Ames National Corporation
Annual Report 2023

Plain-text annual report

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT 2023 2023 AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AT A GLANCE Background Affiliate Bank Structure Ames National Corporation (the “Company”) is an Iowa-based bank holding company which was organized on January 21, 1975, under the laws of the State of Iowa to serve as a bank holding company. The Company has six wholly owned affiliate banks including: • Boone Bank & Trust Co., headquartered in Boone, Iowa, • First National Bank, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, • Iowa State Savings Bank, headquartered in Creston, Iowa, • Reliance State Bank, headquartered in Story City, Iowa, • State Bank & Trust Co., headquartered in Nevada, Iowa, and • United Bank & Trust Co. headquartered in Marshalltown, Iowa. Since 2012, the Company has completed four bank acquisitions and continues to be involved in the bank mergers and acquisitions market. Each affiliate bank operates independently with its own board of directors and executive leadership. Decisions are made locally, which means customers receive quick responses and services are customized to meet the unique needs of each community. The affiliate banks’ lending activities consist primarily of short and medium-term commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate loans, agricultural and business operating loans, lines of credit, home improvement loans and the origination of mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market. Affiliate banks also offer a variety of checking, savings, money market, and time deposits accounts, cash management services, wealth management and trust services and merchant credit card processing. 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. Ames National Corporation’s Services The Company provides various services to the affiliate banks, which include: management assistance, payroll, internal auditing, human resources, credit oversight and support, compliance management, marketing assistance, technology support, and employee training and development. ANC employees seek to incorporate efficiencies across the affiliate banks’ operational functions so the affiliate bank management teams can focus on what they do best... banking and taking care of customers’ financial needs. NOTABLE COMMUNITY GIVING The Garner community is building a new Baseball/Softball Complex whose mission is to provide an enhanced sports complex that builds the capacity of young athletes and opens up opportunities for the community to gather and prosper. The complex is a $2.4 million dollar project with the city of Garner providing about $1.7 million. Reliance State Bank in Garner financed the project and pledged to donate $27,000 allocated for 4 scoreboards. The project is expected to be completed by May 1, 2024. 2 2023 Annual Report | Ames National Corporation MISSION STATEMENT Customer Focused, Locally Empowered, and Team Member Driven. CORE VALUES Ames National Corporation’s foundation is built on these values which guide our actions. E XC E L L E N C E • I N T E G R I T Y • L E A D E R S H I P S TA B I L I T Y • T R U S T • C O M M U N I T Y STRATEGIC DIRECTION Ames National Corporation | 2023 Annual Report 3 LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS Ames National Corporation (the “Company”) and our affiliate banks faced a challenging year in 2023 due to net interest margin compression and deposit competition. Despite these challenges, asset quality, stockholders’ equity, liquidity, and loan growth remained favorable despite significant economic headwinds, higher interest rates and an inverted yield curve. Financial Results For the year ended December 31, 2023, net income for the Company totaled $10.8 million or $1.20 per share, compared to $19.3 million, or $2.14 per share for the preceding year of 2022. Higher interest rates were the primary contributor to the lower earnings as interest expense on deposits and other borrowings rose more quickly in 2023 than interest income on loans and investments. Loan interest income was up nearly $11 million in 2023 compared to that of 2022; however, interest expense increased over $21 million during that same period. The severity of the decrease in earnings compared to some banks in our peer group is attributable to the Company’s higher concentration of fixed rate, longer duration real estate loans. Typically, real estate loans at our affiliate banks mature or reprice in five years. In contrast, several of our large depositors are indexed to short-term treasury rates that reprice more quickly and negatively impact profitability in a rising interest rate environment. We expect profitability to improve as loans and investments reprice to higher market interest rates. Net loans as of December 31, 2023, increased 4% to $1.28 billion, as compared to $1.23 billion for year-end 2022. Deposits