PART I

Item 1. Business

General

Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company”), a Louisiana corporation incorporated in 2009, is a financial holding company headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that conducts its operations primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Investar Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), a national bank chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (“OCC”). The Bank was originally chartered as a Louisiana commercial bank in 2006 and converted to a national bank in July 2019. Through the Bank, the Company offers a wide range of commercial banking products tailored to meet the needs of individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses. Our primary areas of operation are south Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and their surrounding areas; southeast Texas, including Houston and its surrounding area, Alice and Victoria; and Alabama, including York and its surrounding area and, as of April 1, 2021, Oxford and its surrounding area. These markets are served from our executive and operations center located in Baton Rouge and from 33 full service branches located throughout our market areas. We have experienced significant growth since the Bank was chartered, completing seven whole-bank acquisitions and establishing additional branches in our market areas.

As of December 31, 2021, on a consolidated basis, the Company had total assets of $2.5 billion, net loans of $1.9 billion, total deposits of $2.1 billion, and stockholders’ equity of $242.6 million.

Management believes that the current markets present a significant opportunity for growth and franchise expansion, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Although the financial services industry is rapidly changing and intensely competitive, and likely to remain so, we believe that the Bank competes effectively as a local community bank and 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.

For a discussion of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – COVID-19.

The information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is as of March 9, 2022, unless otherwise indicated herein.

Operations

General. We offer a full range of commercial and retail lending products throughout our market areas, including business loans to small to medium-sized businesses as well as loans to individuals. Our business lending products include owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, construction loans and commercial and industrial loans, such as term loans, equipment financing and lines of credit, while our loans to individuals include first and second mortgage loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. For business customers, we target small to medium-sized businesses and professional organizations such as law firms, accounting firms and medical practices.

Management considers all of our operations to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment, and accordingly, no separate segment disclosures are presented in this report.

Lending Activities. Income generated by our lending activities represents a substantial portion of our total revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, income from our lending activities comprised 84%, 83% and 85%, respectively, of our total revenue. Over the last three fiscal years, we have increased our focus on commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans.

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

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, if any, 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 also manage risk by avoiding concentrations in any one business or industry.

Construction lending entails significant additional risks compared to commercial real estate or residential real estate lending due to the dynamics of construction projects, changes in interest rates, the long-term financing market, and state and local government regulations. 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 accurately evaluate 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. We also manage risk by using specific underwriting policies and procedures for these types of loans and by avoiding excessive concentrations in any one business or industry.

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

Deposits. We offer a broad base of deposit products and services to our individual and business clients, including savings, checking, and money market accounts, debit cards and mobile banking with smartphone deposit capability, as well as a variety of certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. We also offer a reciprocal deposit product, Assured Checking, that allows customers to deposit funds in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) $250,000 insurance limit and have the funds insured by the FDIC. For our business clients, we offer a competitive suite of cash management products which include, but are not limited to, remote deposit capture, lockbox payment processing, virtual vault, electronic statements, positive pay, ACH origination and wire transfer, investment sweep accounts, and enhanced business internet banking.

Other Banking Services. The 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, debit cards, mobile wallet payment options, business electronic banking for business customers, and Zelle®, a fast, safe and easy way to send money directly between almost any bank account in the United States. In addition, the bank has options for contactless banking including interactive teller machines (“ITMs”) and video banking. ITMs are an upgrade on traditional automated teller machine (“ATM”) technology that allow customers to virtually interact directly with Bank staff for a safer, more secure transaction. Video banking lets customers communicate with Bank staff from a mobile device or computer without visiting a branch.

We have also associated with nationwide networks of ATMs, enabling the Bank’s customers to use ATMs throughout our markets and other regions. We offer merchant card services through a third-party vendor and a business credit card product. The Bank does not offer trust services or insurance products.

Acquisition Activity

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

Recent Acquisitions. All of our acquisition activity is evaluated and overseen by a standing Mergers and Acquisitions Committee of our board of directors. A discussion of acquisitions completed since January 1, 2019 is set forth under the heading “Certain Events That Affect Year-over-Year Comparability – Acquisitions” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

De Novo Branches

During our last three fiscal years, we have opened four full-service branch locations in Louisiana, consisting of two locations in the Lake Charles market, one location in the New Orleans market, and one location in the Lafayette market, in addition to the branches we acquired through our acquisition activity. We do not expect to open de novo branches in 2022.

Competition

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

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

The following table sets forth certain information about our total deposits, and our share of total deposits, in specified locations, and is shown as of June 30, 2021, which is the latest date for which such information is available.

Supervision and Regulation

General. Banking is highly regulated under federal and state law. The following is a brief summary of certain aspects of that regulation which are material to us, and does not purport to be a complete description of all regulations that affect us or all aspects of those regulations. To the extent particular statutory and regulatory provisions are described, the description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statute or regulation.

We are a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and are subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve. The Bank is a national bank chartered under the laws of the United States by the OCC and is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the OCC. This system of supervision and regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for our operations and, consequently, can have a material impact on our growth and earnings performance.

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

The Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted on July 21, 2010, aims to restore responsibility and accountability to the financial system by significantly altering the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry. Full implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act has required many new rules to be issued by federal regulatory agencies over the last several years, and it will continue to profoundly affect how financial institutions will be regulated in the future.

The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things:

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

The Volcker Rule. On December 10, 2013, the Federal Reserve and the other federal banking regulators as well as the SEC each adopted a final rule implementing Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule.” Generally speaking, the final rule prohibited 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 required banking entities to divest disallowed securities by July 21, 2015, subject to extension upon application. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act which was enacted in 2018 amended Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act to exempt from the Volcker Rule any insured depository institution that has $10.0 billion or less in total consolidated assets and whose total trading assets and trading liabilities are 5.0% or less of total consolidated assets.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

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

Under the current regulatory framework, we are required to maintain the following minimum regulatory capital ratios:

In addition to these minimum regulatory capital ratios, the regulations establish a capital conservation buffer with respect to the first three capital ratios listed above. Specifically, banking organizations must hold common equity Tier 1 capital in excess of their minimum risk-based capital ratios by at least 2.5% of risk-weighted assets in order to avoid limits on capital distributions (including dividend payments, discretionary payments on Tier 1 instruments, and stock buybacks) and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. Thus, when including the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, a bank holding company and bank’s minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets becomes 7%, its minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets becomes 8.5%, and its minimum ratio of total capital to total risk-weighted assets becomes 10.5%.

