Ames National Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLO - Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 250,899 shares, an increase of 15.2% from the February 12th total of 217,831 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 34,811 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 7.2

Ames National Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLO - Get Free Report)'s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday. The stock has a 200-day moving average of $22.82 and traded as high as $26.80. Ames National shares last traded at $26.64, with a volume of 43,305 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast

Ames National has surged 21% YTD, benefiting from widening interest rate spreads and robust net income growth. ATLO's Q4'25 net income rose 85% to $6.5 million, with ROA doubling and net interest margins improving to 3%. Deposit costs declined despite growth in deposits, while loan yields—especially real estate—rose, driving spread expansion.

Ames National (NASDAQ: ATLO - Get Free Report) and Mercantile Bank (NASDAQ: MBWM - Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, dividends and risk. Insider and Institutional Ownership 26.5% of Ames

Ames National offers an attractive 4.2% dividend yield, but its long-term dividend sustainability is questionable due to past cuts and volatile earnings. The bank's conservative loan-to-deposit ratio and strong capital position support short-term stability, yet growth prospects remain muted. Recent improvements in efficiency and profitability are positive, but a declining rate environment could pressure future earnings and dividends.

Ames National Grows Income in Q2

Ames National's stock price has plunged over the last six months, mostly due to a dividend cut. There is hope for an earnings revival because the fast-moving deposit costs will likely fall while the slow-moving asset yields will rise in 2025. Loan growth will likely continue at the rate seen in 2023 as the drivers are stable.

A weekly summary of dividend activity for Dividend Champions, Contenders, and Challengers. Companies which changed their dividends.

A weekly summary of dividend activity for Dividend Champions, Contenders, and Challengers. Companies which changed their dividends.

ATLO provides a reliable dividend income stream with capital preservation characteristics, making it an ideal holding for retirees and income-oriented investors. Short-term capital fluctuations resulting from rising interest rates have a limited impact on cash flows.