Investar Holding Corporation announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. The Company reported net income of $1.8 million, or $0.26 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $2.0 million, or $0.29 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, and $1.5 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. Total interest income increased $1.2 million, or 12.0%, for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2015. Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2016 totaled $8.8 million, remaining consistent with the third quarter of 2016, and increasing $0.6 million, or 6.7%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2015 of $8.227 million. The increase in net interest income was a direct result of continued growth of the Company’s loan portfolio with an increase in net interest income of $1.1 million due to an increase in volume offset by a $0.5 million decrease related to a reduction in yield compared to the fourth quarter of 2015. Return on average assets was 0.65% against 0.59% a year ago. Book value per share was $15.88 against $15.05 a year ago. Return on average equity was 6.51% against 5.29% a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $2.699 million against $2.199 million a year ago. For the full year, the company reported net interest income of $34.739 million against $31.458 million a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $11.489 million against $10.584 million a year ago. Net income was $7.880 million or $1.10 per diluted share against $7.073 million or $0.97 per diluted share a year ago.