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Ames National Corporation

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FY2019 Annual Report · Ames National Corporation
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2019 SUMMARY
ANNUAL REPORT

BACKGROUND 
Ames National Corporation (ANC) is an Iowa-based 

AFFILIATE BANK STRUCTURE 
Each Affiliate Bank operates independently with a 

bank holding company. ANC was organized and 

board of directors and a bank president. Decisions are 

incorporated on January 21, 1975, under the laws of 

made locally, which means customers receive quick 

the State of Iowa to serve as a holding company for 

responses to questions, and services are customized 

its principal banking subsidiary, First National Bank, 

to meet customer needs in each community.

Ames, Iowa. In 1983, ANC acquired the stock of State 

Bank & Trust Co. located in Nevada, Iowa; in 1991, ANC 

The Affiliate Banks’ lending activities consist primarily 

acquired Boone Bank & Trust Co., located in Boone, 

Iowa; in 1995, ANC acquired the stock of Reliance 

State Bank located in Story City, Iowa; and in 2002, 

of short-term and medium-term commercial, 

agricultural and residential real estate loans, 

agricultural and business operating loans, lines of 

ANC chartered and commenced operations of United 

credit, home improvement loans and the origination 

Bank & Trust NA, located in Marshalltown, Iowa. In 

2012, Reliance State Bank acquired an office located 

in Garner, Iowa. In 2014, First National Bank acquired 

three offices located in West Des Moines and Johnston, 

Iowa, and three locations in the Osceola, Iowa area in 

2018. Most recently, ANC acquired Iowa State Savings 

Bank in the Creston, Iowa area.  

of mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market. 

Affiliate Banks also offer a variety of checking, savings 

and time deposits accounts, cash management 

services, wealth management and trust services, 

merchant credit card processing and safe deposit box 

services. Convenient access to funds and account 

information is also available through: Online Banking, 

Video Banking, Mobile Banking, Online Bill Pay, Mobile 

Wallet, online statements and debit cards.

ANC SERVICES 
ANC provides various services to the Affiliate Banks, which include: management assistance, payroll, internal 

auditing services, human resources services, compliance management, marketing assistance, loan review, 

technology support, training and employee development. ANC employees seek to incorporate efficiencies 

across the Affiliate Banks’ operational functions so the management teams can focus on what they do best: 

banking and taking care of customers’ financial needs.

2 

2019 Annual Report  |  Ames National Corporation

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AT A GLANCE 
 
MISSION STATEMENT

Ames National Corporation is a results-oriented financial services holding 
company providing leadership, counsel and support to its community affiliate 
banks and superior performance for its shareholders.

CORE VALUES

Ames National Corporation’s foundation is built on these values which guide our actions.

EXCELLENCE  •  INTEGRITY  •  LEADERSHIP 

STABILITY  •  TRUST  •  COMMUNITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BACK, LEFT TO RIGHT:

Thomas H. Pohlman, Chairman

John P. Nelson, President & CEO

Steven D. Forth, Farmer

John L. Pierschbacher, Chief Financial 
Officer

MIDDLE, LEFT TO RIGHT:

Michelle R. Cassabaum, Chief Operating 
& Financial Officer, 21st Century Rehab

Betty A. Baudler Horras, President, 
Baudler Enterprises, Inc.

Lisa M. Eslinger, Chief Financial and 
Administrative Officer, Iowa State 
University Foundation

FRONT, LEFT TO RIGHT:

Patrick G. Hagan, Retired Senior Vice 
President of Fareway Stores, Inc.

David W. Benson, Partner, Nyemaster 
Goode Attorneys at Law

Kevin L. Swartz, Chief Executive Officer, 
Wolfe Clinic PC

James R. Larson, II, President, Larson 
Development Corporation

  Ames National Corporation  |  2019 Annual Report 

3

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

As we reflect on 2019, we have much to celebrate at 
Ames National Corporation. Your company reached new 
growth milestones in addition to welcoming Iowa State 
Savings Bank, our sixth affiliate bank, to the organization. 
Net income, assets, loans and deposits climbed to record 
highs as we continued to deliver on our core values. The 
following report provides highlights of Ames National 
Corporation’s financial results as well as an overview of 
our continued focus on enhancing your shareholder value 
through profitable growth. 

FINANCIAL RESULTS 
Net income for 2019 totaled $17.2 million or $1.86 per 
share, compared to $17.0 million or $1.83 per share earned 
in 2018. The primary drivers of the growth in earnings were 
improvements in loan interest income, increases in home 
mortgage originations and wealth management income 
and the income resulting from the Osceola acquisition. 

