National Bankshares, Inc. Declares Semi-Annual Dividend

BLACKSBURG, Va., May 10, 2017 -- The Board of Directors of National Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:NKSH) today approved payment on June 1, 2017 of a semi-annual dividend of $0.56 per share to all stockholders of record as of May 22, 2017. This dividend payment compares to $0.55 per share paid to stockholders on June 1, 2016. James G. Rakes, Chairman, President & CEO said, “This dividend payment reflects our commitment to sharing the Company’s solid financial performance with our stockholders.”

In other business, the Board renewed its authorization of a stock repurchase plan under which management is authorized to purchase up to 100,000 shares of National Bankshares, Inc.’s common stock in the open market.  The authorization extends from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018. The Company’s current stock repurchase plan expires on May 31, 2017. The Company’s management has not yet determined how many shares, if any, might be purchased under the continued stock repurchase plan.

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.

 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.

CONTACTS:   
JAMES G. RAKES, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT & CEO 
(540) 951-6236   [email protected] 
DAVID K. SKEENS, TREASURER & CFO
(540) 951-6347   [email protected]