We were in compliance with all applicable minimum regulatory capital requirements as of December 31, 2021.

The required capital ratios set forth above are minimums, and the Federal Reserve and the OCC may determine that a banking organization, based on its size, complexity or risk profile, must maintain a higher level of capital in order to operate in a safe and sound manner. Risks such as concentration of credit risks and the risk arising from non-traditional activities, as well as the institution’s exposure to a decline in the economic value of its capital due to changes in interest rates, and an institution’s ability to manage those risks are important factors that are to be taken into account by the federal banking agencies in assessing an institution’s overall capital adequacy.

The federal banking agencies finalized a rule in 2019 that allows bank holding companies and banks with less than $10.0 billion in total consolidated assets, limited amounts of certain assets and off balance sheet exposures, and a bank leverage ratio of greater than 9% to elect to use the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (“CBLR”) framework. A community banking organization electing to use the CBLR framework would have a simplified capital regime and would be considered well capitalized as long as it had a leverage ratio of greater than 9%. We have not elected to use the CBLR framework and it is uncertain if we will elect to use the CBLR framework in the future.

Furthermore, the U.S. federal banking agencies have finalized rules that would permit bank holding companies and banks to phase-in, for regulatory capital purposes, the day-one impact of the new current expected credit loss accounting rule in retained earnings over a period of three years commencing with time of adoption of the new standard. For further discussion of the new current expected credit loss accounting rule, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and also see “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” in Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Prompt Corrective Action Regulations. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the OCC is required and authorized to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized banks. For this purpose, a bank is placed in one of the following five categories based on its capital: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, as currently in effect, to be well capitalized, a bank must have a leverage capital ratio of at least 5%, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, and must not be subject to any order or written agreement or directive by a federal banking agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

Federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to banks in the three undercapitalized categories that, if undertaken, could have a material adverse effect on the bank's operations or financial condition. The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the bank is placed. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, banking regulators must appoint a receiver or conservator for a bank that is critically undercapitalized. The federal banking agencies have specified by regulation the relevant capital level for each category. A bank 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 bank 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 OCC approval. The regulations also establish procedures for downgrading a bank to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital. Additionally, only a well-capitalized depository bank may accept brokered deposits without prior regulatory approval.

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

The capital classification of a bank affects the frequency of regulatory examinations, the bank’s ability to engage in certain activities, and the deposit insurance premiums paid by the bank. As of December 31, 2021, the Bank met the requirements to be categorized as well capitalized under the prompt corrective action framework as currently in effect.

Acquisitions by Bank Holding Companies

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

If the Bank seeks to acquire another depository institution or branches of another depository institution, it is required to obtain the prior approval of the OCC. In reviewing the application, the OCC will consider, among other things, the Bank’s capital level, its financial and managerial resources and future prospects, the impact of the transaction on the Bank’s safety and soundness, the impact of the transaction on competition in the relevant geographic market, its record in combating money laundering activities, the impact on the convenience and needs of the communities served, and the Bank’s record of Community Reinvestment Act performance.

Scope of Permissible Bank Holding Company Activities

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

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

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

Source of Strength Doctrine for Bank Holding Companies

Under longstanding Federal Reserve policy which has been codified by the Dodd-Frank Act, we are expected to act as a source of financial strength to, and to commit resources to support, the Bank. This support may be required at times when we may not be inclined to provide it. In addition, any capital loans that we make to 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.

Dividends

As a bank holding company, we are subject to certain restrictions on dividends under applicable banking laws and regulations. The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement that provides that a bank holding company should not pay dividends unless: (1) its net income over the last four quarters (net of dividends paid) has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition of the bank holding company and its subsidiaries; and (3) the bank holding company will continue to meet minimum required capital adequacy ratios. Accordingly, a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends that exceed its net income or that can only be funded in ways that weaken the bank holding company’s financial health, such as by borrowing. The Dodd-Frank Act imposes, and Basel III effected, additional restrictions on the ability of banking institutions to pay dividends. In addition, in the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.

The Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on dividends under federal laws, regulations and policies. In general, under OCC regulations, the Bank may pay dividends to us without the approval of the OCC only so long as the amount of the dividend does not exceed the Bank’s net income earned during the current year (net of dividends paid) combined with its retained net income (net of dividends paid) of the immediately preceding two years. The Bank must obtain the approval of the OCC for any amount in excess of this threshold. Further, a national bank may not pay a dividend in excess of its undivided profits. In addition, under federal law, the Bank may not pay any dividend to us if it is undercapitalized or the payment of the dividend would cause it to become undercapitalized. The OCC may further restrict the payment of dividends by requiring the Bank to maintain a higher level of capital than would otherwise be required to be adequately capitalized for regulatory purposes. Moreover, if, in the opinion of the OCC, the Bank is engaged in an unsound practice (which could include the payment of dividends even within the legal requirements noted above), the OCC may require the Bank to cease such practice. The OCC has indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe banking practice.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates and Loans to Insiders

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

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

Incentive Compensation Guidance

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

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

Deposit Insurance Assessments

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

Branching and Interstate Banking

Under federal law, the Bank is permitted to establish additional branch offices within Louisiana, subject to the approval of the OCC. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Bank may also establish additional branch offices outside of Louisiana, subject to prior regulatory approval, so long as the laws of the state where the branch is to be located would permit a state bank chartered in that state to establish a branch. The Bank may also establish offices in other states by merging with banks or by purchasing branches of other banks in other states, subject to certain restrictions.