Higher interest expense and a competitive interest rate 
landscape for loan and deposit customers were among the 
biggest challenges in 2019, so we were pleased with the 
continued growth of the balance sheet and the stable net 
interest margin despite these obstacles. With the organic 
growth at our affiliate banks combined with the recent 
acquisition, assets reached a record high of $1.7 billion, 
up $281.5 million compared to year-end last year. Loans 
increased 18% to just over $1 billion, and deposits grew to a 
record $1.5 billion.

2019 was also a good year for non-interest income in 
the areas of home mortgage originations and Wealth 
Management Services.  Mortgage origination income 
increased $264,000 or 34% over 2018 while Wealth 
Management Services income grew by $252,000 or 8% over 
2019. Both of these teams have built a loyal customer base 
by providing tailored, exceptional service in the markets we 
serve. Customers value the continuum of services provided 
by our team of experts for all of life’s financial stages, and 
our Banks benefit from long-term customer relationships.  

4 

2019 Annual Report  |  Ames National Corporation

Credit quality remains favorable as measured by our 
problem loans to total equity capital ratio of 20%. Provisions 
for loan losses of $1,314,000 were recognized in 2019 as 
compared to $639,000 for the previous year. The increase 
in the provision for loan losses was necessary to maintain 
an adequate allowance for loan losses on the increasing 
outstanding loan portfolio. 

GROWTH 
We are pleased to report that the 2018 and 2019 
acquisitions of Clarke County State Bank in Osceola, Iowa, 
and Iowa State Savings Bank, in Creston, Iowa, have an 
important role in growing profitably. Since 2012, Ames 
National Corporation has completed four acquisitions, 
resulting in additional assets of over $500 million. Ames 
National Corporation is proactively seeking strategically 
aligned acquisition opportunities that will enhance 
shareholder value through profitable growth. With our large 
capital base and strong earnings, we are well-positioned 
and excited to continue to expand our footprint throughout 
Iowa.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
During 2019, our Management Team and Board of Directors 
developed a five-year strategic plan focused on initiatives 
that will help us “move the needle” and reach our goals. We 
incorporated employee and customer feedback as well as 
industry research to help guide us to three major strategic 
initiatives:

• 

• 

• 

 Employee Engagement - Enhance systems  
and activities to acquire, develop and retain 
employees.

 Customer Engagement - Develop a customer 
experience that supports relationship growth and 
customer acquisition.

 Continuous Improvement - Continually  
improve key processes to increase customer 
engagement, employee engagement and 
shareholder value.

 
To remain financial leaders in the communities we serve, we 
must strategically focus on growth and continue to identify 
ways to stand out above the competition. It is also important 
to have an optimal balance of serving our customers, 
shareholders and employees. 

Through Strategic Planning, we developed a Vision 
Statement to cultivate a culture that engages our employees 
so they are empowered, equipped and encouraged to 
build relationships, deliver financial solutions and grow 
professionally.

As we wrap up another decade of dedicated service to 
our customers, community and shareholders, we believe 
that there are great opportunities ahead as we continue to 
expand our proven model of local, community banking. We 
continue to set high standards for profitable growth and 
are focused on serving our communities. On behalf of the 
employees and board of directors, thank for your ongoing 
support of Ames National Corporation, and we appreciate 
the opportunity to serve you.

Thomas H. Pohlman 
Chairman

John P. Nelson 
President & CEO

  Ames National Corporation  |  2019 Annual Report 

5

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

As of December 31, 2019

Assets
$1.7 Billion

ROE
9.48%

Declared Dividends 
Per Share
$0.96

Net Income
$17.2 Million

ROA
1.14%

ATLO Closing Price
$28.06

Per Common Share

Loan Quality

Market Price Per Share

 2019    2018

2019     2018 

Cash Dividends 

$0.96

Allowance 

1.19%  1.30%

Closing  

$28.06  $25.42

Dividend Payout 

51.61%

Net Charge-Offs  0.04%  0.03%

High 

$29.46  $32.15

Dividend Yield 

3.42%

Non Performing  0.48%  0.38%

Low 

$24.47  $24.51

6 

2019 Annual Report  |  Ames National Corporation

PERFORMANCERECORD

THREE-YEAR FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

$17.5

$17.0

$16.5

$16

$15.5

$15

$14.5

$14

$13.5

$13

$1,600

$1,500

$1,400

$1,300

$1,200

$1,100

$1,000

$900

$800

$700

.

2
7
1
$

9
1
0
2

.

