Contact Information: CONTACT: JAMES G. RAKES CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT & CEO (540) 951-6236
Sandler O'Neill Names National Bankshares, Inc. a 2009 Bank & Thrift Sm-All Star
| Source: National Bankshares, Inc.
BLACKSBURG, VA--(Marketwire - September 14, 2009) - The New York investment banking firm of
Sandler O'Neill + Partners L.P. recently announced that National
Bankshares, Inc. is included among the 30 banks and thrifts nationwide that
make up its list of 2009 Sm-All Stars. National Bankshares, Inc., of
Blacksburg, Virginia, is the parent company of National Bank, a community
bank with 25 offices throughout Southwest Virginia. This year, Sandler
O'Neill evaluated all 509 publicly traded banks with a market
capitalization of less than $2 billion, and they identified the 30
small-cap depository institutions that "stand out from the pack." Sandler
O'Neill analyzes growth, profitability and capital strength. In announcing
the Sm-All Stars, Sandler O'Neill's Director of Research Mark Fitzgibbon
and Associate Director Daniel Arnold wrote, "The performance metrics of
the... 30 institutions are outstanding, with the Class of 2009 delivering
bottom line results that are markedly better than the industry as a
whole..."
National Bankshares, Inc. Chairman, President & CEO, James G. Rakes, said,
"It is an honor to be identified by Sandler O'Neill as being among the top
6% of our peers nationwide. Sandler O'Neill uses a comprehensive
methodology that looks at performance in each of eight financial variables,
and we are very pleased to be listed as one of their 2009 Sm-All Stars."
National Bankshares, Inc.'s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market
under the trading symbol (NASDAQ : NKSH ). Additional information can be
found on the Company's web site at www.nationalbankshares.com.