Community Reinvestment Act

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

Concentrated Commercial Real Estate Lending Regulations

The federal bank regulatory agencies have promulgated guidance governing financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending. The guidance provides that a bank has a concentration in commercial real estate lending if (i) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% or more of total capital or (ii) total reported loans secured by multifamily and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 300% or more of total capital and the bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months. Owner occupied loans are excluded from this second category. If a concentration is present, management must employ heightened risk management practices that address, among other things, board and management oversight and strategic planning, portfolio management, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing, and maintenance of increased capital levels as needed to support the level of commercial real estate lending. At December 31, 2021, the Company did not have a concentration in commercial real estate as defined by the regulatory guidance.

Financial Privacy and Cybersecurity Requirements

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

Federal law and regulations also establish certain information security guidelines that require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its board of directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, to protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

Federal banking regulators regularly issue guidance regarding cybersecurity intended to enhance cyber risk management. A financial institution is expected to implement multiple lines of defense against cyberattacks. Financial institutions are also expected to implement procedures designed to address the risks posed by potential cyber threats, and to allow the institution to respond and recover effectively after a cyberattack. The Company has adopted procedures designed to comply with the regulatory cybersecurity guidance.

Consumer Laws and Regulations

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

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

Mortgage Lending Rules

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

Anti-Money Laundering and OFAC

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

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

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

Safety and Soundness Standards

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

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

Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies

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

Future Legislation and Regulatory Reform

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

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

Human Capital Resources

Our business is built on relationships with our customers, our community, and most of all, our employees. We are committed to providing quality service and products to the consumers and businesses within the markets we serve. We strive to create superior shareholder value by attracting and retaining exceptional employees who are highly motivated and well trained. 

Our compensation strategy provides a total rewards structure that reflects position responsibilities, is competitive with the external market, and is capable of attracting, retaining, and motivating our employees. We provide a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees which includes group health (medical, dental, and vision) insurance including health savings account and health reimbursement arrangement options, paid time off, short and long term disability insurance, life insurance and a 401(k) plan in which we provide a matching contribution. We also offer eligible employees participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as well as our Long Term Incentive plan (LTI) in order to better align employee and shareholder interests.

We provide employees with robust training programs that promote employee development and effectiveness by providing high-quality curriculums designed to meet individual, departmental and Bank-wide objectives. This includes mentorships, 1-on-1 job shadowing, classroom training, and computer-based training.

We believe employing a diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens our ability to serve our customers and our communities, which is a key component of our success. To that end, we are a proud equal opportunity employer committed to attracting, retaining and promoting employees regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion and physical ability. We do not tolerate illegal discrimination or harassment and encourage employees to immediately report any violations to management and human resources. 

As of December 31, 2021, we had 339 full-time 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.

Dependence upon a Single Customer

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

Available Information

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

Investar Holding Corporation

P.O. Box 84207

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70884-4207

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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

Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic may continue to adversely impact our business and financial results.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a worldwide public health crisis. The pandemic, and government and voluntary actions taken to reduce the spread of the virus, have significantly increased economic uncertainty and reduced economic activity. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, authorities implemented numerous measures to try to contain the virus. Government-mandated travel restrictions, closures of schools and businesses, occupancy restrictions, and stay-at-home orders, including in our market areas, significantly disrupted economic activities. These disruptions also caused steep increases in unemployment and decreases in consumer and business spending. Certain industries have been particularly hard-hit, including the oil and gas industry, the travel and hospitality industry, the restaurant industry and the retail industry. Although jurisdictions in which we operate have mostly lifted restrictions, worker shortages, supply chain disruptions, inflation, emergences of viral variants and uneven vaccination rates have impacted the ability of businesses to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity and employment.

The pandemic and related economic consequences have adversely impacted and may further adversely impact our workforce, operations, and financial results. The operations of our borrowers, other customers, and suppliers have also been affected. We may experience future financial losses due to a number of factors, including but not limited to:

These factors may remain prevalent for a significant period of time and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, even after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided.

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our business, results of operations and financial condition in the future is difficult to predict, particularly due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, and depends upon, among other things, the duration and spread of the outbreak, its severity, actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, the availability, acceptance and effectiveness of vaccines, the impact of variants of the virus, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume.

Risks Related to our Business

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

Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the primary markets where we operate and in the U.S. as a whole. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence, limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital, increases in inflation or interest rates, high unemployment, natural disasters, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) or fear of pandemics, or a combination of these or other factors. Additionally, declines in real estate value and sales volumes and high unemployment levels may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies and a decline in demand for our products and services. These negative events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our capital, liquidity and financial condition.

In addition, geopolitical matters, including international political unrest, disruptions in international trade patterns, and slow growth in sectors of the global economy, as well as acts of terrorism, war and other violence could result, and in the case of the war in Ukraine, has resulted, in disruptions or volatility in the financial markets, which could reduce the value of our assets or reduce liquidity. These negative events could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, including our liquidity position, and may affect our ability to access capital.

Our business strategy includes the continuation of our multi-state 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 primarily through de novo branching and through the acquisition of other financial institutions. Since our bank was founded in June 2006, through December 31, 2021, we have opened 14 de novo branches, completed seven whole bank acquisitions, and acquired two branch locations. We have also expanded our operations outside our historical south Louisiana base and into Texas and Alabama, progressing towards our goal to build a premier regional community bank. We intend to continue pursuing a multi-state growth strategy for our business primarily through attractive acquisition opportunities as well as continue to pursue organic growth throughout our franchise. 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:

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

Our business is concentrated in southern Louisiana, southeast Texas, and Alabama, and an economic downturn affecting these areas may magnify the adverse effects and consequences to us.

We currently conduct our operations primarily in southern Louisiana, and more specifically, in the Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and Lake Charles metropolitan areas, in the greater Houston, Texas area, and in Alabama. As of December 31, 2021, our primary markets were south Louisiana (approximately 77% of our total deposits of $2.1 billion), southeast Texas (approximately 9% of our total deposits) and Alabama (approximately 14% of our total deposits). At December 31, 2021, approximately 68%, 5%, and 6% of the secured loans in our total loan portfolio were secured by properties and other collateral located in Louisiana, Texas and Alabama, respectively.