0
7
1
$

8
1
0
2

Earnings
Millions of Dollars

4
0
5
,
1
$

9
1
0
2

5
8
3
,
1
$

8
1
0
2

.

7
3
1
$

7
1
0
2

9
6
3
,
1
$

7
1
0
2

$2.00

$1.90

$1.80

$1.70

$1.60

$1.50

$1.40

$1.30

$1.20

$1.10

$1,300

$1,200

$1,100

$1,000

$900

$800

$700

$600

$500

$400

6
8
.
1
$

9
1
0
2

3
8
.
1
$

8
1
0
2

Earnings Per Share
Dollars

8
6
2
,
1
$

9
1
0
2

8
5
1
,
1
$

8
1
0
2

7
4
.
1
$

7
1
0
2

8
1
1
,
1
$

7
1
0
2

$200

$190

$180

$170

$160

$150

$140

$130

$120

$110

$1,000

$900

$800

$700

$600

$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

8
8
1
$

9
1
0
2

3
7
1
$

8
1
0
2

Capital
Millions of Dollars

1
2
9
$

9
1
0
2

4
1
8
$

8
1
0
2

1
7
1
$

7
1
0
2

2
7
7
$

7
1
0
2

Average Total Assets
Millions of Dollars

Average Deposits
Millions of Dollars

Average Loans
Millions of Dollars

  Ames National Corporation  |  2019 Annual Report 

7

AFFILIATE BANKS

Contact: (515) 432-6200
www.boonebankiowa.com
Charter: State
Organized: 1883
Offices: Two locations in 
Boone, Iowa
Employees: 22
Capital: $13.7 Million
Assets: $135 Million
2019 Net Income: $1.5 Million

Contact: (515) 382-2191
www.bankSBT.com
Charter: State
Organized: 1939
Offices: One location in 
Nevada, Iowa
Employees: 20
Capital: $15.6 Million
Assets: $159 Million
2019 Net Income: $2.1 Million

Contact: (641) 753-5900
www.ISSBbank.com
Charter: State
Organized: 1883
Offices: Five locations in 
Creston, Corning, Diagonal, 
and Lenox, Iowa
Employees: 38
Capital: $24.3 Million
Assets: $215 Million
2019 Net Income: $303,000 
(since acquisition)

8 

2019 Annual Report  |  Ames National Corporation

Contact: (515) 733-4396

www.RSBiowa.com

Charter: State

Organized: 1928

Offices: Two locations in Story 

City and Garner, Iowa

Employees: 32

Capital: $27.5 Million

Assets: $230 Million

2019 Net Income: $2.8 Million

Contact: (641) 753-5900

www.ubtna.com

Charter: National

Organized: 2002

Offices: Two locations in 

Marshalltown, Iowa

Employees: 21

Capital: $10.3 Million

Assets: $100 Million

2019 Net Income: $930,000

Contact: (515) 232-5561

www.FNB247.com

Charter: National

Organized: 1903

Offices: 10 locations in Ames, 

Ankeny, Johnston, Murray, 

Osceola, and West Des Moines, 

Iowa

Employees: 133

Capital: $89 Million

Assets: $913 Million

2019 Net Income: $10.3 Million

Contact: (515) 432-6200

www.boonebankiowa.com

Charter: State

Organized: 1883

Offices: Two locations in 

Boone, Iowa

Employees: 22

Capital: $13.7 Million

Assets: $135 Million

2019 Net Income: $1.5 Million

Contact: (515) 382-2191

www.bankSBT.com

Charter: State

Organized: 1939

Offices: One location in 

Nevada, Iowa

Employees: 20

Capital: $15.6 Million

Assets: $159 Million

2019 Net Income: $2.1 Million

Contact: (641) 753-5900

www.ISSBbank.com

Charter: State

Organized: 1883

Offices: Five locations in 

Creston, Corning, Diagonal, 

and Lenox, Iowa

Employees: 38

Capital: $24.3 Million

Assets: $215 Million

2019 Net Income: $303,000 

(since acquisition)

Contact: (515) 733-4396
www.RSBiowa.com
Charter: State
Organized: 1928
Offices: Two locations in Story 
City and Garner, Iowa
Employees: 32
Capital: $27.5 Million
Assets: $230 Million
2019 Net Income: $2.8 Million

Contact: (641) 753-5900
www.ubtna.com
Charter: National
Organized: 2002
Offices: Two locations in 
Marshalltown, Iowa
Employees: 21
Capital: $10.3 Million
Assets: $100 Million
2019 Net Income: $930,000

