,000         96,915   

Multifamily

     424,142         424,141         23,142         211,000         29,424   

Commercial Real Estate

     412,254         412,253         130,063         537,000         8,616   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 4,434,036       $ 4,478,143       $ 658,043       $ 5,677,000       $ 151,895   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Bank seeks to assist customers that are experiencing financial difficulty by renegotiating loans within lending regulations and guidelines. The Bank makes loan modifications primarily utilizing internal renegotiation programs via direct customer contact, that manage customer’s debt exposures held only by the company. Additionally, the Bank makes loan modifications with customers who have elected to work with external renegotiation agencies and these modifications provide solutions to customers’ entire debt structures. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the concessions granted to certain borrowers included extending the payment due dates, lowering the contractual interest rate, reducing accrued interest, and reducing the debt’s face or maturity amount.

 

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Table of Contents

Once modified in a troubled debt restructuring, a loan is generally considered impaired until its contractual maturity. At the time of the restructuring, the loan is evaluated for an asset-specific allowance for credit losses. The Bank continues to specifically reevaluate the loan in subsequent periods, regardless of the borrower’s performance under the modified terms. If a borrower subsequently defaults on the loan after it is restricted, the Bank provides an allowance for credit losses for the amount of the loan that exceeds the value of the related collateral.

As of December 31, 2012 the Bank had three loans that had been modified in troubled debt restructurings. The loans had a post-modified outstanding recorded investment of $1,837,026 and unpaid principal balances of $2,377,026.

Note D - Bank Premises and Equipment -

Bank premises and equipment costs and the related accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2012 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     2012     2011  

Leasehold Improvements

   $ 404,217      $ 404,217   

Land

     735,000        735,000   

Building

     1,171,805        1,171,805   

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

     236,102        377,125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,547,124        2,688,147   

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

     (768,010     (852,915
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Bank Premises and Equipment, Net

   $ 1,779,114      $ 1,835,232   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The provision for depreciation charged to operations was $112,774 and $105,949 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Note E - Deposits -

The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more, included in deposits, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, was $20,564,000 and $22,844,000, respectively. Interest expense on such certificates of deposit was $386,091 in 2012 and $461,872 in 2011.

The maturities of certificates of deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

Three Months or Less

   $ 3,904,000   

Over Three Months Through One Year

     9,811,000   

Over One Year Through Five Years

     6,849,000   
  

 

 

 
   $ 20,564,000   
  

 

 

 

Public fund deposits at December 31, 2012 and 2011, were $3,060,000 and $3,087,000, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Note F - Regulatory Matters -

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum regulatory capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators, that if undertaken, could have a direct material affect on the Company’s and the Bank’s financial statements. Under the capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company and the Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios. As detailed below, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Bank met all of the capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Bank was categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since the most recent notification that management believes have changed the prompt corrective action category. Following is a summary of capital ratios of the Bank at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

    

 

Actual

    Required for
Capital Adequacy
Purposes
    To be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
     Amount      Ratios      

As of December 31, 2012:

         

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

     13,983         18.26     8.00     10.00

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

     13,022         17.00     4.00     6.00

Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets)

     13,022         12.23     4.00     5.00

As of December 31, 2011:

         

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

     13,737         16.85     8.00     10.00

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

     12,715         15.60     4.00     6.00

Tier I Leveraged Capital (to Average Assets)

     12,715         11.17     4.00     5.00

Under current regulations, the Bank is limited in the amount it may loan to its Parent. Loans to the Parent may not exceed 10% of the Bank’s capital and surplus. There were no loans outstanding at December 31, 2012 or 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

Note G - Retirement Plan -

The Bank maintains a Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) available to all employees upon hiring. The Bank may elect to contribute up to 5% of the participant’s compensation. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Bank’s matching contributions totaled $39,088 and $34,666, respectively.

The Bank maintains a deferred compensation plan for a former employee. The liability in association with this plan is included in other liabilities at December 31, 2012.

Note H - Stock Option Plan -

The Company maintains a non-qualified stock option plan which requires the Bank and optionee to enter into a written agreement specifying the number of shares that one has an option to purchase and the option amount per share. The optionee is entitled to exercise the options immediately. The options expire ten years following the date of grant. There were changes in the options outstanding during 2012.

The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options exercisable at December 31, 2012:

 

Options Outstanding and Exercisable  
Exercise
Price
     Number
Outstanding
at 12/31/12
     Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
$ 9.50         22,500         9 Years   
  8.00         4,000         3 Years   

Note I - Income Taxes -

The total provision (benefit) for income taxes charged to income amounted to $(146,447) for 2012 and $131,458 for 2011.

The components of the provision for income taxes are:

 

     2012     2011  

Provision for Current Taxes

   $ —        $ 72,437   

Provision (Benefit) for Deferred Taxes

     (146,447     59,021   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (146,447   $ 131,458   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A net deferred tax asset of $540,000 and $455,735 is included in other assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

The net deferred tax asset (liability) consists of the following components at December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012     2011  

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

    

Stock Dividends

   $ (27,948   $ (28,050

Depreciation

     (4,764     (2,254
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (32,712     (30,304

Deferred Tax Assets:

    

Deferred Interest on Debentures

     55,625        26,158   

Writedown of Other Real Estate

     409,426        254,448   

Provision for Loan Losses

     107,661        205,433   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     572,712        486,039   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)

   $ 540,000      $ 455,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note J - Commitments -

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers consisting of commitments to extend credit. These commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as they do for on-balance-sheet instruments. In the normal course of business the Bank has made commitments to extend credit of $10,600,000 and $9,900,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank does not anticipate any losses as a result of these commitments to extend credit.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk and collateralization policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The Bank had total unfunded letters of credit of $310,000 and $160,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company conducts certain operations in leased facilities. Total rent expense charged to net occupancy expense on these leases amounted to $12,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Future minimum rental payments required under these operating leases are:

 

December 31,

      

2013

   $ 12,000   

2014

     3,000   
  

 

 

 
   $ 15,000   
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Note K - Concentrations of Credit -

All of the Bank’s loans and commitments have been granted to customers in the Bank’s market area. The majority of such customers are depositors of the Bank. The concentrations of credit by type of loan are shown in Note C. The distribution of commitments to extend credit approximates the distribution of loans outstanding.

Included in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Federal Funds Sold are amounts deposited in various institutions which may, periodically, exceed the federally insured amount. The Bank has not experienced any losses and does not believe that significant credit risk exists as a result of this practice.

Note L - Borrowings -

The Company has a line of credit from FNBB totaling $3,000,000, to assist in maintaining short-term liquidity. The line of credit has a variable rate of interest. The line has a stated maturity date of April 27, 2020 and calls for interest only payments to be made quarterly until April 27, 2012. Annual principal payments in the amount of $333,000 are required each April through maturity. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the balance outstanding on the line was $2,667,000 and $3,000,000, respectively. The line is secured by the stock of the Company and FNBB stock. The Company has set aside cash in the amount of $117,000 and $450,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for future debt service in association with this line of credit.

The Bank had outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. Drawings on the line at December 31, 2012 totaled $7,200,000. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas establishes interest rates at the time an advance is made. Interest rates on outstanding advances at December 31, 2012 range from 0.21% to 0.23%. Drawings on the line at December 31, 2011 totaled $8,998,315. All outstanding advances mature during 2013. The advances are collateralized by the Bank’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and a lien on specific qualifying loans.

Note M - Other Operating Expenses -

An analysis of Other Operating Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Data Processing

   $ 396,312       $ 414,552   

Directors Fees

     66,000         46,000   

Insurance

     61,336         53,723   

Legal and Professional Fees

     241,548         220,701   

Loan Collection Costs

     157,219         89,897   

Postage

     60,243         57,012   

Regulatory Assessments

     216,181         299,570   

Other

     232,468         273,127   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,431,307       $ 1,454,582   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note N - Contingencies -

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management and counsel, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Note O - Subordinated Debentures

In March 2006, First Community Louisiana Statutory Trust I (the Trust I), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, sold capital securities to the public. The capital securities consisted of 3,500 capital securities with a $1,000 liquidation amount for each capital security, for a total of $3,500,000. The capital securities are fully guaranteed by the Company. Each capital security pays a cumulative quarterly distribution using a floating rate with a 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. The Trust I used the proceeds of the above sale and the proceeds of the sale of its common securities to the Company to buy $3,609,000 of the subordinated debentures issued by the Company. These debentures mature March 27, 2036. The subordinated debentures have the same financial terms as the capital securities. The Company makes interest payments and other payments under the subordinated debentures to the Trust I. The Company can defer interest payments up to twenty consecutive quarters under the provisions of the debentures. The Company has deferred interest payments during 2012, 2011 and a portion of 2010. Deferred interest on the debentures totaled $212,980 and $133,130 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Trust I is being treated as an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company. As such, the balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, reflect the total amount of debentures that were issued by the Company and purchased by the Trust I. The Company’s obligations under the subordinated debentures are unsecured and rank junior to all of the Company’s other borrowings, except borrowings that, by their terms, rank equal or junior to the subordinated debentures. The Company guaranteed the payments by the Trust I of the amounts that are required to be paid on the capital securities, to the extent that the Trust I has funds available for such payments.

The Company may shorten the maturity date of the subordinated debentures. The Trust I must redeem the capital securities when the subordinated debentures are paid on the maturity date, or following any earlier redemption of the subordinated debentures.

Note P - Other Matters -

On April 15, 2010, the Bank entered into a consent order with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions. The Bank agreed, among other things, to improve its lending and loan administration practices, increase liquidity, increase its allowance for loan losses, and to maintain certain capital ratios. The Bank also agreed under the consent order that it not declare or pay any cash dividend without prior written consent from the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.

The consent order was terminated and replaced with a Memorandum of Understanding effective May 2, 2012. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, the Bank has agreed, among other things, to reduce its classified assets, maintain certain capital ratios and to ensure that management takes corrective actions on other findings and recommendations. The Bank has also agreed that while the Memorandum is effective, it shall not declare or pay any cash dividends in excess of 50 percent of year-to-date net income without prior written consent of the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.

 

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Table of Contents

Note Q - Fair Value of Financial Instruments -

The Company groups its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels. Fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to develop those assumptions and measure fair value. The hierarchy requires companies to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

    Level 1 - Includes the most reliable sources, and includes quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

    Level 2 - Includes observable inputs. Observable inputs include inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates) as well as inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market-corroborated inputs).

 

    Level 3 - Includes unobservable inputs and should be used only when observable inputs are unavailable.

Recurring Basis

Fair values of investment securities available for sale were primarily measured using information from a third-party pricing service. This pricing service provides information by utilizing evaluated pricing models supported with market data information. Standard inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data from market research publications.

The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company did not record any liabilities at fair value for which measurement of the fair value was made on a recurring basis.

 

     December 31, 2012  
     Fair Value      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available-for-Sale:

           

U.S. Government Agency Securities

   $ 14,986,596       $ —         $ 14,986,596       $ —     

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     1,449,953         —           1,449,953         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16,436,549       $ —         $ 16,436,549       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     December 31, 2011  
     Fair Value      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available-for-Sale:

           

U.S. Government Agency Securities

   $ 9,483,771       $ —         $ 9,483,771       $ —     

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     3,269,841         —           3,269,841         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,753,612       $ —         $ 12,753,612       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonrecurring Basis

The Company has segregated all financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the table below. The Company did not record any liabilities at fair value for which measurement of the fair value was made on a non-recurring basis.

The fair value of the impaired loans is measured at the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent loans. Impaired loans are Level 2 assets measured using appraisals from external parties of the collateral less any prior liens. Repossessed assets are initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell. The fair value of repossessed assets is based on properly’ appraisals and an analysis of similar properties available. As such, the Bank records repossessed assets as Level 2.

 

     December 31, 2012  
     Fair Value      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

           

Impaired Loans

   $ 4,953,069       $ —         $ 4,953,069       $ —     

Repossessed Assets

     2,252,412         —           2,252,412         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,205,481       $ —         $ 7,205,481       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     December 31, 2011  
     Fair Value      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets

           

Impaired Loans

   $ 3,775,993       $ —         $ 3,775,993       $ —     

Repossessed Assets

     3,695,699         —           3,695,699         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,471,692       $ —         $ 7,471,692       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair Value Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. 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. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments are excluded from these disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Short-Term Investments - For those short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities - Fair value of securities is based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Loans - The fair value for loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, with interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit rates. Loans with similar classifications are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The allowance for loan losses, which was used to measure the credit risk, is subtracted from loans.

Cash Value of Life Insurance - The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Deposits - The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount payable at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, with interest rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Advances From Federal Home Loan Bank - The fair value of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Other Borrowed Funds - The carrying amount of borrowings under lines of credit and subordinated debentures approximates fair value.

 

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Table of Contents

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit - The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit do not differ significantly from the commitment amount and are therefore omitted from this disclosure.

The estimated approximate fair values of the Bank’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     2012  
     Carrying
Value
     Fair
Value
 

Financial Assets:

     

Cash and Short-Term Investments

   $ 5,021,000       $ 5,021,000   

Investment Securities

     16,437,000         16,437,000   

Loans (Net of Allowance)

     79,144,000         78,732,000   

Equity Securities

     494,000         494,000   

Cash Value of Life Insurance

     160,000         160,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 101,256,000       $ 100,844,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Deposits

   $ 85,847,000       $ 86,337,000   

Borrowings

     13,476,000         13,476,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 99,323,000       $ 99,813,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2011  
     Carrying
Value
     Fair
Value
 

Financial Assets:

     

Cash and Short-Term Investments

   $ 10,453,000       $ 10,453,000   

Investment Securities

     12,754,000         12,754,000   

Loans (Net of Allowance)

     84,242,000         84,359,000   

Equity Securities

     769,000         769,000   

Cash Value of Life Insurance

     140,000         140,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 108,358,000       $ 108,475,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Deposits

   $ 92,024,000       $ 92,773,000   

Borrowings

     15,607,000         15,609,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 107,631,000       $ 108,382,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note R - Subsequent Events -

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through March 26, 2013, the date which the financial statements were available to be issued. This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that required disclosures and/or adjustments under general accounting standards.

 

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Note S - Financial Statements - Parent Company Only -

The balance sheets and statements of income for First Community Holding Company (Parent Company) are as follows:

FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY

BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Assets:

    

Cash in Subsidiary Bank

   $ 396,840      $ 801,925   

Investment in First Community Bank

     12,535,066        12,726,769   

Other Assets

     118,903        118,900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 13,050,809      $ 13,647,594   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Line of Credit

   $ 2,667,000      $ 3,000,000   

Accrued Liabilities

     371,000        333,832   

Subordinated Debentures

     3,609,000        3,609,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     6,647,000        6,942,832   

Preferred Stock, $8 Par Value, 100,000 Shares Authorized, -0- Shares Issued and Outstanding

     —          —     

Common Stock, $1.25 Par Value, 2,000,000 Shares Authorized, 550,325 Shares Issued and Outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

     687,906        687,906   

Additional Paid-In Capital

     4,096,309        4,096,309   

Retained Earnings

     1,635,912        1,909,609   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     (16,318     10,938   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     6,403,809        6,704,762   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 13,050,809      $ 13,647,594   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

FIRST COMMUNITY HOLDING COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Non-Interest Income:

    

Dividend Income

   $ 2,000      $ 2,000   

Equity in Undistributed Net Income (Loss) of Subsidiary

     (164,447     335,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Interest Income (Loss)

     (162,447     337,287   

Interest Expense

     169,750        174,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Interest Income (Expense)

     (332,197     163,153   

Operating Expenses

     1,500        1,525   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (333,697     161,628   

Applicable Income Tax (Credit)

     (60,000     (44,200
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) After Income Taxes

   $ (273,697   $ 205,828   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Note T - Financial Statements - Bank Only -

The condensed balance sheets and statements of income (loss) of First Community Bank (bank only) at December 31 and for the years then ended follows:

FIRST COMMUNITY BANK

BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Assets:

    

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 981,789      $ 4,252,897   

Federal Funds Sold

     3,900,000        5,750,000   

Securities Available for Sale

     16,436,549        12,753,612   

Equity Securities

     493,500        769,200   

Loans Receivable, (Net of Allowance of $1,101,936 in 2012, and $1,308,520 in 2011)

     79,144,337        84,241,774   

Accrued Interest Receivable

     374,637        346,877   

Premises and Equipment, (Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $768,010 in 2012, and $852,915 in 2011)

     1,779,114        1,835,232   

Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets

     2,252,412        3,695,699   

Cash Value of Life Insurance

     160,287        139,806   

Other Assets

     759,251        613,190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 106,281,876      $ 114,398,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Deposits

   $ 86,105,198      $ 92,376,130   

Accrued Interest Payable

     198,539        256,072   

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

     7,200,000        8,998,315   

Other Liabilities

     243,073        41,001   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     93,746,810        101,671,518   

Common Stock

     651,344        651,344   

Capital Surplus

     3,564,737        3,564,737   

Additional Paid-In Capital

     5,476,000        5,476,000   

Retained Earnings

     2,859,303        3,023,750   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     (16,318     10,938   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     12,535,066        12,726,769   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 106,281,876      $ 114,398,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

FIRST COMMUNITY BANK

STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Interest Income:

    

Interest and Other Fees on Loans

   $ 5,225,802      $ 5,499,028   

Interest on Investment Securities

     343,548        213,258   

Interest Income - Other Institutions

     19,802        71,223   

Interest Income - Federal Funds Sold

     684        3,087   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Interest Income

     5,589,836        5,786,596   

Interest Expense

     989,245        1,313,190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

     4,600,591        4,473,406   

Provision for Loan Losses

     585,000        244,118   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses

     4,015,591        4,229,288   

Non-Interest Income:

    

Customer Service Fees

     318,220        365,976   

Other Miscellaneous Income

     52,378        54,761   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Interest Income

     370,598        420,737   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before Non-Interest Expense

     4,386,189        4,650,025   

Non-Interest Expense:

    

Salaries and Employee Benefits

     2,052,333        1,896,085   

Occupancy Expense

     277,917        312,562   

Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment Expense

     57,336        56,334   

Other Operating Expenses

     2,249,497        1,874,099   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Interest Expense

     4,637,083        4,139,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (250,894     510,945   

Applicable Income Tax (Benefit)

     (86,447     175,658   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (164,447   $ 335,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Annex A-2

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF FIRST COMMUNITY BANK

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information of First Community Bank (“FCB”) as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The financial information of FCB below is unaudited and has been derived from the Reports of Condition and Income (that is, the call reports) that FCB filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) with respect to the periods presented below. Users of this financial information are cautioned that, although call reports are required to be prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), they are subject to additional regulatory guidelines imposed by the FDIC and other financial institution regulatory agencies which may affect the comparability of the information set forth below with other financial information regarding FCB that has been prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, during the periods presented below, FCB was a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Community Holding Company (“FCHC”), but the financial information set forth below is for FCB only (and there is no call report information showing the financial condition and results of operations of FCHC and FCB on a consolidated basis as of for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012). Therefore, the financial information below thus does not reflect FCHC’s assets, liabilities and equity. Among other things, FCHC had junior subordinated debentures with a carrying value of approximately $3.6 million as of March 31, 2013 and 2012.