totaled $1.81 billion as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of 5%, compared to the $1.9 billion recorded at year-end 2022. The Company’s stockholders’ equity represented 7.7% of total assets as of December 31, 2023, with all six affiliate banks considered well-capitalized as defined by federal capital regulations. Stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2023, increased $16.7 million from year end 2022 primarily as the result of lower unrealized losses on the Company’s investment portfolio. On November 8, 2023, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend on common stock, payable on February 15, 2024, to stockholders of record as February 1, 2024, of $0.27 per share. The Company is forecasting earnings for the year ending December 31, 2024, in the range of $1.45 to $1.55 per share. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had 8,992,167 shares issued and outstanding. 4 2023 Annual Report | Ames National Corporation Strategic Planning The Company’s Board of Directors and senior management met this past summer to reassess the Company’s strategic mission, vision, and initiatives. Our Board and management team are excited about the new strategic plan and how its execution is expected to improve shareholders’ returns, engage team members, and improve the organization’s ability to better serve our customers and our communities. The Company’s strategic priorities are aligned around growth and performance; efficiency; talent and culture; data management; and digital capabilities. Our mission statement of “Customer Focused, Locally Empowered, and Team Member Driven” is what sets our affiliate banks apart from the competition. We want to leverage this mission advantage to attain our vision “to be one of the best performing community banking organizations in the Midwest”. Executive Management Changes On November 8, 2023, John Pierschbacher announced his intent to retire effective July 5, 2024. Mr. Pierschbacher was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in 2018 after having served as Controller since 2008. He has served on the Company’s Board since 2018 and has been nominated by the Board to serve another three-year term. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Boone Bank & Trust Co. and Reliance State Bank. Mr. Pierschbacher brings a significant level of banking, accounting and corporate governance experience to the board. Justin Clausen, who currently serves as Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, will assume the Chief Financial Officer role upon Mr. Pierschbacher’s retirement. Mr. Clausen has been with the Company since March 2020, serving as Chief Accounting Officer since May 2023 and previously as Controller. Mr. Clausen is a certified public accountant and has over 14 years of combined experience with financial and public accounting firms. Mr. Pierschbacher and Mr. Clausen have been working closely together to ensure a smooth transition upon Mr. Pierschbacher’s retirement. Mike Wilson was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer in November of 2023 and will coordinate lending activities across our six affiliate banks. Mr. Wilson has been employed by the Company since September 2022. Prior to coming to Ames National, he served as the Chief Lending Officer of Bankers Trust Company (2017-2022), held several ag and commercial lending leadership positions for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (2007-2017) and began his banking career with Norwest/Wells Fargo in agricultural and commercial lending (1991-2007). Company Boards of Directors We want to thank our Board members who will be retiring this April for their dedicated service to our organization. Steve Forth and James Larson, II, will be retiring from the Company’s Board of Directors after having served in that role for 17 and 24 years, respectively. Mr. Forth serves on the Company’s Nominating and Personnel Committees and brings valuable agricultural insights to the board as a large farm owner and operator. Mr. Larson serves as Chair of the Company’s Audit Committee and is a member of the Company’s Personnel Committee. Mr. Larson brings the insight of a business owner and operator with a strong accounting background, and a strategic mindset to the Company’s board. We are grateful to our Board members for lending their expertise to further our mission and for providing us with valuable insight into the communities we serve. Economic Outlook The recession, that many predicted for 2023, did not occur. The Federal Reserve did not increase the Federal Funds interest rate in the fourth quarter of 2023, which was the first calendar quarter without an increase since the fourth quarter of 2021. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fourth quarter of 2023, came in at a respectable 3.3% driven by increased consumer spending and exports. The latest Consumer Price Index All Urban Consumer (CPI) was up 3.4% during 2023, a considerable improvement over the 6.5% and 7.0% CPI results from year end 2022 and 2021, respectively. We are hopeful the slowdown in inflation will provide our banks’ some respite from the rising interest rates we faced in 2022 and 2023. Everett Miles and Scot Trost have been nominated to stand for election for the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Miles has served on First National Bank’s Board of Directors since 2022 and currently serves as Vice President – Enterprise Strategy, Innovation, and Capital Markets at the Principal Financial Group®. Mr. Trost has served on Iowa State Savings Bank’s Board of Directors since 2019 and owns and operates a large farm operation in southwest Iowa. Affiliate Bank Board of Directors Mr. Larson and Lisa Eslinger will be leaving First National Bank’s Board of Directors after having served 30 and 13 years, respectively. We are grateful Ms. Eslinger will remain on the Company’s Board of Directors. Elaine Tekippe will be leaving Reliance State Bank’s Board of Directors after having served 24 years. Ms. Tekippe brought the insight of a small business owner and active Story City community member to the Board. Clinton Jenkins joined Boone Bank & Trust’s Board of Directors in early 2024. Jenkins has 20 years of experience with Fareway Stores, Inc. and currently serves as Vice President of Wholesale Purchasing. Mr. Wilson has also been nominated to serve as Chairman of the Board for Reliance State Bank and State Bank & Trust Co. In Summary While 2023 was a challenging year, we were pleased to see our net interest margin show improvement in the fourth quarter of 2023 as compared to the third quarter of 2023. Earnings are expected to improve as the year progresses as loans and investments continue to reprice. We thank all of our stakeholders for supporting our Company and we look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting on April 24, 2024. Patrick G. Hagan Chairman of the Board John P. Nelson President & CEO Ames National Corporation | 2023 Annual Report 5 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS As of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 Net Income $10.8 Million Assets $2.2 Billion Dividends Declared Per Share $1.08 Return on Average Assets 0.51% Return on Average Equity 7.05% ATLO Closing Price $21.34 Per Common Share Year Ended 2023 Loan Quality (as % of gross loans) Years Ended 2023 2022 Market Price Per Share Years Ended 2023 2022 Cash Dividends Declared $1.08 Dividend Payout* 90% Dividend Yield** 5.06% Allowance 1.30% 1.26% Closing $21.34 $23.61 Net Charge-Offs 0.02% 0.00% High Low $25.00 $25.55 $15.01 $20.16 * Cash dividends declared divided by net income ** Based upon latest quarterly dividend of $0.27 and year-end ATLO closing price 6 2023 Annual Report | Ames National Corporation PERFORMANCE RECORD THREE-YEAR FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS $35 $33 $30 $27 $24 $21 $18 $15 $12 $9 $6 $3 $0 $2,200 $2,100 $2,000 $1,900 $1,800 $1,700 $1,600 $1,500 $1,400 $1,300 $1,200 $1,100 $1,000 $900 . 9 3 2 $ 1 2 0 2 7 3 1 2 $ , 1 2 0 2 . 8 0 1 $ 3 2 0 2 . 3 9 1 $ 2 2 0 2 Earnings Millions of Dollars 5 5 1 2 $ , 3 2 0 2 5 3 1 2 $ , 2 2 0 2 Total Assets Millions of Dollars $3.60 $3.30 $3.00 $2.70 $2.40 $2.10 $1.80 $1.50 $1.20 $0.90 $0.60 $0.30 $0.00 $2,000 $1,900 $1,800 $1,700 $1,600 $1,500 $1,400 $1,300 $1,200 $1,100 $1,000 $900 $800 $700 2 6 2 $ . 1 2 0 2 8 7 8 1 $ , 1 2 0 2 4 1 2 $ . 2 2 0 2 0 2 1 $ . 3 2 0 2 Earnings Per Share Dollars 8 9 8 1 $ , 2 1 8 1 $ , 3 2 0 2 2 2 0 2 Total Deposits Millions of Dollars $230 $220 $210 $200 $190 $180 $170 $160 $150 $140 $130 $120 $110 $1,400 $1,300 $1,200 $1,100 $1,000 $900 $800 $700 $600 $500 $400 $300 $200 $100 8 0 2 $ 1 2 0 2 6 6 1 $ 3 2 0 2 9 4 1 $ 2 2 0 2 Capital Millions of Dollars 6 2 2 1 $ , 4 4 1 1 $ , 2 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 8 7 2 1 $ , 3 2 0 2 Total Loans Millions of Dollars Ames National Corporation | 2023 Annual Report 7 AFFILIATE BANKS AFFILIATE BANKS Contact: (515) 432-6200 BooneBankIowa.com Charter: State Organized: 1883 Offices: Two locations in Boone, Iowa Employees: 18 Capital: $9.7 Million Assets: $149 Million 2023 Net Income: $740 Thousand Contact: (515) 232-5561 FNB247.com Charter: National Organized: 1903 Offices: Eight locations in Ames, Ankeny, Osceola, and West Des Moines, Iowa Employees: 120 Capital: $84.8 Million Assets: $1.14 Billion 2023 Net Income: $5.5 Million Contact: (641) 782-1000 ISSBbank.com Charter: State Organized: 1883 Offices: Three locations in Creston and Lenox, Iowa Employees: 36 Capital: $23.4 Million Assets: $255 Million 2023 Net Income: $2.0 Million Contact: (515) 382-2191 BankSBT.com Charter: State Organized: 1939 Offices: One location in Nevada, Iowa Employees: 23 Capital: $15.2 Million Assets: $202 Million 2023 Net Income: $1.4 Million 8 2023 Annual Report | Ames National Corporation Contact: (515) 733-4396 RSBiowa.com Charter: State Organized: 1928 Offices: Two locations in Story City and Garner, Iowa Employees: 34 Capital: $23.8 Million Assets: $313 Million 2023 Net Income: $1.7 Million Contact: (641) 753-5900 BankUBT.com Charter: State Organized: 2002 Offices: Two locations in Marshalltown, Iowa Employees: 18 Capital: $9.9 Million Assets: $119 Million 2023 Net Income: $993 Thousand AFFILIATE BANKS Contact: (515) 432-6200 BooneBankIowa.com Charter: State Organized: 1883 Offices: Two locations in Boone, Iowa Employees: 18 Capital: $9.7 Million Assets: $149 Million 2023 Net Income: $740 Thousand Contact: (515) 232-5561 FNB247.com Charter: National Organized: 1903 Offices: Eight locations in Ames, Ankeny, Osceola, and West Des Moines, Iowa Employees: 120 Capital: $84.8 Million Assets: $1.14 Billion 2023 Net Income: $5.5 Million Contact: (515) 733-4396 RSBiowa.com Charter: State Organized: 1928 Offices: Two locations in Story City and Garner, Iowa Employees: 34 Capital: $23.8 Million Assets: $313 Million 2023 Net Income: $1.7 Million Contact: (641) 753-5900 BankUBT.com Charter: State Organized: 2002 Offices: Two locations in Marshalltown, Iowa Employees: 18 Capital: $9.9 Million Assets: $119 Million 2023 Net Income: $993 Thousand Contact: (641) 782-1000 ISSBbank.com Charter: State Organized: 1883 Offices: Three locations in Creston and Lenox, Iowa Employees: 36 Capital: $23.4 Million Assets: $255 Million 2023 Net Income: $2.0 Million Contact: (515) 382-2191 BankSBT.com Charter: State Organized: 1939 Offices: One location in Nevada, Iowa Employees: 23 Capital: $15.2 Million Assets: $202 Million 2023 Net Income: $1.4 Million Ames National Corporation | 2023 Annual Report 9 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share and per share data) Unaudited ASSETS Cash and due from banks Interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold Total cash and cash equivalents Interest-bearing time deposits 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 Bank-owned life insurance Deferred income taxes, net Other intangible assets, net Goodwill Other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY LIABILITIES Deposits Noninterest-bearing checking Interest-bearing checking Savings and money market Time, $250 and over Other time Total deposits Securities sold under agreements to repurchase Other borrowings Dividends payable Accrued interest payable Accrued expenses and other liabilities Total liabilities STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,992,167 shares as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) Total stockholders’ equity December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ 24,105 $ 30,996 55,101 8,904 736,389 3,086 1,277,812 124 22,549 12,953 3,131 16,496 1,429 12,424 5,083 20,819 7,065 27,884 14,669 786,438 4,613 1,226,011 154 18,895 11,275 3,054 22,130 1,931 12,424 5,448 $ 2,155,481 $ 2,134,926 $ 370,942 $ 611,891 552,275 67,733 208,990 1,811,831 53,994 110,588 2,428 4,710 6,142 391,576 617,379 675,031 42,886 171,085 1,897,957 40,676 39,120 2,428 666 4,981 1,989,693 1,985,828 17,984 14,253 180,438 (46,887) 165,788 17,984 14,253 179,931 (63,070) 149,098 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,155,481 $ 2,134,926 10 2023 Annual Report | Ames National Corporation CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands, except share and per share data) Unaudited 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 Credit loss expense (benefit) Net interest income after credit loss expense (benefit) NONINTEREST INCOME Wealth management income Service fees Securities gains, net Gain on sale of loans held for sale Merchant and card fees Other noninterest income Total noninterest income NONINTEREST EXPENSE Salaries and employee benefits Data processing Occupancy expenses, net FDIC insurance assessments Professional fees Business development Intangible asset amortization New Market Tax Credit projects amortization Other operating expenses, net Total noninterest expense Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net Income Basic and diluted earnings per share Declared dividends per share Years Ended December 31 2023 2022 $ 56,810 $ 45,956 12,674 2,292 2,525 74,301 24,471 5,205 29,676 44,625 789 43,836 4,649 1,349 35 362 1,665 1,155 9,215 23,664 5,985 2,965 1,095 2,081 1,360 502 767 1,743 40,162 12,889 2,072 10,817 1.20 $ $ 1.08 $ 12,101 2,595 901 61,553 7,316 993 8,309 53,244 (874) 54,118 4,938 1,351 37 606 1,817 938 9,687 22,909 6,153 2,945 608 1,888 1,427 574 755 1,385 38,644 25,161 5,868 19,293 2.14 1.08 $ $ $ Ames National Corporation | 2023 Annual Report 11 IOWA STATE SAVINGS BANK Combating the Childcare Shortage ISSB provided financial and volunteer support to a community group formed with the specific mission of addressing the childcare shortage in their area. As part of its multi- year commitment to this project, the bank donated $50,000 towards the newly constructed