Contact: (515) 232-5561
www.FNB247.com
Charter: National
Organized: 1903
Offices: 10 locations in Ames, 
Ankeny, Johnston, Murray, 
Osceola, and West Des Moines, 
Iowa
Employees: 133
Capital: $89 Million
Assets: $913 Million
2019 Net Income: $10.3 Million

  Ames National Corporation  |  2019 Annual Report 

9

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unaudited

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks

Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions

Securities available-for-sale 

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock, at cost

Loans receivable, net 

Loans held for sale

Bank premises and equipment, net

Accrued income receivable

Other real estate owned

Bank-owned life insurance

Deferred income taxes

Other intangible assets, net

Goodwill

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LIABILITIES

Deposits 

Non-interest bearing checking

Interest bearing checking

Savings and money market

Time, $250,000 and over

Other time

Total deposits

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

FHLB advances

Dividends payable

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Total liabilities

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding  
  9,222,747 and 9,293,305 shares as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

10 

2019 Annual Report  |  Ames National Corporation

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 $ 

34,616,880   

 $ 

30,384,066   

  108,947,624   

  479,843,448   

  3,138,900   

  1,048,147,496   

  2,776,785   

  17,810,605

  11,788,409   

  4,003,684   

  2,842,713   

  1,151,016   

  3,959,260   

  12,114,559   

  6,041,126   

  26,057,513   

  458,971,162   

  3,191,200   

  890,461,479   

 401,287   

  15,813,196   

  9,415,570   

  829,603   

 2,773,729   

  3,848,713   

  2,677,884   

  9,744,472   

  1,117,477   

 $ 

1,737,182,505 

$ 

1,455,687,351    

 $ 

267,441,988   

 $ 

230,113,170   

  461,857,728   

  481,642,221   

  74,206,421   

  207,026,740   

  366,178,715   

  418,384,284   

  40,014,550   

  166,393,120   

1,493,175,098      

1,221,083,839      

  42,033,570   

  5,000,000   

  2,213,459   

  7,180,906   

  40,674,486   

 14,600,000   

  2,137,460   

  4,326,502   

1,549,603,033     

1,282,822,287           

  18,445,494   

  18,586,610   

  18,794,141   

  146,225,085   

 4,114,752  

  20,461,724   

  137,891,821   

(4,075,091)

187,579,472    

172,865,064          

 $ 

1,737,182,505    

$ 

1,455,687,351       

 
   
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
    
   
 
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Unaudited

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 $ 

44,282,197 

 $ 

38,013,249 

INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:

Loans, including fees

Securities

Taxable

Tax-exempt

Other interest and dividend income 

Total interest and dividend income

INTEREST EXPENSE:

Deposits

Other borrowed funds

Total interest expense

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

NON-INTEREST INCOME:

Wealth management income

Service fees

Securities gains, net

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

Merchant and card fees

Gain on foreclosure of other real estate owned

Other non-interest income

Total non-interest income

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:

Salaries and employee benefits

Data processing

Occupancy expenses, net

FDIC insurance assessments

Professional fees

Business development

Intangible asset amortization

Data conversion costs

New market tax credit projects amortization

Other operating expenses, net

Total non-interest expense

Income before income taxes

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

NET INCOME

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Declared dividends per share

 6,483,893 

 4,047,054 

 1,364,349 

 56,177,493    

 10,200,626 

 728,723 

10,929,349 

 45,248,144 

 1,314,104 

43,934,040       

 3,596,770 

 1,619,269

 17,031 

 1,044,798 

 1,525,309 

 - 

 826,221 

 8,629,398 

 19,675,952 

 4,130,506 

 2,275,882 

 193,593 

 1,753,531 

 1,242,271 

 609,624 

 - 

581,563

 1,058,747 

 31,521,669 

 21,041,769 

 3,847,600 

17,194,169 

1.86 

0.96 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

 6,188,403 

 4,582,970 

 942,341 

49,726,963    

 6,841,807 

 761,389 

 7,603,196 

 42,123,767  

 639,316 

41,484,451       

 3,344,579 

 1,425,361 

-

 780,947 

1,427,334 

 162,862

 759,854 

 7,900,937 

 17,821,753 

 3,478,640 

 2,008,331 

 404,514 

 1,482,911 

 1,166,688 

 430,537 

 228,854 

-

 943,182 

 27,965,410 

 21,419,978 

 4,406,100 

17,013,878 

1.83 

1.17 

11

  Ames National Corporation  |  2019 Annual Report 

 
 
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We believe that the success our company is measured by the success of 
our stakeholders – our clients, community, business partners, employees 
and shareholders. We recognize our civic responsibility and appreciate 
all of our employees’ efforts to support the communities that help us 
grow.