On May 1, 2013, FCB merged with and into Investar Bank, with Investar Bank the surviving financial institution in the merger (immediately prior to this merger, FCHC was merged with and into FCB, such that Investar Bank acquired all of the assets, liabilities and equity of the consolidated company). The historical results for the periods set forth below are not necessarily indicative of results that FCB might have been achieved if it had not been acquired by Investar Bank.

 

    

As of

March 31,

 
     2013     2012  
     (in thousands)  

Financial Condition

  

Total loans

   $ 76,658      $ 85,532   

Total investment securities

     16,217        13,997   

Total assets

     105,580        114,735   

Total deposits

     84,384        92,776   

Total borrowings

     8,200        8,998   

Total liabilities

     93,265        102,155   

Total stockholders’ equity

     12,315        12,580   
    

For the three months

Ended March 31,

 
     2013     2012  
     (in thousands)  

Results of Operations

  

Net interest income

   $ 1,102      $ 1,183   

Provision for loan losses

     102        45   

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     1,000        1,138   

Non-interest income (loss)

     108        (179

Realized gain on securities available for sale

     0        25   

Non-interest expense

     1,197        983   

Net income (loss)

     (89     1   

 

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Table of Contents

Annex A-3

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

On May 1, 2013, First Community Holding Company (“FCHC”) merged with and into its wholly-owned subsidiary First Community Bank (“FCB”), with FCB surviving the merger as a Louisiana-chartered bank (the “Reorganization”). Immediately thereafter, FCB merged with and into Investar Bank (“Investar Bank”), a Louisiana-chartered bank, with Investar Bank surviving the merger (the “Merger”; the Reorganization and the Merger are collectively referred to as the “FCB Acquisition”). Effective November 15, 2013, the shareholders of Investar Bank consummated a statutory share exchange with Investar Holding Corporation, a Louisiana corporation (“Investar”), as a result of which Investar Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investar (the “Share Exchange”). At the effective time of the Share Exchange, all outstanding shares of Investar Bank common stock were exchanged on a one-for-one basis for shares of Investar common stock.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement and explanatory notes present how the income statement of Investar may have appeared for the year ended December 31, 2013 had the FCB Acquisition been completed on January 1, 2013. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement shows the impact of the FCB Acquisition on Investar’s results of operations under the acquisition method of accounting with Investar treated as the acquirer, and it has been derived by applying pro forma adjustments to the condensed consolidated historical income statements of Investar and FCHC. The combined pro forma condensed consolidated income statement reflects FCHC’s historical unaudited results of operations for the four-month period ended April 30, 2013 and the operating results of Investar for the year ended December 31, 2013 after giving effect to the adjustments described in the following explanatory notes. Users of this financial information should read such unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes of Investar including Note B, Acquisition Activity, which describes the fair value adjustments made to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date and the bargain purchase gain recorded in the acquisition, which represents the excess of the net of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed over the consideration paid to FCB.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement is presented for informational purposes only. It does not purport to present what Investar’s results of operations would have been had the FCB Acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2013, nor does it purport to represent Investar’s results of operations for any future period. For purposes of this presentation, we have assumed that the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed would have been the same at January 1, 2013 as they were at the acquisition date. As described in the footnotes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement, one-time expenses related to the acquisition (including data processing, severance payments under employment contracts and legal and consulting fees) totaling approximately $1.2 million have been excluded. Furthermore, no effect has been given in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement for synergistic benefits that may be realized through the combination of the two companies or the costs that may be incurred in integrating their operations.

 

     Investar Holding
Corporation
     First Community
Holding  Company
    Combined
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Combined
Pro
Forma
 
     Year ended
December 31, 2013
     Four months ended
April 30, 2013

(unaudited)
     

Interest income

         

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 21,686       $ 1,670      $ 189   (1)    $ 23,545   

Interest on investment securities

     756         88          844   

Other interest income

     30         3          33   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest income

     22,472         1,761        189        24,422   

Interest expense

         

Interest on deposits

     3,204         227        (79 ) (2)      3,352   

Interest on borrowings

     256         66          322   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

     3,460         293        (79     3,674   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     19,012         1,468        268        20,748   

Provision for loan losses

     1,026         464          1,490   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     17,986         1,004        268        19,258   

Non-interest income

         

Service charges on deposit accounts

     214         48          262   

Gain (loss) on sale of investment securities

     449                  449   

Gain (loss) on sale of other real estate

     97         (773       (676

Gain on sale of loans

     247                  247   

Gain on sale of fixed assets

     2                  2   

Bargain purchase gain

     906                  906   

Fee income on mortgage loans held for sale, net

     2,843                  2,843   

Other operating income

     596         33          629   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest income

     5,354         (692       4,662   

 

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Table of Contents
     Investar Holding
Corporation
     First Community
Holding  Company
    Combined
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Combined
Pro Forma
 
     Year ended
December 31, 2013
     Four months ended
April 30, 2013

(unaudited)
     

Income before non-interest expense

     23,340         312        268        23,920   

Non-interest expense

         

Salaries and employee benefits

     11,772         1,064        (600 ) (3)      12,236   

Occupancy and equipment expense

     1,899         616        (343 ) (4)      2,172   

Other operating expense

     5,353         548        (240 ) (5)      5,661   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest expense

     19,024         2,228        (1,183     20,069   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     4,316         (1,916     1,451        3,851   

Applicable income tax (benefit)

     1,148         5        156   (6)      1,309   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,168       $ (1,921   $ 1,295      $ 2,542   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

         

Basic

   $ 0.86           $ 0.67   
  

 

 

        

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 0.81           $ 0.63   
  

 

 

        

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

         

Basic

     3,667,929           98,447        3,766,376   

Diluted

     3,923,375           98,582        4,021,957   

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Data

The following pro forma adjustments have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement.

 

  (1) Interest income from loans has been adjusted to estimate the amortization of interest income as if the transaction closed on January 1, 2013.
  (2) Interest expense from deposits has been adjusted to estimate the amortization of interest expense as if the transaction closed on January 1, 2013.
  (3) Salaries and employee benefits have been adjusted for severance expense recorded for the termination of FCB executives in accordance with existing employment contracts.
  (4) Occupancy and equipment expense has been adjusted for the expense incurred from the cancellation of existing FCB data processing contracts and the estimated additional depreciation expense incurred related to the fair value adjustment applied to property, plant and equipment as if the transaction closed on January 1, 2013.
  (5) Other operating expenses have been adjusted for the legal, consulting and information technology expenses incurred by Investar Bank during the merger and the estimated additional amortization for the core deposit intangible as if the transaction had closed on January 1, 2013.
  (6) Adjustment to reflect an effective federal tax rate of 34% of the combined company.

 

A-3-3


Table of Contents

 

 

Shares

 

LOGO

Common Stock

 

 

PROSPECTUS

, 2014

 

 

Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P.                     Sterne Agee

Through and including , 2014 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II–INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable in connection with the sale of shares of common stock being registered. All amounts are estimates, except for the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the NASDAQ Stock Market listing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 5,796   

FINRA filing fee

     6,500   

NASDAQ Stock Market listing fee

     25,000   

Transfer agent and registrar fee

     10,500   

Legal fees and expenses

     700,000   

Accounting fees and expenses

     350,000   

Printing fees and expenses

     162,500   

D&O insurance premium

     25,000   

Miscellaneous

     150,000   

Total

   $ 1,435,296   

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Louisiana Business Corporation Law

Under Section 83 of the Louisiana Business Corporation Law (the “LBCL”), a Louisiana corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another business, foreign or nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise. Indemnified expenses include attorney fees, judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and other expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. In the case of actions by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnity is permitted under Section 83 of the LBCL if the relevant person is determined, in a final non-appealable judgment, to be liable for willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless a court determines otherwise.

If a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action referred to in the previous paragraph or any claim therein, the corporation must indemnify him against expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such matter. Section 83 permits a corporation to pay expenses incurred by the indemnified party in defending an action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition if approved by the board of directors and accompanied by an undertaking by the indemnified party to repay such amounts if it is later determined that he is not entitled to indemnification. Section 83 also authorizes Louisiana corporations to buy liability insurance on behalf of any current or former director, officer, agent or employee. The indemnification and expense advancement provisions contained in Section 83 are not exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, shareholder or director authorization or otherwise.

Investar By-laws

The by-laws of Investar Holding Corporation (“Investar”) contain indemnification provisions that require the company to indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent made party to any proceeding if such person

 

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met the requisite standard of conduct, which is the same as that under the LBCL. Under the by-laws, the determination whether a director or officer met the required standard of conduct is made by Investar’s board of directors or a committee thereof, special legal counsel or by its shareholders. The advancement of expenses is also mandatory under Investar’s by-laws, provided that the director or officer makes deliveries analogous to those required under the LBCL and such advancement is authorized as provided under the LBCL.

Investar’s ability to provide indemnification to its directors and officers is limited by federal banking laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, 12 U.S.C. 1828(k).

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

Effective as of November 15, 2013, Investar consummated a statutory share exchange under Louisiana law with the shareholders of Investar Bank pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Exchange dated August 1, 2013, as amended on September 18, 2013, between Investar and Investar Bank, and a related Plan of Exchange (the “Share Exchange”). The purpose of the Share Exchange, which was approved by the shareholders of Investar Bank at a meeting held on October 31, 2013, was to cause Investar Bank to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investar. At the effective time of the exchange, Investar issued one share of its $1.00 par value common stock for each outstanding share of Investar Bank common stock, and it issued options and warrants to purchase its common stock in exchange for options and warrants to purchase a like number of shares of Investar Bank common stock. In the aggregate, Investar issued 3,945,243 shares of its common stock, options to purchase 30,310 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase 193,498 shares of its common stock. Investar did not receive any cash proceeds as a result of the share exchange, and there were no underwriters associated with the transaction. The issuance of Investar common stock, options and warrants in the Share Exchange was consummated in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(12) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

On February 17, 2014, Investar granted an aggregate of 216,000 stock options and awarded 10,992 shares of restricted stock, which shares are subject to service-based vesting conditions, under the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. 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 in reliance upon the exemption provided by Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Investar did not receive any cash proceeds in connection with these grants and awards.

In the three years prior to the Share Exchange, Investar Bank conducted three offerings of the Bank’s common stock in order to provide capital to support its growth and expansion efforts. In these offerings, Investar Bank sold an aggregate of 1,035,561 shares of its common stock, generating gross proceeds of approximately $17.3 million. There were no underwriters associated with any of these offerings. Because these offerings consisted of the stock of a bank, they were exempt from federal securities registration pursuant to Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement*
  2.1    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”)
  3.1    Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation
  3.2    By-laws of Investar Holding Corporation

 

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  4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate
  5.1    Opinion of Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. regarding legality*
10.1    Investor Holding Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation 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
10.5    Form of Notice of Exchange and Assumption relating to restricted stock exchanged in connection with Agreement and Plan of Exchange
10.6    Form of Notice of Exchange and Assumption relating to warrants exchanged in connection with Agreement and Plan of Exchange
21    Subsidiaries of Investar Holding Corporation
23.1    Consent of Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. (to be included as part of exhibit 5.1)*
23.2    Consent of Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC
23.3    Consent of Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP
24.1    Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration statement)

 

* To be filed by amendment.

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

(b) Financial Statement Schedules

None.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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The registrant hereby further undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in City of Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, on this 15 th day of May, 2014.

 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION
By:   /s/ John. J. D’Angelo,
  John. J. D’Angelo,
  President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, the undersigned directors and officers of Investar Holding Corporation, a Louisiana corporation (“Investar”), do hereby name, constitute and appoint John J. D’Angelo and Randolf F. Kassmeier, and each or either of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), our true and lawful agents and attorneys-in-fact, for us and on our behalf and in our name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute, acknowledge, deliver, and file (a) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any other governmental or regulatory authority), any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any additional registration statements relating to the registration of additional securities pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with any and all exhibits and any and all other documents required to be filed with respect thereto or in connection therewith, and (b) with the securities agencies or officials of various jurisdictions, all applications, qualifications, registrations or exemptions relating to such offering under the laws of any such jurisdiction, including any amendments thereto or other documents required to be filed with respect thereto or in connection therewith, granting unto said agents and attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do if personally present, and the undersigned hereby ratify and confirm all that said agents and attorneys-in-fact, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ John J. D’Angelo

John J. D’Angelo

   President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   May 15, 2014

/s/ Rachel P. Cherco

Rachel P. Cherco

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   May 15, 2014

/s/Christopher L. Hufft

Christopher L. Hufft

   Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)   May 15, 2014

/s/James M. Baker

James M. Baker

   Director   May 15, 2014

 

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/s/ Thomas C. Besselman, Sr.

Thomas C. Besselman, Sr.

   Director   May 15, 2014

/s/ James H. Boyce, III

James H. Boyce, III

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ Robert M. Boyce, Sr.

Robert M. Boyce, Sr.

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ J.E. Brignac, Jr.

J.E. Brignac, Jr.

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ Robert L. Freeman

Robert L. Freeman

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ William H. Hidalgo, Sr.

William H. Hidalgo, Sr.

  

Chairman of the Board

  May 15, 2014

/s/ Gordon H. Joffrion, III

Gordon H. Joffrion, III

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ David J. Lukinovich

David J. Lukinovich

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ Suzanne O. Middleton

Suzanne O. Middleton

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ Andrew C. Nelson, M.D.

Andrew C. Nelson, M.D.

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ James L. Nelson, M.D., FACS

James L. Nelson, M.D., FACS

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ Carl R. Schneider, Jr.

Carl R. Schneider, Jr.

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

/s/ Frank L. Walker

Frank L. Walker

  

Director

  May 15, 2014

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement*
  2.1    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”)
  3.1    Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation
  3.2    By-laws of Investar Holding Corporation
  4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate
  5.1    Opinion of Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. regarding legality*
10.1    Investar Holding Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation 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
10.5    Form of Notice of Exchange and Assumption relating to restricted stock exchanged in connection with Agreement and Plan of Exchange
10.6    Form of Notice of Exchange and Assumption relating to warrants exchanged in connection with Agreement and Plan of Exchange
21    Subsidiaries of Investar Holding Corporation
23.1    Consent of Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. (to be included as part of exhibit 5.1)*
23.2    Consent of Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC
23.3    Consent of Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP
24.1    Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration statement)

 

* To be filed by amendment.

Exhibit 2.1

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF EXCHANGE

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF EXCHANGE (the “Exchange Plan”) is entered into on August 1, 2013 by and between Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”), on the one hand, and Investar Bank (the “Bank”), on the other.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company is a business corporation organized and validly existing under the Louisiana Business Corporation Law;

WHEREAS, the Bank is a financial institution organized and validly existing under the Louisiana Banking Law;

WHEREAS, the Company is willing to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Bank pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Exchange Plan;

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank have respectively determined that it would be desirable and in the best interests of their respective institutions and shareholders for the Bank to be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, and provisions contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions set forth herein, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:

SECTION 1: EXCHANGE AND CLOSING.

1.1 Exchange . Subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Exchange Plan, the Company and the Bank will execute and file articles of share exchange (the “Articles of Share Exchange”), pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of $1.00 par value common stock of the Bank (“Bank Common Stock”) in exchange for shares of its $1.00 par value Common Stock (“Company Common Stock”) and pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding warrants of the Bank (“Bank Warrants”) in exchange for its warrants (“Company Warrants”), hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Exchange”.

1.2 The Closing . The “Closing” of the Exchange will take place at the main banking office of Investar Bank in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 a.m., Central Standard Time, on a mutually agreeable date as soon as practicable following satisfaction of the conditions in Section 6 hereof. The date on which the Closing occurs is herein called the “Closing Date.” If all conditions in Section 6 hereof are satisfied, at the Closing (i) the Company, on the one hand, and the Bank, on the other hand, shall each provide to the other such proof of satisfaction of the conditions in Section 6 as the party whose obligations are conditioned upon such satisfaction may reasonably request, (ii) the appropriate parties and/or officers of the parties shall execute, deliver, and acknowledge the Articles of Share Exchange, and (iii) the parties shall take such further action as is required to consummate the share exchange transaction contemplated by this Exchange Plan and the Articles of Share Exchange.

1.3 The Effective Date and Time . As soon as practicable following the Closing, the Articles of Share Exchange shall be filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State as provided by law and the Exchange will be effective at the time specified in a certificate or other written record issued by the Secretary of State. The date on which and the time at which the Exchange becomes effective are herein referred to as the “Effective Date” and the “Effective Time,” respectively.

 

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1.4 Effect of Exchange . At the Effective Time, all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank Common Stock will be exchanged for shares of Company Common Stock at the ratio of one-for-one (1:1) and all of the issued and outstanding Bank Warrants will be exchanged for Company Warrants at the ratio of one-for-one (1:1) and thereupon cancelled.

1.5 Method of Effecting Exchange . This Exchange Plan shall be submitted to the shareholders of the Bank for their approval. If such approval is given, then the fact of such approval shall be certified on the Articles of Share Exchange by the respective Secretaries of the Company and the Bank, and the Articles of Share Exchange, so approved and certified, shall, as soon as is practical, be executed and acknowledged by the Presidents or Vice-Presidents of both the Company and the Bank. As soon as may be practicable thereafter, an original, so certified, signed and acknowledged, shall be delivered to the Louisiana Secretary of State for filing in the manner required by law.

SECTION 2: CONVERSION OF STOCK.