This geographic concentration imposes a greater risk to us than to our competitors in the area who maintain significant operations outside of our selected markets. Accordingly, any regional or local economic downturn, or natural or man-made disaster, that affects southern Louisiana, southeast Texas, Alabama, or existing or prospective property or borrowers in such areas may affect us and our profitability more significantly and more adversely than our more geographically diversified competitors.

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 economic conditions negatively impact our selected markets and these businesses are adversely affected, our financial condition and results of operations may be negatively affected.

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

Certain industry-specific economic factors may also adversely affect us. For example, the energy sector, which is historically cyclical, has experienced significant volatility in oil and gas prices. While we consider our direct exposure to the energy sector not to be significant, comprising approximately 2.1% of total loans, excluding PPP loans, at December 31, 2021, continued oil price volatility could have further negative impacts on general economic conditions, particularly in our south Louisiana and southeast Texas markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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

At December 31, 2021, approximately 82% 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, but its value may deteriorate during the time the credit is extended. Declines in real estate values in our markets could significantly impair the value of the particular collateral securing our loans and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure for an amount necessary to satisfy the borrower’s obligations to us. Furthermore, in a declining real estate market, we often will need to further increase our allowance for loan losses to address the deterioration in the value of the real estate securing our loans. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and growth prospects.

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

Our loan portfolio includes commercial real estate loans, which are secured by owner-occupied and nonowner-occupied commercial properties. As of December 31, 2021, our owner-occupied commercial real estate loans totaled $460.2 million, or 24.6% of our total loan portfolio and our nonowner-occupied commercial real estate loans totaled $436.2 million, or 23.3% of our total loan portfolio.

Commercial real estate loans typically depend on cash flows from the property to service the debt. Cash flows, either in the form of rental income or the proceeds from sales of commercial real estate, may be affected significantly by general economic conditions. Weak economic conditions may impair the borrower’s business operations and typically slow the execution of new leases. Such economic conditions may also lead to existing lease turnover. As a result of these factors, vacancy rates for retail, office and industrial space may increase. High vacancy rates could also result in rents falling. The combination of these factors could result in deterioration in the fundamentals underlying the commercial real estate market and the deterioration in value of some of our loans. These loans expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be liquidated as easily as residential real estate. If we foreclose on these loans, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than for a 1-4 family residential property because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Additionally, nonowner-occupied commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, charge-offs on nonowner-occupied commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial real estate loan portfolio would require us to increase our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and growth prospects.

Commercial and industrial loans may expose us to greater risk than other loans.

Commercial and industrial loans primarily consist of working capital lines of credit and equipment loans, typically secured by accounts receivable or inventory, or the relevant equipment. Repayment of these loans generally comes from the generation of cash flow as the result of the borrower’s business operations. Commercial lending generally involves different risks from those associated with commercial real estate lending or construction lending. Although commercial loans may be collateralized by 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 and industrial loan. The liquidation of collateral, if any, is considered a secondary source of repayment because equipment and other business assets may, among other things, be obsolete or of limited resale value.

Changes in interest rates could have an adverse effect on our profitability.

The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and, as a result, we are subject to significant risk from changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates may affect our net interest income as well as the valuation of our assets and liabilities. We cannot predict with certainty changes in interest rates, which are affected by many factors beyond our control, including inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, competition for loans and deposits, domestic and international events, changes in the United States and other financial markets, and the policies of the Federal Reserve. Inflation reached a near 40-year high in late 2021, driven in large part by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Federal Reserve is expected to interest rates one or more times in 2022, which would likely result in an increase in market interest rates. Our earnings depend significantly on our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We expect to 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 move contrary to our position, this “gap” may work against us, and our earnings may be adversely affected. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-earning assets in a period, an increase in interest rates could reduce net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce net interest income.

Additionally, an increase in the general level of interest rates may also, among other things, adversely affect our current borrowers’ ability to repay variable rate loans, the demand for and our ability to originate loans, negatively affect the value of our investment securities portfolio, and decrease loan prepayment rates, or could increase the cost of the Company’s deposits and borrowings. 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.

Conversely, a decrease in the general level of interest rates may lead to, among other things, prepayments on our loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolios as borrowers refinance their loans at lower rates, lower rates on new loans, lower rates on existing variable rate loans, and lower yields on investment securities, which could result in decreased yields on earning assets. Volatility in interest rates may increase competition for deposits and raise the cost of deposits.

Although our asset-liability management strategy is designed to control and mitigate exposure to the risks related to changes in the general level of market interest rates, we may not be able to accurately predict the likelihood, nature and magnitude of those changes or how and to what extent they may affect our business. We also may not be able to adequately prepare for or compensate for the consequences of such changes. Any failure to predict and prepare for changes in interest rates or adjust for the consequences of these changes may adversely affect our earnings and capital levels. For additional information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Risk Management – Interest Rate Risk.

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.

Our business depends on our ability to successfully measure and manage credit risk. As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that the principal of and interest on a loan will not be paid timely or at all and that the value of any collateral supporting a loan will be insufficient to cover any exposure to loss on a loan. Management maintains an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the entire loan portfolio. We maintain our allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by management to absorb probable loan losses, including collateral impairment, based on our analysis of our portfolio and market environment, using relevant information available to us. Among other considerations in establishing the allowance for loan losses, management considers economic conditions reflected within industry segments, the unemployment rate in our markets, loan segmentation and historical losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio.

As of December 31, 2021, our allowance for loan losses as percentages of total loans and nonperforming loans was 1.11% and 70.59%, respectively. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance is inherently subjective, involves a high degree of judgment and complexity, and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which are subject to material changes, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.

Commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans generally are viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans or other loans or investments. These types of loans are also typically larger than residential real estate loans and other consumer loans. Because the loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of a material amount of these loans may cause a significant increase in our allowance for loan losses, non-performing assets, TDRs and/or past due loans. An increase in our allowance for loan losses, non-performing assets, TDRs, and/or past due loans could result in a loss of earnings, or an increase in loan charge-offs, which would have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, in June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a new accounting standard (ASU No. 2016-13), referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) that requires that the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date be based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, and requires enhanced disclosures related to the significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. In addition, the new standard amends the accounting for credit losses on purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new accounting standard on our financial statements. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is likely to result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses as a result of changing from an “incurred loss” model, which encompasses allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, to an “expected loss” model, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio. While we are currently unable to reasonably estimate the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, we expect that the impact of adoption will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of our loan portfolio, as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts, as of the adoption date. ASU 2016-13 will currently be effective for us, as a smaller reporting company, on January 1, 2023. 