Each year, our employees give of their time to support our key areas 
of focus. Each affiliate community is unique and our employees play 
integral roles in helping our community members live more productive, 
educated and enriched lives. 

FINANCIAL LITERACY 
Financial Literacy has long been an important part of our community 
involvement. Whether through our school bank partnerships, classroom 
visits by our bankers, bank tours or online financial resources, we are 
dedicated to providing the tools to help youth in our communities reach 
their greatest potential and feel confident in their financial decisions. 

In 2019, we expanded our financial education efforts to include adult 
financial learning opportunities. First National Bank launched FNB U, 
an online, personalized education tool that helps users build financial 
health and confidence by completing short learning modules. Optimized 
for mobile use, this program is designed to equip busy adults with the 
critical knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. 

12 

2019 Annual Report  |  Ames National Corporation

AREAS OF SUPPORT
17 Locations serving 10 Communities

FINANCIAL LITERACY  
AND EDUCATION

COMMUNITY AND  
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY  
ARTS

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND  
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION

HEALTH AND  
HUMAN SERVICES

YOUTH  
PROGRAMS

  Ames National Corporation  |  2019 Annual Report 

13

ACQUISITION UPDATE

Iowa State Savings Bank Board of Directors 
Front Row, L-R: John Linch, Adam Snodgrass, Tia Samo | Back Row, L-R: Dave Driskell, Kevin Stewart, John Nelson, Scot Trost, Mike Tamerius

Ames National Corporation Welcomes Iowa 
State Savings Bank as its Sixth Affiliate Bank

On July 29, 2019, Ames National Corporation entered into 
a Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire Iowa State Savings 
Bank in Creston, Iowa.  The Agreement provided for the 
purchase of 100% of the outstanding stock of Iowa State 
Savings Bank. 

With this acquisition, the Company determined that 
Iowa State Savings Bank would remain an independently 
chartered bank with local decisions, no name change and 
no account changes. In addition, the same management 
team continues to lead the Bank along with a local board of 
directors. 

Community banking with local decisions is the basis 
of our banking philosophy. It was clear that Iowa State 

Savings Bank shared this same philosophy of delivering 
local, responsive service and serving the community. The 
synergies between Iowa State Savings Bank and Ames 
National Corporation’s approach to customer service 
and community involvement are key components in this 
strategic acquisition. This approach has served our banks 
and customers well over the past 44 years.

On October 25th, 116 days after the announcement, 
the acquisition was complete. Iowa State Savings Bank 
added approximately $212 million in assets, $138 million 
in loans and $189 million in deposits to the Company. The 
addition of Iowa State Savings Bank brings a stable loan 
and deposit customer base, a talented team of bankers 
and an expanded geographic footprint for the Company. 
We believe this acquisition will be an excellent fit for our 
community banking model and we will continue to actively 
seek growth opportunities to enhance shareholder value.

14 

2019 Annual Report  |  Ames National Corporation

 
SHAREHOLDER   INFORMATION

ANNUAL MEETING 
The Board of Directors of Ames National Corporation 
has established Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. 
as the date of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 
Registration will begin at 4:00 p.m. We invite all 
shareholders to attend the meeting, which will be held 
at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Boulevard, Ames, 
Iowa.

MARKET MAKERS 
Ames National Corporation’s common stock is listed 
on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol 
“ATLO.” Market makers and brokers  in the stock 
include: 

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT 
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust  
17 Battery Place  
New York, NY 10004  
(212) 509-4000  
www.continentalstock.com

FORM 10-K AND OTHER INFORMATION 
A copy of the Company’s Annual Report to the 
Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K 
will be available on the Securities and Exchange 
Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and 
through  a link on the Company’s website, www.
amesnational.com, at Financial Information, SEC 
Filings on or about, March 17, 2020. 

First Point Wealth Management , First National Bank, 
Ames  |  (515) 663-3074  
Fig Partners, LLC  |  (404) 601-7200  
Raymond James |  (800) 800-4693

Additional information is also available by contacting 
John L. Pierschbacher, CFO at 515-232-6251 or   
info@amesnational.com.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTS 
Accounts: CliftonLarsonAllen LLP  
West Des Moines, Iowa 
Counsel: Nyemaster Goode, P.C.  
Des Moines, Iowa

  Ames National Corporation  |  2019 Annual Report 

15

Ames National Corporation  
P.O. Box 846 405 5th Street  
Ames, IA 50010  
(515) 232-6251  |  Fax (515) 663-3033 
 info@amesnational.com  |  www.amesnational.com