2.1 Conversion of Shares . Except for shares as to which dissenters’ rights have been perfected and not withdrawn or otherwise forfeited under Section 376 of the Louisiana Banking Law (the “LBL”), on the Effective Date, by reason of the Exchange, every one (1) share of the issued and outstanding shares of Bank Common Stock shall be converted into the right to receive one (1) whole share of Company Common Stock.

2.2 Certificates for Shares . After the Effective Time, each holder of an outstanding certificate or certificates theretofore representing shares of Bank Common Stock, (other than shares as to which dissenters’ rights have been perfected and not withdrawn or otherwise forfeited under Section 376 of the LBL), upon surrender thereof to the Company, shall be entitled to receive a certificate or certificates representing the whole number of shares of Company Common Stock into which such shares have been exchanged as provided in Subsection 2.1 . Until so surrendered, each outstanding certificate shall be deemed for all purposes to represent the right to receive the number of shares of Company Common Stock into which the shares represented by such certificate shall have been exchanged pursuant to Subsection 2.1, but the holder of such certificate shall have no other rights with respect thereto. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Company nor the Bank will be liable to any former holder of Bank Common Stock with respect to any amount delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws. In the event that any certificate representing shares of Bank Common Stock will have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Company, the posting by such person of a bond in such amount as the Company may determine is necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such certificate, the Company will deliver in exchange for the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate the consideration due to such person pursuant to this Agreement.

2.3 Fractional Shares . No fractional shares of any class or series of Company Stock will be issued as a consequence of this Exchange. In lieu of fractional shares, holders of shares of Bank Common Stock that would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share interest shall be paid an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the Fair Value (as defined below) per share of Bank Common Stock multiplied by (ii) the fraction of a share of Company Common Stock that would otherwise have been issued. For purposes of this Agreement, “Fair Value” per share means the appraised value of the Bank Common Stock as determined by the most recent (not older than 12 months) appraisal by an independent, qualified investment banking firm or financial consultant satisfactory to the Board of Directors of the Bank in its sole discretion, using such methodologies as the appraiser deems reasonable.

 

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SECTION 3: CONVERSION OF WARRANTS.

3.1 Conversion of Warrants . On the Effective Date, by reason of the Exchange, each of the issued and outstanding Bank Warrants shall be converted into the right to receive one (1) whole warrant of Company Warrants and all of the issued and outstanding Bank Warrants shall thereupon be cancelled.

3.2 Certificates for Warrants . After the Effective Time, each holder of an outstanding certificate or certificates theretofore representing Bank Warrants, upon surrender thereof to the Company, shall be entitled to receive a certificate or certificates representing the whole number of Company Warrants into which such Bank Warrants have been exchanged as provided in Subsection 3.1 . Until so surrendered, each outstanding certificate shall be deemed for all purposes to represent the right to receive the number of Company Warrants into which the warrants represented by such certificate shall have been exchanged pursuant to Subsection 3.1 , but the holder of such certificate shall have no other rights with respect thereto.

SECTION 4: REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COMPANY.

The Company represents and warrants and states as follows:

4.1 Organization and Qualification . The Company is a business corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Louisiana. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its property and to carry on its business as it is currently being conducted.

4.2 Capital Stock . The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 40,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value common stock (the “Company Common Stock”), none of which are issued and outstanding, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which are issued and outstanding.

4.3 Absence of Certain Changes .

(a) Since inception (Execution of Articles of Incorporation on September 24, 2009; Filed and Recorded in Office of Secretary of State September 25, 2009), there have not been, and prior to the Closing Date there will not be, any material changes in the financial position of the Company, except changes arising in the ordinary course of business.

(b) The Company is not involved in any pending litigation or governmental investigation or proceeding not otherwise disclosed in writing which, in the opinion of the management of the Company, might result in any materially adverse change in the assets, condition, affairs or prospects of the Company.

4.4 Corporate Authorizations . The execution and performance of this Exchange Plan, and the exchange of shares of Company Stock and the exchange of Company Warrants contemplated hereby have been authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. Subject to the approval of this Exchange Plan by the shareholders of the Bank in accordance with law, all corporate acts and other corporate proceedings required of the Company for the due and valid authorization, execution, delivery, and performance of this Exchange Plan and consummation of the Exchange have been validly and appropriately taken. Subject to such shareholder approval and to any conditions imposed in connection therewith as are required by law, this Exchange Plan and the Exchange are legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Company, and are enforceable against it in accordance with the respective terms of such instruments, except that enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, conservatorship, receivership and other similar laws and court decisions relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles and by provisions of United States and Louisiana laws relating to deceptive practices, misstatements

 

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or omissions of material facts in the sale of securities, fraud, and gross fault. Neither the execution, delivery, or performance of this Exchange Plan, nor the consummation of the exchange transaction contemplated hereby will (i) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice of lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination of or accelerate the performance required by, or (iv) result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge, or encumbrance upon any of its properties or assets under, any of the terms, conditions, or provisions of its articles of incorporation or charter or by-laws or any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, lease, license, contract, agreement, or other instrument or obligation to or by which it or any of its assets is bound; or violate any law or any order, writ, injunction, decree, stature, rule, or regulation of any governmental body applicable to it or any of its assets.

4.5 Legality of Securities . At the Effective Date and Time, the shares of Company Common Stock to be exchanged for all of the issued and outstanding shares of Bank Common Stock will constitute valid and legally issued shares of Company Common Stock, fully paid and non-assessable. At the Effective Date and Time, the Company Warrants to be exchanged for all of the issued and outstanding Bank Warrants will constitute valid and legally issued Company Warrants.

4.6 Investment Intent . The securities of each respective class and series of the Bank are being acquired by the Company solely to facilitate the acquisition of the Bank as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and there is no present intention on the part of the Company to otherwise dispose of such securities.

SECTION 5: REPRESENTATIONS OF THE BANK

The Bank represents and warrants and states as follows:

5.1 Organization and Qualification . The Bank is a financial institution organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Louisiana. The Bank has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its property and to carry on its business as it is currently being conducted.

5.2 Capital Stock; Other Interests . The authorized capital stock of the Bank consists of 10,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value common stock (the “Bank Common Stock”), of which 3,917,979.78 shares are issued and outstanding, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which are issued and outstanding.

 

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5.3 Financial Statements . The Bank’s annual financial statements dated December 31, 2012, (the “Financial Statements”), are true and complete statements, as of such date, of the Bank’s financial condition and otherwise fairly present the results of its operations for such periods; there are no substantial liabilities, either fixed or contingent, not reflected in the Financial Statements other than contracts or obligations in the usual course of business; and no such contracts or obligations in the usual course of business are liens or other liabilities which, if disclosed, would alter substantially the financial condition of the Bank as reflected in the Financial Statements.

5.4 Absence of Certain Changes .

(a) Since January 1, 2013, there have not been, and prior to the Closing Date there will not be, any material changes in the financial position of the Bank, except changes arising in the ordinary course of business.

(b) The Bank is not involved in any pending litigation or governmental investigation or proceeding not reflected in its Financial Statements or otherwise disclosed in writing which, in the opinion of the management of the Bank, might result in any material adverse change in the assets, condition, affairs or prospects of the Bank.

5.5 Corporate Authorizations . The execution and performance of this Exchange Plan and the acquisition of the Bank by the Company pursuant to an exchange of shares contemplated hereby have been authorized by the Board of Directors of the Bank. Subject to the approval of this Exchange Plan by the shareholders of the Bank in accordance with law, all corporate acts and other corporate proceedings required of the Bank for the due and valid authorization, execution, delivery, and performance of this Exchange Plan and consummation of the Exchange have been validly and appropriately taken. Subject to such shareholder approval and any conditions imposed in connection therewith as are required by law, this Exchange Plan and the Exchange are legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Bank, and are enforceable against it in accordance with the respective terms of such instruments, except that enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, conservatorship, receivership and other similar laws and court decisions relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles and by provisions of United States and Louisiana laws relating to deceptive practices, misstatements or omissions of material facts in the sale of securities, fraud, and gross fault. Neither the execution, delivery, or performance of this Exchange Plan, nor the consummation of the share exchange transaction contemplated hereby will (i) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice of lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination of or accelerate the performance required by, or (iv) result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge, or encumbrance upon any of its properties or assets under, any of the terms, conditions, or provisions of its articles of incorporation or charter or by-laws or any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, lease, license, contract, agreement, or other instrument or obligation to or by which it or any of its assets is bound; or violate any law or any order, writ, injunction, decree, stature, rule, or regulation of any governmental body applicable to it or any of its assets.

 

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5.6 Legality of Securities . At the Effective Date and Time, the outstanding shares of Bank Common Stock, to be exchanged for shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to this Exchange Plan, will constitute valid and legally issued shares of the Bank, fully paid and, except as provided in La. R.S. 6:262, non-assessable.

SECTION 6: COVENANTS AND CONDUCT OF PARTIES PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE

The parties covenant and agree:

6.1 Cooperation and Best Efforts . Each party will cooperate with the other party and use its best efforts to (a) procure all necessary consents and approvals, (b) complete all necessary filings, registrations, and certificates, (c) satisfy all requirements prescribed by law for, and all conditions set forth in this Exchange Plan to, the consummation of the Exchange, and (d) effect the share exchange transaction contemplated by this Exchange Plan.

6.2 Preparation of Proxy Statement . To the extent necessary, each party will cooperate in the preparation of a proxy statement of the Bank (the “Proxy Statement”) which complies in substance with the disclosure requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and other applicable federal and state laws, for the purpose of submitting this Exchange Plan and the share exchange transaction contemplated hereby to the Bank’s shareholders for approval. Each party will as promptly as practicable after the date hereof furnish all such data and information relating to it as the other party may reasonably request for the purpose of including such data and information in the Proxy Statement.

6.3 Press Releases . The Company and the Bank will cooperate with each other in the preparation and dissemination of any press release announcing the execution of this Exchange Plan or the consummation of the share exchange transaction contemplated hereby. Neither the Company nor the Bank will issue any press release or other written statement for general circulation relating to the share exchange transaction contemplated hereby unless approved in advance, in writing, by the parties.

6.4 Preservation of Business . The Bank will use its best efforts to preserve the possession and control of all of its assets other than those consumed or disposed of for value in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to the terms of this Exchange Plan, to preserve the goodwill of its customers and others having business relations with it and to do nothing knowingly to impair its ability to keep and preserve its business as it exists on the date of this Exchange Plan.

6.5 Bank Shareholder Approval . The Bank’s Board of Directors shall submit this Exchange Plan to its shareholders for approval in accordance with the LBL at a meeting of shareholders duly called and convened for that purpose as soon as practicable.

 

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SECTION 7: CONDITIONS OF CLOSING.

7.1 Conditions of All Parties . The obligations of each of the parties hereto to consummate the Exchange are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions at or prior to the Closing:

(a) Shareholder Approval . This Exchange Plan shall have been duly approved by the shareholders of the Bank.

(b) No Restraining Action . No action or proceeding shall have been threatened or instituted before a court or other governmental body to restrain or prohibit the transaction contemplated by this Exchange Plan or to obtain damages or other relief in connection with the execution of such agreements or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; and no governmental agency shall have given notice to any party hereto to the effect that consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Exchange Plan would constitute a violation of any law or that it intends to commence proceedings to restrain consummation of the Exchange.

(c) Statutory Requirements . All statutory requirements for the valid consummation of the share exchange transaction contemplated by this Exchange Plan shall have been fulfilled.

(d) Regulatory Requirements . The terms of all requisite regulatory orders, consents, and approvals shall then permit the effectuation of the Exchange without imposing any material conditions with respect thereto except for any such conditions that are acceptable to the parties.

7.2 Waiver of Conditions . Any condition to a party’s obligations hereunder may be waived by that party, other than the conditions specified in subparagraphs (a), (c), and (d) of subsection 7.1 .

7.3 Adoption of Warrant Plan . The Company shall adopt the Warrant Resolutions of the Bank and fully assume the obligations thereunder.

SECTION 8: TERMINATION

8.1 Termination . This Exchange Plan may be terminated at any time before the time at which the Exchange becomes effective by the mutual consent of the respective boards of directors of the Company and the Bank.

8.2 Effect of Termination . Upon termination of this Exchange Plan pursuant to this Section 8, this Exchange Plan shall be void and of no effect, and there shall be no liability by reason of this Exchange Plan, or the termination thereof, on the part of any party or their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, or shareholders.

 

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SECTION 9: MISCELLANEOUS.

9.1 Notices . Any notice, communication, request, reply, advice, or disclosure (hereinafter severally and collectively called “notice”) required or permitted to be given or made by any party to another in connection with this Exchange Plan or the share exchange transaction herein or therein contemplated must be in writing and may be given or served by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, or by delivering the same to the address of the person or entity to be notified, or by sending the same by a national commercial courier service (such as Federal Express, Emery Air Freight, Network Courier, Purolator, or the like) for next-day delivery provided such delivery is confirmed in writing by such courier. Notice deposited in the mail in the manner hereinabove described shall be effective 48 hours after such deposit, and notice delivered in person or by commercial courier shall be effective at the time of delivery. A party delivering notice shall endeavor to obtain a receipt therefor. For purposes of notice, the addresses of the parties shall, until changed as hereinafter provided, be as follows:

 

Investar Holding Corporation    Investar Bank
7244 Perkins Road    7244 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808    Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
Attn: Mr. John D’Angelo    Attn: Mr. Randolf F. Kassmeier

or such substituted persons or addresses of which any of the parties may give notice to the other in writing.

9.2 Waiver . The failure by any party to enforce any of its rights hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such rights, unless such waiver is an expressed written waiver which has been signed by the waiving party and expressly approved by it or its Board of Directors.

9.3 Headings. The headings in this Exchange Plan have been included solely for reference and shall not be considered in the interpretation or construction of this Exchange Plan.

9.4 Choice of Law . The validity of this Exchange Plan, the construction of its terms and the determination of the rights and duties of the parties hereto in accordance therewith shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and those of the State of Louisiana applicable to contracts made and to be performed wholly within this State.

9.5 Amendment. The parties may, by mutual agreement, amend, modify, or supplement this Exchange Plan in such manner as may be agreed upon by the parties in writing, at any time before approval of this Exchange Plan and the share exchange transaction contemplated hereby by the shareholders of the Bank. This Exchange Plan may be amended at any time and, as amended, restated by the respective designees of the respective parties without the necessity for approval by the Boards of Directors or shareholders, where applicable, to correct typographical errors or to change erroneous reference or cross references, or in any other manner which is not material to the substance of the share exchange transaction contemplated hereby.

 

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9.6 Entire Agreement . This Exchange Plan constitutes the entire contract between the parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and no party shall be liable or bound to the other in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants except as specifically set forth herein. Nothing in this Exchange Plan, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other than the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Exchange Plan, except as expressly provided herein. In the event any provision of this Exchange Plan shall for any reason be held invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Exchange Plan shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Exchange Plan as of the date first above written.

 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John J. D’Angelo

  John J. D’Angelo, President
Attest:  

/s/ Randolf F . Kassmeier

  Randolf F . Kassmeier, Secretary
INVESTAR BANK
By:  

/s/ William H. Hidalgo

  William H. Hidalgo, Chairman
Attest:   

/s/ Randolf F. Kassmeier

  Randolf F. Kassmeier, Secretary

 

9


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF EXCHANGE

AMENDMENT

THIS AMENDMENT (the “Amendment”) is made to that certain Agreement and Plan of Exchange dated August 1, 2013, by and between Investar Holding Corporation, on the one hand, and Investar bank, on the other (the “Exchange Plan”), to be effective as of the effectiveness of such Exchange Plan, as if originally incorporated therein.

 

  1. The following Section 3.A shall be added to the exchange Plan to read in its entirety as follows:

“SECTION 3.A CONVERSION OF BANK LEGACY OPTIONS.

3.A.1 Bank Legacy Options. As used herein, the term “Bank Legacy Options” shall mean those options to acquire Bank Common Stock unexercised and outstanding as of the date thereof, which options were assumed by the Bank in connection with the merger of South Louisiana Business Bank with and into the Bank pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Bank and South Louisiana Business Bank dated as of June 1, 2011.

3.A.2 Conversion of Bank Legacy Options. On the Effective Date, by reason of the Exchange, each Bank Legacy Option shall be converted to an option to acquire one (1) share of Company Common Stock (a “Company Legacy Option”), and all of the unexercised and outstanding Bank Legacy Options shall thereupon be cancelled.

3.A.3 Issuance of Legacy Option Agreements; Adoption of Legacy Option Assumption Plan. The Company shall adopt a Legacy Option Assumption Plan, which plan shall set forth the material terms and conditions applicable to the Company Legacy Options, provided that such terms and conditions shall, except as provided herein, be substantially identical to those presently applicable to the Bank Legacy Options, and the Company shall issue to each holder thereof a Legacy Option Agreement containing such terms and conditions as the Company deems necessary or advisable.

3.A.4 Exchange. For purposes of the Exchange contemplated under Section 1 of the Exchange Plan, and except as may be otherwise provided herein, Bank Legacy Options shall be treated in a manner consistent with the holders of Bank Warrants.”

 

  2. Except as provided herein, the terms of the Exchange Plan are otherwise ratified and confirmed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment to the Exchange Plan as of the dates set forth below, to be effective as provided herein.

 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION,

a Louisiana corporation

   

INVESTAR BANK,

a Louisiana bank

By:  

/s/ John J. D’Angelo

   

/s/ William H. Hidalgo

Name: John J. D’Angelo

Title: Chief Executive Officer

   

Name: William H. Hidalgo, Sr.

