Catalyst Bancorp Reports Earnings as Lakeside Acquisition Closes

The company’s latest financials reflect a transitional phase following the July 14, 2026, completion of the Lakeside merger. Costs associated with the integration weighed on the quarterly bottom line, totaling $87,000 in pre-tax merger-related expenses. Despite these headwinds, President and CEO Joe Zanco noted that the bank’s credit quality remains robust, bolstered by consistent growth in deposit customers.

Total loans stood at $162.8 million at the end of June, marking a 1% decrease from the first quarter. While real estate lending saw a minor contraction, the bank successfully converted a $5.0 million construction loan into an amortizing commercial real estate facility. Meanwhile, total deposits reached $196.4 million, sustained largely by the performance of high-yield savings accounts. As the bank integrates its new footprint in Southwest Louisiana, it maintains a cautious but optimistic outlook on the state’s regional economic trajectory.