The FDIC, Federal Reserve and the OCC issued a final rule to allow a banking organization to elect to phase in the regulatory capital impact over a three-year period commencing with time of adoption of the new standard. A failure to effectively measure the impact of the new CECL standard may result in significant overstatement or understatement of our allowance for loan and lease losses, and in the event of an understatement, may necessitate that we significantly increase our allowance for loan and lease losses, which could adversely affect our net income.

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. 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. Competition for employees is intense, particularly in light of the labor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We could have difficulty replacing key employees 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.

We may be adversely impacted by the transition from LIBOR as a reference rate.

Our floating-rate funding, certain hedging transactions, and certain of the products we have offered, such as floating-rate loans, determine their applicable interest rate or payment amount by reference to the U.S. dollar London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Regulatory authorities responsible for the administration and publication of LIBOR have announced that the most commonly used LIBOR settings will cease to be published or cease to be representative after June 30, 2023. All other LIBOR settings ceased to be published as of December 31, 2021. Bank regulatory agencies have indicated that entering into new contracts that use LIBOR as a reference rate after December 31, 2021 would create safety and soundness risks and encouraged banks to cease entering into new contracts that use LIBOR as a reference rate as soon as practicable and in any event by December 31, 2021. The Bank discontinued originating LIBOR-based loans effective December 31, 2021 and will negotiate loans using our preferred replacement index, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”).

As of December 31, 2021, approximately $186.4 million of our outstanding loans, and, in addition, certain derivative contracts, borrowings and other financial instruments, have attributes that are either directly or indirectly dependent on LIBOR. The transition from LIBOR has resulted in and could continue to result in added costs and employee efforts, and could present additional risk. We are subject to litigation and reputational risks if we are unable to renegotiate and amend existing contracts with counterparties that are dependent on LIBOR, including contracts that do not have fallback language. The timing and manner in which each customer’s contract transitions to an alternative reference rate will vary on a case-by-case basis. There continues to be substantial uncertainty as to the ultimate effects of the LIBOR transition, including with respect to the acceptance and use of other benchmark rates. Since other benchmark rates are calculated differently, payments under contracts referencing new rates will differ from those referencing LIBOR, which may lead to increased volatility as compared to LIBOR. The transition has impacted our market risk profiles and required changes to our risk and pricing models, valuation tools, product design and hedging strategies. Failure to adequately manage the transition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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, in southeast Texas, and in Alabama. Our selected markets are susceptible to major hurricanes, floods, tropical storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters and adverse weather, the nature and severity of which can be difficult to predict. These natural disasters can disrupt our operations, cause widespread property damage, and severely depress the local economies in which we operate. For example, the historic flooding of Baton Rouge and surrounding areas in August 2016 had significant impacts in several markets in which we conduct business. Hurricane Harvey caused significant damage and flooding in Texas when it made landfall in August 2017. Hurricane Ida, which made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in Louisiana in August 2021, caused significant damage in the southern part of the state and also disrupted operations for certain of our customers. We recognized a material impairment related to a lending relationship with a group of related borrowers (the “Borrower”), collateralized by commercial real estate, inventory, and equipment. As a result of Hurricane Ida, the Borrower’s business operations were disrupted, and due to this impact on the Borrower’s operations, certain of the collateral supporting the loan relationship experienced a significant reduction in value. The severity and impact of future severe weather events are difficult to predict and may be exacerbated by global climate change. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico illustrated 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.

Climate related events and legislative and societal responses regarding climate change present risks to our business.

Climate change may intensify severe weather events such as hurricanes and rainstorms that recur in our market areas, which may adversely impact our locations and business and those of our customers and suppliers. In addition, there has been an increased focus among businesses, consumers and investors regarding transitioning to renewable energy and a net zero economy. If we fail to adequately anticipate and address these changing preferences, our business could be adversely impacted. We are also subject to risks relating to potential new climate change-related legislation or regulations, which could increase our and our customers’ costs. The risks associated with these matters are continuing to evolve rapidly and the ultimate impact on our business is difficult to predict with any certainty.

Our failure to effectively implement new technologies 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. Our ability to compete successfully to some extent depends on whether we can implement new technologies to provide products and services to our customers more efficiently while avoiding significant operational challenges that increase our costs or delay full implementation, especially relative to our peers, many of which have greater resources to devote to technological improvements.

We rely on information technology and telecommunications systems, many of which are provided by third-party vendors.

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 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 may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we may be forced to replace such vendors, which could interrupt our operations and result in a higher cost to us.

Cyberattacks or other security breaches could adversely affect our operations, net income or reputation.

The financial services industry is particularly at risk for cybersecurity concerns because of the proliferation of new and emerging technologies, and the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions. Additionally, increased use of internet and mobile banking products, such as our Lumen system, and applications and plans to use or develop additional remote connectivity solutions increase our cybersecurity risks and exposure. Additionally, as part of our banking business, we and certain of our third-party vendors collect, use and hold sensitive data concerning individuals and businesses with whom we have a banking relationship. Threats to data security, including unauthorized access and cyberattacks, rapidly emerge and change and are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exposing us to additional costs to secure our data in accordance with customer expectations and statutory and regulatory requirements. We could also experience a breach by intentional or negligent conduct on the part of our employees or other internal sources or by merchants using our customers’ debit and credit cards, software bugs, other technical malfunctions, or other causes. As a result of any of these threats, our computer systems and/or our customer accounts could become vulnerable to misappropriation of confidential information, account takeover schemes, ransomware, or cyberfraud. A ransomware attack could potentially shut down our data processing system and prevent us from accessing critical information. Our systems and those of our third-party vendors may become vulnerable to damage or disruption due to circumstances beyond our or their control, such as from catastrophic events, power anomalies or outages, natural disasters, network failures, and viruses and malware.