Title: Chairman of the Board

 

10

Exhibit 3.1

STATE OF LOUISIANA

PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE

RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT KNOWN, that on this 6th day of November, 2013, before me, Notary Public, duly qualified and commissioned IN AND FOR THE AFORESAID Parish and State, and the undersigned competent witnesses, personally came and appeared John J. D’Angelo, herein appearing and acting in his capacity as President of Investar Holding Corporation, a Louisiana corporation, and validly existing under the Louisiana Business Corporation Law, for the purpose of executing as his authentic act these Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation:

AND SAID APPEARER further declared that these Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation accurately copy the Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation dated September 24, 2009, and all amendments thereto in effect as of the date hereof, without substantive change, except for the following amendments made and reflected in these Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation: (i) an amendment to Article IV to provide that the preferred stock has no par value and to further amend Article IV as set forth hereinbelow; (ii) an amendment to Article VI with respect to the manner in which the Board of Directors and any committees thereof may conduct business by means of conference telephone or similar means of communication and the deletion of the language regarding extensions of credit; (iii) an amendment to Article VII to specify the required and permitted officers of the corporation and deleting language with respect to the appointment of attorneys, others agents and officers; (iv) an amendment to delete Article IX with respect to the calling of annual or special meetings of the shareholders of this Financial Institution; (v) an amendment to delete from old Article X now Article IX language regarding the voting rights of preferred stock and the vote required in connection with the merger, consolidation, share exchange or amendment to the Articles of Incorporation; (vi) an amendment adding new Article X which specifies the voting requirements for certain extraordinary organizational and business events involving the corporation; (vii) an amendment to delete old Articles XI and XII of the Articles of Incorporation; and (viii) an amendment deleting the provisions in old Article XIII now Article XI regarding the indemnification of directors, advisory directors, officers and employees of the corporation (collectively, the “Amendments”);

AND SAID APPEARER further declared that, the shareholders of the corporation acting by unanimous written consent adopted resolutions adopting and approving this restatement of the Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation and the Amendments effected by this restatement;

AND SAID APPEARER further declared that each Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation has been effected in conformity with law;

AND SAID APPEARER further declared that the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Investar Holding Corporation shall be as follows:


ARTICLE I.

This corporation shall be known as and its title is declared to be INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION, and under this name, style and title, it shall have and enjoy corporate succession perpetually from the date hereof, unless sooner dissolved according to law.

This corporation shall have a corporate seal which may be altered at pleasure, and shall use the same by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner reproduced; but failure to affix a seal shall not affect the validity of any instrument.

ARTICLE II.

The parish of domicile of this corporation shall be the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana.

ARTICLE III.

The objects and purposes of this corporation are to carry on, conduct and engage in any lawful activity for which business corporations may be organized, as is now or may hereafter be authorized by law, and to do any and all things incidental thereto.

ARTICLE IV.

The maximum number of shares of capital stock of this corporation that may be issued from time to time by action of the Board of Directors is 45,000,000 shares, of which 40,000,000 shares shall be $1.00 par value common stock and 5,000,000 shares shall be preferred stock, no par value.

Without necessity of action by the shareholders, the authorized shares of capital stock of this corporation may be issued, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions, for such consideration and on such other terms and conditions as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. Upon payment or delivery of the consideration fixed by the Board of Directors for newly issued shares of capital stock, such shares shall be deemed fully paid for. This corporation shall not be obligated to issue certificates for fractional shares.

Shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, with such designations, voting powers, preferences, dividend or redemption rights or other relative rights or restrictions, limitations or qualifications and as shall be stated and expressed in an amendment to these articles of incorporation adopted by the Board of Directors. Each such series of preferred stock shall be distinctly designated. The designations, voting powers, preferences, dividend or redemption rights or other relative rights or restrictions, limitations or qualifications may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. The Board of Directors is hereby expressly granted authority to fix the designations, voting powers, preferences, dividend or redemption rights or other relative rights or restrictions, limitations or qualifications, for any and all such series, including without limitation the following: (i) the distinctive designation of and the number of shares of preferred stock that shall constitute such series; provided that such number may be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) from time

 

2


to time by like action of the Board of Directors; (ii) the rate and time at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, dividends, if any, on shares of preferred stock of such series shall be paid, the extent of the preference or relation, if any, of such dividends to the dividends payable on any other series of preferred stock or any other class of capital stock and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative; (iii) the right, if any, of the holders of preferred stock of such series to convert the same into, or exchange the same, for shares of any other class of capital stock or any series of any class of capital stock and the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (iv) whether shares of preferred stock of such series shall be subject to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the time or times at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the shares of preferred stock of such series may be redeemed; (v) the rights, if any, of the holders of preferred stock of such series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation of this corporation; and (vi) the terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase account, if any, to be provided for the preferred stock of such series.

No transfer of shares of capital stock shall be binding upon this corporation unless recorded on its books and records or the books and records of its transfer agent.

This corporation may repurchase or redeem its shares of capital stock in a manner and on the conditions permitted and provided under and as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, and any shares repurchased may be reissued or canceled as the Board of Directors may determine.

The shareholders of this corporation shall not have preemptive rights.

ARTICLE V.

The name and address of the incorporator of this corporation is John J. D’Angelo, 7244 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808.

ARTICLE VI.

The business and the affairs of this corporation and all of the corporate powers thereof shall be vested in and shall be exercised exclusively by a Board of Directors, composed of not less than five (5) nor more than thirty (30) persons. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any and all business, and the acts of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the acts of the Board of Directors.

Any Director absent from a meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be represented by any other Director or shareholder, who may cast the vote of the absent Director by proxy according to the written instructions, general or special, of the absent Director.

The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees as it may deem necessary and proper, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of this corporation (and one or more directors may be named as alternate members to replace any absent or disqualified regular members), which, to the extent provided by resolution of the Board or in these articles of incorporation or the bylaws, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in

 

3


the management of the business and affairs of this corporation, and may have power to authorize the seal of this corporation to be affixed to documents. Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be stated in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, or as may be determined, from time to time, by the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any such committee shall be filled by the Board of Directors, but the president may designate another director to serve on the committee pending action by the Board. Each such committee shall hold office during the term of the Board constituting it, unless otherwise ordered by the Board. The designation of and delegation of authority to a committee shall not relieve the directors of any responsibility imposed on them by law.

Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken by a consent in writing signed by all of the Directors or by all members of the committee, and filed with the records of proceedings of the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in and hold meetings by means of conference telephone or other similar means of communication, provided that all persons participating in the meeting can hear and communicate with each other.

Any vacancy that may exist or occur among the Directors, either by death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled by election by the remaining directors, and any director or directors so elected to fill any vacancy, shall hold office until the next regular election or until their successor or successors shall be elected and qualified.

ARTICLE VII.

The Board of Directors of this corporation shall elect a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and may elect a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer and one or more Vice Presidents. Any two of these offices may be combined in one person, provided that no person holding more than one office may sign in more than one capacity any certificate or other instrument required by law to be signed by two officers.

ARTICLE VIII.

The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend and alter by-laws for the government of this corporation not inconsistent with the provisions of law or these articles of incorporation.

ARTICLE IX.

In all matters to be voted upon by shareholders including the election of directors, each shareholder of record shall be entitled to one (1) vote, either in person or by proxy, for each share of common stock outstanding in his/her/its name on the books of this corporation. Cumulative voting is prohibited and the Directors shall be elected by plurality vote.

ARTICLE X.

 

  1. The vote of two-thirds of the voting power present in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting of shareholders shall be required to amend the articles of incorporation of this corporation.

 

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  2. Except as otherwise provided in the Louisiana Business Corporation Law, the vote of two-thirds of the voting power present in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting of shareholders shall be required in connection with a merger, consolidation or share exchange to which this corporation is a party.

 

  3. The vote of two-thirds of the total voting power of this corporation at a special meeting of the shareholders shall be required to dissolve or to sell, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of this corporation.

ARTICLE XI.

Neither the incorporators nor the shareholders shall ever be held liable for the contracts of this corporation, nor shall any informality or defect in organization of this corporation have the effect of rendering these articles of incorporation null or of making the incorporators or shareholders personally liable for any of the acts of this corporation.

The directors and officers of this corporation shall have no personal liability to this corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer. This provision shall not eliminate or limit the personal liability of any director or any officer (a) for any breach of the directors’ or officers’ duty of loyalty to this corporation or its shareholders; (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of a law; (c) for liability under Section 92(D) of the Louisiana Business Corporation Law; or (d) for any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit.

THUS DONE AND PASSED, in my office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the 6th day of November, 2013, in the presence of the two undersigned competent witnesses, who hereunto sign their names with the said appearer and me, Notary, after reading of the whole.

WITNESSES:

 

/s/ Patrice Theriot

     

/s/ John J. D’Angelo

Name: Patrice Theriot       John J. D’Angelo, President of Investar
      Holding Corporation

/s/ Denise Landry

     
Name: Denise Landry      

        /s/ Angela Powell                                                 

NOTARY PUBLIC

      Name:   Angela Powell                                                             

My Commission expires at my death.

Notarial ID/Bar Roll #:79745

 

5

Exhibit 3.2

BY-LAWS

OF

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

Article One: Shareholders

1.01 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the shareholders of Investar Holding Corporation (the “Corporation”) for the election of Directors and the transaction of whatever other business may properly come before the meeting shall be held on the third Wednesday of May of each year or such other date selected by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall select the time and place for the annual meeting. Notice of such meeting shall be mailed, postage prepaid, at least ten (10) days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to the date of the annual meeting, addressed to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting at such shareholder’s last known address.

1.02 Special Meetings. Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, special meetings of the shareholders may be called for any purpose at any time by the Board of Directors, the President, or by any shareholder or shareholders, owning, in the aggregate, not less than twenty- five percent of the stock of the Corporation. Notice of such meeting shall be mailed, postage prepaid, not less than ten (10) days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting, addressed to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting at his/her last known address. The notice for the special meeting of shareholders shall state the purpose of or the business to be transacted at the special meeting.

1.03 Judges of Election. All matters voted upon at any annual meeting of shareholders or special meeting of shareholders shall be managed by three (3) Judges of election, who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Judges of election shall tabulate the votes on all matters voted upon by the shareholders. They shall file with the Secretary a Certificate under their hands, certifying the result of all matters voted upon by the shareholders of the Corporation.

1.04 Quorum. The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders. The shareholders present or represented at a duly organized meeting shall constitute a quorum and may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum or the refusal of any shareholders present to vote. Adjournments of any annual or special meeting of shareholders may be taken without new notice being given unless a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, but any meeting at which directors are to be elected shall be adjourned only from day-to-day until such directors have been elected. In case of any meeting called for the election of directors, those who attend the second of such adjourned meetings, although less than a quorum, shall nevertheless constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing directors. At any reconvening of an adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented any business may be transacted which could have been transacted at the original meeting, if a quorum had been present or represented.


1.05 Majority Vote. If a quorum is present in person or represented by proxy at any meeting, a majority of the votes actually cast shall decide any matter properly brought before a shareholders meeting organized for the transaction of business unless the question is one on which a different vote is required by express provision of law, the Articles of Incorporation, or the By-Laws. In that event, such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

1.06 Method of Voting; Proxies. Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, every shareholder of record shall be entitled at every meeting of shareholders to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote, for every share standing in such shareholder’s name on the stock transfer books of the Corporation. Such books shall be prima facie evidence as to the identity of shareholders entitled to vote. At any meeting of shareholders, every shareholder having the right to vote may vote either in person or by a proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by such shareholder’s duly authorized attorney- in-fact. A shareholder may authorize another person or persons to act for him as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy, or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service or organization, or like-agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy who receives such transmission, provided, however, any such telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission shall be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was authorized by the shareholder. Each such proxy shall be filed with the Secretary of the Corporation before or at the time of the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven (11) months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Each proxy shall be revocable unless expressly provided therein to be irrevocable or unless otherwise made irrevocable by law.

1.07 Record Date. For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting, or to receive a dividend, or to receive or exercise subscription or other rights, or to participate in a reclassification of stock, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the Board of Directors may fix in advance a record date for determination of shareholders for such purpose, such date to be not more than sixty (60) and, if fixed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting, nor less than ten (10) days prior to the date on which the action requiring the determination of shareholders is to be taken.

1.08 Presiding Officials at Meeting. The Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President shall preside at and the Secretary shall prepare minutes of each meeting of shareholders.

1.09 Voting List. At any meeting of shareholders, a list of shareholders entitled to vote, arranged alphabetically and certified by the Secretary or by the agent of the Corporation having charge of transfer of shares, showing the number and class of shares held by each shareholder on the record date for the meeting shall be produced on the request of any shareholder. This list shall be prima facie evidence of the ownership of shares of the Corporation and of the right of the shareholders listed therein to vote.


Article Two: Directors

2.01 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”), shall have the power to manage and administer the business and affairs of the Corporation. Except as expressly limited by law or the Articles of Incorporation, all corporate powers of the Corporation shall be vested in and may be exercised by the Board.

2.02 Number; Election Term. The number of Directors which shall constitute the entire Board shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors at any meeting thereof, or by the shareholders at any meeting thereof, but shall never be less than five (5) nor more than thirty (30). At each annual meeting of shareholders, Directors shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified.

2.03 Removal. The shareholders, by vote of a majority of the total voting power at any special meeting called for the purpose, may remove from office, with or without cause, any one or more of the directors, notwithstanding that his, her or their terms of office may not have expired, and may forthwith at such meeting proceed to elect a successor for the unexpired term. The Board of Directors may declare vacant the office of a director: (a) if he/she is interdicted or adjudicated an incompetent; (b) if he/she is adjudicated a bankrupt; (c) if he/she becomes incapacitated by illness or other infirmity to perform his or her duties for a period of six months or longer; or (d) if he/she ceases at any time to have the qualifications required by these By-Laws.

2.04 Vacancies; Increases in Number. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors (including by death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, including any vacancy resulting from an increase in the authorized number of Directors or from failure of the shareholders to elect the full number of authorized Directors) may be filled for an unexpired term by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Directors, even though not constituting a quorum, provided that the shareholders shall have the right, at any special meeting called for the purpose prior to such action by the Board to fill the vacancy.

2.05 Organizational Meeting. The Secretary, upon receiving the certificate of the Judges of election, of the result of any election, shall notify the Directors-elect of their election, and of the time at which they are required to meet at a location specified by the Secretary for the purpose of organizing the new Board and electing and appointing officers of the Corporation for the succeeding year. Such meeting shall be held on the day of the election or as soon thereafter as practicable, and, in any event, within thirty days thereof. If, at the time fixed for such meeting, there shall not be a quorum present, the Directors present may adjourn the meeting, from time to time, until a quorum is obtained.

2.06 Regular Meetings. The regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held, without notice, on the third Wednesday of each month at such place as may be designated. When any regular meeting of the Board falls upon a holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next banking business day unless the Board shall designate some other day.


2.07 Special Meetings. A special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or at the request of three (3) or more Directors on such date and at such time and place as such person(s) shall designate in the notice of such special meeting. The Directors calling any special meeting shall cause notice of such special meeting to be given to each Director not less than two (2) days prior to the date of such meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of any special meeting.

2.08 Quorum; Majority Vote. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

If a quorum is present when the meeting is convened, the Directors present may continue to do business, taking action by a vote of a majority of a quorum, until adjournment, notwithstanding withdrawal of enough Directors to leave less than a quorum, or the refusal of any Director present to vote. If a quorum is not present at a meeting, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present. The vote of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is in attendance shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

2.09 Procedure; Minutes. At meetings of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. The Board of Directors shall appoint at each meeting a person to preside at the meeting and a person to act as secretary of the meeting. The secretary of the meeting shall prepare minutes of the meeting which shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation for placement in the minute books of the Corporation.

2.10 Compensation. Directors, in their capacity as Directors, may receive, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attending meetings of the Board of Directors or of any committee of the Board of Directors or a stated salary. No Director shall be precluded from serving the Corporation in any other capacity or receiving compensation therefor.

2.11 Honorary, Emeritus and Advisory Directors . The Board of Directors may by resolution, appoint honorary, emeritus or advisory Directors. The number and compensation for those Directors may be fixed by the Board. Honorary emeritus or advisory Directors shall hold no voting power on the Board. Any listing of such honorary, advisory or emeritus Directors must distinguish those Directors from the Corporation’s Board of Directors or indicate their advisory status.


2.12 Functioning of the Board of Directors During an Emergency . The following emergency By-Laws, subject to repeal or change by action of the Board of Directors or the shareholders, shall be operative during any emergency resulting from an attack on the United States or on a locality in which the Corporation conducts its business or customarily holds meetings of its Board of Directors or its shareholders, or during any nuclear or atomic disaster, or during the existence of any catastrophe or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors or a standing committee thereof cannot readily be convened for action.

 

  (1) A meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any Officer or Director through such means of communication as are most reasonable and practicable in the circumstances;

 

  (2) The Director or Directors in attendance at the meeting shall constitute a quorum;

 

  (3) The Officers or other persons designated on a list approved by the Board of Directors before the emergency, all in such order of priority and subject to such conditions and for such period of time (not longer than reasonably necessary after the termination of the emergency) as may be provided in these By-Laws or in the resolution approving the list, shall, to the extent required to provide a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors, be deemed directors for such meeting;

 

  (4) The Board of Directors, either before or during any such emergency, may provide, and from time to time modify, lines of succession in the event that during such emergency any or all Officers of the Corporation shall for any reason be rendered incapable of discharging their duties; and may either before or during any such emergency, effective during the emergency, change the head office or designate several alternative head offices or regional offices, or authorize the Officers to do so;

 

  (5) Notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an emergency need be given only to such of the Directors as it may be feasible to reach at the time and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication or radio; and

 

  (6) To the extent required to constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof during such an emergency, the Officers of the Corporation who are present shall be deemed, in order of rank and within the same rank in order of seniority, Directors for such meeting.

No Officer, Director, or employee acting in accordance with these By-Laws shall be liable except for willful misconduct. To the extent not inconsistent with any emergency By-Laws so adopted, the By-Laws of the Corporation shall remain in effect during any emergency and upon its termination the emergency By-Laws shall cease to be operative.


2.13 Qualifications of Directors. In addition to the qualifications for director nominees specified from time-to-time in the Corporation’s Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, all Director nominees and all Directors shall at all times have the following qualifications:

 

    Each person or his or her affiliates must own beneficially or of record $100,000.00 of the capital stock of the Corporation, unless otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors;

 

    Each such person must have the qualifications specified in all applicable laws, rules and regulations, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors;

 

    Each such person must not have been convicted of a felony;

 

    Each such person shall not have engaged in any conduct which is inconsistent with the Code of Ethics of the Corporation, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors;

 

    Each such person shall not have engaged in any conduct which is not in the best interest of the Corporation or its employees, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors; and

 

    Each such person must attend each calendar year not less than eighty percent of (a) the meetings of the Board of Directors and (b) meetings of the committees of the Board of which he or she is a member.

Article Three: Committees of the Board

3.01 Designation. The Board of Directors may by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors designate such committees for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation.

