Investar (US:ISTR) ZACKSยท2025-07-02 15:00Company Overview - Investar (ISTR) shares increased by 5.8% to $20.44 in the last trading session, with a higher-than-average trading volume, compared to a 3.5% gain over the past four weeks [1] - Investar is set to acquire Wichita Falls Bancshares for approximately $83.6 million, which includes 3,955,334 shares of Investar and $7.2 million in cash, valuing Wichita Falls at $134.67 per share [2] - This acquisition marks Investar's second in Texas, expanding its presence in North Texas, with the deal expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [2] Financial Performance - Investar is projected to report quarterly earnings of $0.40 per share, reflecting an 11.1% year-over-year increase, with expected revenues of $20.96 million, up 5% from the previous year [3] - The consensus EPS estimate for Investar has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in earnings expectations [4] Industry Context - Investar operates within the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, where Amerant Bancorp Inc. (AMTB) also operates, having closed 3.7% higher at $18.9, with a 5.7% return over the past month [4] - Amerant Bancorp's consensus EPS estimate is $0.38, representing a 35.7% increase from the previous year, also maintaining a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5]