A breach of security that results in unauthorized access to our data could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws and expose us to disruptions in our daily operations as well as to data loss, litigation, damages, fines and penalties, customer notification requirements, significant increases in compliance and insurance costs, increases in costs for measures to minimize and remediate these risks and breaches, loss of confidence in our security measures, and reputational damage, any of which could individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, prospects, and shareholder value.

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 and those of our third-party vendors will be successful in avoiding material problems with our information technology and telecommunications systems. We may not be able to anticipate all cyber security breaches or implement effective preventative measures against such breaches.

Loss of deposits or a change in deposit mix could increase the Company’s funding costs.

Deposits are a low cost and stable source of funding. We compete with banks and other financial institutions for deposits. Funding costs could increase if the Company loses deposits and replaces them with more expensive sources of funding, if customers shift their deposits into higher cost products, or if the Company needs to raise its interest rates to avoid losing deposits. Higher funding costs reduce the Company’s net interest margin, net interest income and net income.

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 the Bank, on a stand-alone basis, must meet regulatory requirements. Also, we may need capital to finance our growth, including through acquisitions. For example, in 2019, we sold $25.0 million of subordinated notes structured to qualify as tier 2 capital, and $30.0 million of common stock, in part to fund acquisitions.

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

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. There has been an increasing trend of credit unions acquiring banks. Credit unions are tax-exempt entities which provides an advantage when pricing loans and deposits. The acquisition of banks by credit unions may increase competition for customers and acquisitions.

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 in the 2007-2009 time frame, and generally slow recovery thereafter, have already resulted in the consolidation of a number of financial institutions, in addition to acquisitions of failed institutions. We expect additional consolidation to occur. Finally, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including customer convenience, quality of service, personal contacts, pricing and range of products. If we are unable to successfully compete, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects will be materially adversely affected.

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

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

We determine impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Any such adjustments are reflected in our results of operations in the periods in which they become known. As of December 31, 2021, our goodwill totaled $40.1 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.

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

Under applicable accounting standards, we are required to review our securities portfolio periodically for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment, taking into consideration current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, volatility of earnings, current analysts’ evaluations, our ability and intent to hold securities until a recovery of fair value, as well as other factors. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of the foregoing factors may require us to deem particular securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired, with the credit related portion of the reduction in the value recognized as a charge to the results of operations in the period in which the impairment occurs. In addition, an increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on the value of our investment securities portfolio. Market volatility may make it difficult to value certain securities. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors prevailing at that time, may result in significant changes in the values of these securities in future periods. Any of these factors could require us to recognize further impairments in the value of our securities portfolio, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations in future periods.

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 face significant operational and other risks related to our activities, which could expose us to negative publicity, litigation and/or regulatory action.

We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including, particularly as a financial institution, fraud risks and human error. Our fraud risks include fraud committed by external parties against the Company or our customers and fraud committed internally by our associates. Certain fraud risks, including identity theft and account takeover, may increase as a result of customers’ accounts or personally identifiable information being obtained through breaches of retailers’ or other third parties’ networks. There are inherent limitations to our risk management strategies, as there may exist, or develop in the future, risks that we have not appropriately anticipated, monitored or identified. If our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses, we may have to expend resources detecting and correcting the failure in our systems and we may be subject to potential claims from third parties and government agencies. We may also suffer severe reputational damage. Any of these consequences could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Because the nature of the financial services industry involves a high volume of transactions, certain systems or human errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. The Company’s necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process our transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical flaws or associate tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. The Company is further exposed to the risk that our third-party vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations, or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or systems or human errors as we are. These risks include the cybersecurity risks discussed above.

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 under federal and state banking laws and regulations that govern almost all aspects of our operations, including, among other things, our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy, operations and growth. The level of regulatory scrutiny that we are subject to may fluctuate over time, based on numerous factors, including as a result of the change in the U.S. presidential administration in January 2021. 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, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Our efforts to comply with these additional laws, regulations and standards are likely to result in increased expenses and a diversion of management time and attention. The information under the heading “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1. Business, provides more information regarding the regulatory environment in which we and the Bank operate.

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

The financial services industry is subject to intense scrutiny from bank supervisors in the examination process and aggressive enforcement of regulations on both the federal and state levels. The Federal Reserve and the OCC periodically examine our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a federal banking agency were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against our officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate our deposit insurance and place us into receivership or conservatorship. If we become subject to any regulatory actions, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects. Failure to comply with any applicable regulations and supervisory expectations related thereto could result in fines, penalties, lawsuits, regulatory sanctions, reputation damage or restrictions on business.

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 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 fair lending laws and regulations is found to be deficient, the institution could be subject to damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion, and restrictions on entering new business lines, among other sanctions. For example, in 2021, the OCC announced that it had issued enforcement actions against two regional banks relating to Fair Housing Act violations. In addition, the OCC’s assessment of our compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) 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.

In addition, bank regulatory agencies consider the effectiveness of a financial institution’s anti-money laundering activities and other regulatory compliance matters when reviewing bank mergers and bank holding company acquisitions. Accordingly, non-compliance with the applicable regulations could materially impair the Company’s ability to enter into or complete mergers and acquisitions.

Our success depends on our ability to respond to the threats and opportunities of fintech innovation.

Fintech developments, such as bitcoin or other types of cryptocurrency and the development of alternative payment systems, have the potential to disrupt the financial industry and change the way banks do business. Our success depends on our ability to adapt to the pace of the rapidly changing technological environment, which is crucial to retention and acquisition of customers. On July 31, 2018, the OCC announced it would grant limited-purpose national bank charters to fintech companies that offer bank products and services. The federal charter would allow fintech companies to operate nationwide under a single set of national standards, without needing to seek state-by-state licenses or joining with brick-and-mortar banks, which could have the effect of allowing fintech companies to more easily compete with us for financial products and services in the communities we serve. This decision was subsequently reversed on appeal on procedural grounds. At present, the future of the OCC fintech charter is unclear.