Greater Connections Childhood Development Center that opened in August 2023. The center added 138 childcare openings in Creston and provides quality services with longer hours of operation designed to support schedules of working parents and guardians. Educating Their Communities 2024 marks the third consecutive year ISSB will award local students with scholarship funds from the WD & Shirley Schafer-Ray Educational Trust. ISSB expects to award over $250,000 to the 2024 recipients. See the accompanying article on the following page for more information about their scholarships. Financial literacy and fraud awareness are a focus of ISSB. The bank partners with Southwestern Community College to provide financial literacy education to all first-year students. They also teach at local elementary schools, host bank tours annually, and donate books to elementary students in Creston and Lenox. Financial fraud continues to spread, and ISSB is committed to raising fraud awareness. The bank partners with local organizations to offer training sessions and educate community members through cybersecurity, elder financial abuse, and fraud campaigns. Serving the Agricultural Industry ISSB has deep roots in agriculture and recognizes that it is a vital industry in rural Iowa. County fairs are an opportunity to celebrate the agricultural industry. ISSB provides financial support to five local county fairs through annual sponsorships and bank staff volunteer during many events at fair time. ISSB donated $105,000 through multi-year pledges to help with the construction of three new fair buildings. Construction projects included the Iowa State Savings Bank Show Arena at the Union County Fairgrounds and the new Swine Building in Adams County. The bank began a new pledge in 2023 for the construction of a new Fair Building in Ringgold County. Iowa State Savings Bank has been a cornerstone in the community for 140 years. The bank has adapted to the changing financial industry and evolving customer needs and will continue this legacy into the future. The original Iowa State Savings Bank was located on the corner of Pine and Montgomery streets from 1883 to 1914. Iowa State Savings Bank (“ISSB”) celebrated its 140th anniversary last year. Reaching this milestone gave the bank an opportunity to reflect on its rich history and ongoing legacy. ISSB was formed in December of 1883 when a group of Creston community members pooled their money together to form a new bank. At that time, Creston was a rapidly growing railroad town, and residents desired another banking option to compete with the town’s lone existing bank. The phrase, “Formed by the Community for the Community”, is a core belief that continues to drive ISSB’s culture. With the bank’s long-standing history in Southwest Iowa, decades of experience, and deep understanding of rural Iowa, ISSB remains a trusted financial partner committed to helping its customers and communities succeed. From its two locations in Creston, and its branch office in Lenox, ISSB serves over 8,000 customers and provides support to community initiatives in Adams, Adair, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union Counties. Following are just a few highlights of ISSB’s recent customer and community support. 12 2023 Annual Report | Ames National Corporation A LASTING LEGACY THE W.D. & SHIRLEY SCHAFER-RAY EDUCATIONAL TRUST W.D. “Doug” Ray and Shirley Schafer- Ray were passionate about their community and truly loved the paths they chose in life. After a lifetime of hard work, the couple established the W.D. and Shirley Schafer-Ray Educational Trust to help students in their community achieve their own unique educational goals. Iowa State Savings Bank is honored to serve as Trustee and help make a tremendous impact on local youth. The W.D. & Shirley Schafer-Ray Educational Trust Scholarships began in 2022. During the first two years, ISSB awarded over $401,400 to 62 local students on behalf of the Trust with individual scholarships of up to $12,000. The scholarship funds are dedicated to students from Adair, Adams, Taylor, and Union Counties in Iowa with a portion of the funds allocated to those attending Southwestern Community College. ISSB expects to award more than $250,000 to the 2024 recipients. The Trust is designed to be around for many years and will award millions of dollars throughout its administration. Iowa State Savings Bank is honored to support the Ray’s legacy. ANC CORPORATE GIVING HIGHLIGHTS 3 Areas of Support 273 Employees Served . . . Financial Literacy Community & Economic Development Health & Human Services 10,620 volunteer hours 279 organizations 18Locations 11Communities Ames National Corporation | 2023 Annual Report 13 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeffery C. Baker Retired partner from RSM US LLP Steven D. Forth Farm Owner and Operator John P. Nelson President & CEO Patrick G. Hagan Chairman of the