3.02 Number; Qualification; Term. Each committee shall consist of three (3) or more Directors appointed by the resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors and shall, to the extent provided for by Board resolution, have the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The number of committee members may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Each committee member shall serve as such until the expiration of his/her term as a Director or his/her earlier resignation or death, unless sooner removed as a committee member or as a Director.

3.03 Committee Changes. The Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of, and to discharge any committee.

3.04 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of any committee may be held without notice at such times and places as may be designated from time to time by resolution of the committee and communicated to all committee members.


3.05 Special Meetings. A special meeting of any committee may be held whenever called by the Committee Chairman or any two (2) Committee members at such time and place as shall be designated in the notice of such special meeting. The committee members calling any special meeting shall cause notice of such special meeting to be given to each committee member at least twelve (12) hours before such special meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of any committee need be specified in the notice or waiver of any notice or any special meeting.

3.06 Quorum; Majority Vote. At all meetings of any committee, a majority of the number of committee members designated by the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at the meeting of any committee, a majority of the committee members present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present. The vote of a majority of the committee members present at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance shall be the act of a committee.

3.07 Minutes. Each committee shall cause minutes of its proceeding to be prepared and shall report the same to the Board of Directors upon the request of the Board of Directors. The minutes of the proceedings of each committee shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation for placement in the minute books of the Corporation.

3.08 Responsibility. The designation of any committee and the delegation of authority to it shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors or any Director of any responsibility imposed upon it or such Director by law.

Article Four: General Provisions Relating to Meetings

4.01 Notice for Meetings of Directors and Committees. Whenever by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these By-Laws, notice is required to be given to any Director or committee member and no provision is made as to how such notice shall be given, it shall be construed to mean that notice may be given either (a) in person, (b) in writing, by mail, (c) by telephone, telecopier, communication via the internet, or similar means, or (d) by any other method permitted by law. Any notice required or permitted to be given hereunder (other than personal notice) shall be addressed to such Director or committee member at his/her last known address. Any notice requiring or permitted to be given by mail shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time when the same is deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid. Any notice required or permitted to be given by telecopier, communication via the internet, or similar means shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time transmitted.

4.02 Waiver of Notice. Whenever by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these By- Laws, any notice is required to be given to any shareholder, Director, or committee member of the Corporation, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time notice should have been given, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Directors present at a meeting shall be deemed to have received due, or to have waived, notice thereof.


4.03 T elephone and Similar Meetings . Directors or committee members may participate in and hold a meeting by conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which persons participating in the meeting can hear and communicate with each other. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

4.04 Action Without Meeting . Any action which may be taken, or is required by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these By-Laws to be taken, at a meeting of shareholders, Directors, or committee members, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the shareholders, Directors or committee members, as the case may be. Any such action may be stated as such in any document filed with the Secretary of State of Louisiana or in any certificate or other document delivered to any person. The consent may be in one or more counterparts so long as each shareholder, Director or committee member signs one of the counterparts. The signed consent shall be placed in the minute books of the Corporation.

Article Five: Chairman of the Board; Officers and Other Agents

5.01 Number; Titles; Election; Term. The Corporation shall have a President and a Chief Executive Officer (who may be the same person), a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers and agents as the Board of Directors may deem desirable. The Board of Directors shall elect the Chairman of the Board, a President and a Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary at its first meeting at which a quorum shall be present after the annual meeting of shareholders or whenever a vacancy exists. The Board of Directors then, or from time to time, may also elect or appoint one or more other officers or agents as it shall deem advisable. Each officer and agent shall hold office for the term for which he/she is elected or appointed and until his/her successor has been elected or appointed and qualified. Unless otherwise provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors electing or appointing an officer or agent, his/her term of office shall extend to and expire at the meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting of shareholders or, if earlier, at his/her death, resignation, or removal. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except that the President, Treasurer and Secretary shall not be the same person. No officer or agent need be a shareholder, a Director, a resident of the State of Louisiana, or a citizen of the United States.

5.02 Removal. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors with or without cause at any time, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights.

5.03 Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation may be filled by the Board of Directors.

5.04 Authority. Officers shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the Corporation as are provided in these By-Laws or as may be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors not inconsistent with these By-Laws.


5.05 Compensation. The compensation, if any, of officers shall be fixed, increased, or decreased from time to time by the Board of Directors; provided, that the Board of Directors may by resolution delegate to any one or more officers of the Corporation the authority to fix such compensation.

5.06 Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members to be Chairman of the Board to serve at the pleasure of the Board. He/she shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board shall supervise the carrying out of the policies adopted or approved by the Board. He/she shall have general executive powers, as well as the specified powers conferred by these By-Laws. He/she shall also have and may exercise such further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon, or assigned to him/her by the Board of Directors.

5.07 President. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, shall have general management of the business and affairs of the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business with all such powers with respect to such business and affairs as may be reasonably incident to such responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the power to employ, discharge, or suspend employees and agents of the Corporation, to fix the compensation of employees and agents (excluding his or her own compensation), and to suspend, with or without cause, any officer of the Corporation pending final action by the Board of Directors with respect to continued suspension, removal, or reinstatement of such officer. The President shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect and shall perform such other duties and have such other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

5.08 Executive Vice Presidents. Each Executive Vice President shall have such powers and duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or as may be delegated from time to time by the President and (in the order as designated by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of such designation, as determined by the length of time each has held the office of Executive Vice President continuously) shall exercise the powers of the President during that officer’s absence or inability to act.

5.09 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the power to endorse for deposit, collection or otherwise all checks, drafts, notes, bills of exchange and other commercial paper payable to the Corporation and to give proper receipt and discharge for all payments to the Corporation. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or as may be delegated from time to time by the President.

5.10 Secretary. The Secretary shall maintain minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, or any committee, and of the shareholders or consents in lieu of such minutes in the Corporation’s minute books, and shall cause notice of such meetings to be given when requested by any person authorized to call such meetings. The Secretary may sign with the President, in the name of the Corporation, all contracts of the Corporation and affix the seal of the Corporation thereto. The Secretary shall have charge of the certificate books, stock transfer


books and stock transfer papers as the Board of Directors may direct, all of which shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Director at the office of the Corporation during business hours. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or as may be delegated from time to time by the President.

5.11 Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries, one or more Assistant Treasurers and such other officers and Attorneys-in-fact as from time to time may appear to the Board of Directors to be required or desirable to transact the business of the Corporation. Such officers shall respectively exercise such powers and perform such duties as pertain to their several offices, or as may be conferred upon, or assigned to them, by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.

Article Six: Certificates and Shareholders

6.01 Certificates for Shares. Shares must be represented by certificates of stock unless the Corporation is a participant in the Direct Registration System, or its successor, of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, then shares need not be represented by certificates of stock. Unless expressly provided elsewhere, the rights and obligations of shareholders are not affected regardless of whether the shares are represented by certificates of stock. The certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors in conformity with law. The certificates shall be consecutively numbered, shall be entered as they are issued in the books of the Corporation or in the records of the Corporation’s designated transfer agent, if any, and shall state the shareholder’s name, the number of shares, and such other matters as may be required by law. The certificates shall be signed, either manually or in facsimile, by the President or any Vice President and also by the Secretary, an assistant Secretary, or any other officer, and may be sealed with the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof.

6.02 Issuance. Shares with or without par value may be issued for such consideration and to such persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, except in the case of shares with par value the consideration must be at least equal to the par value of such shares. Shares may not be issued until the full amount of the consideration has been paid.

6.03 Consideration for Shares. The consideration for shares shall be paid in cash or corporeal or incorporeal property, or services actually rendered to the Corporation, the fair value of which is not less than the dollar amount of the consideration fixed for the shares, before the shares are issued. Upon payment of the consideration fixed therefore, such shares shall be considered fully paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares issued (a) in payment of a stock dividend, (b) pursuant to exercise of conversion rights, (c) in exchange for, or in respect of, outstanding shares pursuant to reclassification of stock, (d) in a merger or consolidation as provided in the merger or consolidation agreement or (e) pursuant to the authority of La. R.S. 12:41(B)(9)(d) and (e) shall be considered as fully paid when so issued. The consideration received for shares shall be allocated by the Board of Directors, in accordance with law, between stated capital, capital surplus accounts, and undivided profits.


6.04 Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates. The Corporation shall issue a new certificate in place of any certificate for shares previously issued if the registered owner of the certificate:

 

  (a) Claim. Makes proof in affidavit form that a previously issued certificate for shares has been lost, destroyed or stolen;

 

  (b) Timely Request. Requests the issuance of a new certificate before the Corporation has notice that the certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim;

 

  (c) Bond. Unless dispensed with by the Board of Directors, gives a bond in such form, and with such surety or sureties, with fixed or open penalty, as the Board of Directors may direct, in its discretion, to indemnify the Corporation (and its transfer agent and registrar, if any) against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction, or theft of the certificate; and

 

  (d) Other Requirements. Satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Board of Directors.

When a certificate has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, and the shareholder of record fails to notify the Corporation within a reasonable time after such shareholder has notice of it, and the Corporation registers a transfer of the shares represented by the certificate before receiving such notification, the shareholder of record is precluded from making any claim against the Corporation for the transfer or for a new certificate.

6.05 Registered Shareholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the shareholder of record as the shareholder in fact of any shares and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have actual or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.

Article Seven: Corporate Seal

The President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary, or other officer thereunto designated by the Board of Directors, shall have authority to affix the corporate seal to any document requiring such seal, and to attest the same.

Article Eight: Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations

 

8.01 Annual Meetings of Stockholders.

 

  A.

Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors of the Corporation and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an


  annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting delivered pursuant to Section 1.01 of Article One of these By-Laws, (ii) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (a) was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 8.01 and at the time of the annual meeting, (b) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (c) complies with the notice procedures set forth in clauses (B) and (C) of this Section 8.01 as to such nomination or business. Clause (iii) of this Section 8.01(A) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than matters properly brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting) before an annual meeting of stockholders.

 

  B. Without qualification, for any nominations or any other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 8.01 (A) of this bylaw, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of business other than nominations, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting; provided however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 90 days, from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or if such public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is less than 120 days prior to such annual meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.

To be in proper form, a stockholder’s notice (whether given pursuant to this Section 8.01 (B) or Section 8.02) to the Secretary must: (i) set forth, as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (a) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, if any, (b) (I) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation which are, directly or indirectly, beneficially owned (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) and owned of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (II) any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of capital stock of the Corporation or otherwise (a “Derivative Instrument”) directly or indirectly beneficially owned and owned of record by such stockholder and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation, (III) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder has a right to vote any shares of


any security of the Corporation, (IV) any short interest in any security of the Corporation (for purposes of this bylaw a person shall be deemed to have a short interest in a security if such person directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the value of the subject security), (V) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation beneficially owned and owned of record by such stockholder that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (VI) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such stockholder is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner and (VII) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such stockholder is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments, if any, as of the date of such notice, including without limitation any such interests held by members of such stockholder’s immediate family sharing the same household (which information shall be supplemented by such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, not later than 10 days after the record date for the meeting to disclose such ownership as of the record date), and (c) any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (ii) if the notice relates to any business other than a nomination of a director or directors that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, set forth (a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest of such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, in such business and (b) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder; (iii) set forth, as to each person, if any, whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection to the board of directors (a) all information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected) and (b) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationships, between or among such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the other hand, including, without limitation all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K if the stockholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith, were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant; and


(iv) with respect to each nominee for election or reelection to the board of directors, include a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 8.04 of this bylaw. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

 

  C. Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of clause (B) of this Section 8.01 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the board of directors of the Corporation is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased board of directors made by the Corporation at least 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this bylaw shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

8.02 Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting pursuant to Section 1.02 of Article One of these By-Laws. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (A) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (B) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (C) provided that the board of directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (i) was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided in this bylaw and at the time of the special meeting, (ii) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (iii) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this bylaw as to such nomination. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the board of directors, any such stockholder may nominate a person or persons (as applicable) for election to such position(s) as are specified in the Corporation’s Notice of Meeting, if the stockholder’s notice as required by Section 8.01 (B) of these By-Laws with respect to any nomination (including the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 8.04 of this bylaw) shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or, if the first public announcement of the date of such special meeting is less than 120 days prior to the date of such special meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the board of directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of a special meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.


8.03 General.

 

  A. Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this bylaw shall be eligible to be elected as directors at a meeting of stockholders and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this bylaw. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as applicable, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this bylaw and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with this bylaw, to declare that (i) such defective proposal or nomination shall be disregarded and (ii) any votes cast in support of such defective proposal or nomination shall be given no effect except for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum with respect to such matters.

 

  B. For purposes of this bylaw, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

  C. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this bylaw, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this bylaw; provided, however, that any references in these By-Laws to the Exchange Act or the rules promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to Section 8.01 (B), Section 8.01 (C) and Section 8.02 of this bylaw. Nothing in this bylaw shall be deemed to affect any rights (i) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule l4a-8 under the Exchange Act or (ii) of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock if and to the extent provided for under law, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws.

8.04 Submission of Questionnaire, Representation and Agreement. To be eligible to be a nominee for election or reelection as a director of the Corporation, a person must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under this bylaw) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person (A) is not and will not become a party to (i) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (ii) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in


connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed therein and (C) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation.

Article Nine: Indemnification

9.01. Right to Indemnification.

A. Except as provided in Section 9.01 (C) hereof, the Corporation shall indemnify any person made a party to any proceeding because he or she is or was a director or officer against liability incurred in such proceeding if:

 

  (i) the director or officer conducted himself or herself in good faith;

 

  (ii) the director or officer reasonably believed:

 

  (a) In the case of conduct in his or her official capacity with the Corporation, that his or her conduct was in the Corporation’s best interests;

 

  (b) In all other cases, that his or her conduct was at least not opposed to the Corporation’s best interest; and

 

  (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

B. With respect to action taken in connection with an employee benefit plan, a director’s or officer’s conduct satisfies the requirement of Section 9.01 (A)(ii)(b) if the director or officer reasonably believed that such conduct was for a purpose that was in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan.

C. The Corporation shall not indemnify a director or officer under this Section 9.01 (i) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation in which such director or officer was adjudged liable to the Corporation; or (ii) in connection with any proceeding charging improper personal benefit to a director or officer, whether or not involving action in his or her official capacity, in which such director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by such director or officer.

D. Indemnification permitted under this Section 9.01 in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation is limited to reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with such proceeding.

9.02 Mandatory Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify a director or officer who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was a party because he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation against reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by him or her in connection with the proceeding.


9.03 Termination of Proceeding. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is not of itself determinative that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.01(A).

9.04 Mandatory Advance for Expenses of Directors and Officers.

A. The Corporation shall pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director or officer who is a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if:

 

  (i) the director or officer furnishes to the Corporation a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct described in Section 9.01(A);

 

  (ii) the director or officer furnishes the Corporation a written undertaking, executed personally or on his or her behalf, to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that he or she did not meet the standard of conduct described in Section 9.01(A); and

 

  (iii) a determination is made that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification under this Article Nine.

B. The undertaking required by Section 9.04(A)(ii) above must be an unlimited general obligation of the director or officer but need not be secured and may be accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.

C. The determination and authorization of payments to be made under this Section 9.04 shall be made in the manner specified in Section 9.06 below.

9.05 Indemnification Ordered by Court. A director or officer of the Corporation who is a party to a proceeding may apply for indemnification to the court conducting such proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. On receipt of an application, the court, after giving any notice the court considers necessary, may order indemnification if it determines that:

A. the director or officer is entitled to mandatory indemnification under Section 9.02, in which case the court shall also order the Corporation to pay the director’s or officer’s, reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred to obtain court-ordered indemnification; or

B. the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not he or she met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.01(A) above or was adjudged liable as described in Section 9.01(C) above, but if he or she was adjudged so liable, his or her indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred.


9.06 Determination of Right to Indemnification.

A. Any indemnification under this Article Nine, unless ordered by a court, shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case after a determination has been made that indemnification of the director or officer is permissible in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.01(A). Such determination shall be made:

 

  (i) by the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not at the time parties to the proceeding;

 

  (ii) if a quorum cannot be obtained under Section 9.06(i), by majority vote of a committee duly designated by the board (in which designation directors who are parties may participate), consisting solely of two or more directors not at the time parties to the proceeding;

 

  (iii) by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in Sections 9.06(i) and (ii) or, if a quorum of the board cannot be obtained under Section 9.06(i) and a committee cannot be designated under Section 9.06(ii), selected by majority vote of the full board, in which selection directors who are parties to the proceeding may participate; or

 

  (iv) by the stockholders, but shares held by directors or officers who are at the time parties to the proceeding may not be voted on the determination.

B. The authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) under this Section 9.06 shall be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible, except that if the determination is made by special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) shall be made by those entitled to select counsel under Section 9.06(A)(iii).

9.07 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or who, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise against liability asserted against or incurred by him or her in that capacity or arising from his or her status as a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not the Corporation would have power to indemnify him or her against the same liability under Sections 9.01 or 9.02 above.

9.08 No Limitation for Appearance as Witness. Nothing in this Article Nine shall limit the Corporation’s power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director or officer in connection with his or her appearance as a witness in a proceeding at a time when he or she has not been made a named defendant or respondent to the proceeding.


9.09 Savings Clause; Expansion of Rights.

A. If this Article Nine or any portion hereof shall be invalidated or found to be unenforceable on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless, and make expense advances to, each director or officer entitled to such under and/or pursuant to this Article Nine as to reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by him or her in connection with such proceeding, including any action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article Nine that shall not have been invalidated and as otherwise permitted by applicable law.

B. In the event of any change after the date of the adoption of these By-Laws in any applicable law, statute or rule which expands the right of a Louisiana corporation to indemnify its directors or officers, the directors or officers of the Corporation shall enjoy and be entitled to the greater benefits afforded by such change.

Article Ten: Miscellaneous Provisions

10.01 Books and Records. The Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account, shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its shareholders, Board of Directors, and any committee, and shall keep at its registered office or principal place of business, or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar, a record of its shareholders and the number and class of the shares held by each shareholder.

10.02 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. If such fiscal year is not fixed by the Board of Directors, it shall be the calendar year.