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. We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC deposit insurance. A bank’s regular assessments are determined by its risk classification, which is based on certain financial information and the level of supervisory concern that it poses. In order to maintain a strong funding position and restore the reserve ratios of the DIF, the FDIC has, in the past, increased deposit insurance assessment rates and charged a special assessment to all FDIC-insured financial institutions. Further increases in assessment rates or special assessments may occur in the future, especially if there are significant financial institution failures. Any future special assessments, increases in assessment rates or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our use of third-party vendors and our other ongoing third-party business relationships are subject to increasing regulatory requirements and attention.

We regularly use third-party vendors as part of our business. We also have substantial ongoing business relationships with other third parties. These types of third-party relationships are subject to increasingly demanding regulatory requirements and attention by our federal bank regulators. Regulation requires us to perform due diligence and ongoing monitoring and control over our third-party vendors and other ongoing third-party business relationships. In certain cases, we may be required to renegotiate our agreements with these vendors to meet these requirements, which could increase our costs. We expect that our regulators will hold us responsible for deficiencies in our oversight and control of our third party relationships and in the performance of the parties with which we have these relationships. As a result, if our regulators conclude that we have not exercised adequate oversight and control over our third-party vendors or other ongoing third party business relationships or that such third parties have not performed appropriately, we could be subject to enforcement actions, including civil money penalties or other administrative or judicial penalties or fines as well as requirements for customer remediation, any of which could have a material adverse effect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to an Investment in our Common Stock

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

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

The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks have experienced significant fluctuations in recent years. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a period of depressed market conditions in the first quarter of 2020, and market conditions have remained volatile since that period. In addition, significant fluctuations in the trading volume in our common stock may cause significant price variations to occur. Increased market volatility may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock, which may make it difficult for investors to sell their shares at the volume, prices and times desired.

Shares eligible for future sale could adversely affect market prices of our common stock.

Shares of our common stock eligible for future sale, including those that may be issued in any private or public offering of our common stock, as consideration in acquisition transactions, or as incentives under incentive plans, could adversely affect market prices for our common stock. As of December 31, 2021, we had 10,343,494 shares outstanding and 368,481 shares subject to options granted under our incentive plan. On December 20, 2019, we sold 1,290,323 shares of our common stock in a private placement and have registered those shares for resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Because our other outstanding shares of common stock either were issued in an offering registered under the Securities Act or have been held for more than one year, such shares are freely tradable, except for shares held by our affiliates (approximately 7% of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021) and 241,070 shares that represent unvested restricted shares under our incentive plan. Shares issued under our incentive plan will be available for sale into the public market, except for shares held by our affiliates. Shares held by our affiliates may be resold subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 of the Securities Act. In the future, we may issue additional shares of common stock to raise capital for growth or as consideration in acquisition transactions or for other purposes, and such shares may be registered under the Securities Act and freely tradable or may be issued in a private placement and registered for resale under the Securities Act.

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

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive only such cash dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. We have no obligation to continue paying dividends, and we may change our dividend policy at any time without notice to our shareholders. In addition, our existing and future debt agreements limit, or may limit, our ability to pay dividends. Under the terms of our 5.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2029, we may not pay a dividend if either our parent company or the Bank, both immediately prior to the declaration of the dividend and after giving effect to the payment of the dividend, would not maintain regulatory capital ratios that are as “well capitalized” levels for regulatory capital purposes. We are also prohibited from paying dividends upon and during the continuance of any Event of Default under such notes.

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

In addition, there are numerous laws and banking regulations that limit our and Investar Bank’s ability to pay dividends. For further discussion of the regulatory restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, see Item 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – Dividends.

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

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

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.

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

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

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties

Our main office, which serves as our executive and operations center, is located at 10500 Coursey Boulevard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition, we operate 33 full service branches. Our 23 branches in Louisiana are located in Ascension (1), East Baton Rouge (5), West Baton Rouge (1), Jefferson (2), Lafayette (2), Livingston (1), Orleans (1), St. Tammany (1), Tangipahoa (1), East Feliciana (2), West Feliciana (1), Evangeline (3) and Calcasieu (2) Parishes. Our four branches in Texas are located in Galveston (1), Harris (1), Victoria (1) and Jim Wells (1) Counties. Our six branches in Alabama are located in Calhoun (4) and Sumter (2) Counties, and one loan production office is located in Tuscaloosa County. We also have one stand-alone automated teller machine in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and one stand-alone interactive teller machine in Morgan City, Louisiana.

We own the building, known as Investar Tower, in which our main office is located and all of our branch offices in Louisiana and Alabama, with the exception of two leased branch locations and one leased loan production office. Of the remaining branches acquired from Mainland, located in Texas, one location is owned and one is leased. The two branches acquired from PlainsCapital, also located in Texas, are leased properties. Each of our owned branch facilities is a stand-alone building, equipped with an automated teller machine or interactive teller machine, on-site parking, and 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 also own a tract of land in each of the following Louisiana parishes: East Baton Rouge Parish; St. Mary Parish; Lafayette Parish; Jefferson Parish; and Ascension Parish. Each tract of land has been designated as either a future branch or standalone interactive teller machine location. The timing of the development of these tracts of land is uncertain.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

From time to time we are party to ordinary routine litigation matters incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not presently party to, and none of our property is the subject of, any legal proceedings, the resolution of which we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, growth prospects or capital levels, nor were any such proceedings terminated during the fourth quarter of 2021.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

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

Market Information

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (the “Nasdaq”) under the symbol “ISTR.” As of March 7, 2022, there were approximately 692 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

The Company has paid a quarterly dividend since 2011 and intends to continue to declare dividends on a quarterly basis. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial performance, future prospects, regulatory requirements and other factors deemed relevant by the board of directors.

