National Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: NKSH) today announced its results of operations for the second quarter and first half of 2016. The Company reported net income of $7.64 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $8.08 million at June 30, 2015. Basic earnings per share were $1.10 at June 30, 2016 compared to $1.16 for the same period in 2015. For the first half of the year, the return on average assets was 1.28% and the return on average equity was 8.65% compared to 1.41% and 9.55%, respectively, for the first six months of 2015. At June 30, 2016, the Company had total assets of $1.21 billion which was an increase of 5.40% when compared to $1.15 billion at the end of June 2015.

Commenting on the Company's financial results, National Bankshares Chairman, President & CEO James G. Rakes said, "The low interest rate environment continues to put pressure on our margins and impact earnings. Increasing competition for loans, along with lower yields for certain investment portfolio assets, are also reflected in the past quarter's numbers. As National Bank commemorates its 125th anniversary, we are focused on positioning ourselves for future growth by improving our product offerings and exceeding our customers' expectations for personalized service."

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." Additional information is available at www.nationalbankshares.com.