10.03 Resignation. A Director, committee member, officer, or agent may resign by so stating at any meeting of the Board of Directors or by giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the President, or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, or immediately, if no time is specified. Unless it specifies otherwise, a resignation is effective without being accepted.

10.04 Securities of Others. The President, Treasurer, or any Vice President of the Corporation shall have the power and authority to transfer, endorse for transfer, vote, consent, or take any other action with respect to any securities of another issuer which may be held or owned by the Corporation and to make, execute, and deliver any waiver, proxy, or consent with respect to any such securities.

10.05 Amendment. The Board of Directors may make and alter these By-Laws, including By-Laws fixing the Directors’ qualifications, classifications, number of term or office, or fixing their compensation, subject to the power of the shareholders to change or repeal any By-Laws so made.

April     , 2014

Exhibit 4.1

 

LOGO


The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM - as tenants in common

TEN ENT  - as tenants by the entireties

JT TEN      - as joint tenants with right of

                     survivorship and  not as tenants

                     in common

  

UNIF GIFT WIN ACT                          Custodian                             

                                             (Cust)                                   (Minor)

                                                     under Uniform Gifts to Minors

                                           Act                                                   

                                                                  (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For Value Received,                                               hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

 

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

 

     
 
       

 

 

  

 

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE)

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Shares of

the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Attorney to transfer the said Shares on the books of the within named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:                                                                   
x  

 

x  

 

 

                                                 NOTICE:

 

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME(S) AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed

BY:    
  THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM). PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

Exhibit 10.1

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN


INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Section 1 - Purpose

     1   

Section 2 - Definitions

     1   

Section 3 - Adoption; Reservation of Shares; Maximum Awards

     5   

Adoption and Effective Date

     5   

Duration

     5   

Number and Type of Shares

     5   

Share Counting

     5   

Adjustments

     5   

Section 4 - Administration

     5   

Composition of the Committee

     5   

Power and Authority

     6   

Decisions Final

     6   

Limitations on Grants and Awards

     6   

No Liability

     6   

Section 5 - Participation

     6   

Eligibility

     6   

No Continued Employment

     7   

Section 6 - Options

     7   

Grant of Options

     7   

Incentive Stock Options

     7   

Vesting of Options

     8   

Effect of Separation From Service

     8   

Expiration

     9   

Manner of Exercise

     9   

Issuance and Delivery of Common Stock

     9   

Rights as Stockholder

     9   

Section 7 - Restricted Stock

     10   

General Provisions

     10   

Enforcement of Restrictions

     10   

Dividends Payable During Restriction Period

     10   

Vesting of Restricted Stock

     10   

Lapse of Restrictions

     11   

Effect of Separation From Service

     11   

Shareholder Rights

     11   

Section 8 - Restricted Stock Units

     12   

Credit

     12   

Dividend Equivalents

     12   

Vesting of Ledger Account

     12   

Effect of Separation From Service

     12   

Settlement

     12   

Not a Stockholder

     12   

 

i


Section 9 – Stock Appreciation Rights

     12   

General Provisions

     12   

Manner of Exercise

     13   

Vesting

     13   

Determination of Settlement Amount

     13   

Effect of Separation From Service

     13   

Section 10 – Performance Objectives; Performance Cycle

     13   

Section 11 – Non-Employee Directors

     14   

Stock In Lieu of Compensation

     14   

Other Grants and Awards

     14   

Section 12 – General Provisions

     14   

Amendment and Termination

     14   

Transferability of Incentives

     15   

Withholding

     15   

Change in Control

     15   

Additional Legal Requirements

     15   

Fractional Shares

     16   

Certificates

     16   

Additional Holding Period

     16   

Governing Law

     16   

Other Benefits

     16   

Status

     16   

Code Section 409A

     16   

Prior Plans

     17   

Incentive Plans

     17   

 

ii


INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

Investar Holding Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Louisiana (the “Company”), hereby establishes this 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”).

Section 1 – Purpose:

This Plan provides for the grant or award of compensation related to the Company’s Common Stock (as defined below), which compensation is intended to align the financial interests of the recipients thereof with the interests of the Company and its shareholders. This Plan assumes all grants and awards made under the Prior Plans (as defined below), which shall remain outstanding and in effect until exercised, matured, expired or otherwise forfeited in accordance with their respective terms.

Section 2 – Definitions:

2.1 Affiliate means the Bank and any other corporation or other form of entity of which the Company owns, from time to time, directly or indirectly, at least 80% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or other equity interests.

2.2 Award Date means the date on which the Committee makes an award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units hereunder.

2.3 Bank means Investar Bank.

2.4 Base Amount means the dollar denominated amount with respect to which the value of a SAR is measured.

2.5 Board or Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.6 Cause , unless otherwise specified in an employment or similar agreement between a Participant and the Company, means that a Participant has:

 

  a. Committed an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in the course of employment or otherwise engaged in any intentional misconduct which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or its Affiliates;

 

  b. Committed intentional damage to the property of the Company and its Affiliates or committed intentional wrongful disclosure of proprietary information or confidential information, which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or its Affiliates;

 

  c. Been convicted with no further possibility of appeal, or entered a guilty or nolo contendere plea, for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;

 

  d. Willfully and substantially refused to perform the essential duties of his or her position after written notice from the Company; or


  e. Intentionally, recklessly or negligently violated any material provision of any code of conduct or ethics or equivalent code or policy of the Company or the Bank that is applicable to the Participant.

The Committee, in its discretion, shall determine whether any Separation from Service is on account of Cause as defined herein, provided that no act or failure to act will be deemed “intentional” if it is due primarily to an error in judgment, but will be deemed “intentional” only if done or omitted to be done by a Participant not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company or an Affiliate.

2.7 Change in Control, unless otherwise defined in an employment, severance or similar agreement between the Company or an Affiliate and a Participant, means and shall be deemed to occur upon the consummation of a Change in Equity Ownership, a Change in Effective Control, a Change in the Ownership of Assets or a Change by Merger. For this purpose:

 

  a. A “Change in Equity Ownership” means that a person or group acquires, directly or indirectly in accordance with Code Section 318, more than 50% of the aggregate fair market value or voting power of the capital stock of the Company, including for this purpose capital stock previously acquired by such person or group; provided, however , that once any person or group acquires more than 50% of the aggregate fair market value or voting power of the Company’s capital stock, additional acquisitions by such person or group shall not be deemed to constitute an additional Change in Control hereunder.

 

  b. A “Change in Effective Control” means that a majority of the members of the Board of Directors is replaced during any 12-month period, whether by appointment or election, without endorsement by a majority of the members of the Board then serving prior to the date of such appointment or election.

 

  c. A “Change in the Ownership of Assets” means that any person or group acquires, or has acquired in a series of transactions during the immediately preceding 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

 

  d. A “Change by Merger” means that the Company shall consummate a merger or consolidation or similar transaction with another corporation or entity, unless as a result of such transaction, more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation or entity shall be owned in the aggregate by the former shareholders of the Company, and the voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation or entity are owned in substantially the same proportion as the common stock of the Company was beneficially owned before such transaction.

Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, in no event shall the initial public offering of the Company’s capital stock be deemed to constitute a Change in Control hereunder.

2.8 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

2.9 Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

2


2.10 Common Stock means $1.00 par value per share common stock issued by the Company.

2.11 Disability means that a Participant is (a) eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits, or (b) actually receiving long-term disability benefits under a separate welfare benefit plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates.

2.12 Employee means a regular, common law employee of the Company, the Bank or another Affiliate, including officers, determined in accordance with the Company’s standard personnel policies and practices, but excluding individuals who are classified by the Company as leased or otherwise employed by a third party, independent contractors or intermittent or temporary employees, even if any such classification is modified by audit, administrative proceeding, litigation or otherwise.

2.13 Exercise Price means the per share price at which an Option may be exercised.

2.14 Fair Market Value means the closing sales price of a share of Common Stock as quoted on a national securities exchange or other recognized system of reporting as of the date specified herein; if no Common Stock is traded on such date, then Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the immediately preceding date on which Common Stock last traded or was reported. If Common Stock is not traded or reported on any such national securities exchange or system of reporting, then Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board or its designee in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 409A.

2.15 Grant Date means the date on which an Option or SAR is granted hereunder.

2.16 Incentive means a right to purchase or receive shares of Common Stock or cash in accordance with the terms of this Plan. An Incentive may be granted or awarded in the form of Common Stock, Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, cash or a combination thereof.

2.17 Incentive Agreement means the agreement between a Participant and the Company containing the terms and conditions applicable to each Incentive granted or awarded hereunder.

2.18 Incentive Stock Option or ISO means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which meets the requirements of Code Section 422 and is granted in accordance with Section 6.2 hereof.

2.19 Ledger Account means the bookkeeping account established by the Company to which RSUs and additional amounts may be credited.

2.20 Non-Employee Director means a member of the Board of Directors who is not also an Employee of the Company, the Bank or an Affiliate.

2.21 Nonqualified Stock Option means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted in accordance with the terms of Section 6.1 hereof.

2.22 Option means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.

2.23 Participant means an Employee who is granted or awarded an Incentive under this Plan.

 

3


2.24 Performance Cycle means the period designated by the Board during which Performance Objectives shall be attained.

2.25 Performance Objectives means performance criteria designated by the Committee to be achieved during a designated Performance Cycle. Such objectives may relate to the business and affairs of the Company, the Bank, another Affiliate, or a division, department, unit or profit center of the Company, the Bank or an Affiliate, including, without limitation: (a) the attainment of goals related to the Company’s earnings per share (EPS), whether or not calculated on a fully diluted basis; (b) earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT); (c) return on equity (ROE); (d) return on investment (ROI); (e) return on invested capital (ROIC); (f) return on assets (ROA); (g) growth in net income; (h) growth in market share; (i) growth in loans; (j) appreciation in the price of Common Stock, whether with or without reinvested dividends, or the (k) completion of strategic objectives. Performance Objectives may be expressed with respect to the performance of the Company, the Bank and/or its Affiliates, as compared to a designated peer group or with respect to the completion of strategic objectives on an individual basis.

2.26 Prior Plans means those grants and awards of Options and Restricted Stock outstanding as of the Effective Date, whether assumed by the Company or made by the Bank, including, without limitation, those options granted by South Louisiana Business Bank and assumed by the Bank, and whether granted or awarded to an Employee or non-employee director of the Bank.

2.27 Restricted Stock means an award of Common Stock subject to restrictions on transfer or forfeiture as set forth in Section 7 hereof.

2.28 Restricted Stock Unit or RSU means a bookkeeping credit representing a share of Common Stock.

2.29 Restriction Period means the period during which Restricted Stock is subject to forfeiture restrictions on transfer or similar conditions.

2.30 Retirement means that a Participant voluntarily Separates from Service after he or she has attained age 60 and completed not less than five years of service with the Company, the Bank or another Affiliate.

2.31 Separation Date or Separation from Service or words of similar import means the later of the date on which (a) a Participant’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates ceases, or (b) the Company and such Participant reasonably anticipate that he or she will perform no further services for the Company and its Affiliates, whether as a common law employee or independent contractor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may be deemed to have Separated from Service if he or she continues to provide services to the Company or an Affiliate after a separation event or other change in status, whether as an employee or an independent contractor, provided such continuing services are not more than 20% of the average level of services performed by such Participant during the 36-month period immediately preceding such separation event or change.

2.32 Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means a right, the value of which is based upon the appreciation of Common Stock and is granted in accordance with Section 9 hereof.

 

4


Section 3 – Adoption; Reservation of Shares; Maximum Awards:

3.1 Adoption and Effective Date. This Plan shall be effective upon its adoption by the Board (the “Effective Date”).

3.2 Duration. This Plan shall commence on its Effective Date and shall remain in effect until (a) all Incentives granted or awarded hereunder have been satisfied by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or cash payments or a combination thereof, or such Incentives have expired, otherwise terminated or been forfeited, or (b) restrictions or other Performance Objectives imposed on shares of Common Stock have been satisfied or lapsed. No Incentive shall be granted or awarded hereunder ten years after the Effective Date.

3.3 Number and Type of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 3.4 and 3.5 hereof, a maximum of 500,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock shall be available for issuance under the Plan, which shares may be authorized and unissued shares, issued shares held as treasury shares or shares acquired on the open market or through private purchase.

3.4 Share Counting. The number of shares of Common Stock available for grant, award, transfer, issuance or other payment under the Plan shall be adjusted as follows:

 

  a. Reduced by the number of shares of Common Stock covered by Incentives granted or awarded under the Prior Plans that are outstanding as of the Effective Date;

 

  b. Reduced by the number of shares actually granted, awarded, transferred or issued hereunder; and

 

  c. Increased by the number of shares covered by Incentives that are not earned or that are cancelled, forfeited, terminated, expired or otherwise lapse for any reason.

3.5 Adjustments. In the event of any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company with another entity there shall be substituted for each of the shares of Common Stock then subject to the Plan the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities to which the holders of Common Stock are entitled in the transaction. In the event of any recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or other change in the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding for which the Company does not receive consideration, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the Plan shall be adjusted in proportion to the change in outstanding shares of Common Stock. In the event of any such substitution or adjustment, the Exercise Price of any Option, Performance Objectives applicable to any Incentive, and the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to any Incentive shall be adjusted or substituted, as the case may be, such adjustment or substitution to be determined by the Committee to the extent necessary to prevent the dilution or enlargement thereof.

Section 4 – Administration:

4.1 Composition of the Committee. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee, provided, however , that: (a) the Board may act in lieu of the Committee as to any matter hereunder; and (b) any grant or award by the Committee may be made subject to the ratification or approval of the Board. When acting, the Board shall function as the Committee and possess all power and authority granted to the Committee hereunder.

 

5


4.2 Power and Authority. In addition to the power and authority set forth elsewhere in this Plan, the Committee shall have the discretionary power and authority to: (a) designate Participants hereunder; (b) grant or award Incentives, including the determination of the terms and conditions thereof; (c) construe and interpret the provisions of the Plan and any Incentive Agreement or other form or writing related thereto; (d) establish and adopt rules, regulations, and procedures relating to the Plan and the grant or award of Incentives hereunder; (e) interpret, apply and construe such rules, regulations and procedures; (f) accelerate any service-related vesting period or extend the exercise period applicable to any Incentive granted or awarded hereunder, subject to any expiration requirement imposed hereunder; and (g) make any other determination which it believes necessary or advisable for the proper administration of the Plan.

The Committee may delegate to the appropriate officers and employees of the Company or an Affiliate the performance of one or more of its ministerial duties hereunder. The Committee may further delegate to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer the power and authority to grant or award any Incentive hereunder; provided that such delegation shall include the number of shares of Common Stock to which it applies, the class of Employees with respect to which Incentives may be granted or awarded, which shall not include the Company’s executive officers, the time at which such grants and awards shall be made, and such other restrictions and limitations as the Committee may be deem necessary or appropriate.

4.3 Decisions Final . Decisions, interpretations and actions of the Committee concerning matters related to the Plan shall be final and conclusive on the Company and its Affiliates and Participants and their beneficiaries or heirs. Determinations may be made selectively among Participants who receive or are eligible to receive Incentives hereunder, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated.

4.4 Limitations on Grants and Awards. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary and unless otherwise permitted under applicable law or rules and regulations:

 

  a. To the extent that a grant or award hereunder is intended to be an exempt transaction under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, each acting member of the Committee shall be a “non-employee director” within the meaning of such rule; and

 

  b. To the extent that a grant or award hereunder is made to a named executive officer of the Company, such grant or award shall be made solely by members of the Committee who are deemed to be “independent directors” within the meaning of Section 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules.

4.5 No Liability. The members of the Committee, including any officer or Employee acting at the request or direction of the Committee, shall have no liability to any Participant or other person for any action taken or omitted to be taken hereunder or any determination made in good faith in accordance with the terms of the Plan or any Incentive Agreement.

Section 5 – Participation:

5.1 Eligibility. Employees of the Company and its Affiliates shall be eligible to receive Incentives under this Plan, when designated by the Committee. Employees may be designated hereunder individually or by groups or categories, in the discretion of the Committee.

 

6


Non-Employee Directors shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. Members of the boards of directors of any Affiliate may be eligible to participate hereunder, when designated by the Committee.

5.2 No Continued Employment. No Participant shall have any right to continue in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate for any period of time or any right to continue his or her present or any other rate of compensation on account of the grant or award of an Incentive or the issuance of Common Stock or other form of payment hereunder.

Section 6 – Options:

6.1 Grant of Options. The Committee may grant Options to such Participants as it may designate, from time to time, subject to the following:

 

  a. The Exercise Price shall be designated on the Grant Date and shall not be less than Fair Market Value as of such date.

 

  b. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option shall be designated on the Grant Date.

 

  c. The term of each Option shall be designated on the Grant Date, but shall not be longer than ten years, measured from such date.

 

  d. Each Option shall be exercisable at such time or times during its term as may be determined by the Committee.

 

  e. The exercise of each Option may be further subject to such Performance Objectives, service vesting conditions or other terms and limitations as the Committee deems appropriate.

6.2 Incentive Stock Options. If an Incentive Stock Option is granted hereunder before this Plan is approved by a majority of the Company’s shareholders as contemplated under Code Section 422, the status of such Option as an ISO hereunder shall be contingent upon such timely approval. All shares of Common Stock reserved hereunder may be granted in the form of Incentive Stock Options.

The Committee may designate an Option granted hereunder as an Incentive Stock Option, in which event such Option shall be further subject to the following:

 

  a. Such designation shall be made on the Grant Date;

 

  b. No ISO shall be granted to a Participant hereunder if the aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Stock with respect to which such ISO is first exercisable during any calendar year (under this Plan and any other plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds $100,000;

 

  c. No ISO shall be granted to any Participant who owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (determined in accordance with Code Section 424), unless the exercise price of such option is not less than 110% of Fair Market Value, determined on the Grant Date, and the expiration of such Option is five years measured from the Grant Date;

 

7


  d. No ISO shall be granted to a Non-Employee Director; and

 

  e. An ISO granted hereunder shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions as the Committee deems necessary or advisable, consistent with the provisions of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

An ISO granted hereunder shall automatically be deemed a Non-qualified Option to the extent that the requirements imposed hereunder, or under Code Section 422, are not satisfied, whether with respect to the grant or exercise of such Option or the disposition of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise thereof.