Since we are a holding company with no material business activities, our ability to pay dividends is substantially dependent upon the ability of Investar Bank to transfer funds to us in the form of dividends, loans and advances. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends and make other distributions and payments to us depends upon the Bank’s earnings, financial condition, general economic conditions, compliance with regulatory requirements and other factors. In addition, the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to us is itself subject to various legal, regulatory and other restrictions. See Item 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation – Dividends, above for a discussion of the restrictions on dividends under federal banking laws and regulations. In addition, as a Louisiana corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions on dividends under the Louisiana Business Corporation Act. Generally, a Louisiana corporation may pay dividends to its shareholders unless, after giving effect to the dividend, either (1) the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they come due in the usual course of business or (2) the corporations’ total assets are less than the sum of its total liabilities and the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the payment of the dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the dividend. In addition, our existing and future debt agreements limit, or may limit, our ability to pay dividends. Under the terms of our 5.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2029, we may not pay a dividend if either our parent company or the Bank, both immediately prior to the declaration of the dividend and after giving effect to the payment of the dividend, would not maintain regulatory capital ratios that are at “well capitalized” levels for regulatory capital purposes. We are also prohibited from paying dividends upon and during the continuance of any Event of Default under such notes. Finally, our ability to pay dividends may be limited on account of the junior subordinated debentures that we assumed through acquisitions. We must make payments on the junior subordinated debentures before any dividends can be paid on our common stock.

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

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s common stock over a measurement period beginning January 1, 2017 with (i) the cumulative total return on the stocks included in the Russell 3000 Index and (ii) the cumulative total return on the stocks included in the S&P United States SmallCap Banks Index, which includes banks with market capitalizations of $250 million to $1 billion. We formerly used the SNL Index of Banks as our industry index; however, this index has been discontinued, and we believe that the S&P United States SmallCap Banks Index is the appropriate replacement because it contains financial institutions with market capitalizations similar to ours The performance graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, the Russell 3000 Index and the S&P United States SmallCap Banks Index was $100 at January 1, 2017 and that all dividends were reinvested.

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

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

Not applicable.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

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

Item 6. [Reserved]

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

This section presents management’s perspective on the financial condition and results of operations of Investar Holding Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Investar Bank, National Association (the “Bank”). The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes and other supplemental information included herein. Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part I, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected results discussed in the forward-looking statement appearing in this discussion and analysis.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

Our forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions and estimates that management believes to be reasonable in light of the information available at this time. However, many of these statements are inherently uncertain and beyond our control and could be affected by many factors. Factors that could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and future growth prospects can be found in Item 1A. Risk Factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following, any one or more of which could materially affect the outcome of future events:

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

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

COVID-19

Overview. In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and a national emergency by the President of the United States. The global COVID-19 pandemic and the public health response to minimize its impact have had severe disruptive effects on economic, financial market and oil market conditions beginning in the latter part of the first quarter of 2020, and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2021 and beyond. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, government responses to the pandemic included mandated closures of businesses not deemed essential, restrictions on other businesses, and stay-at-home orders or recommendations, along with crowd restrictions, which caused steep increases in unemployment and decreases in consumer and business spending. Government authorities in our markets began allowing the re-opening of businesses and easing other restrictions in the second quarter of 2020. During 2020 and 2021, the United States experienced multiple periods of declines followed by resurgences of new cases, including due to the emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus, leading to cycles of tightening and subsequent lessening of governmental restrictions, such as mask mandates and restrictions on business activity. Economic activity in the U.S., stock prices, and oil prices rose significantly during 2021, as COVID-19 vaccines became widely available and pandemic-related restrictions lessened or were eliminated. At the same time, many industries have been experiencing supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. Inflation has also increased significantly. We cannot predict the extent to which individuals may decide to restrict their activities as a result of evolving pandemic developments, the extent to which governments may reinstitute certain restrictions, nor what future impact evolving pandemic developments may have on the economy or our business. The extent to which our operations and financial performance will be impacted by the pandemic in 2022 will depend in part on future developments, including the long-term efficacy, global availability and acceptance of the vaccines, emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus, as well as the effects of existing and potential additional governmental stimulus legislation and other actions taken in response to the pandemic.

Legislative and Regulatory Developments. In a measure aimed at lessening the economic impact of COVID-19, the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate to 0 to 0.25% on March 16, 2020. This action by the Federal Reserve followed a prior reduction of the targeted federal funds rates to a range of 1.0% to 1.25% on March 3, 2020. On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), the largest economic stimulus package in the nation’s history, which included the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) and U.S. Department of Treasury’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), discussed further below, in an effort to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on consumers and businesses. As funds available under the PPP were quickly depleted, on April 24, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act was signed into law, which, among other things, increased amounts available under the PPP. On June 5, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (“Flexibility Act”) was enacted, which among other things, provided expanded relief under the PPP. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CAA”) was enacted providing an additional $900 billion in aid to individuals and businesses, which among other things, provided additional funding for the PPP and allowed businesses meeting certain requirements to obtain a second PPP loan. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“Rescue Act”), an additional $1.9 trillion stimulus package, in March 2021. The Rescue Act provided additional funding for the PPP and extended and modified the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) discussed below, among other things.

Paycheck Protection Program. Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the Bank has participated as a lender in the PPP as established by the CARES Act and as subsequently modified by other legislation. The PPP was established to provide unsecured low interest rate loans to small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP loans are 100% guaranteed by the SBA. The loans have a fixed interest rate of 1% and payments are deferred until the date on which the amount of loan forgiveness is remitted to the lender by the SBA, the forgiveness application is otherwise denied, or if no forgiveness application is filed 10 months after the end of the borrower’s covered period. PPP loans made prior to June 5, 2020 mature two years from origination, or if made on or after June 5, 2020, five years from origination. PPP loans are forgiven by the SBA (which makes forgiveness payments directly to the lender) to the extent the borrower uses the proceeds of the loan for certain purposes (primarily to fund payroll costs) during a certain time period following origination and maintains certain employee and compensation levels. Lenders receive processing fees from the SBA for originating the PPP loans which are based on a percentage of the loan amount. The original PPP program ceased taking applications on August 8, 2020. On December 27, 2020, the CAA was enacted that renewed the PPP and allocated additional funding for both new first time PPP loans under the original PPP and also authorized second draw PPP loans for certain eligible borrowers that had previously received a PPP loan. The application period for the renewed PPP lasted from January 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our loan portfolio included PPP loans with balances of $23.3 million and $94.5 million, respectively, all of which are included in commercial and industrial loans.