Farmers Bankshares, Inc. Reports Third Quarter and Year-to-Date Earnings

WINDSOR, Va., Oct. 26, 2016

Richard J. Holland, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The Board and management set out 2016 with a focused vision and an extensive list of initiatives.  As we enter into the last quarter of this year we are pleased with the progress we have made and optimistic for those goals that are still evolving.  The improvement in the liquidity of our stock and in our dividend are two of the accomplishments we are proud to pass on to our shareholders."

Return on average assets on an annualized basis of 0.98% for the third quarter of 2016 is improved from the third quarter of 2015 of 0.87%.  Return on average equity during the third quarter of 2016 was 9.43% as compared to the prior year third quarter of 9.05%. 

Loan demand has added approximately $18.7 million in net loans since the third quarter of 2015, with net loans at $252 million as of September 30, 2016.  Deposit balances have remained stable only decreasing $128 thousand or 0.04% to $325 million as of the end of the third quarter of 2016.  Non-interest bearing deposits increased approximately $5.2 million from the third quarter of 2015 and make up approximately 27% of total deposits.  Funding costs continue to show improvement and help to offset the sustained low interest rate environment on the asset side of the balance sheet.  Non-interest income, exclusive of securities transactions, increased 4.76% from third quarter of 2015.  Service charges continue to increase by 18.03% or $73 thousand when compared to the third quarter of 2015.  Non-interest expense remained consistent, only decreasing by approximately 1.36% during the third quarter of 2016 compared to same period in 2015. 

"Because of strategic decisions we have made over the last few years we have been able to invest in employees and resources to enhance our presence in Hampton Roads without substantially increasing non-interest expenses.  Specifically, we plan to expand our offerings and further our commitment to the Chesapeake area in early 2017.  We remain focused on the Hampton Roads community and serving our customer's individual needs," stated Vernon M. Towler, President. 

The common stock of Farmers Bankshares, Inc. trades on the NASDAQ market as an Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board stock under the symbol FBVA.  Any stockbroker can assist with purchase of the company's stock, as well as with sales of holdings.

Farmers Bank, founded in 1919, is headquartered in Windsor, VA, and is a community bank which operates six branches and services areas throughout Tidewater Virginia.  Additional information is available at the company's website, www.farmersbankva.com.