6.3 Vesting of Options. Unless otherwise designated in an Incentive Agreement, Options granted hereunder shall vest and be exercisable only while a Participant is an Employee of the Company, the Bank or another Affiliate in accordance with the following schedule:

 

  a. One-fifth of such Options shall vest and be exercisable one year following the Grant Date;

 

  b. One-fifth of such Options shall vest and be exercisable two years following the Grant Date;

 

  c. One-fifth of such Options shall vest and be exercisable three years following the Grant Date;

 

  d. One-fifth of such Options shall vest and be exercisable four years following the Grant Date; and

 

  e. The remaining Options shall vest and be exercisable five years following the Grant Date.

To the extent any installment vests and remains unexercised, it shall cumulate and remain vested and exercisable until its forfeiture, cancellation, termination or other expiration as provided herein.

6.4 Effect of Separation From Service. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement, if a Participant Separates from Service, Options granted hereunder, to the extent vested and exercisable as of such separation, shall be and remain exercisable until the earlier of the date on which any such Option would otherwise expire or:

 

  a. One-year following the date of the Participant’s death or Disability or Retirement; or

 

  b. Sixty days following a Participant’s involuntary Separation from Service without Cause.

If a Participant’s Separation from Service is voluntary or involuntary on account of Cause, then notwithstanding any provision of this Plan or any form or agreement to the contrary, Options granted hereunder, whether or not then vested, shall be deemed canceled and forfeited as of such Participant’s Separation Date, without the requirement of notice or the payment of compensation.

 

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6.5 Expiration. To the extent not exercised within the period or periods prescribed hereunder, Options shall expire and be deemed forfeited to the Company and cancelled ten years after their Grant Date or the earlier date specified by the Committee.

6.6 Manner of Exercise. An Option shall be exercised, in whole or in part, by providing written notice to the Company, specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanied by the full Exercise Price for such shares, such notice to be provided in the form designated by the Committee for such purpose. Unless otherwise limited in an Incentive Agreement, the Exercise Price shall be payable, in the discretion of each Participant: (a) in the form of cash (including cash equivalents); (b) by delivery of previously acquired shares of Common Stock (whether mature or otherwise), including by means of attestation; (c) by the withholding of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise; or (d) by combination thereof. The Committee, in its discretion, may designate such other manner of exercise as the Board deems appropriate, from time to time. Common Stock tendered in payment of the Exercise Price, or withheld in consideration of such price, shall be valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise.

Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Incentive Agreement, a Participant may exercise Options and contemporaneously sell the shares of Common Stock acquired thereby pursuant to a brokerage or similar arrangement, provided that the proceeds thereof are irrevocably applied to the payment of the Exercise Price of the shares.

6.7 Issuance and Delivery of Common Stock. Delivery of certificates representing shares of Common Stock issuable on the exercise of an Option shall be made by the Company promptly after receipt of notice of exercise and payment in full of the Exercise Price, or the Company may effect such delivery by means of book entry securities; provided, however , that the Company’s obligation to deliver certificates or make a book entry hereunder: (a) shall be contingent upon the execution of such agreements as the Company may request; (b) shall be contingent upon provision for the withholding of any taxes due upon the exercise of the Options; (c) may be postponed, in the sole discretion of the Company, for any period necessary to list, register or otherwise qualify the purchased shares under Federal securities laws or any applicable state securities laws; and (d) may be conditioned upon the making of such additional representations and warranties or certifications as the Committee or the Company may reasonably request.

Options granted hereunder and Common Stock issued in connection therewith shall be subject to all applicable Federal and state securities law requirements. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Incentive Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue Common Stock to a Participant upon the exercise of an Option hereunder if the Company reasonably determines that such issuance would constitute a violation of any applicable Federal or state securities law or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder. The inability of the Company to issue Common Stock hereunder shall relieve the Company of any liability for the delay or failure to issue or sell such shares.

6.8 Rights as Stockholder. Prior to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of an Option, a Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to such Option, including the right to vote or to receive dividends.

 

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Section 7 – Restricted Stock:

7.1 General Provisions. The Committee may award shares of Restricted Stock to such Participants as it may designate, from time to time, subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

  a. The number of shares of Restricted Stock subject to such award shall be determined by the Committee on the Award Date;

 

  b. The Committee shall determine the consideration to be paid for such stock, if any;

 

  c. The Committee shall designate a Restriction Period during which shares of Restricted Stock awarded hereunder shall be subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions the Committee, in its discretion, may determine, including, without limitation, restrictions on transfer or other disposition, forfeiture provisions, and/or restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Objectives; and

 

  d. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Incentive Agreement, during a Restriction Period shares of Restricted Stock awarded hereunder shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, or otherwise disposed of or encumbered, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

7.2 Enforcement of Restrictions . Restricted Stock awarded hereunder may be certificated or issued in book entry form, in the discretion of the Committee; provided that :

 

  a. Any such shares shall be legended, or subject to legend, to reflect any restrictions imposed in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.1 hereof;

 

  b. To the extent such shares are certificated, the Committee may further require that such shares be deposited in escrow with the Company; and

 

  c. The Committee may require with respect to such shares and as a condition of the award thereof that a Participant deliver to the Company a stock power endorsed in blank, pending the lapse of such restrictions or the expiration of the Restriction Period.

7.3 Dividends Payable During Restriction Period. If the Restriction Period applicable to any award hereunder exceeds 12 months, the Committee may provide that cash dividends payable on shares of Restricted Stock shall be allocated to a Ledger Account pending the lapse of such period, at which time the balance of such account shall be settled, and any amount not vested shall be forfeited; such settlement to be made in the form of cash or Common Stock, without liability for interest or gain thereon, as determined by the Committee.

7.4 Vesting of Restricted Stock. Unless otherwise designated in an Incentive Agreement or as provided herein, the Restriction Period shall lapse only while a Participant is an Employee of the Company, the Bank or another Affiliate in accordance with the following schedule:

 

  a. The Restriction Period shall lapse as to one-fifth of the shares one year following the Award Date;

 

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  b. The Restriction Period shall lapse as to an additional one-fifth of the shares two years following the Award Date;

 

  c. The Restriction Period shall lapse as to an additional one-fifth of the shares three years following the Award Date;

 

  d. The Restriction Period shall lapse as to an additional one-fifth of the shares four years following the Award Date; and

 

  e. The Restriction Period shall lapse as to the remaining shares five years following the Award Date.

7.5 Lapse of Restrictions. The Committee shall notify each affected Participant at the end of each Restriction Period as to the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which restrictions shall be deemed lapsed or Performance Objectives shall be deemed attained. The number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such lapse or attainment has occurred shall then be delivered to each affected Participant free of restriction, or the Committee may cause such delivery to be made in book entry form.

7.6 Effect of Separation From Service. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement, if a Participant Separates from Service during a Restriction Period:

 

  a. If such separation is on account of Retirement, death, Disability or involuntary termination by the Company without Cause and Restricted Stock is then subject to the attainment of Performance Objectives, such objectives shall be deemed satisfied with respect to (i) the number of shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which Performance Objectives are actually satisfied, determined at the end of the applicable Performance Cycle, multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such cycle prior to such Participant’s Separation Date and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such cycle. Shares of Common Stock subject to certification or delivery hereunder shall be certificated or otherwise delivered at the time prescribed in Section 7.5 hereof.

 

  b. If such separation is on account of Retirement, death, Disability or involuntary termination by the Company without Cause and Restricted Stock is then subject to forfeiture based only upon such Participant’s service, the number of such shares subject to such award shall be multiplied by a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the number of days in such period prior to such Participant’s Separation Date, and (ii) the denominator of which is the total number of days in such period. Shares of Common Stock subject to certification or delivery hereunder shall be certificated and delivered as soon as practicable after the Participant’s Separation Date.

 

  c. If such separation is not on account of a reason specified in subparagraph a or b hereof, Restricted Stock shall be deemed cancelled and forfeited to the Company as of the affected Participant’s Separation Date.

7.7 Shareholder Rights. Subject to any restrictions or limitations imposed in an Incentive Agreement or as otherwise provided in Section 7.3 hereof, each Participant receiving an award of Restricted Stock hereunder shall have the full voting rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares during any Restriction Period in which the shares are subject to Performance Objectives or forfeiture or other restrictions on transfer and shall receive dividends with respect thereto.

 

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Section 8 – Restricted Stock Units:

8.1 Credit . The Committee may credit Restricted Stock Units to a Ledger Account maintained for a Participant hereunder, subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

  a. The number of RSUs shall be determined by the Committee on an Award Date and shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.5 hereof;

 

  b. The settlement or other vesting of RSUs shall be subject to such Performance Objectives, service vesting conditions, and/or other restrictions as the Committee deems appropriate; and

 

  c. Units and other amounts credited to a Ledger Account, including vested units or amounts, shall be settled as of the date designated by the Committee on the Award Date (the “Settlement Date”).

8.2 Dividend Equivalents. During any period in which RSUs are credited to a Ledger Account, the Committee may provide: (a) that an amount equal to any cash dividends payable with respect to Common Stock represented by such units shall be credited to such account as of each dividend payment date; and/or (b) that any stock dividend, stock split or other recapitalization shall be reflected in the credits made to such Ledger Account and settled in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.3 hereof.

8.3 Vesting of Ledger Account. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement hereunder, units and other amounts credited to a Ledger Account shall vest in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 7.4 hereof, but such account shall be settled as provided in Section 8.5 hereof on the Settlement Date.

8.4 Effect of Separation From Service. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement, if a Participant Separates from Service with the Company and its Affiliates prior to the Settlement Date, his or her Ledger Account shall be settled in the manner applicable to Restricted Stock set forth in Section 7.7 hereof.

8.5 Settlement . Except on account of a Separation from Service, the settlement of RSUs and other amounts credited to a Ledger Account shall be made as of the Settlement Date in accordance with the terms and conditions imposed by the Committee. When any such RSU or other amount becomes subject to settlement, the affected Participant shall be entitled to receive a distribution in such form, which may include shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock, cash or a combination thereof, as the Committee shall determine.

8.6 Not a Stockholder . The allocation of units or other amounts to a Ledger Account shall not entitle a Participant to exercise the rights of a stockholder of the Company, until the issuance of shares of Common Stock with respect thereto.

Section 9 – Stock Appreciation Rights

9.1 General Provisions. The Committee may grant Stock Appreciation Rights to such Participants as it may designate, from time to time, subject to the following:

 

  a. Each SAR granted hereunder shall relate to the number of shares of Common Stock designated by the Committee on the Grant Date.

 

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  b. The Base Amount of each SAR shall be determined by the Committee on the Grant Date and shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock determined as of such date.

 

  c. The exercise of each SAR shall be subject to such Performance Objectives, service vesting or other conditions as the Committee deems appropriate and shall be imposed on the Grant Date.

 

  d. The term of each SAR granted hereunder shall not exceed ten years, after which time any portion of the SAR that remains unexercised, whether or not then vested, shall expire and be cancelled and forfeited to the Company.

9.2 Manner of Exercise. A SAR may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Committee, specifying the number of SARs to be exercised. Upon the receipt of such notice, and subject to the limitations and requirements set forth in Section 6.7 hereof, the Committee shall promptly thereafter deliver to the affected Participant shares of Common Stock, shares of Restricted Stock, cash or a combination thereof, as determined in its discretion, having a Fair Market Value equal to the Settlement Amount.

9.3 Vesting. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement, SARS shall vest and be exercisable in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.

9.4 Determination of Settlement Amount . The amount payable to any Participant on account of the exercise of his or her SARs shall be determined by multiplying:

 

  a. The number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such SAR is exercised; by

 

  b. The excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date over the Base Amount.

9.5 Effect of Separation From Service. Unless otherwise specified by the Committee, a SAR granted hereunder shall be exercisable only while a Participant is an Employee of the Company or an Affiliate and thereafter in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.4 hereunder.

Section 10 – Performance Objectives; Performance Cycles:

The Committee, in its discretion and as a condition of the grant or award of an Incentive hereunder, may:

 

  a. Designate a Performance Cycle, corresponding to the Company’s fiscal year, of not less than one year and not more than three years;

 

  b. Designate Performance Objectives to be attained during such cycle; and

 

  c. Establish threshold, target and maximum levels of performance with respect to such objectives and the Incentives payable upon the attainment of each such level; provided that any Incentive payable on account of the attainment of the maximum level shall not exceed 200% of the Incentive payable upon the attainment of the target level.

 

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Such metrics shall be established at the time of grant or award, but in no event later than 90 days after the first day of the Company’s fiscal year that corresponds to the first day of the applicable Performance Cycle. Once established, Performance Objectives may be changed, adjusted or amended during the Performance Cycle, in the discretion of the Committee, to take into account the occurrence of unanticipated, extraordinary events.

At the end of each Performance Cycle, the Committee shall determine the portion of an Incentive, if any, that shall be deemed vested, exercisable, subject to settlement or otherwise free of restriction on account of the attainment of Performance Objectives. The Committee shall notify each affected Participant whether the Performance Objectives have been achieved, in whole or in part, and the number of shares of Common Stock or other Incentives which are vested, exercisable, subject to settlement, or with respect to which restrictions have lapsed, on account of the attainment of such objectives.

Section 11 – Non-Employee Directors:

11.1 Stock In Lieu of Compensation . The Board may determine that a portion of each Non-Employee Director’s annual compensation shall be payable in the form of Common Stock. Each Non-Employee Director shall further be entitled to elect to receive all or a portion of his or her annual compensation in the form of Common Stock, instead of in cash. In either case, the number of shares issued to the Eligible Director shall equal the quotient of:

 

  a. The amount of compensation payable in the form of Common Stock; divided by

 

  b. The Fair Market Value of Common Stock, determined as of the first business day following the meeting with respect to which the compensation is otherwise paid or payable.

11.2 Other Grants and Awards . The Board may, whether annually or from time to time, and whether pursuant to a formula or by means of the exercise of discretion, grant or award Incentives to one or more Non-Employee Directors, which may include shares of Common Stock not otherwise subject to vesting or forfeiture, subject to such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate, except that: (a) Incentive Stock Options shall not be granted hereunder, and (b) in no event shall the Fair Market Value of Common Stock covered by grants or awards to any individual director hereunder exceed 200% of his or her annualized compensation.

Section 12 – General Provisions:

12.1 Amendment and Termination. The Board may amend or terminate this Plan at any time; any such action may be taken without the approval of the Company’s shareholders, but only to the extent that shareholder approval is not (a) required under applicable law or by any listing agency, or (b) under Code Section 422. No such amendment, modification, or suspension of the Plan shall materially impair the terms and conditions of any Incentive granted or awarded hereunder without the consent of each affected Participant.

The Committee shall possess the authority to amend the terms of any individual Incentive Agreement hereunder; provided, however , that no such amendment shall materially impair the terms of any such Incentive without the consent of each affected Participant and no such amendment shall: (a) reduce the Exercise Price of an Option or the Base Amount applicable to a SAR; or (b) cancel or exchange an outstanding Option or SAR for cash, another Incentive or for other Options with a lesser Exercise Price or Base Amount, except to the extent such action is contemplated under Section 3.5 hereof in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company or is not otherwise deemed to constitute a direct or indirect repricing of such Option or SAR.

 

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12.2 Transferability of Incentives. No Incentive granted hereunder shall be transferred, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, alienated or otherwise encumbered or sold by the holder thereof, whether by operation of law or otherwise, and whether voluntarily or involuntarily (except in the event of the holder’s death by will or the laws of descent and distribution) and neither the Board, the Committee nor the Company shall be required to recognize any attempted assignment of such rights by any Participant. During a Participant’s lifetime, an Incentive may be exercised only by the Participant or by the guardian or legal representative of such person. In the event of a purported assignment, transfer or division which is otherwise prohibited hereunder, such Incentive, whether or not vested, shall be forfeited and cancelled, without the requirement of further notice or the payment of compensation.

12.3 Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any payment or distribution made hereunder, or to collect as a condition of any such payment or distribution, any amount required by law to be withheld. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement, a Participant who is an Employee may satisfy this obligation, in whole or in part, by directing the Company to withhold from any payment or distribution shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value and/or cash equal to the amount required to be withheld, determined at a rate not in excess of the aggregate of the Federal income tax rate applicable to supplemental wage payments, the then applicable employment tax rates, and the maximum marginal state income tax rate. Common Stock withheld hereunder shall be valued at Fair Market Value, determined as of the date on which such shares are otherwise subject to settlement or distribution hereunder.

12.4 Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided in an Incentive Agreement, in the event of a consummation of a Change in Control:

 

  a. All outstanding Options and SARs shall vest and be and remain exercisable until the expiration of their respective terms; for this purpose, any Performance Goals then applicable shall be deemed satisfied at the target level.

 

  b. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall remain subject to all applicable terms and conditions notwithstanding such consummation, including the continued imposition of any Performance Cycle or other Restriction Period; provided that any Performance Goals then applicable shall be deemed satisfied at the target level.

 

  c. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b hereof, if a Participant Separates from Service for any reason, except involuntarily for Cause, during the 24-months following such consummation, the Restriction Period, Performance Cycle or other vesting period shall be deemed lapsed as to any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and such Incentives shall be settled as of such Separation Date.

12.5 Additional Legal Requirements. The obligation of the Company or any of its Affiliates to deliver Common Stock to any Participant hereunder, or to deliver such stock free of restriction, shall be subject to all applicable laws, regulations, rules and approvals deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee. Certificates for shares of Common Stock issued hereunder may be legended, as the Committee shall deem appropriate.

 

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12.6 Fractional Shares. No fractional shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Incentive hereunder. The Committee shall determine whether cash, securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of a fractional share or whether such fractional share or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.

12.7 Certificates. All certificates for shares of Common Stock issued hereunder shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or any stock exchange upon which such shares or other securities are then listed, and any applicable Federal or state laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

12.8 Additional Holding Period. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, Common Stock issued with respect to any Incentive hereunder may be subject to such further holding period as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate.

12.9 Governing Law. The Plan and any Incentive granted under the Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of Louisiana, without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

12.10 Other Benefits. Incentives granted to a Participant under the terms of the Plan shall not impair or otherwise reduce such Participant’s compensation, life insurance or other benefits provided by the Company or its Affiliates; provided, however, that the value of Incentives shall not be treated as compensation for purposes of computing the value or amount of any such benefit.

