BLACKSBURG, VA, APRIL 28, 2016: National Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ Capital Market: NKSH) today announced its results of operations for the first quarter of 2016. The Company reported net income of $3.78 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 compared to almost $3.97 million at March 31, 2015. Basic earnings per share were $0.54 at March 31, 2016 compared to $0.57 for the same period in 2015. For the first quarter, the return on average assets was 1.28% and the return on average equity was 8.64% compared to 1.40% and 9.50%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2015. At March 31, 2016, the Company had total assets of close to $1.21 billion which was an increase of 3.69% when compared to $1.16 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2015.
Commenting on the Company's financial results, National Bankshares Chairman, President & CEO James G. Rakes said, "We continue to compare very favorably to our peer group in terms of our balance sheet and income statement results. Asset quality remains a priority as nonperforming loans declined over 31% from the first quarter of 2015. In addition, net OREO balances dropped 21% when the same two periods are compared. We still face challenges, such as static loan demand, a low interest rate environment and increased competition, but we are striving to grow loans, manage expenses, and increase noninterest revenue. As we enter our 125th year of banking, we are focused on continuing to provide long-term value to our stockholders and customers through delivery of superior customer service and products."
National Bankshares, Inc., headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is the parent company of The National Bank of Blacksburg, which does business as National Bank, and of National Bankshares Financial Services, Inc. National Bank is a community bank operating from 26 full service offices and one loan production office throughout Southwest Virginia. National Bankshares Financial Services, Inc. is an investment and insurance subsidiary in the same trade area. The Company's stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "NKSH."
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, predictions, expectations or beliefs about future events or results that are not statements of historical fact and that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that its expectations with regard to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual Company results will not differ materially from any future results implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results may be materially different from past or anticipated results because of many factors, some of which may include changes in economic conditions, the interest rate environment, legislative and regulatory requirements, new products, competition, changes in the stock and bond markets and technology. The Company does not update any forward-looking statements that it may make.
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