Short Interest in Ames National Corporation (NASDAQ:ATLO) Expands By 50.7%

Ames National Corporation (NASDAQ:ATLO) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 198,404 shares, an increase of 50.7% from the December 31st total of 131,625 shares. Currently, 2.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 24,414 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 8.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 24,414 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 8.1 days. Currently, 2.3% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Ames National Trading Up 1.4%

ATLO traded up $0.36 on Friday, reaching $26.10. The company had a trading volume of 39,000 shares, compared to its average volume of 25,547. The company has a market capitalization of $232.08 million, a P/E ratio of 12.20 and a beta of 0.40. Ames National has a one year low of $16.09 and a one year high of $26.28. The company has a fifty day moving average of $23.23 and a 200-day moving average of $21.06.

Ames National (NASDAQ:ATLO) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter. Ames National had a net margin of 19.36% and a return on equity of 9.90%. The business had revenue of $18.68 million for the quarter.

Ames National Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. Ames National’s payout ratio is presently 37.38%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of Ames National in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Buy”.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ames National

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of ATLO. Fourthstone LLC lifted its position in Ames National by 108.0% during the 2nd quarter. Fourthstone LLC now owns 99,765 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $1,777,000 after buying an additional 51,794 shares in the last quarter. Ames National Corp lifted its position in shares of Ames National by 21.3% during the second quarter. Ames National Corp now owns 51,557 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $918,000 after purchasing an additional 9,060 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in shares of Ames National by 36,802.4% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 30,998 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $552,000 after purchasing an additional 30,914 shares during the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Ames National by 7.2% in the second quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 15,083 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $269,000 after purchasing an additional 1,017 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Foster Group Inc. bought a new position in Ames National in the 4th quarter worth approximately $224,000. Institutional investors own 26.47% of the company’s stock.

About Ames National

Ames National Corporation is the bank holding company for Ames National Bank, a full-service community bank headquartered in Ames, Iowa. Through its subsidiary, the company provides a range of commercial and consumer banking products designed to meet the needs of individuals, small businesses, farmers and agribusiness clients in central Iowa. Its network of branch offices serves Story County and neighboring counties, supporting local economic development and community initiatives.

The company’s core offerings include checking and savings accounts, money market and certificate of deposit products, along with online and mobile banking services.