12.11 Status. A Ledger Account established hereunder, including units credited thereto, shall be a bookkeeping entry only and shall not require the Company or any Affiliate to segregate or otherwise earmark or reserve assets. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued or issuable at the time units are credited to a Ledger Account established hereunder.

Incentives hereunder shall be payable in shares of Common Stock; no special or separate reserve shall be made for any such payment. To the extent any Participant or any other person acquires a right to the settlement of any Incentive hereunder, the status of such Participant shall be that of a general, unsecured creditor of the Company.

12.12 Code Section 409A. If and to the extent units or other amounts credited to a Ledger Account hereunder are deemed to constitute deferred compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A:

 

  a. If any amount is payable to a specified employee (as defined in Code Section 409A) on account of his or her Separation from Service, such payment shall be delayed until the date determined in accordance with such section, without liability for loss of investment opportunity or value on account of such delay.

 

  b. Any Incentive that may be paid or settled in one of two years hereunder shall be paid or settled in the later year.

To the extent any Incentive granted hereunder is deemed deferred compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A, this Plan and any affected Incentive Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with such section; if the Committee reasonably determines that any Participant hereunder may be subject to the tax imposed under Code Section 409A, notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Committee, in its discretion, may amend or rescind the terms of any Incentive hereunder to the extent necessary or advisable to avoid the imposition of such tax.

 

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12.13 Prior Plans. Incentives granted or awarded under the Prior Plans shall be deemed assumed under and made a part of this Plan, but subject to their existing terms and conditions. Such Incentives shall be subject to administration in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 hereof and shall be subject to the general provisions set forth in this Section 12, but in all other respects such Incentives shall not be deemed modified to include any rights or benefits provided herein.

12.14 Incentive Plans. The terms of each Incentive granted or awarded hereunder shall be evidenced by a separate agreement between each Participant or Non-Employee Director and the Committee setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such Incentive; such agreement shall be made in writing or by such electronic means as the Committee deems appropriate.

THIS 2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN was approved by the Board Directors of Investar Holding Corporation on January 18, 2014, to be effective as provided for herein.

 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John D’Angelo

Its: Chief Executive Officer
Date: January 15, 2014

 

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Exhibit 10.2

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTICE OF GRANT

(Options)

Name:

Number of Options Granted:

Exercise Price Per Share: IPO Price

Grant Date: IPO Effectiveness

To align your financial interests with those of the shareholders of Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”) after the Company’s initial public offering of its common stock, $1.00 par value per share (“Common Stock”), the Company’s Board of Directors has granted to you the number of options to acquire Common Stock designated above (your “Options”). Your Options are subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Notice and the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), a copy of which is attached. Unless otherwise defined below, capitalized terms used in this Notice shall have the meanings used in the Plan.

1. Effectiveness. Your Options will be deemed granted and effective as of the Grant Date (above), provided that you are then an employee of the Company or Investar Bank and in good standing as determined by the Board or its designee. As used above, “IPO Effectiveness” means and will be deemed to occur as of the date on which a Notice of Effectiveness is issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Company’s Registration Statement filed on Form S-1. The “IPO Price” is the per share price at which Common Stock is first offered by the Company to the public.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Notice to the contrary, if the Grant Date does not occur on or before December 31, 2014, your Options will be forfeited to and cancelled by the Company.

2. Restrictions. Your Options will vest and be exercisable, provided you are continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate on and after the Grant Date, in accordance with the following schedule:

 

  a. One-sixth of your Options will vest and be exercisable 12 months from the Grant Date;

 

  b. An additional one-sixth of your Options will vest and be exercisable 24 months from the Grant Date;

 

  c. An additional one-sixth of your Options will vest and be exercisable 36 months from the Grant Date;

 

  d. An additional one-sixth of your Options will vest and be exercisable 48 months from the Grant Date;

 

  e. An additional one-sixth of your Options will vest and be exercisable 60 months from the Grant Date; and

 

  f. The remainder of your Options will vest and be exercisable 72 months from the Grant Date.

To the extent vested and unexercised, your Options will cumulate and be and remain exercisable during the ten-year period following the Grant Date (the last day of such period the “Expiration Date”). As of the Expiration Date, your outstanding Options, whether or not then vested, will expire and be deemed forfeited to and cancelled by the Company.


3. Separation From Service. Notwithstanding any provision of this Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if your employment with the Company ends before your Options have been exercised:

 

  a. Involuntarily by the Company on account of Cause or on account of your voluntary separation, your Options will be forfeited to and cancelled by the Company on your separation date, whether or not then vested; or

 

  b. On account of your death, Disability, Retirement or involuntarily by the Company without Cause, your Options not then vested shall be forfeited to and cancelled by the Company and your Options then vested will remain exercisable during the one-year period following your separation date, at which time any outstanding Options will be forfeited to and cancelled by the Company, whether or not then vested.

4. Effect of a Change in Control. If a Change in Control is consummated, your Options will be deemed fully vested and be and remain exercisable until the Expiration Date, at which time any outstanding Options will be forfeited to and cancelled by the Company.

5. Exercise . Your vested Options may be exercised, in whole or in part, by providing written notice to the Company, which notice shall designate the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and shall be accompanied by the full exercise price for the shares. The exercise price may be paid: (a) in cash or cash equivalents; (b) by the tender of Common Stock then owned by you, which shall be valued at Fair Market Value for this purpose; (c) by withholding shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to you upon exercise; or (d) by means of a broker assisted transaction, provided that the Company is irrevocably designated as the recipient of the proceeds thereof to the extent of the aggregate Exercise Price.

Common Stock shall be issued by the Company promptly after receipt of your notice of exercise and payment in full for the shares, whether certificated or in book entry form as determined by the Company; provided that the Company’s obligation to issue Common Stock hereunder: (a) may be postponed, in the sole discretion of the Board, for any period necessary to list, register, or otherwise qualify the purchased shares under Federal securities laws or any applicable state securities laws; and (b) may be conditioned upon your making such additional representations and warranties or certifications as the Board may reasonably request. You agree that Common Stock issued hereunder shall bear such legends for such times as the Board deems necessary or appropriate.

6. Taxes. Any gain realized on the exercise of your Options will be treated as compensation, reported by the Company on IRS Form W-2, and subject to withholding for applicable income and employment taxes. Unless you notify the Company and otherwise provide for the payment of your withholding obligations, the Company will determine the amount of your withholding and satisfy this obligation by “netting” from the Common Stock otherwise issuable to you, shares with a Fair Market Value equal to your obligation. The Company calculates withholding at the supplemental wage rate for Federal income tax purposes and the maximum withholding rate imposed by Louisiana law.

7. Shareholder Rights. Until you exercise your Options, you have no shareholder rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock that are covered by your Options.

8. No Assignment. Your Options are not subject in any manner to sale, transfer, pledge, assignment or other encumbrance or disposition, whether by operation of law or otherwise, and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. In the event of a purported assignment, transfer or division on account of the division of your community property or the dissolution of your marriage, the portion of the Options purportedly subject to such assignment, transfer or division, will be forfeited and cancelled, without the requirement of notice or the payment of compensation.

9. Amendment. The Board, in its discretion and without your consent, may amend or modify your Options, except that any amendment that materially diminishes the value of your Options can be effective only with your prior written consent.

 

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10. No Continued Employment : Neither the grant nor vesting of your Options shall be deemed to constitute a promise of your continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate or otherwise modify your employment status with the Company.

You should retain this Notice with your permanent records. As a condition of the grant of your Options, you must promptly complete and return the attached Acknowledgement and Agreement to the Company.

If you have any questions about the terms of your Options, you should contact Randy Kassmeier at randy.kassmeier@investarbank.com or Rachel Cherco at rachel.cherco@investarbank.com.

 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION
John D’Angelo, Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

Acknowledgement and Agreement

Investar Holding Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

 

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INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

GRANT OF OPTIONS

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT

I acknowledge that grant of my Options is contingent upon the Company’s timely IPO Effectiveness and that my Options are further subject to the terms and conditions described in the Notice, the terms of the Plan, and any limitations applicable under Federal or state securities laws. I agree that to the extent the terms of the Notice are inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Notice will control. I understand that the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of my Options have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and that the shares may be subject to limitations on sale, assignment or other types of transfer or disposition. I acknowledge that no member of the Company or the Board shall be liable for any action or determination taken in good faith with respect to the Plan or my Options, and that I have been furnished with a copy of the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

 

Signature  
Print Name:  

 

Date:                      , 2014
Deliver to:
Rachel Cherco, Investar Bank
P. O. Box 84207
Baton Rouge, LA 70884-4207

Exhibit 10.3

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTICE OF AWARD

(Restricted Stock)

Name:

Number of Shares Awarded:

Award Date: IPO Effectiveness

In recognition of the services you have provided to Investar Bank and Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”), and to align your financial interests with those of the shareholders of the Company, the Company’s Board of Directors has awarded to you the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, $1.00 par value per share (“Common Stock”), designated above (your “Stock Award”), effective as of the Award Date (above). Your Stock Award is subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Notice and the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), a copy of which is attached. Unless otherwise defined below, capitalized terms used in this Notice shall have the meanings used in the Plan.

1. Limitations and Restrictions. As used above, the term “IPO Effectiveness” means and will be deemed to occur as of the date on which a Notice of Effectiveness is issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Company’s Registration Statement filed on Form S-1. If you are not employed and in good standing on such date, or if the IPO Effectiveness does not occur on or before December 31, 2014, your Stock Award will be deemed void and of no effect.

During the Service Period (as defined below), your Stock Award cannot be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, mortgaged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily, by operation of law or otherwise (the “Restrictions”). Your Stock Award will be maintained by the Company in book entry form. As and when the Service Period lapses, the Company will settle your award by releasing the Restrictions; you may then direct the certification of the portion of your award with respect to which the Restrictions have lapsed and the affected number of shares may be sold or transferred.

The term “Service Period” refers to the period during which your Stock Award will be subject to the Restrictions. The Service Period begins on the Award Date and lapses as follows:

 

  a. The Service Period shall lapse as to one-sixth of the shares awarded hereunder on the first anniversary of the Award Date, provided that you have been continuously employed by the Company, Investar Bank or an affiliate thereof (“Continuously Employed”) during such period;

 

  b. The Service Period shall lapse as to an additional one-sixth of the shares awarded hereunder on the second anniversary of the Award Date, provided that you have remained Continuously Employed;

 

  c. The Service Period shall lapse as to an additional one-sixth of the shares awarded hereunder on the third anniversary of the Award Date, provided that you have remained Continuously Employed;

 

  d. The Service Period shall lapse as to an additional one-sixth of the shares awarded hereunder on the fourth anniversary of the Award Date, provided that you have remained Continuously Employed;

 

  e. The Service Period shall lapse as to an additional one-sixth of the shares awarded hereunder on the fifth anniversary of the Award Date, provided that you have remained Continuously Employed; and


  f. The Service Period shall lapse as to the remaining shares awarded hereunder on the sixth anniversary of the Award Date, provided that you have remained Continuously Employed.

2. Shareholder Rights. During the Service Period, you are entitled to the rights of a shareholder with respect to your Stock Award, including the right to vote the shares and to receive cash dividends if, as and when declared by the Board.

3. Separation From Service. Notwithstanding any provision of this Notice or the Plan to the contrary, if your service with the Company ends before the Service Period is completed:

 

  a. Involuntarily by the Company on account of Cause, your Stock Award, to the extent then subject to the Restrictions, will be forfeited to and cancelled by the Company.

 

  b. On account of your voluntary separation, your Stock Award, to the extent then subject to the Restrictions, will be forfeited to and cancelled by the Company.

 

  c. On account of your death, Disability, Retirement or involuntarily by the Company without Cause, your Stock Award will be prorated to reflect the period of your employment during the Service Period and the prorated award will be settled.

4. Effect of a Change in Control. If a Change in Control is consummated during your Service Period and you Separate from Service within the 24-month period following the change for any reason, except involuntarily for Cause, your Stock Award will vest and be settled as of your Separation Date. Otherwise, the Service Period will remain in effect following the Change in Control and lapse as provided herein, and your Stock Award will vest and be settled in accordance with its terms.

5. Taxes. The Fair Market Value of the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Restrictions lapse, from time to time, will be treated as compensation, reported by the Company on IRS Form W-2, and subject to withholding for applicable income and employment taxes. The Company will determine the amount of your withholding and satisfy this obligation by “netting” from your award shares of Common Stock with a Fair Market Value equal to your obligation. The Company calculates withholding at the supplemental wage rate and the maximum withholding rate imposed by Louisiana law.

6. No Assignment. During the Service Period, your Stock Award shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, pledge, assignment or other encumbrance or disposition, whether by operation of law or otherwise, and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. In the event of a purported assignment, transfer or division on account of the division of your community property or the dissolution of your marriage, the portion of the Stock Award purportedly subject to such assignment, transfer or division, will be forfeited and cancelled, without the requirement of notice or the payment of compensation.

7. Additional Requirements. You acknowledge that shares of Common Stock acquired hereunder may bear such legends as the Company deems appropriate to comply with applicable Federal or state securities laws and the terms of the Plan. Prior to the issuance of such shares, you may be required to deliver to the Company such other documents as may be reasonably required to ensure compliance with applicable Federal or state securities laws.

8. Amendment. The Board, in its discretion and without your consent, may amend or modify your Stock Award, except that any amendment that materially diminishes the value of your award can be effective only with your prior written consent.

9. No Continued Employment. The making of your Stock Award is not a promise of your continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company; it does not otherwise modify your employment status with the Company or an Affiliate.

 

2


You should retain this Notice with your permanent records. As a condition of your Stock Award, you must promptly complete and return the attached Acknowledgement and Agreement to the Company. If you have any questions about the terms of your Stock Award, you should contact Randy Kassmeier at randy.kassmeier@investarbank.com or Rachel Cherco at rachel.cherco@investarbank.com.

 

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION
John D’Angelo, Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

Investar Holding Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

Acknowledgement and Agreement

 

3


INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT

I acknowledge that my Stock Award is subject to contingencies related to the Company’s initial public offering and my employment. I understand that the settlement of my award as and when the Restrictions lapse is subject to the terms and conditions described in the Notice, the terms of the Plan, and any limitations applicable under Federal or state securities laws. I agree that to the extent the terms of the Notice are inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Notice will control. I understand that the shares of Common Stock underlying my Stock Award have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and that the shares may be subject to limitations on sale, assignment, or other types of transfer or disposition at the end of the Service Period. I acknowledge that no officer of the Company or the Board shall be liable for any action or determination taken in good faith with respect to the Plan or my Stock Award, and that I have been furnished with a copy of the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

 

Signature
Print Name:                                                                       
Date:                      , 2014
Deliver to:
Rachel Cherco, Investar Bank
P. O. Box 84207
Baton Rouge, LA 70884-4207

Exhibit 10.4

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

NOTICE OF EXCHANGE AND ASSUMPTION

(Options)

Name of Option Holder:

Number of Outstanding Options:

Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Exchange between Investar Bank and Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”), in November, 2013, Investar Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and each outstanding share of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued by Investar Bank (“Bank Stock”) was exchanged for one share of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued by the Company (“Company Stock”).

Previously, you were granted options to acquire Bank Stock; the aggregate number of outstanding options you held immediately before the exchange is shown above. In accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Exchange, your options to acquire Bank Stock have now been exchanged for rights to acquire a like number of shares of Company Stock (“Company Options”). Your Company Options have been assumed and will now be administered under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, a copy of which is attached. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of your options, including the exercise price and the circumstances under which your options may be forfeited or will expire, remain in force and effect.

You can request copies of your individual grants by contacting Rachel Cherco at rachel.cherco@investarbank.com . You should retain a copy of this letter and the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan for your records.

Attachment: 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

Exhibit 10.5

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

NOTICE OF EXCHANGE AND ASSUMPTION

(Restricted Stock)

Name:

Number of Unvested Shares:

Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Exchange between Investar Bank and Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”), in November, 2013, Investar Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and each outstanding share of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued by Investar Bank (“Bank Stock”) was exchanged for one share of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued by the Company (“Company Stock”).

Previously, you were issued shares of Bank Stock under one or more restricted stock awards made by the Board of Directors of Investar Bank; the aggregate number of unvested shares that you held immediately before the exchange is shown above. In accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Exchange, your unvested Bank Stock has now been converted to a like number of shares of unvested Company Stock (“Company Restricted Stock”). Your Company Restricted Stock has been assumed and will now be administered under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, a copy of which is attached. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of your award or awards, as determined by the Board of Directors of Investar Bank, including the vesting schedule and the circumstances under which your award or awards may be forfeited, remain in force and effect.

You can request copies of your individual awards of restricted stock by contacting Rachel Cherco at rachel.cherco@investarbank.com . You should retain a copy of this letter and the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan for your records.

Attachment: 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

Exhibit 10.6

INVESTAR HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTICE OF ASSUMPTION AND EXCHANGE

(Warrants)

Name:

Number of Unexercised Warrants:

Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Exchange between Investar Bank and Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”), in November, 2013, Investar Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and each outstanding share of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued by Investar Bank (“Bank Stock”) was exchanged for one share of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued by the Company (“Company Stock”).

You are the registered holder of warrants to acquire Bank Stock; the aggregate number of warrants that you held unexercised immediately before the exchange is shown above. In accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Exchange, your warrants have now been assumed by the Company and converted to a like number of rights to acquire Company Stock. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of your warrants, as originally determined by the Board of Directors of Investar Bank, including the exercise price and the expiration date, will remain in force and effect, except to the extent your warrants were issued on April 30, 2009, in which event the expiration date of such warrants has been extended until 30 days after the issuance of a Notice of Effectiveness by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Company’s Registration Statement filed on Form S-1.

If you have any questions about the exchange, you should contact Rachel Cherco at rachel.cherco@investarbank.com . Ms. Cherco can also provide you with information about the terms of your warrants.

Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

Name

  

Jurisdiction of

Incorporation/Organization

  

Holder of

Outstanding Stock

Investar Bank

   Louisiana    Investar Holding Corporation

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Investar Holding Corporation of our report dated March 6, 2014 relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Investar Holding Corporation appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in such Prospectus.

/s/ Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

May 15, 2014

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the inclusion as an annex to the prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Investar Holding Corporation of our report dated March 26, 2013 relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of First Community Holding Company and Subsidiary as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

/s/ Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

May 15, 2014