Board Retired Senior Vice President of Fareway Stores, Inc. James R. Larson II President, Larson Development Corporation John L. Pierschbacher Chief Financial Officer Kevin L. Swartz Retired Chief Executive Officer, Wolfe Clinic PC Betty A. Baudler Horras President, Baudler Enterprises, Inc. David W. Benson Retired attorney from Nyemaster Goode, P.C. Michelle R. Cassabaum Chief Operating & Financial Officer, 21st Century Rehab P.C. Lisa M. Eslinger Retired Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Iowa State University Foundation 14 2023 Annual Report | Ames National Corporation SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION Annual Meeting Form 10-K and Other Information The Board of Directors of Ames National Corporation has established Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. as the date of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, Iowa 50011 and shareholders are encouraged to attend. External Auditor FORVIS, LLP Springfield, MO Counsel Nyemaster Goode, P.C., Des Moines, IA Market Makers and Brokers Ames National Corporation’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “ATLO.” To purchase stock, contact a Market Maker or Broker. ƒ First Point Wealth Management, First National Bank, 405 5th Street, Ames, IA 50010 (515) 715-1942 ƒ D.A. Davidson | (800) 642-5082 ƒ Raymond James Financial Inc. | (800) 248-8863 Stock Transfer Agent Continental Stock Transfer & Trust 1 State Street, 30th Floor New York, NY 10004 (212) 509-4000 continentalstock.com 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 at amesnational.com on or about March 8, 2024. Additional information is also available by contacting John L. Pierschbacher, CFO at 515-232-6251 or info@amesnational.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides the Company with the opportunity to make cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements contained in this Summary Annual Report, including forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s future performance and asset quality. Forward-looking statements contained in this document are not historical facts and are based on management’s current beliefs, assumptions, predictions and expectations of future events, including the Company’s future performance, taking into account all information currently available to management. These beliefs, assumptions, predictions and expectations are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to management and many of which are beyond management’s control. If a change occurs, the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, asset quality, plans and objectives may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “forecasts”, “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “views,” “intends” and similar words orphrases. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company’s future performance and asset quality include, but are not limited to, the following: national, regional and local economic conditions and the impact they may have on the Company and its customers; competitive products and pricing available in the marketplace; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company’s loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for credit losses as dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; changes in local, national and international economic conditions, including rising inflation rates; fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. government; changes in governmental regulations affecting financial institutions (including regulatory fees and capital requirements); changes in prevailing interest rates; credit risk management and asset/liability management; the financial and securities markets; the availability of and cost associated with sources of liquidity; and other risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business, including those discussed under the headings “Forward- Looking Statements and Business Risks” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2022. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the foregoing risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. This summary annual report is not a solicitation of proxies from holders of common stock of Ames National Corporation (the “Company”). The Company will provide shareholders with a proxy statement and related materials in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Any solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of the Company in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be conducted upon and following the dissemination of the proxy statement and other materials in accordance with applicable law. Ames National Corporation | 2023 Annual Report 15 Ames National Corporation P.O. Box 846 | 405 5th Street Ames, IA 50010 (515) 232-6251 | Fax (515) 598-7871 info@amesnational.com | amesnational.com

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