Ames National's

The Banks operate in a competitive geographic market for loans and deposits, facing competition from commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, finance divisions of auto and farm equipment companies, agricultural suppliers, and other financial service providers. Competitors range from local to statewide and nationwide institutions. Major commercial bank competitors in the Banks' primary central Iowa trade areas include First Interstate Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, and Wells Fargo Bank. Larger banks benefit from advantages such as extensive advertising budgets, the ability to allocate investment assets to higher-yield regions, and higher legal lending limits that enable financing of large regional, national, and global commercial customers. The Banks compete by leveraging their independent status, specialized services, local promotions, personal contacts, a variety of deposit programs, convenient office locations and hours, competitive interest rates, experienced local lending personnel, and quality products and services. As of December 31, 2025, there were 48 FDIC-insured institutions with approximately 123 locations in the relevant Iowa counties. First National, State Bank, and Reliance Bank hold the largest deposit shares in Story County, with Reliance Bank also leading in Hancock County.